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| Gang Land News |
Joseph 'Joe Legs' Legrano was a Colombo Soldier based in Staten Island.
Probably an Associate by the early 1970s, he was inducted in late 1988 after participating in the murder of Colombo Acting Consigliere Vincent 'Jimmy' Angellino.
A member of Orena-loyalist crews during early 1991, Legrano defected to the Persicos when hostilities broke out between the two factions later that year. He was an active participant in the war and loaned out one of his associates to a Persico hit crew.
Born February 13, 1942 in Manhattan to Stephen (29y) and Jeannette Grimaldi (30y). Father's parents from Province of Potenza, Basilicata (mother born in Laurenzana comune). Mother's family believed from Auletta comune of Salerno, Campania.
At the time of Joseph's birth the family was residing at 56 Catherine St in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. His father and uncle co-owned Steve's Meat Market.
Around 1950 the Legranos moved from Manhattan to Staten Island.
By Fall 1959 they were residing at 37 Waterside St in the borough's New Dorp Beach section.
Through the 1960s Legrano's name turned up in the press for various auto mishaps and petty crimes.
While driving in the neighborhood on May 5, 1960, he struck and seriously injured a child crossing the street.
On July 5, 1960 arrested for traffic violation while driving on New Dorp Lane. On August 1, 1960 fined $2 in Magistrate's Court. Staten Island Advance reported: "What he called a friendly wave to a fellow motorist cost [Legrano $2]...[Patrolman] said that Legrano had his arm out the car window for more than a wave...[Magistrate] ruled against the driver and lectured him about driving with his hand out the window."
On September 17, 1960 involved in single car accident in Dongan Hills. Staten Island Advance reported: "A group of teen-agers escaped injury early this morning when the car in which they were riding flipped over on its roof [but] was kept from collapsing when the trunk came to rest on a fire hydrant...Legrano said he was driving along Flagg Pl. [shortly] after midnight when he was blinded by the lights of an oncoming auto as he neared Four Corners Rd. He swerved suddenly, causing the car to flip over, he said."
On March 14, 1962 involved in single car accident on Drumgoole Rd in Pleasant Plains, Staten Island. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Driver (19y)] was admitted to Richmond Memorial Hospital with cuts about the face. Her condition is listed as fairly good. Her passenger, Joseph Legrano, 20, [was] treated at the hospital for scrapes about the nose and then went home."
On July 5, 1962 arrested by Staten Island PD on malicious mischief charge for punching out a car window. Staten Island Advance reported: "The complaint is made by [civilian whose] car ran out of gas Wednesday at 2 a.m. at Hylan Blvd. and New Dorp Lane. Leaving a female companion inside the locked car, he went for gas...It was while he was away that Legrano and several friends tried to get into the car and broke the door window in the attempt...The girl fled to a nearby house for safety." Legrano arraigned in Magistrate's Court and held on $100 bail. On July 9, 1962 complaint withdrawn.
On September 30, 1962 arrested along with Lawrence Chiarappo (19y) on disorderly conduct charges. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] charges them with being noisy [and fighting] shortly before midnight on New Dorp Lane...Chiarappo is also charged with assaulting [Patrolman], the result of a scuffle over the cop's nightstick." Chiarappo and Legrano arraigned before Judge Anthony E. Maglio and held on $1,000 bail and $500 bail respectively. On October 22, 1962 Chiarappo convicted and complaint against Legrano dismissed. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] testified that Chiarappo grabbed his nightstick and called him names when the cop went to break up a fight involving [Legrano]."
On December 7, 1963, shortly after midnight, Legrano and associate Charles Milford involved in fight in Great Kills section. Treated at Richmond Memorial Hospital. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Pair] told police they were attacked by five young men when they stopped for a traffic light [not] long after midnight...[Both] said they suffered cuts and bruises. Legrano told [Detective] he had stopped his car for a traffic light at Nelson Ave. and Hylan Blvd. when another car stopped alongside. Words were exchanged and a fight started, Legrano said."
On July 1, 1964 cited for fireworks violations. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] said Legrano discharged fireworks at New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza, New Dorp, about 2 o'clock this morning. The summons also charges Legrano with having fireworks in his car without a permit. [Patrolman] said he found more than 200 firecrackers and 22 roman candles on the back seat and in the trunk of Legrano's car."
On November 1, 1964 Robert Tomasulo married in New Dorp. Legrano served as Best Man. Ushers included John Pate, probably identical to the Future Colombo Captain of the same name. (John Pate [1941-] was inducted into the Colombo Family in the late 1970s. He and Legrano were closely associated in later years; they both supported Persico in the early 1990s war and were arrested together at a Persico safehouse in 1992.)
By 1965 family resided at 382 Guyon Ave in Oakwood, Staten Island. Employed with Daric Construction Company in Manhattan.
That October married at St. John Baptist de La Salle Roman Catholic Church in the Stapleton section. Bride's father believed from Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea comune of Potenza, Basilicata.
On November 12, 1968 arrested, along with Jimmie Lee (38y), on possessing policy slips and promoting gambling charges following NYPD raid on diner at 11 Harrison St in Port Richmond. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Detectives] arrested Lee in a rear room with two papers allegedly containing more than 1,250 policy plays...While the raid was taking place, Legrano, police said, walked in and was arrested by [Detectives] after two slips with 125 alleged plays were found in his possession." Legrano, giving the old family address on Waterside St, taken to Brooklyn Night Court for arraignment. On December 12 charges against Legrano dismissed on grounds illegal search.
On March 20, 1969 arrested following 'high-speed, bullet-punctuated' car chase in West Brighton. Chase began after Clyde Leak (42y) arrested while approaching Legrano's auto and found in possession of policy slips. Staten Island Advance reported: "When squad members attempted to question Legrano, who was still in the car, he allegedly threw the car into reverse, backed up a few feet, and roared away...[Legrano] arrested after the 10-minute chase when a police car cut him off and forced him to the side. Legrano narrowly missed running down a patrolman at the beginning of the chase, police said." Approximately fifty policy slips located inside vehicle. Legrano charged with felony promoting gambling, possessing gambling records and multiple traffic violations and held on $1,000 bail. On September 23, 1969 pair formally indicted. On October 3 Leak pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possessing gambling records and charges against Legrano dropped.
Probably an Associate by the early 1970s, he was inducted in late 1988 after participating in the murder of Colombo Acting Consigliere Vincent 'Jimmy' Angellino.
A member of Orena-loyalist crews during early 1991, Legrano defected to the Persicos when hostilities broke out between the two factions later that year. He was an active participant in the war and loaned out one of his associates to a Persico hit crew.
Born February 13, 1942 in Manhattan to Stephen (29y) and Jeannette Grimaldi (30y). Father's parents from Province of Potenza, Basilicata (mother born in Laurenzana comune). Mother's family believed from Auletta comune of Salerno, Campania.
At the time of Joseph's birth the family was residing at 56 Catherine St in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. His father and uncle co-owned Steve's Meat Market.
Around 1950 the Legranos moved from Manhattan to Staten Island.
By Fall 1959 they were residing at 37 Waterside St in the borough's New Dorp Beach section.
Through the 1960s Legrano's name turned up in the press for various auto mishaps and petty crimes.
While driving in the neighborhood on May 5, 1960, he struck and seriously injured a child crossing the street.
On July 5, 1960 arrested for traffic violation while driving on New Dorp Lane. On August 1, 1960 fined $2 in Magistrate's Court. Staten Island Advance reported: "What he called a friendly wave to a fellow motorist cost [Legrano $2]...[Patrolman] said that Legrano had his arm out the car window for more than a wave...[Magistrate] ruled against the driver and lectured him about driving with his hand out the window."
On September 17, 1960 involved in single car accident in Dongan Hills. Staten Island Advance reported: "A group of teen-agers escaped injury early this morning when the car in which they were riding flipped over on its roof [but] was kept from collapsing when the trunk came to rest on a fire hydrant...Legrano said he was driving along Flagg Pl. [shortly] after midnight when he was blinded by the lights of an oncoming auto as he neared Four Corners Rd. He swerved suddenly, causing the car to flip over, he said."
On March 14, 1962 involved in single car accident on Drumgoole Rd in Pleasant Plains, Staten Island. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Driver (19y)] was admitted to Richmond Memorial Hospital with cuts about the face. Her condition is listed as fairly good. Her passenger, Joseph Legrano, 20, [was] treated at the hospital for scrapes about the nose and then went home."
On July 5, 1962 arrested by Staten Island PD on malicious mischief charge for punching out a car window. Staten Island Advance reported: "The complaint is made by [civilian whose] car ran out of gas Wednesday at 2 a.m. at Hylan Blvd. and New Dorp Lane. Leaving a female companion inside the locked car, he went for gas...It was while he was away that Legrano and several friends tried to get into the car and broke the door window in the attempt...The girl fled to a nearby house for safety." Legrano arraigned in Magistrate's Court and held on $100 bail. On July 9, 1962 complaint withdrawn.
On September 30, 1962 arrested along with Lawrence Chiarappo (19y) on disorderly conduct charges. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] charges them with being noisy [and fighting] shortly before midnight on New Dorp Lane...Chiarappo is also charged with assaulting [Patrolman], the result of a scuffle over the cop's nightstick." Chiarappo and Legrano arraigned before Judge Anthony E. Maglio and held on $1,000 bail and $500 bail respectively. On October 22, 1962 Chiarappo convicted and complaint against Legrano dismissed. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] testified that Chiarappo grabbed his nightstick and called him names when the cop went to break up a fight involving [Legrano]."
On December 7, 1963, shortly after midnight, Legrano and associate Charles Milford involved in fight in Great Kills section. Treated at Richmond Memorial Hospital. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Pair] told police they were attacked by five young men when they stopped for a traffic light [not] long after midnight...[Both] said they suffered cuts and bruises. Legrano told [Detective] he had stopped his car for a traffic light at Nelson Ave. and Hylan Blvd. when another car stopped alongside. Words were exchanged and a fight started, Legrano said."
On July 1, 1964 cited for fireworks violations. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Patrolman] said Legrano discharged fireworks at New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza, New Dorp, about 2 o'clock this morning. The summons also charges Legrano with having fireworks in his car without a permit. [Patrolman] said he found more than 200 firecrackers and 22 roman candles on the back seat and in the trunk of Legrano's car."
On November 1, 1964 Robert Tomasulo married in New Dorp. Legrano served as Best Man. Ushers included John Pate, probably identical to the Future Colombo Captain of the same name. (John Pate [1941-] was inducted into the Colombo Family in the late 1970s. He and Legrano were closely associated in later years; they both supported Persico in the early 1990s war and were arrested together at a Persico safehouse in 1992.)
By 1965 family resided at 382 Guyon Ave in Oakwood, Staten Island. Employed with Daric Construction Company in Manhattan.
That October married at St. John Baptist de La Salle Roman Catholic Church in the Stapleton section. Bride's father believed from Castronuovo di Sant'Andrea comune of Potenza, Basilicata.
On November 12, 1968 arrested, along with Jimmie Lee (38y), on possessing policy slips and promoting gambling charges following NYPD raid on diner at 11 Harrison St in Port Richmond. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Detectives] arrested Lee in a rear room with two papers allegedly containing more than 1,250 policy plays...While the raid was taking place, Legrano, police said, walked in and was arrested by [Detectives] after two slips with 125 alleged plays were found in his possession." Legrano, giving the old family address on Waterside St, taken to Brooklyn Night Court for arraignment. On December 12 charges against Legrano dismissed on grounds illegal search.
On March 20, 1969 arrested following 'high-speed, bullet-punctuated' car chase in West Brighton. Chase began after Clyde Leak (42y) arrested while approaching Legrano's auto and found in possession of policy slips. Staten Island Advance reported: "When squad members attempted to question Legrano, who was still in the car, he allegedly threw the car into reverse, backed up a few feet, and roared away...[Legrano] arrested after the 10-minute chase when a police car cut him off and forced him to the side. Legrano narrowly missed running down a patrolman at the beginning of the chase, police said." Approximately fifty policy slips located inside vehicle. Legrano charged with felony promoting gambling, possessing gambling records and multiple traffic violations and held on $1,000 bail. On September 23, 1969 pair formally indicted. On October 3 Leak pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possessing gambling records and charges against Legrano dropped.
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| J. LaForte |
The SIA noted that police records carried Legrano as a 'collector' for Gambino Associate Joseph 'Joe the Cat' LaForte. (Joseph LaForte [1917-2016] was then a proposed Associate under Gambino Captain Joseph Gennaro. After Gennaro died in 1968 LaForte was reporting directly to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. He was inducted into that Family after the books opened in 1976.)
By 1973 resided at 223 Canal St in Stapleton.
On February 20 of that year among 6 arrested by NYPD's Bronx District Attorney's Squad on smuggling charges following raid on warehouse at 289 E 139th St in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Others arrested included Anthony Barlotta (42y) and Salvatore DiVito (32y). Press noted Legrano and two others offered police $13,000 'to forget it all'. Legrano held on $50,000 bail. (Anthony Barlotta [1930-2005], father from Palermo, resided on Oakdale St in Great Kills. DiVito was described as a Brooklyn resident.)
By 1973 resided at 223 Canal St in Stapleton.
On February 20 of that year among 6 arrested by NYPD's Bronx District Attorney's Squad on smuggling charges following raid on warehouse at 289 E 139th St in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Others arrested included Anthony Barlotta (42y) and Salvatore DiVito (32y). Press noted Legrano and two others offered police $13,000 'to forget it all'. Legrano held on $50,000 bail. (Anthony Barlotta [1930-2005], father from Palermo, resided on Oakdale St in Great Kills. DiVito was described as a Brooklyn resident.)
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| C. Panarella |
On February 6, 1975 NYPD advised FBI New York: "[Det] advised John DeRoss, [redacted] Charlie 'Moose' Panarella, has been observed with Panarella visiting the home of Joseph Legrano, a major NYC smuggler."
Colombo Captain Charles Panarella (1922-2017) was headquartered in Staten Island but headed a large crew with interests throughout the city. His brother-in-law, Colombo Associate John 'Jackie' DeRoss (1937-), was inducted into the Family in the late 1970s. It's possible Legrano was affiliated with this crew; John Pate (noted above) had been a Panarella associate for a couple of years by this time.
On June 17, 1980 arrested on Federal indictment out of the US Attorney's Office in Virginia for racketeering and smuggling related charges. Press noted 'some members' of the ring were linked to the Colombo Family.
Legrano was then residing at 116 Dalton Ave in New Dorp.
On August 21, 1980 pleaded guilty in US District Court Norfolk, Virginia to two counts in the indictment. As of late 1980 it was noted the sentencing was delayed due to Legrano being hospitalized.
By the mid-1980s resided at 8 Trent St in Great Kills.
By Fall 1988 possible Associate in crew headed by Colombo Captain Carmine Sessa.
Colombo Captain Charles Panarella (1922-2017) was headquartered in Staten Island but headed a large crew with interests throughout the city. His brother-in-law, Colombo Associate John 'Jackie' DeRoss (1937-), was inducted into the Family in the late 1970s. It's possible Legrano was affiliated with this crew; John Pate (noted above) had been a Panarella associate for a couple of years by this time.
On June 17, 1980 arrested on Federal indictment out of the US Attorney's Office in Virginia for racketeering and smuggling related charges. Press noted 'some members' of the ring were linked to the Colombo Family.
Legrano was then residing at 116 Dalton Ave in New Dorp.
On August 21, 1980 pleaded guilty in US District Court Norfolk, Virginia to two counts in the indictment. As of late 1980 it was noted the sentencing was delayed due to Legrano being hospitalized.
By the mid-1980s resided at 8 Trent St in Great Kills.
By Fall 1988 possible Associate in crew headed by Colombo Captain Carmine Sessa.
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| C. Sessa Gang Land News |
Sessa was promoted to Captain over a newly formed crew the previous August.
Made members of Sessa's crew at the time included Joel 'Joe Waverly' Cacace, John 'Johnny Sap' Saponaro and Robert 'Bobby Zam' Zambardi.
Associates of interest included Joseph 'Joey Brains' Ambrosino, Michael Bolino, Calogero 'Louie Cannoli' Borgognone, Jerome 'Jerry' Ciauri (stepson of Zambardi), Anthony 'Bird' Coluccio, Lawrence 'Larry' Fiorenza and Carmine's younger brother Michael Sessa. (Coluccio was murdered the following year. Ambrosino defected in 1992. Jerome Ciauri, initially turned down for membership in 1991, was later made around 2013. Around 2008 Family members summoned Calogero Borgognone to a meeting and publicly reprimanded him for falsely passing himself off as a made member.)
Made members of Sessa's crew at the time included Joel 'Joe Waverly' Cacace, John 'Johnny Sap' Saponaro and Robert 'Bobby Zam' Zambardi.
Associates of interest included Joseph 'Joey Brains' Ambrosino, Michael Bolino, Calogero 'Louie Cannoli' Borgognone, Jerome 'Jerry' Ciauri (stepson of Zambardi), Anthony 'Bird' Coluccio, Lawrence 'Larry' Fiorenza and Carmine's younger brother Michael Sessa. (Coluccio was murdered the following year. Ambrosino defected in 1992. Jerome Ciauri, initially turned down for membership in 1991, was later made around 2013. Around 2008 Family members summoned Calogero Borgognone to a meeting and publicly reprimanded him for falsely passing himself off as a made member.)
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| Excerpt from Brooklyn District Attorney's Office Chart |
On November 15, 1988 Legrano participated in the murder of Colombo Acting Consigliere Vincent 'Jimmy' Angellino. Murder authorized by the Family's imprisoned Boss Carmine 'Junior' Persico. Co-conspirators included Acting Boss 'Little Vic' Orena, Acting Underboss Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi and Captain Theodore 'Teddy' Persico. (Theodore was Carmine Persico's younger brother.)
Angellino was driven by Colombo Soldier 'Fat Dennis' DeLucia to the Kenilworth, New Jersey residence of Colombo Soldier Rocco Cagno. Once inside the home Angellino was ambushed and shot to death by Captains William Cutolo and Carmine Sessa. Others present were Rocco Cagno and his brother, Colombo Soldier Aurelio 'Ray' Cagno, as well as Colombo Soldier James 'Jimmy' Randazzo and Associate Joseph Legrano. Body taken by Randazzo to Staten Island where cremated. (It's possible the remains were given to Jack Leale, a Colombo Associate and freelance funeral director. A few months later Leale disposed of the body of a murdered Lucchese Member in a similar fashion. Randazzo was himself killed in 1993 by a hit team that included the Cagno brothers.)
In late December 1988 forty-six-year-old Legrano and several others were inducted into the Colombo Family in a ceremony believed presided over by Acting Boss Vic Orena.
Others inducted included Vincent 'Schwartzie' Cascio Jr. (50y), Robert Donofrio (32y), Lawrence 'Larry Monk' Micciolo (46y) and Michael Sessa (29y).
On February 9, 1989 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] said Joe La Grone (ph) was recently made in the Colombo Family and is from Staten Island, in Carmine Sessa’s crew.”
On June 27-28, 1989 wake for a Persico relative held at Family-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Attendees included Colombo Acting Boss Vic Orena, Acting Underboss William Cutolo, Captain Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo, Soldiers Vincent Cascio Jr. and Joseph Legrano as well as Associates Frank Campanella, Joseph Campanella, Michael D'Amico and Michael Spataro.
Angellino was driven by Colombo Soldier 'Fat Dennis' DeLucia to the Kenilworth, New Jersey residence of Colombo Soldier Rocco Cagno. Once inside the home Angellino was ambushed and shot to death by Captains William Cutolo and Carmine Sessa. Others present were Rocco Cagno and his brother, Colombo Soldier Aurelio 'Ray' Cagno, as well as Colombo Soldier James 'Jimmy' Randazzo and Associate Joseph Legrano. Body taken by Randazzo to Staten Island where cremated. (It's possible the remains were given to Jack Leale, a Colombo Associate and freelance funeral director. A few months later Leale disposed of the body of a murdered Lucchese Member in a similar fashion. Randazzo was himself killed in 1993 by a hit team that included the Cagno brothers.)
In late December 1988 forty-six-year-old Legrano and several others were inducted into the Colombo Family in a ceremony believed presided over by Acting Boss Vic Orena.
Others inducted included Vincent 'Schwartzie' Cascio Jr. (50y), Robert Donofrio (32y), Lawrence 'Larry Monk' Micciolo (46y) and Michael Sessa (29y).
On February 9, 1989 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] said Joe La Grone (ph) was recently made in the Colombo Family and is from Staten Island, in Carmine Sessa’s crew.”
On June 27-28, 1989 wake for a Persico relative held at Family-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Attendees included Colombo Acting Boss Vic Orena, Acting Underboss William Cutolo, Captain Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo, Soldiers Vincent Cascio Jr. and Joseph Legrano as well as Associates Frank Campanella, Joseph Campanella, Michael D'Amico and Michael Spataro.
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| A. Persico New York Daily News |
On September 13-14, 1989 wake for Colombo Consigliere Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico held at Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home on 86th St. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti, Colombo Acting Boss Vic Orena, Lucchese Underboss Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso, Colombo Acting Underboss William Cutolo, Gambino Consigliere Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano, Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero as well as several Captains and dozens of Soldiers from the various Families including Joseph Legrano.
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| J. Baudanza (L) and J. Campanella |
In December 1989 Acting Boss Vic Orena presided over ceremony where three new members formally inducted into Colombo Family. Ceremony held inside Long Island residence belonging to daughter of Colombo Soldier Ralph Lombardo. Those present included Orena, Acting Underboss William Cutolo, Captain Pasquale 'Pat' Amato, Captain Joseph Scopo and Soldiers John and Vic Orena Jr. Those inducted were Joseph Baudanza (45y), Joseph Campanella (40y) and an Unsub. Campanella driven to the ceremony by Soldiers Robert Donofrio and Joseph Legrano. (The third inductee might have been Pasquale 'Patty' Catalano; a later FBI report notes he was made 'at Christmas 1989'. Campanella defected in 2003.)
Around 1990 Colombo Soldiers Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano and Michael Sessa attended christening for daughter of Associate Joseph Ambrosino. Sessa served as the child's godfather.
By early 1990 made members of Carmine Sessa's crew included Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano, Lawrence Micciolo, Michael Sessa and Henry 'Hank the Bank' Smurra.
On March 16, 1990 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] following individuals are members of the Colombo LCN Family: Robert Donofrio – Under Carmine Sessa; Joseph Legrano – Under Carmine Sessa; Michael Sessa – Under Carmine Sessa; Larry ‘Monk’ – Under Carmine Sessa.”
On April 19, 1990 CI Scarpa reported: “Concerning Carmine Sessa and Joe Legrano, source said both frequent a fruit market in the Stapleton area of Staten Island which is across the street from a body and fender shop owned by Carmine’s brother, Anthony Sessa. Source noted Anthony Sessa’s body shop is used as a chop shop.”
On June 16, 1990 Boss Carmine Persico's son Lawrence married, with the reception held at El Caribe Caterers on Strickland Ave in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. Attendees included Acting Boss Vic Orena, at least six Family Captains and at least twelve Soldiers including Joseph Legrano.
That month crew leader Carmine Sessa was elected the Family's Consigliere. Benedetto Aloi, who had replaced the murdered Vincent Angellino in that position, was shifted to Underboss.
Around 1990 Colombo Soldiers Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano and Michael Sessa attended christening for daughter of Associate Joseph Ambrosino. Sessa served as the child's godfather.
By early 1990 made members of Carmine Sessa's crew included Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano, Lawrence Micciolo, Michael Sessa and Henry 'Hank the Bank' Smurra.
On March 16, 1990 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] following individuals are members of the Colombo LCN Family: Robert Donofrio – Under Carmine Sessa; Joseph Legrano – Under Carmine Sessa; Michael Sessa – Under Carmine Sessa; Larry ‘Monk’ – Under Carmine Sessa.”
On April 19, 1990 CI Scarpa reported: “Concerning Carmine Sessa and Joe Legrano, source said both frequent a fruit market in the Stapleton area of Staten Island which is across the street from a body and fender shop owned by Carmine’s brother, Anthony Sessa. Source noted Anthony Sessa’s body shop is used as a chop shop.”
On June 16, 1990 Boss Carmine Persico's son Lawrence married, with the reception held at El Caribe Caterers on Strickland Ave in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. Attendees included Acting Boss Vic Orena, at least six Family Captains and at least twelve Soldiers including Joseph Legrano.
That month crew leader Carmine Sessa was elected the Family's Consigliere. Benedetto Aloi, who had replaced the murdered Vincent Angellino in that position, was shifted to Underboss.
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| W. Cutolo |
By February 1991 Legrano was reporting to William Cutolo.
Formerly the Acting Underboss, Cutolo was demoted back to Captain when Benedetto Aloi took the official spot.
By Spring 1991 made members of Cutolo's crew included Joel Cacace, Richard 'Richie the Jeweler' Capichano, Robert Donofrio, Joseph 'Joe Smash' Gambale, Joseph 'Joe Notch' Iannaci, Joseph Legrano, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore and Alfonso 'Peanuts' Serrantonio.
On March 26, 1991 CI Scarpa reported: “[Capo] Billy Cutolo owns the Gregory Hotel, 8315 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn and he can be found there every afternoon. Source identified members of Cutolo’s crew as: Joel Cacace, Robert Donofrio, Joseph Iannaci, Joseph Legrano, Antonio Magliocco, Joseph [Alfonso] Sorrentino.”
By Spring 1991 made members of Cutolo's crew included Joel Cacace, Richard 'Richie the Jeweler' Capichano, Robert Donofrio, Joseph 'Joe Smash' Gambale, Joseph 'Joe Notch' Iannaci, Joseph Legrano, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore and Alfonso 'Peanuts' Serrantonio.
On March 26, 1991 CI Scarpa reported: “[Capo] Billy Cutolo owns the Gregory Hotel, 8315 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn and he can be found there every afternoon. Source identified members of Cutolo’s crew as: Joel Cacace, Robert Donofrio, Joseph Iannaci, Joseph Legrano, Antonio Magliocco, Joseph [Alfonso] Sorrentino.”
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| N. Grancio |
In April 1991 Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio was promoted to Captain of a new crew.
By the following month made members of Grancio's crew included Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Joseph 'Joe Black' Gorgone, Joseph Legrano, Anthony 'Butch' Maltese, Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia and Ralph 'Ralphie Patches' Piccirillo.
On June 21, 1991 Acting Boss Vic Orena narrowly avoided an attempt on his life perpetrated by Consigliere Carmine Sessa and other Persico loyalists.
After a short period of time a truce between the factions was reached, although CI Scarpa reported in August that Orena had demoted several dissident Captains.
Despite the decree the Persico side continued operating as before, and on October 6 Legrano attended a meeting between the factions. Three days later CI Scarpa summarized: "Representing Orena were the following: Benny Aloi, Nicky Grancio, Billy Cutolo, Funzi D’Ambrosio, Joel Cacace, Joe Legrano. Representing the Persico faction: Richie Fusco, Jo Jo Russo, Teddy Persico, Joe Monte. Source said Teddy Persico opened the meeting by asking Benny Aloi if those members backing Vic Orena recognized Carmine Persico as the Colombo Boss. Aloi said Persico was recognized as a Boss, but Vic Orena speaks for the Colombo Family. At that point Teddy Persico said Carmine Persico was the official Boss, and not Orena, and demanded all the money the Persicos should have gotten over the past several years that had gone to Orena. The Orena faction said they were there to resolve any differences and a meeting should take place. However, Teddy Persico said until that side recognized Carmine Persico as the official Boss, and Orena would no longer be the Acting Boss, there would be no further discussions. Source said word would be gotten to Carmine Persico this week and expected serious trouble to follow pending Persico’s anticipated response.”
By the first half of November Legrano had defected from Orena and joined Captain John Pate and others on the Persico side.
By the following month made members of Grancio's crew included Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Joseph 'Joe Black' Gorgone, Joseph Legrano, Anthony 'Butch' Maltese, Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia and Ralph 'Ralphie Patches' Piccirillo.
On June 21, 1991 Acting Boss Vic Orena narrowly avoided an attempt on his life perpetrated by Consigliere Carmine Sessa and other Persico loyalists.
After a short period of time a truce between the factions was reached, although CI Scarpa reported in August that Orena had demoted several dissident Captains.
Despite the decree the Persico side continued operating as before, and on October 6 Legrano attended a meeting between the factions. Three days later CI Scarpa summarized: "Representing Orena were the following: Benny Aloi, Nicky Grancio, Billy Cutolo, Funzi D’Ambrosio, Joel Cacace, Joe Legrano. Representing the Persico faction: Richie Fusco, Jo Jo Russo, Teddy Persico, Joe Monte. Source said Teddy Persico opened the meeting by asking Benny Aloi if those members backing Vic Orena recognized Carmine Persico as the Colombo Boss. Aloi said Persico was recognized as a Boss, but Vic Orena speaks for the Colombo Family. At that point Teddy Persico said Carmine Persico was the official Boss, and not Orena, and demanded all the money the Persicos should have gotten over the past several years that had gone to Orena. The Orena faction said they were there to resolve any differences and a meeting should take place. However, Teddy Persico said until that side recognized Carmine Persico as the official Boss, and Orena would no longer be the Acting Boss, there would be no further discussions. Source said word would be gotten to Carmine Persico this week and expected serious trouble to follow pending Persico’s anticipated response.”
By the first half of November Legrano had defected from Orena and joined Captain John Pate and others on the Persico side.
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| R. Donofrio Gang Land News |
Colombo Soldier Robert Donofrio also defected from the Orena faction and began reporting to Captain Richard 'Richie Nerves' Fusco. He had previously been in the crew headed by William Cutolo, one of Orena's strongest supporters.
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| W. Cutolo |
Using information supplied by Donofrio, the Persico faction dispatched a hit team to the residence of Cutolo's girlfriend in Staten Island in a failed attempt to locate the victim. Legrano and several others were co-conspirators in the plot.
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| L to R: V. Orena, J. Scopo, T. Petrizzo |
On November 23 Acting Boss Vic Orena, Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo and Captain Thomas Petrizzo were spotted in discussion outside a social club on 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. A hit team was assembled, but by the time they arrived at the location Orena and Petrizzo had already left. Scopo was seen inside the club playing cards with Gambino member Nicholas Corozzo and the attempt was called off to avoid accidentally hitting Corozzo or another Gambino affiliate. Joseph Legrano was a co-conspirator and possibly a member of the actual hit team.
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| M. Spataro Gang Land News |
In late December 1991 Cutolo Associate Michael Spataro was the subject of an unsuccessful murder attempt by the Persicos. Co-conspirators included Acting Captain Joseph 'Lefty' SanGiorgio, Acting Captain Michael Sessa, Soldier Joseph Legrano and several Associates including Frank 'Frankie Steele' Pontillo. (SanGiorgio and Sessa were Acting for Captains for Richard Fusco and Robert Zambardi respectively.)
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| F. Pontillo Gang Land News |
Pontillo, on-record with Legrano, had been loaned out to Sessa's hit crew. CW Joseph Ambrosino later testified: "Joey let [Pontillo] stay with Michael during the war while we were going after the Orena faction."
On January 7, 1992 Legrano's Former Captain Nicholas Grancio was killed by the Persicos in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
On June 6, 1992 Legrano and several others participated in another unsuccessful attempt on Captain William Cutolo. Plot failed when hit team arrived after Cutolo had already left the location where spotted. A followup attempt planned for one week later was aborted after Associate Joseph Ambrosino's June 10th arrest. (Ambrosino flipped within twenty-four hours of the arrest.)
On June 25, 1992 among five arrested by FBI Agents following indictment by US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on Federal racketeering charges. Those arrested were Colombo Captain John Pate, Acting Captain Joseph SanGiorgio and Soldiers Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano and Lawrence Micciolo. Group apprehended at Persico faction safehouse located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Firearms, bulletproof vests, scanners and various related items seized. An address book seized from Legrano included entries for Acting Captain Michael Sessa and Former Associate Joseph Ambrosino.
Donofrio, Legrano and Micciolo pleaded guilty.
John Pate was convicted at trial in December 1992 and subsequently became a Cooperating Witness.
On March 15, 1993 Legrano sentenced by EDNY Judge I. Leo Glasser to ninety-seven months Federal imprisonment, three years supervised release and fined $25,000.
Following month Consigliere Carmine Sessa arrested on a Federal racketeering indictment and also defected.
On May 20, 1993 Legrano received at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
On February 2, 1994 among four indicted by USAO EDNY on Federal racketeering charges that included involvement in 1988 murder of Vincent Angellino. Those indicted were Colombo Acting Captain (?) Rocco Cagno and Soldiers Aurelio Cagno, Dennis DeLucia and Joseph Legrano. (Rocco Cagno was by then a CW as well and had worked in a proactive role recording conversations on the street.)
In August 1995 Legrano and Dennis DeLucia stood trial in USDC Brooklyn. Prosecution witnesses included Carmine Sessa and Rocco Cagno.
As the jury was deliberating the case, DeLucia reached a deal with prosecutors and entered a last-minute guilty plea. Staten Island Advance later reported: "DeLucia said in court he drove Angellino to New Jersey, knowing that Angellino was to be killed...DeLucia will serve 6 1/2 years in prison as part of his deal."
On August 14 Legrano convicted. Staten Island Advance reported: "Legrano will be sentenced in about two months, after a federal probation report is completed."
On November 27, 1995 Aurelio Cagno also pleaded guilty to the charges.
On November 1, 1996 Legrano was sentenced by EDNY Judge Allyne R. Ross to twenty-five years imprisonment.
On December 2, 1996 transferred to FCI Allenwood, Pennsylvania.
His associate Frank Pontillo, also convicted of war-related offenses, was released from Federal prison in late 2009.
On January 7, 1992 Legrano's Former Captain Nicholas Grancio was killed by the Persicos in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
On June 6, 1992 Legrano and several others participated in another unsuccessful attempt on Captain William Cutolo. Plot failed when hit team arrived after Cutolo had already left the location where spotted. A followup attempt planned for one week later was aborted after Associate Joseph Ambrosino's June 10th arrest. (Ambrosino flipped within twenty-four hours of the arrest.)
On June 25, 1992 among five arrested by FBI Agents following indictment by US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on Federal racketeering charges. Those arrested were Colombo Captain John Pate, Acting Captain Joseph SanGiorgio and Soldiers Robert Donofrio, Joseph Legrano and Lawrence Micciolo. Group apprehended at Persico faction safehouse located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Firearms, bulletproof vests, scanners and various related items seized. An address book seized from Legrano included entries for Acting Captain Michael Sessa and Former Associate Joseph Ambrosino.
Donofrio, Legrano and Micciolo pleaded guilty.
John Pate was convicted at trial in December 1992 and subsequently became a Cooperating Witness.
On March 15, 1993 Legrano sentenced by EDNY Judge I. Leo Glasser to ninety-seven months Federal imprisonment, three years supervised release and fined $25,000.
Following month Consigliere Carmine Sessa arrested on a Federal racketeering indictment and also defected.
On May 20, 1993 Legrano received at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
On February 2, 1994 among four indicted by USAO EDNY on Federal racketeering charges that included involvement in 1988 murder of Vincent Angellino. Those indicted were Colombo Acting Captain (?) Rocco Cagno and Soldiers Aurelio Cagno, Dennis DeLucia and Joseph Legrano. (Rocco Cagno was by then a CW as well and had worked in a proactive role recording conversations on the street.)
In August 1995 Legrano and Dennis DeLucia stood trial in USDC Brooklyn. Prosecution witnesses included Carmine Sessa and Rocco Cagno.
As the jury was deliberating the case, DeLucia reached a deal with prosecutors and entered a last-minute guilty plea. Staten Island Advance later reported: "DeLucia said in court he drove Angellino to New Jersey, knowing that Angellino was to be killed...DeLucia will serve 6 1/2 years in prison as part of his deal."
On August 14 Legrano convicted. Staten Island Advance reported: "Legrano will be sentenced in about two months, after a federal probation report is completed."
On November 27, 1995 Aurelio Cagno also pleaded guilty to the charges.
On November 1, 1996 Legrano was sentenced by EDNY Judge Allyne R. Ross to twenty-five years imprisonment.
On December 2, 1996 transferred to FCI Allenwood, Pennsylvania.
His associate Frank Pontillo, also convicted of war-related offenses, was released from Federal prison in late 2009.
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| c. 2000s |
Joseph Legrano died October 3, 2017 at the Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts.
On October 9 waked at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home located at 7447 Amboy Rd in Tottenville, Staten Island.
Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.
On October 9 waked at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home located at 7447 Amboy Rd in Tottenville, Staten Island.
Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.
More Colombo Family posts can be found in the Index.
