Giuseppe 'Joe' Giammona was a Captain in the Los Angeles Family.
Born December 8, 1900 in Palermo, Sicily.
Around March 1920 immigrated to the United States.
In April 1928 married Maria LaFata (17y) in Los Angeles.
As of April 1930 the couple were residing with Maria's parents, Rosario aka 'Roy' and Rose Giardina, at 7805 Santa Fe Ave in Compton. Giuseppe and his father-in-law both worked as salesmen at a fruit market. (Roy and wife were also Palermitan, the latter from Santa Cristina Gela.)
Born December 8, 1900 in Palermo, Sicily.
Around March 1920 immigrated to the United States.
In April 1928 married Maria LaFata (17y) in Los Angeles.
As of April 1930 the couple were residing with Maria's parents, Rosario aka 'Roy' and Rose Giardina, at 7805 Santa Fe Ave in Compton. Giuseppe and his father-in-law both worked as salesmen at a fruit market. (Roy and wife were also Palermitan, the latter from Santa Cristina Gela.)
In November 1939 filed liquor license application.
By April 1940 the Giammonas were living at 3324 Hamilton Way in the Silver Lake neighborhood.
On July 10, 1942 Giuseppe was held by the Los Angeles PD for suspicion (robbery).
On September 12, 1944 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Los Angeles.
Witnesses were Anthony Serio (40y), a liquor store owner from Enna (Calascibetta), and waitress Mildred Lindemann.
On December 20, 1945 held by INS for violating Immigration Laws.
Became a US citizen on July 14, 1950.
By the time of his naturalization Giuseppe was likely already a formally inducted member of the Los Angeles Family, headed since the early 1930s by Jack Dragna.
Around August 1951 filed liquor license application.
By 1952 owned a restaurant in Hollywood.
On July 23 of that year Giuseppe was driving on Sunset Boulevard when he lost control of his auto and collided with a bus, injuring five of its passengers and himself.
By April 1940 the Giammonas were living at 3324 Hamilton Way in the Silver Lake neighborhood.
On July 10, 1942 Giuseppe was held by the Los Angeles PD for suspicion (robbery).
On September 12, 1944 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Los Angeles.
Witnesses were Anthony Serio (40y), a liquor store owner from Enna (Calascibetta), and waitress Mildred Lindemann.
On December 20, 1945 held by INS for violating Immigration Laws.
Became a US citizen on July 14, 1950.
By the time of his naturalization Giuseppe was likely already a formally inducted member of the Los Angeles Family, headed since the early 1930s by Jack Dragna.
Around August 1951 filed liquor license application.
By 1952 owned a restaurant in Hollywood.
On July 23 of that year Giuseppe was driving on Sunset Boulevard when he lost control of his auto and collided with a bus, injuring five of its passengers and himself.
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| F. DeSimone |
Frank DeSimone became Boss after Jack Dragna's death in early 1956.
On March 1, 1963 the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office advised Headquarters: "Concerning the information from [San Francisco Field Office Informant] regarding a 1947 trip as related by Alex Camarata to Los Angeles, it would appear that the 'Giamona' referred to at Los Angeles would be Joe Giammona." (Alex Camarata [1906-1976] was a Soldier in the San Jose Family).
On March 1, 1963 the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office advised Headquarters: "Concerning the information from [San Francisco Field Office Informant] regarding a 1947 trip as related by Alex Camarata to Los Angeles, it would appear that the 'Giamona' referred to at Los Angeles would be Joe Giammona." (Alex Camarata [1906-1976] was a Soldier in the San Jose Family).
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| S. Scozzari FBN Mafia Book |
Around late 1963 FBI CI Salvatore Piscopo, a Los Angeles Soldier, provided Agents with a breakdown of the Family's hierarchy. A report from December 13 summarized the information: "...Capo Regime - Joseph Giuseppe Giammona: According to [CI], Giammona, while a Capo Regime, is more or less retired due to age and ill health, and has no 'soldiers' attached to him. Giammona [has] been arrested for bootlegging, and in 1942, he purchased two revolvers from Los Angeles police officers, which weapons were later found in the possession of four suspects in an armed robbery. In 1945, Giammona and Simone Scozzari were partners in the purchase of an apartment building at 6072 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, California. The cost of this property was $37,500, and was sold in 1957 for $77,500." (Simone Scozzari [1900-]), former Los Angeles Underboss, was deported June of the previous year.)
By 1967 Giammona had stepped down from his position as Captain and reported to Angelo Polizzi.
Made members of Polizzi's crew included Giuseppe Giammona, Anthony 'Nino' Mangione, James 'Danny Wilson' Iannone, CI Salvatore Piscopo and Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli.
On March 9, 1967 FBI CI (Los Angeles Member) reported: "...While speaking of gambling, the subject of Nick Simponis was raised. He admitted that Simponis' gambling operation at Cabazon, California, on the outskirts of Palm Springs, was at one time a part of the Los Angeles Family 'action'. His remarks indicated that Nick Licata, Sal Piscopo and Joe Giammona had 'cut into' Simponis' operations at Cabazon, and Simponis used them to 'cut out' his two partners, a John Chapman and a Jim Pierce. Later Simponis paid off $50,000 in cash to [Nick] Licata and his associates to get them out of his gambling operation at Cabazon. After clearing them out, he then built his present Desert Sands Card Casino on the outskirts of Palm Springs. After building this, several members of the Los Angeles Family attempted to muscle their way back in, but Simponis began to 'scream' and threaten to go to the FBI and, according to informant, they backed off."
Boss Frank DeSimone died August 4, 1967.
By 1967 Giammona had stepped down from his position as Captain and reported to Angelo Polizzi.
Made members of Polizzi's crew included Giuseppe Giammona, Anthony 'Nino' Mangione, James 'Danny Wilson' Iannone, CI Salvatore Piscopo and Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli.
On March 9, 1967 FBI CI (Los Angeles Member) reported: "...While speaking of gambling, the subject of Nick Simponis was raised. He admitted that Simponis' gambling operation at Cabazon, California, on the outskirts of Palm Springs, was at one time a part of the Los Angeles Family 'action'. His remarks indicated that Nick Licata, Sal Piscopo and Joe Giammona had 'cut into' Simponis' operations at Cabazon, and Simponis used them to 'cut out' his two partners, a John Chapman and a Jim Pierce. Later Simponis paid off $50,000 in cash to [Nick] Licata and his associates to get them out of his gambling operation at Cabazon. After clearing them out, he then built his present Desert Sands Card Casino on the outskirts of Palm Springs. After building this, several members of the Los Angeles Family attempted to muscle their way back in, but Simponis began to 'scream' and threaten to go to the FBI and, according to informant, they backed off."
Boss Frank DeSimone died August 4, 1967.
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| S. Piscopo FBN Mafia Book |
Salvatore Piscopo provided Agents with frequent updates on the process of choosing a successor.
On August 30 Piscopo reported:
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On August 30 Piscopo reported:
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Informant advised [to] his knowledge, no change in leadership has yet occurred. Subsequent to the death of DeSimone, informant has maintained contact with various other Los Angeles LCN 'members' and none of them are yet aware nor have they been contacted relative to a change in leadership.
Informant and former LCN 'Capo' Joseph Giammona have had several discussions recently relative to the new leadership. Giammona stated he is certain 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata will attempt to line up support to have himself (Licata) appointed 'Boss', Giammona is opposed to Licata but would support 'Capo' Joseph Dippolito for this position. Another possible candidate mentioned by Giammona, as well as by LCN 'member' Dominick 'Mimi' Tripoli, is Louis Tom Dragna, nephew of former Los Angeles LCN 'Boss' Jack Dragna (deceased 1956) and son of former Los Angeles LCN 'Consigliere' Thomas F. Dragna. Dragna has some scattered support in Los Angeles 'Brugad', according to [Piscopo, but he] doubted that such support was adequate.
Giammona told informant on night of 8/29/67 that 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata had been in recent contact with 'Capos' Angelo Polizzi, Joseph Dippolito and Joseph Adamo. Giammona then noted that Licata holds considerable influence over 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi. Giammona then speculated that Licata would attempt to line up support of Polizzi in his bid for leadership. Giammona stated he would not go along with Polizzi in such event.
Informant advised that neither Giammona, Tripoli or informant have been in contact with 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi during about past ten days. Polizzi has not been to Villa Capri Restaurant, Hollywood Park Race Track or Hollywood - Roosevelt Hotel during this period -- places he frequents and where contacts are made with him.
Informant and former LCN 'Capo' Joseph Giammona have had several discussions recently relative to the new leadership. Giammona stated he is certain 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata will attempt to line up support to have himself (Licata) appointed 'Boss', Giammona is opposed to Licata but would support 'Capo' Joseph Dippolito for this position. Another possible candidate mentioned by Giammona, as well as by LCN 'member' Dominick 'Mimi' Tripoli, is Louis Tom Dragna, nephew of former Los Angeles LCN 'Boss' Jack Dragna (deceased 1956) and son of former Los Angeles LCN 'Consigliere' Thomas F. Dragna. Dragna has some scattered support in Los Angeles 'Brugad', according to [Piscopo, but he] doubted that such support was adequate.
Giammona told informant on night of 8/29/67 that 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata had been in recent contact with 'Capos' Angelo Polizzi, Joseph Dippolito and Joseph Adamo. Giammona then noted that Licata holds considerable influence over 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi. Giammona then speculated that Licata would attempt to line up support of Polizzi in his bid for leadership. Giammona stated he would not go along with Polizzi in such event.
Informant advised that neither Giammona, Tripoli or informant have been in contact with 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi during about past ten days. Polizzi has not been to Villa Capri Restaurant, Hollywood Park Race Track or Hollywood - Roosevelt Hotel during this period -- places he frequents and where contacts are made with him.
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On October 4, 1967 FBI LA reported:
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On October 4, 1967 FBI LA reported:
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...Since [9/19/67] informant has been unable to contact [Angelo] Polizzi. Since then informant has been in virtually daily contact with LCN 'members' Joseph Giammona, Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli and Anthony Mangione, all 'members' of Polizzi's LCN 'regime'. None of these individuals knew of Polizzi's whereabouts and advised informant that Polizzi had not yet contacted them relative to the new Los Angeles Boss.
On 9/30/67, informant advised that Polizzi had telephonically contacted him the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he had suffered a stroke and had been hospitalized for about the past 10 days. Informant met Polizzi in Polizzi's room at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, California on the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he is recovering from this stroke and expects to be discharged from the hospital in several days.
At this time Polizzi asked informant if informant had made his choice relative to the new Los Angeles LCN 'Boss'. Informant stated that his preference would be Nick Licata, but that he would support Polizzi and would vote for the individual who was the choice of Polizzi.
Polizzi stated that his choice would be Licata as Polizzi felt that this was no time for any change in the Los Angeles LCN leadership. Polizzi indicated that continued pressure from law enforcement would make it difficult to meet and to reorganize at the present time.
Polizzi stated that to date there had been no opposition to Licata. Polizzi stated that except for informant he had not had a chance as yet to poll other 'members' of his 'Regime', but felt that there would be a general agreement to Licata's selection.
Polizzi requested informant to contact Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli, Joseph Giammona and Anthony Mangione and advise them of his illness and that he would be in contact with them when he was able.
...Informant advised on 10/4/67, that he had contacted [Polizzi crew members] Tripoli, Giammona and Mangione and advised them of Polizzi's condition.
Informant stated that in view of the fact Polizzi was 'Capo' of the largest 'Regime' in Los Angeles and in view of 'Capo' Joseph Adamo's support, Nick Licata would be the new 'Boss' and additional polling of 'members' would be a mere formality.
On 9/30/67, informant advised that Polizzi had telephonically contacted him the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he had suffered a stroke and had been hospitalized for about the past 10 days. Informant met Polizzi in Polizzi's room at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, California on the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he is recovering from this stroke and expects to be discharged from the hospital in several days.
At this time Polizzi asked informant if informant had made his choice relative to the new Los Angeles LCN 'Boss'. Informant stated that his preference would be Nick Licata, but that he would support Polizzi and would vote for the individual who was the choice of Polizzi.
Polizzi stated that his choice would be Licata as Polizzi felt that this was no time for any change in the Los Angeles LCN leadership. Polizzi indicated that continued pressure from law enforcement would make it difficult to meet and to reorganize at the present time.
Polizzi stated that to date there had been no opposition to Licata. Polizzi stated that except for informant he had not had a chance as yet to poll other 'members' of his 'Regime', but felt that there would be a general agreement to Licata's selection.
Polizzi requested informant to contact Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli, Joseph Giammona and Anthony Mangione and advise them of his illness and that he would be in contact with them when he was able.
...Informant advised on 10/4/67, that he had contacted [Polizzi crew members] Tripoli, Giammona and Mangione and advised them of Polizzi's condition.
Informant stated that in view of the fact Polizzi was 'Capo' of the largest 'Regime' in Los Angeles and in view of 'Capo' Joseph Adamo's support, Nick Licata would be the new 'Boss' and additional polling of 'members' would be a mere formality.
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| N. Licata |
That month Nicolo Licata was elected Boss. He appointed Joseph Dippolito as his Underboss. Tommy Palermo remained Consigliere.
On July 25, 1968 CI Frank Bompensiero reported: "[While] having coffee with Licata on the morning of 7/24/1968, Licata mentioned during the conversation that Giammona had a heart attack and in addition had lost a leg. The informant did not ask any further questions and assumed it was Joe Giammona, a former Capo who is no longer active. Informant was asked if Licata could have meant Angelo Giammona, to which the informant replied that now he was not sure to which Giammona Licata was referring."
Giuseppe Giammona died September 20, 1977 in Los Angeles and was buried in Calvary Cemetery.
On July 25, 1968 CI Frank Bompensiero reported: "[While] having coffee with Licata on the morning of 7/24/1968, Licata mentioned during the conversation that Giammona had a heart attack and in addition had lost a leg. The informant did not ask any further questions and assumed it was Joe Giammona, a former Capo who is no longer active. Informant was asked if Licata could have meant Angelo Giammona, to which the informant replied that now he was not sure to which Giammona Licata was referring."
Giuseppe Giammona died September 20, 1977 in Los Angeles and was buried in Calvary Cemetery.
