Paul D'Amico (Colombo)

1965

 

Paolo 'Paul' D'Amico was a member of the Colombo Family who briefly served as an Acting Captain in the 1970s.

His older brother Cosimo, a Family Associate and close confidante of Boss Joseph Colombo, was murdered in 1970.

Paul was born February 18, 1914 in Bagheria comune of Palermo to Michele (40y) and Francesca Carcione (34y). Per Francesca's Declaration of Intention filed in 1940, Michele D'Amico was born less than a mile away in Santa Flavia.

The D'Amicos had previously spent time in the United States, residing in New Castle, Pennsylvania at the time Paul's older brother Cosimo was born in 1907.

In 1936-1937 Paul served in the Italian Army.

On November 6, 1937 he married Providenza 'Enza' Carcione (22y) in Bagheria. Bride's parents were Joseph and Marie Aiello.

He immigrated to the US ten years later, arriving at the Port of New York on March 27, 1947 aboard S.S. Marine Shark. Destined for his parents residing at 3313 Fish Ave in the Laconia neighborhood of the Bronx.

By the Summer he worked for his brother Cosimo at 963 East 233rd St in Wakefield.

By October 1947 Paul owned and operated a bakery at this address. He remained at the location until February 1951.

In September 1948 moved to 819 East 232nd St in Wakefield.

On October 18, 1950 Paul was arrested by the NYPD on a felonious assault charge after shooting an unspecified male he was fighting with. The case was dismissed in Bronx Criminal Court on November 14.

Two weeks later he was indicted by the Bronx County District Attorney's Office for possessing a loaded weapon in relation to the incident. On January 19, 1951 he pleaded guilty and was given two years probation.

This was Paul's only known encounter with the law. Years later he was questioned about the case by an INS official: "[D'Amico admitted] the individual he was accused of shooting was bothering him and gave him a punch and tried to choke him, and he shot him to protect himself."

By February 1951 employed with Prestano Bakery located at 4231 White Plains Rd in Wakefield.

In late September 1954 established Rosalia Bakery at 157 Ave O in Bensonhurst. Believed resided at same address. The bakery would remain under his ownership until 1969.

Around August 1959 moved to 2041 65th St in Mapleton, Brooklyn.

Although it's not known specifically when D'Amico was inducted into the Colombo Family, he was a made member by 1958 and remained a virtual unknown for the next several years.

Simone Andolino (Source: FBN)

 

By Summer 1962 he reported to Captain Simone 'Sam' Andolino.

Made members of the Andolino crew included Paul D’Amico, Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore, Salvatore J. Profaci (Son to the Former Boss) and Salvatore S. Profaci.

Possible crew members included Robert 'Bob' Barbieri, Jerome 'Gene Magliocco' D'Agati, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio and Giuseppe 'Pino' Tipa Jr.

The Andolino and D'Amico families were associated in Bagheria as well as in the US. Simone and Paul's brother Cosimo were born the same year in New Castle, PA. (Andolino's mother was also a Carcione.)
 

On June 4, 1963 Pietro DeLisi (43y), Croce DeLisi (21y) and Calogero Passalacqua (31y), natives of Carini in Palermo, were arrested on illegal entry charges. The trio was accused back in Sicily of multiple crimes that included cattle-rustling, kidnapping and involvement in the murder of Carini's Mayor.

Pietro DeLisi was apprehended while working the ovens at D'Amico's Rosalia Bakery. The press noted both he and his son Croce were bakers.

On December 3, 1963 D'Amico became a naturalized citizen in US District Court Brooklyn.

By May 1965 made members of Simone Andolino's crew included Jerome D'Agati, Paul D'Amico, Vincent Mangano and Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli. Possible additional crew members included Robert Barbieri and Giuseppe Tipa Jr.

L to R: Unsub1 (Believed to be Ambrose Magliocco), Unsub2 and Paul D'Amico at Fusco Reception (1965)

On May 15, 1965 the youngest daughter of recently promoted Colombo Captain Frank Fusco was married, with the reception held at Claridge Caterers located at 631 Ave P in Gravesend. The event was heavily attended and, thanks to forewarning by FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa, a target of FBI surveillance. Those observed included Boss Joseph Colombo, Underboss Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo, at least nine of the ten Family Captains (Simone Andolino may not have been present), Lucchese Captain Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti and at least thirty-one identified Colombo Soldiers. D'Amico was present and photographed by Agents.

On May 19, 1965 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that he had attended the wedding of Fusco's daughter on 5/15/65. [Scarpa] stated that there were a number of members of the Colombo Family there and it is anticipated these individuals will be identified at a later date with the assistance of photographs which will be exhibited to [Scarpa]..[He] advised that Paul (LNU), whom he has previously identified as a member of the Colombo Family and who operates a bakery in Brooklyn, was present at the wedding. It is to be noted that this individual is believed identical with Paul D'Amico, operator of Rosalia in Brooklyn."

Five days later Agents met with Scarpa to review photographs taken at the reception. He picked D'Amico out of several and noted: "[This] individual is identical to Paul (LNU), whom he described as being a member of the Colombo Family of LCN and who operates a bakery between East 3rd and East 4th Streets on Avenue O in Brooklyn. It is noted [Agents] from the same photographs have identified this individual as being identical with Paul D’Amico, owner and operator of the Rosalia Bakery [in Brooklyn]." This was the first official identification of Paul D'Amico as an LCN member and resulted in him being named the subject of an anti-racketeering investigation.

On August 7, 1965 the son of Colombo Captain Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano was married, with the reception held at Astorian Manor in Astoria, Queens. The NYPD's Criminal Intelligence Bureau conducted surveillance. Attendees included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Paul D'Amico and at least seven additional Family Soldiers. Others in attendance included Genovese Soldier Michael Perrone and Colombo Associates Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella and Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Stein, prominent Manhattan loanshark, was then an on-record Associate of Forlano. He was later murdered by the Westies.)

On November 1, 1965 FBI CI (Scarpa?) reported: “[CI] advised that he has not received any information nor has he seen Paul D’Amico for some period of time. [CI] stated that the last contact he had with D’Amico was [redacted] and he has not heard anything about D’Amico since that time. [CI] stated that D’Amico is definitely not considered an active individual in LCN affairs and apparently spends most of his time in connection with his bakery business.”

On December 15, 1965 FBI reported: “It is to be noted prior to 5/65, [CI Scarpa] advised an individual who operates a bakery on Ave O, Brooklyn, is a member of LCN in the Joseph Colombo Family. As a result of this information [Special Agents] conducted a surveillance in the vicinity of Ave O and East Third St and Fourth St in an effort to obtain a photograph of the subject so it could be shown to [Scarpa]. However, this was unsuccessful. However, during the course of this surveillance, it was determined that the subject is usually at the bakery every morning and goes to the Aqueduct Race Track almost every day to make the first race. It was determined that the subject would place a bet on the Daily Double and would usually leave after either the first or second race.”

On March 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that he has not heard anything regarding D’Amico recently. He said that D'Amico is not active in LCN affairs.”

On May 22-23, 1967 D'Amico's mother Francesca Carcione was waked at the Colombo-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst.

In early August 1968 an informant reported seeing Paul D'Amico and Colombo Soldier Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia attending races at the Aqueduct.

During the same month multiple FBI spot checks on Rosalia Bakery showed D'Amico present and 'acting in a proprietary manner'. These spot checks continued through the rest of the year with the same result.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.

In November 1968 another informant report noted D'Amico was spotted at Aqueduct.

In July 1969 D'Amico sold Rosalia Bakery to FNU Gambacorta. He maintained ownership of the property and collected rent from the business.

On August 1, 1969 D'Amico was interviewed for the first time by FBI Agents: "D’Amico stated that he was born in Palermo, Italy, and added he had been in the US for 23 years. He said he had worked as a baker for the last 22 years adding he has owned the Rosalia Bakery, 157 Ave O, Brooklyn, for the past 17 years. He advised due to a severe heart condition he had been forced to sell his bakery during the last week of 7/1969. D’Amico said that he now is confined to working in the yard of his house he owns..He stated that the only information he knew about the LCN was what he had read in the newspapers in the past. D’Amico was asked if he was now or had ever been a member of the LCN to which he replied: ‘Don’t ask me such questions – I’m an old man with a bad heart. I’ll answer any question you ask about the bakery business but don’t ask me questions about something that I know nothing about.’ D’Amico then stated that he had an appointment and terminated the interview.”

On August 12, 1969 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico was old and inactive. D’Amico had a bakery business in the past but has not been seen for a considerable period of time. [CI] said that he strongly doubted D'Amico is involved in any criminal activity.”

In September 1969 D'Amico's Captain Simone Andolino died in Palermo. Paul's brother Cosimo handled arrangements to ship Andolino's remains back to the US for burial. (One informant claimed Cosimo also used the trip to smuggle four Italian lugers and a shotgun through Customs.)

The following month Acting Captain Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli also died, after which remaining crew members were believed to have been distributed among the other Captains. It's not known who D'Amico was assigned to. (Given some of his later associations and crew affiliation it may have been Salvatore Musacchio.)

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.

Cosimo D'Amico (1968)

On March 8, 1970 Cosimo D'Amico, then 63, and his sister-in-law Venera Camporeale were shot to death in Hollywood, Florida. Salvatore Camporeale, Venera's husband and D'Amico's brother-in-law, was subsequently found guilty of the murders in Broward County Court. (This conviction was later overturned.)

That same month a nephew of Paul D'Amico (name redacted) was arrested at the Canadian - US border while smuggling two Italian aliens via back road. The nephew was driving Paul's car at the time.

On April 1, 1970 the Southern District of New York's Strike Force advised the FBI's New York Office: "Paul D’Amico had applied for a passport to Italy and plans to leave 5/15/70. Paul is the brother of Cosmo D’Amico who is a suspected courier for organized crime between the United States and Italy. Cosmo was recently murdered in Florida, however, preliminary investigation indicates that the murder was the result of domestic troubles.”

L to R: Colombo Soldiers John 'Mooney' Cutrone, Paul D'Amico and Salvatore John Fontana at an IACRL rally (Source: National Geographic Doc)

On June 29, 1970 the Italian-American Civil Rights Leader, spearheaded by Family Boss Joseph Colombo, held a Unity Day rally in Manhattan. Attendees included Paul D'Amico and nearly the entire Colombo membership.

On August 20, 1970 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico has not been active in organized crime for many years. Recently he sold his bakery and retired.”

On August 24, 1970 D'Amico was interviewed by FBI at his residence: “[He] advised that he had loaned his 1969 Oldsmobile to his nephew [Redacted] in 3/70, when [Redacted] was arrested at the Canadian-US border for bringing two Italian aliens to the US via back road. [Redacted] paid $2100 assessment to have Customs return car. D’Amico refused to discuss the matter further. His brother Cosmo D’Amico was murdered in Florida in early 1970, after returning from Italy. The murderer has not been arrested and D’Amico believes that the murder was over domestic trouble. D’Amico advised that he had attended the American-Italian demonstrations at the FBI office, NYC, on several occasions including Unity Day, June 29. When asked why he attended and who told him of the demonstration, he refused to answer and terminated the interview.”

On June 7, 1971 the FBI's Miami Field Office advised FBI NYO: “Salvatore Camporeale was tried in the Court of Records for Broward County on two counts of second degree murder. The trial lasted from 3/8-13/71. Camporeale was found guilty on both counts and was sentenced on the last day of the trial to serve two life sentences concurrently. [FL LE] advised the murders resulted from a domestic quarrel. He further stated that Paul D’Amico and other relatives of Cosmo D’Amico were present during portions of the trial but other than that he knew of nothing concerning subject and his records contain no information about Paul D’Amico.”

On June 28, 1971 D'Amico was present at the IACRL Unity Day rally where Boss Joseph Colombo was shot and seriously wounded. (Colombo remained disabled until his death in 1978.)

On September 8, 1971 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico suffers from a heart condition and is seldom seen. He further said D’Amico hangs around his bakery but is retired from the business and he is not involved in any illegal activities.”

On September 20, 1971 D'Amico was interviewed by the FBI at his residence:
“

D’Amico greeted the interviewing Agents dressed in a plaster spattered T-shirt and work pants and explained that he was working in the back yard. D’Amico, who has a pronounced accent, explained that he sold Rosalia Bakery about seventeen months ago because of a severe heart condition; however, he still owns the building and visits the premises quite often since the bakery is only a few blocks from his house. D’Amico said his father first came to the US in 1894 and periodically returned to his wife and family in Palermo, Sicily, in the ensuing years. D’Amico, himself, first came to the US in 1947, and as he said worked ’10 days a week’, in the bakery, and paid his taxes every year.

D’Amico said that he was a captain in the [IACRL] and attended Unity Day on 6/28/71. He said he heard shots that were fired; but did not see anything. Joseph Colombo, he related, is a long time friend and formerly a customer and he considers Colombo a fine man. D’Amico said that his bakery was well-known and many of his friends were also customers. Joseph Magliocco was a customer many years ago; however, he denied knowing Joseph Yacovelli or Carmine Persico. At this time, Agent noticed an [IACRL] captain’s badge partially buried in a potted plant which was hanging on the wall. D’Amico was asked why the badge was in the plant and he said, ‘You can throw it out the window, the league is dead.’ He would not elaborate.

When asked about La Cosa Nostra, D’Amico became a bit excited and said, ‘There is a Mafia in Italy, in New York, everywhere.’ He explained this statement by saying that he meant there are bad groups everywhere in the world. D’Amico said his only enjoyment were his home and his family and shortly thereafter, the interview was terminated.

"

On September 29, 1971 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico still owns a bakery in Brooklyn, and [CI] is not aware of any other interests or activities on D’Amico’s part except that the bakery is occasionally used as a [redacted].”

On February 11, 1972 FBI reported: “[CI1] has periodically reported that Paul D’Amico suffers from a severe heart condition and is inactive. He is almost never seen on the street and he has not heard of D'Amico’s involvement in any illegal activities. [CI2] who is extremely knowledgeable regarding Colombo Family LCN members and their activities reports that he has never seen D’Amico. D’Amico lives in a comfortable but modest home, at 2041 65th St, with his wife and his 1969 Oldsmobile is usually parked in front of his residence. During the course of numerous investigations in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn (which encompasses D’Amico’s residence), he has never been observed in the company of other LCN figures nor has he been seen in any ‘hangouts’ in the area. D’Amico derives his income from rent received on property at 157 Ave O where he previously operated Rosalia Bakery.”

On July 28, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[Paul] D’Amico is considered retired because of bad health. He does not take part in any LCN meetings or activities.”

On August 16, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[CI] reported that D’Amico has a very bad heart and is no longer active in LCN activities. [CI] said D’Amico stays home most of the time.” FBI noted: “Other sources, including [CI2], who are very knowledgeable regarding the Colombo LCN Family have previously reported they do not know D’Amico.”

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 72 identified Colombo Family members.

D. Scialo (1968)

By Summer 1973 Family leadership promoted Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo to Captain of a new crew comprised mostly of former Fontana and Musacchio crew members.

Made members of Dominick Scialo's crew included Robert Barbieri, Paul D'Amico (noted as inactive), Harry Fontana, Philip Fontana, Salvatore John Fontana, Lawrence 'Larry' Lampasi Jr., Vincent 'Jimmy' Muce, Frank 'Frankie the Sheik' Musacchio, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore and Michael Savino.

Associates included Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca, John Coiro, Frank 'Frankie the Beast' Falanga, Albert 'Gooch' Mugnolo, Harry 'Junior' McGuire and Dominic 'Donnie' Somma.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 71 identified Colombo Family members.

Several transgressions led Family leadership to authorize Scialo's murder and, in January 1974, he was strangled and buried in the basement of Otto's Social Athletic Club in Red Hook. (His remains were uncovered in an FBI dig nine months later.)

Later that month the FBI surveilled Scialo crew members Paul D'Amico and James Muce at a meeting held inside Grotta D'Oro Italian Restaurant at 691 Flatbush Ave in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Those present were Boss Thomas DiBella, Underboss Anthony 'Abby' Abbatemarco, Captain Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato, D'Amico, Muce and Associates Salvatore 'Sally' Albanese and Carmine 'Turi' Franzese. (Photographs were taken of this meeting but have since been lost.)

By early February D'Amico was Acting Captain of the former Scialo crew.

On February 6, 1974 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] stated that Paul D’Amico is Acting Captain of Mimi [Scialo]’s crew, assisted by Jimmy Muce but D’Amico is not a threat to the leadership. He is not a ‘heavy’ and is relatively in poor health. He is retired and well along in years. He stated that the members who are assigned to the Scialo crew will remain under D’Amico but the other significant associates such as Johnny Coiro would be temporarily assigned to Charles Panarella’s crew.”

Paul D'Amico in Bensonhurst (Spring 1974 FBI Surveillance)

In response to news of D'Amico's leadership role, the FBI initiated periodic surveillance on his activities over the following months. On every occasion Agents found him at his place of employment, All City Climate Control at 8024 New Utrecht Ave in Bensonhurst.

V. Muce

 

By May 1974 D'Amico was replaced by newly appointed official Captain Vincent Muce.

Made members of Muce's crew included Robert Barbieri, Jerome D'Agati, Paul D'Amico, Philip Fontana, Salvatore John Fontana, Ambrose Magliocco, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore Peritore and Michael Savino.

On June 5, 1974 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico was consulted awhile back during a Family dispute; however, D’Amico is definitely retired and not engaged in any illegal activities.”

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.

Vincent Muce died January 20, 1976 in Nassau County. His crew was broken up and split amongst multiple Captains, including James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza and Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro. It's not known who D'Amico was assigned to.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 67 identified Colombo Family members.

On September 17, 1977 ceremony held where ten new members formally inducted into Colombo Family. One of the inductees was related to or possibly sponsored by Paul D'Amico, however, the CI report laying out the details on this individual is almost entirely redacted. (Others inducted in this ceremony included Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi.)

A report on Paul D'Amico's status from mid-1978 is similarly redacted.

Aniello Giannattasio (No. 3) (1965)

By June 1979 D'Amico reported to Captain Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio.

Made members of Giannattasio's crew included Dominic 'Little Dom' Cataldo, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Paul D'Amico, Philip Fontana, Philip 'Fat Foongi' Gambino, Joseph 'Joe Black' Gorgone, Lawrence Lampasi Jr., Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, Frank Musacchio, Salvatore Scarpa and John 'Johnny Green' Scimone.

Giannattasio died in August 1979 after which Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano took over the crew.

On October 6, 1980 included in DEA list of 86 identified Colombo Family members.

On October 17, 1980 included in the FBI's list of 90 identified Colombo Family members.

 

The same month a Family chart placed D'Amico not with Montemarano but instead direct with Family Boss Thomas DiBella.

T. DiBella (1970s)

 

Made members assigned to DiBella included Former Captain James Clemenza, Paul D'Amico, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio, John Pate and Anthony Peraino.

Less than a month later DiBella stepped down and was replaced as Boss by Carmine 'Junior' Persico.

D'Amico is listed in both the 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts of Colombo Family membership.

By December 1991 Paul D'Amico had left New York for Las Vegas. FBI reports from 1991 and 1993 note he and Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella were the only Family members living in that area.

He died there on August 12, 2002 and was buried in the city's Palm Valley Memorial Park.