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| 1971 |
Philip Alberti was a member of the Lucchese Family active in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx.
Born May 23, 1902 in Port Royal, South Carolina to Joseph (31y), a serviceman, and Antonina 'Nina' Buzzone (28y). Family from Nicosia comune of Enna, Sicily.
Cousin Nunzio Frank Arra (1910-1990) was a Lucchese Soldier.
Brother-in-law Vincent Rao (1898-1988) was the Family's Consigliere for many years.
Vincent's older brother Calogero 'Charlie' Rao (1889-1969) was also a member.
By 1906 the Albertis resided in Annapolis, Maryland.
By April 1910 the family had moved to East Harlem, residing first at 236 and then at 233 East 107th St. Joseph Alberti listed his occupation as musician.
On April 20, 1920 Philip's older brother Nunzio (23y) married Frances Palumbo (21y) in Manhattan. Bride's father from Corleone in Palermo.
On April 1, 1924 Philip's sister Carmelina (18y) married Vincent Rao in the borough's Municipal Building. The Rao family was also from Corleone.
Born May 23, 1902 in Port Royal, South Carolina to Joseph (31y), a serviceman, and Antonina 'Nina' Buzzone (28y). Family from Nicosia comune of Enna, Sicily.
Cousin Nunzio Frank Arra (1910-1990) was a Lucchese Soldier.
Brother-in-law Vincent Rao (1898-1988) was the Family's Consigliere for many years.
Vincent's older brother Calogero 'Charlie' Rao (1889-1969) was also a member.
By 1906 the Albertis resided in Annapolis, Maryland.
By April 1910 the family had moved to East Harlem, residing first at 236 and then at 233 East 107th St. Joseph Alberti listed his occupation as musician.
On April 20, 1920 Philip's older brother Nunzio (23y) married Frances Palumbo (21y) in Manhattan. Bride's father from Corleone in Palermo.
On April 1, 1924 Philip's sister Carmelina (18y) married Vincent Rao in the borough's Municipal Building. The Rao family was also from Corleone.
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| V. Rao (c. 1950s) |
It was Vincent Rao who reportedly sponsored Alberti for Lucchese membership, probably around the late 1920s or early 1930s.
By 1934 Alberti, formerly a barber, operated a dance hall at 1841 Broadway in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper West Side.
On May 3, 1934 Philip, his brother Rocco and others were picked up after an NYPD Patrolman was assaulted at the 59th St subway station in Midtown. Philip was charged with disorderly conduct and held on $100 bail. Rocco, previously arrested at least twice for robbery, was charged with assault and had bail set at $500.
By April 1940 resided at 235 East 107th St and operated the New Gardens Ballroom at 114 East 14th St in East Village.
Like most of his siblings, Philip also married into a Corleonesi family, taking Rose Gagliano (26y) as his bride in early January 1942. Her parents were Giuseppe and Nancy Siciliano.
By 1954 the Albertis possibly resided at 213 E 107th.
By 1934 Alberti, formerly a barber, operated a dance hall at 1841 Broadway in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper West Side.
On May 3, 1934 Philip, his brother Rocco and others were picked up after an NYPD Patrolman was assaulted at the 59th St subway station in Midtown. Philip was charged with disorderly conduct and held on $100 bail. Rocco, previously arrested at least twice for robbery, was charged with assault and had bail set at $500.
By April 1940 resided at 235 East 107th St and operated the New Gardens Ballroom at 114 East 14th St in East Village.
Like most of his siblings, Philip also married into a Corleonesi family, taking Rose Gagliano (26y) as his bride in early January 1942. Her parents were Giuseppe and Nancy Siciliano.
By 1954 the Albertis possibly resided at 213 E 107th.
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| C. Dongarra (L) and N. Martello FBN Mafia Book |
Around the early 1950s Lucchese Soldier Nicholas 'Bulldog' Martello purchased an East Village bar from the Satchel brothers, Gambino Soldiers Joseph and Thomas Cusimano. A subsequent disagreement over the deal led to a sitdown between the Families.
Gambino Captain Charles Dongarra represented the Cusimanos. An unknown Lucchese Captain and Soldier Philip Alberti spoke for Martello. (Neither the nature of the dispute nor the outcome of the sitdown are mentioned in available reports. Depending on the year of the sitdown, Martello was likely represented either by Ettore 'Eddie' Coco or 'Big John' Ormento. In late 1959 he was murdered for unrelated reasons.)
By 1958 the Albertis had moved to The Bronx, residing at 1341 Astor Ave in Pelham Gardens. Philip worked as night manager at the Tango Palace located at W 48th St and Broadway in Midtown, and was reportedly involved in loansharking and running card games.
On April 2, 1959 the FBI received an anonymous letter: "The owner of the New Gardens Dance Hall on East 14th Street N.Y. City is a great personal friend of Vincent Rao, and knows where he is and is in touch with him at all times."
On August 18, 1962 Philip's younger brother Angelo (54y) was part of a group arrested for running a policy business in The Bronx. Others charged included their cousin, Lucchese Soldier Frank Arra, as well as Lucchese Associate (and Future Captain) Richard DeLuca.
On February 25, 1963 Philip was issued a Cabaret Public Dance Hall Identification Card.
On August 7, 1963 the City Department of Licenses revoked the license for his New Gardens Ballroom, charging 'indecent acts' by the dancers.
On May 3, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he recalled that when Nick Martello was located at his bar on E. 14th St. NYC his close associate was [Philip Alberti]. He continued that Alberti is no relation to (Gambino Soldier) Andy Alberti (deceased) but comes from East Harlem. He continued that Alberti owned a dance hall on East 14th St. NYC between 3rd Ave and Union Square. The informant advised that Alberti was supposedly related to [Lucchese Soldier Samuel Cavalieri] from East Harlem. The informant recalled that [Alberti] was one of the persons involved in the sitdown concerning Martello and the Cusimano brothers had concerning the bar Martello had bought. He added that Alberti was a button man in the Lucchese and is still an active shylock and gambler in NYC. He further related that Alberti's dance hall is no longer in operation. He now works at the Tango Palace, NYC."
In March 1969 designated subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
On May 21, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Phil Alberti, whom he has previously identified as an LCN member of the Lucchese Family is still working as a night manager of the Tango Palace Ballroom on the Southwest corner of 48th Street and Broadway, New York City. He continued in the past Alberti has operated card games in the midtown area of NYC but at present he does not have a game in operation. He further advised that Alberti over the years has shylocked money in the midtown area and at present he still has money out on the street. The informant advised that he does not know where Alberti lives but knows he resides somewhere in the Bronx."
On July 24, 1969 contacted by FBI: "[Alberti] was contacted at his place of employment, Tango Palace Ballroom...[He] advised he was late for an appointment, would be available at a later date, and the interview was terminated at this time."
On July 25, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Philip Alberti resides at 1341 Astor Avenue, Bronx and usually goes to work in the afternoon. The informant also advised [Redacted] occasionally drives him around in a late model Chevrolet."
In November 1969 an informant noted that Alberti worked nights and was 'usually' driven by an Unsub.
On July 17, 1970 interviewed by FBI:
"
Gambino Captain Charles Dongarra represented the Cusimanos. An unknown Lucchese Captain and Soldier Philip Alberti spoke for Martello. (Neither the nature of the dispute nor the outcome of the sitdown are mentioned in available reports. Depending on the year of the sitdown, Martello was likely represented either by Ettore 'Eddie' Coco or 'Big John' Ormento. In late 1959 he was murdered for unrelated reasons.)
By 1958 the Albertis had moved to The Bronx, residing at 1341 Astor Ave in Pelham Gardens. Philip worked as night manager at the Tango Palace located at W 48th St and Broadway in Midtown, and was reportedly involved in loansharking and running card games.
On April 2, 1959 the FBI received an anonymous letter: "The owner of the New Gardens Dance Hall on East 14th Street N.Y. City is a great personal friend of Vincent Rao, and knows where he is and is in touch with him at all times."
On August 18, 1962 Philip's younger brother Angelo (54y) was part of a group arrested for running a policy business in The Bronx. Others charged included their cousin, Lucchese Soldier Frank Arra, as well as Lucchese Associate (and Future Captain) Richard DeLuca.
On February 25, 1963 Philip was issued a Cabaret Public Dance Hall Identification Card.
On August 7, 1963 the City Department of Licenses revoked the license for his New Gardens Ballroom, charging 'indecent acts' by the dancers.
On May 3, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he recalled that when Nick Martello was located at his bar on E. 14th St. NYC his close associate was [Philip Alberti]. He continued that Alberti is no relation to (Gambino Soldier) Andy Alberti (deceased) but comes from East Harlem. He continued that Alberti owned a dance hall on East 14th St. NYC between 3rd Ave and Union Square. The informant advised that Alberti was supposedly related to [Lucchese Soldier Samuel Cavalieri] from East Harlem. The informant recalled that [Alberti] was one of the persons involved in the sitdown concerning Martello and the Cusimano brothers had concerning the bar Martello had bought. He added that Alberti was a button man in the Lucchese and is still an active shylock and gambler in NYC. He further related that Alberti's dance hall is no longer in operation. He now works at the Tango Palace, NYC."
In March 1969 designated subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
On May 21, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Phil Alberti, whom he has previously identified as an LCN member of the Lucchese Family is still working as a night manager of the Tango Palace Ballroom on the Southwest corner of 48th Street and Broadway, New York City. He continued in the past Alberti has operated card games in the midtown area of NYC but at present he does not have a game in operation. He further advised that Alberti over the years has shylocked money in the midtown area and at present he still has money out on the street. The informant advised that he does not know where Alberti lives but knows he resides somewhere in the Bronx."
On July 24, 1969 contacted by FBI: "[Alberti] was contacted at his place of employment, Tango Palace Ballroom...[He] advised he was late for an appointment, would be available at a later date, and the interview was terminated at this time."
On July 25, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Philip Alberti resides at 1341 Astor Avenue, Bronx and usually goes to work in the afternoon. The informant also advised [Redacted] occasionally drives him around in a late model Chevrolet."
In November 1969 an informant noted that Alberti worked nights and was 'usually' driven by an Unsub.
On July 17, 1970 interviewed by FBI:
"
Alberti advised that he is presently working at the Tango Palace Ballroom [as] a night manager. He works from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM Friday through Monday, 4 nights a week. He does not own any of the business, and it is owned by Pete DeFano (ph). The dance hall has girls working on regular shifts, and they dance with customers for a fee. The girls are not allowed to leave with customers and cannot leave while at work. He advised he knew of no 'hookers' working at the Tango Palace...He has resided at this address [on Astor Ave] for 16 years, and his wife inherited the two story brick home from her father. Alberti advised he draws Social Security, and he is not in the best of health. He has dizzy spells on occasions and high blood pressure for which he takes medication. He is also a diabetic.
He was born in Port Royal, South Carolina on 5/23/1902. His father who was in the Spanish American War and in the Army for 17 years, was stationed at Port Royal. Both his father and mother are deceased. He stated he has not been arrested for over 40 years and he thought his last arrest was for gambling or could have been for fighting inasmuch as he has worked in the dance hall business for years and fights occasionally happen at these places. He said that he is associated in no illegal activity, is not a member of the Lucchese Family and has no knowledge of the Family. He has heard of Louie Foceri (Louie Beans), but Louie does not hang around the 48th Street area.
He was born in Port Royal, South Carolina on 5/23/1902. His father who was in the Spanish American War and in the Army for 17 years, was stationed at Port Royal. Both his father and mother are deceased. He stated he has not been arrested for over 40 years and he thought his last arrest was for gambling or could have been for fighting inasmuch as he has worked in the dance hall business for years and fights occasionally happen at these places. He said that he is associated in no illegal activity, is not a member of the Lucchese Family and has no knowledge of the Family. He has heard of Louie Foceri (Louie Beans), but Louie does not hang around the 48th Street area.
"
On August 20, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is acquainted with Phil Alberti who allegedly is the night manager of the Tango Palace...He advised Alberti is a member of LCN and was with the Lucchese group. He advised Alberti is usually observed at about 4 AM in the Tango Palace. The informant further advised he believes Alberti is a cousin of [Redacted]."
On June 8, 1971 interviewed by FBI: "Alberti advised he no longer works at the Tango Palace as night manager and lost his job when the prior owner died some weeks ago and all the employees were released by the new owner. He is now working at the Satin, a ballroom across the street from the Tango Palace, at 48th and Broadway, NYC. He works the evening shift and usually gets to work from 6 to 8 PM and closes up in the mornings around 4 AM. He catches the subway home and usually gets home by 5 AM. Alberti said he works behind the bar and is more or less the night manager at the Satin and 4 or 5 girls work as waitresses. He stated no illegal activity is carried on at the Satin and he knows of no gambling games in the area. He said the area is getting bad as far as girls working the street but the entire area from 42nd St to 50th St from Broadway to 8th Avenue has had this type of traffic for some time, and prostitutes are common in this area. He said none of the girls working in the Satin are allowed to play this type of game. Alberti advised he has had some trouble with his throat and lungs but has recently been advised by his physician no further treatment is necessary. Alberti further said, 'I swear on my grandchildren's names that I am not involved in any illegal activity'." Alberti surreptitiously photographed by Agents during interview.
On January 7, 1972 FBI CI (Member Source) provided a partial breakdown of the Lucchese Family. Alberti was identified as a Soldier reporting directly to his brother-in-law, Consigliere Vincent Rao.
Members reporting direct to Rao were Philip Alberti, Nicholas Lessa and Angelo Urgitano. Daniel Lessa, brother of Nicholas, was named as a deceased member who formerly reported to Rao.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 57 identified Lucchese Family members.
On April 30, 1974 interviewed by FBI: "He advised he is presently unemployed and has been for the past eight or nine months and is seeking some type of a part-time job. He stated he is presently collecting Social Security and is involved in no illegal activities. He advised he is presently 72 years old and has been living at the above mentioned address for approximately the past 25 years. He stated he was born in Port Royal, South Carolina, inasmuch as his father was in the service at the time and traveled frequently throughout the country. He stated he grew up in the 107th Street area of East Harlem and his first job was as a barber. Thereafter, he became a manager of several dance halls. [Agent] specifically asked Alberti several questions concerning identified individuals of what is known as the Lucchese Family, at which time Alberti replied that he has always been a 'lone wolf' and does not get around to see anyone, and, in fact, very rarely leaves that area of the Bronx. He stated on occasion, he walks down to the Astor Ballroom, located on Astor Avenue and Eastchester Road, Bronx, and has one or two drinks. He stated he has not been feeling well inasmuch as he has been having throat problems and his arthritis is bothering him."
On July 22-23, 1975 FBI surveillance conducted on Wallace Bar located at 776 Morris Park Ave in Van Nest, The Bronx. Those observed included Philip Alberti and Lucchese Associate Daniel 'Squires' Latella. (Latella was inducted the following year.)
Over the following month subject to additonal FBI surveillances.
On August 15, 1975 Agents observed Alberti in conversation near the Wallace Bar: "It is to be noted when [Redacted] first greeted Alberti and when Alberti departed [Redacted] company an hour later [Redacted] embraced and kissed Alberti on the cheek."
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 51 identified Lucchese Family members.
On January 27, 1978 FBI reported: "[Philip Alberti] 'Made' through Vinnie Rao in Lucchese Family."
On January 11, 1978 FBI compiled a file review on deceased Lucchese Soldier Nicholas Martello. Listed Martello associates included Philip Alberti, Gambino Soldier Frank Luciano, Lucchese Soldier Nicholas Tolentino (deceased) and John Tamberlani.
In July 1978 included in FBI's list of approximately 70 identified Lucchese Family members. An additional twelve individuals listed as suspected members.
On August 20, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is acquainted with Phil Alberti who allegedly is the night manager of the Tango Palace...He advised Alberti is a member of LCN and was with the Lucchese group. He advised Alberti is usually observed at about 4 AM in the Tango Palace. The informant further advised he believes Alberti is a cousin of [Redacted]."
On June 8, 1971 interviewed by FBI: "Alberti advised he no longer works at the Tango Palace as night manager and lost his job when the prior owner died some weeks ago and all the employees were released by the new owner. He is now working at the Satin, a ballroom across the street from the Tango Palace, at 48th and Broadway, NYC. He works the evening shift and usually gets to work from 6 to 8 PM and closes up in the mornings around 4 AM. He catches the subway home and usually gets home by 5 AM. Alberti said he works behind the bar and is more or less the night manager at the Satin and 4 or 5 girls work as waitresses. He stated no illegal activity is carried on at the Satin and he knows of no gambling games in the area. He said the area is getting bad as far as girls working the street but the entire area from 42nd St to 50th St from Broadway to 8th Avenue has had this type of traffic for some time, and prostitutes are common in this area. He said none of the girls working in the Satin are allowed to play this type of game. Alberti advised he has had some trouble with his throat and lungs but has recently been advised by his physician no further treatment is necessary. Alberti further said, 'I swear on my grandchildren's names that I am not involved in any illegal activity'." Alberti surreptitiously photographed by Agents during interview.
On January 7, 1972 FBI CI (Member Source) provided a partial breakdown of the Lucchese Family. Alberti was identified as a Soldier reporting directly to his brother-in-law, Consigliere Vincent Rao.
Members reporting direct to Rao were Philip Alberti, Nicholas Lessa and Angelo Urgitano. Daniel Lessa, brother of Nicholas, was named as a deceased member who formerly reported to Rao.
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 57 identified Lucchese Family members.
On April 30, 1974 interviewed by FBI: "He advised he is presently unemployed and has been for the past eight or nine months and is seeking some type of a part-time job. He stated he is presently collecting Social Security and is involved in no illegal activities. He advised he is presently 72 years old and has been living at the above mentioned address for approximately the past 25 years. He stated he was born in Port Royal, South Carolina, inasmuch as his father was in the service at the time and traveled frequently throughout the country. He stated he grew up in the 107th Street area of East Harlem and his first job was as a barber. Thereafter, he became a manager of several dance halls. [Agent] specifically asked Alberti several questions concerning identified individuals of what is known as the Lucchese Family, at which time Alberti replied that he has always been a 'lone wolf' and does not get around to see anyone, and, in fact, very rarely leaves that area of the Bronx. He stated on occasion, he walks down to the Astor Ballroom, located on Astor Avenue and Eastchester Road, Bronx, and has one or two drinks. He stated he has not been feeling well inasmuch as he has been having throat problems and his arthritis is bothering him."
On July 22-23, 1975 FBI surveillance conducted on Wallace Bar located at 776 Morris Park Ave in Van Nest, The Bronx. Those observed included Philip Alberti and Lucchese Associate Daniel 'Squires' Latella. (Latella was inducted the following year.)
Over the following month subject to additonal FBI surveillances.
On August 15, 1975 Agents observed Alberti in conversation near the Wallace Bar: "It is to be noted when [Redacted] first greeted Alberti and when Alberti departed [Redacted] company an hour later [Redacted] embraced and kissed Alberti on the cheek."
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 51 identified Lucchese Family members.
On January 27, 1978 FBI reported: "[Philip Alberti] 'Made' through Vinnie Rao in Lucchese Family."
On January 11, 1978 FBI compiled a file review on deceased Lucchese Soldier Nicholas Martello. Listed Martello associates included Philip Alberti, Gambino Soldier Frank Luciano, Lucchese Soldier Nicholas Tolentino (deceased) and John Tamberlani.
In July 1978 included in FBI's list of approximately 70 identified Lucchese Family members. An additional twelve individuals listed as suspected members.
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| S. DiSimone (c. Late 1970s) |
On January 23, 1980 an FBI CI identified Alberti as a Lucchese member who operated 'several policy spots' for Lucchese Soldier Salvatore 'Sally Bo' DiSimone.
Albert died on or around February 9, 1987 in The Bronx.
On February 9-10, 1987 his wake was held at Louis Quirolo Funeral Home located on East Tremont Ave in Throggs Neck.
Buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens.
On February 3, 1997 the New York State Organized Crime Task Force conducted a search at 106-13 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Property owned by associate of Gambino Captain John Gotti Jr. Seven induction lists were found in the basement: three Lucchese, two Bonanno and one each for the DeCavalcante and Genovese Families.
Albert died on or around February 9, 1987 in The Bronx.
On February 9-10, 1987 his wake was held at Louis Quirolo Funeral Home located on East Tremont Ave in Throggs Neck.
Buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens.
On February 3, 1997 the New York State Organized Crime Task Force conducted a search at 106-13 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Property owned by associate of Gambino Captain John Gotti Jr. Seven induction lists were found in the basement: three Lucchese, two Bonanno and one each for the DeCavalcante and Genovese Families.
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| Induction List (c. 1991) Source: Gang Land News |
One of the Lucchese lists includes Philip Alserti (sic) in its deceased column, his replacement shown as Peter DelCioppo of the Family's D'Arco (former Vario) crew in Brooklyn. (DelCioppo and all but two of the other candidates named were inducted in March 1991.)
