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| 1940 |
Philip 'Tony Bello' Bacino was a Chicago Member based in Calumet City, Illinois.
An Italian document shared years ago on the forum included information from cooperating witness Anthony Rotondo, formerly a DeCavalcante Captain, stating that Bacino was also an early DeCav Boss before transferring to Chicago.
Born Filippo Bacino on January 4, 1902 in Ribera comune of Agrigento, Sicily to Giovanni (37y) and Parma Triolo (30y). Father from town of Burgio located about eight miles to the north.
On July 10, 1923 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Taormina. Destined for 'uncle' Carmelo Giacobbe residing at 343 E 48th St in Turtle Bay, Manhattan.
Carmelo Giacobbe (1875-1948) was likely an early member of the DeCavalcante Family's Manhattan crew.
Several of his relatives were DeCav members and suspected members, including younger brother Lorenzo (1890-1958) who was reportedly a Captain. (Lorenzo's rank is another piece of information from Rotondo that was included in the same report noted above.)
According to Rotondo's statements in the Italian document, Bacino was an early leader of the Family alongside Filippo 'Big Phil' Amari (1899-1963).
An Italian document shared years ago on the forum included information from cooperating witness Anthony Rotondo, formerly a DeCavalcante Captain, stating that Bacino was also an early DeCav Boss before transferring to Chicago.
Born Filippo Bacino on January 4, 1902 in Ribera comune of Agrigento, Sicily to Giovanni (37y) and Parma Triolo (30y). Father from town of Burgio located about eight miles to the north.
On July 10, 1923 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Taormina. Destined for 'uncle' Carmelo Giacobbe residing at 343 E 48th St in Turtle Bay, Manhattan.
Carmelo Giacobbe (1875-1948) was likely an early member of the DeCavalcante Family's Manhattan crew.
Several of his relatives were DeCav members and suspected members, including younger brother Lorenzo (1890-1958) who was reportedly a Captain. (Lorenzo's rank is another piece of information from Rotondo that was included in the same report noted above.)
According to Rotondo's statements in the Italian document, Bacino was an early leader of the Family alongside Filippo 'Big Phil' Amari (1899-1963).
The document also has Rotondo naming Philip's brother Luciano Bacino as a made member of the local Family in Ribera.
Since he resided in Chicago within a couple of years, Bacino likely would have either been inducted into the DeCavalcante Family or possibly transferred his membership from a Sicilian Family shortly after his arrival.
(It's worth noting that during cross-examination in one of the DeCavalcante trials of the early 2000s, Rotondo contested certain statements attributed to him in the report, and both the defense and prosecution subsequently agreed not to reference the document for the remainder of the trial. It's not specified which parts Rotondo had issue with, but it might have been the more current [at the time] information on Ribera Family Members and Associates then active in New Jersey.)
On December 5, 1928 Bacino, using alias Tony Bello, was among twenty-three arrested by the Cleveland, Ohio Police Department following a raid at the Statler Hotel.
Among those held were heavyweights from Families across the Midwest as well as New York, New Jersey and Florida. (No confirmed DeCavs were in the group, although it's likely that some of the meeting's planned attendees avoided arrest. One of those held was Chicago Member Pasquale Lolordo of Ribera; his younger brother Joseph [1898-1978] went on to be a DeCav Captain in the Family's New York faction.)
Bacino, who gave an address on Chicago's Near Northwest Side, had probably transferred to the local Family by that point.
He and most of the others were ultimately released and ordered to leave town.
On December 21, 1928 Bacino became a naturalized US citizen in US District Court Illinois. His petition witnesses were noted as Filippo Cusumano (35y), from Burgio, and Peter Lavorata, possibly identical to an individual with that name born 1892 in Cosenza, Calabria.
Within a year or two moved to Calumet City, Illinois, located just south of Chicago.
In early November 1931 press noted one Philip Bacino served as Best Man in the wedding of Joseph Pallay to Catherine Osterello in Hammond, Illinois.
By late November 1932 listed employment with Roma Cafe.
On March 16, 1933 married Jennie Maggio (21y) in Cook County, Illinois. Bride's family believed from Sambuca di Sicilia comune of Agrigento.
By early August 1933 listed employment with Lincoln Restaurant.
By Fall 1935 resided at 14 163rd St in Calumet City.
On morning of October 6, 1935 shot and killed nightclub owner John Nickels outside the residence. Incident reportedly occurred as result of assault Bacino committed over $18 debt. Following day Bacino released after coroner's jury voted self defense; he claimed he fired through his window after seeing Nickels outside waving a pistol. The victim's wife believed that story was fabricated and that the gun was planted next to the body after the shooting.
By the following summer owned a laundry business.
On September 22, 1936 FBI's Indianapolis Field Office reported: "[Office] received an anonymous memorandum informing that one Phil Bacino, a major gangster, lives at 14 163rd Street, Calumet City, Illinois."
Since he resided in Chicago within a couple of years, Bacino likely would have either been inducted into the DeCavalcante Family or possibly transferred his membership from a Sicilian Family shortly after his arrival.
(It's worth noting that during cross-examination in one of the DeCavalcante trials of the early 2000s, Rotondo contested certain statements attributed to him in the report, and both the defense and prosecution subsequently agreed not to reference the document for the remainder of the trial. It's not specified which parts Rotondo had issue with, but it might have been the more current [at the time] information on Ribera Family Members and Associates then active in New Jersey.)
On December 5, 1928 Bacino, using alias Tony Bello, was among twenty-three arrested by the Cleveland, Ohio Police Department following a raid at the Statler Hotel.
Among those held were heavyweights from Families across the Midwest as well as New York, New Jersey and Florida. (No confirmed DeCavs were in the group, although it's likely that some of the meeting's planned attendees avoided arrest. One of those held was Chicago Member Pasquale Lolordo of Ribera; his younger brother Joseph [1898-1978] went on to be a DeCav Captain in the Family's New York faction.)
Bacino, who gave an address on Chicago's Near Northwest Side, had probably transferred to the local Family by that point.
He and most of the others were ultimately released and ordered to leave town.
On December 21, 1928 Bacino became a naturalized US citizen in US District Court Illinois. His petition witnesses were noted as Filippo Cusumano (35y), from Burgio, and Peter Lavorata, possibly identical to an individual with that name born 1892 in Cosenza, Calabria.
Within a year or two moved to Calumet City, Illinois, located just south of Chicago.
In early November 1931 press noted one Philip Bacino served as Best Man in the wedding of Joseph Pallay to Catherine Osterello in Hammond, Illinois.
By late November 1932 listed employment with Roma Cafe.
On March 16, 1933 married Jennie Maggio (21y) in Cook County, Illinois. Bride's family believed from Sambuca di Sicilia comune of Agrigento.
By early August 1933 listed employment with Lincoln Restaurant.
By Fall 1935 resided at 14 163rd St in Calumet City.
On morning of October 6, 1935 shot and killed nightclub owner John Nickels outside the residence. Incident reportedly occurred as result of assault Bacino committed over $18 debt. Following day Bacino released after coroner's jury voted self defense; he claimed he fired through his window after seeing Nickels outside waving a pistol. The victim's wife believed that story was fabricated and that the gun was planted next to the body after the shooting.
By the following summer owned a laundry business.
On September 22, 1936 FBI's Indianapolis Field Office reported: "[Office] received an anonymous memorandum informing that one Phil Bacino, a major gangster, lives at 14 163rd Street, Calumet City, Illinois."
By late May 1939 involved as bookie with Thorndale Club in Chicago.
By April 1940 listed occupation as merchant (liquor store).
On July 2, 1940 arrested in Hammond, IL for traffic violations. Around July 6 case dismissed.
On September 12, 1940 among several indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Federal tax evasion - conspiracy charges re bootlegging ring. The Grand Rapids Press reported: "The conspiracy charge alleges these men and those still being sought connived to violate the internal revenue laws by possessing, manufacturing and distributing untaxed alcohol in western Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Oregon. It is alleged by federal agents that the men maintained headquarters at Calumet City." Bacino and eight others arrested September 20 and held on $5,000 bond.
On November 13, 1940 among four who pleaded guilty mid-trial in USDC Western District Michigan. The Grand Rapids Press noted Bacino described as 'king pin' of the group.
On November 15, 1940 among eighteen sentenced by Judge Fred M. Raymond. Bacino, described in press as one of the 'alleged leaders', given six years. The Times reported: "Agents of the federal treasury department reported that the ring is the largest of its kind ever uncovered in the three states. They said leaders of the ring were former lieutenants of the Al Capone gang in Chicago."
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| Nov. 1940 |
Within a week received at US Penitentiary Terre Haute, Indiana to serve sentence.
Released May 15, 1943.
Following release established John's Pizzeria located at 122 W State St in Calumet City. His obituary later noted: "The firm was [later] expanded to include outlets in Hammond, Lansing and Highland."
On September 2, 1945 The Times reported: "Taverns and restaurants on both sides of the Indiana - Illinois state line will be open Labor day. In fact, Calumet City's restaurant - taverns which closed on Monday during the war will begin seven-day weeks on Labor day by opening for business. Phil Bacino, spokesman for the group, said the tavern - restaurants will be able to resume operations around the week of Labor day because they now can get enough food to serve patrons."
Released May 15, 1943.
Following release established John's Pizzeria located at 122 W State St in Calumet City. His obituary later noted: "The firm was [later] expanded to include outlets in Hammond, Lansing and Highland."
On September 2, 1945 The Times reported: "Taverns and restaurants on both sides of the Indiana - Illinois state line will be open Labor day. In fact, Calumet City's restaurant - taverns which closed on Monday during the war will begin seven-day weeks on Labor day by opening for business. Phil Bacino, spokesman for the group, said the tavern - restaurants will be able to resume operations around the week of Labor day because they now can get enough food to serve patrons."
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| F. Amari FBN Mafia Book |
On August 4, 1948 DeCav Boss Filippo 'Big Phil' Amari, Philip Bacino, his son John Bacino (12y) and Nicola Diana (57y) flew from New York to Rome, Italy. All used Amari's address at 648 1st Ave in Elizabeth, New Jersey. (Research on the forum indicates Nicola Diana, born 1891 in Ribera, was with the Chicago Family as well.)
Amari and Bacino were both involved with the St. Joseph's Orphanage in Ribera. (Bacino's obit states he was a co-founder.)
On October 18, 1948 Bacino, Diana and Bacino's wife and son returned to the US.
In 1952 FBI reported an 'unknown source' had identified Phil Bacino as 'a syndicate captain'.
In June 1953 fingerprinted in Los Angeles.
Amari and Bacino were both involved with the St. Joseph's Orphanage in Ribera. (Bacino's obit states he was a co-founder.)
On October 18, 1948 Bacino, Diana and Bacino's wife and son returned to the US.
In 1952 FBI reported an 'unknown source' had identified Phil Bacino as 'a syndicate captain'.
In June 1953 fingerprinted in Los Angeles.
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| Center: P. Bacino (Mar. 1954) The Times |
Present in an ad for John's Pizzeria published in The Times on March 14, 1954.
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| Apr. 1955 The Times |
On April 24, 1955 the newspaper published a profile on Bacino titled 'Chief Cook - Except at Home'. He was noted as having visited Ribera three times since immigrating in 1923, most recently during the previous September.
On September 18, 1957 The Times reported: "Phil Bacino, Calumet City businessman, and his family are touring Europe in an American auto."
On June 10, 1959 Calumet City Chief of Police advised FBI: "[Several] years ago Bacino held dice and card games in the basement of his pizzeria and that he was considered the big boss of gambling and vice in Calumet City and that everyone took orders from him. He now appears to be subservient to Frank LaPorte." (Captain Frank LaPorte [1901-1972], from Sambiase in Catanzaro, Calabria, headed a crew based primarily in Calumet City and nearby Chicago Heights, Illinois, a city that formerly had its own LCN Family before it was disbanded and its members absorbed into Chicago.)
On September 18, 1957 The Times reported: "Phil Bacino, Calumet City businessman, and his family are touring Europe in an American auto."
On June 10, 1959 Calumet City Chief of Police advised FBI: "[Several] years ago Bacino held dice and card games in the basement of his pizzeria and that he was considered the big boss of gambling and vice in Calumet City and that everyone took orders from him. He now appears to be subservient to Frank LaPorte." (Captain Frank LaPorte [1901-1972], from Sambiase in Catanzaro, Calabria, headed a crew based primarily in Calumet City and nearby Chicago Heights, Illinois, a city that formerly had its own LCN Family before it was disbanded and its members absorbed into Chicago.)
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| FBN Mafia Book |
Around 1960 among approximately 800 reputed mobsters listed in Federal Bureau of Narcotics Mafia Book.
On July 19, 1963 FBI CI reported:
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On July 19, 1963 FBI CI reported:
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[During] the years of 1956 and 1957 Phil Bacino operated a 'big stake' poker game in the basement of his restaurant in Calumet City. The game was free from many raids by police because of Bacino's friendship with various political figures in Calumet City and the surrounding area. Informant advised that he knew of no payoffs to police or politicians although Frank LaPorte supposedly received a cut from the game. Source advised that he has played in the game and has heard that Bacino claimed over $100,000 profit from the house cut. Bacino never played in the game to the knowledge of the informant.
In later years various gambling establishments were raided by the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff's Police. As a result of these raids Bacino curtailed all gambling. Recently he has allowed some of his hoodlum friends to use the basement of his restaurant for their own games but he will not permit anyone to enter who is not personally known to him and who over the years has proven himself to be a trustworthy hoodlum. Informant stated that the game is actually played in a room that was formerly a bank vault and consists of about 16" concrete.
In later years various gambling establishments were raided by the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff's Police. As a result of these raids Bacino curtailed all gambling. Recently he has allowed some of his hoodlum friends to use the basement of his restaurant for their own games but he will not permit anyone to enter who is not personally known to him and who over the years has proven himself to be a trustworthy hoodlum. Informant stated that the game is actually played in a room that was formerly a bank vault and consists of about 16" concrete.
"
On December 3, 1963 Bacino was interviewed by FBI Agents: "[Bacino] admitted that he had used the name Tony Bello in the past and that he was involved in the bootlegging rackets many years ago. He admitted that he served three years in jail for this offense. He claimed that when he was released from incarceration he was rehabilitated and he has gone 'straight' ever since. He opened the pizza parlor a number of years ago and personally built it up to its present statistics to date. He hopes to turn this restaurant over to his son when he passes away. He claimed that he is constantly on the premises every day from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM and that he works as his own cook in preparing food for the establishment. He flatly denied being connected with any of the rackets, however, he admitted knowing Frank LaPorte and stated that he was a customer of the restaurant. He indicated that he knew many people in the area inasmuch as most are his customers and that many of them might possibly be connected with illegal activities. Under no circumstances does he have any business connections with any of the individuals who might be called hoodlums. He denied that he has ever allowed gambling on the premises of the pizzeria." (A later CI report during the first half of 1967 supported Bacino's contention that no gambling occurred at the business.)
A couple of months prior to the interview Bacino's associate Phil Amari died in Los Angeles. Amari had since been replaced as DeCav Boss by Nicholas Delmore.
Following Delmore's own death in early February 1964 the Family went to Simone 'Sam the Plumber' DeCavalcante.
On December 3, 1963 Bacino was interviewed by FBI Agents: "[Bacino] admitted that he had used the name Tony Bello in the past and that he was involved in the bootlegging rackets many years ago. He admitted that he served three years in jail for this offense. He claimed that when he was released from incarceration he was rehabilitated and he has gone 'straight' ever since. He opened the pizza parlor a number of years ago and personally built it up to its present statistics to date. He hopes to turn this restaurant over to his son when he passes away. He claimed that he is constantly on the premises every day from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM and that he works as his own cook in preparing food for the establishment. He flatly denied being connected with any of the rackets, however, he admitted knowing Frank LaPorte and stated that he was a customer of the restaurant. He indicated that he knew many people in the area inasmuch as most are his customers and that many of them might possibly be connected with illegal activities. Under no circumstances does he have any business connections with any of the individuals who might be called hoodlums. He denied that he has ever allowed gambling on the premises of the pizzeria." (A later CI report during the first half of 1967 supported Bacino's contention that no gambling occurred at the business.)
A couple of months prior to the interview Bacino's associate Phil Amari died in Los Angeles. Amari had since been replaced as DeCav Boss by Nicholas Delmore.
Following Delmore's own death in early February 1964 the Family went to Simone 'Sam the Plumber' DeCavalcante.
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| S. DeCavalcante (1960s) |
It was through the FBI's investigation of DeCavalcante that Bacino became the subject of additional LE scrutiny.
In August 1964 Agents placed a bug in DeCavalcante's office at Kenworth Corporation in Kenilworth, New Jersey. For the next year he was overheard meeting with both his own membership as well as members and associates of the New York Families.
In August 1964 Agents placed a bug in DeCavalcante's office at Kenworth Corporation in Kenilworth, New Jersey. For the next year he was overheard meeting with both his own membership as well as members and associates of the New York Families.
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| L. LaRasso FBN Mafia Book |
On June 1, 1965 DeCavalcante was visited at the office by DeCav Soldier Louis 'Fat Lou' LaRasso. The pair was recorded discussing the engagement of Bacino's son John to a niece of DeCav Soldier Salvatore 'Skinny Sal' Caterinicchi:
"
"
LaRasso told DeCavalcante that [bride's family] had asked him to accompany them to Chicago during the coming weekend. [Family] was going to meet the Begenie [Bacino] family to talk over their children's engagement and make marriage and reception plans. DeCavalcante emphatically told LaRasso to make no promises for the DeCavalcante Family in regard to this wedding and to keep himself out of this matter as much as possible. LaRasso said he would do as DeCavalcante had directed him.
[Bug] said DeCavalcante explained to LaRasso that he had stuck his neck out with the Commission (of LCN) during the arrangements for [Redacted] wedding reception. DeCavalcante had asked each member of the Commission for representation from each of their families for the wedding reception and had been honored by representatives from each family in attendance. DeCavalcante explained if anything went wrong with [redacted] affair and DeCavalcante was in the affair in any way then DeCavalcante might be very embarrassed and the Commission, therefore, might regard him as a fool.
[Bug] said DeCavalcante explained to LaRasso that he had stuck his neck out with the Commission (of LCN) during the arrangements for [Redacted] wedding reception. DeCavalcante had asked each member of the Commission for representation from each of their families for the wedding reception and had been honored by representatives from each family in attendance. DeCavalcante explained if anything went wrong with [redacted] affair and DeCavalcante was in the affair in any way then DeCavalcante might be very embarrassed and the Commission, therefore, might regard him as a fool.
"
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| S. Caterinicchi (1960s) |
On June 17, 1965 the FBI's Newark Field Office reported:
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[Bug] advised Sal Caterinicchi has met with DeCavalcante and has been attempting to persuade DeCavalcante that DeCavalcante Family (of LCN) should pick up the bill for [Casale - Bacino] wedding reception as the DeCavalcante Family did for Frank Majuri's daughter's wedding reception. DeCavalcante has told Caterinicchi that Frank Majuri is not only a member of the DeCavalcante Family but DeCavalcante's underboss as well whereas [redacted; bride's father?] is not a member. DeCavalcante told Caterinicchi that the only instance in which the DeCavalcante Family will help [redacted] affair is if and when Sam (Mooney) Giancana directly requests DeCavalcante's help as a personal favor.
[Bug] said DeCavalcante has pointed out to Lou LaRasso that he won't do anything for this couple until the [Bacino] family meets with [Redacted; bride's] family and Phil Begenie gives his approval of [redacted]. DeCavalcante told LaRasso to remember: 'Look, Lou, [redacted] isn't [redacted] of an amico'nos (Phil Begenie).' LaRasso agreed that the DeCavalcante Family should stay out of this affair unless directly requested to give assistance by Sam Giancana. LaRasso said Phil Begenie had asked LaRasso to have DeCavalcante meet [Redacted] and talk with his son and then give Phil Begenie the benefit of his observations about the girl and the firmness of his son's attentions in regard to the girl. DeCavalcante flatly refused to do any of the foregoing as he believes Phil Begenie should approve of [Redacted] marrying [redacted] without being prejudiced for or against [Redacted] and the marriage by DeCavalcante's opinion.
[Bug] said DeCavalcante has pointed out to Lou LaRasso that he won't do anything for this couple until the [Bacino] family meets with [Redacted; bride's] family and Phil Begenie gives his approval of [redacted]. DeCavalcante told LaRasso to remember: 'Look, Lou, [redacted] isn't [redacted] of an amico'nos (Phil Begenie).' LaRasso agreed that the DeCavalcante Family should stay out of this affair unless directly requested to give assistance by Sam Giancana. LaRasso said Phil Begenie had asked LaRasso to have DeCavalcante meet [Redacted] and talk with his son and then give Phil Begenie the benefit of his observations about the girl and the firmness of his son's attentions in regard to the girl. DeCavalcante flatly refused to do any of the foregoing as he believes Phil Begenie should approve of [Redacted] marrying [redacted] without being prejudiced for or against [Redacted] and the marriage by DeCavalcante's opinion.
"
(Salvatore Caterinicchi [1904-1989] was a longtime Family member from Ribera.)
Same date DeCavalcante was recorded discussing further developments in the engagement:
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(Salvatore Caterinicchi [1904-1989] was a longtime Family member from Ribera.)
Same date DeCavalcante was recorded discussing further developments in the engagement:
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[Reception] will be held at the Essex House Hotel, Broad Street, Newark, N.J.
[Bug] learned there will be from 350 - 450 guests at this affair and [Redacted] are allowing DeCavalcante to make all the arrangements but asked him not to spend more than $4,000.
[Bug] said the [Redacted] has hired (FNU or LNU) [Redacted], a photographer for the 'Elizabeth Daily Journal', to take pictures at the wedding and wedding reception. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.
[Bug] learned Phil Begenie [Bacino], the father of [John] is a sickly man, has two sons including [John] and his wife's name is Jenny (ph). Begenie [Bacino] will have 65 - 75 guests at the wedding and they will mainly be relatives, but some friends are expected. Begenie asked for 300 wedding invitations so he could send them out to notify people of [Redacted] forthcoming wedding. Begenie wants three rooms for 9/9/65. DeCavalcante plans to get these rooms in the Essex House, Newark, N.J., because of Begenie's sickly physical status. Begenie and his wife will occupy one room. A nephew and the nephew's wife will occupy the second room and Begenie's two sons and a nephew will occupy the third room.
[Bug] learned there will be from 350 - 450 guests at this affair and [Redacted] are allowing DeCavalcante to make all the arrangements but asked him not to spend more than $4,000.
[Bug] said the [Redacted] has hired (FNU or LNU) [Redacted], a photographer for the 'Elizabeth Daily Journal', to take pictures at the wedding and wedding reception. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.
[Bug] learned Phil Begenie [Bacino], the father of [John] is a sickly man, has two sons including [John] and his wife's name is Jenny (ph). Begenie [Bacino] will have 65 - 75 guests at the wedding and they will mainly be relatives, but some friends are expected. Begenie asked for 300 wedding invitations so he could send them out to notify people of [Redacted] forthcoming wedding. Begenie wants three rooms for 9/9/65. DeCavalcante plans to get these rooms in the Essex House, Newark, N.J., because of Begenie's sickly physical status. Begenie and his wife will occupy one room. A nephew and the nephew's wife will occupy the second room and Begenie's two sons and a nephew will occupy the third room.
"
(In the available portions of the above transcripts, neither DeCavalcante nor LaRasso appears to make any reference to Bacino having previously headed their Family.)
As a result of the DeCav bug Bacino was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
The wedding occurred September 12, 1965 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the reception held at Newark's Hotel Essex House. Attendees included Boss Sam DeCavalcante and 'many of his associates' including Possible DeCav Member Joseph Miranda. FBI Newark reported: "The table reservation list for 310 people at the reception was secured from [Redacted], Hotel Essex House. The list contained no known members of LCN other than subject's 'family'. A total of 365 people attended. Spot checks in the vicinity of Hotel Essex House determined the presence of an unknown individual believed to be on surveillance."
On March 9, 1966 Calumet City Chief of Police advised FBI: "[The] only employment or business that the subject is engaged in is [John's Pizzeria]. The Chief stated that Bacino continues to have considerable respect among the criminal element in Calumet City and that he will often attempt to intercede with police officials or city officials for some hoodlum that is involved in some type of trouble. The subject's general reputation in the city is one of a legitimate business man and his past illegal activities appear to have been forgotten or forgiven by the great majority of the leading citizens and businessmen in Calumet City."
On October 28, 1966 FBI CG reported: "[CI] stated it is his general impression that the subject made and saved over $100,000 during the time Calumet City was operating as a wide open city, and that the subject, because of his age, has decided to become a respectable appearing citizen."
Around Fall 1966 opened John's Pizza Number 2 located at 173rd St and Burnham Ave in Lansing, Illinois.
(In the available portions of the above transcripts, neither DeCavalcante nor LaRasso appears to make any reference to Bacino having previously headed their Family.)
As a result of the DeCav bug Bacino was designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
The wedding occurred September 12, 1965 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the reception held at Newark's Hotel Essex House. Attendees included Boss Sam DeCavalcante and 'many of his associates' including Possible DeCav Member Joseph Miranda. FBI Newark reported: "The table reservation list for 310 people at the reception was secured from [Redacted], Hotel Essex House. The list contained no known members of LCN other than subject's 'family'. A total of 365 people attended. Spot checks in the vicinity of Hotel Essex House determined the presence of an unknown individual believed to be on surveillance."
On March 9, 1966 Calumet City Chief of Police advised FBI: "[The] only employment or business that the subject is engaged in is [John's Pizzeria]. The Chief stated that Bacino continues to have considerable respect among the criminal element in Calumet City and that he will often attempt to intercede with police officials or city officials for some hoodlum that is involved in some type of trouble. The subject's general reputation in the city is one of a legitimate business man and his past illegal activities appear to have been forgotten or forgiven by the great majority of the leading citizens and businessmen in Calumet City."
On October 28, 1966 FBI CG reported: "[CI] stated it is his general impression that the subject made and saved over $100,000 during the time Calumet City was operating as a wide open city, and that the subject, because of his age, has decided to become a respectable appearing citizen."
Around Fall 1966 opened John's Pizza Number 2 located at 173rd St and Burnham Ave in Lansing, Illinois.
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| May 1967 |
In May 1967 photographed for US Passport.
On August 31, 1967 included in FBI's list of Chicago Members.
On August 31, 1967 included in FBI's list of Chicago Members.
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| S. DiGiovanni |
On February 4, 1970 Chicago Member Sam DiGiovanni (78y) interviewed by FBI:
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...Pete Zaranti, Frank LaPorte, Al Pilotto, Phil Bacino, [Redacted] and John Costello have been close friends and associates of DiGiovanni for many years. All of these men were customers of DiGiovanni's business. They attend the same social functions and church affairs such as weddings, wakes and funerals. Although they seldom visit in each others' homes, they see each other frequently on the streets in Chicago Heights.
...Phil Bacino is another close friend of DiGiovanni who calls him frequently on the telephone. He is much less active now than he was a few years ago. His restaurant in Calumet City does a good business and Bacino does spend some time there. He serves as a kind of manager but his sons are actually running the restaurant.
...Phil Bacino is another close friend of DiGiovanni who calls him frequently on the telephone. He is much less active now than he was a few years ago. His restaurant in Calumet City does a good business and Bacino does spend some time there. He serves as a kind of manager but his sons are actually running the restaurant.
"
(Sam DiGiovanni, born 1891 in Palazzo Adriano, Palermo, was likely a member of the aforementioned Chicago Heights Family before its disbandment. As of the early 1960s he was believed to have been another Chicago Captain with interests in that city.)
(Sam DiGiovanni, born 1891 in Palazzo Adriano, Palermo, was likely a member of the aforementioned Chicago Heights Family before its disbandment. As of the early 1960s he was believed to have been another Chicago Captain with interests in that city.)
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| Apr. 1972 |
In April 1972 photographed for US Passport.
Bacino died October 6, 1974 at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.
Two days later FBI's Chicago Field Office reported: "Chicago anticipates [Bacino] wake to be attended by large number of LCN members and hoodlums and wake will be covered by Chicago PD Intelligence Unit."
Wake held same date at Nowak Funeral Home located at 400 Pulaski Rd in Calumet City. Attendees included Chicago Member Al Pilotto. (The majority of the names in the FBI's report on the wake are redacted.)
Buried in Calumet City's Holy Cross Cemetery.
Bacino died October 6, 1974 at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.
Two days later FBI's Chicago Field Office reported: "Chicago anticipates [Bacino] wake to be attended by large number of LCN members and hoodlums and wake will be covered by Chicago PD Intelligence Unit."
Wake held same date at Nowak Funeral Home located at 400 Pulaski Rd in Calumet City. Attendees included Chicago Member Al Pilotto. (The majority of the names in the FBI's report on the wake are redacted.)
Buried in Calumet City's Holy Cross Cemetery.
More DeCavalcante Family posts can be found in the Index.
