Monday, June 30, 2025

Angelo Mannino (Gambino)

1963
Angelo Mannino was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew.

His sons Samuel (1922-2004) and Ignazio aka 'John' (1925-1957) were also members.

Other connected relatives included nephews Samuel (1915-2001) and Louis Rumore (1912-1991), both Gambino Soldiers in the Dongarra - Armone crew.

Born June 18, 1895 in Torretta comune of Palermo, Sicily to Vincenzo and Giuseppa Marino.

On April 12, 1914 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Italia.

By Summer 1918 family resided at 516 E 13th St in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood. Angelo listed his occupation as barber. Neighbors included the Rumores from Bisacquino, Palermo.

Angelo married Rosina Rumore on July 30 of that year.

As of April 1920 he and his wife were still residing at the E 13th St address.

On July 17, 1922 filed Declaration of Intention in New York County Supreme Court.

On July 19, 1927 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Manhattan.

Witnesses were Calogero Badalamente (41y), a fruit dealer believed from Torretta, and Frank Giordano, a barber. Both listed addresses in Greenwich Village.

Angelo was naturalized that November.

By April 1930 he still listed his occupation as barber.

On August 22, 1931, at approximately 11:00 PM, Joseph 'Joe Cook / Cookie' Buonocore (45y) was stabbed inside a poolroom at 513 E 13th St. Wounded in the stomach and chest, Buonocore retrieved a shotgun and fired both barrels at the proprietor, Angelo Mannino, who escaped injury. (This may be not be the Gambino Member but instead a relative of the same name [1880-1943] who lived nearby at 521 E 13th.)

On September 12, 1931 a car pulled up to the poolroom and three or more gunmen opened fire, wounding Nicholas Cione (28y) and John Mannino (24y), Angelo's younger brother.

Around 3:00 PM the same day, Suspected Colombo Member Joseph Mannino (33y) was shot down at 149 Union St in the Columbia Street Waterfront District neighborhood of Brooklyn. Gambino Soldier Battista 'Tito' Balsamo (28y) and Guglielmo Guica (28y) were held. (Press at the time noted there was no apparent relation between the East Village Manninos and the one murdered in Brooklyn. The latter was from Carini, Palermo. Guglielmo Guica was himself shot to death two months later.)

The incidents occurred two days after Boss of Bosses Salvatore Maranzano was shot and stabbed to death by multiple assailants inside his Grand Central Station office.

By Summer 1932 Angelo moved to 34-44 Crescent St in Astoria, Queens and worked as a plasterer.

On June 29, 1932 he was present when Nunzio Milano (40y), a wire lath contractor, was shot to death in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Angelo, Milano and others had gathered in the basement of Frank Guercio (40y) at 355 Ave X when two masked assailants entered and ordered the group to put their hands up. Brooklyn Times Union reported: "Even as every man in the cellar raised his hands, the gunmen opened fire and sent several bullets into Milano's back, walked out and escaped in a waiting auto." Later that day NYPD Detectives picked up Angelo and he was held without bail as a material witness. It was believed he and Milano were involved in a labor dispute.

On July 8, 1932 Brooklyn Homicide Court Magistrate Thomas F. Casey released Mannino due to insufficient evidence.

(Frank Guercio [1892-1958], owner of the house where Milano was killed, had his own links to LCN. His 1925 Petition for Naturalization was witnessed by Gioachino 'Jack' Mirabile, father of future Bonanno Member Salvatore 'Toto' Mirabile. Toto was in turn related by marriage to Traina crew member Louis 'Fat Lou' D'Agostino. Like the Trainas, Toto's mother [Jack's wife] Elizabeth Buttacavoli was from Belmonte Mezzagno.)

Around May 12, 1938 Angelo was arrested with Oscar Musso (42y) while the pair was hunting in Bellport, Long Island. Musso was fined $50 for game law violations. Angelo was fined $10 for hunting without a license.

(Oscar Joseph Musso [1896-1957], born in Brooklyn to a Corleonesi father, resided in the town of Patchogue about four miles away from the site. Prior to 1938 he served two terms at Sing Sing Prison for auto theft and burglary. In August 1949 he was involved in a knife fight that resulted in a six day hospital stay. In April 1957 Musso attacked someone with a hunting knife during an argument.)

On September 22, 1939 Angelo, Alfred Villani (27y) and seven others were arrested during a card game held inside a Corona, Queens storefront. Six days later the case against Mannino and Villani was dismissed.

The following month, on October 21, Angelo and a couple of dozen others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn on charges involving the operation of three illegal stills in Long Island.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported: "[Ring] had a wide market in Harlem, it was alleged. Gas and water mains were tapped in the vicinity of the ring's Suffolk and Nassau farms to provide free fuel and water for the ring's operations and to avoid detection by the utilities, the indictments charge...The ring is also accused of operating garages in Yaphank, Central Islip and Manhattan to transport the alcohol up-State."

Others indicted included Gambino Soldier Michael 'Skinny Mike' Pecoraro (41y) and Possible DeCavalcante Member Anthony 'The Fox' Caruso (41y).

Mannino and six others were acquitted in early February 1940.

By June 1942 moved to 31-14 76th St in Jackson Heights, Queens. Worked for the Industrial Plastering Corporation located at 50 Court St in Brooklyn Heights.

As of February 1947 managed the Smithtown Hotel in Long Island.

On August 14, 1948 arrested by Nassau County PD after found in possession of a .32 caliber Colt automatic. On October 1 pleaded not guilty and released on $1,000 bail.

By April 1950 Angelo listed his occupation as building contractor. Sons Samuel and Ignazio gave their occupations as hotel proprietor and assistant manager respectively.

The following spring Ignazio married Lillian Valentine in St. James, Long Island. Angelo's Smithtown Hotel hosted the reception.

On September 16, 1953 the Mario and DiBono Plastering Company was incorporated in New York. Directors were Gambino Soldier Joseph DiBono (53y), Joseph's son and Possible Gambino Member Louis DiBono (26y), Angelo Mannino (58y) and Mario Veronesi (52y).

(The DiBonos were identified in the 1960s as Soldiers under Captain David Amodeo. Mario Veronesi, born 1900 in Northern Italy, is mentioned only in relation to the plastering company. He died in 1968. Louis DiBono has the distinction of being the last Family-sanctioned murder of a made member; he was shot to death in the underground parking garage of the World Trade Center in October 1990.)

By Fall 1956 owned Angelo's Bar and Restaurant located on Rt 9-W in Rockland Lake, New York.

The restaurant was gutted by a fire that November, with the resulting press coverage describing Angelo as 'proprietor of the well-known Smithtown Hotel'.

As of 1957 both of Angelo's sons were working at the hotel.

Sam Mannino (1963)
They had also followed Angelo into the Gambino Family and, like their father, were reporting to Captain Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino (Traina's step-brother), Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri (Philip's son), Angelo Mannino and his sons Ignazio 'John' and Samuel Mannino, Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Probable crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

Ignazio Mannino died that November in Port Jefferson, Long Island.

The Manninos first came to the attention of the FBI in the middle of June 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, had previously identified Giuseppe Traina as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him. On June 18 he identified four additional Traina crew members to Agents: Oxie LNU (Joseph Marino) and a father and two sons named Mileno (ph). (Agents subsequently confirmed the correct identities.)

Santantonio, who told his handlers that he could identify additional members of the Family's various crews if they brought him photographs, was murdered the following month inside his Gravesend florist.

That September the Bureau opened investigations on both Angelo and Sam, who was then living and working at the Smithtown Hotel located at 155 West Main St. The hotel chef was Angelo's brother-in-law John Rumore.

Angelo was surreptitiously photographed by Agents early that December. (See top photo)

On April 26-27, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised the following concerning some shylocking activities in Suffolk County, advising he knows that Angelo’s Restaurant, located in Smithtown, Long Island, is operated by the son of one Angelo Mannino, whom [CI] described as a man in his early 70’s who has white hair, and apparently had earned his living most of his life through shylocking activities. He advised this individual operates a brand new 1966 or 1967 Cadillac." Angelo's loansharking customers were said to include the owner of a tailor shop in Lake Ronkonkoma.

On November 30, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he does not have any current info concerning Angelo Mannino and John Rizzo. [CI] pointed out that Mannino's friend, [Redacted], is still heavily in debt and doubts whether he will ever pull out of it." (John Rizzo [1919-1988] was then a Gambino Soldier under Peter 'Petey Pumps' Ferrara.)

In August 1968 an informant reported seeing Mannino's auto parked on Main St in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

Joseph Traina was by this point retired as Gambino Captain and had been succeeded by son Mario.

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

In or around March 1974 Angelo checked into Kings Park Psychiatric Center in Smithtown.

He died there on July 10 and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery located in Kew Gardens, Queens.

On April 26, 1975 Gambino Associate Edward Lino married Anna Mannino in Brooklyn.
 
In August an informant reported: "[CI] advised that [redacted] deceased Gambino Soldier, Angelo Mannino. Edward Lino has recently become involved in the construction company in which his deceased father-in-law had a financial interest in."

The source appears to be referring to the Traina crew member who died the previous year, however, Lino's father-in-law Vincent James (1911-2007) was born to Filippo Mannino from Montelepre, Palermo.

(Lino was part of a crew of Associates reporting directly to Family Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. During this time period he and others in the group were suspected of narcotics trafficking and multiple murders. He became a made member following John Gotti's takeover of the Family in 1986, rose to Captain, and was murdered in 1990 by NYPD Detectives operating on the Lucchese Family's payroll.)

In December 1975 posthumously included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.

In January 1977 posthumously included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

Friday, June 27, 2025

Kansas City Family (1970s - 1980s)

Collection of info on the Kansas City Family's structure during the 1970s and 1980s.

1971
N. Civella (L) and C. DeLuna
An FBI Top Echelon Source gave the following outline in July 1971:

Boss: Nick Civella (59y)

Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (44y)

Captains:
1. Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (58y)
2. Joseph Carrolla (55y)
3. Carl 'Cork' Civella (61y)

He identified the following as members:

Current
- Sebastiano 'Buster' Balestrere (53y)
- Charles 'Red Brick' Bengimina (62y)
- Jack Binaggia (74y)
- John Blando (74y)
- William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (57y)
- Charles Carrollo (69y) (Deported)
- Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (57y)
- Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (41y)
- Joseph Cusumano (71y)
- Frank DeLuca [Died 1967; Possibly re brother Joseph (78y)]
- Joseph 'Scarface' DiGiovanni (83y) (Died 8.71)
- Felix 'Phil' Ferina (47y)
- Joseph Filardo (73y)
- Thomas 'Dude' Fontanella (60y)
- Joseph LaScuola (74y)
- Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (76y) [Former (?) Consigliere]
- Lawrence 'Larry' Musso (57y) (Las Vegas) [Believed transferred to Los Angeles]
- About Six Redacted Names

Total: 26

Former
- James 'Big Jim' Balestrere (Died 1959)
- Charles Binaggio (Murdered 1950)
- Louis 'Black Louie' Cangelose (Killed [Auto Accident] 1965)
- Charles 'Mad Dog' Gargotta (Murdered 1950)
- Anthony Gizzo (Died 1953)
- Joseph 'Joey G.' Gurera (Died 1967)
- John Lazia (Murdered 1934)
- John 'Johnny Mag' Mangiaracina (Died 1970)
- Thomas 'Hiway' Simone (Underboss) (Died 1968)

1976

FBI report on the Family dated January 16, 1976:


1977
Nick Civella at MCFP Springfield (Apr. 1977)
In January 1977 the FBI's Kansas City Field Office reported:
"
[Seven CIs] have furnished the following information concerning leadership of the LCN Family of Kansas City:

Joseph Nicholas Civella, aka Nick Civella - Boss
Carl Angelo DeLuna - Underboss


Carl James Civella - Ranking Member
Anthony Thomas Civella - Ranking Member
Charles David Moretina - Ranking Member
Pete Tamburello - Ranking Member
Thomas Fontanella - Ranking Member
Thomas Lococo - Advisory
Joseph Filardo - Advisory

"

1980
Civella (c. 1980)
As of April 1980 the FBI identified the Family administration as Nick Civella (68y) (Boss), Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (53y) (Underboss) and Carl 'Cork' Civella (70y) (Consigliere).

1983

In early March 1983 Boss Nick Civella (70y) was released from the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri due to failing health.

He died March 12 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

On August 10, 1983 William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano was released from Federal prison.

In Fall 1983 the FBI reported the following updated structure:

Boss: Carl Civella (73y)
Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (56y)
Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (69y)
2. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (53y)
3. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (55y)

1984

On January 17, 1984 FBI KC reported:
"
A review of current intelligence information has been done and the following is set forth:

Carl James Civella - Boss (Incarcerated)

Carl Angelo DeLuna - Underboss (Incarcerated)

William Cammisano, Sr. - Caporegima

Charles David Moretina - Caporegima (Incarcerated)

Anthony Thomas Civella - Caporegima (Street boss)

[Redacted] - Soldier (Las Vegas)

Charles William Bengimina - Soldier (inactive)


[Redacted] - Soldier (inactive)

Charles Anthony Cacioppo - Soldier

Thomas Joseph Cacioppo - Soldier

Joseph S. Carrolla - Soldier (inactive)

Salvatore Carrollo - Soldier


[Redacted] - Soldier (inactive)

Felix Ferina - Soldier

Joseph Filardo - Soldier (inactive)

Thomas Fontanella - Soldier (inactive)

Michael Lascuola - Soldier (inactive)


[Redacted] - Soldier

[Redacted] - Soldier

[Redacted] - Soldier

It is noted that in 10/1983, the top leadership in the persons of Carl James Civella, Carl DeLuna and Charles Moretina were incarcerated following sentencing in the [Vegas skim] case, their appeal bonds having been revoked. In view of the short period of time that has elapsed since their incarceration, it is not clear yet what changes in leadership will take place...[there] is some information that certain members will be moving into the hierarchy. It is felt that by the time of the next semi-annual review this situation will be clearer and changes can then be documented.

It is fairly apparent that Anthony Thomas Civella is considered the 'street boss'; that is, the individual acting in behalf of the incarcerated Boss and Underboss, handling the day-to-day needs of the Family.
"

The redacted member from Las Vegas is believed to be Angelo 'Duke' Balestrere (1924-1997), son of former KC leader James 'Big Jim' Balestrere, cousin of Soldier John Blando and brother-in-law to KC / LA Soldier Larry Musso.

By December 1984 Agents were receiving information from an individual who was either closely associated with made members of the Kansas City Family or was himself a member.

Over the next year this source provided historical information, including details on mob wars and murders going back to the 1940s, as well as updates on hierarchy and newly inducted members. (Most of the available reports are largely redacted.)

On December 5-7, 1984 FBI KC reported:
"
From this source is [redacted] as to who the made members were and are.

The following are members who are now deceased:
Nick Civella
James Balestrere, aka Big Jim
Joe DiGiovanni, aka Scarface
Pete DiGiovanni
Frank LaRocca
John Blando
Bustiano Balestrere, aka Buster
Vito Balestrere
Joe DeLuca
Frank DeLuca
Jack Ancona
Thomas Simone, aka Hiway
Joe LaScuola, aka Joe School
Phil LaScuola, aka Foolie Babe
Joseph Gurera, aka Joe G.
John Mangiaracina, aka Johnny Mag
Louie Cangelose, aka Black Louie
Joseph Cammisano
Tony Gizzo
Charles Binaggio
[Described by source as 'a leader of the Family']
Charles Gargotta
Joe Cusumano
Felix Ferina

The following individuals are members who are still living:
Joseph Filardo

[Approximately Five Redacted Names]
William Cammisano Sr.
Carl DeLuna

[Two Redacted Names]
(First name unrecalled) [Redacted]

Source was specifically asked about the following individuals and stated they definitely were not 'made' members:
James Duardi

[Approximately Four Redacted Names]
John Molle [Believed referring to a relative of member John Molle (1914-1982)]
[Approximately Six Redacted Names]
Ross Strada (deceased)
Joe DiGiovanni, aka Joe D. (deceased - was residing in Las Vegas)
Willie Cammisano, Jr.

"

1985

An FBI chart from that year depicted the same structure as Fall 1983:

Boss: Carl 'Cork' Civella (75y)

Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (58y)

Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (71y)
2. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (55y)
3. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (57y)

Soldiers:
1. Charles 'Chuckie Morgan' Cacioppo (63y)
2. Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (72y) [Former Captain]
3. Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (71y)
4. Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (90y) [Former Consigliere]
5. Lawrence Musso (71y) [Believed transferred to Los Angeles]
6. Peter 'Cousin' Tamburello (53y)
7. Frank Tousa (57y)

By November 1985 the FBI's source reported that William Cammisano Jr. (36y) had been inducted.

1986
W. Cammisano Jr.
In January 1986 FBI KC compiled a summary report on Cammisano Jr. (36y), identifying him as the Family's Underboss. Report noted: "Inducted 1985...Hitman, implicated in several recent LCN hits. Runs all gambling, bookmaking and loansharking operations conducted by Kansas City LCN."

1987

In February 1987 an updated Family chart was submitted for use in Senate Hearings:

Boss: William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (72y)

Underboss: Vacant

Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William Cammisano Jr. (37y)
2. Peter Joseph Simone (41y)

A membership list, differing in some ways from the hierarchy chart, was sent at the same time:

Members
1. Angelo 'Duke' Balestrere (62y) (Inactive)
2. Charles 'Red Brick' Bengimina (77y) (IA)
3. Jack Binaggia (89y) (IA)
4. Charles 'Chuckie Morgan' Cacioppo (64y)
5. [Redacted] [Former Captain Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (64y)]
6. William Cammisano Jr. (37y) [List names him Underboss as opposed to Captain]
7. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (72y) (Boss)
8. Joseph Carrolla (70y) (IA) [Former Captain]
9. [Redacted] [Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (72y)]
10. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (57y) [Listed as Captain but believed to have stepped down / been demoted by this time]
11. Carl 'Cork' Civella (77y) (IA) [Former Boss]
12. Joseph DeLuca (IA) [Died 1975]
13. Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (59y) (IA) [Former Underboss]
14. [Redacted] (IA) [Thomas 'Dude' Fontanella (75y) or Michael LaScuola (80y)]
15. Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (92y) [Former Consigliere]
16. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (58y) [Listed as Captain but believed to have stepped down / been demoted by this time]
17. [Redacted] (Las Vegas) [Probably Larry Musso (68y)]
18. [Redacted] (Las Vegas) [Possibilities include Vincent Pisciotta (32y), Angelo Porrello (53y) or Philip Rizzuto (48y)]
19. [Redacted] [Captain Peter Simone (41y)]
20. [Redacted] [Probably Peter Tamburello (51y)]
21. Frank Tousa (60y)

On September 27 FBI CI reported that Carl DeLuna, Gaetano Lococo and Unsub were inactive.

On September 29 FBI CI reported likewise for Anthony Civella and Charles Moretina.

1989

In November the hierarchy was reported as Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (59y) and William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (75y) as Boss and Consigliere respectively. Underboss position vacant and no Captains listed.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Joseph Giardina (Gambino)

L to R: J. Giardina Jr., L. Giardina, S. Giardina
1960s
Joseph Giardina was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew.

His sons Salvatore 'Teddy' (1921-2018), Louis 'Red' (1924-2012) and Joseph Jr. (1933-2014) were also members.

Joseph was born February 17, 1896 in Mussomeli comune of Caltanissetta, Sicily.

On May 25, 1912 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. San Giorgio. Destined for older brother Louis (27y) at 229 Elizabeth St in Little Italy, Manhattan.

By 1918 resided at 7 Prince St in Little Italy and worked as a hod carrier.

Around 1919 married Maria Sorce (25y). Bride's parents Salvatore and Giuseppina Catania from Mussomeli. (There may be a relation to New Jersey based Gambino Soldier Pietro Sorce [1904-1988].)

Emanuel aka 'Manny', the first of four sons, was born in January 1920.

Joseph was naturalized that October.

Salvatore was born September of the following year.

Louis was born May 1924.

By April 1930 the family moved to 1865 Cropsey Ave in Bath Beach, Brooklyn.

Joseph, likely already a Gambino member, listed his occupation as union delegate.

Joseph Jr. was born September 1933.

By 1942 Joseph Sr. served as Business Agent for Mason Tenders Local 23.

Salvatore and Louis worked for the Precision Company at 16 W 22nd St in Manhattan's Flatiron District.

In Early 1943 Louis joined the Army and served in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater, being awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations Ribbon and the Bronze Battle Star. After his October 1945 discharge he joined his father at Local 23 and was Business Agent within a year.

The local's headquarters was soon moved around the corner from 26 Prince to 238 Mott St.

By 1948 Joseph Sr. was the Local's President and Business Agent.

In the Fall of 1949 Louis moved a couple of blocks away to 8900 18th Ave.
 
1950s - Gambino Membership

As of April 1950 Salvatore and his wife remained at the Giardina family home on Cropsey Ave.  Listing his occupation as mechanic / oil burner, he and a partner established their own company, F & G, in 1947.

In early October 1955 Joseph Sr.'s oldest son Emanuel 'Manny' Giardina, a New York City court interpreter, died and was waked at Daniel George & Son Funeral Home in in Bath Beach.

By 1958 the three surviving brothers had followed their father into the Gambino Family and were reporting to Captain Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino (Traina's step-brother), Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri (Philip's son), Angelo Mannino and his son Samuel Mannino, Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Possible crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent Sarullo, as yet the only known New York based member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

1960s

Around 1962 Salvatore left Brooklyn for Staten Island, settling in the Todt Hill neighborhood. He obtained his master plumber's license soon after.

The Giardinas first came to the attention of the FBI in late March 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, had previously identified Giuseppe Traina as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him.

On March 29 he identified 'Louis Giordano' and his two brothers, names unknown, as Gambino Soldiers under Traina. (The father wasn't mentioned.)

Santantonio, who told Agents he could identify additional members of the Family's various crews if they brought him photographs, was murdered that July inside his Bath Beach florist.

In September the FBI opened an investigation on Louis, then living at 8820 15th Ave and serving as Local 23 Business Representative. (Files weren't opened on the other two brothers until July 1965 and on Joseph Sr. until November 1970.)

On April 24, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Local 23] is actually controlled by Louis Giardano (ph). He stated that Giardano is a 'button' in the Genovese Family. He stated prior to the disappearance of Tony Bender, Bender was Giardano's 'Rabbi', but now Giardano controls the union without help from any hoodlums." (This is not the only informant report identifying the Giardinas as Genovese members. Anthony 'Tony Bender' Strollo was a former Genovese Captain and Acting Admin member who disappeared in April 1962.)

On June 11, 1964 FBI Agents interviewed Louis, possibly at Local 23's new location in Union Square: "...Giardina stated that his local has 2500 members and is the largest Mason Tenders Union in the United States...Giardina resides with his family at 88-20 15th Avenue, Brooklyn. He stated this is a duplex dwelling, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, reside in the other half of this dwelling. Giardina stated he has no sisters, and he has [a brother Salvatore] and a brother Joseph Jr., age 31, who is his assistant at the [local]. Giardina stated that the only organizations he belongs to are the Veterans of the Foreign Wars and the Racing Pigeon Association of America. Giardina stated that raising and training racing pigeons has been his hobby all of his adult life. Giardina stated that he has no knowledge of organized crime, and he has never been associated with any type of organized crime."

On August 18, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was contacted re Louis Giardina, Business Representative of Local 23 [and] advised that Local 23 is a local of the International Hod Carriers Union and this International puts out a monthly publication called 'The Laborer'. [CI] could not state definitely whether Giardina's photograph has appeared in this publication but would be alert to any further photographs of this individual." Agents eventually obtained photos of Louis and his brothers through surveillance / concealed camera (see top).

On September 18, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated that he is not personally acquainted with Louis Giardina but he has observed Giardina with his father at a number of functions to which both Giardina and [CI] have gone. [He] pointed out that Giardina's local [redacted]...Giardina has been invariably seen in the company of his father at all of these functions and it is [CI]'s impression that the father still 'keeps his hand in' Local 23 matters. It is also [CI]'s impression that Louis Giardina was handpicked by his father to replace the father as head of Local 23."

On November 5, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was asked as to what additional information he could furnish re Louis Giardina, head of Local 23 [and] stated that he was certain Giardina had been 'made' in 1958 [redacted]...Giardina was probably in the Gambino Family, while not certain of whose 'regime' he was under, he thought Giardina was under Arthur Leo." (Arthur Leo [1924-1965] was made Captain over a portion of Vincent 'Jimmy Jerome' Squillante's crew after the latter disappeared in 1960. After Leo's death his regime, active primarily in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Astoria, Queens, was taken over by Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano [1900-1992].)

By Summer 1965 Joseph Jr. was Local 23's Business Agent.

On December 14, 1965 Salvatore was interviewed. After providing biographical details on himself and his family he was questioned concerning LCN: "...He stated that he has had no contact with anyone with a criminal record to his knowledge with the exception of [redacted section]. He stated, otherwise, he can recall meeting no one whom he believes to have a hoodlum background. He claimed he does not gamble and his job requires his entire time, his working hours usually being from 9:00 AM to 6:00 or 7:00 PM, and his evenings are spent in preparing estimates and other related work. He noted that his firm does a large amount of business with the City of New York, and there is usually a tremendous amount of paper work to be done with this type of contract. He denied he has ever been arrested, and further denied he was acquainted with Carlo Gambino."

The following day an informant reported: "[Redacted] has a brother, Louis Giardina, who is connected with Thomas Lucchese and who is a delegate or Treasurer in a Manhattan construction union."

On January 31, 1966 FBI reported: "Personal observation of [Joseph Giardina Jr.] made in connection with another investigation during the Spring of 1965, determined that he spent most of the work day at the offices of Local 23...[While] under observation departed home normally at about 10:00 AM [in] the company of his father and brother, Louis. He departed the office about 5:15 PM and traveled in the company of his father and brother. Automobiles used for this travel are registered to Local 23 and are kept either in the driveway of his residence of nearby on the street."

The same year an informant stated that 'Sal' Giardina (believed referring to Joseph Sr.) had two unidentified Local 23 officers murdered, 'then moved in and took the union'. (The FBI investigated and as of 1971 uncovered no evidence supporting the claim.)

In September 1968 Joseph and his sons were included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

The following month FBI CI reported: "Joseph Giardina and his sons, Salvatore, Louis and Joseph Jr., are all members of the LCN in the Genovese Family under Gaetano Greco alias Tommy Palmer." (The informant may be confusing the Gambino members with another set of Giardinas who, like 'Tommy Palmer' Greco, were from Messina.)

Joseph Traina was by this point retired as Gambino Captain and had been succeeded by son Mario.

1970s

By Fall 1970 Joseph Sr., in addition to being Local 23's President, was Secretary-Treasurer and overseer of the union's Welfare and Pension Fund.

On December 22, 1970 the FBI's New York Office reported: "[Review] of the records of [Department of Labor] indicated bank records of Joseph Giardina Sr., President of Local 23, and Louis Giardina, Business Manager of Local 23, obtained deposits and withdrawals (5 figures). Copies of these records were turned over to [Federal] Strike Force. It was also noted that during the investigation payments to and on behalf of the three Giardinas were unusually high in relation to total receipts of the union, however, their salaries were duly approved by the membership."

On September 7, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he has no information that Salvatore Giardina is involved in any illegal activities at this time."

Joseph Sr. died December 21, 1972 at St. Vincent's Hospital and was waked at Daniel George & Son in Bath Beach.

In October 1977 Salvatore Giardina submitted a FOIA request on himself through his attorney. (He's not the only made member to do so. Colombo Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese and Bonanno Captain Philip 'Phil Lucky' Giaccone likewise had their attorneys file requests in 1975 and 1980 respectively. Future Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino did the same in June 1978, about a year after he was made.)

1980s + Louis Convicted

On July 16, 1980 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised [Redacted] recently completed a deal with Louis Giardina, Mason Tenders Local 23, NYC, wherein [Redacted] provided a [redacted] also involved a local union located on First Ave, NYC, which is controlled by the Genovese LCN Family. [CI] advised as a result of the arrangement between [Redacted] and Giardina, Giardina and an unknown individual at the other local received a kickback of $100,000 each."

In November 1980 Louis attended the wedding reception for Sicilian Mafia Member Giuseppe Bono in Manhattan. Many members from New York and New Jersey, as well as from Canada, Sicily and South America, were present. During the reception Giardina was photographed at a table with Gambino Soldiers (and Traina crew members) Charles LiCastri, Joseph Marino and Vincent Sarullo, Gambino Soldier (and Fatico crew member) Anthony 'Tony Lee' Guerrieri and Gambino Associate Salvatore Reale. (Photograph posted and subsequent identifications made on The Black Hand Forum.)

In mid-February 1981 Louis traveled to Florida for an AFL -CIO convention.

Around 1981 Gambino Associate Frank Fappiano obtained employment with Local 23 through Gambino Soldier Frank DeCicco and Gambino Associate Joseph 'Joe Brewster' Delmonico. Fappiano later testified: "I mixed the cement mixture, clean up areas, set up the scaffold, basically clean up the debris on the job going up on a high rise job...I worked on the Trump Towers, the IBM building, the Statue of Liberty. Worked on numerous jobs [at] different areas. Sometimes I was a laborer just cleaning up, sometimes I ran the inside elevators, sometimes I ran the outside material hoists...As I got laid off I called [DeCicco], and he called either Joe [Delmonico] or Louie [Giardina] and told them to put me back to work." (Fappiano was inducted into the Gambino Family in 1990 and became a Cooperating Witness in 2004.)

Salvatore Giardina and his brother Joseph Jr., but not Louis, were included in a June 1983 Senate Chart of Gambino membership.

Around this time Louis was involved in a $100,000 labor payoff from Local 638 Steamfitters Union to Gambino Boss Paul Castellano.

The following year Gambino Associate Michael DiLeonardo temporarily worked for Local 23 as warehouseman on a New Jersey pier. Job obtained through Gambino Captains Thomas Bilotti and Frank DeCicco and Gambino Soldier (Acting Captain?) Paul Zaccaria. (DiLeonardo was inducted into the Gambinos in 1988 and became a CW in 2002.)

By 1986 Louis Giardina had followed his brother Salvatore to Todt Hill, Staten Island. In addition to his position with with Local 23, he owned four properties and held multiple stocks-bonds accounts.

L. Giardina (L) and F. DeCicco (R)
On March 24 of that year he and Gambino Underboss Frank DeCicco were surveilled and photographed by the FBI meeting outside DeCicco's social club at 1628 Bath Ave.

The following month DeCicco was killed in an unsanctioned bombing orchestrated by the Genovese and Lucchese leadership. His two-day wake was attended by members and associates from all five New York Families including Louis Giardina.

Two months later Louis was surveilled meeting with Gambino Captain George DeCicco, Frank's uncle, at the Bath Ave club. (George took over Frank's crew upon the latter's appointment to Underboss in January 1986.)

One week later, on June 20, Louis and fifteen others were indicted on Federal racketeering charges by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn. The charges against Giardina related to the 1983 Steamfitters Union payoff. Arrested by Agents at his residence, he pleaded not guilty and was released on $200,000 bond.

Trial for Louis and two others began in March 1987 and they were convicted the same month.

A presentencing document from early May noted: "[Giardina] was convicted of active participation in discussions between [11/82] and [6/83] with Paul Castellano concerning illegal payoffs, and with furnishing information to Castellano regarding union activities in the Metropolitan New York area. [Giardina] was viewed by authorities as an associate of [Redacted] of the Gambino Crime Family. This 62 year old defendant is a native New Yorker who since 1946 has been the business manager of the family operated Mason Tender's Union Local 23. He has accumulated assets of over $700,000...Based on interviews with the defendant and family members, and numerous letters received on his behalf, it seems clear [Giardina] has dedicated much of his life to the welfare of others and to the achievement of personal success. Based on his conviction, however, it is also clear that he compromised his position and violated the trust of the [union] membership."

On May 18 sentenced by Judge Jack B. Weinstein to five years imprisonment and fined $40,000.

Following his conviction Louis was replaced as Business Manager by his son Joseph.

In December of 1987 Joseph Giardina Jr. was included in an FBI chart of the Genovese Family.

In April 1988 Louis and Joseph Giardina Jr. were included in Senate Charts of Gambino and Genovese Family membership respectively. (Salvatore wasn't named in either one.)

L. Giardina at FCI Seagoville
On May 31, 1988 Louis surrendered at FCI Seagoville, Texas to serve out his sentence. He was assigned to the facility's Plumbing Shop.

On September 7, 1988 he was temporarily removed from FCI Seagoville on a Federal writ. Spent time at multiple institutions including FCI Texarkana, FCI El Reno, FCI Talladega, MDC New York and USP Lewisburg.

On January 24, 1989 returned to FCI Seagoville.

1990s

On March 19, 1990 FCI Seagoville staff submitted Progress Report: "[Louis] graduated from ABE on 7-12-89 and has been enrolled in GED ever since. He is an excellent student who has helped others with their educational work. His demeanor in the classroom provides a mature stabilization to those students younger than him. He has been an asset in the Education Department while trying to improve himself."

Louis was released from FCI Seagoville on May 30, 1990.

The Giardinas were then reporting to Captain Mario Traina.

M. Traina
Court Exhibit
Members under Traina included Joseph Giardina Jr., Louis Giardina, Salvatore Giardina, Charles LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri, Samuel Mannino, Joseph Marino and Vincent Sarullo.

On July 12, 1990 Joseph Giardina Jr. was included in an FBI Newark Office list of Genovese Family membership residing in New Jersey. (He had moved from New York to Garfield, NJ by 1989.)

M. DiLeonardo (L) and F. Fappiano (R)
Gang Land News
Around 1995 a conflict developed between the Gambino Family and Louis Giardina's sons over the handling of Local 23. Frank Fappiano later testified: "Once [Giardina's sons] got involved with the union, they were basically legitimate kids, they were lawyers, and they tried to run the union legitimately the way that it's supposed to really be run. And we wouldn't have that because it was stopping us from making any money on projects. Every time I told them to stay away from the job or give them a job to make a deal on it, it was like telling them to go float the job with union guys and disregard the whole conversation that I had with them. And I tried to sit down with [Louis Giardina] numerous times to correct it because they weren't listening and it was starting to be a little embarrassing with other people and other Families...I spoke to [Captain Michael DiLeonardo], who was also on the construction with us, I told him we got to do something with these kids, let's get ahold of them, talk to them, grab the father, see what we have to do, because it's getting ridiculous now." Fappiano and DiLeonardo brought the issue to Gambino Captain Peter Gotti. Fappiano: "We met with Lou Giardina a couple of times with his brother. But that was at the end of my involvement with 23. It was already almost fully under the trusteeship, the government was pretty much involved at that time. And we tried to talk to the father about doing little odds and ends jobs here and there, but at that point it was to no avail [and the issue] was never resolved."

By that time Mario Traina died and was replaced as Captain by Joseph Marino.

2000s
 
A Govt chart of the Gambino Family compiled in May 2000 indicates that Louis and Salvatore Giardina may have been transferred from the Marino - Traina crew. The two brothers (Joseph Jr. is absent from the chart) are shown as reporting to Salvatore Franco.

Listed as Gambino Soldiers under Franco were Salvatore's younger brother Joseph, Louis Giardina, Salvatore Giardina, Salvatore Mangialino (IP) and Alfonso Spitaleri.

Mangialino (1937-2019), serving a twenty-five year sentence brought about by crimes committed in the early 1980s with the DeMeo Crew, formerly reported to Captain Joseph 'Joe Butch' Corrao. (The May 2000 Chart indicates that Corrao had since been demoted; he and most of his Soldiers are listed with the Scala - Gotti crew.)

Spitaleri (1931-2019) may have reported to Captain Pasquale 'Patsy' Conte in the 1960s.

Louis Giardina died April 19, 2012 at his Todt Hill residence.

Wake held April 22-23 at Miraglia Funeral Chapels located at 8519 New Utrecht Ave in Bensonhurst.

Joseph Giardina Jr. died June 2, 2014 in New Jersey. His wake was held three days later at Marrocco Memorial Chapel in Clifton.

Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina died January 8, 2018 and was waked two days later at the Torregrossa Funeral Home in Dyker Heights. (The business was established in the 1940s by longtime Gambino member Andrew Torregrossa [1892-1985].)

In October 2024 Louis Giardina's grandson Robert was identified by Gang Land News as a Gambino member reporting to Acting Captain Joseph Traina, who was in turn a grandson of Joseph Traina, the Giardinas' earliest known Captain.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Louis D'Agostino (Gambino)

1966
Louis 'Fat Lou' D'Agostino was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew.

His step-brother Joseph Traina (1883-1979) was an influential member going back to the 1910s-1920s under boss Salvatore D'Aquila.

Nephew Mario Traina, Joseph's son, was a longtime Captain.

D'Agostino was also related by marriage to Bonanno member Salvatore Mirabile and the Gambino SanFilippos.

Born Luigi Giovanni D'Agostino on November 23, 1908 at 165 Chrystie St in Little Italy, Manhattan to Giuseppe (49y) and Rose Giallombardo (32y). Family resided at same address. Parents both believed from Belmonte Mezzagno comune of Palermo, Sicily.

Lou's father had arrived at the Port of New York in August 1898, destined for 'my allied' Salvatore Traina at 30 Main St in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn.

J. Traina (1928)
Both Louis D'Agostino's mother and Joseph Traina's father died and at some point the widowed spouses married each other.

On September 2, 1925 D'Agostino's older brother Peter married Josephine Italiano in Brooklyn. (In 1916 Italiano's parents, also from Belmonte Mezzagno, were godparents to one of Joseph Traina's children.)

On July 3, 1934 Louis married Carmela 'Millie' Belmonte (25y) in Manhattan. Her father Giovanni (DOB 1878) was from Caltanissetta, Sicily.

By Fall 1940 he and his wife resided at 1521 71st St in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Employed with Cincinnati Beers Ale Incorporated at 674-676 Pacific St in Prospect Heights.

In the early 1940s he took a job as salesman for his step-brother's Empire Yeast Company in Manhattan, replacing Mario Traina after the latter began serving in the US Army.

By the 1950s D'Agostino was a made member of the Gambino Family and reported to Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino, Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri (Philip's son), Angelo Mannino and his sons Ignazio 'John' and Samuel Mannino, Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Possible crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (D'Agostino and Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

D'Agostino first came to the attention of the FBI in April 1963. CI Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, identified Joseph Traina as a Captain and his son 'Red' (Mario) as a Soldier under him. Scarpa also noted: "[Red] Traina has an uncle by the name of Lou D'Agostino, who is also a 'button' in the Gambino Family."

The FBI opened an investigation on D'Agostino around July 1965.

He was then working for D'Agostino Excavators Inc. located at 77-11 51st Ave in Elmhurst, Queens. The company was owned by several cousins.

On October 12, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] previously furnished the description of a car operated by 'Louie', who is an associate of [Redacted]...[License] listed to Larom Corporation, 16 Bay 38th Street, Brooklyn. [CI] advised that Louie's full name is Louis D'Agostino."

On December 27, 1965 FBI CI reported: "The members of the Traina blood family were discussed with informant. In addition to this, photographs of Mario (Red) Traina and Joseph (Red) Traina were exhibited [and CI] advised Mario (Red) Traina was a member of the Gambino Family of La Cosa Nostra. He stated Mario's father, Giuseppe Traina, is also a member of the Gambino Family and was a Captain in that Family. [CI] pointed out Giuseppe is now well up in years and he does not know at this time whether Giuseppe is still a Captain or not...[CI] also pointed out that Giuseppe Traina and his two sons have another relative, Louis D'Agostino, who lives in the vicinity of 70th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, whom he knows as Fat Louie. CI stated D'Agostino is related in some way to Giuseppe Traina and his sons and [is] also a member of the Gambino Family of LCN."

On April 27, 1966 D'Agostino was interviewed by the FBI: "Louis D'Agostino [advised] he was born on 11/3/1908, in New York City to Joseph D'Agostino and Rose Gialombordo (or Giolombordo) and Baptized at St. Patrick's Church, Mulberry Street...His father married Giuseppe Traina's mother after the death of his mother and the death of Traina's father...He stated he worked for the Cincinnati Beers and Ale, Inc and the Sun Rise Beer Distributors prior to working for his step-brother Giuseppe Traina as a yeast salesman for Empire Yeast Company. He stated when Giuseppe's son, Mario, went into the Army in the early 1940's he took Mario's job with Empire Yeast and remained with the company for 22 years. He stated he met Salvatore Guarnieri due to this business. He is presently working for D'Agostino Excavators [which] is owned by the D'Agostino brothers [who] are his cousins. The D'Agostino brothers have a sister, Rosalie, who is married to Salvatore Mirabile...He stated that he is not a member of LCN, nor does he know anyone who is and his knowledge of it is limited to what he has read in the newspapers." (Salvatore Guarnieri [1915-1979] was a Gambino member who owned a pizzeria in New Utrecht, Brooklyn. He reported at the time to Olympio 'Lilo' Garofalo but associated with several Traina crew members. By the 1970s he ran the Villa Egea on 17th Ave in Bensonhurst where members of multiple Families congregated weekly.)

One or more photographs were taken with a hidden camera during questioning, a tactic commonly used by Agents to get pictures of the more obscure figures. (See top photo)

On September 13, 1966 Agents showed a photograph to CI Gregory Scarpa: "[He] advised that D'Agostino is a member of the Gambino Family [and] pointed out that D'Agostino is related to Red Traina, but he does not know what this relationship is. Scarpa stated to his knowledge D'Agostino is not involved in any illegal activities and has a legitimate job. Scarpa stated D'Agostino is also not particularly highly regarded by other members of La Cosa Nostra."

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

On October 6, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was contacted and advised the following individuals are members of the Vito Genovese Family of LCN...Louis D'Agostino - [Redacted]."

On October 3, 1969 interviewed by INS at his residence in Brooklyn. He gave background information on his family and claimed he had never left the country. He also stated he was widowed, suffered from a heart condition and worked as a watchman for a Bensonhurst fruit market. A report compiled afterward noted D'Agostino had no known criminal record.

Joseph Traina was by this point retired as Gambino Captain and had been succeeded by son Mario.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

On January 18, 1971 FBI CI reported: "PC advised that he knew the Traina family and their cousin Louie D'Agostino. He denied any knowledge of their LCN involvement or any knowledge of LCN activities. He furnished the following information. Mario Traina lives in the 70's in Brooklyn, and operates a dress business in the garment center of New York. Giuseppe Traina, father of Mario, is elderly, ill and rarely leaves his home on 71st Street, Brooklyn due to poor vision and his advanced age. Louis D'Agostino has been missing from his usual haunts but continues to maintain his Brooklyn address and pursue a solitary type of bachelor life."

By Fall 1971 D'Agostino was residing at 1158 54th St in the Borough Park neighborhood.

He died December 18, 1971 at Community Hospital in Midwood.

Three days later he was waked at the Family-controlled Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home in Gravesend. Buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in East Flatbush.

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 109 deceased Gambino Family members.

On December 20, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was displayed various photographs of individuals in the Gambino Family and made the following short brief comments...Louis D'Agostino, he believed this individual was identical with a person who operated a construction and sewer business and he has a son, [Redacted]." (D'Agostino worked for an excavation company and had no children.)

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 116 deceased Gambino Family members.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 123 deceased Gambino Family members.

Step-brother Joseph Traina died at 96/97 years old on May 30, 1979 and was also waked at Cusimano and Russo.

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Update

P. LiCastri
New Post:

1.) Philip LiCastri (Gambino)

Updated Post:

2.) Salvatore Mannino (Gambino) : Corrected the neighborhood where Alfred Santantonio was murdered from Bath Beach to Gravesend, as pointed out by BHF user johnny_scootch. Flowers by Charm was located at 197 Ave T, and Santantonio had moved to the location about a year before his murder. The shop was across the street from one of Gambino Captain Gaetano 'Tom' Russo's funeral homes.

Philip LiCastri (Gambino)

1960s
Philip LiCastri was a Gambino Soldier and member of the Family's Traina crew.

He had some connection to the Newark Family prior to the 1920s.

In later years he was active in Staten Island as both a longtime bakery owner and as a participant in local gambling operations.
 
Sons Vincent (1914-1992) and Charles (1923-2014) were also Gambino members.

Philip was born November 25, 1887 in the Marineo comune of Palermo, Sicily.

On April 23, 1910 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Perugia. Destined for a brother-in-law residing at 261 Elizabeth St in Manhattan's Little Italy.

By June 1917 resided at 221 8th Ave in Newark, New Jersey. Employed as a chauffeur for the D'Amico & DiLiberto macaroni factory at the same location.

The business was owned by fellow residents Gaspare D'Amico (1886-1975) and Andrew DiLiberto (1886-1968), both from Villabate in Palermo.

Gaspare went on to serve as Newark Family Boss in the 1930s. He survived an attempted hit that killed his father and is believed to have joined the Colombo Family upon Newark's disbandment late that decade. (Gaspare's younger brother John, also living at the 8th Ave address, was confirmed as a Colombo member in the 1960s.)

By April 1919 LiCastri and his family left New Jersey for Manhattan, listing an address at 538 E 13th St in the Alphabet City section of East Village.

Early that month he filed his Declaration of Intention.

By April of the following year the LiCastris had moved to Old Town Road (125 then 264) in Old Town, Staten Island. Philip listed his occupation as chauffeur / delivery.

By June 1925 he established Philip LiCastri & Sons Bakery on Olimpia Blvd about a mile away in the Arrochar neighborhood.

By April 1930 the LiCastris had settled at 153 Cromwell Ave in Dongan Hills, Staten Island.

Philip was likely a made member by this time.

In April 1950 he and wife Nunzia 'Nancy' Fontana were living with family at 1370 NW 52nd St in the Miami's Liberty City.

By 1958 Philip's son Vincent LiCastri had also been inducted into the Gambino Family and they were both reporting to Captain Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino (Traina's step-brother), Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri, Angelo Mannino, Samuel Mannino (Angelo's son), Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Possible crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (D'Agostino, Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

The LiCastris first came to the attention of the FBI in March 1963. CI Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, identified the owners of both the LiCastri Bakery and the Trio Club in Staten Island as Gambino members.

V. Sarullo
The Trio Club was operated by fellow Traina crew member Vincent Sarullo with LiCastri as a reported silent partner.

FBI investigations were soon opened on both men.

On June 14, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that both Vincent Sarullo and Philip LiCastri are partners in the operation of the Club Trio, although the latter's name does not appear as one of the owners...[CI] further stated that LiCastri is handling both policy and horse bets, through his three sons who operate delivery trucks for the Philip LiCastri & Sons Co., a bakery. He stated one of the younger sons has a poor reputation and has in the past failed to pay off winning wagers. He noted LiCastri is also reputed to be backing one or two builders but he cannot identify the particular builders involved."

J. LaForte
On April 1, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised there is every indication that the LiCastris will take over control of the numbers racket from Joseph LaForte. He noted that about a year ago, the LiCastris appeared to be replacing LaForte, but the latter had too strong backing and was able to retain his position. However, [CI] noted LaForte has been bothered by a bad heart condition and in addition he was very close to Tony Bender, and with the latter's disappearance he has lost one of his biggest supporters. On the other hand, Vincent LiCastri has been very friendly with Peter Ferrara and with others in the Gambino Family. He has also teamed up with Jimmy Sarullo, another member of the Gambino Family, and the report is that the LiCastris will assume control over the entire numbers operation in Staten Island within the near future." (Joseph 'The Cat' LaForte [1917-2016] was then a proposed Associate under Captain Joseph Gennaro. After Gennaro died in 1968 LaForte was reporting directly to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. He was inducted after the books re-opened in 1976.)

On June 16, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he still has not been able to resolve the question of whether Vincent Sarullo has taken control over all of the policy racket in Staten Island from Joseph LaForte. He stated that he has spoken to a number of bookmakers and has received conflicting answers...He said it appears Charles LiCastri has the most authority, and it will be he who will run the Staten Island policy if Sarullo is successful in driving LaForte out of this racket. [CI] further stated that he has heard Charles LiCastri has acted as the guarantor of several loans made recently by Jimmy Sarullo but LiCastri will not loanshark in competition to Sarullo. He stated these two are close friends and are reported to assisting each other wherever possible."

1960s
Philip was interviewed at least once around this time. Several photographs were taken with a hidden camera during questioning, a tactic commonly used by Agents to get pictures of the more obscure figures. (See Above)
 
On June 26, 1966, at about 1:55 AM, he was robbed of $2,500 when two assailants entered the bakery and forced him at gunpoint to open the safe.

On July 19, 1966 FBI CI reported: "...He advised that Sarullo continues as an active loanshark and is in fact the biggest shylock in the Staten Island area. He said that Vincent LiCastri is a close associate of Sarullo, and LiCastri is active in the local policy rackets and is the son of Philip LiCastri, who is also reported to be a button man in the organization."

On October 31, 1966 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] stated Sarullo is very friendly with Vincent LiCastri, and he has heard the latter is either a button man, or his father is in the organization."

On March 2, 1967 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] noted Sarullo continues to be friendly with Vincent LiCastri, son of Philip LiCastri, reputed to be a 'button man' in the Gambino Family. He said Vincent LiCastri operates a policy racket out of the family bakery business, the Philip LiCastri & Sons Bakery."

On July 21, 1967 the NYPD Staten Island District Attorney's Squad advised FBI: "[Detective] advised that Philip LiCastri and his sons, Charles and Vincent LiCastri, are on the NYPD 'Known Gamblers' list as important figures in the Staten Island policy racket. He stated the LiCastris are not presently engaged in any other criminal activity."

On July 24, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] noted that Philip LiCastri's two sons, Vincent and Charles LiCastri are close friends of Jimmy Sarullo, and are frequently observed in the latter's tavern, the Club Trio."

Philip LiCastri died March 4, 1968 at his Dongan Hills residence.

His wake was held three days later at the Azzara Funeral Home located at 183 Sand Lane in Arrochar. Buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Rosebank.
 
Both Federal and local PD surveilled the wake and noted the vehicles present but all names save for Charles LiCastri are redacted.
 
Charles was President of the bakery by 1973.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Samuel Mannino (Gambino)

1963
Samuel Mannino was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew.

His father Angelo (1895-1974) and younger brother Ignazio aka 'John' (1925-1957) were also members.

Other connected relatives included cousins Samuel (1915-2001) and Louis Rumore (1912-1991), both Gambino Soldiers in the Dongarra - Armone crew.

Sam was born Saverio Umberto Mannino on June 22, 1922 at 516 East 13th Street in East Village, Manhattan to Angelo (Barber; 27y) and Rosina Rumore (18y). Family resided at same address. Parents from Torretta and Bisacquino comunes of Palermo.

Members of the Rumore family resided next door.

By 1932 the Manninos were living at 34-44 Crescent St in Long Island City, Queens. Angelo, likely already a made member, worked in the plastering business.

By June 1942 the family had moved to 31-14 76th St in Jackson Heights, Queens. Angelo worked for the Industrial Plastering Corporation located at 50 Court St in Brooklyn Heights.

Samuel served in the US Army from November 23, 1942 to November 27, 1945.

By April 1950 he and Ignazio gave their occupations as hotel proprietor and assistant manager respectively. Angelo worked as a building contractor.

As of 1957 the two brothers were employed at Angelo's Smithtown Hotel in Long Island.

A. Mannino (1960s)
They had also followed Angelo into the Gambino Family and, like their father, were reporting to Captain Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino (Traina's step-brother), Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri (Philip's son), Angelo Mannino and his sons Ignazio 'John' and Samuel Mannino, Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Probable crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

Ignazio Mannino died that November in Port Jefferson, Long Island.

On January 18, 1958 Sam was arrested by the Suffolk County, Long Island Police Department for disorderly conduct. Case dismissed. (This appears to be his only arrest.)

The Manninos first came to the attention of the FBI in the middle of June 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, had previously identified Giuseppe Traina as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him. On June 18 he identified four additional Traina crew members to Agents: Oxie LNU (Joseph Marino) and a father and two sons named Mileno (ph).

(Although Agents subsequently confirmed the correct identities, there was an individual with a similar name linked to the Manninos: In June 1932, Angelo was held as a material witness in the murder of plasterer Annunzio Milano, shot to death during a card game in Gravesend, Brooklyn.)

Santantonio, who told his handlers that he could identify additional members of the Family's various crews if they brought him photographs, was murdered the following month inside his Gravesend florist.

That September the Bureau opened investigations on both Angelo and Sam, who was then living and working at the Smithtown Hotel located at 155 West Main St. The hotel chef was Angelo's brother-in-law John Rumore.

On April 8, 1964 Sam was interviewed by Agents and 'denied any knowledge or membership in Cosa Nostra'. (The full interview is not available.)

In April 1965 the FBI summarized: "Investigation reflects [Mannino] is apparently a legitimate businessman who operates the Smithtown Hotel...He has no criminal record and is not known to be active in Gambino Family matters."

On April 26-27, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised the following concerning some shylocking activities in Suffolk County, advising he knows that Angelo’s Restaurant, located in Smithtown, Long Island, is operated by the son of one Angelo Mannino, whom [CI] described as a man in his early 70’s who has white hair, and apparently had earned his living most of his life through shylocking activities. He advised this individual operates a brand new 1966 or 1967 Cadillac." Angelo's loansharking customers were said to include the owner of a tailor shop in Lake Ronkonkoma.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

Joseph Traina was by this point retired as Gambino Captain and had been succeeded by son Mario.

In August 1971 the Suffolk PD advised the FBI that Mannino had a County Gun License permitting him to carry 'two pistols, a .32 caliber and a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson'.

By September 1972 operated Smithtown Hotel and Angelo's Restaurant at 55 Winslow Lane in Smithtown.

The same month the Suffolk PD advised FBI: "[Members] of the Police Department frequent [Angelo's Restaurant] as it is close to Police Department Headquarters and serves excellent Italian food. Mannino is present on a daily basis and can be seen either working in the kitchen or as the bartender. He advised [no information] reflecting any criminal activity on Mannino's part has come to the PD's attention. He advised that he personally has observed Mannino on many occasions both during the day and the evening hours busily engaged in the operating of this restaurant during this period."

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

On April 26, 1975 Gambino Associate Edward Lino married Anna Mannino in Brooklyn.
 
In August an informant reported: "[CI] advised that [redacted] deceased Gambino Soldier, Angelo Mannino. Edward Lino has recently become involved in the construction company in which his deceased father-in-law had a financial interest in."

The source appears to be referring to the Traina crew member who died the previous year, however, Lino's father-in-law Vincent James (1911-2007) was born to Filippo Mannino from Montelepre, Palermo.

(Lino was part of a crew of Associates reporting directly to Family Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. During this time period he and others in the group were suspected of narcotics trafficking and multiple murders. He became a made member following John Gotti's takeover of the Family in 1986, rose to Captain, and was murdered in 1990 by NYPD Detectives operating on the Lucchese Family's payroll.)

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.

A report compiled on April 21, 1977 noted: "Members of the Suffolk County Police Department frequent Mannino's restaurant, which is in proximity to Police Headquarters and have observed Mannino frequently. Suffolk PD reports Mannino is [in poor health] and not actively engaged in criminal enterprises to their knowledge."

Included in the June 1983 and April 1988 Senate Charts of Gambino Family membership.

M. Traina
Court Exhibit
By 1990 members under Mario Traina included Joseph Giardina Jr., Louis Giardina, Salvatore Giardina, Charles LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri, Samuel Mannino, Joseph Marino and Vincent Sarullo.

Joseph Marino succeeded Traina following the latter's death in late April 1994.

A Govt Chart compiled in May 2000 indicates that at least a couple of Traina's crew members (the Giardina brothers) had since transferred to the Arcuri / Franco regime. The chart also claims that Marino took over the crew of Frank D'Apolito who died in 1997. (Mannino might be in at least one of the group photos posted on Joseph Marino's December 2024 obituary page.)

Mannino was not included in the chart and is also absent from the available court testimony of Cooperating Witnesses (and former Gambino members) Salvatore Gravano, Michael DiLeonardo and Primo Cassarino.

He died June 11, 2004 in Florida and was buried in Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Smithtown.

Vincent Sarullo (Gambino)

1960s Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew. He was active in Staten Island as both a cl...