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| 1964 |
Joseph Mastrocola was a Possible Member of the Bonanno Family active in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Born May 29, 1916 in Manhattan to Rocco, a tailor, and Rose Fasanella. Father from Basilicata.
Through the 1920s into the early 1940s the family resided in the Two Bridges neighborhood at 44 -> 31 Oliver St.
By 1954 Joseph and his wife Sylvia Eidlen were living in Knickerbocker Village located a couple of blocks south at 16 Monroe St.
In September of that year he and a few siblings opened the Holiday Tavern at 55 Madison St near the family's old Oliver St address. Joseph listed his role as manager. (Others involved included one Vincent Saccente (1901-1989) of Palo del Colle in Bari, Puglia.)
Born May 29, 1916 in Manhattan to Rocco, a tailor, and Rose Fasanella. Father from Basilicata.
Through the 1920s into the early 1940s the family resided in the Two Bridges neighborhood at 44 -> 31 Oliver St.
By 1954 Joseph and his wife Sylvia Eidlen were living in Knickerbocker Village located a couple of blocks south at 16 Monroe St.
In September of that year he and a few siblings opened the Holiday Tavern at 55 Madison St near the family's old Oliver St address. Joseph listed his role as manager. (Others involved included one Vincent Saccente (1901-1989) of Palo del Colle in Bari, Puglia.)
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| P. Giganti (1964) |
By 1957 Bonanno Soldier Patsy Giganti was suspected of having a hidden interest in the tavern.
On June 6 of that year Mastrocola and the other officers sold their interests for $10,000.
On June 6 of that year Mastrocola and the other officers sold their interests for $10,000.
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| B. Ruggiero (L) and D. LaMonica Press |
On August 13, 1960 Richard Barrett (29y) and Jeremiah Donahue (34y) were shot during an altercation outside a Lower East Side bar. Arrested were Mastrocola, the suspected gunman, as well as Bonanno Associate Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero, Frank Arminanti (52y) and Dominick LaMonica (35y). The New York Daily News reported: "Police said Mastrocola and the others became involved in an argument over a woman with two other patrons in a bar at 455 Pearl St. early Saturday. A fight ensued outside. The other two [were] shot in the legs. The four tried to flee in a car but it struck a school fence." The charge was dismissed August 22. (Arminanti [1908-1993] was also from Basilicata. In 1970 LaMonica and his half-brother Pasquale Russo were stabbed and shot to death, their bodies found floating in the East River.)
On December 31, 1964 arrested by the NYPD in Manhattan re unspecified charge. (See top)
During the Bonanno conflict of the mid-to-late 1960s Mastrocola aligned himself with the DiGregorio faction. Intensified LE scrutiny around this time is probably what led to his being designated the subject of an FBI investigation.
On February 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[When] shown a photograph of Joseph Mastrocola advised that he was not yet 'made' in La Cosa Nostra, but was one that had been proposed."
Two days later CI reported: "[Rival faction member] Bill Bonanno would have no trouble organizing a large group if he made a show of wealth. He stated that quite a number of individuals who are swearing allegiance to the DiGregorio Family would desert them in a minute. He stated that individuals such as Tony Lisi, Patsy Giganti, Nicky Glasses [Marangello], Joe Mastrocola and [Redacted] who are all broke and in 'hock' up to their necks, would hook on with Bonanno for a little dough."
On March 16, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola, at this time, was either in a hospital or had just been released from a hospital, having suffered another heart attack. He said Mastrocola's heart condition is a very serious one."
On December 31, 1964 arrested by the NYPD in Manhattan re unspecified charge. (See top)
During the Bonanno conflict of the mid-to-late 1960s Mastrocola aligned himself with the DiGregorio faction. Intensified LE scrutiny around this time is probably what led to his being designated the subject of an FBI investigation.
On February 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[When] shown a photograph of Joseph Mastrocola advised that he was not yet 'made' in La Cosa Nostra, but was one that had been proposed."
Two days later CI reported: "[Rival faction member] Bill Bonanno would have no trouble organizing a large group if he made a show of wealth. He stated that quite a number of individuals who are swearing allegiance to the DiGregorio Family would desert them in a minute. He stated that individuals such as Tony Lisi, Patsy Giganti, Nicky Glasses [Marangello], Joe Mastrocola and [Redacted] who are all broke and in 'hock' up to their necks, would hook on with Bonanno for a little dough."
On March 16, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola, at this time, was either in a hospital or had just been released from a hospital, having suffered another heart attack. He said Mastrocola's heart condition is a very serious one."
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| J. Aquaro (1966) |
On September 21, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola associates with John Aquaro, [Redacted] and [Redacted], described by informant as 'hoodlums', and Mastrocola can be located almost on a daily basis at the Parkview Bar at 124 Forsyth St, NYC. He said Mastrocola is also known by the name [Redacted]." (The Parkview was run by Bonanno Soldiers Patsy Giganti and Gaetano 'Tony' Lisi.)
On October 24, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[He] had always considered Joseph Mastrocola to be a ‘made guy’, who is presently aligned with the outcast side of the Bonanno Family. Informant said that he believed Mastrocola owned a bar on Forsyth St known as the Parkview. Informant said Anthony Lisi and Patsy Giganti hang out at this bar and he was of the opinion that Giganti was a partner with Mastrocola in the operation of the bar and in their illegal activities.”
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 22 suspected Bonanno Family members. 88 known members identified.
The same year Mastrocola was arrested on a local charge of possessing obscene material.
On September 14, 1968 the children of Bonanno Boss Paul Sciacca and Bonanno Underboss Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari were married. The reception was held at Woodbury Country Club in Long Island. Attendees in addition to Mastrocola included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Bonanno Captain Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli as well as Bonanno Soldiers Salvatore 'Toto' Mirabile and Rosario 'Sally Burns' Morale.
A December 17, 1968 FBI report on the Bonanno Family listed several Proposed Associates including Patrick DeFilippo, Joseph Mastrocola and Angelo Sparaco. (DeFilippo was a made member by the late 1970s and later served as Captain.)
On February 25, 1969 among ten cited for contempt by the Brooklyn District Attorney after refusing to testify before a Grand Jury investigating the Bonanno conflict. Those cited were Bonanno Members Natale 'Joe Diamond' Evola and Anthony Leone as well as Associates Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli, Joseph Chilli, George Guarino, Angelo 'Vic' Lapi (Genovese), Joseph Mastrocola, Rocco Matra, Steven Menna and Peter Monteleone. The group was ordered to reappear on March 5. (Evola was Boss by mid-November. Monteleone and the Chilli brothers were inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. Angelo Lapi was made in the Genovese Family around the same time.)
On October 24, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[He] had always considered Joseph Mastrocola to be a ‘made guy’, who is presently aligned with the outcast side of the Bonanno Family. Informant said that he believed Mastrocola owned a bar on Forsyth St known as the Parkview. Informant said Anthony Lisi and Patsy Giganti hang out at this bar and he was of the opinion that Giganti was a partner with Mastrocola in the operation of the bar and in their illegal activities.”
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 22 suspected Bonanno Family members. 88 known members identified.
The same year Mastrocola was arrested on a local charge of possessing obscene material.
On September 14, 1968 the children of Bonanno Boss Paul Sciacca and Bonanno Underboss Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari were married. The reception was held at Woodbury Country Club in Long Island. Attendees in addition to Mastrocola included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Bonanno Captain Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli as well as Bonanno Soldiers Salvatore 'Toto' Mirabile and Rosario 'Sally Burns' Morale.
A December 17, 1968 FBI report on the Bonanno Family listed several Proposed Associates including Patrick DeFilippo, Joseph Mastrocola and Angelo Sparaco. (DeFilippo was a made member by the late 1970s and later served as Captain.)
On February 25, 1969 among ten cited for contempt by the Brooklyn District Attorney after refusing to testify before a Grand Jury investigating the Bonanno conflict. Those cited were Bonanno Members Natale 'Joe Diamond' Evola and Anthony Leone as well as Associates Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli, Joseph Chilli, George Guarino, Angelo 'Vic' Lapi (Genovese), Joseph Mastrocola, Rocco Matra, Steven Menna and Peter Monteleone. The group was ordered to reappear on March 5. (Evola was Boss by mid-November. Monteleone and the Chilli brothers were inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. Angelo Lapi was made in the Genovese Family around the same time.)
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| J. Piccarelli FBN Mafia Book |
By 1972 Mastrocola, Genovese Soldier James 'Jimmy Rush' Piccarelli and Bonanno Associate Benny Ruggiero were subjects of an FBI gambling case centered on the Italian-American Veterans Club (IAVC) at 43 Madison St. (Piccarelli reported to Genovese Captain Vincent 'Jimmy Blue Eyes' Alo.)
On February 25, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Due] to police pressure on the Lower East Side of New York City the gambling operation reported previously as operating out of the [IAVC] had suspended operation. Mastrocola, Jimmy Rush Piccarelli and [Redacted] had previously been reported as running this operation."
On March 15, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola and Jimmy Rush Piccarelli are now operating a numbers business from an empty appearing store at 47 Madison Street...Mastrocola was utilizing [Redacted] and Left 'Guns' Ruggiero in this operation, as well as a number of runners."
On June 14, 1972 Mastrocola was observed by the FBI in discussion with an Unsub outside the Macagna Funeral Home on Oliver St.
On August 4, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Store] located at 47 Madison had the name St. James Club on it, but it was not part of St. James Parish located on Oliver Street. He advised that as far as he knew, 47 Madison Street was rented by 'Lefty' (LNU) who reportedly used it for a meeting place for teenagers in the area. He advised that he had heard 47 Madison had been used earlier this year for the sale of illegal fireworks, but was not aware of any current activity at that address."
In August 1972 FBI CI reported: "[He] had not been in the area of Madison Street recently and was therefore not aware if Mastrocola was still operating a numbers business at 47 Madison Street."
On June 7, 1973 FBI CI reported: "The Parkview Tavern, later known as the Emoclew Social Club, 124 Forsyth Street, New York City in which [Redacted] and Joe Mastrocola had an interest, has been closed for some time. Informant could not remember hearing the name of [redacted] Joe Mastrocola. Informant advised that [redacted paragraphs]." (Others mentioned included Bonanno Members Nicholas Marangello and Gaetano Lisi.)
On February 25, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Due] to police pressure on the Lower East Side of New York City the gambling operation reported previously as operating out of the [IAVC] had suspended operation. Mastrocola, Jimmy Rush Piccarelli and [Redacted] had previously been reported as running this operation."
On March 15, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola and Jimmy Rush Piccarelli are now operating a numbers business from an empty appearing store at 47 Madison Street...Mastrocola was utilizing [Redacted] and Left 'Guns' Ruggiero in this operation, as well as a number of runners."
On June 14, 1972 Mastrocola was observed by the FBI in discussion with an Unsub outside the Macagna Funeral Home on Oliver St.
On August 4, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Store] located at 47 Madison had the name St. James Club on it, but it was not part of St. James Parish located on Oliver Street. He advised that as far as he knew, 47 Madison Street was rented by 'Lefty' (LNU) who reportedly used it for a meeting place for teenagers in the area. He advised that he had heard 47 Madison had been used earlier this year for the sale of illegal fireworks, but was not aware of any current activity at that address."
In August 1972 FBI CI reported: "[He] had not been in the area of Madison Street recently and was therefore not aware if Mastrocola was still operating a numbers business at 47 Madison Street."
On June 7, 1973 FBI CI reported: "The Parkview Tavern, later known as the Emoclew Social Club, 124 Forsyth Street, New York City in which [Redacted] and Joe Mastrocola had an interest, has been closed for some time. Informant could not remember hearing the name of [redacted] Joe Mastrocola. Informant advised that [redacted paragraphs]." (Others mentioned included Bonanno Members Nicholas Marangello and Gaetano Lisi.)
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| B. Ruggiero (1977) |
Six days later CI reported: "[CI] identified a photo of Joseph Mastrocola from among 20 or so other photos. Informant advised that Mastrocola is the same individual he provided a photograph of the preceding week. That photo included Mastrocola talking to [Redacted]. Mastrocola is supposed to be with Nicholas Marangello now, and he works closely with Lefty 'Guns' Ruggiero, [Redacted]. [Redacted paragraph]. Lefty Guns Ruggiero is described as white male, 5'9", 165 pounds, late 40s, dark hair and sharp dresser."
On June 26, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Joseph Mastrocola as an individual who hangs out at the [IAVC]...Mastrocola and 'Lefty Guns' Ruggiero from time to time operate large scale card games which emanate from 43 Madison Street." (Others known to frequent the club included Bonanno Underboss Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli', Consigliere Nicholas Marangello, Captain Michael 'Mickey' Zaffarano and Soldier Gaetano Lisi as well as Associates Gerald Chilli, John Scicchitano and Salvatore 'Sally Bross' Scudiero.)
On August 9, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola is a 'made guy' in the Bonanno Family and is involved in shylocking and runs a sports book. Informant advised that Mastrocola frequents the Madison Street area between Market and Catherine Streets...Mastrocola works for [Redacted] [and] now owns a home in Greenwood Lake, New York and supposedly is a sick guy with a bad heart and diabetes."
On September 12, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola is supposed to be dying [at] New York Hospital." FBI subsequently noted: "On 11/7/74, [CI] advised Mastrocola had not been a patient at New York Hospital."
On January 30 and February 12, 1975 observed outside the IAVC.
On March 4, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Mastrocola] is not currently involved in any criminal activities. Informant advised that Mastrocola has always had a bad heart but is not aware of any current illness."
On March 10, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Mastrocola] himself is not involved in any criminal activities but is hanging around with a bad crowd at the [IAVC]."
Mastrocola died April 16, 1975 and was waked at the Macagna Funeral Home on Oliver St. Buried in Calvary Cemetery located in Woodside, Queens.
On June 26, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] identified a photograph of Joseph Mastrocola as an individual who hangs out at the [IAVC]...Mastrocola and 'Lefty Guns' Ruggiero from time to time operate large scale card games which emanate from 43 Madison Street." (Others known to frequent the club included Bonanno Underboss Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli', Consigliere Nicholas Marangello, Captain Michael 'Mickey' Zaffarano and Soldier Gaetano Lisi as well as Associates Gerald Chilli, John Scicchitano and Salvatore 'Sally Bross' Scudiero.)
On August 9, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola is a 'made guy' in the Bonanno Family and is involved in shylocking and runs a sports book. Informant advised that Mastrocola frequents the Madison Street area between Market and Catherine Streets...Mastrocola works for [Redacted] [and] now owns a home in Greenwood Lake, New York and supposedly is a sick guy with a bad heart and diabetes."
On September 12, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Mastrocola is supposed to be dying [at] New York Hospital." FBI subsequently noted: "On 11/7/74, [CI] advised Mastrocola had not been a patient at New York Hospital."
On January 30 and February 12, 1975 observed outside the IAVC.
On March 4, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Mastrocola] is not currently involved in any criminal activities. Informant advised that Mastrocola has always had a bad heart but is not aware of any current illness."
On March 10, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Mastrocola] himself is not involved in any criminal activities but is hanging around with a bad crowd at the [IAVC]."
Mastrocola died April 16, 1975 and was waked at the Macagna Funeral Home on Oliver St. Buried in Calvary Cemetery located in Woodside, Queens.