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| 1954 |
'Little John' Buonarobo was a member of the Genovese Family active in The Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester County.
Probably a member by the late 1950s, he was promoted to Captain in the early 1980s.
Born Giovanni Buonaroba on September 28, 1912 in The Bronx to Edward (30y) and Sarah Consolizia (25y). Father believed from Apice comune of Benevento, Campania.
Other Genovese members with roots in Apice included Member (Captain?) John 'Gentleman Johnny' Masiello.
At the time of John's birth the Buonarobos were residing at 2426 Arthur Ave in the Belmont neighborhood, considered Bronx' s Little Italy.
Father Edward worked as a tailor, a truckman and later as a laborer on the Brooklyn subway project.
By April 1930 the family had moved a few blocks over to 2418 Cambreleng Ave. Edward then listed his occupation as laborer (excavation).
At the time of his death in December 1933 the family had moved a couple miles south to 1222 Brook Ave in Morrisania.
During the 1940s resided first at 451 E 171st St in Claremont and then at 1529 Rosedale Ave in Van Nest.
On June 26, 1949 among eight arrested by New York State Police on operating gambling establishment charge following raid on Old Mill Rd in Valley Cottage, a hamlet in Rockland County, New York. Others arrested included Paul Belio (38y), of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lawrence Cianci (54y) of NYC. The Associated Press reported: "[Estate was] allegedly transformed into a gambling palace complete with a bar and dining room. [Forty] patrons, some of them prominent people, were not arrested. Police said the 150-year-old, 15-room Dutch Colonial residence was being run in a night club style. There is a large swimming pool on the three and a half acre estate. The raiders said they found two roulette wheels and two dice tables in the big living room. There were two chefs in the kitchen and three waiters." Buonarobo fined $100 by Justice of the Peace Frederick R. Engels.
Probably a member by the late 1950s, he was promoted to Captain in the early 1980s.
Born Giovanni Buonaroba on September 28, 1912 in The Bronx to Edward (30y) and Sarah Consolizia (25y). Father believed from Apice comune of Benevento, Campania.
Other Genovese members with roots in Apice included Member (Captain?) John 'Gentleman Johnny' Masiello.
At the time of John's birth the Buonarobos were residing at 2426 Arthur Ave in the Belmont neighborhood, considered Bronx' s Little Italy.
Father Edward worked as a tailor, a truckman and later as a laborer on the Brooklyn subway project.
By April 1930 the family had moved a few blocks over to 2418 Cambreleng Ave. Edward then listed his occupation as laborer (excavation).
At the time of his death in December 1933 the family had moved a couple miles south to 1222 Brook Ave in Morrisania.
During the 1940s resided first at 451 E 171st St in Claremont and then at 1529 Rosedale Ave in Van Nest.
On June 26, 1949 among eight arrested by New York State Police on operating gambling establishment charge following raid on Old Mill Rd in Valley Cottage, a hamlet in Rockland County, New York. Others arrested included Paul Belio (38y), of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lawrence Cianci (54y) of NYC. The Associated Press reported: "[Estate was] allegedly transformed into a gambling palace complete with a bar and dining room. [Forty] patrons, some of them prominent people, were not arrested. Police said the 150-year-old, 15-room Dutch Colonial residence was being run in a night club style. There is a large swimming pool on the three and a half acre estate. The raiders said they found two roulette wheels and two dice tables in the big living room. There were two chefs in the kitchen and three waiters." Buonarobo fined $100 by Justice of the Peace Frederick R. Engels.
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| May 1954 |
On May 5, 1954 arrested by NYPD on unspecified charge.
By 1958 believed formally inducted member of Genovese Family.
May have reported to Captain James 'Jimmy' Angellino, who headed a crew in based in the Bronx and Westchester County.
By 1960 made members of Angellino's crew included Louis Barbella, Joseph 'Gigo' Barra, Morris 'Mickey' Barra, Andrew 'Benny the Old Man' Benzola, Tobia 'Toby' DeMicco (Angellino's nephew), Matteo 'Matty Brown' Fortunato, Joseph Paul Marchione and Salvatore John 'Zackie' Savino. (Angellino died in 1967. His son, Vincent aka 'Jimmy', was inducted into the Colombos during the late 1970s and rose to Consigliere in that Family. He was murdered in 1988.)
By 1958 believed formally inducted member of Genovese Family.
May have reported to Captain James 'Jimmy' Angellino, who headed a crew in based in the Bronx and Westchester County.
By 1960 made members of Angellino's crew included Louis Barbella, Joseph 'Gigo' Barra, Morris 'Mickey' Barra, Andrew 'Benny the Old Man' Benzola, Tobia 'Toby' DeMicco (Angellino's nephew), Matteo 'Matty Brown' Fortunato, Joseph Paul Marchione and Salvatore John 'Zackie' Savino. (Angellino died in 1967. His son, Vincent aka 'Jimmy', was inducted into the Colombos during the late 1970s and rose to Consigliere in that Family. He was murdered in 1988.)
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| V. Alo FBN Mafia Book |
Alternatively he may have been in the crew of Vincent 'Jimmy Blue Eyes' Alo.
Made members of Alo's crew included Nicholas 'Bobby Blanche' Bilangi, Lawrence 'Larry Black' Centore, Aldo Mazzarati, Rudolph 'Scarface Rudy' Prisco, Battisto 'Bart' Salvo, Gaetano 'Kay' Somma and Joseph 'Jerry' Spinelli.
By Summer 1962 resided with wife Antonette Sollicito at 23 Stevens Ave in Yonkers. Owned Raniolo Bakers Company located at 765 E 182nd St in Belmont.
On August 18-19, 1964 wake for James Angellino's son Dominick aka 'Donnie' held at Michael Scocozza Funeral Home on Crescent Ave in Belmont. Attendees included Genovese Captain Anthony 'Tony the Sheik' Carillo, Genovese Soldiers John 'Buster' Ardito, Morris Barra, Benjamin 'Benny the Bum' DeMartino, Tobia DeMicco, Anthony 'Buckaloo' Ferro and Matthew Fortunato, Lucchese Soldier Anthony 'Tony Higgins' Castaldi, Possible Genovese Member John Buonarobo and (Genovese?) Associate Albert Viggiano.
Made members of Alo's crew included Nicholas 'Bobby Blanche' Bilangi, Lawrence 'Larry Black' Centore, Aldo Mazzarati, Rudolph 'Scarface Rudy' Prisco, Battisto 'Bart' Salvo, Gaetano 'Kay' Somma and Joseph 'Jerry' Spinelli.
By Summer 1962 resided with wife Antonette Sollicito at 23 Stevens Ave in Yonkers. Owned Raniolo Bakers Company located at 765 E 182nd St in Belmont.
On August 18-19, 1964 wake for James Angellino's son Dominick aka 'Donnie' held at Michael Scocozza Funeral Home on Crescent Ave in Belmont. Attendees included Genovese Captain Anthony 'Tony the Sheik' Carillo, Genovese Soldiers John 'Buster' Ardito, Morris Barra, Benjamin 'Benny the Bum' DeMartino, Tobia DeMicco, Anthony 'Buckaloo' Ferro and Matthew Fortunato, Lucchese Soldier Anthony 'Tony Higgins' Castaldi, Possible Genovese Member John Buonarobo and (Genovese?) Associate Albert Viggiano.
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| V. Barile |
On January 21, 1966, at 8:00 AM, Genovese (?) Associate Vincent Barile (41y) found shot to death in front seat of his auto parked outside 1110 Stadium Ave in the Country Club section of The Bronx. Barile shot twice in back of neck and once in left temple with .38. An NYPD report from the 1970s stated John Buonarobo was 'alleged to have ordered' the murder.
By 1967 listed employment with Service Loaders Incorporated headquartered at 2350 Beaumont Ave in Belmont.
By 1967 listed employment with Service Loaders Incorporated headquartered at 2350 Beaumont Ave in Belmont.
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| A. Grieco (c. 1950) |
The President of Service Loaders was Angelo Grieco (1924-1983), who happened to reside at the same Stadium Ave address outside of which Vincent Barile's body was left the previous year. (Grieco was also caught up with other Genovese Members / Associates in the April 1950 disappearance murder of Michael Grillo.)
A Manhattan District Attorney's Office investigation of Service Loaders resulted in criminal contempt indictments against Buonarobo and eight others on February 20, 1967.
Others indicted, all from The Bronx and Yonkers, were:
On June 20 and 25, 1968 observed by NYPD in vicinity of Cafe Espresso located at 2339 Arthur Ave in Belmont. Location frequented by Genovese Family, including Buonarobo and Associate Rudolph Santobello, as well as by Gambino Family Captains Joseph Gambino and Anthony 'Tony the Geep' Sedotto.
On November 18, 1968 Buonarobo and his Service Loaders case co-defendants were each sentenced to ninety days imprisonment and fined $250.
On October 5-6, 1968 wake for grandson of Gambino Member Angelo Mascia held at Ribustello Funeral Home on Morris Park Ave in Van Nest, The Bronx. Attendees in addition to Buonarobo included Genovese Soldiers Tobia DeMicco and Antonio Ferro.
On March 20, 1969 NYPD advised FBI's New York Office: "[Det], Bronx Homicide Squad [advised] during the course of the investigation of at least five different homicide cases, information had been developed John Buonarobo [has] been suspected of arranging for the homicides which [Det] characterized as being racket connected...[Det] further stated Buonarobo has four brothers who were listed as [Redacted] who has been missing for 30 years. His father's name is Edward and his mother's name was Sarah, both of whom are deceased. He was born 9/28/1912, and is 5'2" and 190 lbs." As result of information FBI case opened on Buonarobo.
On December 2, 1970 FBI CI reported: "As concerns gambling operations in the Fordham Hill Section of the Bronx, [CI] stated that the head man is John Buonoraba (NYPD B# 341691). According to [CI], Buonoraba is a tough guy who lives in Yonkers. Buonoraba works out of the Arthur Avenue candy store." Buonarobo subsequently designated subject of a second FBI case focused on his gambling operation.
Around 1975 included in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau's Public Morals Violators report. Buonarobo's entry identified him as a Genovese Captain and noted: "Subject is listed as operator of gambling combine 9-46-3 with operations in Fordham section of Bronx. He is believed to be taking over the duties of Vincent Alo, B#58781, in the Genovese Crime Family. Subject alleged to have ordered the killings of Vincent Barile and one, Nespelino." Listed associates included Gambino Captain Angelo Mascia and Genovese Soldiers Daniel Cilenti, Earl 'Squint' Corralluzzo, Matthew Fortunato and Battisto Salvo (deceased). (Scans from this report were posted many years ago on the forum. Daniel Cilenti later reported to Rudolph Santobello and may have been in Buonarobo's crew before the latter's death.)
On February 10, 1975 one of the FBI's Bronx-based informants reported: "[To] date, Buonarobo's policy operation has remained closed down. He advised that [redacted]. Informant stated Buonarobo's reason for shutting down this operation was his fear of going to jail, after the raids conducted by [FBI NYO]. Informant was shown a photograph which was taken on 12/4/1974, of an individual in Louie's Barber Shop, 187th Street and Arthur Avenue, Bronx, at which time informant advised this individual, who he knew as [Redacted] true name is [Redacted] (ph) [and] he knows [Redacted] was part of Buonarobo's operation."
On April 10, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Within] the past two or three weeks a meeting was held in the Bronx attended by Joey Gambino, John Angelone, Matthew Fortunato aka Matty Brown, David Amodeo aka Papa Dave, John Buonarobo aka Little John and an unknown individual who is from downtown at which time it was decided John Buonarobo was to reopen his policy business." (John 'Johnny Ange' Angelone [1915-1979], Joseph Gambino [1930-2004] and David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (1893-1984) were Gambino Captains with interests in the Bronx. As of 1973 Matthew Fortunato [1901-1992] was identified as part of Captain Rocco Pellegrino's crew.]
On August 4, 1976 FBI CI reported: "[Papa] Dave Amodeo resides on Kimball Avenue in Yonkers with his daughter in a four family house which is owned by the daughter...He stated Amodeo rarely comes to the Bronx anymore but most of the shylocking and gambling is now handled by the new boss of the Bronx Johnny Buonoraba, who took over from Amodeo because of Amodeo's age." (This could indicate that John Buonarobo had been recently inducted or promoted to Captain, although 1980 reports from a member source [below] refers to him as a Soldier.)
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.
In June 1979 included in the FBI's list of 177 identified Genovese Family members.
A Manhattan District Attorney's Office investigation of Service Loaders resulted in criminal contempt indictments against Buonarobo and eight others on February 20, 1967.
Others indicted, all from The Bronx and Yonkers, were:
- Rudolph Santobello (Genovese Associate; 39y) [Res. E 187th St, Belmont] [Inducted by the 1980s and a Captain by 1992, possibly inherited some or all of Buonarobo's former regime]
- Joseph Sarcinella (Genovese Associate; 32y) [Res. Vireo Ave; Woodlawn Heights] [Inducted by the 1990s and possibly reported to Santobello]
- Jack Cappabianca (Capobianco) (1920-1969) [Res. Bathgate Ave, Belmont] [Family from Roseto Valfortore; Foggia, Puglia?]
- Domenic John D'Amico (1922-2001) [Res. Frisby Ave, Westchester Square] [5/93 : Auto surveilled at Rudy Santobello's social club]
- Alfred Mauriello (1913-1996) [Res. E 187th St, Belmont] [Father from Campania] [1/89 : Indicted for gambling in Westchester, press claimed operation Gambino-linked]
- Dominick Pilotti (1910-1989) [Res. Belmont Ave, Belmont] [Family from Mainland] [Believed father of Future Gambino Member Dominick Pilotti (1956-2024). Previously arrested with suspected Buonarobo victim Vincent Barile. Brother Carmine Pilotti shot to death in Philadelphia in 1965.]
- John Varone (1920-1988) [Res. Brandon Rd, Yonkers]
- Leonard Vento (1915-1978) [Res. E 188th St, Belmont] [Father from Isnello, Palermo]
On June 20 and 25, 1968 observed by NYPD in vicinity of Cafe Espresso located at 2339 Arthur Ave in Belmont. Location frequented by Genovese Family, including Buonarobo and Associate Rudolph Santobello, as well as by Gambino Family Captains Joseph Gambino and Anthony 'Tony the Geep' Sedotto.
On November 18, 1968 Buonarobo and his Service Loaders case co-defendants were each sentenced to ninety days imprisonment and fined $250.
On October 5-6, 1968 wake for grandson of Gambino Member Angelo Mascia held at Ribustello Funeral Home on Morris Park Ave in Van Nest, The Bronx. Attendees in addition to Buonarobo included Genovese Soldiers Tobia DeMicco and Antonio Ferro.
On March 20, 1969 NYPD advised FBI's New York Office: "[Det], Bronx Homicide Squad [advised] during the course of the investigation of at least five different homicide cases, information had been developed John Buonarobo [has] been suspected of arranging for the homicides which [Det] characterized as being racket connected...[Det] further stated Buonarobo has four brothers who were listed as [Redacted] who has been missing for 30 years. His father's name is Edward and his mother's name was Sarah, both of whom are deceased. He was born 9/28/1912, and is 5'2" and 190 lbs." As result of information FBI case opened on Buonarobo.
On December 2, 1970 FBI CI reported: "As concerns gambling operations in the Fordham Hill Section of the Bronx, [CI] stated that the head man is John Buonoraba (NYPD B# 341691). According to [CI], Buonoraba is a tough guy who lives in Yonkers. Buonoraba works out of the Arthur Avenue candy store." Buonarobo subsequently designated subject of a second FBI case focused on his gambling operation.
Around 1975 included in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau's Public Morals Violators report. Buonarobo's entry identified him as a Genovese Captain and noted: "Subject is listed as operator of gambling combine 9-46-3 with operations in Fordham section of Bronx. He is believed to be taking over the duties of Vincent Alo, B#58781, in the Genovese Crime Family. Subject alleged to have ordered the killings of Vincent Barile and one, Nespelino." Listed associates included Gambino Captain Angelo Mascia and Genovese Soldiers Daniel Cilenti, Earl 'Squint' Corralluzzo, Matthew Fortunato and Battisto Salvo (deceased). (Scans from this report were posted many years ago on the forum. Daniel Cilenti later reported to Rudolph Santobello and may have been in Buonarobo's crew before the latter's death.)
On February 10, 1975 one of the FBI's Bronx-based informants reported: "[To] date, Buonarobo's policy operation has remained closed down. He advised that [redacted]. Informant stated Buonarobo's reason for shutting down this operation was his fear of going to jail, after the raids conducted by [FBI NYO]. Informant was shown a photograph which was taken on 12/4/1974, of an individual in Louie's Barber Shop, 187th Street and Arthur Avenue, Bronx, at which time informant advised this individual, who he knew as [Redacted] true name is [Redacted] (ph) [and] he knows [Redacted] was part of Buonarobo's operation."
On April 10, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[Within] the past two or three weeks a meeting was held in the Bronx attended by Joey Gambino, John Angelone, Matthew Fortunato aka Matty Brown, David Amodeo aka Papa Dave, John Buonarobo aka Little John and an unknown individual who is from downtown at which time it was decided John Buonarobo was to reopen his policy business." (John 'Johnny Ange' Angelone [1915-1979], Joseph Gambino [1930-2004] and David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (1893-1984) were Gambino Captains with interests in the Bronx. As of 1973 Matthew Fortunato [1901-1992] was identified as part of Captain Rocco Pellegrino's crew.]
On August 4, 1976 FBI CI reported: "[Papa] Dave Amodeo resides on Kimball Avenue in Yonkers with his daughter in a four family house which is owned by the daughter...He stated Amodeo rarely comes to the Bronx anymore but most of the shylocking and gambling is now handled by the new boss of the Bronx Johnny Buonoraba, who took over from Amodeo because of Amodeo's age." (This could indicate that John Buonarobo had been recently inducted or promoted to Captain, although 1980 reports from a member source [below] refers to him as a Soldier.)
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.
In June 1979 included in the FBI's list of 177 identified Genovese Family members.
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| R. Pipolo |
On August 19, 1980 FBI CI reported: "[Meeting] was held at 10:00 PM on Friday, 8/15/80 at Joe Denti's Amici Restaurant, 187th Street and Hoffman Avenue, Bronx, at which a discussion of John Angelone's (deceased Capo - Gambino LCN) replacement occurred. Source advised that Antonio 'Tony Ducks' Corallo (Boss - Lucchese LCN); Anthony 'Tony Higgins' Castaldi (Capo - Lucchese LCN); Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro (Capo - Lucchese LCN); John 'Little John' Buonarobo (Soldier - Genovese LCN) and Joe Denti (Soldier - Genovese LCN) were in attendance at this meeting. Source advised [it was decided] Rudy Pipolo (Soldier - Gambino LCN) would take over John Angelone's interests. Source advised there appears to be an effort to consolidate the Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese Families of LCN, with decisions being made among members of all three Families." (Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro [1914-2000] was being carried as the Lucchese Family's Underboss by January 1978, although he still retained a crew until at least 1984. Rudolph 'Rudy' Pipolo [1926-1983] succeeded John Angelone as Captain. After his death in 1983 some or all of Pipolo's men reported to Anthony 'Tony C.' Carminati.)
On December 19, 1980 FBI CI reported: "...In addition, source stated that Rudy Pipolo is very good friends with 'Little Johnny' Buonarobo (Soldier - Genovese LCN Family)." (Both this and the August 19 report are believed from a Member Source in the Gambinos.)
On December 19, 1980 FBI CI reported: "...In addition, source stated that Rudy Pipolo is very good friends with 'Little Johnny' Buonarobo (Soldier - Genovese LCN Family)." (Both this and the August 19 report are believed from a Member Source in the Gambinos.)
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| c. 1980 |
His status as a Genovese Captain is confirmed by September 1983, when the FBI compiled a partial chart of the Family hierarchy using source information. Buonarobo and ten other Captains were named.
Absent from 1983 Senate Chart but included in the Federal chart from 1985.
John Buonarobo died September 9, 1985 and was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery located in Hartsdale, New York.
Absent from 1983 Senate Chart but included in the Federal chart from 1985.
John Buonarobo died September 9, 1985 and was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery located in Hartsdale, New York.
By 1992 Rudolph Santobello was Captain of a crew believed to consist at least in part of former Buonarobo crew members.
More Genovese Family posts can be found in the Index.
