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| 1963 |
Ettore 'Etto / Eddie' Colao was a member of the Gambino Family's Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew active in Lower Manhattan.
Born Ettaro Colao on March 5, 1911 at 167 Mulberry St in Manhattan's Little Italy to Salvatore (36y) and Rosa Ferrara / Foderaro (24y). Both parents were born in Calabria's Catanzaro Province, with the father from the comune of Taverna.
At the time of Ettore's birth the family were living at the same address.
By 1920 they moved a block over to 151 Mott St. Salvatore listed his occupation as metal worker.
Ettore was residing further north at 180 Mott by January 1933, when he married Catherine Curreri (19y). Bride's family from Sciacca in Agrigento, Sicily.
By April 1940 the couple resided at 362 Broome St. Ettore worked as a washing fluid salesman.
Born Ettaro Colao on March 5, 1911 at 167 Mulberry St in Manhattan's Little Italy to Salvatore (36y) and Rosa Ferrara / Foderaro (24y). Both parents were born in Calabria's Catanzaro Province, with the father from the comune of Taverna.
At the time of Ettore's birth the family were living at the same address.
By 1920 they moved a block over to 151 Mott St. Salvatore listed his occupation as metal worker.
Ettore was residing further north at 180 Mott by January 1933, when he married Catherine Curreri (19y). Bride's family from Sciacca in Agrigento, Sicily.
By April 1940 the couple resided at 362 Broome St. Ettore worked as a washing fluid salesman.
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| P. Perfetti (1957) |
Neighbors included Philip 'Bibs' Perfetti (1993-1993), later described as Colao's partner in both legal and illegal business.
Around 1956 both men were inducted into the Gambino Family under Captain Joseph Franco's sponsorship.
Franco headed a large crew with a couple of dozen made members active mostly in Brooklyn and on Elizabeth St in Little Italy. Notable members included Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Captain, Antonino 'Zu Nino' Indelicato. (Like Colao's wife, Indelicato and another former crew leader, Giuseppe 'Joe 90' Parlapiano, were from Sciacca.)
Around 1956 both men were inducted into the Gambino Family under Captain Joseph Franco's sponsorship.
Franco headed a large crew with a couple of dozen made members active mostly in Brooklyn and on Elizabeth St in Little Italy. Notable members included Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Captain, Antonino 'Zu Nino' Indelicato. (Like Colao's wife, Indelicato and another former crew leader, Giuseppe 'Joe 90' Parlapiano, were from Sciacca.)
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| C. Lombardozzi |
Franco died in November 1957, just a few days before the nationwide Apalachin meeting was held in Upstate New York. Carmine Lombardozzi, who had to miss Franco's wake due to the meeting, took over the crew.
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| A. Rizzo (1939) |
On May 5, 1958 Colao's auto was observed departing the Rizzo Jewelry Shoppe located at 94 Canal St. Business operated by longtime Gambino Member (Possible Captain) Anthony Rizzo.
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| J. Robilotto (1950s) New York Daily News |
On September 7, 1958 Gambino Captain John 'Johnny Roberts' Robilotto was shot to death in Brooklyn. Investigators found two pieces of paper with approximately seventy names and numbers on his person. Those listed included Lombardozzi crew members Ettore Colao and Joseph Gennaro.
On November 19, 1959 Colao was observed by the FBI driving his Captain Carmine Lombardozzi from the Federal Court House in Foley Square. (Lombardozzi's legal problems were fallout from his attendance at Apalachin.)
On November 19-20, 1959 the wake for Former Gambino Captain Frank Castellano was held at the Gambino-linked Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included Gambino Captain Paul Castellano (Frank's nephew), Genovese Captain Frank 'Funzi' Tieri, Gambino Soldier Ettore Colao and at least a dozen other Gambino members.
On January 3, 1960 Captain Carmine Lombardozzi surveilled by the NYPD's Criminal Intelligence Bureau. That afternoon Lombardozzi was picked up at his residence by Colao and driven to the Cafe Espresso in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn where he spent about three hours. Vehicles belonging to Gambino Soldiers Dominick Castore, Louis DeFilippo and John Lombardozzi, Carmine's brother, were observed parked at the location.
On January 25, 1961 the NYPD CIB observed Colao driving Lombardozzi to the corner of Centre and White Sts in Little Italy.
On January 25, 1962 arrested by NYPD on bookmaking charge. Acquitted six days later.
By Fall 1962 Colao and Philip Perfetti owned the Cafe 377 located at 377 Broome St and were partners in a gambling and loansharking operation.
On October 29, 1962 FBI observed Colao driving Lombardozzi first to the ILA Union Hall at 343 Court St in South Brooklyn and then into Manhattan to Cafe 377.
Through November 1962 Agents noted Colao driving for Lombardozzi and frequenting the cafe.
On February 20, 1963 arrested by NYPD on bookmaking charge. (See top)
Colao was then residing at 1264 Tabor Court in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn and listed his employment with the Elmar Jewelry Company in 84 Bowery in Manhattan. FBI noted: "[Elmar] operates as a wholesaler of general merchandise including watches, tape recorders, radios, shavers and similar items with distribution being made locally and throughout the country."
On April 3, 1963 funeral for Carmine Lombardozzi's father held in Brooklyn. Attendees included Gambino Captain Joseph 'Gus' Colozzo, Colombo Soldier Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore, Ettore Colao and at least four other Gambino Soldiers.
During the event an FBI Agent was assaulted by a group that included Lombardozzi relative and Gambino Associate Daniel Marino.
As part of the resulting investigation Colao was interviewed by the FBI for what may have been the first time:
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On November 19, 1959 Colao was observed by the FBI driving his Captain Carmine Lombardozzi from the Federal Court House in Foley Square. (Lombardozzi's legal problems were fallout from his attendance at Apalachin.)
On November 19-20, 1959 the wake for Former Gambino Captain Frank Castellano was held at the Gambino-linked Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included Gambino Captain Paul Castellano (Frank's nephew), Genovese Captain Frank 'Funzi' Tieri, Gambino Soldier Ettore Colao and at least a dozen other Gambino members.
On January 3, 1960 Captain Carmine Lombardozzi surveilled by the NYPD's Criminal Intelligence Bureau. That afternoon Lombardozzi was picked up at his residence by Colao and driven to the Cafe Espresso in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn where he spent about three hours. Vehicles belonging to Gambino Soldiers Dominick Castore, Louis DeFilippo and John Lombardozzi, Carmine's brother, were observed parked at the location.
On January 25, 1961 the NYPD CIB observed Colao driving Lombardozzi to the corner of Centre and White Sts in Little Italy.
On January 25, 1962 arrested by NYPD on bookmaking charge. Acquitted six days later.
By Fall 1962 Colao and Philip Perfetti owned the Cafe 377 located at 377 Broome St and were partners in a gambling and loansharking operation.
On October 29, 1962 FBI observed Colao driving Lombardozzi first to the ILA Union Hall at 343 Court St in South Brooklyn and then into Manhattan to Cafe 377.
Through November 1962 Agents noted Colao driving for Lombardozzi and frequenting the cafe.
On February 20, 1963 arrested by NYPD on bookmaking charge. (See top)
Colao was then residing at 1264 Tabor Court in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn and listed his employment with the Elmar Jewelry Company in 84 Bowery in Manhattan. FBI noted: "[Elmar] operates as a wholesaler of general merchandise including watches, tape recorders, radios, shavers and similar items with distribution being made locally and throughout the country."
On April 3, 1963 funeral for Carmine Lombardozzi's father held in Brooklyn. Attendees included Gambino Captain Joseph 'Gus' Colozzo, Colombo Soldier Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore, Ettore Colao and at least four other Gambino Soldiers.
During the event an FBI Agent was assaulted by a group that included Lombardozzi relative and Gambino Associate Daniel Marino.
As part of the resulting investigation Colao was interviewed by the FBI for what may have been the first time:
"
[Colao] furnished an unsigned statement which he refused to sign stating that he desired to consult an attorney first. In this statement he stated: He had known Carmine Lombardozzi for about 10 years and Lombardozzi is a distant cousin of his father's side of the family.
On the morning of 4/3/1963, he went to the Torregrossa Funeral Home, 13th Avenue and 79th Street, Brooklyn about 9:00 AM for the funeral of Carmine Lombardozzi's father, Carmello Lombardozzi. He met Carmine Lombardozzi at the funeral home but did not know anyone else there.
He left about 9:15 AM in a funeral car occupied by the driver, three women and two men whom he did not know. They proceeded to the church arriving at about 9:45 AM when he got out and went across the street to a candy store for coffee and a roll. He stayed in the store about 30 minutes and when he left there was a commotion in front of the church. He returned to the car and waited about 15 or 20 minutes until the funeral left the church. He was then told by one of the women that some policeman got hurt. He learned later from the newspapers that an FBI Agent had been assaulted. The funeral proceeded to the cemetery where he remained during the graveside ceremonies and then took a taxi to NYC.
On Saturday, 4/6/1963, he saw Carmine Lombardozzi at Lombardozzi's home on 84th Street, Brooklyn and Lombardozzi said 'he was sick over the whole thing', meaning the assault of the FBI Agent. Colao remained at Lombardozzi's home about 10 minutes [redacted]. Colao stated: 'I was sorry to hear about the assault on the FBI Agent'.
On the morning of 4/3/1963, he went to the Torregrossa Funeral Home, 13th Avenue and 79th Street, Brooklyn about 9:00 AM for the funeral of Carmine Lombardozzi's father, Carmello Lombardozzi. He met Carmine Lombardozzi at the funeral home but did not know anyone else there.
He left about 9:15 AM in a funeral car occupied by the driver, three women and two men whom he did not know. They proceeded to the church arriving at about 9:45 AM when he got out and went across the street to a candy store for coffee and a roll. He stayed in the store about 30 minutes and when he left there was a commotion in front of the church. He returned to the car and waited about 15 or 20 minutes until the funeral left the church. He was then told by one of the women that some policeman got hurt. He learned later from the newspapers that an FBI Agent had been assaulted. The funeral proceeded to the cemetery where he remained during the graveside ceremonies and then took a taxi to NYC.
On Saturday, 4/6/1963, he saw Carmine Lombardozzi at Lombardozzi's home on 84th Street, Brooklyn and Lombardozzi said 'he was sick over the whole thing', meaning the assault of the FBI Agent. Colao remained at Lombardozzi's home about 10 minutes [redacted]. Colao stated: 'I was sorry to hear about the assault on the FBI Agent'.
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(Participant Daniel Marino was inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. He was promoted to Captain by John Gotti around 1989 and held the position into the 2010s.)
On January 22, 1964 surveilled by NYPD CIB at corner of Mott and Broome Sts in Little Italy.
On February 20, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of two individuals departing the Arcuri Liquor Store, 302 East 78th Street, New York City, which was taken by [SA], as being 'Joe the Wop' Gennaro and Eddie Colao. He stated Colao operates Club 377...Informant advised that Joe Gennaro's primary hangout is the Cafe Espresso, 121 Mulberry Street, but he likewise frequents Cafe 377, 377 Broome St." (Joseph Gennaro was Acting Captain for Carmine Lombardozzi. The Arcuri Liquor store was owned by Gambino Captain Domenico Arcuri [1886-1974] and his son Joseph [1913-2007], a Gambino Soldier who later inherited his father's crew.)
On July 7, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[At] 1:00 PM on this date Joseph Gennaro entered the Cafe 377, and Eddie Colao [redacted] in the cafe at this time."
On September 24, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Ettore Colao as an individual he has seen hanging around in the vicinity of Mott, Mulberry and Hester Streets."
(Participant Daniel Marino was inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. He was promoted to Captain by John Gotti around 1989 and held the position into the 2010s.)
On January 22, 1964 surveilled by NYPD CIB at corner of Mott and Broome Sts in Little Italy.
On February 20, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of two individuals departing the Arcuri Liquor Store, 302 East 78th Street, New York City, which was taken by [SA], as being 'Joe the Wop' Gennaro and Eddie Colao. He stated Colao operates Club 377...Informant advised that Joe Gennaro's primary hangout is the Cafe Espresso, 121 Mulberry Street, but he likewise frequents Cafe 377, 377 Broome St." (Joseph Gennaro was Acting Captain for Carmine Lombardozzi. The Arcuri Liquor store was owned by Gambino Captain Domenico Arcuri [1886-1974] and his son Joseph [1913-2007], a Gambino Soldier who later inherited his father's crew.)
On July 7, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[At] 1:00 PM on this date Joseph Gennaro entered the Cafe 377, and Eddie Colao [redacted] in the cafe at this time."
On September 24, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Ettore Colao as an individual he has seen hanging around in the vicinity of Mott, Mulberry and Hester Streets."
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| J. Gennaro |
Around December 1964 Carmine Lombardozzi was demoted and officially replaced by Joseph Gennaro.
By 1965 made members of the Gennaro crew included William Amendolace, Edward 'Chris' Amplo, Hugo Bassi, Frank 'Frankie Brown' Bongiorno, Dominick Castore, John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello, Ettore Colao, Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Louis DeFilippo, Ignatius 'Iggy' DeBella, Paul 'Slasher' DiBella, Leonardo Grillo, Louis Guiga, Antonino Indelicato, Pasquale 'Patty' Lauro, the Lombardozzi brothers Carmine, John and Paul, Accursio 'Swifty' Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo 'Lloyd' Patti, Philip Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorello.
Early that year Colao was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
On January 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Etto] Colao is a 'button' in the Carlo Gambino Family and his boss is 'Joe the Wop' Gennaro. [Etto] is engaged in bookmaking and shylocking operations for the Lombardozzi - Gambino group and they can handle any amount of action...Informant advised Colao [redacted] employed by Harold Halpern [who] is a well known and established jeweler."
On February 2, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[He] knows Etto Colao casually and Joe Gennaro and Carmine Lombardozzi are associates of his. Informant advised that an associate of Colao is 'Bibs' [Philip Perfetti], TN unknown, who is a 'button' under Gambino with 'Joe the Wop' as his boss."
On March 16, 1965 Gennaro and Colao were observed by the FBI in the vicinity of Broome and Mulberry Sts.
On April 5 and 13, 1965 Colao was observed entering Cafe 377.
On April 20, 1965 Gennaro was observed at Cafe 377.
On April 27, 1965 the FBI observed an Unsub exit the cafe and depart in an automobile registered to Anthony Caggiano (54y). (Anthony 'Hogan' Caggiano and wife Rose Consalvo resided on Lafayette St in Little Italy. Anthony worked for Colisium Trucking Company in Hell's Kitchen.)
On June 6, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Due] to the recent convictions of several 'made' guys throughout the country for civil contempt, it has most other syndicate guys 'jumpy'. He stated that it is the opinion of these guys in view of the top echelon who have been found guilty and are sitting in the 'cooler' as a result of the civil contempt convictions, the lower echelon or smaller guys would not have any way of protecting themselves. He further advised the lower echelon and smaller guys in the syndicate, for the most part, are without funds and each subpoena or court action costs them money which they do not have. He stated this type individual has to go to a big brother for financial assistance and it is beginning to bother the so-called big brothers and the Family members are arguing amongst themselves. [CI] advised he believes the Bureau should attempt to pick on guys with no money and above all with no personal 'family' ties when issuing a subpoena because he feels certain these are the individuals who can be 'broken' and will talk. He stated 'made' guys in the NYC area whom he feels fall into this category would be John Aquaro and Joe Notaro of the Joseph Bonanno Family and Ettore Colao and [Redacted] of the Gambino Family and Pete DeFeo of the Genovese Family."
On December 21, 1965 the FBI's New York Office advised Headquarters: “[US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York] anticipates using the Arcuri Liquor Store in New York City as the focal point for the Gambino Family Federal Grand Jury in 1/1966 and thereafter call Domenico and Joseph Arcuri, as well as Joseph Gennaro, Giuseppe Gambino and Edward Colao and others before such [FGJ]. The Bureau will be kept advised of all details in connection with this Grand Jury action.” (Giuseppi 'Peppino' Gambino [1908-1979] was brother to Boss Carlo Gambino and a Family Captain.)
In mid-April 1966 the FBI's member source in the Gambino Family provided an extensive rundown on Joseph Gennaro and his crew. He identified Ettore Colao as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "[Colao known] to hang out on Broome Street, New York City. Primarily, he is known as a shylock. A close associate of Etto is a person known to informant as Bibs [Philip Perfetti]."
On April 15, 1966 FBI CI reported: "Etto Colao - Informant stated that Colao is a member of La Cosa Nostra under Joe the Wop Gennaro and collects the dues of $20 a month for the crew of Joe the Wop."
On June 2, 1966 Joseph Gennaro and crew members Ettore Colao and Vincent Corrao were observed in the vicinity of Cafe 384 at 384 Broome St.
On September 6, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] furnished the following information concerning his knowledge of some members of the Gambino Family...Concerning Ettore Colao, informant said he is aware that Colao is a 'button guy' in LCN within the Gambino Family, but is not certain if Frankie Brown [Bongiorno] is his Caporegima." (Frank Bongiorno [1906-1977] was a Soldier under Gennaro who resided in New Jersey.)
On September 23, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[He] is familiar with Philip Perfetti as Mr. Bibs and had heard he was 'made' approximately 8 or 9 years ago in the Gambino Family and at that time was 'with' Joseph Franco, who has since died of cancer and who was partners with Carmine Lombardozzi. Informant stated that Perfetti is a big time shylock on Broome and Mulberry Streets and has a piece of a cafe there. Informant stated Perfetti is partners with Ettore Colao, also a 'made guy' with the Gambino Family, and who was 'made' at the same time as Perfetti."
On October 19, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Patty Lauro as an individual [redacted]...Informant advised that Lauro [was sponsored by] Joe (LNU) [Franco], who died of cancer several years ago. He further noted that Joe (LNU) also sponsored 'Bibs' and 'Eto'. Informant knows Joe (LNU)'s last name, but could not recall it at the moment."
By 1965 made members of the Gennaro crew included William Amendolace, Edward 'Chris' Amplo, Hugo Bassi, Frank 'Frankie Brown' Bongiorno, Dominick Castore, John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello, Ettore Colao, Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Louis DeFilippo, Ignatius 'Iggy' DeBella, Paul 'Slasher' DiBella, Leonardo Grillo, Louis Guiga, Antonino Indelicato, Pasquale 'Patty' Lauro, the Lombardozzi brothers Carmine, John and Paul, Accursio 'Swifty' Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo 'Lloyd' Patti, Philip Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorello.
Early that year Colao was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
On January 28, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Etto] Colao is a 'button' in the Carlo Gambino Family and his boss is 'Joe the Wop' Gennaro. [Etto] is engaged in bookmaking and shylocking operations for the Lombardozzi - Gambino group and they can handle any amount of action...Informant advised Colao [redacted] employed by Harold Halpern [who] is a well known and established jeweler."
On February 2, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[He] knows Etto Colao casually and Joe Gennaro and Carmine Lombardozzi are associates of his. Informant advised that an associate of Colao is 'Bibs' [Philip Perfetti], TN unknown, who is a 'button' under Gambino with 'Joe the Wop' as his boss."
On March 16, 1965 Gennaro and Colao were observed by the FBI in the vicinity of Broome and Mulberry Sts.
On April 5 and 13, 1965 Colao was observed entering Cafe 377.
On April 20, 1965 Gennaro was observed at Cafe 377.
On April 27, 1965 the FBI observed an Unsub exit the cafe and depart in an automobile registered to Anthony Caggiano (54y). (Anthony 'Hogan' Caggiano and wife Rose Consalvo resided on Lafayette St in Little Italy. Anthony worked for Colisium Trucking Company in Hell's Kitchen.)
On June 6, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Due] to the recent convictions of several 'made' guys throughout the country for civil contempt, it has most other syndicate guys 'jumpy'. He stated that it is the opinion of these guys in view of the top echelon who have been found guilty and are sitting in the 'cooler' as a result of the civil contempt convictions, the lower echelon or smaller guys would not have any way of protecting themselves. He further advised the lower echelon and smaller guys in the syndicate, for the most part, are without funds and each subpoena or court action costs them money which they do not have. He stated this type individual has to go to a big brother for financial assistance and it is beginning to bother the so-called big brothers and the Family members are arguing amongst themselves. [CI] advised he believes the Bureau should attempt to pick on guys with no money and above all with no personal 'family' ties when issuing a subpoena because he feels certain these are the individuals who can be 'broken' and will talk. He stated 'made' guys in the NYC area whom he feels fall into this category would be John Aquaro and Joe Notaro of the Joseph Bonanno Family and Ettore Colao and [Redacted] of the Gambino Family and Pete DeFeo of the Genovese Family."
On December 21, 1965 the FBI's New York Office advised Headquarters: “[US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York] anticipates using the Arcuri Liquor Store in New York City as the focal point for the Gambino Family Federal Grand Jury in 1/1966 and thereafter call Domenico and Joseph Arcuri, as well as Joseph Gennaro, Giuseppe Gambino and Edward Colao and others before such [FGJ]. The Bureau will be kept advised of all details in connection with this Grand Jury action.” (Giuseppi 'Peppino' Gambino [1908-1979] was brother to Boss Carlo Gambino and a Family Captain.)
In mid-April 1966 the FBI's member source in the Gambino Family provided an extensive rundown on Joseph Gennaro and his crew. He identified Ettore Colao as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "[Colao known] to hang out on Broome Street, New York City. Primarily, he is known as a shylock. A close associate of Etto is a person known to informant as Bibs [Philip Perfetti]."
On April 15, 1966 FBI CI reported: "Etto Colao - Informant stated that Colao is a member of La Cosa Nostra under Joe the Wop Gennaro and collects the dues of $20 a month for the crew of Joe the Wop."
On June 2, 1966 Joseph Gennaro and crew members Ettore Colao and Vincent Corrao were observed in the vicinity of Cafe 384 at 384 Broome St.
On September 6, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] furnished the following information concerning his knowledge of some members of the Gambino Family...Concerning Ettore Colao, informant said he is aware that Colao is a 'button guy' in LCN within the Gambino Family, but is not certain if Frankie Brown [Bongiorno] is his Caporegima." (Frank Bongiorno [1906-1977] was a Soldier under Gennaro who resided in New Jersey.)
On September 23, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[He] is familiar with Philip Perfetti as Mr. Bibs and had heard he was 'made' approximately 8 or 9 years ago in the Gambino Family and at that time was 'with' Joseph Franco, who has since died of cancer and who was partners with Carmine Lombardozzi. Informant stated that Perfetti is a big time shylock on Broome and Mulberry Streets and has a piece of a cafe there. Informant stated Perfetti is partners with Ettore Colao, also a 'made guy' with the Gambino Family, and who was 'made' at the same time as Perfetti."
On October 19, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Patty Lauro as an individual [redacted]...Informant advised that Lauro [was sponsored by] Joe (LNU) [Franco], who died of cancer several years ago. He further noted that Joe (LNU) also sponsored 'Bibs' and 'Eto'. Informant knows Joe (LNU)'s last name, but could not recall it at the moment."
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| E. Zeccardi (1964) |
On December 5, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated that he was contacted by Etto Colao, who advised him Eli Zeccardi notified him (Colao) that Lombardozzi still owed $20,000 to the 'Fat Tony' Salerno and Benny Squint [redacted]. Informant notified Colao he told 'Joe the Wop' [Joseph Gennaro] he did not know of the Antigua Club being 'organizational controlled' and further [redacted]." (At the time of this report Philip 'Benny Squint' Lombardo [1908-1987] was a Genovese Captain and Eli Zeccardi (1910-1977) and 'Fat Tony' Salerno (1911-1992) were Genovese members. All three later held positions in that Family's administration.)
The Gambino member source reported on a Family meeting held February 27, 1967 in the basement of Gennaro crew member Leonardo Grillo's residence in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano, various announcements were made, including the decision to split up Gennaro's regime for being 'too big'. Newly appointed Captain James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla was given most of the Brooklyn members. Gennaro retained the majority of the crew's Lower Manhattan membership, including Colao.
On May 2, 1968 observed by FBI at corner of Broome and Mulberry Streets.
The Gambino member source reported on a Family meeting held February 27, 1967 in the basement of Gennaro crew member Leonardo Grillo's residence in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano, various announcements were made, including the decision to split up Gennaro's regime for being 'too big'. Newly appointed Captain James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla was given most of the Brooklyn members. Gennaro retained the majority of the crew's Lower Manhattan membership, including Colao.
On May 2, 1968 observed by FBI at corner of Broome and Mulberry Streets.
Eight days later Ettore Colao died outside Cafe 384 at 384 Broome St.
On September 16, 1968 Colao's wake was held at the Ralph Aievoli and Son Funeral Home in Dyker Heights. Attendees included Boss Carlo Gambino, Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Gambino Acting Captain (?) Vincent Corrao, Captain Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano, Gambino Soldiers Carmine Lombardozzi and Michael 'Big Mike' Pinetti and many others. Three days later CI reported: "[At] the wake of Ettore Colao, at least 150 members of LCN were among the mourners at the wake. At least 90% of those individuals were members of the Gambino Family of LCN. Informant pointed out that although Colao was only a Soldier in the Gambino Family, he was very highly respected among LCN ranks. Informant stated an incident involving Carlo Gambino occurred at the wake when Gambino publicly castigated Carmine Lombardozzi in the funeral parlor for not showing proper respect to the deceased Colao."
Buried in Saint John Cemetery located in Middle Village, Queens.
On September 17, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[He] had recently attended the wake of Ettore Colao [and while] at this wake, informant related he was in company with Anthony Napolitano and Michael Pinetti...Informant said Colao before his death was a shylocking and gambling partner with Bibs (LNU) (unquestionably identical with Philip Perfetti ‘Gambino Soldier’). Informant said Bibs has a club on Broome Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets. CI said also in attendance at that time was Jimmy the Blond (Vincent Corrao).” (Within a couple of days Vincent Corrao was being reported as Acting Captain of the former Gennaro crew. Late the following year he was demoted and the crew split up.)
On November 8, 1968 NYPD CIB advised FBI NYO: "[CIB] advised that their organization did not conduct any surveillances of the wake of Ettore Colao as they did not consider Colao an important enough member of LCN."
On January 29, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was contacted in regard to an individual identified only as Joe (LNU) [Franco] who reportedly sponsored Ettore Colao in Cosa Nostra."
In November 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Philip] Perfetti has an interest in the Cafe Espresso, 384 Broome Street...He originally was partners in the Cafe with the late Ettore Colao, and may currently own the entire Cafe or be partners with Colao's widow." (This might be a mistaken reference to the Cafe 377. Perfetti died April 1993.)
On September 16, 1968 Colao's wake was held at the Ralph Aievoli and Son Funeral Home in Dyker Heights. Attendees included Boss Carlo Gambino, Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Gambino Acting Captain (?) Vincent Corrao, Captain Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano, Gambino Soldiers Carmine Lombardozzi and Michael 'Big Mike' Pinetti and many others. Three days later CI reported: "[At] the wake of Ettore Colao, at least 150 members of LCN were among the mourners at the wake. At least 90% of those individuals were members of the Gambino Family of LCN. Informant pointed out that although Colao was only a Soldier in the Gambino Family, he was very highly respected among LCN ranks. Informant stated an incident involving Carlo Gambino occurred at the wake when Gambino publicly castigated Carmine Lombardozzi in the funeral parlor for not showing proper respect to the deceased Colao."
Buried in Saint John Cemetery located in Middle Village, Queens.
On September 17, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[He] had recently attended the wake of Ettore Colao [and while] at this wake, informant related he was in company with Anthony Napolitano and Michael Pinetti...Informant said Colao before his death was a shylocking and gambling partner with Bibs (LNU) (unquestionably identical with Philip Perfetti ‘Gambino Soldier’). Informant said Bibs has a club on Broome Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets. CI said also in attendance at that time was Jimmy the Blond (Vincent Corrao).” (Within a couple of days Vincent Corrao was being reported as Acting Captain of the former Gennaro crew. Late the following year he was demoted and the crew split up.)
On November 8, 1968 NYPD CIB advised FBI NYO: "[CIB] advised that their organization did not conduct any surveillances of the wake of Ettore Colao as they did not consider Colao an important enough member of LCN."
On January 29, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] was contacted in regard to an individual identified only as Joe (LNU) [Franco] who reportedly sponsored Ettore Colao in Cosa Nostra."
In November 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Philip] Perfetti has an interest in the Cafe Espresso, 384 Broome Street...He originally was partners in the Cafe with the late Ettore Colao, and may currently own the entire Cafe or be partners with Colao's widow." (This might be a mistaken reference to the Cafe 377. Perfetti died April 1993.)
