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| 1964 |
His father Carlo (1889-1968) and older brother Jerome (1912-1989), along with a cousin also named Jerome (1916-1987), were members as well. Cousin Nicholas 'Nick' Gentilli (1914-1979) was an Associate.
Salvatore was born August 16, 1916 in Milwaukee to Carlo (27y) and Sadie Kretlow (24y). Father from Partinico comune of Palermo, Sicily.
At the time of Salvatore's birth the family resided at 162 Detroit St in the city's Third Ward.
Carlo owned a butcher shop and may have already been a member of the Milwaukee Family, headed at the time by Vito Guardalabene.
By 1929 the Family was headed by Joseph Vallone.
In the early 1930s Carlo opened La Tosca restaurant at 1433 East Clybourn St in East Town, located just north of Third Ward.
Sam was first arrested in 1935.
By April 1940 he and family resided at 1536 N Franklin Place in Milwaukee's Lower East Side neighborhood.
On July 10, 1943 married Gertrude Bauer (18y).
Sam and his brother Jerome were made during the reign of Salvatore 'Sam' Ferrara, who led the Family from approximately 1948 to 1952. Ferrara was succeeded by John Alioto.
On November 6, 1952 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carlo DiMaggio operates the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn St, and this cafe is a hangout for the young Italian hoodlum element in Milwaukee."
On September 23, 1953 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated that Carlo DiMaggio operated the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn Street, as an after hours joint and that his two sons Jerry and Sam helped him operate the cafe. He stated that DiMaggio [redacted]."
On February 17, 1957 DiMaggio and two others attempted to rob a Rosenheimer department store in Kewaskum. The trio were soon apprehended and charged with attempted burglary.
Co-defendants were Frank Alioto (1931-1997), a nephew of future Milwaukee Member Harry D'Angelo, and Nicholas 'Nick' Tarantino (1929-1988).
Sam pleaded guilty on July 18 and received ten years at Waupun State Prison.
On February 13, 1958 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the young hoodlums in Milwaukee were warned by the Italian syndicate not to talk to the FBI and that if they did they might end up like Jack Enea who was killed in gangland fashion in 1956 (sic; 1955). This warning supposedly came from [Redacted]. [CI] advised Sam DiMaggio's father Carlo is a member of the Italian syndicate in Milwaukee."
Later that month a second burglary conviction resulted in an additional five year sentence.
On October 9, 1961 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he had heard that Carlo DiMaggio held a meeting of some of the members of the DiMaggio gang concerning the forthcoming parole for Carlo's son Jerry. He also advised that Carlo DiMaggio held a benefit for his other son Sam DiMaggio at Augie Maniaci's place of business, Club Midnight, in order that he might raise money for Sam's forthcoming parole."
On December 2, 1961 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carlo DiMaggio is 'on the outs' with Frank Balistrieri and that Carlo DiMaggio carries quite a bit of weight in the Italian American organization in Milwaukee."
Frank Balistrieri was then a Capodecina, having replaced the deceased Pasquale Migliaccio. By the following month he succeeded his father-in-law John Alioto as Family Boss.
Several members, DiMaggio included, resented Balistrieri and his style of leadership. Through much of the next decade a faction within the Family unsuccessfully conspired to have him removed as Boss.
By 1963 Sam was paroled and working for Hudzinger Construction Company. Listed additional employment as pizza cook.
His father Carlo was interviewed by the FBI on August 23, 1963: "[Carlo] stated he had absolutely no information to the effect that there is an organization in Milwaukee similar to an organization called the Mafia. He stated that if there is the members have been keeping it very quiet. He advised that he realized that his sons Jerry and Sam have extensive criminal records but that this was in no way done by the influence of some organization. He admitted knowing individuals who allegedly are members of the Italian syndicate but stated as far as he knows none of these individuals belong to any such organization. He advised that the Mafia type organization might be in existence in some of the larger cities like Chicago and New York but that there definitely was no such organization in Milwaukee."
On September 16, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio] has been a member of the Italian syndicate for years and he is a real troublemaker in the organization. He stated that DiMaggio hates Frank Balistrieri who is the head of the Italian syndicate and has tried to help Frank LaGalbo overthrow Frank Balistrieri as recently as 1961. He advised DiMaggio has two sons Sam and Jerry DiMaggio, both of whom are notorious burglars. [CI] advised Carlo DiMaggio operated the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn St, as an after hours joint for several years. He stated DiMaggio taught his sons Jerry and Sam how to pull burglaries and stickups." (LaGalbo, then a Chicago Soldier, was a former Milwaukee Member who left that Family after taking part in an unsuccessful move against the former Boss John Alioto.)
On November 22, 1963 FBI MI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio] is presently employed part time selling meat to Italian restaurants and night clubs. Formerly operated after hours joint called La Tosca. He also has operated pizza joints. He reportedly is member of Italian syndicate and is regarded as one of 'old guard'. He is described as cunning. He has two sons Jerry and Sam both of whom are notorious burglars."
By 1964 resided at 5339 North Navajo Ave in the suburb Glendale, about five miles north of the Third Ward.
On March 26, 1964 arrested by Milwaukee PD on four counts burglary.
On April 23, 1964 an informant, believed to be Milwaukee Member August 'Augie' Maniaci, named Carlo DiMaggio and his son Salvatore as made members. The informant noted that Salvatore had a long criminal record and was 'made when Ferrara was Boss'. (This is believed to be the same CI who, four months later, identified Carlo's nephew Jerome as 'a member of the Milwaukee Family [whom] he had previously overlooked'.)
In July 1964 Salvatore was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
At the end of that month he and four others, including John Triliegi (1914-2007), were convicted in US District Court Milwaukee on charges re stolen securities.
On August 6, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated that Carlo DiMaggio can't understand how Judge Grubb found his son Sam guilty of mail theft."
On September 8, 1964 the FBI's Milwaukee Field Office reported: "Samuel DiMaggio [is] a member of an old Italian safe burglary gang and has an extensive criminal record dating back to 1935."
On September 16, 1964 FBI MI reported: "On [redacted] [CI] advised Frank Balistrieri highly berates Carlo DiMaggio for the activities of DiMaggio's son, Sam, who had recently been arrested by the Milwaukee PD as being involved in a major burglary ring."
On September 28 Salvatore was sentenced by Eastern District of Wisconsin Judge Kenneth P. Grubb to two years Federal imprisonment.
By June 1965 serving sentence at USP Leavenworth, Kansas.
On August 17, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said that John Triliegi returned home on the night of 8/16/1965 having been released from Federal prison on parole. [CI] said Triliegi was bitter against Sam DiMaggio as he believes DiMaggio helped to cause his conviction for which he served time. [CI] did not know what DiMaggio was supposed to have done wrong. [CI] said that Triliegi claimed that he was going to work at once and would stay out of trouble."
Salvatore's father Carlo DiMaggio was interviewed by the FBI on September 27, 1965: "[He] claimed he was not a member of LCN and pointed out his poor situation in life stating that he would be living better if he were a member. He stated that he is hoping his son will soon be released from prison, further that he had not seen Frank Balistrieri recently, and when Balistrieri was referred to as 'boss' the subject maintained everyone in the United States is his own boss. He further went to some length to describe his friendly association to the former Chiefs of Police in Milwaukee, former district Attorneys and other politicians in Milwaukee."
On August 8, 1966 released from USP Leavenworth.
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| V. Genovese Source: The Smoking Gun |
"
Sam DiMaggio, who has been serving a Federal sentence at the Federal Prison, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas on a postal theft conviction, was released from prison in early 8/1966, and has returned to his home on North Franklin Place in Milwaukee. [Redacted] release and return to Milwaukee, [CI] and John Aiello [redacted] Sam DiMaggio said he met Vito Genovese (NY hoodlum and LCN leader) at the Fort Leavenworth Penitentiary Hospital. Genovese was convicted on a narcotics charge, [redacted]. Sam DiMaggio said that Genovese was very cautious and seemed to keep to himself when Sam saw him. Before Sam DiMaggio was released from the Federal Penitentiary, he contacted Genovese at the prison hospital and asked Genovese if he could do anything for him. Genovese replied, 'No. Just say hello to the boys in Milwaukee'.
Sam DiMaggio also said that he reported to Frank Balistrieri since returning from prison. Frank criticized Sam DiMaggio for having gotten into trouble in the first place, and having been convicted of the postal theft. Balistrieri told Sam that after Balistrieri's income tax trial, there would be a meeting concerning Sam and in the meantime, Sam should stay quiet. ([Redacted] Sam DiMaggio with the LCN).
Frank Balistrieri told Sam DiMaggio that John Aiello and Augie Maniaci were on 'the shelf'. By this, [CI] assumed that Balistrieri meant John Aiello and Augie Maniaci were not in good standing with the outfit (LCN).
Frank Balistrieri told Sam that if any of the 'boys' get out of line, he doesn't necessarily have to wait until his income tax trial to take care of them, and can get help from Chicago to handle any such matters. Balistrieri also said that every couple of years, someone gets out of line and has to be taken care of.
Carlo DiMaggio was mad at Frank Balistrieri because the latter has allegedly made statements that Jerry DiMaggio is a squealer. Carlo also said that Frank Balistrieri has told Jerry DiMaggio, nephew of Carlo, who works for Frank Balistrieri at the Downtowner Night Club in Milwaukee, that Sam DiMaggio doesn't have a chance of staying in the outfit if they should consider his case because Sam DiMaggio has not abided by orders and chain of command in the local outfit. (CI said that [redacted paragraph]).
"Sam DiMaggio also said that he reported to Frank Balistrieri since returning from prison. Frank criticized Sam DiMaggio for having gotten into trouble in the first place, and having been convicted of the postal theft. Balistrieri told Sam that after Balistrieri's income tax trial, there would be a meeting concerning Sam and in the meantime, Sam should stay quiet. ([Redacted] Sam DiMaggio with the LCN).
Frank Balistrieri told Sam DiMaggio that John Aiello and Augie Maniaci were on 'the shelf'. By this, [CI] assumed that Balistrieri meant John Aiello and Augie Maniaci were not in good standing with the outfit (LCN).
Frank Balistrieri told Sam that if any of the 'boys' get out of line, he doesn't necessarily have to wait until his income tax trial to take care of them, and can get help from Chicago to handle any such matters. Balistrieri also said that every couple of years, someone gets out of line and has to be taken care of.
Carlo DiMaggio was mad at Frank Balistrieri because the latter has allegedly made statements that Jerry DiMaggio is a squealer. Carlo also said that Frank Balistrieri has told Jerry DiMaggio, nephew of Carlo, who works for Frank Balistrieri at the Downtowner Night Club in Milwaukee, that Sam DiMaggio doesn't have a chance of staying in the outfit if they should consider his case because Sam DiMaggio has not abided by orders and chain of command in the local outfit. (CI said that [redacted paragraph]).
His Federal probation expired August 28.
On October 31, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said that on 10/27/1966 he saw Sam DiMaggio at the Downtowner, where Sam's cousin Jerry (Jerome) DiMaggio is employed. [CI] mentioned that he had discussed one [Redacted] with Sam DiMaggio. Last winter [Redacted] was serving time in the Milwaukee County House of Correction on bad checks and illegal use of credit cards at the same time [CI] was [at the HoC]. [CI] told Sam DiMaggio that he had recently seen [Redacted] who stated he is the Chief Maintenance Man at the '400 East Shopping Center' Silver Springs Road, Milwaukee. Sam DiMaggio told [CI] to 'feel out' [Redacted] on casing '400 East' for a possible score in that area, which [CI] said could include Brink's stops in that area. Sam DiMaggio told [CI] that he, DiMaggio, needed to make some 'scores'. Sam DiMaggio asked [CI] to check back with him after [CI] had had an opportunity to feel out [Redacted]."
By 1967 the resentment held by Carlo DiMaggio and other members towards Frank Balistrieri had escalated into a full blown murder conspiracy.
Members of the plot included DiMaggio, brothers John and Vito Aiello, Santo Nick Marino and FBI CI August Maniaci.
Salvatore DiMaggio may have also been a co-conspirator, given his problems with Balistrieri after the mail theft conviction.
An informant, possibly Maniaci himself, kept the FBI updated on the situation. This CI admitted that he had helped clock Balistrieri's movements but reassured his handler that he had no intention of actually going through with any plan.
Any further plotting on Carlo's part ended with his death at Milwaukee County General Hospital on January 17, 1968.
Carlo's wake was held January 20-21 at Guardalabene and Amato. Attendees included Captain Joseph Gumina, Milwaukee Soldiers John and Vito Aiello, Milwaukee Soldier Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo and Madison Soldier Cosimo DiSalvo.
The plot against Frank Balistrieri doesn't appear to have gone further. John Aiello, one of the primary instigators, died late the same year. CI August Maniaci was shot to death in 1975.
On March 20, 1968 Balistrieri hosted a political rally at The Scene nightclub located in downtown Milwaukee in honor of Dominic Frinzi, Circuit Court Judge aspirant. CI noted: "All Milwaukee LCN members were reportedly at this affair."
On July 31, 1968 FBI MI reported: "[CI No. 1] advised that Sam DiMaggio is still a member of the Milwaukee Family of the La Cosa Nostra (LCN). He once stated that DiMaggio is considered an active burglar and a fence. [CI No. 2] stated Sam DiMaggio is associating with [Redacted] and Frank Alioto and they are spending a lot of time together. [CI2] classified the above three individuals as burglars. In addition, Alioto operates a fruit truck and peddles fruits and vegetables. [CI1] advised that since DiMaggio's release from prison in 1966, his legitimate occupation has been a construction worker."
In September 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio continues his employment on construction work. The informant said that DiMaggio is not active in the 'organization'; however, he is on call if something comes up; also, DiMaggio would not hesitate to undertake or become involved in any burglaries or similar type operations."
On October 24, 1968 DiMaggio and associates Frank Alioto and Anthony Pipito attempted to rob a private residence in Milwaukee. DiMaggio and Pipito were quickly apprehended and held on $10,000 bond each. FBI later summarized: "[DiMaggio and Pipito] attacked [Redacted] in his garage, however were observed by a neighbor who alerted the PD. Subjects along with an unidentified third man (Frank Alioto) fled and the third individual has not been identified. The neighbor who alerted the police saw two men wearing large chamois over their faces. At the time of the arrest Pipito was found to be carrying a .38 caliber revolver and was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon..Victims of burglary receiving threatening letters being handled by PD." (Alioto, charged with DiMaggio in another robbery attempt ten years prior, was identified as the third participant by one of the FBI's Milwaukee Family informants.)
On December 2, 1968 FBI MI reported on the case: "[CI] stated that Pipito had been working for Frank Peter Balistrieri, Boss of the Milwaukee LCN Family at Balistrieri's building located at 722 North Water Street and had been a close associate of both DiMaggio and Alioto. [CI] further advised that Balistrieri was extremely upset over this arrest as it was known Anthony Pipito had worked at some of his downtown night clubs part time as a bouncer. [CI3] when contacted during 10/68 advised DiMaggio, Pipito and Alioto had been associating with one another during the past six or seven months and were known to be casing jobs for burglaries and armed holdups."
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| 1969 |
DiMaggio was convicted on a final charge of attempted armed robbery and, in early June 1969, received a thirty-five year sentence at Waupun.
On April 13, 1971 the FBI attempted to interview DiMaggio at the institution: "[Clerk] advised the Agents that [DiMaggio] did not wish to be interviewed...Although DiMaggio has been a model prisoner and is due to see the parole board this month, parole at this time seems highly unlikely."
By June 1974 members of Peter Balistrieri's crew included Harry D'Angelo, Benedetto DiSalvo, Jerry DiMaggio, Salvatore 'Sam' DiMaggio and Dominic Gullo.
On November 17 and 25, 1975 identified by FBI source as Milwaukee Member.
By Summer 1977 residence listed at 2778 N 48th St in the Saint Joseph neighborhood.
By Fall 1984 the FBI had developed a source close to DiMaggio.
On October 4, 1984 the informant passed along information that DiMaggio was to meet with an Unsub to potentially set up a cocaine deal. The two had served time together at Waupun.
One week later the informant reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio is very anxious to get involved in the narcotics business; however, he does not have money to make a big buy to get started."
On April 9, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio, old time Milwaukee LCN member, has been trying to get in the cocaine business because he is living on Social Security and that is his only source of income; however, he has been unable to because he cannot put together enough money to get involved."
On May 31, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised he has maintained contact with Sam DiMaggio and Sam has advised him on several occasions that [Redacted] is a big 'blow hard' who likes to make people think that he is an LCN member with money to lend, however, none of this is true. [Redacted] is still around, however, is of no consequence and does not have money to lend to anyone. Sam DiMaggio advised that there will be no decision on replacing Frank Balistrieri as the 'Boss' of the Milwaukee Family. Peter Balistrieri does not want anything to do with Milwaukee Family business."
On December 2, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio [has] said the LCN Milwaukee is comprised of old inactive men like him and no leadership figure has surfaced now that Frank Balistrieri and Steve DeSalvo are in prison. Sam has no knowledge that Joe and John Balistrieri are now LCN members." (John and Joseph Balistrieri, sons of the Family Boss, were inducted the previous year.)
On February 4, 1986 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio, LCN member, advised Jerry DiMaggio, LCN member, advised him, Sam DiMaggio, that his cousin, Jerry DiMaggio, whom Sam believes is a 'made' member and has been in the Los Angeles area for many years, is returning to Milwaukee because he has several sisters in Milwaukee and wants to spend his old age here. Jerry DiMaggio is in his 70's. Sam also advised that the Acting Boss, Peter Frank Balistrieri, is still in control of the Milwaukee LCN Family with instructions from Frank Balistrieri, who is in prison, to keep things quiet. Sam also advised that there has been much talk on the street that someone from Chicago will come to Milwaukee to take over the Milwaukee LCN Family; however, this has not happened and Sam does not believe that anyone will come from Chicago or anywhere else to takeover."
On February 26, 1986 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he learned from Sam DiMaggio, Milwaukee LCN member, that all of the LCN members who are in Milwaukee have been instructed to meet with two bosses from the LCN, Chicago at [Redacted] house on the northwest side Monday, 3/2/1986 for a meeting." (This is the last of the informant's reports that are currently available and the outcome of this meeting isn't known.)
Salvatore DiMaggio died in Milwaukee on December 29, 1987.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
On April 13, 1971 the FBI attempted to interview DiMaggio at the institution: "[Clerk] advised the Agents that [DiMaggio] did not wish to be interviewed...Although DiMaggio has been a model prisoner and is due to see the parole board this month, parole at this time seems highly unlikely."
By June 1974 members of Peter Balistrieri's crew included Harry D'Angelo, Benedetto DiSalvo, Jerry DiMaggio, Salvatore 'Sam' DiMaggio and Dominic Gullo.
On November 17 and 25, 1975 identified by FBI source as Milwaukee Member.
By Summer 1977 residence listed at 2778 N 48th St in the Saint Joseph neighborhood.
By Fall 1984 the FBI had developed a source close to DiMaggio.
On October 4, 1984 the informant passed along information that DiMaggio was to meet with an Unsub to potentially set up a cocaine deal. The two had served time together at Waupun.
One week later the informant reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio is very anxious to get involved in the narcotics business; however, he does not have money to make a big buy to get started."
On April 9, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio, old time Milwaukee LCN member, has been trying to get in the cocaine business because he is living on Social Security and that is his only source of income; however, he has been unable to because he cannot put together enough money to get involved."
On May 31, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised he has maintained contact with Sam DiMaggio and Sam has advised him on several occasions that [Redacted] is a big 'blow hard' who likes to make people think that he is an LCN member with money to lend, however, none of this is true. [Redacted] is still around, however, is of no consequence and does not have money to lend to anyone. Sam DiMaggio advised that there will be no decision on replacing Frank Balistrieri as the 'Boss' of the Milwaukee Family. Peter Balistrieri does not want anything to do with Milwaukee Family business."
On December 2, 1985 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio [has] said the LCN Milwaukee is comprised of old inactive men like him and no leadership figure has surfaced now that Frank Balistrieri and Steve DeSalvo are in prison. Sam has no knowledge that Joe and John Balistrieri are now LCN members." (John and Joseph Balistrieri, sons of the Family Boss, were inducted the previous year.)
On February 4, 1986 CI reported: "[CI] advised that Sam DiMaggio, LCN member, advised Jerry DiMaggio, LCN member, advised him, Sam DiMaggio, that his cousin, Jerry DiMaggio, whom Sam believes is a 'made' member and has been in the Los Angeles area for many years, is returning to Milwaukee because he has several sisters in Milwaukee and wants to spend his old age here. Jerry DiMaggio is in his 70's. Sam also advised that the Acting Boss, Peter Frank Balistrieri, is still in control of the Milwaukee LCN Family with instructions from Frank Balistrieri, who is in prison, to keep things quiet. Sam also advised that there has been much talk on the street that someone from Chicago will come to Milwaukee to take over the Milwaukee LCN Family; however, this has not happened and Sam does not believe that anyone will come from Chicago or anywhere else to takeover."
On February 26, 1986 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he learned from Sam DiMaggio, Milwaukee LCN member, that all of the LCN members who are in Milwaukee have been instructed to meet with two bosses from the LCN, Chicago at [Redacted] house on the northwest side Monday, 3/2/1986 for a meeting." (This is the last of the informant's reports that are currently available and the outcome of this meeting isn't known.)
Salvatore DiMaggio died in Milwaukee on December 29, 1987.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
