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| 1966 |
John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello was a member of the Gambino Family's Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew active in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
He was related by marriage to the Gambino Family DeCiccos and the Bonanno Family Mirabiles.
Possibly related to Genovese Captain Rosario 'Sally Young' Palmieri.
Born March 12, 1913 in Manhattan to Francesco (40y) and Josephine Marotta (29y). Parents both Sicilian, with the father from Palermo and the mother from Sciacca comune of Agrigento.
At the time of John's birth the family resided in Manhattan's Little Italy and would remain at various Elizabeth St addresses in that neighborhood until early 1925.
John's father worked as a ship cleaner / scaler and later as a fish peddler. John and some of his brothers followed him into the latter business, leading to the nickname 'Pesce' (fish).
Around March 1925 the Chiarellos left Manhattan for Brooklyn, residing first at 7807 15th Ave and by April 1930 at 1682 80th St in Bensonhurst.
Aside from a couple of years spent in Staten Island, Chiarello remained in the area of Bensonhurst - Bath Beach for the rest of his life.
His first arrest of record came March 3, 1932, when he and James Baldassano (18y) were picked up by the NYPD's 68th Precinct in Brooklyn on charges of burglary and possessing burglar tools. They accused of forcing the door of an apartment and stealing cash and jewelry. A search of the pair recovered a blackjack, rings and six watches. On March 18 Chiarello was convicted on final charge unlawful entry and given one year probation the following month. A week later the burglar tool charge was dismissed. (Like Chiarello's mother, the family of James Baldassano was from Sciacca and started out on Elizabeth St. One of the witnesses to the 1928 Petition for Naturalization filed by Baldassano's father Pasquale was fellow Sciacchitano Antonio Indelicato, believed to be the Gambino Member who served as Family Captain on Elizabeth St before Lombardozzi and Gennaro.)
On December 2, 1934 brother Joseph Chiarello (26y) married Josephine Mirabile (22y) in Brooklyn. The marriage was witnessed by Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao and his wife, Jennie Perino. (Mirabile was a sister of Future Bonanno Soldier Salvatore 'Toto' Mirabile. Chiarello and Corrao started out in the same Gambino crew, and Chiarello reported to Corrao upon the latter's promotion to Captain. Corrao's wife Jennie was a sister of Vincent 'Yumpie' Perino, another Gambino Soldier who was stabbed to death by his girlfriend in 1959.)
Chiarello was then residing at 7801 17th Ave and working as a fish salesman.
On May 20, 1938 picked up for vagrancy by 62nd Pct Brooklyn. Discharged four days later.
On February 10, 1939 arrested by 10th Division Brooklyn on gambling room charge. On April 11 fined $50 in Special Sessions Court.
On March 16, 1942 inducted into US Army. Worked as hospital attendant.
On December 4, 1942 tried by Special Court-Martial for being AWOL from August 4 to October 30 at Camp Adair in Oregon. Ten days later sentenced to six months restriction.
On January 19, 1945 given disability discharge.
On February 14, 1945 visited Gambino Associate Joseph 'Butter' DeCicco at Sing Sing Prison.
Early that September Chiarello married Joseph's sister Katherine (26y) in Brooklyn.
The bride's brothers included Joseph DeCicco as well as Future Gambino Members Vincent aka 'Boozy' (1913-1979) and George DeCicco (1929-2014). Their nephew was Future Gambino Underboss Frank DeCicco.
Marriage witnessed by Anna DeCicco and Bensonhurst resident Frank Mogavero (36). (Mogavero's father appears to have been from Pietradefusi in Avellino, Campania.)
He was related by marriage to the Gambino Family DeCiccos and the Bonanno Family Mirabiles.
Possibly related to Genovese Captain Rosario 'Sally Young' Palmieri.
Born March 12, 1913 in Manhattan to Francesco (40y) and Josephine Marotta (29y). Parents both Sicilian, with the father from Palermo and the mother from Sciacca comune of Agrigento.
At the time of John's birth the family resided in Manhattan's Little Italy and would remain at various Elizabeth St addresses in that neighborhood until early 1925.
John's father worked as a ship cleaner / scaler and later as a fish peddler. John and some of his brothers followed him into the latter business, leading to the nickname 'Pesce' (fish).
Around March 1925 the Chiarellos left Manhattan for Brooklyn, residing first at 7807 15th Ave and by April 1930 at 1682 80th St in Bensonhurst.
Aside from a couple of years spent in Staten Island, Chiarello remained in the area of Bensonhurst - Bath Beach for the rest of his life.
His first arrest of record came March 3, 1932, when he and James Baldassano (18y) were picked up by the NYPD's 68th Precinct in Brooklyn on charges of burglary and possessing burglar tools. They accused of forcing the door of an apartment and stealing cash and jewelry. A search of the pair recovered a blackjack, rings and six watches. On March 18 Chiarello was convicted on final charge unlawful entry and given one year probation the following month. A week later the burglar tool charge was dismissed. (Like Chiarello's mother, the family of James Baldassano was from Sciacca and started out on Elizabeth St. One of the witnesses to the 1928 Petition for Naturalization filed by Baldassano's father Pasquale was fellow Sciacchitano Antonio Indelicato, believed to be the Gambino Member who served as Family Captain on Elizabeth St before Lombardozzi and Gennaro.)
On December 2, 1934 brother Joseph Chiarello (26y) married Josephine Mirabile (22y) in Brooklyn. The marriage was witnessed by Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao and his wife, Jennie Perino. (Mirabile was a sister of Future Bonanno Soldier Salvatore 'Toto' Mirabile. Chiarello and Corrao started out in the same Gambino crew, and Chiarello reported to Corrao upon the latter's promotion to Captain. Corrao's wife Jennie was a sister of Vincent 'Yumpie' Perino, another Gambino Soldier who was stabbed to death by his girlfriend in 1959.)
Chiarello was then residing at 7801 17th Ave and working as a fish salesman.
On May 20, 1938 picked up for vagrancy by 62nd Pct Brooklyn. Discharged four days later.
On February 10, 1939 arrested by 10th Division Brooklyn on gambling room charge. On April 11 fined $50 in Special Sessions Court.
On March 16, 1942 inducted into US Army. Worked as hospital attendant.
On December 4, 1942 tried by Special Court-Martial for being AWOL from August 4 to October 30 at Camp Adair in Oregon. Ten days later sentenced to six months restriction.
On January 19, 1945 given disability discharge.
On February 14, 1945 visited Gambino Associate Joseph 'Butter' DeCicco at Sing Sing Prison.
Early that September Chiarello married Joseph's sister Katherine (26y) in Brooklyn.
The bride's brothers included Joseph DeCicco as well as Future Gambino Members Vincent aka 'Boozy' (1913-1979) and George DeCicco (1929-2014). Their nephew was Future Gambino Underboss Frank DeCicco.
Marriage witnessed by Anna DeCicco and Bensonhurst resident Frank Mogavero (36). (Mogavero's father appears to have been from Pietradefusi in Avellino, Campania.)
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| R. Palmieri (1935) |
On November 9, 1948 visited 'cousin' Rosario Palmieri at Clinton Prison in Dannemora, New York. (Rosario Palmieri [1916-2007] was a Genovese Member who served as Captain during the second half of the 1970s. In 1980 he was demoted and then wounded in a shooting attempt.)
On June 8, 1950 arrested by 15th Division Brooklyn on gambling charge. Following day fined $5 in Weekend Court.
Two disorderly conduct arrests in October 1952 resulted in a $5 fine.
By the mid-1950s employed as marine carpenter on New York Waterfront. Worked for Morace Stevedores and possibly other companies at Brooklyn Army Base, Port Newark, Coven Point.
By 1957 Chiarello was a made member of the Gambino Family in the crew headed by Joseph Franco.
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 Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Captain, Antonino Indelicato.
On June 8, 1950 arrested by 15th Division Brooklyn on gambling charge. Following day fined $5 in Weekend Court.
Two disorderly conduct arrests in October 1952 resulted in a $5 fine.
By the mid-1950s employed as marine carpenter on New York Waterfront. Worked for Morace Stevedores and possibly other companies at Brooklyn Army Base, Port Newark, Coven Point.
By 1957 Chiarello was a made member of the Gambino Family in the crew headed by Joseph Franco.
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 Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Captain, Antonino Indelicato.
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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.
On July 11, 1958 visited brother-in-law Albert DeCicco (38y) at Green Haven Prison in Stormville, New York.
On January 11, 1959 ex-convict Louis Loffredo was found shot to death in a field near Idlewild Airport in Queens. Those questioned included Chiarello and possibly Genovese (Lucchese?) Member Angelo 'Little Ange' Tuminaro.
By 1960 worked as marine carpenter at Port Newark for Timmins Lumber Company headquartered at 688 Court St in South Brooklyn.
On March 28, 1960 FBI surveillance conducted on social club at 7310 15th Ave in Bensonhurst. Autos registered to Chiarello, Gambino Soldiers Dominick Castore, Vincent Corrao and Leonardo Grillo as well as Gambino Associate Gandolfo 'Buddy' Sciandra were observed. (Castore, Corrao and Grillo were also Lombardozzi crew members.)
That September Chiarello and his brother-in-law Vincent DeCicco were among 11 arrested for consorting in an NYPD raid of a social club at 8811 18th Ave in Bath Beach. Others held included Gambino Soldier Paul 'Paulie Zack' Zaccaria along with Bonanno Associates Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci and Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto. The next day Bay Ridge Court Judge Malbin dismissed charges.
On July 11, 1958 visited brother-in-law Albert DeCicco (38y) at Green Haven Prison in Stormville, New York.
On January 11, 1959 ex-convict Louis Loffredo was found shot to death in a field near Idlewild Airport in Queens. Those questioned included Chiarello and possibly Genovese (Lucchese?) Member Angelo 'Little Ange' Tuminaro.
By 1960 worked as marine carpenter at Port Newark for Timmins Lumber Company headquartered at 688 Court St in South Brooklyn.
On March 28, 1960 FBI surveillance conducted on social club at 7310 15th Ave in Bensonhurst. Autos registered to Chiarello, Gambino Soldiers Dominick Castore, Vincent Corrao and Leonardo Grillo as well as Gambino Associate Gandolfo 'Buddy' Sciandra were observed. (Castore, Corrao and Grillo were also Lombardozzi crew members.)
That September Chiarello and his brother-in-law Vincent DeCicco were among 11 arrested for consorting in an NYPD raid of a social club at 8811 18th Ave in Bath Beach. Others held included Gambino Soldier Paul 'Paulie Zack' Zaccaria along with Bonanno Associates Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci and Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto. The next day Bay Ridge Court Judge Malbin dismissed charges.
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| J. LaForte |
On July 31, 1962 FBI CI reported: “[He] had learned of a numbers operation being run on Staten Island and which is controlled by three individuals, namely, ‘Joe the Cat’ (Joseph LaForte), Johnny Pesce (John Chiarello) and ‘Lloyd’ (Santo Patti). Informant stated all three of these individuals are members of the Carlo Gambino Family of La Cosa Nostra.” (Santo Patti [1911-1976] was another Lombardozzi crew member. Joseph LaForte [1917-2016], a Proposed Associate in the same regime, was inducted after the books opened in 1976.)
In January 1963 FBI CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, reported: “[One] Johnny Pesce who hangs around his brother-in-law’s restaurant, the Bayview Luncheonette, on Cropsey Avenue between 16th and 17th Avenue, Brooklyn, is a member of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN under Carmine Lombardozzi.”
Around 1:15 AM on March 23, 1963 picked up by the NYPD's 62nd Pct for consorting at 7523 20th Ave in Bensonhurst. Those arrested in addition to Chiarello included Colombo Soldier James Rubertone (60y), Lucchese Associate Frank 'Frankie Hart' Bellino (46y) and Gambino Associate Gandolfo Sciandra (35y). (Bellino was inducted into the Lucchese Family after the books opened in 1976. In 1986 he was wounded in the bombing that killed Chiarello's nephew, Gambino Underboss Frank DeCicco.)
On May 18, 1964 the wife of Gambino Soldier Accursio 'Gus / Swifty' Marinelli was interviewed by FBI Agents and identified Chiarello as one of her husband's friends, noting: "Concerning John [redacted] Pesce, she stated they attended [redacted]...John is presently unemployed and previously worked either on the docks or in construction."
Gus Marinelli was himself interviewed August 21: "...He stated he has known John Pesce for many years and, as a matter of fact, had gone to school [redacted]. He does not know where they live now and has not seen John in 6 or 8 months. He last saw John at the wake of John's brother, which was held at the LaBello Funeral Home on New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn." (Accursio Marinelli [1911-1983], born on Elizabeth St to a Sciacchitano father, was another Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew member. Both Marinelli and Chiarello's older brother Vincenzo aka 'Charley', as well as fellow crew member Ettore 'Eto' Colao, married Curreris from Sciacca. Marinelli's brother-in-law Joseph 'Phil Ruggero' Curreri [1893-1947] was a suspected San Francisco member.)
On November 5, 1964 an Unsub, believed to be Gambino Soldier Philip Modica, was interviewed by Agents: "[UM] added Johnny Pesch (John Chiarello) always lived in the neighborhood and denied knowing his current address. He admitted attending the wake of Johnny Pesce's brother earlier in the year. The funeral was held from the Torregrossa Funeral Home, 79th St and 13th Ave, Brooklyn." (Philip Modica [1929-2025] was yet another Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew member with Sciacca origins.)
In January 1963 FBI CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, reported: “[One] Johnny Pesce who hangs around his brother-in-law’s restaurant, the Bayview Luncheonette, on Cropsey Avenue between 16th and 17th Avenue, Brooklyn, is a member of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN under Carmine Lombardozzi.”
Around 1:15 AM on March 23, 1963 picked up by the NYPD's 62nd Pct for consorting at 7523 20th Ave in Bensonhurst. Those arrested in addition to Chiarello included Colombo Soldier James Rubertone (60y), Lucchese Associate Frank 'Frankie Hart' Bellino (46y) and Gambino Associate Gandolfo Sciandra (35y). (Bellino was inducted into the Lucchese Family after the books opened in 1976. In 1986 he was wounded in the bombing that killed Chiarello's nephew, Gambino Underboss Frank DeCicco.)
On May 18, 1964 the wife of Gambino Soldier Accursio 'Gus / Swifty' Marinelli was interviewed by FBI Agents and identified Chiarello as one of her husband's friends, noting: "Concerning John [redacted] Pesce, she stated they attended [redacted]...John is presently unemployed and previously worked either on the docks or in construction."
Gus Marinelli was himself interviewed August 21: "...He stated he has known John Pesce for many years and, as a matter of fact, had gone to school [redacted]. He does not know where they live now and has not seen John in 6 or 8 months. He last saw John at the wake of John's brother, which was held at the LaBello Funeral Home on New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn." (Accursio Marinelli [1911-1983], born on Elizabeth St to a Sciacchitano father, was another Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew member. Both Marinelli and Chiarello's older brother Vincenzo aka 'Charley', as well as fellow crew member Ettore 'Eto' Colao, married Curreris from Sciacca. Marinelli's brother-in-law Joseph 'Phil Ruggero' Curreri [1893-1947] was a suspected San Francisco member.)
On November 5, 1964 an Unsub, believed to be Gambino Soldier Philip Modica, was interviewed by Agents: "[UM] added Johnny Pesch (John Chiarello) always lived in the neighborhood and denied knowing his current address. He admitted attending the wake of Johnny Pesce's brother earlier in the year. The funeral was held from the Torregrossa Funeral Home, 79th St and 13th Ave, Brooklyn." (Philip Modica [1929-2025] was yet another Lombardozzi - Gennaro crew member with Sciacca origins.)
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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 Chiarello, Ettore Colao, Vincent 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 Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo Patti, Philip 'Bibs' Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorella.
In March 1965 Gus Marinelli was again questioned re Chiarello family and claimed no current knowledge.
Chiarello had by then moved to 277 Adelaide Ave in Oakwood Heights, Staten Island.
On June 11, 1965 NYPD raid conducted on blackjack game on New Utrecht Ave. Information leading to raid provided to FBI by CI Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, and passed on to the NYPD. Three of the game's five partners, Gambino Soldier Dominick Castore and Colombo Soldiers Benjamin 'Benny the Sidge' LoCicero and Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo, were among seventeen charged with consorting and disorderly conduct. Shortly after the raid Gambino Soldier Peter Palmieri, another partner, along with fellow Gennaro crew member John Chiarello arrived but were not held. The charges were dismissed the following day.
On September 11, 1965 among 6 arrested by NYPD 122nd Pct in Staten Island on gambling charges. Those arrested were John Chiarello, Gambino Associates George DeCicco and Joseph LaForte as well as Xavier Cavano (55y), James Cordo (26y) and Louis Piccirillo (35y). 611,800 numbers plays found in defendants' possession. On April 5, 1967 Chiarello, DeCicco and Cordo pleaded guilty in Richmond County Supreme Court to misdemeanor gambling charges. Chiarello was given a six-month suspended sentence and fined $250.
A policy arrest in Brooklyn during March 1966 resulted in acquittal.
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 'Johnny Pesce' as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "[CI] classified Johnny Pesce as a ‘busted valise’. Further, he is a real desperado and has never been known to hold any employment. Informant doubts if Pesce has any formal education and for all purposes he said he is practically illiterate. In general though, he is known as a hustler...Currently, Pesce lives on Staten Island, but originally he was from Brooklyn.” An investigation was opened on Chiarello and his activities.
By 1965 made members of the Gennaro crew included William Amendolace, Edward 'Chris' Amplo, Hugo Bassi, Frank 'Frankie Brown' Bongiorno, Dominick Castore, John Chiarello, Ettore Colao, Vincent 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 Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo Patti, Philip 'Bibs' Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorella.
In March 1965 Gus Marinelli was again questioned re Chiarello family and claimed no current knowledge.
Chiarello had by then moved to 277 Adelaide Ave in Oakwood Heights, Staten Island.
On June 11, 1965 NYPD raid conducted on blackjack game on New Utrecht Ave. Information leading to raid provided to FBI by CI Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, and passed on to the NYPD. Three of the game's five partners, Gambino Soldier Dominick Castore and Colombo Soldiers Benjamin 'Benny the Sidge' LoCicero and Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo, were among seventeen charged with consorting and disorderly conduct. Shortly after the raid Gambino Soldier Peter Palmieri, another partner, along with fellow Gennaro crew member John Chiarello arrived but were not held. The charges were dismissed the following day.
On September 11, 1965 among 6 arrested by NYPD 122nd Pct in Staten Island on gambling charges. Those arrested were John Chiarello, Gambino Associates George DeCicco and Joseph LaForte as well as Xavier Cavano (55y), James Cordo (26y) and Louis Piccirillo (35y). 611,800 numbers plays found in defendants' possession. On April 5, 1967 Chiarello, DeCicco and Cordo pleaded guilty in Richmond County Supreme Court to misdemeanor gambling charges. Chiarello was given a six-month suspended sentence and fined $250.
A policy arrest in Brooklyn during March 1966 resulted in acquittal.
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 'Johnny Pesce' as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "[CI] classified Johnny Pesce as a ‘busted valise’. Further, he is a real desperado and has never been known to hold any employment. Informant doubts if Pesce has any formal education and for all purposes he said he is practically illiterate. In general though, he is known as a hustler...Currently, Pesce lives on Staten Island, but originally he was from Brooklyn.” An investigation was opened on Chiarello and his activities.
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| V. DeCicco |
On August 8, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[Vincent] DeCicco is so far in debt in desperation he ‘took a shot’ in Antique, BWI, about two weeks ago but lost $10,000 which he could not pay. A sitdown resulted but informant does not know the outcome. Bozzy also recently lost $2,000 in Paul Vario’s crap game, and is presently working in the game to pay for the loss. Further, GMAC is looking for Bozzy’s car as he hasn’t made a payment in five months. Bozzy’s brother, Joseph DeCicco, is also broke and Bozzy’s brother-in-law, Johnny Pesce, is in the same situation. Bozzy’s brother, Joseph, is spending all his time with John Masiello in the Bronx. [Redacted] has nothing going for him except an occasional small card game. [Redacted] along with Bozzy and [Redacted] can normally be found at the Social Club at 8014-17th Ave, across from Modica’s Bakery. The two individuals who own this social club are not ‘made guys’ and probably will go broke in this establishment as they almost never pay them for anything.” (John Masiello [1920-1995] was a Genovese Member who possibly served as Captain in the late 1970s.)
On December 20, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[CI] viewed a picture of John Chiarello, brother-in-law of Boozie DeCicco, and advised he knows this individual by the name Johnny Pesce. He stated Pesce hangs out in the social club at 8014 17th Avenue, Brooklyn, and can be found there any night of the week.”
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. Although reportedly active mostly in Brooklyn and Staten Island, Chiarello also remained with Gennaro.
On May 11, 1967 FBI CI reported: “[Chiarello] continues to reside at 277 Adelaide Street, Staten Island, and has no legitimate employment to his knowledge. He stated Chiarello is not handling policy in Staten Island, but is operating in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, with a group in that area, in his usual policy racket.”
On November 26, 1967 Chiarello was among thirty-eight arrested following an NYPD raid on the Mawanda Social and Athletic Club located at 7022 15th Ave in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. At least nine made members were present in addition to Chiarello, including his brother-in-law Vincent DeCicco. All were accused of loitering with intent to gamble.
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.
On March 21, 1968 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello has not been to the social club at 1804 17th Avenue for about 1 year.”
On April 10, 1968 sold house in Staten Island and returned to Brooklyn, taking up residence in on 19th Ave in the Bath Beach neighborhood.
On April 19, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[John] Chiarello continues to reside at 277 Adelaide Avenue, Staten Island, with his family. He stated he does not know his current employment. He advised that the last information received on subject’s criminal activity was about a year ago, when he heard he was handling policy in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, but he has heard nothing since that time. He stated he will continue to maintain contact with bookmakers friendly with the subject in an effort to develop something on his present activities.”
On September 5, 1968 crew leader Joseph Gennaro died in Roslyn, Long Island.
On December 20, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[CI] viewed a picture of John Chiarello, brother-in-law of Boozie DeCicco, and advised he knows this individual by the name Johnny Pesce. He stated Pesce hangs out in the social club at 8014 17th Avenue, Brooklyn, and can be found there any night of the week.”
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. Although reportedly active mostly in Brooklyn and Staten Island, Chiarello also remained with Gennaro.
On May 11, 1967 FBI CI reported: “[Chiarello] continues to reside at 277 Adelaide Street, Staten Island, and has no legitimate employment to his knowledge. He stated Chiarello is not handling policy in Staten Island, but is operating in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, with a group in that area, in his usual policy racket.”
On November 26, 1967 Chiarello was among thirty-eight arrested following an NYPD raid on the Mawanda Social and Athletic Club located at 7022 15th Ave in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. At least nine made members were present in addition to Chiarello, including his brother-in-law Vincent DeCicco. All were accused of loitering with intent to gamble.
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.
On March 21, 1968 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello has not been to the social club at 1804 17th Avenue for about 1 year.”
On April 10, 1968 sold house in Staten Island and returned to Brooklyn, taking up residence in on 19th Ave in the Bath Beach neighborhood.
On April 19, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[John] Chiarello continues to reside at 277 Adelaide Avenue, Staten Island, with his family. He stated he does not know his current employment. He advised that the last information received on subject’s criminal activity was about a year ago, when he heard he was handling policy in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, but he has heard nothing since that time. He stated he will continue to maintain contact with bookmakers friendly with the subject in an effort to develop something on his present activities.”
On September 5, 1968 crew leader Joseph Gennaro died in Roslyn, Long Island.
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| V. Corrao |
On September 22, 1968 a Gambino member source provided a partial breakdown of Family membership. The CI identified Chiarello and six others as reporting to Acting Captain Vincent Corrao and noted: "These individuals were formerly under Joe ‘The Wop’ Gennaro, deceased Capodecina of the Gambino Family.” (Corrao was subsequently made official but later the following year he was demoted and the crew split up.)
On December 18, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[John] Chiarello, aka Johnny Fish, is a bookmaker and at the present time he is working with Joe ‘The Cat’ LaForte, a proposed member of the Gambino Family of LCN. Informant advised Johnny Fish’s activity in bookmaking is in Staten Island.”
On May 9, 1969 FBI CI reported: “[He] has been maintaining contact with local bookmakers but to date has been unsuccessful in determining John Chiarello’s current whereabouts. Informant stated there was one report Chiarello went to Florida when he left Staten Island in early 1968, but has since returned to the New York area.”
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.
On May 28, 1970 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello obtained his nickname from the fact Chiarello’s father was a fisherman. John started out as a thief and house burglar, however, today he has nothing going for himself and is broke. Chiarello formerly resided in Staten Island, however, he has moved back to Brooklyn and currently resides on 19th Avenue and Cropsey, Brooklyn. John Chiarello used to be very close to the late Joe ‘The Wop’ Gennaro. Gennaro was going to set Chiarello up with a string of pizza parlors, however, the deal never materialized. Informant concluded by stating Chiarello often frequents the race tracks in New York.”
On July 28, 1970 FBI CI reported: “Tony the Chief Bonasera has a partner in his dress shop at 17th Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Streets, Brooklyn, by the name of [Redacted] (ph). [Redacted] was proposed for membership in LCN, believed in the Colombo Family, however, he never was ‘made’. Informant advised he did not know the reason why [Redacted] was not made but speculated possibly because the ‘books were closed’...When Johnny Pesh Chiarello moved from Staten Island to Brooklyn, he rented an apartment from [Redacted] in the same building where [Redacted] resides. Informant advised to the best of his knowledge Johnny Pesh still resides there.”
The following day interviewed by Agents at his Bath Beach residence: "Chiarello advised he has been living at this address for about eighteen months, and he previously resided in Staten Island. He advised he is presently unemployed, and when he does work he does odd jobs as a handy man in the Brooklyn area. He advised he previously has been employed on the docks as a longshoreman, however, he said he lost his card to work on the docks. He admitted being familiar with James Failla and stated he frequents a social club run by James Failla, located at 17th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn. When asked if he was a member of La Cosa Nostra, he stated he did not wish to answer any more questions.”
In April and June 1971 surveilled by FBI visiting social club at 18th and New Utrecht Aves.
By 1972 moved to 8002 17th Ave in Bensonhurst.
On June 23, 1972 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello continues to frequent the social club at 8014 17th Avenue, on a regular basis participating in small stakes card games and occasionally acting as a doorman for the club. Informant further advised that to his knowledge Chiarello is not presently active in any type of illegal activity nor is likely to become involved in any because any incarceration would cause extreme hardship on his [family].”
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.
On November 15, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Chiarello frequents social club as New Utrecht Avenue and 80th Street, Brooklyn, and is unemployed. [CI] advised Chiarello is a horse player.”
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.
On June 3, 1975 wife contacted by FBI at residence in Brooklyn: “She stated her husband John Chiarello was not at home and she did not know where he was at that time. When asked when he could be contacted at home, she stated she did not know since he is at home on an irregular basis. She stated she did not know of any other place at which John Chiarello could be contacted.”
Chiarello was interviewed three days later:
"
On December 18, 1968 FBI CI reported: “[John] Chiarello, aka Johnny Fish, is a bookmaker and at the present time he is working with Joe ‘The Cat’ LaForte, a proposed member of the Gambino Family of LCN. Informant advised Johnny Fish’s activity in bookmaking is in Staten Island.”
On May 9, 1969 FBI CI reported: “[He] has been maintaining contact with local bookmakers but to date has been unsuccessful in determining John Chiarello’s current whereabouts. Informant stated there was one report Chiarello went to Florida when he left Staten Island in early 1968, but has since returned to the New York area.”
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.
On May 28, 1970 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello obtained his nickname from the fact Chiarello’s father was a fisherman. John started out as a thief and house burglar, however, today he has nothing going for himself and is broke. Chiarello formerly resided in Staten Island, however, he has moved back to Brooklyn and currently resides on 19th Avenue and Cropsey, Brooklyn. John Chiarello used to be very close to the late Joe ‘The Wop’ Gennaro. Gennaro was going to set Chiarello up with a string of pizza parlors, however, the deal never materialized. Informant concluded by stating Chiarello often frequents the race tracks in New York.”
On July 28, 1970 FBI CI reported: “Tony the Chief Bonasera has a partner in his dress shop at 17th Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Streets, Brooklyn, by the name of [Redacted] (ph). [Redacted] was proposed for membership in LCN, believed in the Colombo Family, however, he never was ‘made’. Informant advised he did not know the reason why [Redacted] was not made but speculated possibly because the ‘books were closed’...When Johnny Pesh Chiarello moved from Staten Island to Brooklyn, he rented an apartment from [Redacted] in the same building where [Redacted] resides. Informant advised to the best of his knowledge Johnny Pesh still resides there.”
The following day interviewed by Agents at his Bath Beach residence: "Chiarello advised he has been living at this address for about eighteen months, and he previously resided in Staten Island. He advised he is presently unemployed, and when he does work he does odd jobs as a handy man in the Brooklyn area. He advised he previously has been employed on the docks as a longshoreman, however, he said he lost his card to work on the docks. He admitted being familiar with James Failla and stated he frequents a social club run by James Failla, located at 17th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn. When asked if he was a member of La Cosa Nostra, he stated he did not wish to answer any more questions.”
In April and June 1971 surveilled by FBI visiting social club at 18th and New Utrecht Aves.
By 1972 moved to 8002 17th Ave in Bensonhurst.
On June 23, 1972 FBI CI reported: “John Chiarello continues to frequent the social club at 8014 17th Avenue, on a regular basis participating in small stakes card games and occasionally acting as a doorman for the club. Informant further advised that to his knowledge Chiarello is not presently active in any type of illegal activity nor is likely to become involved in any because any incarceration would cause extreme hardship on his [family].”
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.
On November 15, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Chiarello frequents social club as New Utrecht Avenue and 80th Street, Brooklyn, and is unemployed. [CI] advised Chiarello is a horse player.”
In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.
On June 3, 1975 wife contacted by FBI at residence in Brooklyn: “She stated her husband John Chiarello was not at home and she did not know where he was at that time. When asked when he could be contacted at home, she stated she did not know since he is at home on an irregular basis. She stated she did not know of any other place at which John Chiarello could be contacted.”
Chiarello was interviewed three days later:
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Chiarello stated he is originally from the Lower East Side section of New York having been born at 96 Elizabeth Street...He moved to the 80th Street area of Brooklyn when he was 17 years old and, except for a brief time when he lived in Staten Island, has lived there ever since he moved back to Brooklyn from Staten Island approximately 5 to 7 years ago. Chiarello stated that his brother-in-law has asked him on several occasions to move to Florida with him. His brother-in-law has three Carvel ice cream stands in Florida and is also planning to open two Bonanza steak houses.
Chiarello stated he sees James Failla aka Jimmy Brown frequently at the West Side Civic Club located at 8014 17th Avenue, Brooklyn. Chiarello is a member of that club and has been such for several years. Chiarello stated he also sees on occasion at the club ‘Lloyd’ Santo Patti. Chiarello advised he is acquainted with [Redacted] and [Redacted] has a garment business on Bath Avenue, Brooklyn. Chiarello advised he recalls the name [Redacted] from years ago when he was growing up on the Lower East Side of New York. He stated he ‘ran’ with [Redacted] son [Redacted]. Chiarello also stated he knows of Carlo Gambino stating Gambino is a very sick man. Chiarello stated he is acquainted with Joe LaForte and added he recently saw LaForte at the Staten Island Feast of San Gennaro. Chiarello also admitted knowing [Redacted] but added he has not seen him.
Chiarello stated he sees James Failla aka Jimmy Brown frequently at the West Side Civic Club located at 8014 17th Avenue, Brooklyn. Chiarello is a member of that club and has been such for several years. Chiarello stated he also sees on occasion at the club ‘Lloyd’ Santo Patti. Chiarello advised he is acquainted with [Redacted] and [Redacted] has a garment business on Bath Avenue, Brooklyn. Chiarello advised he recalls the name [Redacted] from years ago when he was growing up on the Lower East Side of New York. He stated he ‘ran’ with [Redacted] son [Redacted]. Chiarello also stated he knows of Carlo Gambino stating Gambino is a very sick man. Chiarello stated he is acquainted with Joe LaForte and added he recently saw LaForte at the Staten Island Feast of San Gennaro. Chiarello also admitted knowing [Redacted] but added he has not seen him.
"
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.
In mid-December 1976 Paul Castellano was elected Boss of the Gambino Family, replacing his relative Carlo Gambino who died two months prior.
In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.
In mid-December 1976 Paul Castellano was elected Boss of the Gambino Family, replacing his relative Carlo Gambino who died two months prior.
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| A. Gaggi The Herald Statesman |
Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi was appointed Captain of the Castellano's former crew.
Made members of Gaggi's crew included John Chiarello, James 'Jimmy the Clam' Eppolito, Accursio Marinelli and Peter 'Petey 17' Piacenti.
Associates of interest included Roy DeMeo and James Eppolito Jr., both of whom were inducted in the late 1970s.
In December 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.
On December 28, 1977, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM, NYPD surveillance conducted on social club at 1657 Bath Ave in Bath Beach. Those observed included Bonanno Soldier Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci, Gambino Soldier John Chiarello, Gambino Soldier Frank DeCicco, Bonanno Soldier Anthony Spero, Gambino Soldier Paul Zaccaria and Possible Bonanno Member Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto. (Cosoleto was a made member by the following summer.)
On March 19-21, 1979 Gambino Soldier Vincent DeCicco was waked at Scarpaci Funeral Home located at 1401 86th St in Bensonhurst. Many attendees from the New York Families were observed including DeCicco's brother-in-law John Chiarello.
On April 19, 1980 Colombo Soldier Angelo 'Jilly' Greca was shot to death while stopped at a red light on New Utrecht Ave.
Two days later Unspecified Male interviewed by Agents investigating the murder: “[UM] advised he did not know Angelo ‘Jilly’ Greca and has never heard of anyone by that name. [UM] was asked whether he frequents the Villa Egea Social Club, to which he responded he did. He stated many individuals frequent the club and although he may not know them by name he is familiar with their faces. He stated if we could show him a photograph of Greca perhaps he would be able to be of some help. [UM] further advised he, Tommy Amato, Lou Salica, [Redacted] and John (possibly John Chiarello) are regulars at the club. He stated all five meet at the club at approximately noon every day and play gin. [UM] advised [Redacted] also frequents the club and a guy by the name of [Redacted] work there. He also stated the club is controlled by a young husky fellow by the name of [Redacted]. [UM] was asked whether he knew of any illegal activities being conducted at the club by any of the individuals he had mentioned. He responded he did not know of any being conducted and even if these individuals were involved in any such activities they would not tell him.” (Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato [1913-1991] was a Genovese Soldier under Captain Thomas 'Tommy Dogs' Lombardi. Louis Salica [1912-2002] was a Gambino Soldier under longtime Captain Olympio 'Lilo' Garofalo.)
Made members of Gaggi's crew included John Chiarello, James 'Jimmy the Clam' Eppolito, Accursio Marinelli and Peter 'Petey 17' Piacenti.
Associates of interest included Roy DeMeo and James Eppolito Jr., both of whom were inducted in the late 1970s.
In December 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.
On December 28, 1977, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM, NYPD surveillance conducted on social club at 1657 Bath Ave in Bath Beach. Those observed included Bonanno Soldier Anthony 'Bim' Bonacci, Gambino Soldier John Chiarello, Gambino Soldier Frank DeCicco, Bonanno Soldier Anthony Spero, Gambino Soldier Paul Zaccaria and Possible Bonanno Member Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto. (Cosoleto was a made member by the following summer.)
On March 19-21, 1979 Gambino Soldier Vincent DeCicco was waked at Scarpaci Funeral Home located at 1401 86th St in Bensonhurst. Many attendees from the New York Families were observed including DeCicco's brother-in-law John Chiarello.
On April 19, 1980 Colombo Soldier Angelo 'Jilly' Greca was shot to death while stopped at a red light on New Utrecht Ave.
Two days later Unspecified Male interviewed by Agents investigating the murder: “[UM] advised he did not know Angelo ‘Jilly’ Greca and has never heard of anyone by that name. [UM] was asked whether he frequents the Villa Egea Social Club, to which he responded he did. He stated many individuals frequent the club and although he may not know them by name he is familiar with their faces. He stated if we could show him a photograph of Greca perhaps he would be able to be of some help. [UM] further advised he, Tommy Amato, Lou Salica, [Redacted] and John (possibly John Chiarello) are regulars at the club. He stated all five meet at the club at approximately noon every day and play gin. [UM] advised [Redacted] also frequents the club and a guy by the name of [Redacted] work there. He also stated the club is controlled by a young husky fellow by the name of [Redacted]. [UM] was asked whether he knew of any illegal activities being conducted at the club by any of the individuals he had mentioned. He responded he did not know of any being conducted and even if these individuals were involved in any such activities they would not tell him.” (Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato [1913-1991] was a Genovese Soldier under Captain Thomas 'Tommy Dogs' Lombardi. Louis Salica [1912-2002] was a Gambino Soldier under longtime Captain Olympio 'Lilo' Garofalo.)
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| R. DeMeo (1981) |
On April 10, 1981 Anthony Gaggi began serving a five-to-fifteen year assault sentence related to the Eppolito murders. Roy DeMeo was named Acting Captain of Gaggi's crew
John Chiarello died August 30, 1981 and was waked September 1-2 at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst.
John Chiarello died August 30, 1981 and was waked September 1-2 at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst.
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| F. DiNome (1983) |
On September 20, 1984 CW Frederick DiNome, formerly a close associate of DeMeo's, was debriefed on various LCN members and associates in New York and named Chiarello as a deceased former member of the Gaggi crew. (DeMeo had been murdered early the previous year. DiNome committed suicide shortly after testifying in his first trial in early 1986.)
