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| 1969 |
Louis Barbusca was a member of the Colombo Family.
His son Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca was a Colombo Associate murdered in 1974.
He was related by marriage to Colombo Acting Captain Joseph Greca (1897-1978) and Colombo Soldier Angelo 'Jilly' Greca (1927-1980).
Louis was born January 7, 1901 in Enna, Sicily to Giuseppe and Filippa Piscopo.
On July 14, 1920 arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard S.S. Presidente Wilson.
Initially resided at 6710 14th Ave in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood. Worked as a clothes presser.
By 1927 he moved further south to 7322 15th Ave in Bensonhurst.
On January 9 of that year Louis married Mariannina 'Mary' Greca (27y) in Brooklyn. The bride, sister to Colombo Member Joseph Greca, was born to parents from Enna and Messina, Sicily. Witnesses were Leonardo Ferrara (1901-1980) and Angelica Greca. (Ferrara, also from Enna, married a niece of Joseph Greca late the following year.)
By April 1930 the Barbuscas resided at 1604 70th in Bensonhurst.
On September 16, 1931 arrested by the NYPD's 68th Precinct in Brooklyn on a vehicular homicide charge. On November 2, 1931 discharged.
Barbusca was likely a made member by the 1930s.
In addition to brother-in-law Joseph Greca, his known associates included fellow Colombo Members Cassandro 'Tony the Chief' Bonasera and John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo. (Bonasera may have been an early Captain.)
On November 28, 1934 arrested by NYPD 66th Pct Brooklyn on grand larceny (auto) charge. On January 17, 1935 discharged.
At the time Barbusca was a member of Local 89 International Garment Workers Union and worked as a presser for Apex Dress Company in Manhattan's Garment District.
On November 29, 1944 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court in Brooklyn. Witnesses were his wife Mary and brother-in-law Paul Greca (1894-1972). Barbusca was naturalized June 5, 1945.
His son Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca was a Colombo Associate murdered in 1974.
He was related by marriage to Colombo Acting Captain Joseph Greca (1897-1978) and Colombo Soldier Angelo 'Jilly' Greca (1927-1980).
Louis was born January 7, 1901 in Enna, Sicily to Giuseppe and Filippa Piscopo.
On July 14, 1920 arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard S.S. Presidente Wilson.
Initially resided at 6710 14th Ave in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood. Worked as a clothes presser.
By 1927 he moved further south to 7322 15th Ave in Bensonhurst.
On January 9 of that year Louis married Mariannina 'Mary' Greca (27y) in Brooklyn. The bride, sister to Colombo Member Joseph Greca, was born to parents from Enna and Messina, Sicily. Witnesses were Leonardo Ferrara (1901-1980) and Angelica Greca. (Ferrara, also from Enna, married a niece of Joseph Greca late the following year.)
By April 1930 the Barbuscas resided at 1604 70th in Bensonhurst.
On September 16, 1931 arrested by the NYPD's 68th Precinct in Brooklyn on a vehicular homicide charge. On November 2, 1931 discharged.
Barbusca was likely a made member by the 1930s.
In addition to brother-in-law Joseph Greca, his known associates included fellow Colombo Members Cassandro 'Tony the Chief' Bonasera and John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo. (Bonasera may have been an early Captain.)
On November 28, 1934 arrested by NYPD 66th Pct Brooklyn on grand larceny (auto) charge. On January 17, 1935 discharged.
At the time Barbusca was a member of Local 89 International Garment Workers Union and worked as a presser for Apex Dress Company in Manhattan's Garment District.
On November 29, 1944 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court in Brooklyn. Witnesses were his wife Mary and brother-in-law Paul Greca (1894-1972). Barbusca was naturalized June 5, 1945.
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| C. Bonasera (FBN Mafia Book) |
In 1954 Cassandro Bonasera and Joseph Greca formed the Sarah Lee Dress Company located at 8208 17th Ave in Bensonhurst. Greca subsequently sold his interest to his sister Mary Barbusca. Louis listed employment with the company into the 1960s.
By January 1957 Bonasera and Barbusca's son Gaetano co-owned property in Brooklyn.
Barbusca possibly started out reporting to Bonasera or John Oddo, who was a confirmed Captain by 1960.
On June 24, 1964 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] stated that (FNU) Barbusca, who is the father of [Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca] and who drives a [redacted] is a member of the Colombo Family of LCN. [Scarpa] stated that he does not know the first name, occupation or residence of (FNU) Barbusca and only that he is the father of [Gaetano]." This was Barbusca's first identification as an LCN member.
On November 16, 1964 Barbusca was interviewed for the first time by FBI Agents: "...Barbusca stated that he is not now nor has he ever been a member or 'made guy' in LCN. He said he had no knowledge of it, except what had been in the newspaper and what Joseph Valachi had testified to on television about 1 year ago. He stated he had known Joseph Profaci slightly in the 1930's, but denied knowing Joseph Magliocco. He also said he did not know Joseph Colombo, but had heard of him as being a nice individual."
On January 22-24, 1965 wake for Colombo Soldier Patsy Guariglia held at the Gambino-affiliated A. Torregrossa and Sons funeral home at 345 Ave U in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain John Franzese, Captain John Oddo, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Louis Barbusca and at least fourteen additional Family Soldiers. Others in attendance included Gambino Soldier Peter Tortorella and Colombo Associate Joseph 'Minx' Livoti. (Guariglia had been a member of John Oddo's crew.)
On September 21, 1965 Barbusca was interviewed for a second time by FBI: "[He] said Joseph Greca, who operates Biven-teen Dress Company, New Utrecht Ave and 78th St, is his brother-in-law. He said Greca formerly owned the Sarah Lee Dress Company, but about 8 years ago he sold it to Barbusca. Barbusca further stated Greca has his two sons (Biagio and Angelo) running the business for him at Biven-teen since he is 68y. He said Greca resides in the apartment above the dress shop. Barbusca further stated Greca is missing a portion of his thumb on his right hand."
Agents met with CI Scarpa the same date: "[Scarpa] was advised that during an interview with Louis Barbusca, Barbusca had mentioned he was related to Joseph Greca who operates the Biven-teen Dress Company...Barbusca also stated Greca was missing the thumb on his right hand. [Scarpa] stated that this Greca, who resides above the Biven-teen Dress Company, is a member of the Colombo Family of LCN whom he has previously referred to as (FNU) Greca. [Scarpa] stated that Greca is assigned to the regime of John Franzese (sic?) and both he and Louis Barbusca, whom he believes to be related, are virtually inactive in Family matters, both of them being in their 60's. [Scarpa] stated that he recalls sometime ago a meeting of a portion of the Colombo Family was held in the apartment above Biven-teen Dress Company, which he believes to be the apartment of Joseph Greca." (Greca was subsequently designated subject of an FBI investigation).
On October 4, 1965 FBI CI Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that Louis Barbusca, whom [Scarpa] knows to be [father of Gaetano Barbusca] and a member of the Colombo Family, part-owner of Sarah Lee Dress Company in Brooklyn, is almost completely inactive as far as Colombo Family affairs are concerned. [Scarpa] stated Barbusca is an older man and his time is almost completely taken up with the dress shop affairs and he could be considered in a semi-retired status insofar as LCN activities are concerned. [Scarpa] stated that he is not positive, but believes Barbusca is probably assigned to the regime of John Oddo."
On November 24, 1965 a meeting between Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss) and Salvatore Musacchio's crew was held inside the Bath Beach residence of Musacchio's half-brother Frank. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, Captain Vincent Aloi, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese and CI Gregory Scarpa. Scarpa subsequently reported that the meeting was held for Colombo to extend holiday greetings to the crew and to hear any problems the members were having in the Family. Musacchio crew members present included Louis Barbusca, Joseph Greca, Frank Musacchio, Frank Profaci, Salvatore J. Profaci, Salvatore S. Profaci and Joseph 'Fat Richie' Zorzi. Scarpa later noted: "[In] addition to the above-mentioned members of the regime there were one or two older men present whom he did not know, but who are also members of the regime. [Scarpa] pointed out that in his position he could not ask the identities of those individuals who were unknown to him, but would recognize a photograph of them if he saw it in the future." (This meeting also served as Scarpa's introduction to Frank Musacchio, whom he had not previously known as an LCN member.)
On December 20, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Louis Barbusca, whom he knows to be a member of the Colombo Family of LCN, spent several hours on 86th St in and around Cantalupo Realty Company with Joseph Colombo and his associates."
By January 1957 Bonasera and Barbusca's son Gaetano co-owned property in Brooklyn.
Barbusca possibly started out reporting to Bonasera or John Oddo, who was a confirmed Captain by 1960.
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| S. Musacchio (1965) |
By 1962 Barbusca is believed to have been with Captain Salvatore 'Sally the Sheik' Musacchio.
Musacchio, who may have also come up under Bonasera / Oddo, headed a large crew spanning Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.
Made members of Musacchio's crew included:
Around mid-July 1962 Joseph Colombo and John Franzese were made Captains and a portion of Musacchio's crew was split between them.
Musacchio, who may have also come up under Bonasera / Oddo, headed a large crew spanning Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.
Made members of Musacchio's crew included:
- Sebastiano 'Buster' Aloi
- Vincenzo Aloi [Future Captain, Acting Consigliere and Acting (?) Boss]
- Anthony 'The Gawk' Augello
- Louis Barbusca
- Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato [Future Captain and Acting Boss]
- Joseph Colombo [Future Captain and Boss]
- Salvatore 'Sally D.' D'Ambrosio
- Fred 'Freddie Red / No Nose' DeLucia
- John 'Sonny' Franzese [Future Captain and Underboss]
- Joseph 'Joe Jelly' Gioeli
- Joseph Greca [Future Acting Captain]
- Frank Melia
- Vincent 'Little Jimmy' Melia
- Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia [Future Captain]
- Frank 'Frankie the Sheik' Musacchio
- Modesto 'Duke' Santoro
- Michael Savino
- Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo [Future Captain]
- Joseph 'Jo Jo' Vitacco
- Joseph 'Fat Richie' Zorzi
Around mid-July 1962 Joseph Colombo and John Franzese were made Captains and a portion of Musacchio's crew was split between them.
In May 1964 an additional portion of the crew was placed with Vincenzo Aloi following the latter's promotion to Captain.
On June 24, 1964 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] stated that (FNU) Barbusca, who is the father of [Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca] and who drives a [redacted] is a member of the Colombo Family of LCN. [Scarpa] stated that he does not know the first name, occupation or residence of (FNU) Barbusca and only that he is the father of [Gaetano]." This was Barbusca's first identification as an LCN member.
On November 16, 1964 Barbusca was interviewed for the first time by FBI Agents: "...Barbusca stated that he is not now nor has he ever been a member or 'made guy' in LCN. He said he had no knowledge of it, except what had been in the newspaper and what Joseph Valachi had testified to on television about 1 year ago. He stated he had known Joseph Profaci slightly in the 1930's, but denied knowing Joseph Magliocco. He also said he did not know Joseph Colombo, but had heard of him as being a nice individual."
On January 22-24, 1965 wake for Colombo Soldier Patsy Guariglia held at the Gambino-affiliated A. Torregrossa and Sons funeral home at 345 Ave U in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain John Franzese, Captain John Oddo, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Louis Barbusca and at least fourteen additional Family Soldiers. Others in attendance included Gambino Soldier Peter Tortorella and Colombo Associate Joseph 'Minx' Livoti. (Guariglia had been a member of John Oddo's crew.)
On September 21, 1965 Barbusca was interviewed for a second time by FBI: "[He] said Joseph Greca, who operates Biven-teen Dress Company, New Utrecht Ave and 78th St, is his brother-in-law. He said Greca formerly owned the Sarah Lee Dress Company, but about 8 years ago he sold it to Barbusca. Barbusca further stated Greca has his two sons (Biagio and Angelo) running the business for him at Biven-teen since he is 68y. He said Greca resides in the apartment above the dress shop. Barbusca further stated Greca is missing a portion of his thumb on his right hand."
Agents met with CI Scarpa the same date: "[Scarpa] was advised that during an interview with Louis Barbusca, Barbusca had mentioned he was related to Joseph Greca who operates the Biven-teen Dress Company...Barbusca also stated Greca was missing the thumb on his right hand. [Scarpa] stated that this Greca, who resides above the Biven-teen Dress Company, is a member of the Colombo Family of LCN whom he has previously referred to as (FNU) Greca. [Scarpa] stated that Greca is assigned to the regime of John Franzese (sic?) and both he and Louis Barbusca, whom he believes to be related, are virtually inactive in Family matters, both of them being in their 60's. [Scarpa] stated that he recalls sometime ago a meeting of a portion of the Colombo Family was held in the apartment above Biven-teen Dress Company, which he believes to be the apartment of Joseph Greca." (Greca was subsequently designated subject of an FBI investigation).
On October 4, 1965 FBI CI Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that Louis Barbusca, whom [Scarpa] knows to be [father of Gaetano Barbusca] and a member of the Colombo Family, part-owner of Sarah Lee Dress Company in Brooklyn, is almost completely inactive as far as Colombo Family affairs are concerned. [Scarpa] stated Barbusca is an older man and his time is almost completely taken up with the dress shop affairs and he could be considered in a semi-retired status insofar as LCN activities are concerned. [Scarpa] stated that he is not positive, but believes Barbusca is probably assigned to the regime of John Oddo."
On November 24, 1965 a meeting between Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss) and Salvatore Musacchio's crew was held inside the Bath Beach residence of Musacchio's half-brother Frank. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, Captain Vincent Aloi, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese and CI Gregory Scarpa. Scarpa subsequently reported that the meeting was held for Colombo to extend holiday greetings to the crew and to hear any problems the members were having in the Family. Musacchio crew members present included Louis Barbusca, Joseph Greca, Frank Musacchio, Frank Profaci, Salvatore J. Profaci, Salvatore S. Profaci and Joseph 'Fat Richie' Zorzi. Scarpa later noted: "[In] addition to the above-mentioned members of the regime there were one or two older men present whom he did not know, but who are also members of the regime. [Scarpa] pointed out that in his position he could not ask the identities of those individuals who were unknown to him, but would recognize a photograph of them if he saw it in the future." (This meeting also served as Scarpa's introduction to Frank Musacchio, whom he had not previously known as an LCN member.)
On December 20, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Louis Barbusca, whom he knows to be a member of the Colombo Family of LCN, spent several hours on 86th St in and around Cantalupo Realty Company with Joseph Colombo and his associates."
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| Barbusca (1966) |
By 1966 member of Joint Board of Dress and Waist Worker's Union of Greater New York.
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| G. Barbusca (Source: Crime Inc: The True Story of the Mafia) |
On January 3, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Joe Colombo's numbers operation is operated for him by [Gaetano Barbusca, son of Louis Barbusca], who is a member of the Colombo Family. [CI] stated [Gaetano] is not a member of LCN himself, but is probably a proposed member and will become a member if and when the books of the organization are opened."
On March 13, 1966 Barbusca's brother-in-law Joseph Greca was interviewed by Agents inside his residence in New Utrecht: "Greca stated that he has been in the dress making business almost all his life and formed and operated Biven-teen Dress Company at 7808 New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn. Greca stated he was formerly in a partnership with Anthony (Cassandro) Bonasera, but Bonasera is now in partnership in a dress company with his brother-in-law, Louis Barbusca. Greca stated he is also acquainted with John Oddo and [Redacted] since they are also in the garment business in Brooklyn. Greca stated he is also acquainted with Joseph Colombo and the deceased Joe Profaci having known them from both business and social activities in the neighborhood."
On June 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Louis Barbusca's son Tommy still handles Joseph Colombo's numbers operation."
On September 22, 1966 Joseph Colombo was arrested by the NYPD. An address book confiscated at the time of arrest included entries for Barbusca and others.
During October 1966 Barbusca and Bonasera rented out the basement of Sarah Lee Dress Company for use in a high stakes Bankers and Brokers card game operated by Unsubs.
On March 13, 1966 Barbusca's brother-in-law Joseph Greca was interviewed by Agents inside his residence in New Utrecht: "Greca stated that he has been in the dress making business almost all his life and formed and operated Biven-teen Dress Company at 7808 New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn. Greca stated he was formerly in a partnership with Anthony (Cassandro) Bonasera, but Bonasera is now in partnership in a dress company with his brother-in-law, Louis Barbusca. Greca stated he is also acquainted with John Oddo and [Redacted] since they are also in the garment business in Brooklyn. Greca stated he is also acquainted with Joseph Colombo and the deceased Joe Profaci having known them from both business and social activities in the neighborhood."
On June 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Louis Barbusca's son Tommy still handles Joseph Colombo's numbers operation."
On September 22, 1966 Joseph Colombo was arrested by the NYPD. An address book confiscated at the time of arrest included entries for Barbusca and others.
During October 1966 Barbusca and Bonasera rented out the basement of Sarah Lee Dress Company for use in a high stakes Bankers and Brokers card game operated by Unsubs.
On February 1, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised after viewing a photograph of [Gaetano Barbusca], he knows [Barbusca]. [CI] stated that he does not know if [Barbusca] is a 'made guy' or not, but they were going to make him several years ago in the Colombo Family. [CI] stated [Barbusca] is very close to Joe Colombo, runs a dress factory on 17th Ave around 83rd St which factory is really owned by Tony the Chief Bonasera." (Available CI info identifies Tommy Barbusca as an Associate rather than a member, however, he is posthumously included in two FBI membership lists compiled in 1975 and 1977.)
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.
The following month an informant described him as 'not active in LCN activities'.
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.
The following month an informant described him as 'not active in LCN activities'.
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| June 1969 |
On June 10, 1969 interviewed for a third time by the FBI: "Barbusca stated he is retired from Sarah Lee Dress Company due to his ill health. He said that he is blind in his right eye and is going blind in his left eye. Barbusca pointed out he has to get within 6 inches of a person before he can identify this person. He said he is a diabetic and this is what is causing his blindness. Barbusca said he is being treated for his condition and spends all his time around his house. He stated he had to stop driving his car and is unable to get around by himself. Barbusca further stated he is not a member of any organized criminal element and has never been. However, he admitted he is acquainted with Joseph Colombo and Tony Bonasera." Several photographs were taken with a hidden camera during questioning, a tactic commonly used by Agents at the time to get pictures of the more obscure figures.
In August 1969 the FBI observed Barbusca with Colombo Soldier Nicholas Bianco.
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.
On March 30, 1971 the seventy-year-old Louis Barbusca died after falling off the roof of his residence in Bensonhurst. The New York Times reported: "[Fall occurred while Barbusca] checking the roof for possible winter damage...[Barbusca] had gone to the roof after painters had set up a scaffold on the house next door, at 1602 70th Street."
On April 1-2, 1971 waked at the Colombo-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst.
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 19 deceased Colombo Family members.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 22 deceased Colombo Family members.
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.
On March 30, 1971 the seventy-year-old Louis Barbusca died after falling off the roof of his residence in Bensonhurst. The New York Times reported: "[Fall occurred while Barbusca] checking the roof for possible winter damage...[Barbusca] had gone to the roof after painters had set up a scaffold on the house next door, at 1602 70th Street."
On April 1-2, 1971 waked at the Colombo-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst.
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 19 deceased Colombo Family members.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 22 deceased Colombo Family members.
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| G. Barbusca (L) and J. Coiro (R) |
On June 22, 1974 Colombo Associates Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca and John Coiro were murdered outside bakery shop at 1729 86th St near Bay 16th St in Bensonhurst.
Several theories and suspects floated around in the immediate aftermath. At least one contemporary source claimed the hit was unsanctioned and that Family Bosses were seeking the identity of the killer(s).
One informant noted that Barbusca, described as a 'stand-up guy and a very capable money maker', was not an intended victim. Another stated that Barbusca had simply been 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'.
Several theories and suspects floated around in the immediate aftermath. At least one contemporary source claimed the hit was unsanctioned and that Family Bosses were seeking the identity of the killer(s).
One informant noted that Barbusca, described as a 'stand-up guy and a very capable money maker', was not an intended victim. Another stated that Barbusca had simply been 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'.
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| V. Amuso (L) and A. Casso (R) (1972) |
This was confirmed in 1994, when Former Lucchese Underboss Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso became a Cooperating Witness and confessed involvement.
Casso revealed that the double murder was a joint operation between the Colombo and Lucchese Families and resulted from a dispute between Coiro and then-Colombo Consigliere Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico. Lucchese Captain Chris 'Christy Tick' Furnari was brought into the plot and dispatched Associates Casso and Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso. According to Casso, the pair caught Coiro in the company of Barbusca and Amuso killed them both with a shotgun.
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 28 deceased Colombo Family members.
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 29 deceased Colombo Family members.
Casso revealed that the double murder was a joint operation between the Colombo and Lucchese Families and resulted from a dispute between Coiro and then-Colombo Consigliere Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico. Lucchese Captain Chris 'Christy Tick' Furnari was brought into the plot and dispatched Associates Casso and Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso. According to Casso, the pair caught Coiro in the company of Barbusca and Amuso killed them both with a shotgun.
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 28 deceased Colombo Family members.
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 29 deceased Colombo Family members.
Barbusca's brother-in-law Joseph Greca died in Florida in November 1978.
Joseph's son Angelo aka Jilly, who was inducted into the Colombo Family a year prior to his father's death, was murdered April 1980 in New Utrecht.