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| c. 1960s |
Salvatore 'Sam' Dentice was an Associate of the Milwaukee Family involved in gambling during the 1960s.
Uncle Salvatore Dentice (1881-1938) was a suspected member.
Relative Giuseppe Dentice (1863-1941) was an early Family member and Giuseppe's brother Calogero Dentice (1866-1954) a suspected member.
Multiple sons of the above were Associates.
Born Salvatore Gioacchino Dentice on January 24, 1938 in Sant'Elia, a frazione of Palermo's Santa Flavia comune, to Antonio (40y) and Giuseppina Bellante (38y).
(There may have been a relation between Dentice's mother and Probable Early Milwaukee Member Antonio 'Tony' Bellant [1878-1927]. Bellant, son-in-law to early [founding?] Boss Vito Guardalabene, witnessed the naturalization petitions for several confirmed and suspected members including Sam's uncle Salvatore Dentice noted above.)
On September 18, 1946 arrived with father and two sisters at Port of New York aboard S.S. Marine Shark. Destined for 1611 N Jackson St in Milwaukee's Lower East Side neighborhood. (Sam's father had already spent time in the country and had been naturalized in Milwaukee prior to bringing his children over.)
By early 1960s associated with Milwaukee Family in gambling activity.
On June 6, 1963 the FBI's local Field Office reported: "[CI] has informed that Anthony Cefalu continues to operate 'the office' on behalf of 'the outfit'. He has from time to time had the assistance of his brother, Sam Cefalu, Joseph Aliota and Salvatore Dentice."
Antonio 'Sheriff' (1910-1969) and his younger brother Salvatore aka 'Sam' Cefalu (1912-1983), from Santa Flavia's Porticello frazione, were fellow Milwaukee Associates at the time. An FBI report from January 1976 indicates that Sam Cefalu was later inducted into the Family.
Associate Joseph Alioto, also from Porticello, was related to Former Milwaukee Boss John Alioto (1888-1972), recently deceased Captain Joseph Alioto (1921-1963) and Possible Member Angelo Alioto (1923-2011).
Uncle Salvatore Dentice (1881-1938) was a suspected member.
Relative Giuseppe Dentice (1863-1941) was an early Family member and Giuseppe's brother Calogero Dentice (1866-1954) a suspected member.
Multiple sons of the above were Associates.
Born Salvatore Gioacchino Dentice on January 24, 1938 in Sant'Elia, a frazione of Palermo's Santa Flavia comune, to Antonio (40y) and Giuseppina Bellante (38y).
(There may have been a relation between Dentice's mother and Probable Early Milwaukee Member Antonio 'Tony' Bellant [1878-1927]. Bellant, son-in-law to early [founding?] Boss Vito Guardalabene, witnessed the naturalization petitions for several confirmed and suspected members including Sam's uncle Salvatore Dentice noted above.)
On September 18, 1946 arrived with father and two sisters at Port of New York aboard S.S. Marine Shark. Destined for 1611 N Jackson St in Milwaukee's Lower East Side neighborhood. (Sam's father had already spent time in the country and had been naturalized in Milwaukee prior to bringing his children over.)
By early 1960s associated with Milwaukee Family in gambling activity.
On June 6, 1963 the FBI's local Field Office reported: "[CI] has informed that Anthony Cefalu continues to operate 'the office' on behalf of 'the outfit'. He has from time to time had the assistance of his brother, Sam Cefalu, Joseph Aliota and Salvatore Dentice."
Antonio 'Sheriff' (1910-1969) and his younger brother Salvatore aka 'Sam' Cefalu (1912-1983), from Santa Flavia's Porticello frazione, were fellow Milwaukee Associates at the time. An FBI report from January 1976 indicates that Sam Cefalu was later inducted into the Family.
Associate Joseph Alioto, also from Porticello, was related to Former Milwaukee Boss John Alioto (1888-1972), recently deceased Captain Joseph Alioto (1921-1963) and Possible Member Angelo Alioto (1923-2011).
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| F. Balistrieri |
On June 19, 1963 purchased inactive jukebox license of Cortese Phonograph Company, located at 1633 W Juneau Ave in the King Park neighborhood. An informant later noted that Dentice obtained the license to act as a front for Milwaukee Boss Frank Balistrieri.
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| R. Capone (1961) |
On June 26, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[Sam] Dentice and several other members of the Outfit drove from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Mercer, Wisconsin carrying foodstuff from Mike Albano's pizza place, known as Angelo's Pizzeria, and also a shaving kit from Frank Balistrieri's restaurant, Gallagher's. This material was picked up by Sam Dentice, who privately delivered it to Ralph Capone, after which all returned to Milwaukee. Money was believed to be in the shaving kit." (Ralph 'Bottles' Capone [1894-1974] was a Chicago Member and an older brother of Former Boss Al Capone. Mike Albano [1916-1966] is typically identified as a Milwaukee Member, although a June 1966 FBI report described him, along with Ralph Capone and James 'Jimmy' DeGeorge, as Wisconsin-based Chicago Members.)
On August 30, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] supplied the following additional members of the Milwaukee Outfit on whom further background is being obtained: Sam Dentice; Pat Greco; Joe Greco; Mike Pulito; Joe Maniaci; Dr. Vito Guardalabene; Tony Maglio; Harry D'Angelo; Nick DiMaggio, an elderly member of the Outfit; and Angelo Alioto, taken in after the death of his brother, Joseph J. Alioto."
On January 29, 1964 FBI reported: "[CI] advised the following additional individuals are believed members of this outfit: Angelo Alioto; Harry D'Angelo; Sam Dentice; Nick DiMaggio; Joe Greco; Pat Greco; Dr. Vito Guardalabene; Tony Maglio; Joe Maniaci; Mike Pulito. This source advised Anthony and Thomas Machi, whom he previously named as members, are not members." (Subsequent information from member source(s) later confirmed that several of those named in the August 1963 and January 1964 reports were not actually members, with Harry D'Angelo and possibly 'Nick DiMaggio' [if a mistaken reference to Carlo DiMaggio] being exceptions.)
On March 27, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] supplied the following information concerning Frank Balistrieri's jukebox interests...Carl Dentice, white male, operates a jukebox business under his name for Frank Balistrieri...[CI2] advised Sam Dentice obtained a jukebox license on behalf of Balistrieri." (Carl Dentice [1920-1989] was a son of Former Member Giuseppe noted above.)
On May 11, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised the only gambling office in Milwaukee receiving a line from out of state was that currently operated on behalf of Frank Balistrieri by Sam Cefalu and Sam LiBrizzi at 3461 North Cramer, Milwaukee. The line is obtained by telephone at 11:00 AM each morning by Cefalu and then passed out to other gamblers in the city. Sam Dentice is a runner for the Office. Anthony Cefalu, aka Sheriff Cefalu, formerly active in this operation, is currently inactive due to illness."
On May 28, 1964 FBI CI (Member Source) reported: "[CI] reviewed the following names and stated these individuals, reported in the past by other sources, are not members of the Milwaukee organization although some of them work closely with members of the organization...Joe Dentice, and no other member of the Dentice family."
On September 5, 1965 Boss Frank Balistrieri hosted a party at The Scene to celebrate his son Joseph's burgeoning law career. Attendees included Rockford Underboss Frank Buscemi, Milwaukee Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Milwaukee Captains John Alioto (Frank Balistrieri's father-in-law) and Peter Balistrieri (Frank's brother) and at least twelve Soldiers in the Madison, Milwaukee, and Rockford Families. Also present were 'Office' workers Sam Cefalu, Sam Dentice, and several other Associates. CI later reported: "Attendance was estimated at 500 -- mostly couples and / or families. A great many envelopes, believed to contain gifts of cash, were turned in by the guests. Food and drink were served. The Scene had been refinished but had not yet been open to the public." (Joseph Balistrieri [1940-2010] was reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
Dentice was part of a group that accompanied Frank Balistrieri to a testimonial dinner held December 5, 1965 in honor of Attorney Dominic Frinzi. Others in the group who attended with Balistrieri included 'Office' workers Joseph Alioto and Sam Cefalu as well as Associates Angelo DiGiorgio and James 'Jimmy' Jennaro. (James Jennaro [1931-2003] was proposed for membership by early 1969 but it's not clear if the ceremony ever took place.)
On December 6, 1965 the son of Madison Soldier James 'Little Jimmy' Schiavo married the daughter of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino in Milwaukee. Reception held at the Eagle Club attended by members from the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Rockford Families, as well as Sam Dentice and other Associates.
On June 3, 1966 believed involved in auto accident in Racine, Wisconsin. (The Family had gambling interests in Racine and at least one former member, Giacomo 'Jack' Iannello [1888-1965], was based in the city.)
On August 4, 1968 benefit stag dinner for son of Milwaukee Soldier Vito Aiello held at Vitucci's Restaurant located at 1832 E North Ave in the Murray Hill section. Attendees included Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and at least eleven Soldiers including Harry D'Angelo and Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo. Associates present included Sam Dentice and 'Office' workers Antonio and Sam Cefalu. CI later noted: "[Dinner] attended by over 100 people who were charged $10 a head. The $10 covered the cost of the meal and the remainder was given as a gift to Aiello's son."
On October 18, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Daddabbo [1938-2006] was one of the individuals operating book in Milwaukee. He further advised that Joseph Balistrieri, son of Peter Frank Balistrieri, works closely with Daddabbo in taking bets for Daddabbo at Gallagher's...Daddabbo is allegedly a good friend of Sam Dentice and informant was of the opinion Daddabbo and Dentice are collaborating."
On December 17, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised 'The Office' is being operated by Sheriff Cefalu, Frank Daddabbo and Sam Dentice, and is controlled by Steve John DeSalvo who is, in turn, responsible to Frank Balistrieri. Informant could furnish no info regarding the location or operation of 'The Office'."
Antonio 'Sheriff' Cefalu died April 13, 1969.
Dentice attended Cefalu's wake the following day, as did Milwaukee Captain Steve DiSalvo and Antonio's brother and fellow 'Office' worker Sam Cefalu.
On April 19, 1970 wake for Milwaukee Member Giuseppe 'Joe' Spera held at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home located at 2001 N Holton St in the Brewer's Hill neighborhood. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo as well as at least ten Soldiers. Associates present included Sam Dentice.
On August 19, 1970 FBI surveillance conducted inside Boss Frank Balistrieri's Ad Lib Club located at 323 West Wells St in Westown. Those observed included Associates Walter 'Blackie' Brocca, Frank Daddabbo, Sam Dentice, Joseph Enea and James Jennaro. (Like Jennaro, Walter Brocca [1914-1995] and Joseph Enea [1931-1976] were set to have been inducted early the previous year but it's not clear whether the ceremony ever occurred.)
On September 1, 1970 party held at Sally's Steak House located at the Knickerbocker Hotel. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and Associates Joseph Alioto, Frank Daddabbo, Sam Dentice and Angelo DiGiorgio.
On June 3, 1973 party held to celebrate the graduation of Frank Balistrieri's son John from law school. Those present included Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and at least six Soldiers from the Chicago and Milwaukee Families. Additional attendees included Sam Dentice and several other Associates. CI later noted: "[Party] attended by at least 1,000 people, with 400 written invitations sent out...The party consisted of a buffet and drinks [and] was overcrowded with people, very hot and uncomfortable. The party started about 8 PM and ended at approximately 2 AM. John Balistrieri received some gifts; however, he received a large amount of envelopes, which apparently contained money...[At] 11 o'clock Dominic Frinzi, along with Frank Balistrieri, ran out of the Center Stage and said they were going to 'hassle' the FBI, who were taking pictures from a green truck parked in front, but they were dissuaded before they left the restaurant." (Like his brother Joseph, John Balistrieri [1948-2024] was also reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
Sam Dentice died January 13, 1980 and was buried in Milwaukee's Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
On August 30, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] supplied the following additional members of the Milwaukee Outfit on whom further background is being obtained: Sam Dentice; Pat Greco; Joe Greco; Mike Pulito; Joe Maniaci; Dr. Vito Guardalabene; Tony Maglio; Harry D'Angelo; Nick DiMaggio, an elderly member of the Outfit; and Angelo Alioto, taken in after the death of his brother, Joseph J. Alioto."
On January 29, 1964 FBI reported: "[CI] advised the following additional individuals are believed members of this outfit: Angelo Alioto; Harry D'Angelo; Sam Dentice; Nick DiMaggio; Joe Greco; Pat Greco; Dr. Vito Guardalabene; Tony Maglio; Joe Maniaci; Mike Pulito. This source advised Anthony and Thomas Machi, whom he previously named as members, are not members." (Subsequent information from member source(s) later confirmed that several of those named in the August 1963 and January 1964 reports were not actually members, with Harry D'Angelo and possibly 'Nick DiMaggio' [if a mistaken reference to Carlo DiMaggio] being exceptions.)
On March 27, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] supplied the following information concerning Frank Balistrieri's jukebox interests...Carl Dentice, white male, operates a jukebox business under his name for Frank Balistrieri...[CI2] advised Sam Dentice obtained a jukebox license on behalf of Balistrieri." (Carl Dentice [1920-1989] was a son of Former Member Giuseppe noted above.)
On May 11, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised the only gambling office in Milwaukee receiving a line from out of state was that currently operated on behalf of Frank Balistrieri by Sam Cefalu and Sam LiBrizzi at 3461 North Cramer, Milwaukee. The line is obtained by telephone at 11:00 AM each morning by Cefalu and then passed out to other gamblers in the city. Sam Dentice is a runner for the Office. Anthony Cefalu, aka Sheriff Cefalu, formerly active in this operation, is currently inactive due to illness."
On May 28, 1964 FBI CI (Member Source) reported: "[CI] reviewed the following names and stated these individuals, reported in the past by other sources, are not members of the Milwaukee organization although some of them work closely with members of the organization...Joe Dentice, and no other member of the Dentice family."
On September 5, 1965 Boss Frank Balistrieri hosted a party at The Scene to celebrate his son Joseph's burgeoning law career. Attendees included Rockford Underboss Frank Buscemi, Milwaukee Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Milwaukee Captains John Alioto (Frank Balistrieri's father-in-law) and Peter Balistrieri (Frank's brother) and at least twelve Soldiers in the Madison, Milwaukee, and Rockford Families. Also present were 'Office' workers Sam Cefalu, Sam Dentice, and several other Associates. CI later reported: "Attendance was estimated at 500 -- mostly couples and / or families. A great many envelopes, believed to contain gifts of cash, were turned in by the guests. Food and drink were served. The Scene had been refinished but had not yet been open to the public." (Joseph Balistrieri [1940-2010] was reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
Dentice was part of a group that accompanied Frank Balistrieri to a testimonial dinner held December 5, 1965 in honor of Attorney Dominic Frinzi. Others in the group who attended with Balistrieri included 'Office' workers Joseph Alioto and Sam Cefalu as well as Associates Angelo DiGiorgio and James 'Jimmy' Jennaro. (James Jennaro [1931-2003] was proposed for membership by early 1969 but it's not clear if the ceremony ever took place.)
On December 6, 1965 the son of Madison Soldier James 'Little Jimmy' Schiavo married the daughter of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino in Milwaukee. Reception held at the Eagle Club attended by members from the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Rockford Families, as well as Sam Dentice and other Associates.
On June 3, 1966 believed involved in auto accident in Racine, Wisconsin. (The Family had gambling interests in Racine and at least one former member, Giacomo 'Jack' Iannello [1888-1965], was based in the city.)
On August 4, 1968 benefit stag dinner for son of Milwaukee Soldier Vito Aiello held at Vitucci's Restaurant located at 1832 E North Ave in the Murray Hill section. Attendees included Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and at least eleven Soldiers including Harry D'Angelo and Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo. Associates present included Sam Dentice and 'Office' workers Antonio and Sam Cefalu. CI later noted: "[Dinner] attended by over 100 people who were charged $10 a head. The $10 covered the cost of the meal and the remainder was given as a gift to Aiello's son."
On October 18, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Daddabbo [1938-2006] was one of the individuals operating book in Milwaukee. He further advised that Joseph Balistrieri, son of Peter Frank Balistrieri, works closely with Daddabbo in taking bets for Daddabbo at Gallagher's...Daddabbo is allegedly a good friend of Sam Dentice and informant was of the opinion Daddabbo and Dentice are collaborating."
On December 17, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised 'The Office' is being operated by Sheriff Cefalu, Frank Daddabbo and Sam Dentice, and is controlled by Steve John DeSalvo who is, in turn, responsible to Frank Balistrieri. Informant could furnish no info regarding the location or operation of 'The Office'."
Antonio 'Sheriff' Cefalu died April 13, 1969.
Dentice attended Cefalu's wake the following day, as did Milwaukee Captain Steve DiSalvo and Antonio's brother and fellow 'Office' worker Sam Cefalu.
On April 19, 1970 wake for Milwaukee Member Giuseppe 'Joe' Spera held at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home located at 2001 N Holton St in the Brewer's Hill neighborhood. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo as well as at least ten Soldiers. Associates present included Sam Dentice.
On August 19, 1970 FBI surveillance conducted inside Boss Frank Balistrieri's Ad Lib Club located at 323 West Wells St in Westown. Those observed included Associates Walter 'Blackie' Brocca, Frank Daddabbo, Sam Dentice, Joseph Enea and James Jennaro. (Like Jennaro, Walter Brocca [1914-1995] and Joseph Enea [1931-1976] were set to have been inducted early the previous year but it's not clear whether the ceremony ever occurred.)
On September 1, 1970 party held at Sally's Steak House located at the Knickerbocker Hotel. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and Associates Joseph Alioto, Frank Daddabbo, Sam Dentice and Angelo DiGiorgio.
On June 3, 1973 party held to celebrate the graduation of Frank Balistrieri's son John from law school. Those present included Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and at least six Soldiers from the Chicago and Milwaukee Families. Additional attendees included Sam Dentice and several other Associates. CI later noted: "[Party] attended by at least 1,000 people, with 400 written invitations sent out...The party consisted of a buffet and drinks [and] was overcrowded with people, very hot and uncomfortable. The party started about 8 PM and ended at approximately 2 AM. John Balistrieri received some gifts; however, he received a large amount of envelopes, which apparently contained money...[At] 11 o'clock Dominic Frinzi, along with Frank Balistrieri, ran out of the Center Stage and said they were going to 'hassle' the FBI, who were taking pictures from a green truck parked in front, but they were dissuaded before they left the restaurant." (Like his brother Joseph, John Balistrieri [1948-2024] was also reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
Sam Dentice died January 13, 1980 and was buried in Milwaukee's Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
More Milwaukee Family posts can be found in the Index.
Additional info on Dentice and many other Illinois and Wisconsin figures can be found in the files uploaded by the Milwaukee Mafia site and available here.
