John Bazzano Jr. was a member of the Pittsburgh Family.
A son of the former murdered Boss John Bazzano (1889-1932), John Jr. oversaw gambling operations in the Mon Valley / Washington County area. He also had close connections to the membership in Youngstown, Ohio.
He was identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as Captain and Underboss in 1983 and 1987 respectively.
Additional connected relatives included:
At the time of his birth the family resided at 916 North St.
By 1930 they moved to 1287 Washington Rd in the Mt. Lebanon suburb of South Hills in Pittsburgh.
By 1932 John Bazzano Sr., now Boss of the Pittsburgh Family, operated the Roma Coffee Shop at 704 Wylie Ave.
On his orders three of the Family's Volpe brothers were shot to death at the cafe on July 29, 1932. (Another brother, Louis Volpe [1901-1987] later served as a Captain and Possible Consigliere.)
Called to New York early the following month to explain his actions, Bazzano was found trussed and stabbed to death on a street in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. (Those temporarily held in the case included Bosses and members from half a dozen Families.)
By June 1945 John Jr. listed employment with Adams Bottling Company at 1161 4th Ave in New Kensington.
Served in the US Army from August 31, 1945 to March 2, 1946.
By April 1950 resided at 538 Donner Ave in Monessen, Westmoreland County. Listed occupation as coin collector for machine (music) company.
Graduated from Robert Morris Business College the following year.
A son of the former murdered Boss John Bazzano (1889-1932), John Jr. oversaw gambling operations in the Mon Valley / Washington County area. He also had close connections to the membership in Youngstown, Ohio.
He was identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as Captain and Underboss in 1983 and 1987 respectively.
Additional connected relatives included:
- Father-in-law Antonio Ripepi (1902-1996) was a Captain
- Uncle Santo Bazzano (1904-2002) was a Possible Member
At the time of his birth the family resided at 916 North St.
By 1930 they moved to 1287 Washington Rd in the Mt. Lebanon suburb of South Hills in Pittsburgh.
By 1932 John Bazzano Sr., now Boss of the Pittsburgh Family, operated the Roma Coffee Shop at 704 Wylie Ave.
On his orders three of the Family's Volpe brothers were shot to death at the cafe on July 29, 1932. (Another brother, Louis Volpe [1901-1987] later served as a Captain and Possible Consigliere.)
Called to New York early the following month to explain his actions, Bazzano was found trussed and stabbed to death on a street in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. (Those temporarily held in the case included Bosses and members from half a dozen Families.)
By June 1945 John Jr. listed employment with Adams Bottling Company at 1161 4th Ave in New Kensington.
Served in the US Army from August 31, 1945 to March 2, 1946.
By April 1950 resided at 538 Donner Ave in Monessen, Westmoreland County. Listed occupation as coin collector for machine (music) company.
Graduated from Robert Morris Business College the following year.
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| A. Ripepi |
By April 1952 worked for Pittsburgh Member Antonio Ripepi's Keystone Music Company.
Around the same time he married Ripepi's daughter Frances. (Ripepi was also from Reggio Calabria.)
Around May 1957 Ripepi sold the couple a residence on Stanton St in Monongahela, PA.
On June 8, 1958 involved in single car accident in Monongahela. The Daily Herald reported: "The car was traveling south on Fourth Street when the gas pedal stuck and the driver lost control of the machine. It knocked down the street marker at the corner, traveled over the sidewalk and halted on Mamie's lawn. The grill, bumper and fenders of the vehicle were damaged."
By September 1962 the Bazzanos resided in Canonsburg near McMurray in Washington County.
On the 1st of that month injured in another auto accident on Route 837 outside Donora, PA. Mrs. Irene Krall (37y) was killed. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "Mrs. Krall's two sons and the driver of the other car, John Bazzano, 35, of Canonsburg, were injured. Police said Mrs. Krall swerved to avoid a puddle of water and struck the Bazzano auto." (The Krall family was later awarded approximately $1,000,000 in today's value due to the poor condition of the road.)
On June 26, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] was at the CMAS Club in Youngstown with Mario Guerrieri, hoodlum and bondsman; Dominick Mallamo; John Bazzano from Pittsburgh; and Serafino Romeo from Erie, Pa.; and Mike Romeo from Youngstown. When Mallamo and Bazzano met with the Romeos, all of them kissed each other in greeting. Serafino Romeo is an uncle of Mike Romeo and is reportedly an 'old hatchet man' for the organization, whose specialty is using an ice pick. [CI] stated Bazzano is the 'Compare' of Mike Romeo which would mean that one is the godparent for the other's child and are therefore very close. He stated Dominick Mallamo is the 'Compare' of Paul Guerrieri, father of Mario, and therefore old and close friends." (Dominick Mallamo [1904-1980] was later identified as Pittsburgh's Captain in Youngstown. Michael D. Romeo [1920-2000], son of Member Paul Romeo [1894-1976], and Serafino 'Sam' Romeo [1900-1965] were Possible Members. All were from Reggio Calabria and were identified by an informant as also being members of the local 'Ndrangheta.)
On June 30, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] had been in Pittsburgh with Mario Guerrieri, Mike Romeo, local hoodlum and son of Paul Romeo, who is reportedly head of Calabrese Organization in Youngstown, with Dominick Mallamo. They had gone there on the invitation of John Bazzano, who operates pinball and vending machines there. They met Sam Wysocki (ph) or Witsocki (ph) who is a wealthy Pittsburgh bondsman in his 60s, an associate named Striker or Stricker (ph), an Al Ross and Serafino Romeo, also in the vending machines in Erie, Pa. Bazzano the 'Compare' of Mike Romeo, picked up the bill for the entire evening's entertainment of dinner and drinking. There was a discussion about a plan to borrow considerable amount of money from a bank in Nassau, Bahama Islands, in which Wysocki (ph) has some connection. The informant stated he believed the group intends to obtain stolen bonds and use them as collateral to obtain loans from the Nassau bank. [CI] stated that Wysocki after considerable drinking stated he was a friend of the governor of Nassau." FBI noted: "Later [CI] stated these same individuals were at the home of Guerrieri, Youngstown, on 7/6/64, to drive to Cleveland in connection with the Nassau deal and as part of the scheme, Wysocki (ph) [page missing]."
On July 30, 1964 FBI Pittsburgh reported: "[CI] believes four families ruled by [John] LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Amato, and Antonio Ripepi make up the Greater Pittsburgh Area, and that chief lieutenants in these Families are Mike Genovese, Thomas Ciancutti, Joseph Sica, and John Bazzano, respectively."
Around the same time he married Ripepi's daughter Frances. (Ripepi was also from Reggio Calabria.)
Around May 1957 Ripepi sold the couple a residence on Stanton St in Monongahela, PA.
On June 8, 1958 involved in single car accident in Monongahela. The Daily Herald reported: "The car was traveling south on Fourth Street when the gas pedal stuck and the driver lost control of the machine. It knocked down the street marker at the corner, traveled over the sidewalk and halted on Mamie's lawn. The grill, bumper and fenders of the vehicle were damaged."
By September 1962 the Bazzanos resided in Canonsburg near McMurray in Washington County.
On the 1st of that month injured in another auto accident on Route 837 outside Donora, PA. Mrs. Irene Krall (37y) was killed. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "Mrs. Krall's two sons and the driver of the other car, John Bazzano, 35, of Canonsburg, were injured. Police said Mrs. Krall swerved to avoid a puddle of water and struck the Bazzano auto." (The Krall family was later awarded approximately $1,000,000 in today's value due to the poor condition of the road.)
On June 26, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] was at the CMAS Club in Youngstown with Mario Guerrieri, hoodlum and bondsman; Dominick Mallamo; John Bazzano from Pittsburgh; and Serafino Romeo from Erie, Pa.; and Mike Romeo from Youngstown. When Mallamo and Bazzano met with the Romeos, all of them kissed each other in greeting. Serafino Romeo is an uncle of Mike Romeo and is reportedly an 'old hatchet man' for the organization, whose specialty is using an ice pick. [CI] stated Bazzano is the 'Compare' of Mike Romeo which would mean that one is the godparent for the other's child and are therefore very close. He stated Dominick Mallamo is the 'Compare' of Paul Guerrieri, father of Mario, and therefore old and close friends." (Dominick Mallamo [1904-1980] was later identified as Pittsburgh's Captain in Youngstown. Michael D. Romeo [1920-2000], son of Member Paul Romeo [1894-1976], and Serafino 'Sam' Romeo [1900-1965] were Possible Members. All were from Reggio Calabria and were identified by an informant as also being members of the local 'Ndrangheta.)
On June 30, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] had been in Pittsburgh with Mario Guerrieri, Mike Romeo, local hoodlum and son of Paul Romeo, who is reportedly head of Calabrese Organization in Youngstown, with Dominick Mallamo. They had gone there on the invitation of John Bazzano, who operates pinball and vending machines there. They met Sam Wysocki (ph) or Witsocki (ph) who is a wealthy Pittsburgh bondsman in his 60s, an associate named Striker or Stricker (ph), an Al Ross and Serafino Romeo, also in the vending machines in Erie, Pa. Bazzano the 'Compare' of Mike Romeo, picked up the bill for the entire evening's entertainment of dinner and drinking. There was a discussion about a plan to borrow considerable amount of money from a bank in Nassau, Bahama Islands, in which Wysocki (ph) has some connection. The informant stated he believed the group intends to obtain stolen bonds and use them as collateral to obtain loans from the Nassau bank. [CI] stated that Wysocki after considerable drinking stated he was a friend of the governor of Nassau." FBI noted: "Later [CI] stated these same individuals were at the home of Guerrieri, Youngstown, on 7/6/64, to drive to Cleveland in connection with the Nassau deal and as part of the scheme, Wysocki (ph) [page missing]."
On July 30, 1964 FBI Pittsburgh reported: "[CI] believes four families ruled by [John] LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Amato, and Antonio Ripepi make up the Greater Pittsburgh Area, and that chief lieutenants in these Families are Mike Genovese, Thomas Ciancutti, Joseph Sica, and John Bazzano, respectively."
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| G. Mannarino FBN Mafia Book |
On November 5, 1966 Georgianne Mannarino (23y), daughter of Pittsburgh Captain Gabriel 'Kelly' Mannarino, married a nephew of Bufalino Boss Russell Bufalino. Reception held at Holiday House located in Monroeville, PA. Attendees included Pittsburgh Boss John LaRocca, Underboss Frank Amato, Cleveland / Detroit Member Calogero 'Leo' Moceri and several Pittsburgh Members and Associates including Bazzano Jr.
On June 5, 1967 convicted of speeding and fined $10.
Gabriel Mannarino's older brother, Pittsburgh Member Salvatore 'Sam', died the same day.
Mannarino was waked June 6-7 at the Manzella - Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold, PA. Attendees included Boss John LaRocca, Captain Gabriel Mannarino and several additional Members and Associates including Bazzano Jr.
On June 5, 1967 convicted of speeding and fined $10.
Gabriel Mannarino's older brother, Pittsburgh Member Salvatore 'Sam', died the same day.
Mannarino was waked June 6-7 at the Manzella - Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold, PA. Attendees included Boss John LaRocca, Captain Gabriel Mannarino and several additional Members and Associates including Bazzano Jr.
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| J. Sica Press |
By 1969 stockholders in Underhill Motel, Inc. included Bazzano Jr., Frank Rosa, Joseph Sica and Jon Scalzitti. (Joseph Sica [1908-1991] and Frank Rosa [1920-1982] were later identified as Pittsburgh Members, the former a Captain and later Consigliere.)
By 1970 partners with Pat Stanizzo (59y) in Monongahela numbers operation. Bazzano Jr. received 60% profits and Stanizzo 30% plus $200 per week. In March 1976 Stanizzo's widow testified: "[Pat] was booking numbers in association with Johnny Bazzano. [The cut of the profits took place] right at my dining room table. [Bazzano] would come over, sit and have coffee, count the money, was a very likeable, down-to-earth guy."
On September 30, 1974 among 4 subpoenaed to testify before Western District of Pennsylvania Federal Grand Jury investigating organized crime. Those subpoenaed were Pittsburgh Captain (?) Antonio Ripepi (72y) and Possible Members Joseph Sica (66y), John Bazzano Jr. (47y) and Frank Rosa (54y). The Pittsburgh Press reported: "The strike force kicked off its latest investigation last spring when it granted immunity to Michael Genovese, 58, of Gibsonia...Genovese, who has been in ill health, refused to testify before the grand jury and has been in jail since May 9 for contempt of court. Strike force officials would not indicate whether the same 'immunity-contempt' strategy would be used this week against the four men who have been subpoenaed."
By 1975 resided at 107 Lynbrook in Canonsburg - McMurray, PA.
On February 8 among eight arrested by FBI following indictment by the US Attorney's Office WDPA on illegal gambling charges. Others indicted included Joseph DeMarco (50y), Attilio 'Flat Top' Policastro (51y), Charles 'Chuck' Kellington (28y) and Joseph 'Bull' Yimin (40y). The following day a ninth defendant, Frank 'Hog' Dattalo (52y), was apprehended. The Pittsburgh Press identified Bazzano Jr. as the ringleader of the operation, which was based in Monongahela and grossed an estimated $2 million annually.
On March 3 a separate WDPA indictment charged fourteen others with illegal gambling in Washington County. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "According to the indictment, [Defendant Robert] Bordini operated the numbers ring as a branch of a larger gambling operation headed by John Bazzano, 47, of McMurray. Bazzano, named in the indictment as a co-conspirator but not charged, was indicted last week as the top operator of a Mon Valley numbers gambling enterprise...The indictment indicated the FBI used court-approved wiretaps to eavesdrop on bets collected over the telephone by the housewives named in the indictment. The gambling ring allegedly has been in operation since 1970 and the indictment claimed protection payoffs were paid to local law enforcement officials and politicians, although no specific names appeared in the indictment."
Eight days later the FBI raided eleven homes in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh and seized evidence re gambling operation. United Press International reported: "[Agents seized] records, cash and equipment from a multimillion dollar sports betting and numbers operation. Philip R. Sheridan, special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, said no arrests were made. However, he said material seized would be presented later as evidence to a federal grand jury that may return indictments. About three dozen FBI agents took part in the raids, which struck at mid-afternoon when numbers and gambling operations are busiest. Similar raids last fall led to the indictments of 23 persons, including reputed rackets kingpin John Bazzano accused of operating a gambling ring in southeastern Allegheny County, and in Washington and Fayette counties."
On June 18, 1975 Bazzano Jr. and thirteen others were indicted by USAO WDPA on Federal gambling conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. Co-defendants included those named in the previous gambling indictment as well as Pittsburgh Associate Primo 'XG' Mollica (39y), former Clairton, PA Mayor John 'Jack' Matz and six additional current or former public officials. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Indictment] charges the officials were 'on the take' from January, 1970, to protect the $2 million to $3 million-a-year Mon Valley gambling ring allegedly headed by John Bazzano Jr. Bazzano, reputedly a top figure in organized crime here, and six others charged with running the ring were arrested under the same indictment." It was noted in the press that approximately forty individuals had been charged in multiple indictments stemming from the Bazzano Jr. operation.
Trial began on March 11, 1976 for Bazzano Jr. and an additional twelve defendants.
By 1970 partners with Pat Stanizzo (59y) in Monongahela numbers operation. Bazzano Jr. received 60% profits and Stanizzo 30% plus $200 per week. In March 1976 Stanizzo's widow testified: "[Pat] was booking numbers in association with Johnny Bazzano. [The cut of the profits took place] right at my dining room table. [Bazzano] would come over, sit and have coffee, count the money, was a very likeable, down-to-earth guy."
On September 30, 1974 among 4 subpoenaed to testify before Western District of Pennsylvania Federal Grand Jury investigating organized crime. Those subpoenaed were Pittsburgh Captain (?) Antonio Ripepi (72y) and Possible Members Joseph Sica (66y), John Bazzano Jr. (47y) and Frank Rosa (54y). The Pittsburgh Press reported: "The strike force kicked off its latest investigation last spring when it granted immunity to Michael Genovese, 58, of Gibsonia...Genovese, who has been in ill health, refused to testify before the grand jury and has been in jail since May 9 for contempt of court. Strike force officials would not indicate whether the same 'immunity-contempt' strategy would be used this week against the four men who have been subpoenaed."
By 1975 resided at 107 Lynbrook in Canonsburg - McMurray, PA.
On February 8 among eight arrested by FBI following indictment by the US Attorney's Office WDPA on illegal gambling charges. Others indicted included Joseph DeMarco (50y), Attilio 'Flat Top' Policastro (51y), Charles 'Chuck' Kellington (28y) and Joseph 'Bull' Yimin (40y). The following day a ninth defendant, Frank 'Hog' Dattalo (52y), was apprehended. The Pittsburgh Press identified Bazzano Jr. as the ringleader of the operation, which was based in Monongahela and grossed an estimated $2 million annually.
On March 3 a separate WDPA indictment charged fourteen others with illegal gambling in Washington County. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "According to the indictment, [Defendant Robert] Bordini operated the numbers ring as a branch of a larger gambling operation headed by John Bazzano, 47, of McMurray. Bazzano, named in the indictment as a co-conspirator but not charged, was indicted last week as the top operator of a Mon Valley numbers gambling enterprise...The indictment indicated the FBI used court-approved wiretaps to eavesdrop on bets collected over the telephone by the housewives named in the indictment. The gambling ring allegedly has been in operation since 1970 and the indictment claimed protection payoffs were paid to local law enforcement officials and politicians, although no specific names appeared in the indictment."
Eight days later the FBI raided eleven homes in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh and seized evidence re gambling operation. United Press International reported: "[Agents seized] records, cash and equipment from a multimillion dollar sports betting and numbers operation. Philip R. Sheridan, special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, said no arrests were made. However, he said material seized would be presented later as evidence to a federal grand jury that may return indictments. About three dozen FBI agents took part in the raids, which struck at mid-afternoon when numbers and gambling operations are busiest. Similar raids last fall led to the indictments of 23 persons, including reputed rackets kingpin John Bazzano accused of operating a gambling ring in southeastern Allegheny County, and in Washington and Fayette counties."
On June 18, 1975 Bazzano Jr. and thirteen others were indicted by USAO WDPA on Federal gambling conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. Co-defendants included those named in the previous gambling indictment as well as Pittsburgh Associate Primo 'XG' Mollica (39y), former Clairton, PA Mayor John 'Jack' Matz and six additional current or former public officials. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Indictment] charges the officials were 'on the take' from January, 1970, to protect the $2 million to $3 million-a-year Mon Valley gambling ring allegedly headed by John Bazzano Jr. Bazzano, reputedly a top figure in organized crime here, and six others charged with running the ring were arrested under the same indictment." It was noted in the press that approximately forty individuals had been charged in multiple indictments stemming from the Bazzano Jr. operation.
Trial began on March 11, 1976 for Bazzano Jr. and an additional twelve defendants.
Evidence included items seized in an October 1974 raid on a McKeesport, PA numbers bank.
During the witness testimony one FBI Agent conceded that their wiretaps were 'fruitless' in connecting Bazzano Jr. and others to gambling activity.
Prosecution witness Joseph Francesconi provided the first link to Bazzano Jr. when he testified on March 22.
Pat Stanizzo's widow testified the following day and proved 'most damaging' to Bazzano Jr. by giving a first hand account of the gambling partnership.
On March 15 father-in-law Antonio Ripepi was subpoenaed to testify in the case. He cited the Fifth Amendment and was excused after refusing to answer the first three questions.
Around March 18 several co-defendants, including Frank Dattalo (53y) and Joseph DeMarco (50y) were severed from / pleaded guilty in the case. (Dattalo, who was identified a couple of months later as one of seven partners in a local heroin ring, was stabbed to death at a New Years Eve party on the city's North Side in 1978. Joseph DeMarco, another identified heroin partner, was shot to death in October 1979.)
During the witness testimony one FBI Agent conceded that their wiretaps were 'fruitless' in connecting Bazzano Jr. and others to gambling activity.
Prosecution witness Joseph Francesconi provided the first link to Bazzano Jr. when he testified on March 22.
Pat Stanizzo's widow testified the following day and proved 'most damaging' to Bazzano Jr. by giving a first hand account of the gambling partnership.
On March 15 father-in-law Antonio Ripepi was subpoenaed to testify in the case. He cited the Fifth Amendment and was excused after refusing to answer the first three questions.
Around March 18 several co-defendants, including Frank Dattalo (53y) and Joseph DeMarco (50y) were severed from / pleaded guilty in the case. (Dattalo, who was identified a couple of months later as one of seven partners in a local heroin ring, was stabbed to death at a New Years Eve party on the city's North Side in 1978. Joseph DeMarco, another identified heroin partner, was shot to death in October 1979.)
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| 1976 Press |
On March 24, 1976 Bazzano Jr. testified in his own defense. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "When Harold Gondelman, his defense attorney, asked if Bazzano understood the charges against him, he replied: 'There are a lot of charges. I don't know what half of them mean.' Asked by Gondelman if he was guilty of any of the charges, he responded: 'I am not.' Under previous questioning by his attorney, the accused gambling boss described his past history, relating that he quit school after the 10th grade, served in the Army as a military policeman and that he had no criminal record. He described one of his most significant dealings with the federal government as a meeting with immigration and naturalization officials. 'I had to prove I was born in this country,' Bazzano said."
His testimony continued the following day and was summarized by the Gazette:
"
His testimony continued the following day and was summarized by the Gazette:
"
Under questioning by his attorney, Harold Gondelman, the alleged rackets boss offered the jury of nine women and three men his explanation to two damaging allegations made by government witnesses, earlier in the three-week trial. Mrs. Elizabeth Stanizzo, widow of the late Clairton bookie Pat Stanizzo [and] other witnesses said Bazzano attended a meeting at a West Mifflin lounge at which the Mon Valley rackets were reorganized after her husband became seriously ill.
Bazzano acknowledged that he attended the meeting, but said the only business discussion was an argument between Charles Kellington and Andrew Moody, two other reputed Mon Valley gambling figures. 'They (Moody and Kellington) were fighting over the numbers, business,' Bazzano said. 'I guess it was Pat Stanizzo's.' Asked why he attended the meeting, Bazzano responded: 'Betty (Stanizzo) asked me to attend that meeting, she wanted me to get her $250 a week. She said Patsy (Stanizzo) was dying, he was losing the (numbers).' Another gambling figure testified earlier in the trial that he had received $1,800 from Bazzano to pay off three $600 winning numbers bets. Bazzano admitted handling the money, but said it was not his, that he received it from Joseph (Bull) Yimin and delivered it. 'I thought I was doing a favor,' Bazzano concluded.
Bazzano acknowledged that he attended the meeting, but said the only business discussion was an argument between Charles Kellington and Andrew Moody, two other reputed Mon Valley gambling figures. 'They (Moody and Kellington) were fighting over the numbers, business,' Bazzano said. 'I guess it was Pat Stanizzo's.' Asked why he attended the meeting, Bazzano responded: 'Betty (Stanizzo) asked me to attend that meeting, she wanted me to get her $250 a week. She said Patsy (Stanizzo) was dying, he was losing the (numbers).' Another gambling figure testified earlier in the trial that he had received $1,800 from Bazzano to pay off three $600 winning numbers bets. Bazzano admitted handling the money, but said it was not his, that he received it from Joseph (Bull) Yimin and delivered it. 'I thought I was doing a favor,' Bazzano concluded.
"
On March 31 Bazzano Jr. and four others were convicted. Two received acquittals. Released on bail pending sentencing.
On April 12, 1976 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "The recent conviction of Mon Valley numbers racket boss John Bazzano and five public officials accused of taking protection payoffs may be the starting point for further investigation and prosecution of public corruption among local and county law enforcement officials."
On November 15, 1976 sentenced by WDPA Judge Herbert P. Sorg to seven years and a $40,000 fine. Allowed to remain free pending appeal.
Sometime that month called before WDPA FGJ investigating narcotics and possibly other criminal activity. Refused to answer questions.
On January 10, 1977 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "John Bazzano was to appear in federal court this afternoon, but attorneys would not comment on the purpose of the proceeding. Supposedly, federal prosecutors are seeking immunity from future prosecution for Bazzano in exchange for his testimony before a federal grand jury investigating Pennsylvania. Judge Barron McCune was scheduled to hear the plea by the U.S. attorneys. Bazzano, sentenced to seven years imprisonment last March [has] remained free on bond."
The next day an article in The Pittsburgh Press reported that Bazzano Jr. was being offered immunity to tell 'what he knows about alleged gambling, prostitution and narcotics activities' in Western PA. The move was opposed by his Attorney as an attempt to force a perjury conviction.
On January 14 granted immunity and ordered to testify.
He appeared February 8 and denied involvement in the numbers business with former codefendants as well as with Pittsburgh Boss John LaRocca and Captain (Acting Boss?) Gabriel Mannarino. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "During the day-long questioning, Bazzano wore a path between the grand jury room and the hallway where [his attorney] had stationed himself. Bazzano was to return to the grand jury today for more questioning." Subsequently granted forty-one day reprieve due to schedule conflicts of attorney. Press noted: "Prior to being excused, Bazzano was warned for the second time to answer questions directly. [Judge] yesterday refused to allow Bazzano to bring the transcript of his gambling trial into the grand jury room. During a similar hearing Tuesday, McCune issued the same order and indicated he could find Bazzano in contempt and order him jailed he if he failed to heed the warning. In both cases, McCune held the hearings after Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Roark charged Bazzano was refusing to give direct answers. Often Bazzano would answer with quotes from the transcript of his trial during which similar questions were asked, Roark said."
On March 22, 1977 returned to testify before the FGJ for approximately ninety minutes. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "[Assistant US Attorney] declined to comment on yesterday's brief proceedings before the grand jury, but confirmed reports that Bazzano will be recalled for further testimony."
On August 28, 1977 The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Bazzano Jr.] is appealing his conviction and seven-year prison sentence, and arguments are slated Sept. 6 before the 3rd Circuit Court."
On December 22, 1977 Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions of Bazzano Jr. and five others. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "They had asked for new trials on grounds that an FBI agent read grand jury information to witnesses before they testified at the trial in March 1976. The court ruled that their objection did not justify reversal of their convictions."
On February 8, 1978 ordered to begin serving sentence.
On March 31 Bazzano Jr. and four others were convicted. Two received acquittals. Released on bail pending sentencing.
On April 12, 1976 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "The recent conviction of Mon Valley numbers racket boss John Bazzano and five public officials accused of taking protection payoffs may be the starting point for further investigation and prosecution of public corruption among local and county law enforcement officials."
On November 15, 1976 sentenced by WDPA Judge Herbert P. Sorg to seven years and a $40,000 fine. Allowed to remain free pending appeal.
Sometime that month called before WDPA FGJ investigating narcotics and possibly other criminal activity. Refused to answer questions.
On January 10, 1977 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "John Bazzano was to appear in federal court this afternoon, but attorneys would not comment on the purpose of the proceeding. Supposedly, federal prosecutors are seeking immunity from future prosecution for Bazzano in exchange for his testimony before a federal grand jury investigating Pennsylvania. Judge Barron McCune was scheduled to hear the plea by the U.S. attorneys. Bazzano, sentenced to seven years imprisonment last March [has] remained free on bond."
The next day an article in The Pittsburgh Press reported that Bazzano Jr. was being offered immunity to tell 'what he knows about alleged gambling, prostitution and narcotics activities' in Western PA. The move was opposed by his Attorney as an attempt to force a perjury conviction.
On January 14 granted immunity and ordered to testify.
He appeared February 8 and denied involvement in the numbers business with former codefendants as well as with Pittsburgh Boss John LaRocca and Captain (Acting Boss?) Gabriel Mannarino. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "During the day-long questioning, Bazzano wore a path between the grand jury room and the hallway where [his attorney] had stationed himself. Bazzano was to return to the grand jury today for more questioning." Subsequently granted forty-one day reprieve due to schedule conflicts of attorney. Press noted: "Prior to being excused, Bazzano was warned for the second time to answer questions directly. [Judge] yesterday refused to allow Bazzano to bring the transcript of his gambling trial into the grand jury room. During a similar hearing Tuesday, McCune issued the same order and indicated he could find Bazzano in contempt and order him jailed he if he failed to heed the warning. In both cases, McCune held the hearings after Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Roark charged Bazzano was refusing to give direct answers. Often Bazzano would answer with quotes from the transcript of his trial during which similar questions were asked, Roark said."
On March 22, 1977 returned to testify before the FGJ for approximately ninety minutes. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "[Assistant US Attorney] declined to comment on yesterday's brief proceedings before the grand jury, but confirmed reports that Bazzano will be recalled for further testimony."
On August 28, 1977 The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Bazzano Jr.] is appealing his conviction and seven-year prison sentence, and arguments are slated Sept. 6 before the 3rd Circuit Court."
On December 22, 1977 Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions of Bazzano Jr. and five others. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "They had asked for new trials on grounds that an FBI agent read grand jury information to witnesses before they testified at the trial in March 1976. The court ruled that their objection did not justify reversal of their convictions."
On February 8, 1978 ordered to begin serving sentence.
By June 1979 incarcerated at FCI Danbury, Connecticut. (See top)
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| J. DeMarco |
On October 11, 1979 Bazzano Jr.'s former codefendant Joseph DeMarco (54y) disappeared. Last seen leaving residence en route to meeting with suspected drug dealer Herman Johnson (49y). Three days later DeMarco's auto was found abandoned in the parking lot of Eastland Shopping Mall in North Versailles Township. On October 22, at approximately 10:00 PM, found shot to death in the trunk of Herman Johnson's Cadillac left at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport. He had been shot multiple times in the torso and head. It was noted that Johnson himself was also missing.
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| At FCI Morgantown |
On November 8, 1979 transferred to FCI Morgantown, West Virginia.
On March 6, 1980 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Federal law enforcement records on John Bazzano Jr. were entered into the public record as a result of FOIA requests he filed with DEA and FBI. Article stated: "Although the FBI documents have not yet been made public, the DEA's formerly secret information on Bazzano was recently placed on file in the federal clerk of court's office in Pittsburgh. [Bazzano cried] foul and filed civil actions in his behalf against both agencies...U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill Jr. Friday denied Bazzano's claim against the DEA."
On March 6, 1980 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Federal law enforcement records on John Bazzano Jr. were entered into the public record as a result of FOIA requests he filed with DEA and FBI. Article stated: "Although the FBI documents have not yet been made public, the DEA's formerly secret information on Bazzano was recently placed on file in the federal clerk of court's office in Pittsburgh. [Bazzano cried] foul and filed civil actions in his behalf against both agencies...U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill Jr. Friday denied Bazzano's claim against the DEA."
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| J. Bazzano Pennsylvania Crime Commission Report (1980) |
Around December 1980 the Pennsylvania Crime Commission published its A Decade of Organized Crime report. The entry for John Bazzano Jr., described in the report as a Pittsburgh Member, stated: "Son of western Pennsylvania's first crime leader, he is also the son-in-law of Antonio Ripepi. Bazzano managed Ripepi's numbers operation in Washington and Fayette Counties. Bazzano was convicted in 1975 of operating a large-scale gambling business in the Mon-Valley area of Pittsburgh. He is presently serving his sentence in Danbury, Connecticut, federal prison." The section titled 'Labor Racketeering' noted: "[Theodore Peter Homitz] owned stock in Underhill Motel Inc. along with LaRocca Cosa Nostra members Joseph Sica, John Bazzano Jr. and Frank J. Rosa." (This is the earliest document explicitly naming Bazzano Jr. as an inducted member.)
On February 20, 1981 released from Federal prison.
On September 11, 1981 sentencing hearing re Jon E. Scalzitti (41y) held in USDC Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "FBI Agent Vincent DelaMontaigne told [Judge] Bloch that when he arrested Scalzitti [on cocaine charges] he also seized a briefcase containing several papers. The documents included a newspaper photograph taken at the funeral of Gabriel 'Kelly' Mannarino. A man who appeared to be Scalzitti was among the mourners. [Briefcase] also contained a snapshot of Mannarino's home in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County; a magazine article about the nation's Cosa Nostra families; an envelope bearing the return address of John Bazzano and another envelope with the name phone number of Thomas 'Sonny' Ciancutti written on the back."
On July 23, 1982 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on Family status of: "[Investigators] caution that [Joseph] Pecora and Bazzano, who will be eligible for parole in the coming months, 'may make a move' to exert their leadership." (Joseph 'Jo Jo' Pecora [1919-1987] was the Underboss.)
On February 23, 1983 Pennsylvania Crime Commission Chairman / Attorney Malcolm Lazin testified re Pittsburgh Family. Administration identified as John LaRocca (Boss), Joseph Pecora (Underboss) and Michael Genovese (Consigliere). Captains identified as John Bazzano Jr., Michael Genovese, Joseph Regino and Antonio Ripepi. 9 Soldiers listed.
On February 3, 1985 The Pittsburgh Press published article identifying John Bazzano Jr. as among 'members of the district's select group of gambling kingpins'.
A Federal chart from 1985 lists Bazzano Jr. as a Soldier.
On March 5, 1987 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article re death of Underboss Joseph Pecora. Article noted: "Pecora's death creates a leadership vacuum in the area's organized crime family, said law enforcement officials. [If] Mafia protocol is adhered to, the new underboss will be one of three lieutenants in the Pittsburgh family [including John Bazzano Jr., Antonio Ripepi and Joseph Regino]." (Regino died June 1985.)
On April 28, 1987 The Pittsburgh Press, citing a Pennsylvania Crime Commission report, named John Bazzano Jr. as the new Underboss and noted: "[He] becomes the top lieutenant to Michael J. Genovese, boss of the organization known historically as the LaRocca family. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission said Antonio Ripepi of Whitehall remains a capo, a position below underboss. Bazzano is Ripepi's son-in-law."
The PCC report is the only currently available source identifying Bazzano Jr. in this role. Within a couple of years the position was confirmed held by Charles 'Chucky' Porter.
Both Bazzano Jr. and Porter were among those observed during July - August 1989 FBI video surveillance conducted on LA Motors in Pittsburgh. Others surveilled including Acting (?) Boss Michael Genovese, Bazzano's father-in-law and Captain Antonio Ripepi, Captain Thomas Ciancutti and Captain (Consigliere?) Joseph Sica.
On April 14, 1991 The Pittsburgh Press reported on the Family's status following Federal convictions of Underboss Charles Porter and Member Louis Raucci. Article noted Members 'untouched by recent prosecutions' included Bazzano Jr., his father-in-law Antonio Ripepi and five others.
By 1993 resided at 316 Bigham St in Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh.
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
On November 5, 2000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on current status of Pittsburgh Family. Article noted: "In the end, [FBI Special Agent Greenberg] says, the Pittsburgh mob was done in by RICO and its members' greed for profits from the drug trade. It hasn't recovered. These days, no more than a handful of members remain, all of them old men. None are under 70. [Thomas] Ciancutti, recently arrested on gambling charges, is 70. Two other longtime members, Frank Amato Jr. of East McKeesport and John Bazzano Jr. of McMurray, are well into their 70s. And although [Michael] Genovese has a pacemaker that has rejuvenated his bad heart, he's older than all of them."
John Bazzano Jr. was residing in Peters Township, PA, at the time of his death at 81 years old on July 25, 2008.
His two-day wake was held at Beinhauer Funeral Home in that suburb, followed by burial in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery in nearby Pleasant Hills.
On July 29 an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated: "[Bazzano was] a convicted gambling kingpin, former underboss and son of a Pittsburgh crime lord who was ice-picked to death in an infamous 1932 ambush in New York."
On February 20, 1981 released from Federal prison.
On September 11, 1981 sentencing hearing re Jon E. Scalzitti (41y) held in USDC Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "FBI Agent Vincent DelaMontaigne told [Judge] Bloch that when he arrested Scalzitti [on cocaine charges] he also seized a briefcase containing several papers. The documents included a newspaper photograph taken at the funeral of Gabriel 'Kelly' Mannarino. A man who appeared to be Scalzitti was among the mourners. [Briefcase] also contained a snapshot of Mannarino's home in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County; a magazine article about the nation's Cosa Nostra families; an envelope bearing the return address of John Bazzano and another envelope with the name phone number of Thomas 'Sonny' Ciancutti written on the back."
On July 23, 1982 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on Family status of: "[Investigators] caution that [Joseph] Pecora and Bazzano, who will be eligible for parole in the coming months, 'may make a move' to exert their leadership." (Joseph 'Jo Jo' Pecora [1919-1987] was the Underboss.)
On February 23, 1983 Pennsylvania Crime Commission Chairman / Attorney Malcolm Lazin testified re Pittsburgh Family. Administration identified as John LaRocca (Boss), Joseph Pecora (Underboss) and Michael Genovese (Consigliere). Captains identified as John Bazzano Jr., Michael Genovese, Joseph Regino and Antonio Ripepi. 9 Soldiers listed.
On February 3, 1985 The Pittsburgh Press published article identifying John Bazzano Jr. as among 'members of the district's select group of gambling kingpins'.
A Federal chart from 1985 lists Bazzano Jr. as a Soldier.
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| J. Pecora PCC Report (1980) |
On April 28, 1987 The Pittsburgh Press, citing a Pennsylvania Crime Commission report, named John Bazzano Jr. as the new Underboss and noted: "[He] becomes the top lieutenant to Michael J. Genovese, boss of the organization known historically as the LaRocca family. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission said Antonio Ripepi of Whitehall remains a capo, a position below underboss. Bazzano is Ripepi's son-in-law."
The PCC report is the only currently available source identifying Bazzano Jr. in this role. Within a couple of years the position was confirmed held by Charles 'Chucky' Porter.
Both Bazzano Jr. and Porter were among those observed during July - August 1989 FBI video surveillance conducted on LA Motors in Pittsburgh. Others surveilled including Acting (?) Boss Michael Genovese, Bazzano's father-in-law and Captain Antonio Ripepi, Captain Thomas Ciancutti and Captain (Consigliere?) Joseph Sica.
On April 14, 1991 The Pittsburgh Press reported on the Family's status following Federal convictions of Underboss Charles Porter and Member Louis Raucci. Article noted Members 'untouched by recent prosecutions' included Bazzano Jr., his father-in-law Antonio Ripepi and five others.
By 1993 resided at 316 Bigham St in Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh.
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
On November 5, 2000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on current status of Pittsburgh Family. Article noted: "In the end, [FBI Special Agent Greenberg] says, the Pittsburgh mob was done in by RICO and its members' greed for profits from the drug trade. It hasn't recovered. These days, no more than a handful of members remain, all of them old men. None are under 70. [Thomas] Ciancutti, recently arrested on gambling charges, is 70. Two other longtime members, Frank Amato Jr. of East McKeesport and John Bazzano Jr. of McMurray, are well into their 70s. And although [Michael] Genovese has a pacemaker that has rejuvenated his bad heart, he's older than all of them."
John Bazzano Jr. was residing in Peters Township, PA, at the time of his death at 81 years old on July 25, 2008.
His two-day wake was held at Beinhauer Funeral Home in that suburb, followed by burial in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery in nearby Pleasant Hills.
On July 29 an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated: "[Bazzano was] a convicted gambling kingpin, former underboss and son of a Pittsburgh crime lord who was ice-picked to death in an infamous 1932 ambush in New York."
More Pittsburgh Family posts can be found in the Index.
