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| c. 1990 |
George DeCicco was a member of the Gambino Family who operated primarily in the neighborhoods of Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
Inducted by Gambino Boss Paul Castellano around 1985, DeCicco was promoted to Captain in January 1986 by Castellano's successor, John Gotti, and held the position until approximately mid-2006.
Nephew Frank DeCicco (1935-1986), appointed Gotti's Underboss at the same time, was killed a few months later in retaliation for Paul Castellano's murder the previous December.
Several other relatives were affiliated:
- George's older brother Vincent 'Boozy' DeCicco (1913-1979), Frank's father, was also a Gambino Member.
- Brothers Albert aka 'Albie' (1920-2001) and Joseph aka 'Joe Butter' DeCicco (1922-2004) were Associates.
- Sister Catherine married Gambino Soldier John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello (1913-1981).
- Nephew Frank Fappiano was a Gambino Soldier who became a cooperating witness in 2004.
- Another nephew, Joseph 'Joey Boy' Orlando, was identified in the mid-2000s as a Soldier in his uncle's crew.
- Gambino Captain turned CW Michael DiLeonardo was at one time married to DeCicco's niece.
George was born March 20, 1929 in Brooklyn to Francesco (45y) and Elisabetta Santo Pietro (36y). Parents from Carbone and Balvano comunes of Potenza, Basilicata.
At the time of his birth the family resided at 209 Bay 23rd St in Bath Beach. Francesco worked as furniture upholsterer.
The DeCiccos had only recently moved to Brooklyn from an address on Thompson St in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.
By April 1940 father worked as poultry market foreman.
By April 1942 the family had moved further north to 68 Bay 13th, still in Bath Beach.
Married first wife in 1948.
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| V. DeCicco |
By 1957 older brother Vincent was an inducted member of the Gambino Family.
George's first encounter with the law came in early September 1959, when arrested by the NYPD in Brooklyn on a dice charge. Convicted.
A second arrest for dice that December resulted in acquittal.
On September 22, 1961 arrested in Brooklyn on bookmaking charge. Convicted following month.
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| P. Ferrara |
By 1962 brother Vincent was reporting to Captain Peter 'Petey Pumps' Ferrara.
Made members of Ferrara's crew at the time included Salvatore 'Toddo' Aurello, Andrew 'Mingie' Avellino, Vincent DeCicco, James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla, John Riccobono, Salvatore Riccobono,
Anthony Rizzo, John Rizzo, Nicholas Russo, John Santoro, Albert 'Little Al' Seru, Andrew Torregrossa, Andrew Torregrossa Jr. and John Torregrossa.
Possible crew members included Gambino Soldier Lawrence Pistone.
The other DeCicco brothers, along with their nephew Frank, were likely Associates in this crew.
On February 24, 1962 George was hit with a Federal charge re wagering tax stamp and possibly with aiding and abetting. May have been picked up same date in a separate local bookmaking arrest. Case nolle prossed.
On March 23, 1963 arrested for consorting.
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| J. Chiarello |
On September 11, 1965 among 6
arrested by NYPD 122nd Pct in Staten Island on gambling charges. Those arrested were Gambino Soldier
John Chiarello, Gambino Associates George DeCicco and Joseph 'Joe the Cat' LaForte as well as Xavier Cavano (55y), James Cordo (26y) and Louis Piccirillo (35y). 611,800 numbers plays found in defendants' possession. On April 5, 1967 Chiarello, DeCicco and Cordo pleaded guilty in Richmond County Supreme Court to misdemeanor gambling charges. Trio each
given six-month suspended sentences and fined $250. (As noted above Chiarello was the DeCiccos' brother-in-law, having married one of George's older sisters.)
1970s
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| F. DeCicco |
In early February 1976 the New York Families opened the books for membership. George's nephew Frank DeCicco was part of the Gambino Family's
first wave of inductions and went on to be an influential member with close ties to the leadership before entering the administration himself.
In October 1976 divorced first wife.
On February 4, 1977 arrested by NYPD 17th Pct Manhattan on assault charge. On April 19 pleaded guilty and given conditional discharge.
In 1978 daughter married Colombo Associate Reynold 'Ren' Maragni.
(Maragni, at the time on-record with Colombo Captain [and Future Acting Boss]
Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella, was inducted into that Family in March 2008. He later became a cooperating witness.)
Same year George married his second wife.
On March 18, 1979 brother Vincent died. George was probably among the dozens of LCN members and associates who attended the
three-day wake held at the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst.
1980s
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M. DiLeonardo
Press |
Around 1981 Gambino Associate Michael DiLeonardo opened social club at 75th St and New Utrecht Ave in Bensonhurst. Club patronized by numerous LCN Members and Associates including the DeCiccos. DiLeonardo later testified: "Well, I opened that up, it was a much bigger place [than my first club], and I had more exposure at that time, and I started getting friendly with Sammy Gravano, Georgie DeCicco, Frank DeCicco, Lou Vallario, the rest of [Sammy Gravano]'s crew, Joe Stymie, Huck, Mike DeBatt, Eddie Garafola, the whole crew, just about everybody." Loansharking and sportsbetting operations conducted at club. Also testified: "I put some of [DeCiccos] to work [at club]...Joe DeCicco, Frankie, Georgie, Scott Fappiano, Frankie Fappiano." (DiLeonardo, who later married one of George's nieces, was inducted into the Gambino Family in December 1988 and promoted to Captain a few years later. He became a cooperating witness in 2002, the second made member in that Family to defect since Salvatore Gravano eleven years prior.)
Induction - Captain
In July 1984 Gambino Captain John Riccobono died.
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| F. DeCicco |
George's nephew Frank DeCicco was promoted to Captain of Riccobono's former crew.
George was inducted into the Family sometime after Frank's promotion and before December 1985, when Gambino Boss Paul Castellano was shot to death in Midtown, Manhattan.
Castellano's murder was orchestrated by a group that included Frank DeCicco and Acting Captain John Gotti.
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| J. Gotti (1989) |
On January 16, 1986 Gotti was elected the Family's new Boss at a basement meeting held in or near the DeCicco family's old neighborhood of Greenwich Village.
Gotti then appointed Frank DeCicco as his Underboss. Joseph N. Gallo retained as Consigliere.
At the same meeting Gotti and DeCicco's former crews were given to Angelo Ruggiero and George DeCicco respectively.
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| 1980s |
DeCicco supervised his crew from a social club at 1628 Bath Ave in Bath Beach.
Made members of DeCicco's crew included:
- Ignatius 'Iggy' DeBella (1922-2011) : Little-known member active in South Brooklyn. Born in Messina, Sicily.
- Paul 'Slasher' DiBella (1920-2005) : Iggy's older brother. Described in the 1960s as 'boss on the fruit piers in Manhattan'. Formerly both the President of ILA Local 946 and the hiring boss for Standard Fruit Company on Pier 13.
- Joseph 'Sonny' Juliano (1937-) : Believed inducted in the late 1970s, primarily involved in gambling and bookmaking. Later served as DeCicco's Acting Captain.
- Joseph C. Russo (1929-1991) : Son of Former Captain Gaetano 'Tom' Russo (1891-1970) of Palermo. The Russos were one-half of the Family-linked Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home business; the Cusimanos, several of whom were also members, made up the other half.
Associates included:
- Richard 'Sonny' Juliano (1940-2019) : Joseph's younger brother, inducted in 1999.
- John Riccobono (1939-) : Relative of the former crew leader. Made around 1995. Several other family members were with the Gambino Family going back to the early 1900s.
- Orazio 'Ozzie' Stantini (1945-2017) : From Gravesend, Brooklyn. Very close associate of George's nephew Frank; may have been direct with Frank until the latter's murder. Inducted in 1988 after participating in the Francesco Oliveri hit, carried out on Family orders without DeCicco's knowledge. After induction put with another Captain in a deliberate attempt by the leadership to avoid strengthening DeCicco's crew.
On February 5, 1986 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: “
...Source also identified George DeCicco as the new Capo of Frank DeCicco’s crew.”
On April 13, 1986 Frank DeCicco was killed by a bomb outside the Family's Veterans and Friends Social Club located on 86th St in Bensonhurst. Lucchese Soldier Frank Bellino wounded.
Years later it was revealed that the bombing was carried out by the Genovese and Lucchese Families in retaliation for Paul Castellano's unauthorized murder. The hit team detonated the explosive when they mistook Bellino for Gotti.
George DeCicco and his brother Joseph were among those present at the club when the bomb went off.
Frank DeCicco's
wake was held April 15-16 at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst. Nearly all of the active Gambino membership attended, as did several members from the other New York Families. George DeCicco, his brother Joseph and his son Robert were among those present.
Joseph 'Joe Piney' Armone (1917-1992) was appointed the new Underboss.
On June 13, 1986 FBI surveillance conducted on DeCicco social club. At 2:28 PM George DeCicco and Gambino Soldier
Louis 'Red' Giardina observed in discussion at nearby street corner. At 2:35 PM Captain James Failla and Unsubs in conversation outside club.
By 1987 moved to 21 Bay 13th St.
On July 25, 1987 Unspecified DeCicco relative married, with the reception held at La Mer Caterers in Midwood, Brooklyn.
Attendees included:
John Gotti (Gambino Boss)
Joseph Armone (Underboss)
Joseph Arcuri (Captain)
Joseph 'Joe Butch' Corrao (Captain)
Frank 'Frankie Dap' D'Apolito (Captain)
George DeCicco (Captain)
James Failla (Captain)
Ralph 'Ralphie Bones' Mosca (Captain)
Natale 'Big Chris' Richichi (Captain?)
Salvatore Aurello (Soldier)
Peter Gotti (Soldier)
Charles 'Buster' LiConti (Soldier)
Edward Lino (Soldier)
Anthony 'Butch' Maltese (Colombo Soldier)
Rosario 'Black Sam' Nastasa (Colombo Soldier)
Frank 'Frankie Reynolds' Ruggiero (Soldier)
Salvatore 'Fat Sally' Scala (Soldier)
Joseph 'Joe Sis' Siciliano (Soldier)
Thomas 'Tommy Sparrow' Spinelli (Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Pep' Trentacosta (Soldier)
Paul 'Paulie Zack' Zaccaria (Soldier)
Anthony Zappi (Soldier)
Lawrence 'Larry' Martire (DeCavalcante Member?)
John A. Gotti (Associate) [Son of the Boss]
Autos registered to Peter Dauria (66y), Salvatore Prenestri (69y) and John Tortorelli (75y) also observed.
By 1988 operated Deja Vu nightclub located at 1717 86th St in Bensonhurst.
Identified in an April 1988
Senate Report as Gambino Captain. The report, prepared by NYPD's Intelligence Division, noted: "
It is believed that George DeCicco has taken over the crew that was headed by his uncle [sic]
Frank DeCicco, B# 427105, when he was promoted to Underboss."
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T. Pitera
Gang Land News |
On August 31, 1988 DeCicco, Bonanno Captain Frank Lino and Bonanno Soldier Thomas 'Tommy Karate' Pitera surveilled by FBI in discussion outside Bensonhurst social club. During the conversation Pitera was photographed making the sign of a gun with his hand. These photos were later introduced as evidence in at least one Federal trial in the belief that the conversation was alluding to the murder two days prior of Wilfred 'Willie Boy' Johnson, a former Gambino Associate who had been outed as a longtime confidential informant. (In 1992 Pitera was acquitted of involvement in Johnson's murder but convicted of several others in a racketeering case that resulted in a life sentence.)
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O. Stantini
Gang Land News |
On May 3, 1988 crew member Orazio Stantini participated in the murder of civilian
Francesco Oliveri. Stantini was brought into the plot and helped carry out the murder without DeCicco's knowledge.
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| J. Corrao |
For his part in the murder, Stantini was inducted into the Family later that year and immediately transferred to Captain Joseph Corrao's crew. CW Salvatore Gravano, who supervised Oliveri's murder on Boss John Gotti's behalf, later testified: "When [Stantini] was proposed John Gotti didn't want to beef up Georgie DeCicco's crew, he had a dislike for Georgie DeCicco. We talked about it, I says, this should not hold back Orazio. We came to a plan. I had told John Gotti, I said, use the excuse that you want to beef up Joe Butch's crew, take him out of Georgie's crew. That was a good plan as far as John was concerned. That is what we did." (Stantini began showing up at Gotti's Ravenite Social Club with Corrao instead of DeCicco around August 1988.)
On December 24, 1988 five new members formally inducted into Gambino Family in ceremony presided over by Acting Underboss Frank LoCascio and Consigliere Salvatore Gravano. Ceremony held inside Little Italy, Manhattan apartment building owned by Captain Joseph Corrao. Others present included Corrao, George DeCicco, at least seven other Family Captains and a few Soldiers.
Those inducted were Michael DiLeonardo (33y), John A. Gotti (24y), Nicholas LaSorsa (52y), Dominick 'Skinny Dom' Pizzonia (47y) and an Unsub.
Boss John Gotti chose not to preside over his son's induction; after the ceremony the group went to the Ravenite, where the new inductees were formally introduced to their Boss.
On March 15, 1989 DeCicco and many others were surveilled visiting the Ravenite.
In early December 1989 the FBI's New York Office noted that DeCicco and his crew was 'headquartered on Bath Avenue in Brooklyn'.
On December 12, 1989 Boss John Gotti, Acting Underboss Frank LoCascio and Consigliere Salvatore Gravano met inside an apartment located above the Ravenite. An FBI bug, placed the previous November, recorded the trio discussing various Family matters. Those mentioned during conversation included George DeCicco.
1990s
On April 22, 1990 John A. Gotti married, with the reception held at the Helmsley in Manhattan. Attendees included Gambino Underboss Salvatore Gravano, Captain George DeCicco and many members from the Gambino Family as well as the other New York Families.
On June 4, 1990 among several surveilled visiting the Ravenite.
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| 1990s |
On November 29, 1990 observed in discussion with two Unsubs outside the Bath Ave social club.
On January 29, 1991 served two Notices of Inventory regarding the FBI's bugging of the Ravenite.
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| D. Harrigan |
On October 1, 1991 Bonanno Associate Dennis Michael Harrigan (30y) shot to death by an on-foot assailant while standing at a payphone in Ozone Park, Queens.
Later determined victim murdered by Gambino Associate and DeCicco crew member Frank 'Frankie the Blond' Mariconda in response to Harrigan's suspected involvement in 1989 disappearance of Gregory Reiter. Reiter's father, Gambino Associate Michael Reiter, paid Mariconda $10,000 for the hit.
It's unclear whether DeCicco had any knowledge of the plot.
The following year Mariconda was himself the victim of an unsanctioned murder, shot to death for unrelated reasons by Lucchese Members
Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni.
On December 5, 1991 Gambino Associate Michael Giangregorio (22y) wounded in shooting attempt while entering Cropsey Lounge in Bath Beach. Victim hit in right knee and left arm. Those present inside Lounge at time of shooting included Captain George DeCicco and Associate Robert Scarpaci (41y).
New York Daily News reported: "[DeCicco and Scarpaci]
came out and interfered with uniformed cops trying to secure the crime scene...Police said they did not know why Scarpaci and DeCicco - reputedly a Gambino capo - tried to keep cops away. They were issued summonses on charges of obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct." (An article in
Newsday instead
described Giangregorio as a bystander and claimed that DeCicco and Scarpaci were the intended targets.)
In early March 1992 Former Underboss Salvatore Gravano, who defected the previous November, testified in Boss John Gotti's Federal racketeering trial. During testimony identified George DeCicco as a Gambino Captain.
Gotti subsequently convicted in large part due to Gravano's cooperation.
On April 18, 1992 FBI surveillance conducted on Gotti crew's Bergen Hunt and Fish Club located on 101st Ave in Ozone Park. Those observed included Gambino Captains Joseph Arcuri, Nicholas Corozzo, Frank D'Apolito and George DeCicco, Acting Captain Michael DiLeonardo, Soldiers Thomas 'Tommy Sneakers' Cacciopoli, John 'Jackie' Cavallo, Richard Gotti, Dominick Pizzonia and Louis 'Brother' Scida as well as Associates Joseph D'Angelo, George DeBello, Joseph DeCicco, Richard Gotti Jr. and Robert Pellegrino.
On June 23, 1992 Boss John Gotti sentenced by EDNY Judge I. Leo Glasser to life imprisonment.
The Associated Press reported: "
The five-minute sentencing took place in a Brooklyn courtroom so crowded that reputed Gambino family member George DeCicco sat next to New York FBI [head]
."
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Top: Robbers T. Uva (L) and R. Uva
Bottom: Scene of Uva Murders (Dec. 1992) |
Around Fall 1992 multiple LCN-connected social clubs in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx robbed at gunpoint by civilians Thomas and Rosemarie Uva. Locations hit included clubs affiliated with Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero, Gambino Captain George DeCicco, Bonanno Captain (?) Patrick DeFilippo, Gambino Soldier Ignazio 'Iggy' Alogna, Bonanno Soldier Peter 'Petey Box-Cars' Cosoleto, Colombo Soldier Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Gambino Soldier Joseph 'Joe Brewster' Delmonico and Gambino Soldier Dominick Pizzonia. Culprits subsequently tracked down and shot to death on Christmas Eve of that year.
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| F. DeSisto |
On January 28, 1993 vehicle utilized by Associate Frank DeSisto observed parked outside DeCicco's residence as well as outside his social club in Bath Beach. (Frank DeSisto [1930-2008] had previously been arrested with Colombo Soldier
Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, and was later indicted for extortion conspiracy with Gambino Soldier Frank 'Butch' Guglielmini and others.)
On February 4, 1993 FBI surveillance outside DeCicco's social club observed autos registered to Gambino Soldier Paul Zaccaria as well as to individuals with the surnames Mulazzi and Scarpaci.
On April 1, 1993 FBI surveillance outside the club observed autos registered to Carmine Sedita, Business Agent for Carpenters Local 20, an individual with the surname Mulazzi as well as to one FNU DiCaro, identified in a subsequent report as 'one of the main drug suspects' in a heroin operation centered around the Cafe Bruno on 18th Ave.
On September 29, 1993 Gambino Associate Joseph DeCicco and two Unsubs observed, as well as an auto registered to Pequa Maintenance Company in Farmingdale, Long Island.
On October 12/21, 1993 Joseph DeCicco and / or his auto observed at the club.
On November 15 Joseph DeCicco arrested by FBI as result of extortion indictment brought by US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn.
By mid-1990s George moved out of Brooklyn to an address on Pamela Lane in Grasmere, Staten Island. Maintained Bath Ave social club.
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| J. Riccobono |
Around 1995 ceremony held where two new members formally inducted into Gambino Family. Ceremony, held inside unspecified Queens residence, presided over by Captains (and ruling panel members) Nicholas Corozzo, Jack D'Amico and John A. Gotti. Others present included Captains George DeCicco, Michael DiLeonardo and 'Big Lou' Vallario as well as Soldier Carmine Agnello.
Those inducted were Joseph D'Angelo (26y) and John Riccobono (56y). Riccobono sponsored by DeCicco.
On September 5, 1995 wake for Former Gambino Consigliere Joseph N. Gallo held in Queens. Attendees included Gambino Captain (Consigliere?) Joseph Arcuri, Captain George DeCicco, Captain Michael DiLeonardo, Soldiers Frank 'Frankie Martin' Barranca, Craig DePalma, Joseph Franco, Michael 'Mike Brooklyn' Guerrieri, Dominick Pizzonia, John Riccobono as well as Gambino Associate Anthony Ruggiano Jr. (Ruggiano Jr., son of imprisoned longtime member Anthony 'Fat Andy' Ruggiano [1926-1999], later became a cooperating witness.)
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| Corozzo Wake (L to R): Unsub, P. Zaccaria, J. Riccobono (back), G. DeCicco |
On January 11-12, 1996 wake for Rocco Corozzo, father of Gambino Captains Joseph and Nicholas Corozzo, held at Romanelli Funeral Home in Queens. Attendees included Gambino Captain (Acting Boss?) Peter Gotti, George DeCicco and at least six other Gambino Captains as well as at least fourteen Gambino Soldiers including DeCicco crew members Joseph Juliano and John Riccobono. Additional attendees included Genovese (Acting?) Captain Alan 'Baldy' Longo, DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo and Gambino Associates Richard Gotti Jr., James 'Treetop' Outerie, Joseph Panzarella Jr., Salvatore Pugliese, Anthony 'Bosch' Vaglica, Bartolomeo 'Bobby Glasses' Vernace, Michael 'Mikey Y' Yannotti and Ronald Barlin. (Rotondo later testified that Peter Gotti was introduced to him as the Acting Boss during this wake. Attendees Richard Gotti Jr., Outerie, Pugliese, Vernace and Yannotti were all later inducted into the Gambino Family.)
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| DeCicco on Govt Chart depicting Gambino Family c. 1997 |
On April 25, 1998, at approximately 11:00 PM, burning body of Frank Saracino (23y)
discovered behind shopping center in Bloomfield, Staten Island. He had been shot once in the back of the neck. Victim brother of 'Little Dino' and Sebastian aka 'Sebby' Saracino, both Colombo Associates in the crew of Captain
Thomas 'Tommy Shots' Gioeli.
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| M. Burnside |
The brothers suspected Michael 'Squirts' Burnside, a Gambino Associate in DeCicco's crew, as responsible and began to plot his murder. Co-conspirators included Gioeli and Colombo Associates 'Big Dino' Calabro and Joseph 'Joe Caves' Competiello. Burnside unable to be located and murder called off.
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A. Trucchio
Gang Land News
|
On February 14, 1999 Gambino Associate (Member?) Alphonse Trucchio, son of Soldier Ronald 'Ronnie One-Arm' Trucchio, married. Reception held at Russo's on the Bay in Ozone Park, Queens. Attendees included Acting Boss (?) Peter Gotti, Captain George DeCicco, (Acting?) Captain Salvatore Scala, Acting Captain Augustus 'Gus Boy' Sclafani, Soldiers Carmine Agnello and Charles Carneglia as well as Associates Alfred 'Freddy Hot' DeCongilio, Kevin McMahon and Joseph Panzarella Jr.
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| L. Vallario during Feb. 23 Surveillance |
On February 23, 1999 Gambino Captain Louis Vallario followed by FBI to DeCicco's Bath Ave social club, where he spent approximately a half hour before leaving.
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| Apr. 1999 Inductees (L to R): P. Cassarino, R. Juliano and J. Sclafani |
On April 26, 1999 ceremony held where three new members formally inducted into Gambino Family.
Ceremony, presided over by Consigliere Joseph Arcuri, held in basement of Bensonhurst residence owned by (former?) DeCicco crew associate Richard Juliano. Those present in addition to Arcuri included Captain Anthony 'Sonny' Ciccone, (Acting?) Captain Joseph Juliano, (Acting?) Captain Augustus Sclafani and one Unsub.
Inducted were:
- Primo Cassarino (43y) [Sponsored by A. Ciccone]
- Richard Juliano (59y) [Sponsored by brother J. Juliano]
- Joseph Sclafani (33y) [Sponsored by father A. Sclafani]
Cassarino later testified: "[There]
was a basement with a bunch of guys sitting around a table. They told me to sit down. I sat down. Joe Arcuri asked me, do you know why you're here? I told him no, which was a lie...We heard some good things about you, he said, do you want to join our secret society? I told him yes. Then he says okay, put a picture of a saint in my hand [and]
pricked my finger with a pin, a knife on the table. He put the saint on fire, said if you disobey the code of omerta, I should burn like the picture of the saint. Then they told me [the rules]
."
(Cassarino, who flipped in 2005, later stated that Arcuri was serving as either Acting Boss or Consigliere at the time of the ceremony. He also identified both Joseph Juliano and August Sclafani as Captains, official or acting not specified. The Julianos previously reported to DeCicco, and a May 2000
Govt Chart continued to depict them as DeCicco crew members. It's likely Joseph Juliano was Acting for DeCicco, though multiple sources simply refer to him as a Captain during this period.)
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| J. Ferrisi |
Around Summer 1999 Gambino Family meeting held at DeCicco's residence in Staten Island. Attendees included DeCicco, Captain Michael DiLeonardo, Captain Louis Vallario and Soldiers Thomas 'Huck' Carbonaro and Edward Garafola. Purpose to discuss potential cooperation of Vallario crew associate John Ferrisi, indicted the previous April on Federal racketeering charges. DiLeonardo later testified: "
I believe [Attorney]
brought [information of Ferrisi's potential cooperation]
originally to George DeCicco and Lou Vallario...Eddie [Garafola]
told me there was going to be an appointment [by]
Georgie DeCicco's house, and I attended...This kid originally went in to meet the judge and may have made statements, and that [attorney]
thought he could rehabilitate him not to cooperate [and ultimately he]
never cooperated."
On August 12-13, 1999 wake for Gambino Captain James Failla held at Azzara Funeral Home in Arrochar, Staten Island. Attendees included Acting Boss Peter Gotti, Consigliere Joseph Arcuri, George DeCicco and at least seven other Official or Acting Captains, at least ten Soldiers including DeCicco crew member Richard Juliano as well as several Possible Members and Associates. (One of those present, Vincenzo Barone, was photographed with the Julianos and could be an otherwise unknown Gambino Member.)
On January 12-13, 2000 wakes for Lucchese Associate Oscar Ansourian and for a relative of Gambino Captain Louis Vallario held at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst. Attendees included Acting Boss Peter Gotti, George DeCicco and at least seven other Official or Acting Captains as well as at least eleven Soldiers including DeCicco crew member Richard Juliano. Additional attendees included Genovese (Acting?) Captain Alan Longo, Possible Genovese Member Theodore 'Teddy' Maggio and several Gambino and Genovese Associates.
On April 12, 2000 wake for Former Gambino Captain Jerome 'Jerry Mummy' D'Aquila also held at Scarpaci. Attendees included Acting Boss Peter Gotti, Consigliere Joseph Arcuri, George DeCicco and at least three other Official or Acting Captains as well as at least two Soldiers including DeCicco crew member Richard Juliano. Additional attendees included Gambino Associate Joseph Chirico. (Around the following year Chirico was inducted into the Family under Captain Anthony Ciccone's sponsorship.)
A
Govt chart of the Gambino Family compiled in May 2000 shows George DeCicco and eighteen others as Captains.
Listed DeCicco crew members were Joseph Juliano (Acting Captain), Ignatius DeBella, Paul DiBella, Richard Juliano and John Riccobono.
By 2001 Gambino Soldier
Primo Cassarino opened social club at 82nd St and 17th Ave. Location served as new meeting place for Captain Anthony Ciccone, barred by consent decree from his regular Court St hangout. Visitors aside from Ciccone crew members included Gambino Acting Boss Peter Gotti and Gambino Captains/Acting Captains Louis Vallario, Salvatore Scala and Carmelo Sciandra. Club situated near similar hangouts for crews headed by Vallario and George DeCicco.
On January 17, 2001 wake for Antoinette Fappiano, DeCicco's sister, held at Scarpaci. Attendees included Acting Boss Peter Gotti, Acting Captain James 'Jimmy Boy' Dellaratta, Captain Michael DiLeonardo, (Acting?) Captain Salvatore Scala, Soldiers Thomas Carbonaro, Michael Guerrieri and Dominick Pizzonia as well as Associate Alfred DeCongilio. (Pizzonia was promoted to Captain by the fall. Alfred DeCongilio was believed inducted into the Family around the same time.)
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| J. DeCicco |
On August 14, 2002 brother Joseph DeCicco (80y) and Gabriel Ariola (51y) indicted by Queens District Attorney's Office on extortion charges.
The Associated Press reported: "[Defendants]
approached the victim, a car dealer in Queens, in September 1999 and demanded $5,000 a month in protection money, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a statement. The defendants also forced the victim to pay the lease on cars they used and to pay health insurance for the dentist and his family, [DA]
said."
When the pair pleaded guilty, Joseph was initially declared mentally unfit for sentencing and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. In February 2004 he was
given a two-to-four year sentence and died that June.
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| J. Juliano |
On January 28, 2003 crew member Joseph Juliano (65y), son Robert DeCicco (52y) and twelve others
indicted by New York State on gambling charges.
By March 2003 former in-law and recently shelved Gambino Captain Michael DiLeonardo defected.
In late August 2004 nephew Frank Fappiano, a Gambino Soldier since 1990, followed suit.
By 2005 made members in DeCicco's crew also included his nephew Joseph Orlando.
Around mid-2006 DeCicco stepped down / demoted as Captain.
That year an associate of the crew, in debt to DeCicco and his son Robert and facing threats from Joseph Orlando, had reached out to authorities and begun wearing a wire.
On December 15, 2006 DeCicco and the informant discussed the latter's debt, during which DeCicco recorded stating: "
I'll burn your eyes, did you ever screw me. Do you want me to burn your eyes out?"
At one point Joseph Orlando was
recorded telling the informant: "
I've got eight under my belt, and I don't give a [expletive]
who becomes the ninth."
 |
| 2000s |
On January 30, 2007 DeCicco, Orlando and eleven others indicted by USAO Eastern District New York on Federal racketeering charges.
Others indicted included Gambino Soldier and former DeCicco crew member Richard Juliano, DeCicco's son Robert as well as two Sicilian Mafia affiliates.
FBI Chief
stated at time of arrest: "[DeCicco]
has operated continuously for so long that his arrest today is like the end of Cal Ripken's consecutive-game streak'."
New York Post reported:
"
The feds said the mobsters’ downfall evolved from a simple scheme gone awry. It involved [Joseph] Orlando asking DeCicco’s crew for help landing an immigration green card for his girlfriend.
One thug in the group said he could help – then panicked when he realized he couldn’t pull off the request. Fearing for his life, he went to the feds offering his services. The authorities set up an undercover agent as an immigration official and, with the help of their now-cooperating witness, offered the services of the undercover to the mob. But by then, the Mafiosi had a more pressing problem.
DeCicco had been asked by top Sicilian mobsters to keep their countryman, Francesco Nania, who was in U.S. custody, from being deported to face mob-related charges back home.
The Gambinos eventually offered $70,000 to the undercover to broker the immigration deal, officials said.
"
On February 22, 2007 released on house arrest.
 |
R. DeCicco
Gang Land News |
On June 5, 2007, at approximately 10:30 AM, son Robert DeCicco wounded in shooting attempt outside 1678 Bath Ave in Bath Beach. DeCicco, hit in arm and leg and grazed in head, taken to Lutheran Medical Center where treated and released.
As
reported by
New York Daily News, after the shooting George was visited at his Staten Island residence by members of the press: "[George]
shouted, 'He's all right!" from the stoop of his home....'Everybody loves him!' George DeCicco said of his wounded son...Robert DeCicco [may be]
catching the blame for the entire crew getting indicted [in January]
since he introduced an informant to the family, sources said. 'Aww no. Of course not. Never,' the elder DeCicco said, dismissing the notion the attempted hit was related to the federal charges. 'You got all these crazy people, these terrorists doing crazy things,' the father said. 'I'm shocked just like anybody else'."
On June 7, 2007
New York Daily News reported: "[Detectives]
were examining [Robert's]
father George DeCicco's fall from grace in the Gambino Family and the fact that several relatives have turned state's witness...DeCicco may be catching blame for introducing an informant to the family, bringing indictments for two mob associates with ties to the Sicilian Mafia, sources said."
 |
| R. Izzi |
Same date Genovese Soldier
Rudolph 'Rudy Cueball' Izzi found shot to death inside his residence on Shore Parkway in Gravesend.
The location of Izzi's murder was about a mile from the scene of the DeCicco shooting, and press
reports indicated that the two incidents were
related.
On December 19, 2007 George pleaded guilty in USDC Brooklyn to one count racketeering conspiracy.
Newsday reported: "
As part of a plea bargain, DeCicco admitted taking part from 1999 to early 2007 in a loan sharking conspiracy that prosecutors said was part of the Gambino crime family operations. He also admitted giving a usurious loan to one victim, identified by defense attorneys as Phil Cardello, with the understanding that violence would be used if payment was late." Returned to house arrest on $3 million bond pending sentencing.
On July 14, 2008 Government submitted letter regarding DeCicco's upcoming sentencing: "
...Defendant George DeCicco was a captain in the Gambino family for decades. As the leader of the Gambino family's Bensonhurst crew for years, he held one of the most powerful positions in the Gambino family."
On July 24 sentenced by EDNY Judge Raymond J. Dearie to sixteen months imprisonment, three years supervised release and $100 assessment. Ordered to surrender that October.
 |
| at FMC Devens |
On October 27 received at FMC Devens, Massachusetts to serve sentence. Assigned to Compound Orderly weekend position.
On February 21, 2009 cited for interfering with Taking of Count: "
Inmate admitted to leaving his cube during count." Docked seven days of commissary starting following week.
On December 1, 2009 released from FMC Devens.
Died early October 2014.
On October 8
New York Daily News published
article on DeCicco's passing: "[Defense lawyer]
remembered his client as a gentleman. 'All the detectives and FBI agents used to tell me he greeted them cordially when they came into contact with him,' [lawyer]
told the Daily News."
Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.
More Gambino Family posts can be found in the
Index.
Edit1: Corrected info re DeCicco crew member John Riccobono's family ties.
