Update

V. Alessi

New Posts
1. Virgil Alessi (DeCavalcante)

2. Peter Bivona (Genovese)

3. John Ferrara (St. Louis)

Full list of posts here.

John Ferrara (St. Louis)

c. 1960s

John Ferrara was a member of the St. Louis Family who served as Consigliere during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Born Giovanni Ferrara on January 2, 1901 in Palazzo Adriano comune of Palermo, Sicily to Francesco and Concetta Canzoneri (42y).

In October 1920 arrived at Port of New York destined for St. Louis.

By April 1930 resided at 5213 Shaw Avenue in the city's Italian enclave dubbed The Hill. Owned cleaning business.

Dec. 1931

On December 23, 1931 filed Declaration of Intention in US District Court St. Louis.

On January 30, 1934 filed Petition for Naturalization in USDC St. Louis. Listed occupation as waiter. Witnesses were Leo B. Donnewald (Clerk) and William C. Groff (Mechanic).

Naturalized May 4 of that year.

By the summer owned tavern at 7201 Picadilly Ave in the Ellendale neighborhood.

On July 6 robbed at the tavern by two armed assailants. St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported: "Four customers and John Ferrara, the proprietor, were held up by two men. [The] robbers, carrying a revolver and a shotgun, searched only Ferrara, taking $140, two rings and a pin set with diamonds valued at $450." (The St. Louis Star and Times referred to Ferrara as 'part-owner' of the tavern.)

Around August 1934 married Rose SanFilippo (21y). Bride, from Casteltermini in Agrigento, daughter of St. Louis Member Calogero SanFilippo (1874-1942).

By April 1940 the couple and their two children were living at 5708 Walsh St in Princeton Heights, St. Louis. John listed occupation as tavern owner.

By February 1942 the Ferraras resided at 5405 Elizabeth Ave in The Hill. John listed employment with Westinghouse Electric Company headquartered at 1011 Spruce St in Downtown St. Louis.

By September 1944 he owned another tavern at 916 North Kingshighway in Fountain Park.

On September 16 he and a waitress were arrested by St. Louis PD for violating state liquor law (selling to minors.)

By March 1950 operated Sardo's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at 5243 Delmar Blvd in the Academy / Sherman Park section.

On March 8, at approximately 1:35 AM, he and employee James Vaccaro were abducted and robbed outside the restaurant. The St. Louis Star and Times reported: "[Pair] were crossing Delmar to Ferrara's car when the [two] bandits stopped them. Forcing their victims to sit on the floor in the rear of Ferrara's auto, the robbers drove them several blocks, stopped in an alley and robbed Ferrara of $130 and Vaccaro of $45. Then they drove off in Ferrara's machine." The assailants were suspected of then using Ferrara's auto to carry out a second robbery a few hours later at the Fairgrounds Hotel.

Likely a made member by the 1950s.

On January 10, 1962 FBI CI reported: "[The] number one don in the St. Louis area was John Ferrara who succeeded Pasquale Miceli on his death. Frank Pisciotta was named as number two don, and in the opinion of the informant, Anthony Giardano was closer to Ferrara and more powerful than John Joseph Vitale. [He] named Vincent Marchesi, aka Piggy Mac, a nephew of Pisciotta, as a close associate of this Italian element." (Former St. Louis Boss Pasquale Miceli [1895-1953] was from Burgio, Agrigento.)

By the time of the above report Ferrara was residing at 7369 Melrose Ave in the suburb of University City.

By 1963 the St. Louis Family hierarchy consisted of Boss Anthony Giardano and Underboss John Vitale. The Consigliere may have already been John Ferrara; more than one report describes him as an 'arbitrator'. Total membership numbered around 25.

By 1964 affiliated with Costa Grocery Wholesalers and Importers located at 1029 N 7th St in Columbus Square near the city's downtown. The company's former president Mariano Costa (1877-1956), who like Ferrara was from Palazzo Adriano, was a probable early Family member.

On March 4, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] had overheard a conversation between Patrick LoPiccolo, a close associate of John Joseph Vitale, and a hoodlum known only to [CI] as 'Turk'. [CI] advised that 'Turk' was closely associated with the Italian hoodlum element of both Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri. LoPiccolo and 'Turk' were discussing the 'Family' and the 'Syndicate' in St. Louis. 'Turk' stated that in a recent conversation that he had had with Ralph Caleca that 'Turk' had commented that if 50 young Italians in St. Louis had to depend on Anthony Giardano, Ralph Caleca and Vitale for a living they would starve to death. 'Turk' said that St. Louis was the only city in the United States where you could kill off approximately five individuals and thereby eliminate the entire 'Family' syndicate."

A. Giardano (L), J. Vitale
FBN Mafia Book

Early the following month an informant reported of an attempt by Boss Anthony Giardano to threaten one Philip Catanzaro, business owner and associate of Underboss John Vitale in the city's Produce Row marketplace:
"

...Vitale told Catanzaro that the produce market was his and that he (Vitale) was taking the heat that was being passed out there and that if anybody was going to start anything on Produce Row and do any bombing it would be himself and not Tony Giardano. Vitale said that he had made a big mistake when he took Tony Giardano in and that Giardano was beginning to hurt them all over the country with his maneuvers. Vitale said that Giardano was taking action without consulting with him beforehand with others with whom he should discuss these things in advance. [CI] stated that Vitale had indicated to Catanzaro that the way they operated was to sit down and talk things over and decide in advance who was going to get what and how things were to be divided up, but in doing so you do not step on other Italian people.

[CI] said that as a result of this discussion between Vitale and Catanzaro, Vitale contacted Giovanni Ferrara [of] the Costa Grocery, and requested that Ferrara meet with him to resolve a problem. [CI] said that Vitale explained to Catanzaro that Ferrara and he together were the ones who decided what action Tony Giardano would or would not be able to take and that Giardano would not make the decisions but he and Ferrara would decide at a meeting what the fair decision would be.

[CI] stated that subsequently Ferrara and Vitale met at which time it was decided by them that Giardano was wrong in making the threats that he had made and that no harm would come to Catanzaro. [CI] said that it was his impression that Ferrara, Vitale, Giardano and Ralph Caleca were bound together by an organization stronger than their personal feelings toward each other; and that although Giardano was out of line and it was necessary to reprimand him, he was still one of their group.

"

On July 23, 1964 the FBI's St. Louis Field Office reported: "Investigation reflects that Giovanni Ferrara [who] is ostensibly a legitimate businessman, is higher up in the organization and an arbitrator for any disputes arising in St. Louis 'Family'."

On July 8, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Pisciotta as well as John Ferrara are members of the 'outfit' who were utilized to act as arbitrators." (Frank Pisciotta [1892-1990] was from Montelepre, Palermo.)

On June 14, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said in the old days in St. Louis, when Pasquale Miceli was alive and head of the organization, the higher-ups in the Family in St. Louis met at the 'council table' at the Miceli Funeral Parlor where they decided on matters of policy...[CI] stated in those days the policy makers would be such individuals as Pasquale Miceli, Sam Viviano and others, many of whom are now deceased. Other policy makers were Joe Giardano and John Ferrara, both of whom are still residing in St. Louis." (Joseph Giardano [1900-1989] was Anthony's brother.)

On same date CI reported: "John Ferrara, known as 'Mr. John', is also a member of the St. Louis 'Family' who would appear to the general public to be a strictly legitimate businessman, but who is actually an 'arbitrator'. Ferrara would not be involved in criminal activities as such but would be called upon to give an opinion and arbitrate disputed matters rising within the organization. Ferrara has made a recent trip to Sicily in Italy."

On October 20, 1967 included in FBI's list of 12 identified St. Louis Family members. One suspected member listed.

Same date FBI reported: "Other persons close to Anthony Giardano, and who are considered highly placed members of this 'family', according to [three CIs] are: John Vitale, Joseph Giardano, Ralph Caleca, John Ferrara, Frank Pisciotta." (Joseph Giardano [1900-1989] was Anthony's brother.)

On August 26, 1968 included in FBI's list of 13 identified St. Louis Family members.

F. Bompensiero

In early December 1968 FBI CI and Los Angeles Soldier Frank Bompensiero visited Anthony Giardano in St. Louis in an attempt to secure a Teamsters loan. During the visit Giardano confided in Bompensiero that the St. Louis Family consisted of about 23 members and introduced him to several of them. He later reported: "...[On 12/6/68], the informant was introduced to another LCN member whom Tony [Giardano] indicated was their consigliere. Informant believed he was also named John but could not recall his last name."

On November 6, 1969 included in FBI's list of 15 identified St. Louis Family members. An additional two or three individuals listed as suspected members.

On November 21, 1972 FBI's New York Office reported:
"

St. Louis

Anthony Giardano continues as boss of this 'family'. He has held this position since his release from Federal custody in the early 1960's.

John Vitale remains underboss of the St. Louis 'family'. Vitale has been in poor health in recent years and has been confined to a hospital on several occasions.

Giovanni Ferrara is the Consiglieri of this 'family'.

"

Ferrara died January 14, 1976 and was waked the following day at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary in St. Louis Hills.

Buried in Resurrection Cemetery located in Affton, Missouri.

The Consigliere position remained vacant for at least a couple of years after his death.

More St. Louis Family posts can be found in the Index.

Peter Bivona (Genovese)

c. Mid-1960s

Peter 'Patty Shark' Bivona (also spelled Bevona) was a member of the Genovese Family based in Lower Manhattan.

Older brother Vincent 'Jimmy Blink' Bivona (1908-1982) was also a Genovese member.

Born Pietro Bivone on February 26, 1912 in Manhattan to Accursio (43y) and Mary Sclafani (28y). Family from Sciacca comune of Agrigento, Sicily.

Over the next couple of decades the family resided in the borough's Little Italy neighborhood, first at 85 Elizabeth St (1920) and then at 16 Spring St (1939). Accursio worked as a fish peddler.

On February 12, 1939 Peter married Frances Dabbico (23y) in Manhattan. Bride's parents from Licodia Eubea and Caltagirone comunes of Catania, Sicily.

F. Celano

Witnesses were Genovese Soldier Frank Celano (41y) and his wife Mary.

Born 1896 in Canna comune of Cosenza, Calabria, Celano resided at 86 Kenmare St in Little Italy, where he also ran a restaurant. In addition he owned an apple farm in Highland Falls, New York. His Captain at the time was probably Thomas 'Tommy Palmer' Greco.

By April 1940 Bivona and his wife were living at 65 2nd Ave in nearby East Village.

Peter owned a barber shop but within a couple of years he began selling jewelry in the Bowery neighborhood adjacent to Little Italy.

In April 1950 listed occupation as self-employed concession broker.

By 1958 Peter and his brother Vincent were both formally inducted members of the Genovese Family.

Their initial crew leader isn't known. Given the Sciacca heritage and Elizabeth Street roots, the brothers may have reported to Captain Vincenzo 'Jimmy Dimino' Generoso. (The Bivonas' paternal grandmother was a Dimino.)

By 1960 one or both of the brothers were possibly transferred to the recently promoted Frank Celano, who had previously witnessed Peter's marriage. Alternatively they may have been placed under Peter DeFeo, another recently appointed Captain whose crew was based in the neighborhood. (Little is known of Celano's crew and as noted below the Bivonas are later placed with DeFeo's regime. In addition Vincent was specifically identified by a member source in 1968 as a DeFeo crew member.)

On January 29, 1964 both Bivonas, under their nicknames, were included in the FBI's list of 23 recently identified Genovese members. (Some of those named were actually with other Families and at least one of those listed was not yet a member.)

On August 21, 1964 included in the FBI's list of identified Genovese members.

On October 20, 1967 the Bivonas were included in the FBI's list of suspected Gambino Family members. (This was not the only time Bivona was misidentified as a Gambino member.)

In September 1968 among 46 identified by FBI as suspected Genovese Family members. 209 listed as confirmed members.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 216 identified Genovese Family members.

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 190 identified Genovese Family members.

P. DeFeo

That same month the FBI provided an outline of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as the Boss and listing Peter DeFeo and thirteen other Captains. Identified DeFeo crew members included Peter Bivona, Vincent Bivona, Lorenzo 'Chappie' Brescio, Frank 'The Bug' Caruso, Cosmo 'Collie' DiPietro, George 'Flip' Filippone, Edward 'Eddie Buff' Lanzieri, Vincent 'Jimmy Jones' Potenza, Eli Zeccardi and Carmine 'Sonny Pinto' DiBiase. (Carmine DiBiase may not have been a member. Eli Zeccardi was by then the Family's Underboss, and a few of the others listed are typically identified with different crews in other reports, Bivona included.)

M. Generoso (1970s)

By April 1974 identified by FBI CI as Soldier under Genovese Captain Michele 'Mickey Dimino' Generoso, son of the aforementioned Vincenzo.

Made members of Generoso's crew included Peter Bivona, Dominick 'Buddy' Cappolla, Cosmo DiPietro, Salvatore Lauro, Ernest Lazzara, Maurice 'Chubby' Longo and Eugene 'Gene the Tailor' Uricola. (Federal reports from both before and after this time period instead place Lazzara with the LaPlaca crew in New Jersey.)

Possible crew members included Paul 'Paulie Lefty' Della Universita and Joseph 'Little Joey' Giammarino.

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.

That same month the FBI provided a breakdown of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as Boss, Anthony 'Fat Tony' Salerno as Underboss and John 'Buster' Ardito as Consigliere. Matthew 'Matty the Horse' Ianniello was listed as Acting Underboss. Listed Captains included Peter DeFeo. Those named as DeFeo crew members included Peter Bivona, Vincent Bivona, Lorenzo Brescio and Edward Lanzieri. (The chart was out of date in at least one aspect: Harry Lanza, listed as a Captain, died in late 1977.)

Included in June 1983 Senate Chart of Gambino Family membership. Address shown as 385 Grand St in Little Italy.

Peter Bivona died in late May 1985 and was buried in Saint John Cemetery located in Middle Village, Queens.

More Genovese Family posts can be found in the Index.