Monday, July 6, 2026

Alessio Barrasso (DeCavalcante)

1964
Alessio 'Albert / Al Bar' Barrasso was a New Jersey-based LCN Member, probably with the Colombos, who later transferred to the DeCavalcante Family.

Born September 26, 1906 in Newark to John (21y) and Mary Barrasso (21y). Father believed from Avellino, Campania.

By April 1910 family was residing at 230 Academy St in University Heights section of Newark's Central Ward. Father listed occupation as shoemaker.

By June 1915 moved south to 264 Newton St in Central Ward's Springfield / Belmont neighborhood. Father listed occupation as shop hand.

As of September 1918 the family was living at 72 Prospect St in North Ironbound, Newark. Father employed as shoemaker at 473 Orange St in Roseville.

John Barrasso died the following month, after which Alessio's mother remarried Antonio Laurano, a shoemaker from Grottaminarda in Avellino. (This town might also be where the Barrasso family was from.)

In 1927 married first wife Maria Del Presto.

By April 1930 the couple and their daughter resided at 359 15th Ave in Springfield / Belmont. Alessio listed occupation as printer.

First arrested in or around 1934.

Possibly affiliated with the Newark Family prior to its disbandment around the late 1930s.

By April 1940 resided at 61 Chestnut St in North Arlington, New Jersey. Self-employed printer at same address.

Around January 20, 1941 arrested for violating state gambling laws re policy operation at 717 Elm St in Kearny, New Jersey.

Subsequently pleaded guilty and, on June 20, sentenced by Special Sessions Court Judge to one year probation and $1,000 fine.

On October 23, 1942 arrested by FBI for failing to notify local draft board of address change. Arraigned before US Commissioner William J. Bartholomew and released on $500 bail pending Grand Jury action. Address noted as 545 South Clinton St in East Orange, NJ.

Around 1943 divorced first wife.

By April 1950 resided with second wife Marion Carbone (32y) at 403 Abbington Ave in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

The Star-Ledger (May 26, 1951)
On May 23, 1951 among five arrested by FBI Newark for transporting approximately $20,000 worth of stolen Canadian Savings Bonds. Others charged were John Giorgio (45y), Angelo Grasso (33y), Frank Raimondi (41y) and Peter Surdi (45y). Bonds taken as part of August 28, 1950 robbery at Canadian Bank of Commerce located in Ontario, Canada. The Star-Ledger reported: "All five are specifically charged with interstate transportation of the stolen securities, but none is believed involved in the actual robbery. [FBI Agent] said the possibility of an international bond theft ring is under investigation." Barrasso released on $25,000 bail.

By 1958 believed to have been a formally inducted Colombo member and likely reported to Salvatore Lombardino, the Family's New Jersey Captain at the time.

S. Lombardino
Made members of Lombardino's crew included Emanuel 'Nello' Cammarata, Salvatore Cammarata, Salvatore Cannella, John D'Amico, Lombardino's nephews Andrew and Paul Lombardino, his sons Rosario and Salvatore 'Turi' Lombardino Jr., Arturo 'Art Price' Misuraca, 'Big John' Misuraca and Angelo Speciale.

Probable crew members included Gaspare D'Amico, John's older brother and the Former Newark Boss.

Barrasso may have been the crew's only mainlander. The Lombardinos were from Gibellina, Trapani. The remainder were from various towns in Palermo, including Borgetto (Salvatore Cammarata), Giardinello (the Misuraca brothers), Montelepre (Speciale) and Villabate (Emanuel Cammarata and the D'Amicos.)

As of the late 1950s the Family Boss was Joseph Profaci, who succeeded Salvatore DiBella around 1931. Joseph Magliocco and Joseph 'Peppino' Buffa served as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.

FBN Mafia Book
Around 1960 among approximately 800 reputed mobsters listed in Federal Bureau of Narcotics Mafia Book. Entry stated: "Once a prize fighter, he is considered to be a tough person and is well liked in the Mafia with which he has been associated for many years."

Then residing at 113 Willard Ave in Bloomfield.

The extent of Barrasso's involvement, if any, in the early 1960s Gallo war is unknown.

Following the death of Boss Joseph Profaci in early June 1962, his brother-in-law Joseph Magliocco took over as the Family's Acting Boss. (This was not sanctioned by the Commission, however, and Magliocco voluntarily stepped down in September 1963.)

On July 1, 1963 identified by FBI as LCN member whose Family affiliation was unknown.

Identified by Genovese Soldier turned CW Joseph Valachi as a made member in Genovese Captain Ruggiero 'Richie the Boot' Boiardo's Newark crew. (Valachi's knowledge on New Jersey LCN figures wasn't perfect, and he named several members of other Families, including Colombo Soldier Andrew Lombardino, as Boiardo crew members.)

On October 9, 1963 The Record reported on portions of Valachi's Senate testimony and described Barrasso as 'allegedly involved in extortion'.

On October 10, 1963 The Jersey Journal carried a story from United Press International re Valachi testimony, noting he identified Barrasso as having attended November 14, 1957 Apalachin meeting.

J. Colombo (2)
On April 5, 1964 Joseph Colombo was elected new Boss of the Colombo Family. He appointed Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo as his Underboss. Consigliere position initially vacant.

J. Misuraca (1964)
Colombo soon appointed John Misuraca as Captain of the Family's Jersey crew, replacing the ailing Salvatore Lombardino.

On December 9, 1964 arrested by Bloomfield, NJ PD. (See top)

On December 1, 1965 a meeting between Boss Joseph Colombo and the Misuraca crew held inside New York residence of unspecified Colombo Associate. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, Captains John 'Sonny' Franzese and Carmine 'Junior' Persico as well as Colombo Soldiers Nicholas Bianco, Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia and FBI CI Gregory Scarpa. Scarpa subsequently reported that the meeting was held for Colombo to extend holiday greetings to the crew and to hear any problems the members were having in the Family. Scarpa noted: "Meeting was held in New York because Salvatore Mineo, the Underboss, suffers from claustrophobia and will not drive through the tunnels from New York to New Jersey, if it can be avoided at all." Misuraca crew members named as attending meeting included John D'Amico, Andrew Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino (not clear if the father, son or both) and Paul LNU who was described as approximately thirty-five years old. Scarpa noted: "[In] addition there were 3 older men present, whose names he did not know. Informant stated that all of the members of Misuraca's regime reside in New Jersey." (There is no known Colombo member fitting Paul LNU's description. It's possible Scarpa confused the names and 'Paul' instead referred to sixty-one-year-old Paul Lombardino, who accompanied Misuraca to a wedding reception earlier in the year, rather than a younger individual. Barrasso wasn't specifically identified by Scarpa as having attended the meeting and his name doesn't appear in any of the latter's available CI reports.)

J. Yacovelli
By Fall 1967 the New Jersey crew was reporting to Captain Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 209 identified Genovese Family members.

That year retired from occupation as horse trainer.

S. DeCavalcante (1960s)
By mid-to-late 1960s affiliated with DeCavalcante Boss Simone 'Sam the Plumber' DeCavalcante.

On October 15, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated Kenworth Corp is definitely going out of business. They are down to three employees; at one time they had about 25 employees. The building housing their operations at 21 N Michigan Ave, Kenilworth is up for lease. Al Barrasso, who is known to the informant as Al Bar, [redacted]. Informant described Al Bar as a short, stocky individual, who owns a hair styling place in Bloomfield, New Jersey." (The FBI had bugged Kenworth Corp, a base of operations for DeCavalcante, a couple of years prior.)

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

On December 16, 1969 Barrasso, DeCav Boss Sam DeCavalcante and fifty-three others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Newark on Federal gambling charges.

Others indicted included DeCav Associates Joseph 'Joe C.' Caruano, Joseph 'Jo Jo' Ferrara, Joseph 'Joe Ipp' Ippolito and Charles Majuri. (All four would be inducted into the Family after the books opened in 1976.)

On December 30, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Those] individuals arrested in connection with Sam DeCavalcante and Al Barrasso, 12/1969, were attempting to 'get to' politicians in the Union County, New Jersey area. Informant stated many of the individuals that were arrested that [redacted] had expressed they were confused as to exactly which case and what violation they were actually arrested for. Informant stated there was discussion and confusion in the Union County area especially since the large scale arrest and many of those arrested were blaming one another for being the ones who actually opened up or informed about the operations."

On January 24, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Sam] DeCavalcante continues to make trips to his dentist in New York City after notifying US Attorney Lacey of his intentions. Informant stated Al Barrasso was recently arrested and charged with not having a valid New Jersey driver's license. Informant stated probably as a result of Barrasso's arrest, [Redacted] (LNU), who is described as a WM, [redacted] taller than DeCavalcante and possibly Italian, drives DeCavalcante to his dentist appointments. (This is believed to be [Redacted])."

Around mid-February 1971 Barrasso, DeCavalcante and others pleaded guilty during secret court sessions in US District Court Newark re December 1969 gambling indictment. The Herald-News reported: "Judge Garth said the secrecy he imposed was with the consent of all parties, in order to avoid publicity that might have prejudiced a fair trial for those who did not plead guilty."

On March 15, 1971 Barrasso and DeCavalcante were sentenced by Judge Garth to five years Federal imprisonment and fined $10,000 each.

By September 1972 serving sentence.

E. Cammarata
FBN Mafia Book
Early that month Colombo Soldier Emanuel Cammarata was shot to death in North Miami, Florida. Cammarata, hit with six to eight rounds fired from a .30 caliber carbine, died at hospital. The Miami Herald later reported: "...As he was lying in the street dying from multiple bullet wounds, Cammarata told onlookers, 'Don't call the police. I'll take care of it.'" Hit believed unsanctioned.

On October 13, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Alessio] Barrasso is very concerned about the recent killing of his long-time friend Emanuel Cammarata in Miami. [CI] advised that Barrasso and Cammarata were friends for about forty years. Barrasso, who is eligible for parole in [11/72], has made plans to visit Florida if he is released on parole. According to [CI] Barrasso will go to Florida to see Santo Trafficante Jr. to determine the reason behind the Cammarata 'hit'." (Santo Trafficante Jr. [1914-1987] was Tampa Family Boss.)

Same month 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.

By mid-to-late 1974 released from Federal prison.

On October 12, 1974 FBI CI reported: "[To] the best of his knowledge, the following individuals are members of the DeCavalcante LCN Family...Alessio Barrasso (transferee from a New York Family)."

On November 21, 1976 FBI CI reported: "[Sam] DeCavalcante's Federal tax case is scheduled to come up in approximately a week in Newark, New Jersey. According to informant, DeCavalcante is presently in Florida but will be in New Jersey prior to the scheduled hearing. Informant stated he saw DeCavalcante approximately two weeks ago at Ange and Mins Restaurant, Kenilworth, NJ in the company of Al Barrasso, Frank Majuri and John Riggi." (The following month John Riggi [1925-2015] was appointed the Family's Acting Boss; he took over officially after DeCavalcante stepped down in 1982. Ange and Min's was one of the Family's primary hangouts during the 1970s.)

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

On February 27, 1977 FBI CI reported: "[On] 2/18/77, he observed [Sam] DeCavalcante at Ange & Min's Restaurant, Kenilworth, New Jersey with [John] Riggi, Alessio Barrasso, [Redacted] and [Redacted]."

On February 28, 1977 FBI CI reported: "[CI] added that Alessio Barrasso of Bloomfield, New Jersey, was originally a Colombo Family member, who transferred to the DeCavalcante Family several years ago."

J. Riggi and Unsubs
In late January 1978 FBI's Newark Field Office advised FBI Los Angeles: "[John] Riggi is now considered the 'Acting Boss' of DeCavalcante business matters, however, Riggi still consults [Sam] DeCavalcante on matters of importance...Other Family members include the following: [List includes Alessio Barrasso]."

On October 31, 1978 US Tax Appeals Court Judge ordered DeCavalcante and Barrasso to pay taxes and penalties on gambling profits earned between July 1968 and December 15, 1969.

On March 19, 1979 included in FBI Newark list of twelve DeCav members residing in New Jersey.

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 Ruggiero Boiardo as a Captain and Alessio Barrasso as one of his crew members. (This report was outdated in at least some aspects, i.e. listing deceased members as current members.)

By 1980 resided in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

In November 1980 unspecified event held in New Jersey. Attendees included DeCav Acting Boss John Riggi, DeCav Captain (?) Louis 'Fat Lou' LaRasso, DeCav Soldiers Alessio Barrasso, Joseph Caruano and Frank Majuri, Bruno Soldier Pasquale 'Patty Specs' Martirano, Lucchese Soldier Michael Perna, Possible Colombo Member Peter 'Petie Black' Campisi, Bruno Associate Frank 'Reets' Martucci Jr. as well as Carl Lombardino, another son of Barrasso's former crew leader Salvatore Lombardino. (It's not clear when Peter Campisi was inducted into the Colombo Family, only that it was no later than 1991.)

John Riggi succeeded Sam DeCavalcante as Boss around September 1982.

In June 1983 identified as Genovese Soldier in Senate Chart of Family membership.

Died July 4, 1988 at Point Pleasant Hospital.

Wake held at O'Brien Funeral Home in Wall Township, New Jersey.

Buried in Saint Catharine's Cemetery located in Sea Girt, NJ.

More DeCavalcante Family posts can be found in the Index.

Update

A. Barrasso New Posts: 1. Alessio Barrasso (DeCavalcante) 2. Philip Bacino (Chicago) [Focused on what little available info there is re De...