Update

M. Minaden

New Posts:

1. Fred Aveni (Milwaukee)

2. Frank Giammona (San Jose)

3. Michael Minaden (Cleveland)

Michael Minaden (Cleveland)

1965

Michael Minaden was a Suspected Member of the Cleveland Family active in labor affairs.

Born Michael Minadeo in Cleveland to Salvatore (25y) and Anna Demore (23y).

Family from Ripalimosani comune of Campobasso, Molise. (Others from the town included Future Cleveland Consigliere Anthony Delsanter [1911-1975].)

By June 1900 the Minadens resided in Mentor, Ohio. Salvatore worked as a railroad laborer.

By April 1910 the family resided at 1914 East 123rd St in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood. Michael listed his occupation as shop helper.

On September 20, 1916 married Emily Schryer.

By June 1917 the couple were living at 14626 Ardenall Ave in East Cleveland. Within a few years they moved half a mile over to 13305 Milan Ave. Michael worked as a machinist.

A. Milano
FBN Mafia Book

A 1978 report entitled "Organized Crime and the Labor Unions" noted that Minaden was an associate of Cleveland Member Anthony Milano by the early 1920s. (Anthony was Underboss by 1950. His younger brother Frank Milano [1891-1970] headed the Family during the first half of the 1930s.)

By April 1930 Minaden and wife resided at 3934 Bluestone Rd in Cleveland Heights. Listed occupation as excavation contractor.

By April 1940 they had moved a couple of miles south to 3214 Yorkshire Rd.

A. Milano
FBN Mafia Book

In December 1943 The Cleveland Press reported that Minaden owned shares in the Tip Top Brewing and Distributing Company operated by recently indicted Cleveland Boss Alfonso 'Big Al' Polizzi.

In October 1950 elected first Vice President of the International Association of Cleaning and Dye House Workers during week-long convention hosted in Cleveland.

By December 1964 resided at 14015 Superior Rd in East Cleveland. Served as Vice President of ILA 1 Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Dye House Works headquartered at 1735 E 23rd St in Downtown Cleveland.

On February 10, 1965 the FBI's Cleveland Field Office reported: "According to [redacted paragraph. Those mentioned included Cleveland Boss John Scalish, Former Cleveland Boss Frank Milano and Michael Minaden]. It is noted that Minaden [resides in East Cleveland and employed as labor VP]. It is recommended that [anti-racketeering] case be opened on Minaden in view of the above indicated association with Frank Milano and Scalish." (John Scalish [1912-1976] was elected Family Boss around 1949 and held the position until his death in late May 1976.)

On February 18, 1965 an informant was shown a chart of 'reported La Cosa Nostra members from the Northern Ohio area' and identified several 'as actual members of LCN'. The remainder of the report is redacted but Minaden was one those mentioned.

On March 10, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[During] the period since Jack White [James Licavoli] has returned from his vacation, Michael Minaden (International Representative of the Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Dye House Workers Union and who is closely associated with Anthony Milano) has been a frequent visitor to White's residence." (James 'Jack White' Licavoli [1904-1985] transferred from Detroit to Cleveland and succeeded John Scalish as Boss following the latter's death in 1976.)

On March 31, 1965 FBI Cleveland reported: "[Minaden] was reportedly in the trucking business in Oakland and Hollywood, California area in 1936."

On July 10, 1965 surveilled and photographed by Unspecified Police Department. (See top)

On October 20, 1967 included in the FBI's list of 34 identified Cleveland Family members.

By September 1974 resided at 2112 Acacia Park Drive in Lyndhurst, Ohio.

On May 28, 1975 FBI Cleveland reported: "[Case] has been opened in Cleveland Division since 2/1965 and during this period, very little information has been received indicating that Minaden is involved in any illegal activity."

On August 6, 1976 identified by FBI Cleveland as 'reputed LCN member'.

On January 10 and 17, 1977 Minaden's auto was observed during FBI spot checks on the Italian-American Brotherhood Club.

The club was frequented by longtime Minaden associate and Former Underboss Anthony Milano, described in an FBI report from the same month as an 'Elder statesman' of the Family.

An August 1978 article in Cleveland Magazine noted: "[Anthony Milano] still hosts weekly dinners at the Italian-American Brotherhood Club in Little Italy. The dinners are attended by many of the city's leading politicians, labor leaders and businessmen." (Milano died the same month.)

Michael Minaden died August 31, 1980 in Beachwood, Ohio.

A two-day wake was held at DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home in Mayfield Heights.

Buried in Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery.

More Cleveland Family posts can be found in the Index.

Fred Aveni (Milwaukee)

Fred Aveni was an Associate of the Milwaukee Family involved in gambling during the 1960s.

Born Alfio Aveni on March 20, 1920 in Milwaukee to Dominic (34y), a street laborer, and Tecula LiBrizzi (20y). Parents both from Messina, with the father from Tripi and the mother from Sant'Agata di Militello. (At least one of Tecula's brothers was born in the nearby town of Mirto.)

By April 1920 the Avenis and LiBrizzis resided at 177 Michigan St in the city's Juneau Town neighborhood.

On August 8, 1921 Dominic Aveni's Petition for Naturalization was witnessed by Ike Kohn, a merchant, and Saverio F. LaPiana (46y), a druggist from the city's Third Ward. (LaPiana [1874-1961], from Piana dei Greci in Palermo, also witnessed the naturalization of Milwaukee Member Antonino 'Tony' Albano [1888-1970] and Possible Member Michele Vitucci [1870-1938], as well as that of one Joseph Giuli [1889-1978], who in turn acted as a witness in the 1917 naturalization of Member Nunzio Maniaci [1881-1962]. Nunzio's sons included Milwaukee Member and Confidential Informant August 'Augie' Maniaci, who was found out and shot to death in 1975.)

By April 1930 the family moved further north to 770 Franklin Place in Yankee Hill, situated between Juneau Town and the Lower East Side. Dominic listed his occupation as cement finisher.

By July 1941 they were residing about a block over at 1339 N Astor St. Fred worked for Local 113 headquartered at 3rd and Burleigh.

In September 1943 married Mildred Fillion.

By April 1950 they were residing at 1733 West Galena St in the Park View neighborhood located about a mile and a half from Fred's old neighborhood.

On October 9, 1951 arrested by Milwaukee PD. (See top)

On July 5, 1956 among three arrested by the Kenosha, Wisconsin PD for street peddling. Those arrested were Aveni, Sam LiBrizzi (36y) and Frank Sorrenti (41y). The Kenosha News reported: "Still mentally kicking yourself for buying an armful of shampoo from those car-to-car salesmen haunting the downtown area for the past seven weeks? Well, if you are, you'll be happy to know that these sometimes downright annoying peddlers were arrested. A Kenosha woman pestered by one of the salesmen Thursday afternoon got mad enough to do something about it...The trio, charged with disorderly conduct, were each fined $25 and costs in municipal court today by Judge Urban J. Zievers. The fines were suspended when the salesmen's license to peddle goods here was up. Best of all, the salesmen were 'washed right out of' your hair with a police order to leave town." (Sam LiBrizzi [1920-1970] is later identified along with Aveni as a Family-affiliated gambler. He may have been related to Aveni through the latter's mother, although various records indicate that his immediate family was from Naso rather than Sant'Agata / Mirto.)

By Fall 1957 listed residence at 2172 N 36th St in Washington Park.

S. LiBrizzi
Press

By 1964 involved in bookmaking with Sam LiBrizzi and others.

On January 23, 1968 FBI CI reported that an Unspecified Gambler had gone partners in a tavern on North Farwell Ave. The informant noted Fred Aveni handled gambling at the location and believed that the proceeds would be split with Milwaukee Boss Frank Balistrieri.

On April 14, 1969 Aveni attended the wake of Milwaukee Associate Tony 'Sheriff' Cefalu. Others present included Milwaukee Captain Steve DiSalvo, Tony's younger brother Salvatore aka Sam Cefalu, Sam LiBrizzi and other Associates. (Sam Cefalu was inducted into the Milwaukee Family by 1976.)

Three days later FBI CI reported: "...Regarding the recent arrest by local authorities of Fred Aveni, the informant advised that two policewomen approached Aveni's front door, which Aveni opened but left on a chain lock. When Aveni spotted two police officers coming to the door, he slammed the door and raced to the basement and threw his records into a pail of water. The records were maintained on water-soluble paper, which immediately dissolved when they hit the water. The informant advised Aveni was arrested; however, was later released when it was determined the police had insufficient evidence on which to hold him. Informant believed Aveni was a partner of Tony Machi in a small bookmaking operation and was paying for 'line' information."

c. 1970

On January 22, 1974 FBI CI reported: "Source advised that Fred Aveni is the bartender during the daytime at the Iron Horse on 10th Street and that [redacted] since the sale by the [Redacted] and this could have been where the rumor arose that [Redacted] was working at [redacted]." (The Iron Horse was formerly owned by Associate Louis Fazio, who was shot to death in September 1972.)

Aveni died July 14, 1980 and was buried in Milwaukee's Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.

More Milwaukee Family posts can be found in the Index.

Frank Giammona (San Jose)

1967

Frank Giammona was an Associate / Possible Member of the San Jose Family.

Born February 28, 1908 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Ciro (29y) and Rosalia Misuraca (27y). Parents from Giardinello comune of Palermo, Sicily.

Ciro Giammona (1878-1948) may have been a Mafia member in Sicily and later the United States.

Rosalia Misuraca's brothers Anthony (1878-1937), Salvatore (1894-1919), John (1897-1986), Arturo (1900-1967) and Pietro (1905-1988) were Members / Suspected Members in Michigan, New York, California and possibly Tampa. John Misuraca briefly served as the Colombo Underboss in the early 1960s.

Frank Giammona's older brother Peter (1904-1980) and younger brother Angelo (1912-2000) were members in Los Angeles and San Jose respectively.

The Giammonas were related to additional LCN members through marriage:

1. In March 1935 Peter's younger sister Rose married Future San Jose Member Leo Cusenza (1913-1993), son to Captain Joe Cusenza of San Vito Lo Capo in Trapani.
2. Younger sister Mary Agnes married a half-brother to San Jose Member Pietro Ruffino (1892-1966) of Montelepre, Palermo.
3. In June 1935 John Misuraca's daughter married Future San Jose Member Alex Camarata (1906-1976) of Borgetto, Palermo. Alex's younger brother Salvatore (1918-2008) was a Colombo Soldier.

By April 1910 the Giammonas resided at 1220 7th St in St. Louis, Missouri. Ciro worked as fruit peddler.

They were residing at 128 Hastings St in Detroit at the time of Angelo Giammona's birth in December 1912.

By April 1920 they moved to the West Coast, residing at 496 Willow St in San Jose. Ciro and his son Peter worked as ranch hands.

Around July 1923 married Nora DiMaggio (16y) in Pittsburg, California. Bride's parents from Isola delle Femmine comune of Palermo. The couple were living in New Jersey by 1926. (The parents of Future San Jose Member and CI Salvatore Costanza [1912-1994] were from the same town.)

By April 1930 the Giammonas returned to Pittsburg at 360 West 5th St. Frank worked at a cannery.

At some point around the mid-1930s they moved to 1566 19th St in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood. As of early 1940 Frank listed his occupation as box maker at another cannery.

That Fall he was employed at Farallone Pier 12 in SF.

During the 1940s the Giammonas moved first to 336 Connecticut St, still in Potrero Hill, then about a mile south to 125 Coleridge St in Bernal Heights, where Frank was the foreman of a fish company.

He reportedly spent time employed at the Nyak Lodge near Lake Tahoe and at the Riverside Fish Grotto in Antioch.

By 1955 the Giammonas returned to Pittsburg and Frank took up bartending.

By this time Frank was associated with one of the Families in California.

As of the early 1960s he worked as bartender at Paul's Place in Martinez, CA.

Angelo (L) and Frank Giammona

On March 16, 1962 one of the FBI's San Jose Member Sources reported:
"

...During the course of the conversation with Pete Misuraca on 3/15/1962, Misuraca advised that [redacted] Angelo Giammona and Frank Giammona had been proposed as new members of the organization from the Modesto area. Informant advised [Redacted]'s father is now deceased, but was formerly an active member in the New Jersey area. He advised [Redacted]'s father was killed [redacted], but prior to his death was highly regarded as a member of the organization, who sat with the council heads at all of the meetings. He described Angelo and Frank Giammona as brothers and as nephews of Pete and John Misuraca. He stated Frank Giammona [was] last reported to be residing in the Pittsburg, California area, where he is employed as a bartender, which is his regular occupation.

According to the informant, Misuraca told him that Frank Giammona several years ago was given the job of taking care of one [Redacted], who is [redacted]. Misuraca advised [Redacted] reportedly had knowledge of individuals who had knowledge of the Nick DeJohn murder in California a number of years ago. It was Misuraca's contention [Redacted] was dealt with by the organization to quiet him in this connection. It was alleged by Misuraca that Frank Giammona had been given the job of convincing [Redacted] so he, Giammona, could prove himself to the organization. Misuraca did not furnish any information concerning the manner in which Giammona had handled the situation with [Redacted]. Informant advised that [redacted] was [redacted]. [Redacted] allegedly [redacted]. Informant was unable to advise as to whether either [Redacted] are members of the organization.

"

Although Angelo was subsequently confirmed as a member by multiple FBI CIs, information clarifying Frank's status is not yet available.

He probably would have joined his brother as part of the Family's Modesto crew formerly headed by Joe Cusenza, killed in a car crash the previous year.

Made members formerly under Joe Cusenza included Frank Buffa, Joe's son Leo Cusenza, the Giammonas' in-law Pietro Ruffino and Anthony Scavuzzo.

On February 8, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[When] he talked to Pete Misuraca he was told that Angelo Giammona actually came to his house to talk to him, stopping by Martinez to pick up Frank Giammona where he is a bartender at Paul's Place."

J. Misuraca (1964)

On September 13, 1963 FBI CI (San Jose Member) reported:
"

[CI] advised that he had been contacted by the wife of Alex Camarata who wanted him to come to his home the evening of 9/12/63. When the informant arrived there, Camarata told him he had been contacted by his father-in-law, John Misuraca, who seemed very upset. Camarata would not explain in detail but stated it appeared that both he and the informant would have to take a trip to the East. He stated that he further learned that a contemplated meeting in this area had been cancelled because of pressures against the above organization by government authorities.

Informant advised that Camarata told him that a sheepherder from around Reno had contacted Angelo Giammona in Modesto, telling him word had come down the line to the effect that a planned meeting in this area could not be held by Giammona as originally scheduled. He further stated that this individual also contacted Frank Giammona, a brother of Angelo who is a bartender in Martinez, California. Nothing was told as to the purpose of contacting this individual and it was assumed he was to be another contact. Alex Camarata told informant that before they went East, they would have to talk to Joe Cerrito in San Jose.

CI was contacted again on 9/14/63 at which time he stated that Camarata had recontacted him telling him that all plans had changed. He told him he had learned where Frank Giammona fit into this picture and the trip to the East is cancelled. He told informant that word had come down the line that someone reported Pete Misuraca as contacting Frank Giammona to see if Giammona would take a trip to Tijuana, Mexico in order to pick up 'a load of dope'. Pete Misuraca is the brother of John Misuraca and he lives in Richmond, California. Informant advised that Camarata was told he should personally see Pete Misuraca to discuss this matter with him and the meeting will be held in this area unless further trouble arises in which case John Misuraca himself would have to come here to stop such activities.

"

On July 10, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] had not seen Frank Giammona of Martinez, California for several months. As far as he knows, Giammona is still working as a bartender at Paul's Place in downtown Martinez, which is a first-class restaurant and bar. He stated Giammona lives in Pittsburg [where] he has resided for approximately the last five years. Informant advised Giammona is practically a native of the Pittsburg area. Informant recalled Giammona several years ago worked at the Nyak Lodge, formerly located on Highway 40 near Truckee, California which is no longer in existence. Giammona was a bartender at this lodge and one time bragged about [redacted paragraph]. Informant stated he recalled that Pete Misuraca used to state this was one of the aces he had up his sleeve in handling Harold Smith, Sr., the fact that [redacted]."

On December 6, 1965 FBI Member Source, possibly Salvatore Costanza, reported on an attempt by 'Joe and Pete Giammona' to recruit Alex Camarata in a plot to break away from the local Family and join with San Francisco. The FBI noted: "...In view of the large number of Pete and Joe Giammona's all of whom are cousins there is some question as to which is which. It would appear unlikely that a Joe from Point Reyes and a Pete from Long Beach [Angelo Giammona's brothers] would be engaged in recruiting in Modesto and San Jose."

Eight days later an informant provided a breakdown of the Giammona siblings and noted he last heard Frank was still bartending in Pittsburg.

By Fall 1967 resided at 3718 Glacier Drive.

On July 15, 1969 submitted to a lengthy interview by Agents with the FBI's San Francisco Field Office:
"

...His brothers include, in order of age, Peter Giammona, resides somewhere in the Los Angeles area; Joseph Giammona, Point Reyes Station, CA, employed as plumbing contractor; himself; Anthony Giammona, whereabouts unknown, last known residing at Pt. Reyes, CA; Sam Giammona, Cascade Ave, San Francisco; Angelo Giammona, 2812 Faith Rd, Modesto; John Giammona, whereabouts unknown, possibly somewhere in Southern CA. His sisters include, [Redacted], husband Anthony, deceased; [Redacted] and Mrs. Jerry (Angelina) Ruggeri, San Francisco. Questioned further about Anthony Ruffino, deceased, above, subject informed Anthony also had a brother, Peter Ruffino, who died about two years ago in Modesto, CA. (It is to be noted [CI] recently reported [that] 'Pete Ruffino was also with [Joe] Cusenza'.)

He currently is employed as a bartender at Paul's Night Club, Martinez, CA, Tuesday through Sunday, from 4:00 PM to 12 o'clock midnight. He has worked at the above club for the past 12 years and he has been employed as a cab driver in the past during the early 50's at Parks Air Force Base. He has never been arrested.

Subject was shown a magazine called 'San Francisco', 7/69 issue, which contained an article called Jolly Joe Cerrito, by one J. Alvin Kugelmass. Subject's attention was called to page 72 of this article setting forth a list of known Mafia members in Northern CA as obtained from office of former AG Stanley Mosk. The following persons on this list were identified by subject as blood relatives: Alex Camarata, cousin; Angelo Giammona, brother; Peter Misuraca, uncle.

The subject said that he has heard the name of his brother, Angelo Giammona, mentioned in the past as being a member of the Mafia, however, he doubted this as 'Angelo wouldn't hurt a fly'. He said he is in constant contact with Angelo and he has never indicated any Mafia associations.

Subject said he would rather suspect his brother, Peter Giammona, might be a member of the Mafia as Peter has always been associated in 'shady deals' involving money and automobiles. He said Peter often visits him during his frequent trips to the Bay area.

Subject said that he has never met Joe Cerrito or Manny Figlia but he has heard their names mentioned in the past. He said he has never attended any 'Mafia meetings' and he has never been involved in any Mafia activities. It was his understanding that certain people, which might have been 'Mafia' members, attended the funeral of his mother, Rosalie Misuraca, in Modesto, CA in 1959, which he assumes from reading publicity about this group since this time.

After continued questioning about his possible membership and association with the LCN, subject admitted that he was approached to join the 'Mafia' in the past but declined. Subject refused, however, to identify his 'sponsor' or to volunteer further information in this regard, except to say that it 'occurred about 10 years ago'.

Subject advised that, although he is desirous of cooperating with the Bureau, he is merely a bartender trying to make a living. Subject appeared friendly throughout the interview and invited [SA] to return if he could ever be of assistance.

"

P. Giammona

On October 9, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[He] has heard that Pete Giammona, from Los Angeles, has been in contact with Alex Camarata recently. He said Pete is brother of Frank Giammona, Pittsburg, and Angelo Giammona, Modesto, all nephews. He said he suspected all three brothers are members of the LCN, Frank and Angelo as part of the San Jose Family but he would not know if Pete would be associated with this Family."

On February 26, 1970 FBI CI reported: "...He recently learned [Pete] Giammona, car salesman from Los Angeles, CA, has been spending a lot of time in the Martinez area and apparently in contact with Alex Camarata and his brother, Frank Giammona from Pittsburg, CA. He said Pete Giammona was at one time closely associated with John Misuraca 'back east' and he had no info indicating Pete is an LCN member. He said Giammona's visits could be purely social in nature."

On August 18, 1973 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] advised he was in contact with Angelo Giammona, who indicated he had talked to John Misuraca [redacted]. Angelo told [CI] that John indicated he has a strong desire to come to California to settle and he (Angelo) believes John will make his move. [CI] continued Angelo told him his brother Frank Giammona had traveled to New Orleans but had not gotten to Florida to contact John Misuraca."

On November 3, 1973 FBI CI reported: "...Source advised he had attended the funeral of Tony Giammona, brother of Angelo Giammona and Pete Giammona, LCN members. Tony died of a heart attack in San Mateo, CA and most of the Giammona clan residing in California including Tony's brothers Angelo from Modesto, Pete from San Jose and Long Beach, Joe from Point Reyes, Frank from Pittsburg, Sam from Sacramento and John who is a floater, [were] all present."

Mentioned in several redacted reports from January 1974.

Along with brother Angelo attended San Jose Soldier Alex Camarata's funeral on April 29, 1976.

On May 18, 1976 FBI CI reported: "The only known LCN member who attended the [Camarata] funeral was one Angelo Giammona from the Modesto, California area. Others in attendance from this area included his brother Frank Giammona, [Redacted], and [Redacted]...He had several conversations with Frank Giammona from Pittsburg, CA, a known Family recruit, who apparently has 'never been made'. He learned that [redacted section]."

Frank Giammona is mentioned in another redacted report from March 1978.

He is absent from the 1985 and 1993 membership lists.

Died January 5, 2001 in Antioch.

More San Jose Family posts can be found in the Index.