 |
| 2000s |
Sandro Aiosa was a member of the Bonanno Family.
Born July 29, 1942. Family from Sicily.
Born July 29, 1942. Family from Sicily.
 |
| M. Zaffarano (1970s) |
By 1978 on-record associate with Bonanno Captain Michael 'Mickey' Zaffarano.
Zaffarano, formerly a Soldier under Carmine Galante, served as a Captain for a couple of years in the early 1970s before stepping down around late 1975.
He had since been reinstated and given control over a group comprised of recently inducted members.
Made members of Zaffarano's crew included Vincent Asaro, Louis 'Louie Ha-Ha' Attanasio, William 'Cappy' Capparelli, Gerald Chilli, Joseph D'Amico, James 'Jimmy Legs' Episcopia, Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato, Anthony Mirra, Dominick 'Sonny Black' Napolitano and Anthony Rabito.
Associates of interest included future Bonanno members Sandro Aiosa, Vincent Asaro's son Jerome aka Jerry, John Cerasani, Thomas 'Tommy Karate' Pitera and Nicholas Santora.
The crew was active primarily in Lower Manhattan and various neighborhoods in Brooklyn - Queens.
Activities included gambling, loansharking, hijacking and a nationwide x-rated film business.
Aiosa ran the Cafe Anita located at Liberty Ave and Forbell St in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood.
For about a six-month period in 1978 Zaffarano crew member Vincent Asaro hosted a poker game at the club. CW Gasper 'Gary' Valenti, Asaro's cousin, later testified: "[Zaffarano] brought Vinnie into it and said: Tell Sandro that Vinnie has guys to have a game...[It was a] big game and [players] would bet their cars, their watches."
Following Carmine Galante's murder in July 1979, Zaffarano and several other Captains were demoted and had their crews broken up.
It's not known if Aiosa was transferred as well or if he stayed with Zaffarano until the latter's death in February 1980.
By the early 1980s he was on-record with Vincent Asaro, who reported to Captain Joseph 'Big Joey' Massino.
Zaffarano, formerly a Soldier under Carmine Galante, served as a Captain for a couple of years in the early 1970s before stepping down around late 1975.
He had since been reinstated and given control over a group comprised of recently inducted members.
Made members of Zaffarano's crew included Vincent Asaro, Louis 'Louie Ha-Ha' Attanasio, William 'Cappy' Capparelli, Gerald Chilli, Joseph D'Amico, James 'Jimmy Legs' Episcopia, Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato, Anthony Mirra, Dominick 'Sonny Black' Napolitano and Anthony Rabito.
Associates of interest included future Bonanno members Sandro Aiosa, Vincent Asaro's son Jerome aka Jerry, John Cerasani, Thomas 'Tommy Karate' Pitera and Nicholas Santora.
The crew was active primarily in Lower Manhattan and various neighborhoods in Brooklyn - Queens.
Activities included gambling, loansharking, hijacking and a nationwide x-rated film business.
Aiosa ran the Cafe Anita located at Liberty Ave and Forbell St in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood.
For about a six-month period in 1978 Zaffarano crew member Vincent Asaro hosted a poker game at the club. CW Gasper 'Gary' Valenti, Asaro's cousin, later testified: "[Zaffarano] brought Vinnie into it and said: Tell Sandro that Vinnie has guys to have a game...[It was a] big game and [players] would bet their cars, their watches."
Following Carmine Galante's murder in July 1979, Zaffarano and several other Captains were demoted and had their crews broken up.
It's not known if Aiosa was transferred as well or if he stayed with Zaffarano until the latter's death in February 1980.
By the early 1980s he was on-record with Vincent Asaro, who reported to Captain Joseph 'Big Joey' Massino.
 |
| V. Asaro (1980s) |
Associates of Asaro included Sandro Aiosa, Umberto 'Al' Altruda, Vincent's son Jerome, Patrick Dello Russo, Thomas Ferreri, Ronald Giallanzo, Joseph Marsala and Gary Valenti. (Aiosa, Asaro, Ferreri and Giallanzo were later inducted into the Bonannos. Patrick Dello Russo was released to the Lucchese and inducted into that Family in 1991.)
 |
| S. Vitale |
By 1987 Asaro and Aiosa were reporting to Joseph Massino's brother-in-law Salvatore Vitale.
Vitale was given a portion of Massino's crew after the latter's promotion to Underboss.
Made members of Vitale's crew included Vincent Asaro, Henry 'Chubby' Bono, Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata, Thomas 'Tommy D.' DiFiore, Salvatore 'Sally Fruits' Ferrugia, James 'Jimmy' Galante, Russell Mauro and Anthony 'Tony Green' Urso.
Vitale was given a portion of Massino's crew after the latter's promotion to Underboss.
Made members of Vitale's crew included Vincent Asaro, Henry 'Chubby' Bono, Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata, Thomas 'Tommy D.' DiFiore, Salvatore 'Sally Fruits' Ferrugia, James 'Jimmy' Galante, Russell Mauro and Anthony 'Tony Green' Urso.
 |
| Aiosa at MVP Trucking |
On November 17, 1987 FBI surveillance conducted on MVP Trucking located at 58-23 58th Rd in Maspeth, Queens. Company owned by Massino, Vitale and Bonanno Associate Carmen Peluso. Those observed were Bonanno Captain Louis Restivo, Captain James 'Big Lou' Tartaglione and Bonanno Soldiers Vincent Asaro, Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata and John 'Porky' Zancocchio. Others in attendance included Colombo Soldier Carmine 'Turi' Franzese and Bonanno Associates Sandro Aiosa, Michael 'Mickey Bats' Cardello, Carmen Peluso and Pietro 'Pete' Rosa. Additional observations included vehicle registered to Possible Bonanno Member Louis Mele. (Pietro Rosa may have been made by then. As late as 1992 an informant stated Louis Mele was 'not believed to be made'.)
 |
| V. Asaro Gang Land News |
Salvatore Vitale was appointed Underboss around mid-1993. By the following year Vincent Asaro was promoted to Captain.
Made members of Asaro's crew included his son Jerome, Antonio 'Nana' Bonventre and Vito Grimaldi.
Associates included Sandro Aiosa, Jack Bonventre (Antonio's son), Francesco Fiordilino, Joseph Grimaldi (Vito's son), John LaMonica, Natale Mule and Asaro's nephew Anthony 'Sammy' Valenti (Gasper's son).
On March 4, 1995 Vincent Asaro's daughter was married, with reception held at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens. Asaro and Aiosa attended, as did Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, at least four other Bonanno Captains and at least four Bonanno Soldiers.
Made members of Asaro's crew included his son Jerome, Antonio 'Nana' Bonventre and Vito Grimaldi.
Associates included Sandro Aiosa, Jack Bonventre (Antonio's son), Francesco Fiordilino, Joseph Grimaldi (Vito's son), John LaMonica, Natale Mule and Asaro's nephew Anthony 'Sammy' Valenti (Gasper's son).
On March 4, 1995 Vincent Asaro's daughter was married, with reception held at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens. Asaro and Aiosa attended, as did Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, at least four other Bonanno Captains and at least four Bonanno Soldiers.
 |
| S.Aiosa (L) and V. Grimaldi at Amato Wake |
On July 5-6, 1997 the wake for Bonanno Soldier Baldassare 'Baldo' Amato's father was held at Marine Park Funeral Home located at 3024 Quentin Rd in Marine Park, Brooklyn. Attendees included Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Bonanno Captain Vincent Asaro, at least seven other official or acting Bonanno Captains and at least thirty Bonanno Soldiers. Additional attendees included Gambino Acting Captain Leonard 'Lenny' DiMaria, Bonanno Associate Sandro Aiosa and several other Bonanno and Gambino Associates.
On November 20, 1997 the FBI observed Asaro, Aiosa and Bonanno Associate (Member?) Ronald Giallanzo at the Asaro-owned Astro Fences at 86-05 Rockaway Blvd in Ozone Park, Queens.
By 1998 owned a cafe on 101st Ave in Queens.
Aiosa was inducted into the Bonanno Family early that year. Others made were Joseph Grimaldi and Anthony Navarra.
CW Francesco Fiordilino, Navarra's cousin, later claimed he was told the following by Grimaldi: "[Grimaldi] said they drove out to the [Long Island Expressway], two cars, they went out there, they stopped [and exited the vehicles], they told him: Listen, we are not going to go through the ceremony and these guys are made, don't tell nobody."
CW Louis Tartaglione stated he was present when the above were inducted but mentioned nothing unusual in how it was carried out.
Others named as present were Boss Joseph Massino and Underboss Salvatore Vitale.
On November 20, 1997 the FBI observed Asaro, Aiosa and Bonanno Associate (Member?) Ronald Giallanzo at the Asaro-owned Astro Fences at 86-05 Rockaway Blvd in Ozone Park, Queens.
By 1998 owned a cafe on 101st Ave in Queens.
Aiosa was inducted into the Bonanno Family early that year. Others made were Joseph Grimaldi and Anthony Navarra.
CW Francesco Fiordilino, Navarra's cousin, later claimed he was told the following by Grimaldi: "[Grimaldi] said they drove out to the [Long Island Expressway], two cars, they went out there, they stopped [and exited the vehicles], they told him: Listen, we are not going to go through the ceremony and these guys are made, don't tell nobody."
CW Louis Tartaglione stated he was present when the above were inducted but mentioned nothing unusual in how it was carried out.
Others named as present were Boss Joseph Massino and Underboss Salvatore Vitale.
 |
| G. Gambina (L) and M. Zagotti |
In mid-1998 Bonanno Associate Giuseppe 'Joey' Gambina assaulted stockbroker Mark Zagotti over a loan.
Shortly afterward Aiosa brought Gambina to Family Boss Joseph Massino's Casablanca Restaurant in Maspeth. Gambina later testified: "A couple of days afterwards, Sandro, he said, Louie Restivo wants to see you...[I] walked in with Sandro, and Louie Restivo was there with Joe Messino...[Restivo] came up to me [and first] he told me, 'Make sure you leave that kid [Zagotti] alone. His father-in-law is with me...Second thing then he turns around in front of Joe [Massino] and goes, 'Who are you with?' I says, 'I'm with John Palazzolo'. Then Joe Messino turned around and told Sandro, 'From now on you service Joe 'til John gets home...Louie Restivo told me, leave this kid alone. His father-in-law is close to us. You are gonna get your money, just leave the kid alone."
Aiosa and Gambino met with the Asaros to explain the situation. Gambina: "[I] explained the situation, what happened with this kid, where's the money? I want my money back...Every day, where's my money, Sandro? Where's my money? They will give you your money."
Shortly afterward Aiosa brought Gambina to Family Boss Joseph Massino's Casablanca Restaurant in Maspeth. Gambina later testified: "A couple of days afterwards, Sandro, he said, Louie Restivo wants to see you...[I] walked in with Sandro, and Louie Restivo was there with Joe Messino...[Restivo] came up to me [and first] he told me, 'Make sure you leave that kid [Zagotti] alone. His father-in-law is with me...Second thing then he turns around in front of Joe [Massino] and goes, 'Who are you with?' I says, 'I'm with John Palazzolo'. Then Joe Messino turned around and told Sandro, 'From now on you service Joe 'til John gets home...Louie Restivo told me, leave this kid alone. His father-in-law is close to us. You are gonna get your money, just leave the kid alone."
Aiosa and Gambino met with the Asaros to explain the situation. Gambina: "[I] explained the situation, what happened with this kid, where's the money? I want my money back...Every day, where's my money, Sandro? Where's my money? They will give you your money."
 |
| J. Setaro (L) and R. Trucchio Gang Land News |
Some time later Aiosa, Gambina and Vincent Asaro were at Aiosa's cafe when Gambina received a message to meet with Gambino Soldier John 'Johnny Beano' Setaro.
Asaro intervened and warned Gambina not to go alone because 'they (meaning Setaro and Ronald Trucchio) have a reputation when people go by themselves, they beat them up'.
Asaro intervened and warned Gambina not to go alone because 'they (meaning Setaro and Ronald Trucchio) have a reputation when people go by themselves, they beat them up'.
A couple of days later Aiosa met with Setaro and was informed that the Gambino Family were claiming Gambina as being 'with' Gambino Associate Bartolomeo 'Bobby' Vernace.
Around early 1999 the first of multiple sitdowns over Gambina was held at Pat's Restaurant in Elmhurst, Queens. Aiosa, Restivo and Gambina attended for the Bonannos. The Gambinos were represented by Ronald Trucchio, John Setaro and Bartolomeo Vernace. Gambina later testified: "John Beano was talking, saying I was with the Gambino Family, and [said I] gave him a gift in the '90s'..I said I'm not with you..He got loud with me. Even called me a scumbag...They scheduled another sit-down. We couldn't get along." After the sitdown Aiosa told Gambina he was staying with the Bonannos 'no matter what' and that Boss Joseph Massino felt the same way. (Gambina described Ronald Trucchio as being a Captain at the time. Testimony from CW Michael DiLeonardo suggests Trucchio's promotion to that rank occurred closer to 2001. He may have been Acting for Joseph Corozzo.)
A second sitdown was held at the same location and attended by Gambina, Aiosa, Restivo and Gambina's brother Filippo. Gambino Family attendees were Trucchio, Setaro, newly inducted Soldier Vernace and Associate Frank Guidice.
Around early 1999 the first of multiple sitdowns over Gambina was held at Pat's Restaurant in Elmhurst, Queens. Aiosa, Restivo and Gambina attended for the Bonannos. The Gambinos were represented by Ronald Trucchio, John Setaro and Bartolomeo Vernace. Gambina later testified: "John Beano was talking, saying I was with the Gambino Family, and [said I] gave him a gift in the '90s'..I said I'm not with you..He got loud with me. Even called me a scumbag...They scheduled another sit-down. We couldn't get along." After the sitdown Aiosa told Gambina he was staying with the Bonannos 'no matter what' and that Boss Joseph Massino felt the same way. (Gambina described Ronald Trucchio as being a Captain at the time. Testimony from CW Michael DiLeonardo suggests Trucchio's promotion to that rank occurred closer to 2001. He may have been Acting for Joseph Corozzo.)
A second sitdown was held at the same location and attended by Gambina, Aiosa, Restivo and Gambina's brother Filippo. Gambino Family attendees were Trucchio, Setaro, newly inducted Soldier Vernace and Associate Frank Guidice.
 |
| F. Guidice |
Upon arriving Gambina was informed by Guidice that Vernace had been inducted in the time since the first meeting. The made members present went to another part of the restaurant so that formal introductions could be made. (Guidice was himself inducted around the late 2000s.)
It was decided that Gambina would stay with the Bonannos and Mark Zagotti would go with the Gambinos. (The money Zagotti owed to Gambina, which caused the dispute in the first place, was never repaid.)
It was decided that Gambina would stay with the Bonannos and Mark Zagotti would go with the Gambinos. (The money Zagotti owed to Gambina, which caused the dispute in the first place, was never repaid.)
 |
| Aiosa (L) and A. Bonventre at Sciascia Wake |
Attended March 21-22, 1999 wake for murdered Bonanno Captain Gerlando 'George from Canada' Sciascia held in White Plains.
Attended July 18, 1999 for Bonanno Soldier Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata in Fresh Pond, Queens.
On December 21, 1999 FBI - NYPD raid conducted on Cafe Via Veneto at 60-39 Fresh Pond Rd in Maspeth. Those present included Aiosa, Bonanno Soldier Joseph Grimaldi, Gambino Soldier Bartolomeo Vernace and Bonanno Associates Giuseppe 'Joe' Bosco, Francesco Fiordilino, Michele 'Mikey Boots' Sottile and Gambino Associates Vito 'Love' Cortesiano and Giancarlo Terzo. $18,000 cash and multiple joker poker machine circuit boards were seized. A charge against Aiosa for possessing gambling devices was later dismissed. (Fiordilino flipped in October 2003. Around the same time Bosco was inducted into the Bonanno Family and is believed to have served in a leadership capacity during the early 2010s.)
The cafe, located in a building owned by Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino, was being used for the annual Bonanno - Gambino Baccarat card game. Aiosa, who ran the cafe and had two machines there, was also a player in the game. At one point he sought a loan from Bonanno Soldier Filippo Navarra to keep gambling but was refused on Massino's orders.
As a result of the raid, the game moved to Cafe Europa operated by Bonanno Associate Salvatore Conigliaro.
Attended July 18, 1999 for Bonanno Soldier Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata in Fresh Pond, Queens.
On December 21, 1999 FBI - NYPD raid conducted on Cafe Via Veneto at 60-39 Fresh Pond Rd in Maspeth. Those present included Aiosa, Bonanno Soldier Joseph Grimaldi, Gambino Soldier Bartolomeo Vernace and Bonanno Associates Giuseppe 'Joe' Bosco, Francesco Fiordilino, Michele 'Mikey Boots' Sottile and Gambino Associates Vito 'Love' Cortesiano and Giancarlo Terzo. $18,000 cash and multiple joker poker machine circuit boards were seized. A charge against Aiosa for possessing gambling devices was later dismissed. (Fiordilino flipped in October 2003. Around the same time Bosco was inducted into the Bonanno Family and is believed to have served in a leadership capacity during the early 2010s.)
The cafe, located in a building owned by Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino, was being used for the annual Bonanno - Gambino Baccarat card game. Aiosa, who ran the cafe and had two machines there, was also a player in the game. At one point he sought a loan from Bonanno Soldier Filippo Navarra to keep gambling but was refused on Massino's orders.
As a result of the raid, the game moved to Cafe Europa operated by Bonanno Associate Salvatore Conigliaro.
 |
| Aiosa at Navarra Wake |
Attended May 13-14, 2000 wake for Former Bonanno Acting Captain Francesco 'Cheech' Navarra in Fresh Pond.
 |
| Cafe Raid |
At about 2:30 AM on December 23, 2002 an FBI raid was carried out on Cafe Milan Sport in Middle Village, Queens. Those present included Sandro Aiosa, Nicolo Valenti and the Sottiles. $1,065 and various gambling records seized. (Nicolo Valenti was later inducted into the Bonannos per Gang Land News.)
 |
| J. Asaro |
By that time Vincent Asaro, incarcerated since 1999 on a state racketeering charge, had been demoted and replaced by his son Jerry.
Made members of Jerry Asaro's crew included Sandro Aiosa, Antonio Bonventre, Giacomo 'Jack' Bonventre, John 'Johnny Phones' Carlucci, Ronald Giallanzo, Joseph Grimaldi, Vito Grimaldi, Anthony 'Tony Elmont' Mannone and Anthony 'Fat Sammy' Valenti.
On January 20, 2004 Aiosa was among 28 indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn on Federal racketeering charges.
On October 22, 2004 he and eight others pleaded guilty.
Around 2006 Vincent Asaro and his cousin Gasper 'Gary' Valenti were involved in a dispute over money Valenti borrowed from Aiosa. Valenti later testified: "Vinny went to Sandro [and] he says you lent Gary money, and Sandro told him, yes [I] lent him 2000, and then Vinny seen me, and he was really adamant about it. He said you starting all your stuff again, starting to go here and borrowing money. So we got into words, and he told me to stay away from him."
By 2010 Valenti became an FBI informant and repaired his relationship with Asaro. The pair's frequent meetings were often recorded by Valenti, and Aiosa's name came up in multiple conversations later played in court.
On October 12, 2012 Aiosa was released from Federal prison.
In November 2014 among 129 included in Bonanno Organized Crime Family List compiled by Federal government.
On May 30, 2017 the Waterfront Commission revoked Filippo Bonura's longshoreman's registration due to association with Bonanno members Sandro Aiosa, Giacomo Bonventre and Ronald Giallanzo.
Aiosa died May 1, 2023 in New York.
His wake was held at James Romanelli - Stephens Funeral Home at 89-01 Rockaway Blvd in Jamaica, Queens. He was buried in Saint John Cemetery in Middle Village.
Made members of Jerry Asaro's crew included Sandro Aiosa, Antonio Bonventre, Giacomo 'Jack' Bonventre, John 'Johnny Phones' Carlucci, Ronald Giallanzo, Joseph Grimaldi, Vito Grimaldi, Anthony 'Tony Elmont' Mannone and Anthony 'Fat Sammy' Valenti.
On January 20, 2004 Aiosa was among 28 indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn on Federal racketeering charges.
On October 22, 2004 he and eight others pleaded guilty.
Around 2006 Vincent Asaro and his cousin Gasper 'Gary' Valenti were involved in a dispute over money Valenti borrowed from Aiosa. Valenti later testified: "Vinny went to Sandro [and] he says you lent Gary money, and Sandro told him, yes [I] lent him 2000, and then Vinny seen me, and he was really adamant about it. He said you starting all your stuff again, starting to go here and borrowing money. So we got into words, and he told me to stay away from him."
By 2010 Valenti became an FBI informant and repaired his relationship with Asaro. The pair's frequent meetings were often recorded by Valenti, and Aiosa's name came up in multiple conversations later played in court.
On October 12, 2012 Aiosa was released from Federal prison.
In November 2014 among 129 included in Bonanno Organized Crime Family List compiled by Federal government.
On May 30, 2017 the Waterfront Commission revoked Filippo Bonura's longshoreman's registration due to association with Bonanno members Sandro Aiosa, Giacomo Bonventre and Ronald Giallanzo.
Aiosa died May 1, 2023 in New York.
His wake was held at James Romanelli - Stephens Funeral Home at 89-01 Rockaway Blvd in Jamaica, Queens. He was buried in Saint John Cemetery in Middle Village.
