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| L to R: J. Gambino, R. Pipolo and J. Zingaro |
Information on Gambino Family Bronx crews supplied by an FBI member source in late November 1980:
Captain: Joseph Gambino (1930-2004) (incarcerated)
Captain: Joseph Gambino (1930-2004) (incarcerated)
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| J. Gambino |
A relative of Former Boss Carlo Gambino, Palermo-native Joseph entered the United States as a stowaway in January 1958.
Within a month he was in New York, residing first in Bath Beach, Brooklyn before moving to The Bronx.
In late February 1967 announced as a new Captain during a Family meeting held in Brooklyn and chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano.
Gambino was one of those responsible for handling the carting industry in The Bronx and the surrounding Rockland and Westchester counties.
His crew included members active in those areas as well as a few additional members from Brooklyn.
In summer 1977 convicted on labor racketeering charges and sentenced to ten years Federal imprisonment.
Released in November 1983 and, by late 1985, had stepped down or been demoted as Captain and was replaced by Thomas Gambino (1929-2023), son of the Former Boss.
In August 1992 indicted with Thomas Gambino and former crew member Philip LoScalzo on racketeering charges. Thomas Gambino was convicted; Joseph Gambino received an acquittal and LoScalzo was severed prior to trial due to health.
By 1997 Gambino appears to have taken over a separate crew formerly headed by Captain Anthony 'Little Tony / Tony C.' Carminati.
He may have continued in that position until his death in April 2004; he was included in a circa June 2002 Federal hierarchy chart, although FBI CI John Bologna reported in July 2001 that the 'Gambinos 'chased' Joe Gambino out'.
Crew members:
1. Nicola 'Nicky Nelson' Melillo (1918-1981) - Acting Capo
Within a month he was in New York, residing first in Bath Beach, Brooklyn before moving to The Bronx.
In late February 1967 announced as a new Captain during a Family meeting held in Brooklyn and chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano.
Gambino was one of those responsible for handling the carting industry in The Bronx and the surrounding Rockland and Westchester counties.
His crew included members active in those areas as well as a few additional members from Brooklyn.
In summer 1977 convicted on labor racketeering charges and sentenced to ten years Federal imprisonment.
Released in November 1983 and, by late 1985, had stepped down or been demoted as Captain and was replaced by Thomas Gambino (1929-2023), son of the Former Boss.
In August 1992 indicted with Thomas Gambino and former crew member Philip LoScalzo on racketeering charges. Thomas Gambino was convicted; Joseph Gambino received an acquittal and LoScalzo was severed prior to trial due to health.
By 1997 Gambino appears to have taken over a separate crew formerly headed by Captain Anthony 'Little Tony / Tony C.' Carminati.
He may have continued in that position until his death in April 2004; he was included in a circa June 2002 Federal hierarchy chart, although FBI CI John Bologna reported in July 2001 that the 'Gambinos 'chased' Joe Gambino out'.
Crew members:
1. Nicola 'Nicky Nelson' Melillo (1918-1981) - Acting Capo
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| N. Melillo Press |
Born July 1918 in East Harlem, Manhattan to a father from Corleto Monforte comune of Salerno, Campania, Melillo was an inducted member of the Gambino Family by 1958.
Came up as part of the Squillante-Zingaro crews and was involved with carting companies in Mount Vernon, New York.
Served approximately three years for perjury during the early-mid 1970s.
Appointed the imprisoned Joseph Gambino's Acting Captain by the summer of 1980.
That June it was reported that Melillo was planning to sponsor an Unsub (name redacted) for membership.
In mid-January 1981 a second FBI source noted that Gambino was 'upset with the way Nick Melillo was handling things' while Gambino was in jail. In a partially redacted statement, the informant implied that upon completion of his sentence Gambino was planning to meet with Family Boss Paul Castellano about Melillo, who died of natural causes that October. (Gambino was released from Federal prison in November 1983.)
2. Philip 'Skinny Phil' LoScalzo (1915-1993) - Soldier
Came up as part of the Squillante-Zingaro crews and was involved with carting companies in Mount Vernon, New York.
Served approximately three years for perjury during the early-mid 1970s.
Appointed the imprisoned Joseph Gambino's Acting Captain by the summer of 1980.
That June it was reported that Melillo was planning to sponsor an Unsub (name redacted) for membership.
In mid-January 1981 a second FBI source noted that Gambino was 'upset with the way Nick Melillo was handling things' while Gambino was in jail. In a partially redacted statement, the informant implied that upon completion of his sentence Gambino was planning to meet with Family Boss Paul Castellano about Melillo, who died of natural causes that October. (Gambino was released from Federal prison in November 1983.)
2. Philip 'Skinny Phil' LoScalzo (1915-1993) - Soldier
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| P. LoScalzo (1970s) |
Born March 1915 in The Bronx to a Calabrian father shot to death about two months after his son's birth, LoScalzo was an inducted member by 1958 and reported to one of the Bronx crew leaders.
Closely associated with Captain David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (1893-1984) and probably reported to him before Joseph Gambino's promotion in 1967; in the mid-1970s LoScalzo was described by informant(s) as Gambino's 'main soldier' and his primary 'money handler'.
Around May 1976 LoScalzo was accused of stealing $250,000 of Gambino's money and had to reach out to Consigliere Joseph N. Gallo to avoid being hit.
By 1986 reporting to Gambino's successor Thomas Gambino and operating Cafe Cappuccino located on Morris Ave in The Bronx.
Associates included Albanians Nardino Colotti and Alex Rudaj, who headed their own criminal group in the borough.
Indicted along with both his current and former Captains in 1992, LoScalzo was severed due to ill health and died in late October 1993.
3. Salvatore Spatola (1932-2025) - Soldier
Closely associated with Captain David 'Papa Dave' Amodeo (1893-1984) and probably reported to him before Joseph Gambino's promotion in 1967; in the mid-1970s LoScalzo was described by informant(s) as Gambino's 'main soldier' and his primary 'money handler'.
Around May 1976 LoScalzo was accused of stealing $250,000 of Gambino's money and had to reach out to Consigliere Joseph N. Gallo to avoid being hit.
By 1986 reporting to Gambino's successor Thomas Gambino and operating Cafe Cappuccino located on Morris Ave in The Bronx.
Associates included Albanians Nardino Colotti and Alex Rudaj, who headed their own criminal group in the borough.
Indicted along with both his current and former Captains in 1992, LoScalzo was severed due to ill health and died in late October 1993.
3. Salvatore Spatola (1932-2025) - Soldier
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| S. Spatola (R) (1976) Gang Land News |
Born February 1932 in Brooklyn to Sicilian parents, Spatola was inducted into the Gambino Family under Joseph Gambino's sponsorship in 1976.
The pair operated Joe and Sal's Italian Restaurant in Nyack, New York.
Around 1985 he followed LoScalzo into Thomas Gambino's crew, but was back under Joseph Gambino after the latter took over for Carminati in the mid-to-late 1990s.
Died April 2025.
4. "[Redacted] (LNU), Paul Gambino's [redacted] - Soldier"
Probably referring to one of Former Captain Paolo Gambino's sons-in-law: Carlo Darpa (1939-1983) or Frank Ferro.
5-6. "Unsubs (2) from Brooklyn who are originally from Sicily"
The pair operated Joe and Sal's Italian Restaurant in Nyack, New York.
Around 1985 he followed LoScalzo into Thomas Gambino's crew, but was back under Joseph Gambino after the latter took over for Carminati in the mid-to-late 1990s.
Died April 2025.
4. "[Redacted] (LNU), Paul Gambino's [redacted] - Soldier"
Probably referring to one of Former Captain Paolo Gambino's sons-in-law: Carlo Darpa (1939-1983) or Frank Ferro.
5-6. "Unsubs (2) from Brooklyn who are originally from Sicily"
Captain: Rudolph 'Rudy' Pipolo (1926-1983)
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| R. Pipolo |
Born December 1926 to a father from Piaggine comune of Salerno, Campania, Pipolo was inducted into the Gambino Family around 1957 and was named Captain of the former John Angelone crew a couple of months before this report.
As Captain, Pipolo was involved in numbers and sports betting and ran a gambling operation out of the Sons of Italy Fusco Lodge in The Bronx. He also held a financial interest in Hollows discotheque in New Rochelle, Westchester County and in Sous Rendezvous, the latter of which he inherited from the deceased Angelone.
In June 1981 an informant noted that Pipolo and Joseph Zingaro (below) were two Captains who reported direct to Consigliere Joseph N. Gallo.
By January 1982 his crew was holding weekly meetings at the Twilight Lounge, located in the vicinity of Gun Hill Rd in the Pelham Gardens section.
That month it was reported an Unsub (name redacted) was being proposed for membership by a member of Pipolo's crew.
Pipolo died July 1, 1983, after which members of his crew are believed to have been dispersed among other Captains.
Crew members:
1. "Frank Angelone - Soldier (old and retired)"
Possibilities include Frank Angelo (1909-1995), older brother of Peter Angelo (1915-1985), who in turn may be identical with the 'Pietro Angelo' identified in 1990 as a deceased former member of Thomas Gambino's crew.
2. "[Redacted] - Soldier from New Jersey"
3. Rocco Mazzie (1916-1986), aka Rogie - Soldier
As Captain, Pipolo was involved in numbers and sports betting and ran a gambling operation out of the Sons of Italy Fusco Lodge in The Bronx. He also held a financial interest in Hollows discotheque in New Rochelle, Westchester County and in Sous Rendezvous, the latter of which he inherited from the deceased Angelone.
In June 1981 an informant noted that Pipolo and Joseph Zingaro (below) were two Captains who reported direct to Consigliere Joseph N. Gallo.
By January 1982 his crew was holding weekly meetings at the Twilight Lounge, located in the vicinity of Gun Hill Rd in the Pelham Gardens section.
That month it was reported an Unsub (name redacted) was being proposed for membership by a member of Pipolo's crew.
Pipolo died July 1, 1983, after which members of his crew are believed to have been dispersed among other Captains.
Crew members:
1. "Frank Angelone - Soldier (old and retired)"
Possibilities include Frank Angelo (1909-1995), older brother of Peter Angelo (1915-1985), who in turn may be identical with the 'Pietro Angelo' identified in 1990 as a deceased former member of Thomas Gambino's crew.
2. "[Redacted] - Soldier from New Jersey"
3. Rocco Mazzie (1916-1986), aka Rogie - Soldier
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| R. Mazzie FBN Mafia Book |
Born February 1916 in Lucerne, Pennsylvania to a father from Roscigno, Salerno, Mazzie grew up in East Harlem and was a Captain by the mid-1950s.
Following a conviction on Federal narcotics charges his crew was broken up between David Amodeo and Arthur Leo.
By August 1966 he was reporting to the now-deceased Leo's successor, Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano.
As a member of Pipolo's crew Mazzie continued involvement in what one informant called 'one of the largest policy operations in the Bronx', overseeing the business from an office at Hobart and Westchester Aves in Pelham Bay.
Following Pipolo's death Mazzie was reported as a member of Joseph Zingaro's crew.
He died in August 1986.
4. [Redacted] - Soldier
5. John DeMatteo (1916-2006), aka Johnny Pie - Soldier
Following a conviction on Federal narcotics charges his crew was broken up between David Amodeo and Arthur Leo.
By August 1966 he was reporting to the now-deceased Leo's successor, Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano.
As a member of Pipolo's crew Mazzie continued involvement in what one informant called 'one of the largest policy operations in the Bronx', overseeing the business from an office at Hobart and Westchester Aves in Pelham Bay.
Following Pipolo's death Mazzie was reported as a member of Joseph Zingaro's crew.
He died in August 1986.
4. [Redacted] - Soldier
5. John DeMatteo (1916-2006), aka Johnny Pie - Soldier
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| J. DeMatteo |
Born October 1916 in Brooklyn to parents from Naples, Campania, DeMatteo was a made member by the late 1950s.
As of 1965 both he and his father Albert DeMatteo (1891-1965), also a Gambino Soldier, were in David Amodeo's crew.
By the mid-1970s reported to John Angelone and subsequently to Pipolo.
Under Pipolo, DeMatteo was involved in union activity and, per informant reports, handled a small loansharking business from a Bronx social club located on Beaumont Ave.
Following Pipolo's death DeMatteo may have been with Anthony Carminati; by 2000 he was listed under Joseph Gambino, who took over Carminati's crew a few years prior. (According to a May 2000 Govt chart posted on the forum. The FBI listed 'Tony Pie' among Carminati's nicknames.)
Full bio here.
As of 1965 both he and his father Albert DeMatteo (1891-1965), also a Gambino Soldier, were in David Amodeo's crew.
By the mid-1970s reported to John Angelone and subsequently to Pipolo.
Under Pipolo, DeMatteo was involved in union activity and, per informant reports, handled a small loansharking business from a Bronx social club located on Beaumont Ave.
Following Pipolo's death DeMatteo may have been with Anthony Carminati; by 2000 he was listed under Joseph Gambino, who took over Carminati's crew a few years prior. (According to a May 2000 Govt chart posted on the forum. The FBI listed 'Tony Pie' among Carminati's nicknames.)
Full bio here.
Captain: Joe Zingaro (1912-1993)
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| J. Zingaro |
Born October 1912 in Melrose, The Bronx to family believed from Avellino, Campania.
By the mid-to-late 1950s he was a formally inducted member in the crew of Vincent 'Jimmy Jerome' Squillante, who disappeared in 1960.
A couple of years later Zingaro was identified by FBI CI and Gambino Soldier Alfred Santantonio as a Captain with approximately twenty made men under him. (Santantonio was murdered July 1963 after his informant status became known.)
He is believed to have remained an influential figure right up to his death thirty years later in July 1993.
Crew members:
1. Gennaro 'Jerry' Mancuso (1926-2012) - Soldier
Born October 1926 in Manhattan to a father from Campania, Gennaro was the older brother of Aniello (below); by the late 1950s the brothers are believed to have been reporting to their uncle, Captain Vincent Squillante.
Under Zingaro, Mancuso resided in Astoria, Queens and held membership in IBT Local 875 industrial workers union.
One informant noted that Zingaro and Mancuso were seen together at one of the crew's local social clubs 'on a daily basis'.
By 2000 the Mancuso brothers were reporting to Captain Salvatore 'Tore' LoCascio, the son of Former Gambino Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio (1932-2021) (below).
FBI CI and Gambino Associate John Bologna reported to the FBI that both Gennaro and his brother were Captains by 2002. (Bologna was known to have occasionally given his handlers incorrect information, although Aniello at least was a confirmed Captain according to CW and Former Gambino Captain Michael DiLeonardo.)
Died April 2012.
2. Aniello 'Wahoo' Mancuso (1930-2009) - Soldier
By the mid-to-late 1950s he was a formally inducted member in the crew of Vincent 'Jimmy Jerome' Squillante, who disappeared in 1960.
A couple of years later Zingaro was identified by FBI CI and Gambino Soldier Alfred Santantonio as a Captain with approximately twenty made men under him. (Santantonio was murdered July 1963 after his informant status became known.)
He is believed to have remained an influential figure right up to his death thirty years later in July 1993.
Crew members:
1. Gennaro 'Jerry' Mancuso (1926-2012) - Soldier
Born October 1926 in Manhattan to a father from Campania, Gennaro was the older brother of Aniello (below); by the late 1950s the brothers are believed to have been reporting to their uncle, Captain Vincent Squillante.
Under Zingaro, Mancuso resided in Astoria, Queens and held membership in IBT Local 875 industrial workers union.
One informant noted that Zingaro and Mancuso were seen together at one of the crew's local social clubs 'on a daily basis'.
By 2000 the Mancuso brothers were reporting to Captain Salvatore 'Tore' LoCascio, the son of Former Gambino Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio (1932-2021) (below).
FBI CI and Gambino Associate John Bologna reported to the FBI that both Gennaro and his brother were Captains by 2002. (Bologna was known to have occasionally given his handlers incorrect information, although Aniello at least was a confirmed Captain according to CW and Former Gambino Captain Michael DiLeonardo.)
Died April 2012.
2. Aniello 'Wahoo' Mancuso (1930-2009) - Soldier
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| A. Mancuso |
Gennaro's younger brother, Aniello was born January 1930 in Manhattan and grew up on E 106th St in the East Harlem neighborhood.
Under Zingaro, Aniello was active in the carting business on Long Island; an FBI summary report from 1980 described him as a 'force behind the private sanitation industry association of Nassau and Suffolk Counties'.
In March 1985 arrested by NYPD Manhattan after pulling a gun and issuing threats over a $30 bar tab (see above photo).
Believed to be an Acting Captain by 1995, a position confirmed on the 2000 Govt chart listing him as Acting for Salvatore LoCascio.
By 2002 he was an official Captain per reports from CI John Bologna and court testimony of CW Michael DiLeonardo.
Died February 2009.
3. Frank 'F.F.' Fiumara (1913-2000) - Soldier
Born June 1913 to a father from Francavilla Angitola comune of Catanzaro, Calabria, Fiumara was a made member of Zingaro's crew by 1963.
Under Zingaro, Fiumara carried out 'small time' extortion and bookmaking and at one point held a job with a supermarket chain; in 1967 an informant noted he was 'one of the few 'made' guys who has a regular employment'.
By the late 1970s he resided in New Rochelle and operated a local card game.
In January 1981 FBI CI reported that Fiumara used two social clubs in that city as 'gambling spots' and as a location from which to shylock customers using money supplied by Zingaro.
By 2000 reporting to Salvatore LoCascio.
Died in June of that year.
4. Frank 'Frankie Loc' LoCascio (1932-2021) - Soldier
Under Zingaro, Aniello was active in the carting business on Long Island; an FBI summary report from 1980 described him as a 'force behind the private sanitation industry association of Nassau and Suffolk Counties'.
In March 1985 arrested by NYPD Manhattan after pulling a gun and issuing threats over a $30 bar tab (see above photo).
Believed to be an Acting Captain by 1995, a position confirmed on the 2000 Govt chart listing him as Acting for Salvatore LoCascio.
By 2002 he was an official Captain per reports from CI John Bologna and court testimony of CW Michael DiLeonardo.
Died February 2009.
3. Frank 'F.F.' Fiumara (1913-2000) - Soldier
Born June 1913 to a father from Francavilla Angitola comune of Catanzaro, Calabria, Fiumara was a made member of Zingaro's crew by 1963.
Under Zingaro, Fiumara carried out 'small time' extortion and bookmaking and at one point held a job with a supermarket chain; in 1967 an informant noted he was 'one of the few 'made' guys who has a regular employment'.
By the late 1970s he resided in New Rochelle and operated a local card game.
In January 1981 FBI CI reported that Fiumara used two social clubs in that city as 'gambling spots' and as a location from which to shylock customers using money supplied by Zingaro.
By 2000 reporting to Salvatore LoCascio.
Died in June of that year.
4. Frank 'Frankie Loc' LoCascio (1932-2021) - Soldier
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| F. LoCascio |
Born September 1932 in The Bronx to a father from Baucina, Palermo, LoCascio was inducted around 1955 and reported to Joseph Zingaro by the late 1970s.
Around that time designated a subject in one of the FBI's large-scale gambling investigations.
According to Former Gambino Underboss turned CW Salvatore Gravano, LoCascio was promoted to Captain sometime after Boss John Gotti's acquittal on Federal racketeering charges in the spring of 1987.
Around January of the following year Gotti appointed LoCascio the Family's Acting Underboss.
One year later Salvatore Gravano was made the official Underboss and LoCascio was shifted to Acting Consigliere.
Gravano's testimony aided in the April 1992 convictions of LoCascio and Gotti on Federal racketeering charges; both were sentenced to life and died behind bars, LoCascio in October 2021.
5. 'Big John' DeGregorio (1910-1983) - Soldier
Around that time designated a subject in one of the FBI's large-scale gambling investigations.
According to Former Gambino Underboss turned CW Salvatore Gravano, LoCascio was promoted to Captain sometime after Boss John Gotti's acquittal on Federal racketeering charges in the spring of 1987.
Around January of the following year Gotti appointed LoCascio the Family's Acting Underboss.
One year later Salvatore Gravano was made the official Underboss and LoCascio was shifted to Acting Consigliere.
Gravano's testimony aided in the April 1992 convictions of LoCascio and Gotti on Federal racketeering charges; both were sentenced to life and died behind bars, LoCascio in October 2021.
5. 'Big John' DeGregorio (1910-1983) - Soldier
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| J. DeGregorio (Late 1970s) |
Born June 1910 in Gallina frazione of Reggio Calabria, DeGregorio grew up in Port Chester, Westchester County and was a made member by the late 1950s.
Older brother Anello (1899-1985) was also a member, though possibly with a separate crew (under Captain Joseph 'Joe the Cat' LaForte by 1983.)
By the late 1970s 'Big John' supervised 'a large scale gambling operation' dealing in numbers and sports bets from the Westchester Circle Luncheonette in Port Chester.
He was observed on multiple occasions with various Gambino members, including Captain John Angelone and Acting Captain Nicola Melillo, at the New Rochelle Social Club on Crescent Ave in The Bronx's Belmont neighborhood.
In April 1982 an informant noted that DeGregorio was 'still on the mob hit list' for suspected skimming of gambling profits.
He died one year later in early April 1983.
Older brother Anello (1899-1985) was also a member, though possibly with a separate crew (under Captain Joseph 'Joe the Cat' LaForte by 1983.)
By the late 1970s 'Big John' supervised 'a large scale gambling operation' dealing in numbers and sports bets from the Westchester Circle Luncheonette in Port Chester.
He was observed on multiple occasions with various Gambino members, including Captain John Angelone and Acting Captain Nicola Melillo, at the New Rochelle Social Club on Crescent Ave in The Bronx's Belmont neighborhood.
In April 1982 an informant noted that DeGregorio was 'still on the mob hit list' for suspected skimming of gambling profits.
He died one year later in early April 1983.
Other
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| A. Mascia (Late 1970s) |
As part of the same November 1980 report, the member source noted that Former Captain Angelo Mascia (1909-1986) was 'an active Soldier under a Capo named [Redacted] (LNU) from New Jersey'.
Source also noted that Ralph 'Ralphie Bones' Mosca (1910-1999) was a Captain and Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano (1900-1992) an Acting Captain.
In mid-January 1981 a second informant was shown the list and added two additional Soldiers, both names redacted.
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| R. Mosca (L) and A. Napolitano |
In mid-January 1981 a second informant was shown the list and added two additional Soldiers, both names redacted.
Known crew members not named by the informant included Soldiers Robert 'Sonny' Guippone (1930-1993), Frank 'Rummy' Mastroiacova (1914-1983) and Anthony 'Porky' Porcelli (1929-2009), all under Zingaro.
More Gambino Family posts can be found in the Index.
