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| 1963 |
Francesco 'Cheech Alio' Rizzo was a Captain in the Gambino Family.
Born August 8, 1897 in Canicatti comune of Agrigento, Sicily to Antonino Alio (30y) and Vincenza Munda.
Reportedly shot and wounded in the leg during his service with the Italian Army in WWI.
In early January 1920 married Rosa Cino (15y) in Canicatti.
Around April 14, 1920 arrived at the Port of New York aboard S.S. Patria.
By July 1927 resided at 338 East 50th St in Turtle Bay, Manhattan.
That month filed Declaration of Intention.
In 1930 arrested, under alias Alfredo Licari, by the State Police in Hartford, Connecticut for carrying a concealed weapon. Convicted on September 24 and sentenced about a month later to ten days imprisonment and a $200 fine.
Born August 8, 1897 in Canicatti comune of Agrigento, Sicily to Antonino Alio (30y) and Vincenza Munda.
Reportedly shot and wounded in the leg during his service with the Italian Army in WWI.
In early January 1920 married Rosa Cino (15y) in Canicatti.
Around April 14, 1920 arrived at the Port of New York aboard S.S. Patria.
By July 1927 resided at 338 East 50th St in Turtle Bay, Manhattan.
That month filed Declaration of Intention.
In 1930 arrested, under alias Alfredo Licari, by the State Police in Hartford, Connecticut for carrying a concealed weapon. Convicted on September 24 and sentenced about a month later to ten days imprisonment and a $200 fine.
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| c. 1930 |
Rizzo, then living at 3343 3rd Ave in The Bronx's Morrisania neighborhood and working as a merchant, may have already been a Gambino member.
On February 10, 1930 filed Petition for Naturalization in Bronx Supreme Court. Naturalized that June.
Witnesses in Rizzo's naturalization were Manhattan residents Federico Notarstefano (1887-1977), also of Canicatti, and Louis Parise.
(Notarstefano's July 1922 US Passport Application was witnessed by Vincenzo Giardina [1889-1984], who later served as President of the Fraternal Society of Canicatti and was related to Pietro Stincone [1897-1977], fellow Society member and a future Gambino Captain.)
On February 10, 1930 filed Petition for Naturalization in Bronx Supreme Court. Naturalized that June.
Witnesses in Rizzo's naturalization were Manhattan residents Federico Notarstefano (1887-1977), also of Canicatti, and Louis Parise.
(Notarstefano's July 1922 US Passport Application was witnessed by Vincenzo Giardina [1889-1984], who later served as President of the Fraternal Society of Canicatti and was related to Pietro Stincone [1897-1977], fellow Society member and a future Gambino Captain.)
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| June 1934 |
On June 9, 1934 among five held on suspicion by the local PD in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group, who caught the attention of officers after meeting in a restaurant on Liberty Avenue, were:
On October 22, 1935 arrested by Stratford, Connecticut PD for investigation / no license.
By 1937 worked at Model Restaurant on E 27th St in Kips Bay, Manhattan.
By 1940 employed as liquor salesman with La Lupa Inc. at 300 E 107th St in East Harlem.
By February 1942 resided at 222 E 102nd St in the same neighborhood. His World War II Draft Card lists Diego Sciabbarrasi (1893-1971), also from Canicatti, as a reference.
His employment with La Lupa Inc. ended around the same year.
On January 17, 1947 issued US Passport for proposed six month trip to visit relatives in Italy.
By 1959 resided at 1485 Burke Ave in Laconia, The Bronx. Employed with Sicilian Asphalt and Paving Company.
On January 16, 1959 issued US Passport for proposed six month trip to Italy with planned departure in March.
On November 8, 1959 returned to New York from Italy.
By the 1960s Rizzo is believed to have been reporting to Gambino Captain Pietro 'Pete' Stincone.
Stincone and Rizzo, born in the same town about two months apart, likely came up together in the Gambino Family's primarily Manhattan-based Agrigento faction.
In January 1963 FBI CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, identified Stincone as a Captain with 'about ten old men' under him. He later named Stincone, owner of an insurance business in Queens, as one of three Captains who acted as a 'screening board' for Boss Carlo Gambino.
Any chance of Santantonio further identifying the 'ten old men' reporting to Stincone ended with his July 1963 murder.
Made members who were possibly under Stincone included Rizzo, Joseph 'Pedro' Benintende, Arthur 'Artie' Frangello and Ralph 'Ralphie Bones' Mosca.
Eduardo Aronica and Salvatore Curto, both of Canicatti, may have also reported to Stincone.
On April 13, 1963 Rizzo's vehicle was observed by Agents conducting surveillance on the Arcuri Liquor Store at 302 E 78th St in the Upper East Side. The location was owned by Gambino Captain Domenico Arcuri and his son, Soldier Joseph Arcuri, and served as a meeting spot and drop-off point. (Also observed was an auto registered to Giuseppi 'Peppino' Gambino, Carlo's brother and a Family Captain.)
On April 16, 1963 issued US Passport for a proposed one year trip to visit relatives.
On April 20, 1963 Rizzo's car was again observed at the Arcuri Liquor Store.
In June 1963 he departed for Sicily.
In October 1964 returned to US.
By 1965 resided at 101-26 Nicolls Ave in Corona, Queens.
By July 1966 Rizzo was identified as a Gambino Captain.
It's possible that he temporarily took over for Stincone, who may have stepped back in the wake of his wife's death in the Summer of 1964. Alternatively, Rizzo might have succeeded another Captain or been given control of a newly formed crew. (Stincone continued to be identified as a Captain in 1968 and during the 1970s.)
Made members of Rizzo's crew included Joseph Benintende and Ralph Mosca.
- Francesco Rizzo
- Sebastiano 'Benny' Bellanca (1904-c.1973?), from Cattolica Eraclea in Agrigento. Later identified as a Gambino Soldier active in narcotics.
- Vincent 'Little Jimmy' Damianni (sp), a known figure with links to New York, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Previously accused of involvement in the 1928 shotgun murders of two dissident miners in Pittston, PA. In May 1932 he was wounded in a shooting attempt on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Six days later Damianni's associate, Bonanno (?) Member James Alascia, was killed.
- Samuel Taibi (1911-1990), Brooklyn resident.
- Charles Tolumello (1903 - 1943), a butcher from East Harlem.
On October 22, 1935 arrested by Stratford, Connecticut PD for investigation / no license.
By 1937 worked at Model Restaurant on E 27th St in Kips Bay, Manhattan.
By 1940 employed as liquor salesman with La Lupa Inc. at 300 E 107th St in East Harlem.
By February 1942 resided at 222 E 102nd St in the same neighborhood. His World War II Draft Card lists Diego Sciabbarrasi (1893-1971), also from Canicatti, as a reference.
His employment with La Lupa Inc. ended around the same year.
On January 17, 1947 issued US Passport for proposed six month trip to visit relatives in Italy.
By 1959 resided at 1485 Burke Ave in Laconia, The Bronx. Employed with Sicilian Asphalt and Paving Company.
On January 16, 1959 issued US Passport for proposed six month trip to Italy with planned departure in March.
On November 8, 1959 returned to New York from Italy.
By the 1960s Rizzo is believed to have been reporting to Gambino Captain Pietro 'Pete' Stincone.
Stincone and Rizzo, born in the same town about two months apart, likely came up together in the Gambino Family's primarily Manhattan-based Agrigento faction.
In January 1963 FBI CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, identified Stincone as a Captain with 'about ten old men' under him. He later named Stincone, owner of an insurance business in Queens, as one of three Captains who acted as a 'screening board' for Boss Carlo Gambino.
Any chance of Santantonio further identifying the 'ten old men' reporting to Stincone ended with his July 1963 murder.
Made members who were possibly under Stincone included Rizzo, Joseph 'Pedro' Benintende, Arthur 'Artie' Frangello and Ralph 'Ralphie Bones' Mosca.
Eduardo Aronica and Salvatore Curto, both of Canicatti, may have also reported to Stincone.
On April 13, 1963 Rizzo's vehicle was observed by Agents conducting surveillance on the Arcuri Liquor Store at 302 E 78th St in the Upper East Side. The location was owned by Gambino Captain Domenico Arcuri and his son, Soldier Joseph Arcuri, and served as a meeting spot and drop-off point. (Also observed was an auto registered to Giuseppi 'Peppino' Gambino, Carlo's brother and a Family Captain.)
On April 16, 1963 issued US Passport for a proposed one year trip to visit relatives.
On April 20, 1963 Rizzo's car was again observed at the Arcuri Liquor Store.
In June 1963 he departed for Sicily.
In October 1964 returned to US.
By 1965 resided at 101-26 Nicolls Ave in Corona, Queens.
By July 1966 Rizzo was identified as a Gambino Captain.
It's possible that he temporarily took over for Stincone, who may have stepped back in the wake of his wife's death in the Summer of 1964. Alternatively, Rizzo might have succeeded another Captain or been given control of a newly formed crew. (Stincone continued to be identified as a Captain in 1968 and during the 1970s.)
Made members of Rizzo's crew included Joseph Benintende and Ralph Mosca.
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| 1952 |
Joseph 'Pedro' Benintende was born 1908 in East Harlem to parents from Enna Province (Leonforte / Nicosia). Younger brother Anthony aka 'Hoyt' was a Gambino Soldier under Arthur Leo and later Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano. Joseph married the sister of Gambino Soldier Anthony 'Skunge' Granza.
Benintende had a lengthy criminal record, serving both state and Federal sentences for bribery and bank robbery.
An informant later named him as a participant in the December 1959 disappearance murder of Lucchese Soldier Nicholas 'Bulldog' Martello.
By the 1960s he was involved in bookmaking and worked at an East Harlem crap game owned by Lucchese Captain Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti.
Benintende had a lengthy criminal record, serving both state and Federal sentences for bribery and bank robbery.
An informant later named him as a participant in the December 1959 disappearance murder of Lucchese Soldier Nicholas 'Bulldog' Martello.
By the 1960s he was involved in bookmaking and worked at an East Harlem crap game owned by Lucchese Captain Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti.
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| 1959 |
'Ralphie Bones' Mosca was born 1910 in East Harlem to parents from Campania (Santa Lucia di Serino, Avellino / Polla, Salerno).
His brother-in-law Martin 'Jinks' DeSaverio was a Lucchese Soldier and narcotics trafficker who was shot to death in 1982.
His brother-in-law Martin 'Jinks' DeSaverio was a Lucchese Soldier and narcotics trafficker who was shot to death in 1982.
Son Peter Mosca was later inducted into the Gambino Family in the same ceremony as Future Boss John Gotti.
By the 1960s Mosca was involved in bookmaking, loansharking and running numbers in East Harlem.
As yet the remainder of Rizzo's crew is unknown. He may have also had Arthur Frangello and other guys later connected to the Mosca crew.
On July 31, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised concerning Ralph Mosca, who resides in the Bronx, but who presently hangs out around E 101st - 105th Streets, New York City, Mosca is a Soldier in the Gambino Family, under a Capo known only to him as 'Cheech' (LNU), whom he described as an old 'mustache' in LCN."
On August 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated he is aware of a number of Moscas and was able to furnish the following concerning them: Ralph Mosca, aka Bones, is a 'made guy' in the Gambino Family under an old-time Caporegima named Cheech (Sicilian for Frank)."
By the following year Rizzo was under investigation.
On January 17, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised approximately [redacted] Ralph Mosca [redacted] he was interviewed by the FBI in Spanish Harlem and although the interview lasted approximately one half hour, he had told the FBI nothing. [CI] said also present during the discussion were a number of individuals who were also Soldiers in LCN and they advised Mosca that he would probably be bawled out by his Captain for allowing himself to be interviewed by the FBI. These individuals stated he should have refused to be interviewed and told the FBI to consult with his attorney. CI said Ralph Mosca is a member of the Gambino Family under 'Cheech' aka Frank Ali. He said recently Mosca told him when he reported this interview to 'Cheech', 'Cheech' was not displeased and told Mosca that he did the right thing by being gentlemanly, but not saying anything."
On February 27, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he had learned the following individuals attended [2/26/67 Vincent Casablanca] reception...Joseph Benintende, aka Pedro - Previously mentioned by [CI] as being LCN member in Gambino Family, under Capo Cheech (LNU)." (Casablanca was a Gambino Soldier under Anthony Napolitano.)
On July 31, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was queried for all information in his possession regarding Francesco Rizzo. [CI] reiterated Rizzo is a Captain in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN and advised Ralph 'Bones' Mosca, [Redacted] (not identified at this time) were all in Rizzo's regime. CI said Rizzo is employed by the Sicilian Asphalt Paving Company and for a man who is approximately 70 years of age works very hard at his job, although he does not have to...CI said Rizzo on weekends usually hangs out at Mosca's social club located at 2034 2nd Ave, NYC."
In October 1968 the son of Gambino Soldier Charles Barcellona married. Reception attendees included Rizzo, Gambino Captain Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano and Gambino Soldiers Ralph Mosca and Michael 'Big Mike' Pinetti. (Barcellona and Pinetti reported to Napolitano.)
By November 1968 resided at 1163 Havemeyer Ave in Unionport, The Bronx.
On November 14, 1968 an informant identified his photo as being identical with the Gambino Captain.
On November 24, 1968 Boss Carlo Gambino's son married. Attendees included:
In October 1968 the son of Gambino Soldier Charles Barcellona married. Reception attendees included Rizzo, Gambino Captain Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano and Gambino Soldiers Ralph Mosca and Michael 'Big Mike' Pinetti. (Barcellona and Pinetti reported to Napolitano.)
By November 1968 resided at 1163 Havemeyer Ave in Unionport, The Bronx.
On November 14, 1968 an informant identified his photo as being identical with the Gambino Captain.
On November 24, 1968 Boss Carlo Gambino's son married. Attendees included:
Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss)
Stefano 'Steve' LaSala (Lucchese Acting Boss)
Aniello 'O'Neil' Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari (Bonanno Underboss)
David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (Gambino Captain)
Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao (Gambino Acting Captain)
Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano (Colombo Captain)
Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano (Gambino Captain)
Joseph Paterno (Gambino Captain)
Francesco 'Cheech' Rizzo (Gambino Captain)
Anthony 'Tony the Geep' Sedotto (Gambino Captain)
Stefano 'Steve' LaSala (Lucchese Acting Boss)
Aniello 'O'Neil' Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari (Bonanno Underboss)
David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (Gambino Captain)
Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao (Gambino Acting Captain)
Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano (Colombo Captain)
Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano (Gambino Captain)
Joseph Paterno (Gambino Captain)
Francesco 'Cheech' Rizzo (Gambino Captain)
Anthony 'Tony the Geep' Sedotto (Gambino Captain)
John 'Johnny Ange' Angelone (Gambino Soldier)
Samuel 'Big Sam' Cavalieri (Lucchese Soldier)
Guido DeCurtis (Gambino Soldier)
Samuel 'Big Sam' Cavalieri (Lucchese Soldier)
Guido DeCurtis (Gambino Soldier)
Two days later FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he had, in fact, attended Carlo Gambino's son's wedding on the previous Saturday and there observed the following individuals in attendance...Frank Alio Rizzo, Gambino Caporegima, who was in company with Ralph Mosca."
On July 20, 1969 Rizzo attended the wedding reception for Gambino Captain Domenico Arcuri's granddaughter, held at Leonard's Catering on Northern Blvd in Little Neck, Queens.
On July 27, 1969 FBI NY reported: “It is to be noted in 1/1969, [CI] first advised of an old time Gambino member who was very highly respected [known as Osta Micciddi (ph)]. Since then investigation has been conducted in an effort to identify this individual. On 6/26/1969, CI advised that Micciddi had a granddaughter who was getting married on 7/20/1969 at Leonard’s Catering...At that time, [CI] also advised Micciddi was a close friend of Frank Alio Rizzo as well as Joe Gallo (member of the Gambino Family)...[CI subsequently] identified a photograph of Domenico Arcuri as being identical with an individual previously referred to by him as Micciddi.”
On August 13, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Frank Alio Rizzo is a Captain in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. [CI] had previously advised Frank Alio, aka 'Cheech' was a member of the Gambino Family. [CI] stated these are the names by which he knew Rizzo. [CI] advised the following are associates of Rizzo: [Redacted], Anthony Napolitano, [Redacted], Domenic Arcuri, Aniello Dellacroce, [Redacted], Carlo Gambino."
On September 7, 1969 the body of Rizzo crew member Joseph Benintende was found floating in Long Island Sound near Glen Cove, LI. Examination determined that Benintende, who was wrapped in canvass and had his hands tied behind his back, had been beaten, shot five times and strangled. It was speculated that the body had been in the water for at least six months.
The prevailing theory was that Benintende, last seen in July 1968, was murdered for tipping off a group of kidnappers who were targeting LCN members in Harlem and the Bronx.
In October 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Rizzo is a Captain in the Gambino Family of LCN."
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.
Both Rizzo and Pietro Stincone are among the approximately 27 Captains and Acting Captains named in an accompanying hierarchy chart. (Stincone was also identified as a Captain by one of the FBI's Member Sources the previous October.)
On June 11, 1970 Rizzo and forty-six others were indicted for criminal contempt by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.
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| F. Rizzo at arraignment (6/70) |
Among those charged were multiple high-ranking LCN members, as well as several Associates who would later become influential members themselves.
Defendants included:
Defendants included:
Natale 'Joe Diamond' Evola (Bonanno Boss)
Aniello 'O'Neil' Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli (Bonanno Underboss) [Later succeeded Evola as Boss]
Nicholas Bianco (Colombo Captain)
James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla (Gambino Captain)
Salvatore 'Sally Fruits' Ferrugia (Bonanno Acting (?) Captain)
Francesco 'Cheech' Rizzo (Gambino Captain)
Jerome 'Jerry' Asaro (Bonanno Soldier)
Dominick Castore (Gambino Soldier)
Francesco Crociata (Suspected Bonanno Member)
Pietro 'Skinny Pete' Crociata (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Admin]
Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio (Colombo Soldier)
Vincent 'Boozy' DeCicco (Gambino Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Lee' Guerrieri (Gambino Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Lap' LaPonzina (Colombo Soldier)
Anthony Leone (Bonanno Soldier)
Philip Modica (Gambino Soldier)
Rosario 'Sally Burns' Morale (Bonanno Soldier)
Anthony 'Fat Andy' Ruggiano (Gambino Soldier)
Michael Sabella (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Captain]
Paul Sciacca (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Boss]
Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo (Colombo Soldier)
George Tropiano (Colombo Soldier)
Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi (Colombo Associate) [Future Underboss]
Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci (Bonanno Associate) [Future Member]
Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Joseph Chilli (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Joseph Corozzo (Gambino Associate) [Future Consigliere]
James 'Jimmy Legs' Episcopia (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Vito Grimaldi (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Peter Monteleone (Bonanno Associate) [Future Member]
Aniello 'O'Neil' Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli (Bonanno Underboss) [Later succeeded Evola as Boss]
Nicholas Bianco (Colombo Captain)
James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla (Gambino Captain)
Salvatore 'Sally Fruits' Ferrugia (Bonanno Acting (?) Captain)
Francesco 'Cheech' Rizzo (Gambino Captain)
Jerome 'Jerry' Asaro (Bonanno Soldier)
Dominick Castore (Gambino Soldier)
Francesco Crociata (Suspected Bonanno Member)
Pietro 'Skinny Pete' Crociata (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Admin]
Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio (Colombo Soldier)
Vincent 'Boozy' DeCicco (Gambino Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Lee' Guerrieri (Gambino Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Lap' LaPonzina (Colombo Soldier)
Anthony Leone (Bonanno Soldier)
Philip Modica (Gambino Soldier)
Rosario 'Sally Burns' Morale (Bonanno Soldier)
Anthony 'Fat Andy' Ruggiano (Gambino Soldier)
Michael Sabella (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Captain]
Paul Sciacca (Bonanno Soldier) [Former Boss]
Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo (Colombo Soldier)
George Tropiano (Colombo Soldier)
Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi (Colombo Associate) [Future Underboss]
Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci (Bonanno Associate) [Future Member]
Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Joseph Chilli (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Joseph Corozzo (Gambino Associate) [Future Consigliere]
James 'Jimmy Legs' Episcopia (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Vito Grimaldi (Bonanno Associate) [Future Captain]
Peter Monteleone (Bonanno Associate) [Future Member]
An update on the case was provided to FBI NY the following day: "[Brooklyn DA] stated these arrests came off 'clock work fashion' and there was only a minor incident where slight scuffle took place involving Philip Rastelli, James Failla, and Dominick Scialo at the time they were being escorted to the prisoner van to the Brooklyn Supreme Court building. [DA] stated also Rastelli, while being escorted out of the Kings County Municipal Building, where the DA's office is located, attempted to assault a news photographer which resulted in a slight injury to the photographer's hand. Further, at the conclusion of the arraignments, [DA] stated Dominick Scialo became vociferous and boisterous and claimed harassment to the Italians on the part of the [redacted] and himself, [DA] and as a result had to be restrained...[DA] stated in conclusion of the 46 individuals originally indicted, 37 have now been either arrested, have surrendered to this office, and, of the remaining nine individuals, he anticipates that they will all be accounted for within the next two or three days, with the exception of Frank Mari and James Episcopia, both of whom are missing and presumed dead."
On July 16, 1970 Rizzo was observed by the FBI at his residence in Unionport: "This residence is a two story brick structure attached to other residences. It is comparatively new and in good repair. Rizzo resides in the second or top level portion of this residence."
On September 10, 1970 he was interviewed by Agents for the first time:
"
[Rizzo] stated his father was Antonio Rizzo and his mother was Vincenza Munda, both of whom were born in Sicily...Rizzo stated that he had been married in Italy prior to his coming to this country, and his wife's name was Rose Cino, who died within the past five years...Rizzo stated his current wife is Louise Nieto Rizzo and they were married at City Hall, NY, on Christmas Eve 1966, and they have resided at their current residence, 1163 Havemeyer Ave, Bronx, since this marriage.
Rizzo stated he is currently employed as a laborer by the Sicilian Asphalt Paving Company, NYC, and he has been so employed for about 20 years. He said he is a member of Local 1018 LIUNA...Rizzo stated he lived at the following former residences: 101-26 Nicolls Ave, Queens For about 3 years prior to his moving to his current residence; 222 East 102nd St NYC, where he resided for over 30 years prior to moving to the Queens address listed above.
Rizzo indicated he has traveled to Italy in 1947, 1952 and 1959, and he stayed in Sicily from 6/63 to 10/64. He stated that the reason for these visits were to visit his wife and children and the reason his stay was so extended in 1963 and 1964 was the fact his parents were in ill health and eventually died. Rizzo denied ever having been a member of any organized crime group, stating he had always been a hard working, honest laboring man who lawfully earned every dollar he has ever made. When asked if he were acquainted with Carlo Gambino, he advised he was, having met Gambino in 1922, and he has seen him on several occasions since this time at weddings, banquets and funerals. Rizzo refused to answer any further questions regarding Gambino or whether he was associated with any other individuals.
Rizzo stated that he is currently under indictment by the Kings County Grand Jury and his next scheduled appearance before this body is on 10/5/1970. He stated that [redacted]. Rizzo was asked if he had ever used any name other than Rizzo and he stated he had not. When advised his identification record indicated he had in the past used the name Alfredo Licari, he stated yes, he then recalled having used this name when arrested years ago and the reason he used this name was so his pending naturalization petition would not be jeopardized.
"Rizzo stated he is currently employed as a laborer by the Sicilian Asphalt Paving Company, NYC, and he has been so employed for about 20 years. He said he is a member of Local 1018 LIUNA...Rizzo stated he lived at the following former residences: 101-26 Nicolls Ave, Queens For about 3 years prior to his moving to his current residence; 222 East 102nd St NYC, where he resided for over 30 years prior to moving to the Queens address listed above.
Rizzo indicated he has traveled to Italy in 1947, 1952 and 1959, and he stayed in Sicily from 6/63 to 10/64. He stated that the reason for these visits were to visit his wife and children and the reason his stay was so extended in 1963 and 1964 was the fact his parents were in ill health and eventually died. Rizzo denied ever having been a member of any organized crime group, stating he had always been a hard working, honest laboring man who lawfully earned every dollar he has ever made. When asked if he were acquainted with Carlo Gambino, he advised he was, having met Gambino in 1922, and he has seen him on several occasions since this time at weddings, banquets and funerals. Rizzo refused to answer any further questions regarding Gambino or whether he was associated with any other individuals.
Rizzo stated that he is currently under indictment by the Kings County Grand Jury and his next scheduled appearance before this body is on 10/5/1970. He stated that [redacted]. Rizzo was asked if he had ever used any name other than Rizzo and he stated he had not. When advised his identification record indicated he had in the past used the name Alfredo Licari, he stated yes, he then recalled having used this name when arrested years ago and the reason he used this name was so his pending naturalization petition would not be jeopardized.
In January 1971 included in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau's list of Gambino Captains.
On March 16, 1971 pleaded guilty to the Brooklyn contempt charge. On September 16 fined $500.
In September 1971 the FBI began an unsuccessful attempt to secure Rizzo's cooperation.
Around 1971 Dominick Lofaro was put on-record with the crew under Pietro Stincone, whom he referred to as 'Uncle Pete'. Lofaro, who cooperated in the 1980s, later testified: "I told my cousin I couldn't go on anymore [working as a laborer] and he said he knew some people." Lofaro given piece of gambling operation in Newburgh, New York. (Newburgh is where Arthur Frangello lived and operated. Lofaro was also with Mosca later on, showing further links between the various members associated with Stincone and Rizzo.)
On September 20, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised an individual by the name of [Redacted] is the driver for Frank Rizzo."
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
By 1975 moved to 908 Clarence Ave in Throggs Neck, The Bronx. An FBI spot check noted: "This address is a three story brick house with an attached garage. Three doorbells noted at front door."
On January 3, 1975 Nassau County PD surveillance conducted on the residence of Boss Carlo Gambino in Massapequa, Long Island. Those observed included Gambino, Francesco Rizzo, Gambino Captain Pietro Stincone and Gambino Associate Charles 'Buster Russo' LiConti. At approximately 12:30 PM Gambino was driven from the residence by Stincone.
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
By July 1976 Rizzo had moved from the Clarence Ave address and could not be located.
As of January 1977 he was still being listed as a Gambino Captain but no further information on him is available.
He may have stepped down around this time if not earlier.
On March 16, 1971 pleaded guilty to the Brooklyn contempt charge. On September 16 fined $500.
In September 1971 the FBI began an unsuccessful attempt to secure Rizzo's cooperation.
Around 1971 Dominick Lofaro was put on-record with the crew under Pietro Stincone, whom he referred to as 'Uncle Pete'. Lofaro, who cooperated in the 1980s, later testified: "I told my cousin I couldn't go on anymore [working as a laborer] and he said he knew some people." Lofaro given piece of gambling operation in Newburgh, New York. (Newburgh is where Arthur Frangello lived and operated. Lofaro was also with Mosca later on, showing further links between the various members associated with Stincone and Rizzo.)
On September 20, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised an individual by the name of [Redacted] is the driver for Frank Rizzo."
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
By 1975 moved to 908 Clarence Ave in Throggs Neck, The Bronx. An FBI spot check noted: "This address is a three story brick house with an attached garage. Three doorbells noted at front door."
On January 3, 1975 Nassau County PD surveillance conducted on the residence of Boss Carlo Gambino in Massapequa, Long Island. Those observed included Gambino, Francesco Rizzo, Gambino Captain Pietro Stincone and Gambino Associate Charles 'Buster Russo' LiConti. At approximately 12:30 PM Gambino was driven from the residence by Stincone.
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members and named as a Captain in the accompanying hierarchy chart.
By July 1976 Rizzo had moved from the Clarence Ave address and could not be located.
As of January 1977 he was still being listed as a Gambino Captain but no further information on him is available.
He may have stepped down around this time if not earlier.
Pietro Stincone died the following month.
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| R. Mosca |
By July 1980 former Rizzo crew member Ralph Mosca was described by an informant as Acting Captain for Anthony Napolitano.
A report four months later switched their roles, naming Mosca as the official and Napolitano as Acting and not specifying whether or not they were in the same crew.
A report four months later switched their roles, naming Mosca as the official and Napolitano as Acting and not specifying whether or not they were in the same crew.
An FBI report a few years later described Mosca as a' long time Capo' who was believed to have 'succeeded Anthony Napolitano aka Tony Baker when Napolitano went into retirement'. (CW Michael DiLeonardo, a former Gambino Captain, later testified that Napolitano didn't retire until around 1988, at which point his crew went to Louis Ricco.)
In December 1984 CI Dominick Lofaro recorded a conversation between himself and fellow Mosca crew members en route to a meeting with Gambino Acting Captain John Gotti in Queens. At one point Lofaro, speaking with Gambino Soldiers Carmine Fiore and Ralph's son Peter Mosca, stated: "[Gotti]'s got a big crew, huh? Young guys too, Petey. He's a nice guy. That's why he's well liked, you know...You know, us three guys and Dominick (Acquista) are the youngest guys in our crew. I don't believe it. We got all old guys."
Frank Rizzo may have been one of the 'old guys' under Mosca.
He died the following August and was buried in Phoenix, Arizona.
Posthumously included in 1988 Senate Chart of Gambino Family membership.
He died the following August and was buried in Phoenix, Arizona.
Posthumously included in 1988 Senate Chart of Gambino Family membership.
