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| 1966 |
Charles Civello was a Possible Member of the Dallas Family.
Several of his relatives were made:
The Civellos then lived and worked on a farm in West Baton Rouge.
By 1925 they moved to Dallas, residing first at 713 Cantegral St and then further north at 1902 Moser in the Old East Dallas section. Philip operated a grocery at 2417 Bryan in the City Center District.
On September 24/25, 1934 Charles was held by the local PD re investigation of a gambling house. Released on $1,000 Habeas Corpus Bond. (The disposition of this case isn't available. This is his only known encounter with the law.)
From 1936 to 1938 he worked for the Wilson Packing Company.
On July 3, 1938 cousin Tommy Palermo (35y) married Mary DiBenedetto at Holy Family Church. Charles served as best man. (Tommy may have initially been a member in Dallas. Within a couple of years he moved to LA and was Consigliere there by the early 1960s.)
On March 9, 1940 Charles married Rose Marie Dinovo (24y) in Denton County. Bride's family from Campofelice, Palermo.
By the following month the couple were living with Civello's brother-in-law Rosario Musso at 5311 Denton Drive. Charles listed his occupation as a meat salesman.
He served in the Army from February 24, 1942 to November 5, 1945.
Around 1947 partnered with Frank LaMonte in the Civello and LaMonte Importing Company.
On June 30, 1949 the Dallas Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Section advised the FBI's Dallas Field Office: "[Lieutenant] stated Charles Edward Civello has not been known to associate with the criminal element. [Lt] stated subject has expressed a great dislike for criminal activities carried on in the past by his brother, Joseph Francis Civello, and stated Joseph has caused the Civello family much grief due to these activities."
In early November 1949 the Civello brothers served as pallbearers for Dallas Member Peter Duca.
By April 1950 Charles resided at 7223 Thurston Drive in the Love Field neighborhood. Listed occupation as meat dealer.
In 1950 Charles and Joseph, along with their brother-in-law Rosario Musso, established Civello Food and Liquor Imports on Oak Lawn Ave.
On September 5, 1956 Joseph Civello was interviewed by FBI DL: "[Civello] advised he has been associated with his brother-in-law Ross Musso and his brother Charles Civello in the grocery business for many years in Dallas, Texas. He said they operated the Love Field Grocery, Dallas, Texas, and also the Premier Food Company in Dallas. He stated they have been associated in various enterprises since 1923. He advised that in 1965 [sic] they organized the Civello Food and Liquor Imports, 4236 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, where they handled imported foods, Italian products, both as wholesalers and retailers, and as retail liquor dealers. He said they have invested money in real estate and have entered minor oil lease ventures on several occasions."
On January 10, 1958 Joseph was again interviewed by FBI DL: "[Civello] advised he was selling his share of the Civello Food and Liquor Imports to his brother-in-law Ross Musso, and his brother, Charles Edward Civello. Joseph Civello advised his share of the business was 25 percent."
Several of his relatives were made:
- Father Philip (1872-1959) was an early member who likely started out with New Orleans.
- Older brother Joseph (1902-1970) headed the Family from the mid-1950s until his death in early 1970.
- First cousin Tommy Palermo (1903-1983) served as Consigliere in Los Angeles through much of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Brother-in-Law Rosario 'Ross' Musso (1896-1975), who married Civello's sister Frances, was also a member in Dallas.
The Civellos then lived and worked on a farm in West Baton Rouge.
By 1925 they moved to Dallas, residing first at 713 Cantegral St and then further north at 1902 Moser in the Old East Dallas section. Philip operated a grocery at 2417 Bryan in the City Center District.
On September 24/25, 1934 Charles was held by the local PD re investigation of a gambling house. Released on $1,000 Habeas Corpus Bond. (The disposition of this case isn't available. This is his only known encounter with the law.)
From 1936 to 1938 he worked for the Wilson Packing Company.
On July 3, 1938 cousin Tommy Palermo (35y) married Mary DiBenedetto at Holy Family Church. Charles served as best man. (Tommy may have initially been a member in Dallas. Within a couple of years he moved to LA and was Consigliere there by the early 1960s.)
On March 9, 1940 Charles married Rose Marie Dinovo (24y) in Denton County. Bride's family from Campofelice, Palermo.
By the following month the couple were living with Civello's brother-in-law Rosario Musso at 5311 Denton Drive. Charles listed his occupation as a meat salesman.
He served in the Army from February 24, 1942 to November 5, 1945.
Around 1947 partnered with Frank LaMonte in the Civello and LaMonte Importing Company.
On June 30, 1949 the Dallas Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Section advised the FBI's Dallas Field Office: "[Lieutenant] stated Charles Edward Civello has not been known to associate with the criminal element. [Lt] stated subject has expressed a great dislike for criminal activities carried on in the past by his brother, Joseph Francis Civello, and stated Joseph has caused the Civello family much grief due to these activities."
In early November 1949 the Civello brothers served as pallbearers for Dallas Member Peter Duca.
By April 1950 Charles resided at 7223 Thurston Drive in the Love Field neighborhood. Listed occupation as meat dealer.
In 1950 Charles and Joseph, along with their brother-in-law Rosario Musso, established Civello Food and Liquor Imports on Oak Lawn Ave.
On September 5, 1956 Joseph Civello was interviewed by FBI DL: "[Civello] advised he has been associated with his brother-in-law Ross Musso and his brother Charles Civello in the grocery business for many years in Dallas, Texas. He said they operated the Love Field Grocery, Dallas, Texas, and also the Premier Food Company in Dallas. He stated they have been associated in various enterprises since 1923. He advised that in 1965 [sic] they organized the Civello Food and Liquor Imports, 4236 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, where they handled imported foods, Italian products, both as wholesalers and retailers, and as retail liquor dealers. He said they have invested money in real estate and have entered minor oil lease ventures on several occasions."
On January 10, 1958 Joseph was again interviewed by FBI DL: "[Civello] advised he was selling his share of the Civello Food and Liquor Imports to his brother-in-law Ross Musso, and his brother, Charles Edward Civello. Joseph Civello advised his share of the business was 25 percent."
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| J. Civello FBN Mafia Book |
By the time of the second interview Joseph Civello had assumed leadership of the Dallas Family, replacing Joseph Piranio who committed suicide in October 1956.
The Family was small and for the most part criminally inactive. As a result the FBI faced difficulty penetrating its ranks, and over the following decade only a handful of confirmed members were identified.
Membership was mostly Sicilian with a few mainlanders from Calabria and Puglia.
In July 1958 Musso and Charles Civello sold the importing business to James Amidei for about $28,000.
On August 5, 1959 the Civello brothers served as pallbearers for Frank Saterino.
Three days later they and Peter Interrante were among the pallbearers for John Cortemeglia, father of Possible Member Luke Cortemeglia.
In late November 1959 Charles Saterino, son of Frank, died. Pallbearers included Dallas Member Johnny Ross Patrono and Possible Members Joe Campisi, Sam Campisi and Charles Civello.
On June 29, 1962 FBI NYO reported: "Dallas - Sources have not determined that actual membership in an organization exists in the Dallas area, but should such an organization exist, the following contacts, friends and associates of Joseph Francis Civello, named by [CI] as Boss in Texas, on January 23, 1961, would operate as a group...Charles Edward Civello."
By August 1963 Civello and Rosario Musso operated the Airway Liquor Store at 3122 West Mockingbird Lane.
On March 11, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Joseph Civello is a frequent visitor to the Airway Liquor Store, however, he does not appear to take any part in the actual operation of the business. He stated that Ross Musso and [Charles Civello] operate the liquor store together and employ a Negro who is hired to clean the store. [CI] advised [Luke] Cortemeglia is a frequent visitor to the store. He also advised that Cortemeglia's brother-in-law Frank LaMonte also is a close associate of [Charles Civello]."
By September 1965 Civello was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
He was then living at 3626 Armstrong Ave in Oak Lawn.
On September 28, 1965 FBI DL reported: "[Charles Civello] has been active in legitimate businesses in Dallas since 1933. Subject has one local arrest by Dallas PD 9/24/34 for investigation of operating a gambling house..Information obtained from local authorities and sources who have furnished reliable information in the past, during the investigation of Joseph Francis Civello, have indicated that Charles Edward Civello is not a criminal and has not been known to participate in any of the criminal activities of his brother, Joseph Francis Civello."
On September 28, 1965 FBI DL reported: "[Charles Civello] is frequently with Luke Cortemeglia and that allegedly Cortemeglia frequents the Airway Liquor Store. Cortemeglia is known as a real estate broker in the Dallas area."
On September 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] has advised that Charles Civello is a very sensitive person concerning his brother's past activities and publicity and refuses to discuss any activities on the part of Joseph Civello. Informant stated that the subject spends most of his time during the day time at the liquor store and during the time that he has observed him he has not noted any unusual activity on the part of the subject nor has he noted any gatherings at the liquor store. Informant stated that the subject has a profitable business being near the entrance to Love Field and in all probability it would be impossible for him to have a group of his friends at the store without being noticed by the informant."
On September 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] related that he knows of no criminal activities on the part of the subject and would be surprised if the subject is involved in any type of criminal activity. He stated that the subject is a highly nervous individual and spends most of his time at the liquor store which is open from 9:00 AM until approximately 10:00 PM at night. He also advised that he is positive that the subject is not involved in any bookmaking or gambling in the Dallas, Texas, area."
On October 18, 1965 FBI DL reported: "From 10/11 through 10/15/65, Charles Edward Civello was observed on a daily basis during the morning hours working at his liquor store (Airway Liquor Store), 3122 West Mockingbird Lane. [Same date CI] advised that during the previous week, he had observed Charles Civello at the liquor store on a daily basis. He advised that he also believes that he observed Ross Musso at the store on almost daily basis during the previous week. Informant stated that he observed Joseph Civello at the liquor store on 10/13 and 15/65 during the morning hours."
On January 11, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Civello was at the [Airway Liquor Store] for approximately thirty minutes. He advised on 1/10/66, Dickson was again observed at the liquor store during the morning hours conversing with Charles Civello...[He] did not know the reason Dickson was visiting the store, however, Dickson is known to make lay-off bets to Philip Bosco [who] is a close friend of Joseph Civello."
By May 1966 Joseph Civello had confided in Bosco his intentions to open the books and expand the Family. The following month CI reported: "[Bosco] did not mention anything further about Civello's effort to expand La Cosa Nostra activity and membership in the Dallas area and gathered from this that approval had not been received by Civello 'from up East'."
On November 30, 1966 FBI PCI reported: "[Dr.] Zacharia and his wife, brother-in-law and sister of Joseph Civello, from Rockford, Illinois, visited Civello over the Thanksgiving holiday and then Civello and his wife accompanied the Zacharias to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to visit relatives, the Sam Cangelosis. Prior to going to Baton Rouge, Civello gave a private party at his residence for Dr. Zacharia and his wife and attending this party were Charles Civello, Ross Musso, Peter Interrante, Luke A. Cortemeglia, Carlo LaBarba, and John Ross Patrono. PCI stated the builder who built Joseph Civello's home was also present."
On September 11, 1967 included in the FBI's list of 6 suspected Dallas Family members. 4 known members were identified.
Civello then resided at 4747 Sugar Mill Rd in Northwest Dallas.
On August 26, 1968 included in the FBI's list of 7 suspected Dallas Family members. 4 known members were identified.
On September 27, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[While] it might appear that Joseph Civello has no connection with the Airway Liquor Store on West Mockingbird Lane, near Dallas Love Field, she was present when Charles Civello called the owner of the real estate where the store is now located, in 1959, to arrange for the lease of the property. Source stated at that time Joseph Civello was present with Charles Civello and was the one who gave Charles Civello instructions on what to say when he talked to the owner about the lease. Source advised that after Charles Civello talked to the owner on the telephone, Charles and Joseph Civello allegedly went to downtown Dallas to the Republic National Bank to obtain the necessary money required by the lease."
On October 14, 1968 FBI surveillance conducted on Joseph Civello's residence. He and Rosario Musso were observed being driven from the home by Charles Civello.
On September 23, 1969 rosary held for Charlie Dragna. Attendees included Dallas Boss Joseph Civello, Members Joseph 'Little Joe' Ianni, Rosario Musso and Johnny Ross Patrono as well as Possible Members Joe Campisi and Charles Civello.
Joseph Civello died early the following year.
It's not known who, if anyone, succeeded him or if the Family disbanded.
A November 1971 FBI DL report identified both he and Charles as 'LCN members in Dallas and liquor store operators'.
On November 20, 1974 FBI DL reported:
"
The Family was small and for the most part criminally inactive. As a result the FBI faced difficulty penetrating its ranks, and over the following decade only a handful of confirmed members were identified.
Membership was mostly Sicilian with a few mainlanders from Calabria and Puglia.
In July 1958 Musso and Charles Civello sold the importing business to James Amidei for about $28,000.
On August 5, 1959 the Civello brothers served as pallbearers for Frank Saterino.
Three days later they and Peter Interrante were among the pallbearers for John Cortemeglia, father of Possible Member Luke Cortemeglia.
In late November 1959 Charles Saterino, son of Frank, died. Pallbearers included Dallas Member Johnny Ross Patrono and Possible Members Joe Campisi, Sam Campisi and Charles Civello.
On June 29, 1962 FBI NYO reported: "Dallas - Sources have not determined that actual membership in an organization exists in the Dallas area, but should such an organization exist, the following contacts, friends and associates of Joseph Francis Civello, named by [CI] as Boss in Texas, on January 23, 1961, would operate as a group...Charles Edward Civello."
By August 1963 Civello and Rosario Musso operated the Airway Liquor Store at 3122 West Mockingbird Lane.
On March 11, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Joseph Civello is a frequent visitor to the Airway Liquor Store, however, he does not appear to take any part in the actual operation of the business. He stated that Ross Musso and [Charles Civello] operate the liquor store together and employ a Negro who is hired to clean the store. [CI] advised [Luke] Cortemeglia is a frequent visitor to the store. He also advised that Cortemeglia's brother-in-law Frank LaMonte also is a close associate of [Charles Civello]."
By September 1965 Civello was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
He was then living at 3626 Armstrong Ave in Oak Lawn.
On September 28, 1965 FBI DL reported: "[Charles Civello] has been active in legitimate businesses in Dallas since 1933. Subject has one local arrest by Dallas PD 9/24/34 for investigation of operating a gambling house..Information obtained from local authorities and sources who have furnished reliable information in the past, during the investigation of Joseph Francis Civello, have indicated that Charles Edward Civello is not a criminal and has not been known to participate in any of the criminal activities of his brother, Joseph Francis Civello."
On September 28, 1965 FBI DL reported: "[Charles Civello] is frequently with Luke Cortemeglia and that allegedly Cortemeglia frequents the Airway Liquor Store. Cortemeglia is known as a real estate broker in the Dallas area."
On September 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] has advised that Charles Civello is a very sensitive person concerning his brother's past activities and publicity and refuses to discuss any activities on the part of Joseph Civello. Informant stated that the subject spends most of his time during the day time at the liquor store and during the time that he has observed him he has not noted any unusual activity on the part of the subject nor has he noted any gatherings at the liquor store. Informant stated that the subject has a profitable business being near the entrance to Love Field and in all probability it would be impossible for him to have a group of his friends at the store without being noticed by the informant."
On September 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] related that he knows of no criminal activities on the part of the subject and would be surprised if the subject is involved in any type of criminal activity. He stated that the subject is a highly nervous individual and spends most of his time at the liquor store which is open from 9:00 AM until approximately 10:00 PM at night. He also advised that he is positive that the subject is not involved in any bookmaking or gambling in the Dallas, Texas, area."
On October 18, 1965 FBI DL reported: "From 10/11 through 10/15/65, Charles Edward Civello was observed on a daily basis during the morning hours working at his liquor store (Airway Liquor Store), 3122 West Mockingbird Lane. [Same date CI] advised that during the previous week, he had observed Charles Civello at the liquor store on a daily basis. He advised that he also believes that he observed Ross Musso at the store on almost daily basis during the previous week. Informant stated that he observed Joseph Civello at the liquor store on 10/13 and 15/65 during the morning hours."
On January 11, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Civello was at the [Airway Liquor Store] for approximately thirty minutes. He advised on 1/10/66, Dickson was again observed at the liquor store during the morning hours conversing with Charles Civello...[He] did not know the reason Dickson was visiting the store, however, Dickson is known to make lay-off bets to Philip Bosco [who] is a close friend of Joseph Civello."
By May 1966 Joseph Civello had confided in Bosco his intentions to open the books and expand the Family. The following month CI reported: "[Bosco] did not mention anything further about Civello's effort to expand La Cosa Nostra activity and membership in the Dallas area and gathered from this that approval had not been received by Civello 'from up East'."
On November 30, 1966 FBI PCI reported: "[Dr.] Zacharia and his wife, brother-in-law and sister of Joseph Civello, from Rockford, Illinois, visited Civello over the Thanksgiving holiday and then Civello and his wife accompanied the Zacharias to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to visit relatives, the Sam Cangelosis. Prior to going to Baton Rouge, Civello gave a private party at his residence for Dr. Zacharia and his wife and attending this party were Charles Civello, Ross Musso, Peter Interrante, Luke A. Cortemeglia, Carlo LaBarba, and John Ross Patrono. PCI stated the builder who built Joseph Civello's home was also present."
On September 11, 1967 included in the FBI's list of 6 suspected Dallas Family members. 4 known members were identified.
Civello then resided at 4747 Sugar Mill Rd in Northwest Dallas.
On August 26, 1968 included in the FBI's list of 7 suspected Dallas Family members. 4 known members were identified.
On September 27, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[While] it might appear that Joseph Civello has no connection with the Airway Liquor Store on West Mockingbird Lane, near Dallas Love Field, she was present when Charles Civello called the owner of the real estate where the store is now located, in 1959, to arrange for the lease of the property. Source stated at that time Joseph Civello was present with Charles Civello and was the one who gave Charles Civello instructions on what to say when he talked to the owner about the lease. Source advised that after Charles Civello talked to the owner on the telephone, Charles and Joseph Civello allegedly went to downtown Dallas to the Republic National Bank to obtain the necessary money required by the lease."
On October 14, 1968 FBI surveillance conducted on Joseph Civello's residence. He and Rosario Musso were observed being driven from the home by Charles Civello.
On September 23, 1969 rosary held for Charlie Dragna. Attendees included Dallas Boss Joseph Civello, Members Joseph 'Little Joe' Ianni, Rosario Musso and Johnny Ross Patrono as well as Possible Members Joe Campisi and Charles Civello.
Joseph Civello died early the following year.
It's not known who, if anyone, succeeded him or if the Family disbanded.
A November 1971 FBI DL report identified both he and Charles as 'LCN members in Dallas and liquor store operators'.
On November 20, 1974 FBI DL reported:
"
Since the death of [Joseph] Civello, no information has been developed through investigation or sources of any indication that any individual in the Dallas La Cosa Nostra Group has been identified as taking his place.
...Based on investigation and information contributed by various sources, [Redacted; Ross Musso?] and Charles Civello continue to operate the Airway Liquor Store on West Airway Street and West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. Civello is seen in the store, usually on a daily basis; however, [Redacted], who is not well is rarely seen in the store and spends most of his time at home.
...Based on investigation and information contributed by various sources, [Redacted; Ross Musso?] and Charles Civello continue to operate the Airway Liquor Store on West Airway Street and West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. Civello is seen in the store, usually on a daily basis; however, [Redacted], who is not well is rarely seen in the store and spends most of his time at home.
"
Charles Civello died April 9, 1985 and was buried in the city's Calvary Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Charles Civello died April 9, 1985 and was buried in the city's Calvary Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum.
