Richard 'Richie Nerves' Fusco was a member of the Colombo Family who served in the administration during the late 2000s.
Formerly a Captain, he and his crew were active Persico loyalists during the early 1990s Colombo war.
His father Frank 'Dickie' Fusco (1904-1992) was also a former Colombo Captain.
Older brother Salvatore 'Sally Buzzo' (1931-2000) was the Family's Acting Boss for a time in early 2000.
Nephew Salvatore Fusco Jr. has been identified in various court documents and news reports as a made member as well.
Richard was born August 5, 1936 in Brooklyn to Frank (32y) and Rose DeFalco (35y). Parents both believed to be Campanian, with Frank likely from Quindici in Avellino.
At the time of birth the Fuscos were residing at 1163 66th St in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood. They remained at this residence up through the 1960s.
Formerly a Captain, he and his crew were active Persico loyalists during the early 1990s Colombo war.
His father Frank 'Dickie' Fusco (1904-1992) was also a former Colombo Captain.
Older brother Salvatore 'Sally Buzzo' (1931-2000) was the Family's Acting Boss for a time in early 2000.
Nephew Salvatore Fusco Jr. has been identified in various court documents and news reports as a made member as well.
Richard was born August 5, 1936 in Brooklyn to Frank (32y) and Rose DeFalco (35y). Parents both believed to be Campanian, with Frank likely from Quindici in Avellino.
At the time of birth the Fuscos were residing at 1163 66th St in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood. They remained at this residence up through the 1960s.
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| Fuscos in the 1960s (L to R): Frank, Salvatore, Richard |
By the early 1960s Richard and his brother Salvatore were working with their father in a bookmaking operation run from a candy store at 11th Ave and 66th St.
Frank Fusco, suspected of having a hidden interest in the store, was then a made member reporting to Captain Nick Sorrentino.
Made members of Sorrentino's crew included Frank Fusco and the LaPonzina brothers Anthony, Ernest and Ralph.
Associates included the Fusco brothers, Joseph 'Joe Lane' Gentile and Albert 'Gooch' Mugnolo.
On February 8, 1965 Richard was arrested by the NYPD's 66th Precinct in Brooklyn on charges of bookmaking and possessing bookmaking records. On April 20, 1965 acquitted in Kings County Criminal Court.
About three months later his father Frank Fusco was appointed official Captain over the former Sorrentino crew.
The Fuscos used the Pompeii Social Club at 6705 11th Ave in Dyker Heights as their base of operations. Card games were hosted and the crew's various other gambling interests were overseen from the club.
On April 29, 1967 Richard was again arrested for bookmaking and possessing records. The disposition for this case, his second and final local charge, is unavailable.
Frank Fusco, suspected of having a hidden interest in the store, was then a made member reporting to Captain Nick Sorrentino.
Made members of Sorrentino's crew included Frank Fusco and the LaPonzina brothers Anthony, Ernest and Ralph.
Associates included the Fusco brothers, Joseph 'Joe Lane' Gentile and Albert 'Gooch' Mugnolo.
On February 8, 1965 Richard was arrested by the NYPD's 66th Precinct in Brooklyn on charges of bookmaking and possessing bookmaking records. On April 20, 1965 acquitted in Kings County Criminal Court.
About three months later his father Frank Fusco was appointed official Captain over the former Sorrentino crew.
The Fuscos used the Pompeii Social Club at 6705 11th Ave in Dyker Heights as their base of operations. Card games were hosted and the crew's various other gambling interests were overseen from the club.
On April 29, 1967 Richard was again arrested for bookmaking and possessing records. The disposition for this case, his second and final local charge, is unavailable.
1970s
By 1970 the FBI opened an anti-racketeering investigation on Fusco's activities.
He was then residing at 1623 76th St in Bensonhurst.
On February 9, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Gambling] operation at Tedesco's Junk Yard, Brooklyn, belongs to Dick Fusco. Patty Tedesco is being paid to allow the operation in his establishment, but [Redacted] runs it for Fusco. Fusco also has a game operating in a house on 63rd Street between 10th Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn. The house is located on the right hand side of this one-way street. Fusco has two sons who are involved in their father's operation."
On March 17, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Gentile and [Frank] Fusco both have sons who seem to be representing them while [Ernest] LaPonzina has a number of brothers who can look after his action."
On March 26, 1971 Agents with the FBI's Miami Field Office photographed Colombo Soldier Ralph LaPonzina and Associates Richard Fusco, Salvatore Fusco, Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano and an Unsub at a local country club. (The Unsub was possibly Vincent Costanza [1921-2010] who married the Fuscos' older sister.)
On August 20, 1971 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Frank Fusco] had a very bad heart attack and was very sick. [Because] of this Fusco had to give up all his gambling interests to his sons and he feels Fusco will definitely retire from his organized crime interests because of this. [Scarpa] explained that Fusco had been very 'close' to [recently shot Boss Joseph] Colombo and this would be a perfect opportunity for Fusco to make his 'exit'."
Around this time the Westchester Premier Theatre corporation was formed with Eliot Weisman as President. Richard Fusco and Colombo Associate Gregory DePalma acted as principals / silent partners.
DePalma had previously been on-record with Colombo Soldier Salvatore 'Sally D.' D'Ambrosio who disappeared in November 1969.
DePalma and Fusco supervised the landfill operation at the site chosen for the theater. The Herald Statesman later reported: "While DePalma and Fusco were working in the wings, Eliot Weisman, 40, a stockbroker-turned-entertainment entrepreneur, was the president of the corporation and took the public flak for the dumping of raw sewage at the landfill site...[DePalma] and Fusco were paid by the theater corporation as the landfill contractors and at the same time charged carters from the tri-state area to dump their refuse and fill." (In October 1973 Weisman pleaded guilty to illegal dumping and was fined $50.)
On May 25, 1973 Frank Fusco and twenty-one others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn for involvement in an interstate gambling business. Several made members and associates in Fusco's crew were also indicted, although both Richard and Salvatore Fusco escaped any charges.
By the summer Frank Fusco had stepped down or been demoted from his Captain position.
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| C. Panarella |
On July 26 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family's structure and the activities of various members. Scarpa identified Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella as a Captain and named Frank Fusco and his sons as Panarella crew members.
On August 24 Scarpa reported: "Dick Fusco: Back in Brooklyn; hates [Former Captain Nick] Sorrentino and the LaPonzina brothers; not active in gambling operation run by his sons."
On January 23, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[The] Fuscos are on 11th Avenue, handling contacts on a daily basis with various individuals including Anthony and Ernie LaPonzina, [Redacted], Joe Gentile, and various other individuals. [These] individuals have not been around for a couple of weeks and things are more quiet than usual. [Redacted] is usually on 11th Avenue two or three times a week in the afternoon. [He] was told by [Redacted] the FBI had dropped the gambling case against Dick Fusco involving Joe 'Joe Lane' Gentile."
On May 30, 1974 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family structure. He identified Charles Panarella as both official Captain and Acting Consigliere and named Frank Fusco and his sons as Panarella crew members.
By 1975 resided at 37 Malvern Rd in the town of Scarsdale located in Westchester County, New York.
By Summer 1975 the Westchester Premier Theatre was in operation.
On July 9, 1975 a vehicle registered to Fusco was observed by the FBI at the location.
Silent partners Gregory DePalma and Richard Fusco were ostensibly in charge of the Theatre's parking lots and box office receipts.
On September 3, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Richard] Fusco and Gregory DePalma's friend, [Redacted] (ph), is currently on the Westchester Premier Theatre's payroll for $500 a week as [redacted]."
On September 19, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Richard] Fusco's gambling operation is utilizing a new number and somehow there is a tie into the Westchester Premier Theatre, perhaps through the use of a cheesebox."
In early November 1975 a relative of Colombo Soldier Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio married with the reception held at Manor East in Massapequa, Long Island. Attendees included Richard Fusco, his brother Salvatore, Acting Boss Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato and at least nine other Family members.
On January 7, 1976 Gregory DePalma was surveilled visiting Fusco's residence.
On January 18, 1976 FBI reported: "Investigation conducted in [Theatre case] reflects Richard Fusco and Gregory DePalma received substantial payments from DFR Landfill Company, Or-Di Construction Company, and they are currently employed at the Westchester Premier Theatre...[Numerous] spot checks conducted during 7/75 and 8/75 at the [WPT], where Gregory DePalma is allegedly employed as parking lot manager, and Richard Fusco as assistant manager at $500 a week each, failed to reflect anyone in charge or directing the parking lot operation. In fact, the parking area is a no charge, unattended, park it yourself lot."
In early February 1976 the New York Families opened their books and Richard's brother Salvatore Fusco was made as part of the Colombos' first group of ten.
Sometime that year Richard was issued a Pistol Permit for security at the Premier Theatre's box office.
On December 2, 1976 FBI NY compiled an update on the Colombo Family's structure. The chart identified Charles Panarella as a Captain and noted his crew members as including Frank and Richard Fusco. (After being inducted Salvatore Fusco was put direct with Underboss Anthony 'Abbey' Abbatemarco.)
By that time a dispute had formed within the Colombo Family, with one faction seeking to depose Boss Thomas DiBella.
The Commission was called in to resolve the dispute and sided with DiBella, leading to Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and other dissidents being demoted and the Family undergoing a large scale reorganization.
On March 3, 1977 FBI CI provided an update on the situation and identified Richard Fusco as part of a group whose crew assignment was pending / unknown. (During the dispute Fusco's former [?] crew leader Charles Panarella remained loyal to DiBella and was the only Captain to keep his rank in the aftermath.)
On May 15, 1977 Fusco and Gregory DePalma were recorded by an FBI wiretap discussing splitting up Theatre proceeds.
The following month DePalma was inducted into the Gambino Family and assigned to Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi.
In April 1978 the Westchester Premier Theatre went bankrupt.
On August 24 Scarpa reported: "Dick Fusco: Back in Brooklyn; hates [Former Captain Nick] Sorrentino and the LaPonzina brothers; not active in gambling operation run by his sons."
On January 23, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[The] Fuscos are on 11th Avenue, handling contacts on a daily basis with various individuals including Anthony and Ernie LaPonzina, [Redacted], Joe Gentile, and various other individuals. [These] individuals have not been around for a couple of weeks and things are more quiet than usual. [Redacted] is usually on 11th Avenue two or three times a week in the afternoon. [He] was told by [Redacted] the FBI had dropped the gambling case against Dick Fusco involving Joe 'Joe Lane' Gentile."
On May 30, 1974 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family structure. He identified Charles Panarella as both official Captain and Acting Consigliere and named Frank Fusco and his sons as Panarella crew members.
By 1975 resided at 37 Malvern Rd in the town of Scarsdale located in Westchester County, New York.
By Summer 1975 the Westchester Premier Theatre was in operation.
On July 9, 1975 a vehicle registered to Fusco was observed by the FBI at the location.
Silent partners Gregory DePalma and Richard Fusco were ostensibly in charge of the Theatre's parking lots and box office receipts.
On September 3, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Richard] Fusco and Gregory DePalma's friend, [Redacted] (ph), is currently on the Westchester Premier Theatre's payroll for $500 a week as [redacted]."
On September 19, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Richard] Fusco's gambling operation is utilizing a new number and somehow there is a tie into the Westchester Premier Theatre, perhaps through the use of a cheesebox."
In early November 1975 a relative of Colombo Soldier Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio married with the reception held at Manor East in Massapequa, Long Island. Attendees included Richard Fusco, his brother Salvatore, Acting Boss Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato and at least nine other Family members.
On January 7, 1976 Gregory DePalma was surveilled visiting Fusco's residence.
On January 18, 1976 FBI reported: "Investigation conducted in [Theatre case] reflects Richard Fusco and Gregory DePalma received substantial payments from DFR Landfill Company, Or-Di Construction Company, and they are currently employed at the Westchester Premier Theatre...[Numerous] spot checks conducted during 7/75 and 8/75 at the [WPT], where Gregory DePalma is allegedly employed as parking lot manager, and Richard Fusco as assistant manager at $500 a week each, failed to reflect anyone in charge or directing the parking lot operation. In fact, the parking area is a no charge, unattended, park it yourself lot."
In early February 1976 the New York Families opened their books and Richard's brother Salvatore Fusco was made as part of the Colombos' first group of ten.
Sometime that year Richard was issued a Pistol Permit for security at the Premier Theatre's box office.
On December 2, 1976 FBI NY compiled an update on the Colombo Family's structure. The chart identified Charles Panarella as a Captain and noted his crew members as including Frank and Richard Fusco. (After being inducted Salvatore Fusco was put direct with Underboss Anthony 'Abbey' Abbatemarco.)
By that time a dispute had formed within the Colombo Family, with one faction seeking to depose Boss Thomas DiBella.
The Commission was called in to resolve the dispute and sided with DiBella, leading to Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and other dissidents being demoted and the Family undergoing a large scale reorganization.
On March 3, 1977 FBI CI provided an update on the situation and identified Richard Fusco as part of a group whose crew assignment was pending / unknown. (During the dispute Fusco's former [?] crew leader Charles Panarella remained loyal to DiBella and was the only Captain to keep his rank in the aftermath.)
On May 15, 1977 Fusco and Gregory DePalma were recorded by an FBI wiretap discussing splitting up Theatre proceeds.
The following month DePalma was inducted into the Gambino Family and assigned to Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi.
In April 1978 the Westchester Premier Theatre went bankrupt.
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| G. DePalma (L) and R. Fusco indicted The Herald Statesman |
On June 6, 1978 Fusco, DePalma and eight others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York on conspiracy and bank fraud charges.
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| L to R: A. Gaggi, L. Pacella, M. Nersesian The Herald Statesman / NYPD |
Others indicted included DePalma's Captain Anthony Gaggi, Genovese Soldier Louis 'Louie Dome' Pacella, Colombo Associate Murad 'Mike Fusco' Nersesian and Theatre President Eliot Weisman.
The group was accused of conspiring to profit from the Theatre's bankruptcy, with Weisman described in the press as 'a kind of front man' for DePalma and Fusco.
On October 18, 1978 nine of those originally indicted began standing trial in Manhattan Federal Court. (Codefendant Thomas Marson was severed due to ill health.)
The group was accused of conspiring to profit from the Theatre's bankruptcy, with Weisman described in the press as 'a kind of front man' for DePalma and Fusco.
On October 18, 1978 nine of those originally indicted began standing trial in Manhattan Federal Court. (Codefendant Thomas Marson was severed due to ill health.)
During most of the testimony Fusco's role in the scheme was rarely mentioned.
One witness claimed that Fusco gave directions at the box office but, when asked to identify the defendant, instead pointed out Eliot Weisman.
The Reporter Dispatch noted: "Fusco, who has denied prosecution allegations that he ran the theater box office, was repeatedly involved in taped discussions, as was DePalma, in which the two discussed the scalping of tickets and the sale of tickets for seats not reported on the theater's books."
On December 4, 1979 Aladena 'Jimmy' Fratianno, Former Los Angeles Underboss, testified for the prosecution and claimed he was told by Thomas Marson that the theater backers included Marson, Weisman, DePalma and Fusco.
A 1976 photo of Fratianno and several other LCN members posing with Frank Sinatra backstage at the Theatre was subsequently leaked to the press and became front page news.
On January 17, 1979 a mistrial was declared after jurors failed to reach a verdict.
On March 7, 1979 Fusco appeared in USDC Manhattan and admitted to not reporting proceeds from ticket sales.
Four days later Greg DePalma also pleaded guilty.
Louis Pacella and Thomas Marson followed suit on March 20 and 26.
Following a retrial Eliot Weisman and two of the other remaining defendants were found guilty on May 22. Murad Nersesian was acquitted.
On August 16, 1979 Fusco was sentenced by SDNY Judge Robert Sweet to two-and-one-half years imprisonment, three years probation and fined $5,000. (The previous day DePalma was given four-and-one-half years.)
Fusco's Pistol Permit was revoked a couple of months later.
On November 26, 1979 he began serving his sentence at FPC Allenwood, Pennsylvania.
1980s
On May 5, 1980 transferred to FCI Otisville, New York and believed released shortly thereafter.
It's not known when Fusco was inducted into the Family.
He may have been brought in during the late 1970s just prior to conviction and incarceration.
Otherwise it's likely he was made soon after his release.
His name doesn't turn up in available sources again until 1988.
In early May of that year CI Scarpa reported Fusco's recent promotion to Captain over a newly formed crew.
Made members under Fusco initially included Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero, Ralph 'Ralphie Patches' Piccirillo and Joseph 'Lefty' SanGiorgio.
By the following month Lawrence Lampasi Jr. had also been assigned to the crew.
On June 6, 1988 CI Scarpa noted that Fusco 'has a very large bookmaking operation'.
On November 15, 1989 CI Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family structure. He identified the administration as Acting Boss Vic Orena, Acting Underboss William Cutolo and Consigliere Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi. Richard Fusco and nine others were named as Captains.
Orena was Acting on behalf of the imprisoned Carmine 'Junior' Persico.
1990 - 1991
On July 23, 1990 CI Scarpa reported: “Scarpa advised Sal Fusco has a club at 11th Avenue and 66th Street, Brooklyn where he conducts a loansharking and gambling operation.” (Richard was suspected of owning the candy store nearby 11th and 67th.)
By June 1991 made members of Fusco's crew included Benjamin 'Benji' Castellazzo, his father Frank Fusco and brother Salvatore Fusco, nephew Salvatore Fusco Jr., Lawrence Lampasi Jr., Ernest LaPonzina and Joseph SanGiorgio. (Benjamin LoCicero and Ralph Piccirillo had since been transferred to Vincenzo Aloi and Nicholas Grancio respectively.)
Associates included Anthony Albanese, Vincent 'Jimmy' Giangiobbe, Petey LNU, Anthony 'The Arab' Sayegh and James 'Jimmy O'Toole' Spitalere.
Fusco had recently put Spitalere's name up for membership and a ceremony was planned for June 21 at Colombo Soldier Joel 'Joe Waverly' Cacace's social club in Homecrest, Brooklyn. Spitalere and Cutolo crew member Vincent 'Chickie' DeMartino were to be inducted.
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| C. Sessa Gang Land News |
Consigliere Carmine Sessa got wind of a plan by Vic Orena and his supporters to have both himself and Richard Fusco murdered at the club on that date.
In response the Persico loyalists decided to strike first.
The day before the proposed ceremony Colombo Associate Joseph Ambrosino was summoned to a meeting at the Sessa residence on 67th St. Ambrosino had formerly been on record with Carmine and was now reporting to the latter's brother, Acting Captain Michael Sessa. Present were Ambrosino, the Sessa brothers and Richard Fusco's Acting Captain Joseph SanGiorgio. (Michael Sessa was acting for Robert 'Bobby Zam' Zambardi, beset by legal problems at the time.)
Ambrosino later testified: "[They] were sitting on the back porch. They told me to sit down. Carmine said he wanted to speak to me. He told me that he had some problems with some friends and he asked me if I would help him. I told him I would. [They] all spoke to me [and said] that Vic Orena and Joey Scopo had to be murdered that night; that some of us would stay in Brooklyn and murder Joey Scopo and some guys would go up to Long Island and murder Vic Orena...Carmine discussed with me that the next day, a Friday, there was supposed to be a ceremony taking place. He was supposed to participate in it and he knew after the ceremony that they were going to murder him. He had a tip from one of his friends...Carmine being the consigliere was to attend [the ceremony]. He knew if he attended it was a setup...Joey Scopo was going to get murdered on Fourth Avenue by a club. Vic Orena was going to get murdered in Long Island on the way home."
In response the Persico loyalists decided to strike first.
The day before the proposed ceremony Colombo Associate Joseph Ambrosino was summoned to a meeting at the Sessa residence on 67th St. Ambrosino had formerly been on record with Carmine and was now reporting to the latter's brother, Acting Captain Michael Sessa. Present were Ambrosino, the Sessa brothers and Richard Fusco's Acting Captain Joseph SanGiorgio. (Michael Sessa was acting for Robert 'Bobby Zam' Zambardi, beset by legal problems at the time.)
Ambrosino later testified: "[They] were sitting on the back porch. They told me to sit down. Carmine said he wanted to speak to me. He told me that he had some problems with some friends and he asked me if I would help him. I told him I would. [They] all spoke to me [and said] that Vic Orena and Joey Scopo had to be murdered that night; that some of us would stay in Brooklyn and murder Joey Scopo and some guys would go up to Long Island and murder Vic Orena...Carmine discussed with me that the next day, a Friday, there was supposed to be a ceremony taking place. He was supposed to participate in it and he knew after the ceremony that they were going to murder him. He had a tip from one of his friends...Carmine being the consigliere was to attend [the ceremony]. He knew if he attended it was a setup...Joey Scopo was going to get murdered on Fourth Avenue by a club. Vic Orena was going to get murdered in Long Island on the way home."
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| V. Orena (L) and J. Scopo |
That evening separate hit teams set up on Vic Orena and Joseph Scopo. The attempt on Scopo failed when he stayed at his residence for the evening. Orena arrived home early and spotted the other team before they were ready.
The majority of the conspirators, Fusco included, fled to New Jersey. Ambrosino and Associate Lawrence 'Larry' Fiorenza remained in New York.
Despite the incident the ceremony was carried out the following day with only Vincent DeMartino being inducted.
On June 26 Carmine Sessa, Richard Fusco, Captain John Pate and Associate Joseph Ambrosino met at the Hilton Hotel in New Jersey. The group phoned Persico loyalists and Captains Theodore 'Teddy' Persico, Anthony 'Chucky' Russo and Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo regarding a meeting the next day with the other New York Families. CW Ambrosino later testified: "The meeting was supposed to take place on the 27th, and if anything happens, our side didn't want to show up. [Persico and the Russos] gave Carmine a hard time. They didn't want to go to the meeting. [Carmine asked the Captains to] tell their side of the story to the other families, why [they] wanted Vic not to be the boss." The meeting was called off and most of the Sessa group instead went to the Staten Island residence of Colombo Associate Frank Sparaco. (While at the residence the group was called to help with a dispute at the Farmers Market in Port Richmond, resulting in Sparaco shooting to death civilian Michael Bowcock.)
Within a couple of weeks James Spitalere switched his allegiance to the Orena faction and, despite being originally proposed by Fusco, was inducted into the Family under Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo's sponsorship.
On August 13 CI Scarpa reported that Orena had demoted Fusco and the other Captains loyal to Persico:
“
The majority of the conspirators, Fusco included, fled to New Jersey. Ambrosino and Associate Lawrence 'Larry' Fiorenza remained in New York.
Despite the incident the ceremony was carried out the following day with only Vincent DeMartino being inducted.
On June 26 Carmine Sessa, Richard Fusco, Captain John Pate and Associate Joseph Ambrosino met at the Hilton Hotel in New Jersey. The group phoned Persico loyalists and Captains Theodore 'Teddy' Persico, Anthony 'Chucky' Russo and Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo regarding a meeting the next day with the other New York Families. CW Ambrosino later testified: "The meeting was supposed to take place on the 27th, and if anything happens, our side didn't want to show up. [Persico and the Russos] gave Carmine a hard time. They didn't want to go to the meeting. [Carmine asked the Captains to] tell their side of the story to the other families, why [they] wanted Vic not to be the boss." The meeting was called off and most of the Sessa group instead went to the Staten Island residence of Colombo Associate Frank Sparaco. (While at the residence the group was called to help with a dispute at the Farmers Market in Port Richmond, resulting in Sparaco shooting to death civilian Michael Bowcock.)
Within a couple of weeks James Spitalere switched his allegiance to the Orena faction and, despite being originally proposed by Fusco, was inducted into the Family under Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo's sponsorship.
On August 13 CI Scarpa reported that Orena had demoted Fusco and the other Captains loyal to Persico:
“
[Scarpa] advised ‘Little Vic’ Orena is trying to assume full control of the Colombo LCN Family by having Carmine Persico relieved of his position as Boss. This has caused a major division within the Family and Orena has demoted the following Capos: Teddy Persico, Jo Jo Russo, Chuckie Russo, Richie Fusco, Johnny Pate. Source said that Carmine Sessa has also been replaced by Vinnie Aloi as Acting Consigliere, and Joey Scopo is the Acting Underboss. Source noted however that according to LCN tradition, there are only three ways to change a Family Boss: 1.) By death (Persico is in prison); 2.) By the Boss voluntarily stepping down (not likely in Persico’s case); and by a vote of the Commission to relieve the Boss. Source said the third option is not feasible at this time since most of the New York Family Bosses are currently in jail and there is no formal ‘Commission’. Source also noted the Genovese Family does not recognize the Acting officials of other Families. Source said, however, Genovese Capo Jimmy Ida, Lucchese Capo Anthony Baratta, and Gambino Capo Louis Vallario have been acting as intermediaries between the two factions.
Source said Vic Orena is expecting the other Families to back him, however, the other Family Bosses are not going to depose a jailed Boss since all the Family Bosses are currently in jail, plus Carmine Persico has already put out the order to have Vic Orena hit. Source said the logical move would be to take out Vic Orena and Benny and Vinnie Aloi, and leave the position of Boss open until ‘Little Alley’ Persico is released from prison. Source said the following are siding with Orena: Joey Scopo, Nickey Grancio, Tommy Petrizzo, Patty Amato, Vinnie Aloi, Billy Cutolo, Charley Panarella.
Source said Vic Orena is expecting the other Families to back him, however, the other Family Bosses are not going to depose a jailed Boss since all the Family Bosses are currently in jail, plus Carmine Persico has already put out the order to have Vic Orena hit. Source said the logical move would be to take out Vic Orena and Benny and Vinnie Aloi, and leave the position of Boss open until ‘Little Alley’ Persico is released from prison. Source said the following are siding with Orena: Joey Scopo, Nickey Grancio, Tommy Petrizzo, Patty Amato, Vinnie Aloi, Billy Cutolo, Charley Panarella.
”
Despite Orena's decree the Persico side continued operating as before and Fusco remained a Captain.
On October 6 Fusco attended a meeting between factions. Three days later CI Scarpa summarized: "Representing Orena were the following: Benny Aloi, Nicky Grancio, Billy Cutolo, Funzi D’Ambrosio, Joel Cacace, Joe Legrano. Representing the Persico faction: Richie Fusco, Jo Jo Russo, Teddy Persico, Joe Monte. Source said Teddy Persico opened the meeting by asking Benny Aloi if those members backing Vic Orena recognized Carmine Persico as the Colombo Boss. Aloi said Persico was recognized as a Boss, but Vic Orena speaks for the Colombo Family. At that point Teddy Persico said Carmine Persico was the official Boss, and not Orena, and demanded all the money the Persicos should have gotten over the past several years that had gone to Orena. The Orena faction said they were there to resolve any differences and a meeting should take place. However, Teddy Persico said until that side recognized Carmine Persico as the official Boss, and Orena would no longer be the Acting Boss, there would be no further discussions. Source said word would be gotten to Carmine Persico this week and expected serious trouble to follow pending Persico’s anticipated response.”
Despite Orena's decree the Persico side continued operating as before and Fusco remained a Captain.
On October 6 Fusco attended a meeting between factions. Three days later CI Scarpa summarized: "Representing Orena were the following: Benny Aloi, Nicky Grancio, Billy Cutolo, Funzi D’Ambrosio, Joel Cacace, Joe Legrano. Representing the Persico faction: Richie Fusco, Jo Jo Russo, Teddy Persico, Joe Monte. Source said Teddy Persico opened the meeting by asking Benny Aloi if those members backing Vic Orena recognized Carmine Persico as the Colombo Boss. Aloi said Persico was recognized as a Boss, but Vic Orena speaks for the Colombo Family. At that point Teddy Persico said Carmine Persico was the official Boss, and not Orena, and demanded all the money the Persicos should have gotten over the past several years that had gone to Orena. The Orena faction said they were there to resolve any differences and a meeting should take place. However, Teddy Persico said until that side recognized Carmine Persico as the official Boss, and Orena would no longer be the Acting Boss, there would be no further discussions. Source said word would be gotten to Carmine Persico this week and expected serious trouble to follow pending Persico’s anticipated response.”
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| R. Donofrio Gang Land News |
By the first half of November Colombo Soldier Robert Donofrio had defected from the Orena side and was reporting to Fusco. He had previously been in the crew headed by William Cutolo, one of Orena's strongest supporters.
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| W. Cutolo |
Using information supplied by Donofrio, the Persico faction dispatched a hit team to the residence of Cutolo's girlfriend in Staten Island in a failed attempt to locate the victim. Participants in the attempt included Zambardi - Sessa crew members as well as Fusco, his Acting Captain Joseph SanGiorgio and Associate Anthony Albanese.
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| L to R: V. Orena, J. Scopo, T. Petrizzo |
On November 23 Vic Orena, Joseph Scopo and Captain Thomas Petrizzo were spotted in discussion outside a social club on 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. A hit team that included Fusco associate Petey LNU was assembled, but by the time they arrived at the location Orena and Petrizzo had already left. Scopo was seen inside the club playing cards with Gambino member Nicholas Corozzo and the attempt was called off to avoid accidentally hitting Corozzo or another Gambino affiliate.
1992
By 1992 Fusco crew members Petey LNU and Anthony Sayegh were loaned to Acting Captain Michael Sessa's crew to aid in their attempts on various Orena members.
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| P. Sabatino |
Petey LNU, possibly identical with Colombo Associate Peter Sabatino, joined Colombo Associate Frank Farace as a spotter. The pair was responsible for driving around known Orena hangouts looking for opportunities. Occasional spotters included Zambardi - Sessa Crew Associates Joseph Ambrosino, Richard Brady, Lawrence Fiorenza and Frank 'Frankie Steele' Pontillo.
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| N. Grancio |
On January 7 Orena faction Captain Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio was shot to death in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
On January 8 FBI CI reported: "[The] 'hit' on Nicky Grancio was done by the Persico faction of the Colombo Family. Source said Grancio was the main go-between for Vic Orena and was a very influential ally of Orena's. Source said that a recent meeting was held between John Gotti Jr., Frank Barranca and a third Gambino member and Colombo Capos Chuckie Russo, Jo Jo Russo and Richie Fusco to end the shooting war, particularly in view of John Gotti's pending trial. No agreement was reached however as evidenced by the hit on Grancio."
On January 14 FBI CI reported: "Concerning the hit on Nicky Grancio, source said it was done by Richie Fusco's crew, not only because of Grancio's [illegible], but also because Grancio tried to have Fusco 'hit' several months ago." (Subsequent information from various defectors identified FBI CI Gregory Scarpa and his associates as the actual killers.)
On January 8 FBI CI reported: "[The] 'hit' on Nicky Grancio was done by the Persico faction of the Colombo Family. Source said Grancio was the main go-between for Vic Orena and was a very influential ally of Orena's. Source said that a recent meeting was held between John Gotti Jr., Frank Barranca and a third Gambino member and Colombo Capos Chuckie Russo, Jo Jo Russo and Richie Fusco to end the shooting war, particularly in view of John Gotti's pending trial. No agreement was reached however as evidenced by the hit on Grancio."
On January 14 FBI CI reported: "Concerning the hit on Nicky Grancio, source said it was done by Richie Fusco's crew, not only because of Grancio's [illegible], but also because Grancio tried to have Fusco 'hit' several months ago." (Subsequent information from various defectors identified FBI CI Gregory Scarpa and his associates as the actual killers.)
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| W. Cutolo |
That month Petey LNU and Frank Farace spotted Orena Captain William Cutolo at Don Peppe restaurant in Ozone Park. The hit team arrived too late and two or three additional attempts were made at the restaurant. Cutolo was eventually warned by the FBI about a plot centered around that location.
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| Persico Faction Chart (c. 1992) Brooklyn District Attorney's Office |
By June the Persico faction was headed by Acting Boss Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello, Acting Underboss Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo and Consigliere Carmine Sessa. Richard Fusco remained a Captain.
On the morning of June 5 Fusco crew associate Vincent Giangiobbe (59y) was murdered on Apollo St in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Giangiobbe was entering a vehicle when an assailant approached on-foot and fired multiple shots into his head at close range.
Five days later Colombo Associates Joseph Ambrosino, Richard Brady, Michael DeMatteo and Frank Pontillo were recorded by an FBI bug placed in Ambrosino's car. As the group drove to various locations in Brooklyn they were recorded discussing the Colombo war and its participants. Those mentioned included Fusco and several of his crew members. (Ambrosino and DeMatteo were arrested later that day and Ambrosino quickly became a cooperating witness.)
During testimony at the November trial of Michael Sessa, Ambrosino identified Fusco as a Captain and detailed his role in the war. (Sessa was convicted and sentenced to life.)
On the morning of June 5 Fusco crew associate Vincent Giangiobbe (59y) was murdered on Apollo St in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Giangiobbe was entering a vehicle when an assailant approached on-foot and fired multiple shots into his head at close range.
Five days later Colombo Associates Joseph Ambrosino, Richard Brady, Michael DeMatteo and Frank Pontillo were recorded by an FBI bug placed in Ambrosino's car. As the group drove to various locations in Brooklyn they were recorded discussing the Colombo war and its participants. Those mentioned included Fusco and several of his crew members. (Ambrosino and DeMatteo were arrested later that day and Ambrosino quickly became a cooperating witness.)
During testimony at the November trial of Michael Sessa, Ambrosino identified Fusco as a Captain and detailed his role in the war. (Sessa was convicted and sentenced to life.)
1993
On January 7 the FBI submitted a general report on the Family: "Although the majority of the Colombo members continue to be based in the New York metropolitan area, there are numerous 'notable' exceptions...It is noted that the following individuals reside and/or operate in the state of New Jersey: Colombo Family [Redacted; Captain John Pate?] and Colombo Family Soldiers Richard Fusco, Salvatore Fusco, Paul Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino, [Redacted], Salvatore Profaci, James V. Randazzo and Philip Rossillo."
By May possibly served as the Acting Consigliere.
On May 14 Fusco and ten other members of the Persico faction were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn on Federal racketeering charges resulting from the war.
Those indicted were:
- Joseph Tomasello (Acting Boss)
- Joseph Russo (Acting Underboss)
- Richard Fusco (Captain / Acting Consigliere?)
- Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico (Captain?)
- Theodore Persico (Captain)
- Anthony Russo (Captain)
- Robert Zambardi (Captain)
- Joseph 'Joe Monte' Monteleone (Soldier)
- James Delmasto (Associate)
- Lawrence Fiorenza (Associate)
- Lawrence Mazza (Associate)
On July 20 FBI reported: "...The Orena faction is currently being led by a triumvirate composed of Joseph Scopo, Vincent Aloi and William Cutolo. The Persico faction is led by [Redacted; Joseph Tomasello] (fugitive), Joseph Russo, Acting Underboss incarcerated pending trial and Richard Fusco, Consigliere, incarcerated pending trial. No overall leadership of the Colombo Family has yet been recognized and no new members can be made until a control of the Family is resolved." (The Family's books remained closed until early 2000.)
1994 - 1999
By May 1994 Fusco and most of the others were on trial. Prosecution witnesses included Former Consigliere and Persico faction leader Carmine Sessa.
During Sessa's testimony Fusco was severed from the trial due to high blood pressure. The remaining defendants were convicted.
In late May 1994 Fusco pleaded guilty.
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| V. Gigante |
The May 31, 1994 edition of the New York Daily News 'Gang Land' column reported: "A key Fusco role during the [Colombo] war was keeping relations friendly between the Persicos and Genovese Family Boss Vincent (Chin) Gigante, who often walks the streets in his pajamas and is said by his lawyers to be crazy as a loon. In the line of duty, Fusco reported to Consigliere Carmine Sessa that Gigante was furious not about the war, but that the law had overheard Colombo mobster Joseph (Joe Black) Gorgone say Gigante was merely acting, and 'crazy like a fox'. 'I'll kill him if that statement ever makes it into the courtroom', warned Gigante, according to FBI documents obtained by Gang Land."
On June 16, 1994 Fusco was received at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Rochester, Minnesota pending sentencing.
Proceedings were delayed due to revelations of alleged impropriety concerning the handling of CI Gregory Scarpa during the war.
On December 17, 1997 EDNY Judge Charles Sifton sentenced Fusco to fourteen years imprisonment and two years supervised release.
On March 16, 1998 received at MCFP Springfield, Missouri.
Proceedings were delayed due to revelations of alleged impropriety concerning the handling of CI Gregory Scarpa during the war.
On December 17, 1997 EDNY Judge Charles Sifton sentenced Fusco to fourteen years imprisonment and two years supervised release.
On March 16, 1998 received at MCFP Springfield, Missouri.
2000s
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| G. DePalma |
On October 19, 2004 Fusco's former Westchester Theatre partner Gregory DePalma, now a Gambino Captain, met with Thomas D'Agostino at Al Mancini's in New York.
Thomas and his father Frank D'Agostino owned Transport Freight Services, a freight and trucking company in Edison, New Jersey. The company had a union contract with Local 812 Soft Drink and Brewery Union.
Frank was on-record with Fusco and Thomas had recently been placed on-record with DePalma.
DePalma was able to secure nonunion truck drivers for the D'Agostinos through Gambino Acting Underboss Anthony Megale and Gambino Acting Captain Louis 'Bo' Filippelli. The D'Agostinos paid DePalma for the service.
During the October meeting DePalma was recorded informing Thomas D'Agostino of his plans to propose him for membership:
"
Thomas and his father Frank D'Agostino owned Transport Freight Services, a freight and trucking company in Edison, New Jersey. The company had a union contract with Local 812 Soft Drink and Brewery Union.
Frank was on-record with Fusco and Thomas had recently been placed on-record with DePalma.
DePalma was able to secure nonunion truck drivers for the D'Agostinos through Gambino Acting Underboss Anthony Megale and Gambino Acting Captain Louis 'Bo' Filippelli. The D'Agostinos paid DePalma for the service.
During the October meeting DePalma was recorded informing Thomas D'Agostino of his plans to propose him for membership:
"
DePalma: [You] know, I want to straighten you, make you, you know that.
D'Agostino: That is why -- [that's] what I want to talk to you about, 'cause I'm worried about Richie [Fusco].
DePalma: That is for me. So, what, you're covered anyway. But still, still and all, I want you to get the badge.
D'Agostino: That is why -- [that's] what I want to talk to you about, 'cause I'm worried about Richie [Fusco].
DePalma: That is for me. So, what, you're covered anyway. But still, still and all, I want you to get the badge.
"
DePalma and D'Agostino were both subsequently indicted and it's not believed the latter was ever made.
Fusco was released from Federal prison on July 22, 2005.
On July 23, 2007 his term of probation expired.
By March 2008 he served as the Family's Acting Underboss.
DePalma and D'Agostino were both subsequently indicted and it's not believed the latter was ever made.
Fusco was released from Federal prison on July 22, 2005.
On July 23, 2007 his term of probation expired.
By March 2008 he served as the Family's Acting Underboss.
That month he presided over an induction ceremony held in the basement of a Bronx social club. Others present included Captain (and former Fusco crew member) Benjamin Castellazzo and Soldier Dennis DeLucia. Reynold Maragni (56y) was the sole member inducted.
Information posted on the BHF indicates that by July 2008 the administration had been restructured, with Castellazzo as Acting Boss and Fusco as Consigliere.
His Consigliere rank was confirmed at a February 1, 2009 induction ceremony where seven new members were made.
The ceremony was presided over by Acting Boss Ralph DeLeo. Others present included Fusco as well as Captains Joseph Carna, Dennis DeLucia and Reynold Maragni.
Information posted on the BHF indicates that by July 2008 the administration had been restructured, with Castellazzo as Acting Boss and Fusco as Consigliere.
His Consigliere rank was confirmed at a February 1, 2009 induction ceremony where seven new members were made.
The ceremony was presided over by Acting Boss Ralph DeLeo. Others present included Fusco as well as Captains Joseph Carna, Dennis DeLucia and Reynold Maragni.
Those inducted were:
- Daniel Capaldo (44y)
- Salvatore 'Sally Boy' Castagno (52y)
- Emanuele 'Manny' Favuzza (50y)
- Michael Ferrara
- John Maggio (46y)
- Anthony Russo (49y)
- Joseph Savarese (45y)
2010s
On May 16, 2010 Colombo Associate Walter Samperi (30y) was stabbed by an Unspecified Associate of the Gambino Family's Sicilian crew headed by John Gambino.
Fusco participated in the negotiations that followed. Government Detention Memo later summarized: "[The Colombos] ultimately agreed that, in exchange for their promise not to retaliate, the Colombo Family would require the Gambino Family to make a one-time payment of $150,000, $100,000 of which was to come from the Gambino Family's 'basket' from the 'feast', a reference to an annual Italian feast held in late August on 18th Avenue in Brooklyn, the Figli di Santa Rosalia."
Fusco's involvement led to his inclusion in a Federal racketeering indictment unsealed the following January.
The rest of the administration, along with several Captains and Soldiers, was also charged.
On September 29, 2011 Fusco pleaded guilty to extortion conspiracy. The New York Daily News reported: "Fusco admitted there was an 'implied' threat of retaliation [if payoff not made] and 'I did nothing to dispel it'."
On November 8, 2012 he was sentenced by EDNY Judge Kiyo Matsumoto to four months imprisonment, three years supervised release and fined $5,000. The sentence was to be served at a Bureau of Prisons medical facility.
On February 7, 2013 he surrendered at the Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts.
On June 5, 2013 released.
Fusco died September 13, 2013 in New York.
A two-day wake was held at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Homes in Scarsdale.