Collection of info on the Kansas City Family's structure during the 1970s and 1980s.
1971
 |
| N. Civella (L) and C. DeLuna |
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)
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
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)
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.
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:
"
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.
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.
