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| c. 1960s |
Charles 'Charlie Murgie / Little Charlie' Imburgia was a member of the Pittsburgh Family.
He later moved to the town of Warren in Trumbull County, Ohio where he ran a motel, oversaw gambling activity and reportedly maintained local political contacts.
He held additional interests in nearby Youngstown, Ohio including partnership in the Jungle Inn during the 1940s.
Born January 20, 1908 in Pittsburgh to Filippo (42y), a self-employed wagon driver, and Margaret Manna (35y). Father from Campofelice di Roccella comune of Palermo, Sicily.
Over the next couple of years the Imburgias resided at multiple addresses on Ann St in the city's South Side Flats section.
By summer 1911 they had moved to 9 Van Braam St in The Bluff, a downtown-adjacent neighborhood located further north across the Monongahela River.
On May 4, 1914 Filippo Imburgia filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Pittsburgh. Witnesses were Filippo Badali (1859-1942), a merchant from Termini Imerese in Palermo, and Nunzio Martino. Naturalized that November. (Nunzio Martino is probably identical to an individual of that name born 1882 in Campofelice. He died in February 1966.)
Spent less than a couple of months in US Army from early August to late September 1925.
By 1927 family resided at 69 Marion St in The Bluff.
By April 1930 listed occupation as confectionery (store).
On December 5, 1931 Charles and older brother Anthony Imburgia (40y) arrested by Pittsburgh Police Department re assault of Edward Poland (45y). Victim taken to Mercy Hospital with possible skull fracture. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Poland was] severely beaten in a quarrel...[Afterwards Homicide Detectives] went to the Murgie home, where they made the arrests. Liquor was found in the house, the detectives said."
On April 28, 1932 charged with reckless driving.
By 1934 moved a few blocks north to 1630 Fifth Ave.
He later moved to the town of Warren in Trumbull County, Ohio where he ran a motel, oversaw gambling activity and reportedly maintained local political contacts.
He held additional interests in nearby Youngstown, Ohio including partnership in the Jungle Inn during the 1940s.
Born January 20, 1908 in Pittsburgh to Filippo (42y), a self-employed wagon driver, and Margaret Manna (35y). Father from Campofelice di Roccella comune of Palermo, Sicily.
Over the next couple of years the Imburgias resided at multiple addresses on Ann St in the city's South Side Flats section.
By summer 1911 they had moved to 9 Van Braam St in The Bluff, a downtown-adjacent neighborhood located further north across the Monongahela River.
On May 4, 1914 Filippo Imburgia filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Pittsburgh. Witnesses were Filippo Badali (1859-1942), a merchant from Termini Imerese in Palermo, and Nunzio Martino. Naturalized that November. (Nunzio Martino is probably identical to an individual of that name born 1882 in Campofelice. He died in February 1966.)
Spent less than a couple of months in US Army from early August to late September 1925.
By 1927 family resided at 69 Marion St in The Bluff.
By April 1930 listed occupation as confectionery (store).
On December 5, 1931 Charles and older brother Anthony Imburgia (40y) arrested by Pittsburgh Police Department re assault of Edward Poland (45y). Victim taken to Mercy Hospital with possible skull fracture. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Poland was] severely beaten in a quarrel...[Afterwards Homicide Detectives] went to the Murgie home, where they made the arrests. Liquor was found in the house, the detectives said."
On April 28, 1932 charged with reckless driving.
By 1934 moved a few blocks north to 1630 Fifth Ave.
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| F. Valenti (1933) |
On February 14-16, 1934 among seven arrested by Pittsburgh PD on robbery charge. Others held included Pittsburgh Associate Frank Valenti (22y), Peter Albenze (28y) and Angelo 'Hank' Macri (34y). Group charged with involvement in robbery two weeks prior of Winer Style Shop located about three blocks from the Imburgia residence on Fifth Ave. (Frank Valenti [1911-2008], at the time also facing armed robbery and Federal counterfeiting cases, was inducted into the Pittsburgh Family around 1948. He later transferred to Buffalo and headed the breakaway Rochester Family by the late 1960s. Angelo Macri [1899-1955] was from Sambiase in Catanzaro, Calabria.)
On October 19, 1934 Frank Valenti and Peter Albenze, by then serving two year Federal sentences for counterfeiting, pleaded guilty to the robbery charges. As a result Imburgia and Macri were given directed verdicts of acquittal.
On May 17, 1936 Charles and Thomas Imburgia arrested by Pittsburgh PD for assaulting Tony Anderson inside the latter's cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "Anderson told [PD] that he inquired about [Imburgia's brothers] Ben and Mike Murgie who are serving life sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway." Following day fined $10 each.
On December 11, 1936 among thirty-nine indicted by US Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh re bootlegging operation that started around March 1934. Others indicted included Sam Battaglia, George Bosco, Dominick Calabrese, Anthony Caldorni, John Caldorni, Sam Caldorni, Joseph Cancilla, Joe Parise, Mike Piazza, Philip Piazza, Joseph Saldutta, James Totino and Pasquale 'Patsy' Traficante (39y). Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Most of the defendants reside in the Hill [neighborhood]." (Pasquale Traficante [1897-1971], from Rionero in Vulture comune of Potenza, Basilicata, was probably related to Pittsburgh Member Michael Traficante [1907-1995]. In 1922 the Petition for Naturalization filed by Pasquale's father Giuseppe was witnessed by John Cancelliere, likely identical with Pittsburgh Member Giacomo 'John' Cancelliere [1888-1962] or with his brother of the same name.)
On May 10, 1937 the defendants, now numbering forty-five, began standing trial in USDC Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Telephone conversations between defendants involving alleged liquor transactions, said to have been heard by government officers 'tapping' wires, was expecting to figure prominently in the government's testimony." It was noted that one defendant, Joseph Saldutta, was in Mercy Hospital recuperating from gunshot wounds received 'in an outbreak of gang warfare' the previous March.
Eight days later Imburgia and thirty-five others were convicted. The Pittsburgh Press later reported: "It was shown in the testimony at the trial that the 'ring' was made up of six stills, capable of producing 1365 gallons of moonshine a day, and a number of retail speakeasies where the liquor was sold."
Around mid-June 1937 married Laura Del Vecchio (21y). Bride's parents from Rome, Lazio and from Pacentro in L'Aquila, Abruzzo.
On December 10, 1938 Federal bootlegging conviction vacated after US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled wiretapping illegal.
By early 1939 resided at 1213 N Lang Ave in the city's Homewood West - North section.
In late March of that year Charles and his father-in-law Alfredo Del Vecchio (31y) were arrested following Alcohol Tax Unit raid on the residence. 150-gallon still, 1,200 gallons of mash and a small quantity of moonshine seized.
On September 20, 1939 Imburgia and five others arrested at numbers spot located inside three-story residence at 8125 Frankstown Ave in the East Liberty neighborhood. Others arrested included Pittsburgh Associate Frank Valenti (28y), Pasquale Traficante (42y) and John Caliguiri (24y). Building owned by Traficante. Police seized numbers slips totaling $30,000, five adding machines and other assorted paraphernalia. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Inspector] who led a raiding squad of 14 officers said no money, other than small sums the suspects had in their pockets, was found, leading him to believe that the money had been turned in elsewhere. He said the raid had been timed to catch pickup men turning in their day's 'business'."
On February 6, 1940 all six were convicted. Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Traficante was the only defendant to testify. He admitted he had charge of the headquarters, but said it operated 'only a week'." Traficante was sentenced by Criminal Court Judge John P. Egan to four months imprisonment and fined $200. Imburgia received a thirty day sentence and $100 fine. Valenti and the others each fined $100.
By Fall 1940 self-employed huckster working from his N Lang Ave residence.
By June 1942 moved to 7712 Baxter St on the opposite end of Homewood North.
By October 1943 left Pittsburgh for Warren, Ohio, initially residing at 1103 Highland Ave.
On October 19, 1934 Frank Valenti and Peter Albenze, by then serving two year Federal sentences for counterfeiting, pleaded guilty to the robbery charges. As a result Imburgia and Macri were given directed verdicts of acquittal.
On May 17, 1936 Charles and Thomas Imburgia arrested by Pittsburgh PD for assaulting Tony Anderson inside the latter's cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "Anderson told [PD] that he inquired about [Imburgia's brothers] Ben and Mike Murgie who are serving life sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway." Following day fined $10 each.
On December 11, 1936 among thirty-nine indicted by US Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh re bootlegging operation that started around March 1934. Others indicted included Sam Battaglia, George Bosco, Dominick Calabrese, Anthony Caldorni, John Caldorni, Sam Caldorni, Joseph Cancilla, Joe Parise, Mike Piazza, Philip Piazza, Joseph Saldutta, James Totino and Pasquale 'Patsy' Traficante (39y). Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Most of the defendants reside in the Hill [neighborhood]." (Pasquale Traficante [1897-1971], from Rionero in Vulture comune of Potenza, Basilicata, was probably related to Pittsburgh Member Michael Traficante [1907-1995]. In 1922 the Petition for Naturalization filed by Pasquale's father Giuseppe was witnessed by John Cancelliere, likely identical with Pittsburgh Member Giacomo 'John' Cancelliere [1888-1962] or with his brother of the same name.)
On May 10, 1937 the defendants, now numbering forty-five, began standing trial in USDC Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Telephone conversations between defendants involving alleged liquor transactions, said to have been heard by government officers 'tapping' wires, was expecting to figure prominently in the government's testimony." It was noted that one defendant, Joseph Saldutta, was in Mercy Hospital recuperating from gunshot wounds received 'in an outbreak of gang warfare' the previous March.
Eight days later Imburgia and thirty-five others were convicted. The Pittsburgh Press later reported: "It was shown in the testimony at the trial that the 'ring' was made up of six stills, capable of producing 1365 gallons of moonshine a day, and a number of retail speakeasies where the liquor was sold."
Around mid-June 1937 married Laura Del Vecchio (21y). Bride's parents from Rome, Lazio and from Pacentro in L'Aquila, Abruzzo.
On December 10, 1938 Federal bootlegging conviction vacated after US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled wiretapping illegal.
By early 1939 resided at 1213 N Lang Ave in the city's Homewood West - North section.
In late March of that year Charles and his father-in-law Alfredo Del Vecchio (31y) were arrested following Alcohol Tax Unit raid on the residence. 150-gallon still, 1,200 gallons of mash and a small quantity of moonshine seized.
On September 20, 1939 Imburgia and five others arrested at numbers spot located inside three-story residence at 8125 Frankstown Ave in the East Liberty neighborhood. Others arrested included Pittsburgh Associate Frank Valenti (28y), Pasquale Traficante (42y) and John Caliguiri (24y). Building owned by Traficante. Police seized numbers slips totaling $30,000, five adding machines and other assorted paraphernalia. The Pittsburgh Press reported: "[Inspector] who led a raiding squad of 14 officers said no money, other than small sums the suspects had in their pockets, was found, leading him to believe that the money had been turned in elsewhere. He said the raid had been timed to catch pickup men turning in their day's 'business'."
On February 6, 1940 all six were convicted. Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported: "Traficante was the only defendant to testify. He admitted he had charge of the headquarters, but said it operated 'only a week'." Traficante was sentenced by Criminal Court Judge John P. Egan to four months imprisonment and fined $200. Imburgia received a thirty day sentence and $100 fine. Valenti and the others each fined $100.
By Fall 1940 self-employed huckster working from his N Lang Ave residence.
By June 1942 moved to 7712 Baxter St on the opposite end of Homewood North.
By October 1943 left Pittsburgh for Warren, Ohio, initially residing at 1103 Highland Ave.
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| Jungle Inn The Plain Dealer (Aug. 1949) |
According to later informant reports, by the mid-to-late 1940s Imburgia was tasked with overseeing interests in Youngstown's Jungle Inn, operated by two Syrian brothers, John and Mike Farah.
On night of January 6, 1948 among five arrested by local PD in lobby of Hotel Hollenden in Cleveland, Ohio. Others held were Dominic Bostardi (26y), Sam 'Mollie' SanFilippo (35y), George Mustakes (47y) and George Mustakes Jr. (20y). Following day The Dayton Herald reported: "[PD] put them up for the night after a search of their auto produced 30-30 rifle bullets, the ball bat, and a police nightstick. They insisted they drove here [from Warren] yesterday morning merely to shop at Cleveland stores, and shrugged off the lethal equipment. Police said they probably would be released sometime today, with orders to get out of town and and stay out." (Dominic Bostardi [1921-1994] was from Vieste in Foggia, Puglia. In later years George Mustakes and his son George Jr. associated with the exiled Bonannos in Arizona.)
By April 1950 moved to 1567 Oak Knoll Ave in Warren. Listed occupation as tavern proprietor.
Believed inducted member into the Pittsburgh Family by the 1950s.
By early 1958 resided at 753 Wildwood NE and ran the Sunrise Inn at 510 East Market St, both in Warren.
On May 26, 1958 Warren LE advised FBI: "[The] Imburgias or Murgies have been in the Warren area for about 17 or 18 years following the release of Benjamin and Mike Imburgia from the Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh, after conviction on a first degree murder charge. According to [LE], 'Little Charlie' is a brother of Mike and Benjamin Imburgia, and is also related to C. G. Imburgia, known as 'Big Charlie' and owner of 'Charlie's Take Out', a beer and wine store, at 2416 Youngstown Road, South East Warren. They advised that they were unaware of any association by the Imburgias and Mannarinos of New Kensington, Pa., other than the fact that the Imburgias were originally from Pittsburgh, and probably were acquainted with them or possibly related to them in some way. They stated that the Imburgias appear to be relatively quiet at the present time and are not thought to be engaged in any criminal activity to their knowledge." (Brothers Samuel Mannarino [1905-1967] and Gabriel 'Kelly' Mannarino [1915-1980] were Pittsburgh Members.)
On night of January 6, 1948 among five arrested by local PD in lobby of Hotel Hollenden in Cleveland, Ohio. Others held were Dominic Bostardi (26y), Sam 'Mollie' SanFilippo (35y), George Mustakes (47y) and George Mustakes Jr. (20y). Following day The Dayton Herald reported: "[PD] put them up for the night after a search of their auto produced 30-30 rifle bullets, the ball bat, and a police nightstick. They insisted they drove here [from Warren] yesterday morning merely to shop at Cleveland stores, and shrugged off the lethal equipment. Police said they probably would be released sometime today, with orders to get out of town and and stay out." (Dominic Bostardi [1921-1994] was from Vieste in Foggia, Puglia. In later years George Mustakes and his son George Jr. associated with the exiled Bonannos in Arizona.)
By April 1950 moved to 1567 Oak Knoll Ave in Warren. Listed occupation as tavern proprietor.
Believed inducted member into the Pittsburgh Family by the 1950s.
By early 1958 resided at 753 Wildwood NE and ran the Sunrise Inn at 510 East Market St, both in Warren.
On May 26, 1958 Warren LE advised FBI: "[The] Imburgias or Murgies have been in the Warren area for about 17 or 18 years following the release of Benjamin and Mike Imburgia from the Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh, after conviction on a first degree murder charge. According to [LE], 'Little Charlie' is a brother of Mike and Benjamin Imburgia, and is also related to C. G. Imburgia, known as 'Big Charlie' and owner of 'Charlie's Take Out', a beer and wine store, at 2416 Youngstown Road, South East Warren. They advised that they were unaware of any association by the Imburgias and Mannarinos of New Kensington, Pa., other than the fact that the Imburgias were originally from Pittsburgh, and probably were acquainted with them or possibly related to them in some way. They stated that the Imburgias appear to be relatively quiet at the present time and are not thought to be engaged in any criminal activity to their knowledge." (Brothers Samuel Mannarino [1905-1967] and Gabriel 'Kelly' Mannarino [1915-1980] were Pittsburgh Members.)
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| G. Mannarino (L) and S. LaRocca FBN Mafia Book |
On August 12, 1958 FBI's Pittsburgh Field Office reported: "...Will report investigation being conducted by Cleveland at Warren, Ohio, to determine whether Charles Murgie alleged 'Mafia' member has provided a hide-out for Sebastian John LaRocca and Gabriel Mannarino since their disappearance from the Pittsburgh area." (Mannarino and Pittsburgh Boss Sebastian John LaRocca [1901-1984] both attended the November 1957 Apalachin meeting and had gone into hiding due to the resulting publicity.)
On November 9, 1958 FBI CI reported re LaRocca and Mannarino's possible whereabouts: "I could not find out about that party yet, as that crew are very secretive, I have an idea that they may be in Warren, Ohio again. I think it would be worth a try to watch that Charlie Murgie, from the Sunrise Inn again, or watch his house [as] he had them hidden down there, then he took them to Florida, but I think they must be there again, as I know they like to stay close to [home]."
On November 9, 1958 FBI CI reported re LaRocca and Mannarino's possible whereabouts: "I could not find out about that party yet, as that crew are very secretive, I have an idea that they may be in Warren, Ohio again. I think it would be worth a try to watch that Charlie Murgie, from the Sunrise Inn again, or watch his house [as] he had them hidden down there, then he took them to Florida, but I think they must be there again, as I know they like to stay close to [home]."
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| M. Farah Press |
On June 10, 1961 Imburgia's former Jungle Inn partner Mike Farah (56y) was fatally wounded by shotgun blasts on the back patio of his Warren home. Hit with nine pellets in hip and abdomen, Farah died soon after arrival at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
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| A. Delsanter |
On August 26, 1961 Warren PD advised FBI: "[Following] the death of Mike Farah, a local racketeer who was killed in gangland style, his numbers position was taken over immediately by Tony Delsanter who represents James Licavoli, aka, Jack White, of Cleveland, Ohio. He stated that the only other numbers operator of any consequence in the area, in addition to Delsanter, is Charlie Imburgia, aka, Charlie Murgie. He stated that from what he has heard in the past, it is generally believed that this individual is connected with the Mannarino organization of New Kensington, Pa., and possibly Sebastian John LaRocca from the Pittsburgh area." (Anthony 'Tony Dope' Delsanter [1911-1977] was a Cleveland Member who rose to Consigliere by the mid-1970s.)
By 1962 resided at 9216 Sunview in Warren.
By 1962 resided at 9216 Sunview in Warren.
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| J. Regino |
On February 15 of that year FBI Pittsburgh reported a phone call placed from the Florida residence of Possible Pittsburgh Member Joseph Regino to Imburgia's Sunrise Inn. ('Little Joe' Regino [1907-1985] was a Captain in the Family by the early 1980s.)
Later that year Pittsburgh Boss Sebastian John LaRocca was surveilled using a vehicle registered to Imburgia.
In early January 1964 FBI CI reported:
"
Later that year Pittsburgh Boss Sebastian John LaRocca was surveilled using a vehicle registered to Imburgia.
In early January 1964 FBI CI reported:
"
...Charles Murgie of Pittsburgh, Pa., was sent to Youngstown, Ohio, to control Mike Farah who opened the Jungle Inn. This incident took place about 15 or 20 years ago and Pittsburgh and Cleveland agreed that Murgie could handle the job in Youngstown, Ohio, because they desired to become Mike Farah's partner. Farah was making very good money at the Jungle Inn and the Pittsburgh - Cleveland group wanted 50 percent of the Jungle Inn to provide money for soldiers of the Cleveland group who were serving a life sentence as a result of work they were doing for the organization. The men serving the life sentences were as follows:
Johnny Ray
Tom Licavoli
Ralph Carsello (Phonetic)
(FNU) English of Toledo
Jake Sukin (Phonetic) of Toledo
The wives of the men named above, for as long as 16 years, received monthly payments from the Cleveland organization for as long as their husbands were in prison. This is one example of how the organization cares for its faithful soldiers.
Johnny Ray
Tom Licavoli
Ralph Carsello (Phonetic)
(FNU) English of Toledo
Jake Sukin (Phonetic) of Toledo
The wives of the men named above, for as long as 16 years, received monthly payments from the Cleveland organization for as long as their husbands were in prison. This is one example of how the organization cares for its faithful soldiers.
"
On January 15, 1964 FBI CI reported: "...At Warren, Ohio, [CI] advised Anthony Delsanter became 'boss' of the area when Mike Farah, a Syrian, was murdered (6/10/61). The organization had put up with Farah as long as he had influence and had the politicians in his pocket. When he became obstreperous and uncontrollable, the 'organization' 'dumped' him. He also stated that Charles Imburgia, operator of the Sunrise Inn, East Market Street, Warren, Ohio, may now be affiliated with the Sicilian group of Licavoli, but at one time several years ago he was part of the Pittsburgh group headed by [Antonio] Ripepi."
By April 1964 moved to new residence at 2166 Sarkie Drive NE.
On January 15, 1964 FBI CI reported: "...At Warren, Ohio, [CI] advised Anthony Delsanter became 'boss' of the area when Mike Farah, a Syrian, was murdered (6/10/61). The organization had put up with Farah as long as he had influence and had the politicians in his pocket. When he became obstreperous and uncontrollable, the 'organization' 'dumped' him. He also stated that Charles Imburgia, operator of the Sunrise Inn, East Market Street, Warren, Ohio, may now be affiliated with the Sicilian group of Licavoli, but at one time several years ago he was part of the Pittsburgh group headed by [Antonio] Ripepi."
By April 1964 moved to new residence at 2166 Sarkie Drive NE.
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| P. Holovatich (L) and P. Cisternino |
On April 17, 1964 FBI's Cleveland Field Office reported:
"
"
[CI] advised [Paul Holovatich], Ronald Carabbia, brother of Charles, Dominic Peter Senzarino, Jr., cousin of Carabbia, Frank Lentine and Joseph Sarich, all burglars in the Youngstown area, and James Colavecchio and Patsy Cisternino, burglars of Cleveland, are considering a 'score' on an individual unknown to the informant, but whom he described as an 'outfit guy', who has a new home in Warren, Ohio, which allegedly has a bomb shelter built into it. He also has a daughter who is a school teacher. According to [CI], the word is that this individual has a considerable amount of cash which he keeps in his home.
Bessie Imburgia, daughter of John Imburgia, Warren, Ohio, was interviewed under pretext, and she stated in speaking of her relatives, that her cousin, Charles Murgie, aka., Charles Imburgia, 'Little Charlie' resides in a relatively new home at 2166 Sarkie Drive, N.E., Warren, Ohio. She described the home as a very elaborate place and stated it was even equipped with a bomb shelter. She stated that Murgie has a daughter who is also a school teacher, and that 'Little Charlie' operates the Sunrise Inn, East Market St, Warren.
On 3/30/64, [CI] advised [group] left on the night of 3/27/64, and returned on Saturday morning. Informant does not know where the attempted burglary was located but had heard that they were unsuccessful in their attempt.
Bessie Imburgia, daughter of John Imburgia, Warren, Ohio, was interviewed under pretext, and she stated in speaking of her relatives, that her cousin, Charles Murgie, aka., Charles Imburgia, 'Little Charlie' resides in a relatively new home at 2166 Sarkie Drive, N.E., Warren, Ohio. She described the home as a very elaborate place and stated it was even equipped with a bomb shelter. She stated that Murgie has a daughter who is also a school teacher, and that 'Little Charlie' operates the Sunrise Inn, East Market St, Warren.
On 3/30/64, [CI] advised [group] left on the night of 3/27/64, and returned on Saturday morning. Informant does not know where the attempted burglary was located but had heard that they were unsuccessful in their attempt.
"
(Holovatich was closely associated with Future Pittsburgh Member Joseph Naples, who later oversaw Youngstown rackets until his murder in 1991.)
On June 15, 1964 FBI Cleveland reported: "Charles Imburgia, aka., Charles Murgie, date of birth unknown, is a gambler involved in numbers business in Warren, Ohio area. Sources state Imburgia is closely connected with the Pittsburgh Family of La Cosa Nostra, especially the Mannarino boys out of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. He is believed to now be associated with the Cleveland group. He is believed to sponsor and exert control over many elected officials of Warren and Trumbull County, Ohio. He operates the Sunrise Inn located on East Market Street in Warren, Ohio."
On June 4, 1966 Imburgia's daughter married, with the reception held at the Mural Room in Youngstown. Attendees included Pittsburgh Captain Gabriel Mannarino and Possible Pittsburgh Member Frank J. Rosa. FBI noted: "The Cleveland Division conducted spot checks in this regard and learned that approximately 600 people were present at the reception." (Frank Rosa [1920-1982], son of Member Joseph Rosa and son-in-law of Consigliere Joseph Sica, was himself a made member by the late 1970s.)
On February 20, 1967 FBI Pittsburgh reported: "[Charles] Imburgia is known to have used the alias of Charles Murgie and is a La Cosa Nostra (LCN) member in the Cleveland Division. It is noted that previous investigation has determined that Imburgia has been in contact with the Mannarinos."
Pittsburgh Member Sam Mannarino, Gabriel's older brother, died June 5, 1967.
His two day wake was held at the Manzella - Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold, Pennsylvania. Attendees included Boss John LaRocca, Captain Gabriel Mannarino and several additional Members and Associates including Charles Imburgia.
Around December 1972 one Eddie Klein was the victim of an armed robbery at his residence. An FBI CI reported that Klein discovered he had been set up for the robbery by Tony Murgie, a nephew of Charles, and was 'worried' that 'the mob' authorized the job. According to the informant, Klein sought the assistance of Associate Paul 'No Legs' Hankish, who reached out to Captain Gabriel Mannarino. Mannarino contacted Pittsburgh Member Michael Genovese, who in turn brought the issue to Imburgia. CI noted: "[Imburgia] said he would see to it that his nephew and his associates returned the loot to Klein." (Hankish got his nickname after nearly being killed by a car bomb in 1964. Michael Genovese later succeeded Sebastian John LaRocca as Pittsburgh's Boss.)
(Holovatich was closely associated with Future Pittsburgh Member Joseph Naples, who later oversaw Youngstown rackets until his murder in 1991.)
On June 15, 1964 FBI Cleveland reported: "Charles Imburgia, aka., Charles Murgie, date of birth unknown, is a gambler involved in numbers business in Warren, Ohio area. Sources state Imburgia is closely connected with the Pittsburgh Family of La Cosa Nostra, especially the Mannarino boys out of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. He is believed to now be associated with the Cleveland group. He is believed to sponsor and exert control over many elected officials of Warren and Trumbull County, Ohio. He operates the Sunrise Inn located on East Market Street in Warren, Ohio."
On June 4, 1966 Imburgia's daughter married, with the reception held at the Mural Room in Youngstown. Attendees included Pittsburgh Captain Gabriel Mannarino and Possible Pittsburgh Member Frank J. Rosa. FBI noted: "The Cleveland Division conducted spot checks in this regard and learned that approximately 600 people were present at the reception." (Frank Rosa [1920-1982], son of Member Joseph Rosa and son-in-law of Consigliere Joseph Sica, was himself a made member by the late 1970s.)
On February 20, 1967 FBI Pittsburgh reported: "[Charles] Imburgia is known to have used the alias of Charles Murgie and is a La Cosa Nostra (LCN) member in the Cleveland Division. It is noted that previous investigation has determined that Imburgia has been in contact with the Mannarinos."
Pittsburgh Member Sam Mannarino, Gabriel's older brother, died June 5, 1967.
His two day wake was held at the Manzella - Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold, Pennsylvania. Attendees included Boss John LaRocca, Captain Gabriel Mannarino and several additional Members and Associates including Charles Imburgia.
Around December 1972 one Eddie Klein was the victim of an armed robbery at his residence. An FBI CI reported that Klein discovered he had been set up for the robbery by Tony Murgie, a nephew of Charles, and was 'worried' that 'the mob' authorized the job. According to the informant, Klein sought the assistance of Associate Paul 'No Legs' Hankish, who reached out to Captain Gabriel Mannarino. Mannarino contacted Pittsburgh Member Michael Genovese, who in turn brought the issue to Imburgia. CI noted: "[Imburgia] said he would see to it that his nephew and his associates returned the loot to Klein." (Hankish got his nickname after nearly being killed by a car bomb in 1964. Michael Genovese later succeeded Sebastian John LaRocca as Pittsburgh's Boss.)
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| J. Naples (L) and L. Strollo |
In August 1991 Pittsburgh Member Joseph Naples shot to death. Following
murder Pittsburgh Member Lenine 'Lenny' Strollo summoned to meeting with Imburgia and Pittsburgh Member Pasquale 'Pat' Ferruccio.
During meeting Ferruccio and Imburgia informed Strollo that he was
inheriting the deceased Naples' position. Strollo later testified: "They told me that I was going to be the boss of Youngstown." (Strollo, who was inducted around the same time as Naples in the mid-1980s, later became a cooperating witness. He was one of only two Pittsburgh Members to defect and the only one who went on to testify at a trial.)
By 1992 maintained additional residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
On February 1, 1992 The Pittsburgh Press published article re LCN skimming of local bingo events including charity games held at Pacar Center in Newcastle, Pennsyvlania. Article noted: "[Pennsylvania Crime Commission Agent] Keller said Pacar Center bought nearly all of its bingo supplies and most of its strip tickets from Nannicola Wholesale Co. of Warren, Ohio. Keller identified Frank Nannicola, the company's owner, as the son-in-law of Charles Imburgia. Keller identified Imburgia as a Pittsburgh LCN member. 'This afforded the Pittsburgh LCN entry into the operation of the Pacar Center and full knowledge of the amount of money generated in bingo and strip tickets,' Keller said. And this, coupled with a lack of records maintained by the Pacar Center, 'opened the door for a full-fledged skimming operation, with LCN as one of the many benefactors.'"
By 1992 maintained additional residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
On February 1, 1992 The Pittsburgh Press published article re LCN skimming of local bingo events including charity games held at Pacar Center in Newcastle, Pennsyvlania. Article noted: "[Pennsylvania Crime Commission Agent] Keller said Pacar Center bought nearly all of its bingo supplies and most of its strip tickets from Nannicola Wholesale Co. of Warren, Ohio. Keller identified Frank Nannicola, the company's owner, as the son-in-law of Charles Imburgia. Keller identified Imburgia as a Pittsburgh LCN member. 'This afforded the Pittsburgh LCN entry into the operation of the Pacar Center and full knowledge of the amount of money generated in bingo and strip tickets,' Keller said. And this, coupled with a lack of records maintained by the Pacar Center, 'opened the door for a full-fledged skimming operation, with LCN as one of the many benefactors.'"
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| M. Genovese (1980) |
On April 7, 1992 Pennsylvania Crime Commission published annual organized crime report. Report noted Imburgia's nephew, Pittsburgh Associate Anthony Murgie (50y), owned Verona Auto Sales located on Allegheny River Blvd in Verona, PA. Lot used as meeting place by Pittsburgh Acting (?) Boss Michael Genovese and associates.
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
By early 2000s resided on Shadowridge Drive in Niles, Ohio.
Died March 7, 2002.
Three days later waked at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel at 1884 North RD NE in Warren.
Buried in Crown Hill Park located in Vienna, Ohio.
In April 2023 Paul N. Hodos' Steel City Mafia: Blood, Betrayal and Pittsburgh's Last Don published. Book described Charles Imburgia as the 'alleged' Pittsburgh Consigliere who 'reportedly' replaced Joseph Sica when the latter stepped down. Book stated that during the mid-1980s Imburgia was instrumental in arranging an even split of Trumbull County, Ohio gambling profits between the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Families. (In its annual report from 1991, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission related the Trumbull County arrangement but instead described Imburgia only as a 'member'. The 1993 FBI list posted above also lists Imburgia as a Soldier.)
More Pittsburgh Family posts can be found in the Index.
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
By early 2000s resided on Shadowridge Drive in Niles, Ohio.
Died March 7, 2002.
Three days later waked at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel at 1884 North RD NE in Warren.
Buried in Crown Hill Park located in Vienna, Ohio.
In April 2023 Paul N. Hodos' Steel City Mafia: Blood, Betrayal and Pittsburgh's Last Don published. Book described Charles Imburgia as the 'alleged' Pittsburgh Consigliere who 'reportedly' replaced Joseph Sica when the latter stepped down. Book stated that during the mid-1980s Imburgia was instrumental in arranging an even split of Trumbull County, Ohio gambling profits between the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Families. (In its annual report from 1991, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission related the Trumbull County arrangement but instead described Imburgia only as a 'member'. The 1993 FBI list posted above also lists Imburgia as a Soldier.)
More Pittsburgh Family posts can be found in the Index.
