FBI surveillance photographs taken October 1979 in the vicinity of Cafe Italia, a DeCavalcante Family hangout at 612 Third Ave in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
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| Joseph Colletti (L) and John Riggi |
John Riggi (1925-2015) was made the Acting Boss in December 1976 and officially took over the Family around September 1982.
Inducted in 1976, Joseph Colletti (1930-2000) was the son of Jake Colletti, a Family Captain who operated the Ribera Club located across the street.
By Fall 1979 Joseph may have replaced his father or been given a separate crew; the back of one photo notes 'Joseph Colletti?' followed by 'yes Capo'.
It's not clear when the notation was added but he held that rank at the latest by June 1982 when Anthony Rotondo was inducted.
Inducted in 1976, Joseph Colletti (1930-2000) was the son of Jake Colletti, a Family Captain who operated the Ribera Club located across the street.
By Fall 1979 Joseph may have replaced his father or been given a separate crew; the back of one photo notes 'Joseph Colletti?' followed by 'yes Capo'.
It's not clear when the notation was added but he held that rank at the latest by June 1982 when Anthony Rotondo was inducted.
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| Joseph Amato (L) and Unsub |
Joseph Amato (1932-2019) was partners in Val Sand Company with longtime member Louis 'Fat Lou' LaRasso and Consigliere Stefano 'Steve' Vitabile. [Val = Vitabile / Amato / LaRasso]
An FBI report from March 1975 described Amato as a 'made LCN member', although he has yet to turn up in other sources and the DeCav CWs don't mention him in available testimony.
An FBI report from March 1975 described Amato as a 'made LCN member', although he has yet to turn up in other sources and the DeCav CWs don't mention him in available testimony.
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| Louis LaRasso, Joe Amato and Unsubs |
Louis LaRasso (1926-1991), who briefly served as the Family's Underboss in the late 1950s, was described by one informant as a Captain in early August 1977.
Reports from April 1978 identify him as 'the new Underboss' to John Riggi, possibly in an Acting Capacity.
Testimony from CW Vincent Palermo confirms LaRasso held the position during this period before being demoted for a second time: "[Sam] DeCavalcante at the time was the Boss. And Louie was plotting to take Sam DeCavalcante's spot. And because of that, they dropped him down from underboss to soldier instead of killing him."
In 1991 LaRasso was taken off the shelf and promoted to Captain by the imprisoned John Riggi. Members of the New York faction suspected him of again plotting against the leadership and he disappeared that November.
Reports from April 1978 identify him as 'the new Underboss' to John Riggi, possibly in an Acting Capacity.
Testimony from CW Vincent Palermo confirms LaRasso held the position during this period before being demoted for a second time: "[Sam] DeCavalcante at the time was the Boss. And Louie was plotting to take Sam DeCavalcante's spot. And because of that, they dropped him down from underboss to soldier instead of killing him."
In 1991 LaRasso was taken off the shelf and promoted to Captain by the imprisoned John Riggi. Members of the New York faction suspected him of again plotting against the leadership and he disappeared that November.
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| Joseph Ferrara and Unsubs |
Joseph 'Jo Jo' Ferrara (1938-2006) was inducted around October 1977 under Riggi's sponsorship.
He was promoted to Captain around the same time as Louis LaRasso and held the rank at least into early 2001. (Charles Majuri was made Captain at the same time. Both Ferrara and Majuri had initially been 'knocked down' for membership after the books re-opened in 1976.)
He was promoted to Captain around the same time as Louis LaRasso and held the rank at least into early 2001. (Charles Majuri was made Captain at the same time. Both Ferrara and Majuri had initially been 'knocked down' for membership after the books re-opened in 1976.)
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| John Riggi and Unsubs |
