Milwaukee Family Ceremonies

Brief descriptions, in chronological order, of known Milwaukee Family induction ceremonies under Frank Balistrieri's leadership.

Dates are approximate and usually indicate when news of the induction was first reported to LE, not necessarily when the ceremony itself took place.

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c. February / March 1963

Location: Residence of Joseph Balistrieri (7807 Santa Monica Blvd; Fox Point, WI)

Attendees:
- Frank Balistrieri (44y) (Boss) (Died 1993) [Son to Joseph]
- Others

P. Balistrieri (L) and S. DeSalvo (R)

Members Inducted:
- Peter Balistrieri (43y) (Died 1997)
- Steve DeSalvo (44y) (Died 1990)

Joseph Balistrieri (1894-1971) was Frank Balistrieri's father and a longtime Milwaukee member.
 

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c. April 1963

Location: Basement of Alioto's Restaurant (Highway 100; Milwaukee)

Attendees:
- Frank Balistrieri (44y) (Boss) (Died 1993)
- Others

L to R: A. Albana; H. D'Angelo; B. DiSalvo; D. Principe

 Members Inducted:
- Albert 'Cadillac Al' Albana (62y) (Died 1977)
- Harry D'Angelo (54y) (Died 1991)
- Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo (46y) (Died 2009)
- Dominic 'Pops' Principe (50y) (Died 1970)

Alioto's Restaurant was owned by John Alioto, Former Milwaukee Boss and Frank Balistrieri's father-in-law.

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Possible Ceremony (Summer 1963)

Attendees:
- Frank Balistrieri (45y) (Boss) (Died 1993)
- Others?

Members Possibly Inducted:
- Angelo Alioto (39y) (Died 2011)

In August 1964 an FBI CI (likely Maniaci) stated that Alioto was 'definitely not' a member. The previous year it was reported that Alioto had been 'taken in' after the death of his brother Joseph, but this same report misidentifies others as made. He is also absent from Federal membership charts compiled in 1985 and 1993.

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Possible Ceremony (c. Summer 1970?)

Attendees:
- Frank Balistrieri (52y) (Boss) (Died 1993)
- Others

Members Inducted:

- Walter 'Blackie' Brocca (55y) (Died 1995)
- Joseph Enea (38y) (Died 1976) [Sponsored by G. Spera]
- James 'Jimmy' Jennaro (39y) (Died 2003)
- Rudolph Porchetta (55y) (Died 2009)

In the first half of 1968 an FBI member source named the above four as proposed associates who were expected to be inducted shortly.

On December 3, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the present rumor concerning the 'making' of four new LCN members is that the initiation will take place at 'The Pub', 724 North Water Street on the opening night of the club. It is noted 'The Pub' is being built by Frank Balistrieri, Milwaukee LCN Boss. The four proposed LCN members who will be 'made' at this time are Walter Brocca, [Redacted; Joseph Enea, James Jennaro, Rudolph Porchetta]."

On January 30, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that according to LCN member [Redacted], Frank Balistrieri expects to open his new nightclub at 722 North Water Street on 2/15/1969 and is planning a party for 2/14/1969, at which time all the husbands and wives of the Milwaukee LCN members will be invited. [CI] strongly suspects that in conjunction with this party the LCN members will retire to another room and at that time an initiation will be held for Walter Brocca, [Redacted; Joseph Enea, James Jennaro and Rudolph Porchetta] and they will be taken in as members of the Milwaukee LCN Family. [CI] advised that an effort to make the party look like it was legitimate would include an appearance by two Vice Squad Sergeants from the Milwaukee Police Department."

On February 12, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that The Pub, 722 North Water Street, which was expected to open 2/14/1969 probably would not do so because of problems with the building inspectors. Further, [CI] advised that in view of this, it would appear the initiation of Brocca, [Jennaro, Porchetta] and [Enea] into the Milwaukee LCN Family would be delayed."

On August 12, 1970 FBI CI reported: "...Re any current members of the LCN, [CI] provided the following names: [Redacted]; Joe Enea; Walter Brocca, aka Walter Blackie; [Redacted]; [Redacted] (ph)...[CI] further advised that the membership for the LCN is now closed, but Frank Balistrieri has a number of 'young Italians' that frequent his presence. [CI] advised the owner of [Redacted] is not a member of the LCN, but is seeking membership."

In February 1987 an FBI informant referred to 'a number of older LCN members, i.e. Benny DiSalvo and Walter Brocca' frequenting a restaurant on Brady Street.

None of the group is included in the Federal membership charts from 1985 / 1993.

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c. Early-to-Mid 1970s
 

Members Inducted:

- Salvatore 'Sam' Cefalu (60y) (Died 1983)

Cefalu, identified by informant(s) in the 1960s as a Family associate involved in gambling, was listed as an LCN member in a January 1976 FBI report.

If the above ceremony involving Brocca and the others was carried out, Cefalu might have been an additional inductee.

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c. May 1984
 

John (L) and Joseph Balistrieri (R)
Press

Members Inducted:

- John Balistrieri (35y) (Died 2024)
- Joseph 'Joey Bal' Balistrieri (43y) (Died 2010)

This ceremony was reported to have been held between the Balistrieri family's April 1984 attempted extortion conviction and late May 1984, when Frank Balistrieri was sentenced.

Joseph Marinelli (Rockford)

1963

Joseph 'Gramps' Marinelli was a member of the Rockford Family.

Born January 14, 1918 in Rockford, Illinois to Ambrosio (54y) and Rose Paci (40y). Family from Ferentino comune of Frosinone, Lazio.

By Fall 1930 the Marinellis were living at 812 Ferguson St. Ambrose worked in a machine shop.

By April 1940 resided at 2626 Knight Ave.

Later that year Marinelli listed his address approximately fifteen miles north at 814 Broad St in Beloit, Wisconsin, located right at the border with Illinois. Operated the Olympia Bakery at 924 Pleasant.

From April 1943 to November 1945 served in US Army.

 

Following his discharge from the army he was back in Rockford, first at 632 Cunningham St then, by early 1950, on Island Ave. Gave occupation as salesman for a collection company.

Marinelli was inducted into the Rockford Family, headed by Tony Musso, around the mid-1950s.

Joseph Zammuto was named Boss following Musso's death in 1958.

On June 22, 1963 arrested by Rockford PD.

On November 25, 1964 FBI CI, a Soldier in the Milwaukee Family, was contacted regarding activities in Rockford: "...Prior to interview of [CI] by [SAs], recent reports on Frank Buscemi and Joseph Zammuto furnished by Chicago were reviewed and names were selected therefrom for the purpose of stimulating [CI]'s recollections regarding the LCN Family in Rockford...Joseph 'Gramps' Marinelli - [CI] said Marinelli was a member of LCN, Rockford and was made while Tony Musso was Boss - perhaps ten years ago. He is a man in his 50s, and he runs around the country a lot and has been a siding salesman." Around that time Marinelli was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.

The Rockford Family was believed to number around twenty members.

Aside from Marinelli, confirmed members were all Sicilian, primarily from Agrigento and Palermo provinces.

Known members circa January 1966 included:

1. Boss: Joseph Zammuto (1896-1990) [Aragona, Agrigento]
2. Underboss: Frank Buscemi (1911-1987) [Aragona]
3. Consigliere: Joseph 'Diamond Joe' Zito (1906-1981) [San Giuseppe Jato, Palermo]
4. Captain: Lorenzo Buttice (1892-1967) [Aragona]
5. Anthony Basile (1908-1977) [San Giuseppe Jato]
6. Filippo Caltagerone (1895-1971) [Aragona]
7. Philip Cannella (1914-1971) [Villafranca Sicula, Agrigento]
8. Al Cicero (1906-1994) [Sambuca di Sicilia, Agrigento]
9. Frank Correnti (1911-1985) [Linguaglossa, Catania]
10. Philip 'The Tailor' Emordeno (1911-1981) [San Giuseppe Jato]
11. Sebastian 'Knobby' Gulotta (1930-2000) [Sambuca di Sicilia]
12. Joseph Maggio (1936-1980) [Sambuca di Sicilia]
13. Joseph 'Gramps' Marinelli (1918-1980) [Frosinone, Lazio]
14. Salvatore 'Sam' Oliveri (1895-1969) [Corleone, Palermo]
15. Philip Priola (1907-1987) [Ficarazzi, Palermo]
16. Charles Vince (1907-1994) [Camporeale, Palermo]

On August 31, 1967 included in the FBI's list of 17 identified Rockford Family members. 6 deceased members also identified. (Jasper Calo, included in the list of living members, is believed to have transferred to a Family in Sicily by this time.)

On December 17, 1968 FBI CI (Milwaukee Member) reported: "[TE] advised he had received information from friends in Rockford, Illinois that the members of the Rockford LCN Family had received subpoenas to testify before a Federal Grand Jury at Freeport, Illinois. Receipt of these subpoenas has the Rockford LCN Family 'shook up'. TE expects to visit Rockford over weekend. Any information developed by TE will be forwarded."

On December 20, 1968 among nine who appeared before the FGJ. Those called to testify in addition to Marinelli were Boss Joseph Zammuto, Underboss Frank Buscemi, Captain Charles Vince and Soldiers Philip Cannella, Al Cicero, Frank Correnti, Joseph Maggio and Philip Priola.

On February 27, 1969 FBI CI (Milwaukee Member) reported:
"

On 2/23/1969, [CI] was visited by Nick Gentile, a former Milwaukee hoodlum, not an LCN member, who is now working for Foreman Brothers selling siding in the Beloit, Wisconsin area. Gentile told him that he received a telephone call in [Beloit] on 2/21/1969 from a Joe Roberts. Roberts is employed also in the siding business and was working in the Beloit area for the Jarvis Enterprises, Inc., whose offices are located in Rockford, Illinois. Roberts told him during the phone call he would give Gentile five days to get out of Beloit. According to Gentile, Roberts 'shot off his mouth' that Gentile may have Frank Balistrieri in Milwaukee, but he had more powerful friends in Rockford.

On 2/24/69 [CI] called Roberts and asked him what the story was in connection with his telephone call to Nick Gentile. [CI] said that he knew Roberts from the past, and Roberts told him he would drop the whole matter.

On 2/25/1969, [CI] received a telephone call from Knobby Gulotta, LCN member of the Rockford, Illinois Family. Gulotta said he understood Joe Roberts was in trouble in Beloit, WI and he either wanted to come to Milwaukee or wanted [CI] to come to Rockford to straighten the matter out. [CI] told him he did not think he should come to Rockford unless he was given authority to do so. On 2/26/1969, [CI] received a call from Charley Vince, LCN member of the Rockford Family, who told [CI] it would be permissible for him to come to Rockford. [CI] then made arrangements to meet both Vince and Gulotta in Rockford on 3/2/1969. [CI] said he recalled Joe Roberts was in the past a close friend of Joseph 'Gramps' Marinelli of the Rockford LCN Family, and if [CI] was correct, had in the past worked with Marinelli. [CI] did not know if Roberts was presently working for or closely associated with Marinelli.

"

On March 13, 1969 FBI CI reported:
"

[CI] said he went to Rockford, Illinois over the weekend of 3/1-2/1969 for the purpose of straightening out the incident involving Joe Roberts and Nick Gentile, which possibly involved the Rockford LCN Family. On 3/2/69, [CI] met with Frank Buscemi, Underboss of the Rockford LCN Family, and Charley Vince, Rockford LCN Member.

...Buscemi made the statement that as of the present time the entire Rockford LCN Family is experiencing a great deal of trouble. The entire membership has been forced to testify before a Federal Grand Jury, and they feel they will all have to go to Chicago to continue their testimony before the Grand Jury. He said the Federal and local authorities have been exerting tremendous pressure on many of the operations connected with the Rockford Family to the point where they are not able to make any move without being under the scrutiny of the authorities. In view of this added pressure, Buscemi said he wants no incidents to take place and was extremely upset at the possibility there was some possible 'muscle action' being exerted by Joe Roberts in connection with Nick Gentile. Buscemi said he wanted this matter to be straightened out completely, and later on that same day he was arranging with [CI] to meet personally with Roberts so this problem could be solved.

Before leaving, Buscemi told him if Joe Marinelli should come to Milwaukee, [CI] was to give him nothing, show him no respect, and make no effort to have any contact with him. Buscemi gave no reason for his instructions re Marinelli, but [CI] was of the opinion any individual who is treated in this manner is in bad straits with the LCN Family, and in many instances, many individuals who received this type of treatment are possibly set up for a 'hit'. [CI] commented the possibility existed Marinelli may have been suspected of talking to the Grand Jury about LCN matters.

...[CI] said he received the impression through the above meeting that everyone in the Rockford LCN Family is upset at the recent action by the Federal Grand Jury in that the pressure exerted by the Federal and local authorities has brought their gambling and other illegal activities to a standstill in Rockford.

"

On July 15, 1976 among nine indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Illinois on mail and wire fraud related charges.

In January 1976 FBI reported: "The Rockford Family of the LCN continues as a separate entity with closer ties to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Springfield, Illinois than Chicago. The Chicago Family has virtually no influence in Rockford. Joseph Zammuto continues as Boss with Frank J. Buscemi as Underboss. This Family is relatively inactive having a membership of about fourteen persons. They exert little, if any, influence on the political, judicial or economic affairs in Rockford. There is some involvement with gambling activities in the area, however, this Family has elected to remain passive and uninvolved, being content to avoid publicity and exposure." (This was repeated verbatim in a report the following year.)

Marinelli died June 5, 1980.

Bartolo Ferrigno (Colombo)

1938

Bartolo Ferrigno was a suspected member of the Colombo Family.

His older brother Stefano aka Steve (1900-1930) was murdered alongside Gambino Boss Manfredi Mineo during the Castellammarese War.

Bartolo was born November 1, 1903 in Palermo, Sicily to Gaetano and Santa Schiro.

Around 1914 he immigrated to the United States.

On January 11, 1927 arrested by the NYPD's 6th Squad in Manhattan on an extortion charge. The case was dismissed two weeks later.

On October 12, 1929 married Maria Piazza (22y) in Brooklyn. Witnesses were Antonino Zito and Rose Cosenza. The bride, whose father Antonio (1881-1968) was also from Palermo, resided at 1778 63rd St in Bensonhurst.

On May 13, 1930 arrested by the NYPD's 82nd Precinct in Brooklyn on charges of felonious assault and criminal possession of a weapon (revolver). On June 1, 1930 discharged by 9th Court Judge Walsh.

On November 5, 1930 Ferrigno's brother Steve, along with Gambino Boss Manfredi Mineo, was shot to death in The Bronx as part of the Castellammare War. The hit team were members of the rebel faction aligned against Genovese Boss (and the Boss of Bosses) Giuseppe Masseria. (Bartolo was likely already a made member, although it's not known for certain if he started out with the Colombo Family. He may have transferred [from the Gambinos?] at some point after his brother's murder.)

By 1935 Bartolo resided his wife and her family at 1778 63rd St. He worked for the Imperial Meat Market at 182 1st Ave in Manhattan's East Village.

On September 23, 1938 arrested in Manhattan on an extortion charge. County Court Judge Brancato dismissed the case two years later.

By April 1940 the Ferrignos had moved a few doors down to 1756 63rd St. Bartolo listed his occupation as chauffeur.

As of February 1942 he claimed employment with 'Piazzo' at the family's previous address of 1778 63rd.

On September 21, 1944 arrested, along with Vito Scaminaci (26y), by the NYPD for illegal possession of approximately 350,000 food ration stamps. The pair were transferred into Federal custody and charged with violating the Second War Powers Act. Case subsequently dismissed. (Vito Joseph Scaminaci [1917-1979] was a butcher from East Village. Parents Alfred and Calogera Cucchiara were from Marsala, Trapani and Sciacca, Agrigento respectively.)

Ferrigno's final arrest came on February 20, 1951, when he was indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan on a heroin charge. Case believed dismissed.

FBN Mafia Book

Around 1960 the Federal Bureau of Narcotics compiled a Mafia Book profiling approximately 800 subjects, including Ferrigno. His entry noted: "A trusted member of the Mafia for many years. Former partner in illicit enterprises with East Harlem narcotic violators Benny Coniglio & Salvatore Caneba."

On November 8, 1962 naturalized in District Court Brooklyn.

In early February 1963 designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.

On May 20, 1963 the FBI's New York Office reported: "During the period 7/17/1962 - 9/7/1962, PCI Joseph Valachi was interrogated by Federal Bureau of Narcotics agents prior to interview by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. During the above period, Valachi allegedly told [the FBN that] Bartolo Ferrigno was a member of the Joseph Profaci Family. [FBI CI Gregory Scarpa] advised on 3/6/1963, Ferrigno was not a member of this Family as he did not know him. It is noted [CI Scarpa] states that although he does not know all members of the Family by name, he would recognize a photograph of anyone within that Family. PCI Valachi was recontacted on 4/6/1963, concerning Ferrigno and he stated that although the photograph appears familiar, he can't recall naming this individual as a 'button' in La Cosa Nostra. Inasmuch as there is no basis for placing Ferrigno in LCN, no further investigation is being conducted." (Valachi was part of the hit team that carried out the murder of Ferrigno's brother in 1930. Regarding CI Scarpa's claimed familiarity with everyone in the Colombo Family, there were multiple individuals he later identified whose membership had previously been unknown to him, i.e. Robert Barbieri, Nicolo Failla and Frank Musacchio.)

G. Scarpulla
FBN Mafia Book

In August 1963 FBI reported: "Ferrigno owner of Imperial Meat Market, 182 1st Ave...entered US as stowaway 4/1/1942, narcotics dealer and associate of Jack Scarpulla and 1st Ave, 12th St, group of Mafia." (Giacomo 'Jack' Scarpulla [1900-1971] was a Gambino Soldier and later Acting Captain who, like Ferrigno, hailed from Palermo and worked as a butcher in Brooklyn. His brother-in-law David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo was a Gambino Captain in the Bronx. Additional in-laws included the Scalise family.)

Aside from his inclusion on a photo chart utilized during the Valachi hearings later that year, Ferrigno appears to have remained off the radar for the next decade.

On May 14, 1974 CW Joseph Thomas Zito, formerly affiliated with the Bufalino Family, was interviewed by the FBI at the office of the EDNY's Organized Crime Strike Force in Brooklyn: "...His uncle, Bartolo Ferrigno, aka Vartolo, is a member of the Colombo Family. Bartolo Ferrigno is 65 to 75 years old, about 5'11", slender build, and his wife is deceased. He has no children. Bartolo Ferrigno, in his retirement from the Colombo Family, receives a salary from that Family of $150 a week. Zito said that he discussed salary of made guys with [Redacted] at one time and [Redacted] complained the $150 a week Ferrigno got was not enough. Ferrigno resides in Brooklyn. At one time, he had a no-show job in a butcher shop at 1st Ave and 69th Street, NYC, when he was on parole. [Redacted] and Ferrigno used to go to a sandwich shop in the area where they could get special Italian sandwiches. Bartolo's brother, Steve Ferrigno, was the Underboss to [Redacted] aka [Redacted]. Steve Ferrigno was killed in 1930 in the Pelham Parkway area of the Bronx, possibly by Joseph Valachi." (Details provided by Zito on Ferrigno's blood family were incorrect; his wife was still living at the time and the couple had a son.)

1970

On July 19, 1974 agents visited the Ferrigno residence seeking an interview: "His apartment was located on the second floor left hand side. A woman identifying herself as [Redacted] the landlady, said Ferrigno and his wife were on vacation."

On January 6, 1975 Ferrigno was located and questioned: "Ferrigno was advised allegations had been made that he was a 'connected guy'. He denied being connected and said he had been arrested in the past but that was all a mistake. He said he had never been convicted. He said that his brother Steve had been killed in the Bronx in the thirties but that was 40 years in the past. Ferrigno stated that he is retired having formerly been a butcher at 11th St and 1st Ave, Manhattan. He was born in Palermo, Sicily, having come to this country when he was 11 years old. He grew up in Brooklyn. He has been married 45 years and has lived on the same block all that time. His sister-in-law, Mrs. Piazza, owns the apartment house he now lives in. Ferrigno said he has a son [who] lives in Staten Island and is a broker on Wall Street...Ferrigno says that he is bothered by rheumatism and has difficulty sleeping but otherwise he is in good health."

This interview is the last time Ferrigno shows up in currently available documents. He died in October 1985.