Kansas City Family (1970s - 1980s)

Collection of info on the Kansas City Family's structure during the 1970s and 1980s.

1971

N. Civella (L) and C. DeLuna

An FBI Top Echelon Source gave the following outline in July 1971:

Boss: Nick Civella (59y)

Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (44y)

Captains:
1. Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (58y)
2. Joseph Carrolla (55y)
3. Carl 'Cork' Civella (61y)

He identified the following as members:

Current
- Sebastiano 'Buster' Balestrere (53y)
- Charles 'Red Brick' Bengimina (62y)
- Jack Binaggia (74y)
- John Blando (74y)
- William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (57y)
- Charles Carrollo (69y) (Deported)
- Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (57y)
- Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (41y)
- Joseph Cusumano (71y)
- Frank DeLuca [Died 1967; Possibly re brother Joseph (78y)]
- Joseph 'Scarface' DiGiovanni (83y) (Died 8.71)
- Felix 'Phil' Ferina (47y)
- Joseph Filardo (73y)
- Thomas 'Dude' Fontanella (60y)
- Joseph LaScuola (74y)
- Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (76y) [Former (?) Consigliere]
- Lawrence 'Larry' Musso (57y) (Las Vegas) [Believed transferred to Los Angeles]
- About Six Redacted Names

Total: 26

Former
- James 'Big Jim' Balestrere (Died 1959)
- Charles Binaggio (Murdered 1950)
- Louis 'Black Louie' Cangelose (Killed [Auto Accident] 1965)
- Charles 'Mad Dog' Gargotta (Murdered 1950)
- Anthony Gizzo (Died 1953)
- Joseph 'Joey G.' Gurera (Died 1967)
- John Lazia (Murdered 1934)
- John 'Johnny Mag' Mangiaracina (Died 1970)
- Thomas 'Hiway' Simone (Underboss) (Died 1968)

1976

FBI report on the Family dated January 16, 1976:

1977

Nick Civella at MCFP Springfield (Apr. 1977)

In January 1977 the FBI's Kansas City Field Office reported:
"

[Seven CIs] have furnished the following information concerning leadership of the LCN Family of Kansas City:

Joseph Nicholas Civella, aka Nick Civella - Boss
Carl Angelo DeLuna - Underboss

Carl James Civella - Ranking Member
Anthony Thomas Civella - Ranking Member
Charles David Moretina - Ranking Member
Pete Tamburello - Ranking Member
Thomas Fontanella - Ranking Member
Thomas Lococo - Advisory
Joseph Filardo - Advisory

"

1980

Civella (c. 1980)

As of April 1980 the FBI identified the Family administration as Nick Civella (68y) (Boss), Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (53y) (Underboss) and Carl 'Cork' Civella (70y) (Consigliere).

1983

In early March 1983 Boss Nick Civella (70y) was released from the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri due to failing health.

He died March 12 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

On August 10, 1983 William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano was released from Federal prison.

In Fall 1983 the FBI reported the following updated structure:

Boss: Carl Civella (73y)
Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (56y)
Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (69y)
2. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (53y)
3. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (55y)

1984

On January 17, 1984 FBI KC reported:
"

A review of current intelligence information has been done and the following is set forth:

Carl James Civella - Boss (Incarcerated)

Carl Angelo DeLuna - Underboss (Incarcerated)

William Cammisano, Sr. - Caporegima

Charles David Moretina - Caporegima (Incarcerated)

Anthony Thomas Civella - Caporegima (Street boss)

[Redacted] - Soldier (Las Vegas)

Charles William Bengimina - Soldier (inactive)

[Redacted] - Soldier (inactive)

Charles Anthony Cacioppo - Soldier

Thomas Joseph Cacioppo - Soldier

Joseph S. Carrolla - Soldier (inactive)

Salvatore Carrollo - Soldier

[Redacted] - Soldier (inactive)

Felix Ferina - Soldier

Joseph Filardo - Soldier (inactive)

Thomas Fontanella - Soldier (inactive)

Michael Lascuola - Soldier (inactive)

[Redacted] - Soldier

[Redacted] - Soldier

[Redacted] - Soldier

It is noted that in 10/1983, the top leadership in the persons of Carl James Civella, Carl DeLuna and Charles Moretina were incarcerated following sentencing in the [Vegas skim] case, their appeal bonds having been revoked. In view of the short period of time that has elapsed since their incarceration, it is not clear yet what changes in leadership will take place...[there] is some information that certain members will be moving into the hierarchy. It is felt that by the time of the next semi-annual review this situation will be clearer and changes can then be documented.

It is fairly apparent that Anthony Thomas Civella is considered the 'street boss'; that is, the individual acting in behalf of the incarcerated Boss and Underboss, handling the day-to-day needs of the Family.

"

The redacted member from Las Vegas is believed to be Angelo 'Duke' Balestrere (1924-1997), son of former KC leader James 'Big Jim' Balestrere, cousin of Soldier John Blando and brother-in-law to KC / LA Soldier Larry Musso.

By December 1984 Agents were receiving information from an individual who was either closely associated with made members of the Kansas City Family or was himself a member.

Over the next year this source provided historical information, including details on mob wars and murders going back to the 1940s, as well as updates on hierarchy and newly inducted members. (Most of the available reports are largely redacted.)

On December 5-7, 1984 FBI KC reported:
"

From this source is [redacted] as to who the made members were and are.

The following are members who are now deceased:
Nick Civella
James Balestrere, aka Big Jim
Joe DiGiovanni, aka Scarface
Pete DiGiovanni
Frank LaRocca
John Blando
Bustiano Balestrere, aka Buster
Vito Balestrere
Joe DeLuca
Frank DeLuca
Jack Ancona
Thomas Simone, aka Hiway
Joe LaScuola, aka Joe School
Phil LaScuola, aka Foolie Babe
Joseph Gurera, aka Joe G.
John Mangiaracina, aka Johnny Mag
Louie Cangelose, aka Black Louie
Joseph Cammisano
Tony Gizzo
Charles Binaggio [Described by source as 'a leader of the Family']
Charles Gargotta
Joe Cusumano
Felix Ferina

The following individuals are members who are still living:
Joseph Filardo
[Approximately Five Redacted Names]
William Cammisano Sr.
Carl DeLuna
[Two Redacted Names]
(First name unrecalled) [Redacted]

Source was specifically asked about the following individuals and stated they definitely were not 'made' members:
James Duardi
[Approximately Four Redacted Names]
John Molle [Believed referring to a relative of member John Molle (1914-1982)]
[Approximately Six Redacted Names]
Ross Strada (deceased)
Joe DiGiovanni, aka Joe D. (deceased - was residing in Las Vegas)
Willie Cammisano, Jr.

"

1985

An FBI chart from that year depicted the same structure as Fall 1983:

Boss: Carl 'Cork' Civella (75y)

Underboss: Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (58y)

Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (71y)
2. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (55y)
3. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (57y)

Soldiers:
1. Charles 'Chuckie Morgan' Cacioppo (63y)
2. Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (72y) [Former Captain]
3. Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (71y)
4. Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (90y) [Former Consigliere]
5. Lawrence Musso (71y) [Believed transferred to Los Angeles]
6. Peter 'Cousin' Tamburello (53y)
7. Frank Tousa (57y)

By November 1985 the FBI's source reported that William Cammisano Jr. (36y) had been inducted.

1986

W. Cammisano Jr.

In January 1986 FBI KC compiled a summary report on Cammisano Jr. (36y), identifying him as the Family's Underboss. Report noted: "Inducted 1985...Hitman, implicated in several recent LCN hits. Runs all gambling, bookmaking and loansharking operations conducted by Kansas City LCN."

1987

In February 1987 an updated Family chart was submitted for use in Senate Hearings:

Boss: William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (72y)

Underboss: Vacant

Consigliere: Vacant

Captains
1. William Cammisano Jr. (37y)
2. Peter Joseph Simone (41y)

A membership list, differing in some ways from the hierarchy chart, was sent at the same time:

Members
1. Angelo 'Duke' Balestrere (62y) (Inactive)
2. Charles 'Red Brick' Bengimina (77y) (IA)
3. Jack Binaggia (89y) (IA)
4. Charles 'Chuckie Morgan' Cacioppo (64y)
5. [Redacted] [Former Captain Thomas 'Tommy Morgan' Cacioppo (64y)]
6. William Cammisano Jr. (37y) [List names him Underboss as opposed to Captain]
7. William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (72y) (Boss)
8. Joseph Carrolla (70y) (IA) [Former Captain]
9. [Redacted] [Salvatore 'Sam' Carrollo (72y)]
10. Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (57y) [Listed as Captain but believed to have stepped down / been demoted by this time]
11. Carl 'Cork' Civella (77y) (IA) [Former Boss]
12. Joseph DeLuca (IA) [Died 1975]
13. Carl 'Tuffy' DeLuna (59y) (IA) [Former Underboss]
14. [Redacted] (IA) [Thomas 'Dude' Fontanella (75y) or Michael LaScuola (80y)]
15. Gaetano 'Tano' Lococo (92y) [Former Consigliere]
16. Charles 'Cump' Moretina (58y) [Listed as Captain but believed to have stepped down / been demoted by this time]
17. [Redacted] (Las Vegas) [Probably Larry Musso (68y)]
18. [Redacted] (Las Vegas) [Possibilities include Vincent Pisciotta (32y), Angelo Porrello (53y) or Philip Rizzuto (48y)]
19. [Redacted] [Captain Peter Simone (41y)]
20. [Redacted] [Probably Peter Tamburello (51y)]
21. Frank Tousa (60y)

On September 27 FBI CI reported that Carl DeLuna, Gaetano Lococo and Unsub were inactive.

On September 29 FBI CI reported likewise for Anthony Civella and Charles Moretina.

1989

In November the hierarchy was reported as Anthony 'Tony Ripe' Civella (59y) and William 'Willie the Rat' Cammisano (75y) as Boss and Consigliere respectively. Underboss position vacant and no Captains listed.

Anthony Mangione (Los Angeles)

1960s

Anthony 'Nino' Mangione was a member of the Los Angeles Family.

Before moving to California he was a member in Cleveland (c. 1924 - c. 1940) and then in Kansas City (1940s - c. 1953).

His father-in-law Dr. Giuseppe Romano (1877-1936) at one time served as Cleveland's Boss and was later the victim of an unsanctioned killing.

Mangione was born November 28, 1900 in Siculiana comune of Agrigento, Sicily to John and Caroline Arena.

On July 17, 1923 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Colombo. Gave destination as residence of 'cousin' Silvestre Cordaro (39y) on Oliver St in Lower Manhattan. (Two years prior the well-traveled and influential Mafioso Nicola Gentile arrived in New York destined for Cordaro, who he also described as a cousin.)

Mangione then moved to Cleveland, where he became a formally inducted member of the Family by 1924 or 1925.

A. Polizzi
FBN Mafia Book

According to later writings of Nicola Gentile, around this time Cleveland Associate Alfonso Polizzi, also of Siculiana, was proposed for membership by John 'King' Angersola and Charles Colletti.

Per Gentile, Mangione spoke against the proposal on the grounds that Polizzi's father had been shot in the old country for cooperating with law enforcement. Gentile, then a significant member in Kansas City, attended a meeting to argue in support of Polizzi's eligibility for membership. The argument was persuasive and Polizzi was inducted. (The Informer issue on Nicola Gentile is essential reading and can be purchased here.)

On May 6, 1927 Mangione filed Declaration of Intention in US District Court Cleveland.

He was then residing at 2614 East 9th St in Downtown Cleveland and working as a bookkeeper.

By May 1929 he moved to 3416 East 134th St in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Listed occupation as clerk.

That month he filed Petition for Naturalization in USDC Cleveland. Witnesses were Deputy Sheriff Lucian Nardi and Deputy Clerk Charles Trivison (Trivisonno). (Trivisonno also served as witness for Dr. Giuseppe Romano's 1924 US Passport Application. He was from Ripalimosani in Campobasso, Molise, as were Cleveland Members Anthony Delsanter and Mike Minaden.)

Mangione was naturalized September 26, 1929.

In 1930 he made a trip to Sicily, returning through the Port of New York on September 29.

He made another trip around early 1933, returning on March 2 to an address at 3767 East 151st St in Mt. Pleasant.

On December 2, 1933 Anthony married Maria Concetta Romano (24y) at St. Anthony's Church in Cleveland. The bride's father was Cleveland Member and Former (Current?) Boss Dr. Giuseppe Romano from Palermo.

Dr. Romano (US Passport Photo)

On June 10, 1936 Dr. Romano was shot to death by a group that included Soldier John DeMarco and Associates Angelo Lonardo and Milton Rockman. The murder was carried out in retaliation both for Romano's role as co-conspirator in the 1927 murder of Angelo's father, Former Cleveland Boss Joseph Lonardo, and for his perceived responsibility in the death of John DeMarco's brother Domenico on the operating table.

John DeMarco and Angelo Lonardo, facing death for their roles in the unsanctioned killing, were defended and ultimately saved by Alfonso 'Big Al' Polizzi, whose induction had been opposed by Mangione a decade earlier. (Angelo Lonardo later rose to Acting Boss and became the first and only made member in Cleveland to defect.)

Mangione was back in Sicily by the following January, when his first son was born.

On September 13, 1937 arrived with his family at Port of New York.

By April 1940 they were living at 6624 The Paseo in Kansas City, Missouri.

Anthony, who listed his occupation as a liquor salesman, likely transferred his membership to the local Family then headed by Charles Binaggio.

By February 1942 the Mangiones resided at 6633 Olive St. Anthony was employed with the K.C. Distributing Company located at 3309 Troost Ave in the Center City neighborhood.

By Fall 1944 he owned and operated the Quaff Buffet restaurant and bar at 601 Main St.

A. Bonino
FBN Mafia Book

In July 1949 he sold the business for approximately $10,000 (nearly $130,000 present-day value). The location was subsequently owned by Kansas City Member Antonio Bonino.

In the April 1950 census Mangione continued to list his occupation as bar owner.

By 1953 he was residing in Los Angeles, California.

He transferred his membership to that Family, headed at the time by Jack Dragna.

By February 1961 resided at 2575 Woodlyn Rd in Pasadena.

A. Veneziano

By Summer 1961 Mangione was partners with fellow Siculianese Alfonso Veneziano, a Possible Los Angeles Member, in Joe and Nino's Pizza Place located at 3136 West 8th St in Central LA.

S. Piscopo
FBN Mafia Book

By July 1963 FBI CI Salvatore Piscopo, a Los Angeles Soldier, reported that 'one of the partners' of Joe and Nino's was a member of the Los Angeles Family. Piscopo noted that Joe and Nino's had been used in the past as 'a meeting place of Italians involved in criminal activities'.

On April 15, 1964 Agents showed Piscopo a photo of Mangione: "[CI] positively identified Anthony Mangione [as] being identical with Tony Mangione, a member of LCN of the Los Angeles 'Brugad' [redacted paragraph]...This individual, according to [CI], is not engaged in any criminal activity, and the source has no information of any activity on the part of subject within the 'Brugad', other than that mentioned herein by source."

Two weeks later the FBI noted: "A photo of [Alfonso] Veneziano was obtained from [INS] and displayed to [CI, who] advised Veneziano is associated with the above business, but is not a member of LCN."

In May 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Anthony Mangione is reportedly a member of the La Cosa Nostra and that Mangione's restaurant on Eighth Street near Vermont which is named Joe and Nino's Pizza Place is used on occasion as a message center by La Cosa Nostra members."

On August 31, 1965 FBI LA reported: "[CI] believes knowledge of Anthony Mangione's membership in the La Cosa Nostra is very limited and that any open investigation of Mangione would alert the La Cosa Nostra that the FBI had infiltrated the Los Angeles Family. [CI] feels that in that event he would be the most logical individual to suspect. No open investigation has been conducted on Mangione because of the above."

On September 19/30, 1965 telephone calls were placed from Joe and Nino's Pizza Place to numbers in Vancouver, Canada, including one made to a Joseph Gentile.

When a July 1966 request by the Los Angeles Field Office to continue checking Mangione's toll records was denied by Headquarters, LA responded: "...As a direct result of telephone calls made from Joe & Nino's Pizza Place, [CI Piscopo] has identified this Joseph Gentile as a 'member' of La Cosa Nostra and a former member of the Los Angeles 'family'." Permission for further coverage was subsequently granted.

Additional phone calls were noted to Dr. Giuseppe Romano's widow Ella in Cleveland Heights. (The report notes that neither local PD records nor the Cleveland Field Office contained information on Mrs. Romano 'or her late husband Dr. Zusepi Romano, who was practicing physician prior to his death'.)

 

On August 23, 1966 FBI LA reported: "As the Bureau is aware, [Redacted; CI Piscopo] has identified Anthony Mangione as a 'member' of the Los Angeles [Family]. The knowledge of his membership is very limited and the informant feels that any open investigation of Mangione would result in the [Family] knowing the FBI had infiltrated the 'family' and this informant would be the individual most likely suspected. For this reason, Mangione's membership is not being set out in [memo]."

On September 30, 1966 FBI Agents surveilled Mangione meeting with an Unsub at Joe & Nino's, it subsequently being noted that he was typically present at the business 'from mid-afternoon until approximately 5 a.m. in the morning'.
 

By 1967 Mangione was a member of the crew headed by Captain Angelo Polizzi.

Members of Polizzi's crew included Soldiers Giuseppe 'Joe' Giammona, James 'Danny Wilson' Iannone, Anthony 'Nino' Mangione, Salvatore Piscopo and Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli.

On September 28, 1967 FBI CI and Los Angeles Soldier Frank Bompensiero reported: "Informant still could not recall having met [Anthony] Mangione and was unable to recognize his photograph. He had no knowledge concerning him being an LCN member of the Los Angeles Family. Informant did recognize the photograph of Alfonso Veneziano and recalled his name. Informant was quite sure that several years ago he was a member of LCN living in the Los Angeles area. He stated he has not seen him for 16 to 18 years and had no background information of value." (Veneziano died January 2, 1966 in California).

On October 4, 1967 FBI Los Angeles reported re CI Salvatore Piscopo:
"

...Since [9/19/67] informant has been unable to contact [Angelo] Polizzi. Since then informant has been in virtually daily contact with LCN 'members' Joseph Giammona, Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli and Anthony Mangione, all 'members' of Polizzi's LCN 'regime'. None of these individuals knew of Polizzi's whereabouts and advised informant that Polizzi had not yet contacted them relative to the new Los Angeles Boss.

On 9/30/67, informant advised that Polizzi had telephonically contacted him the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he had suffered a stroke and had been hospitalized for about the past 10 days. Informant met Polizzi in Polizzi's room at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, California on the night of 9/29/67. Polizzi stated that he is recovering from this stroke and expects to be discharged from the hospital in several days.

At this time Polizzi asked informant if informant had made his choice relative to the new Los Angeles LCN 'Boss'. Informant stated that his preference would be Nick Licata, but that he would support Polizzi and would vote for the individual who was the choice of Polizzi.

Polizzi stated that his choice would be Licata as Polizzi felt that this was no time for any change in the Los Angeles LCN leadership. Polizzi indicated that continued pressure from law enforcement would make it difficult to meet and to reorganize at the present time.

Polizzi stated that to date there had been no opposition to Licata. Polizzi stated that except for informant he had not had a chance as yet to poll other 'members' of his 'Regime', but felt that there would be a general agreement to Licata's selection.

Polizzi requested informant to contact Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli, Joseph Giammona and Anthony Mangione and advise them of his illness and that he would be in contact with them when he was able.

...Informant advised on 10/4/67, that he had contacted [Polizzi crew members] Tripoli, Giammona and Mangione and advised them of Polizzi's condition.

Informant stated that in view of the fact Polizzi was 'Capo' of the largest 'Regime' in Los Angeles and in view of 'Capo' Joseph Adamo's support, Nick Licata would be the new 'Boss' and additional polling of 'members' would be a mere formality.

"

That month Nick Licata was elected Boss and appointed Joseph Dippolito as his Underboss. Tommy Palermo remained Consigliere.

In July 1969 Mangione, a mostly inactive member of the Family, was further waylaid by a heart attack.

On August 13, 1970 interviewed by FBI: "[Mangione] stated that he is still incapacitated and inactive due to his second heart attack which he suffered in 7/1969. Mangione advised that he was never familiar with any criminal element in the Los Angeles area and restricts his contacts solely to immediate family and close friends."

The FBI checked in with Mangione once a year through 1974, noting that he remained confined to his residence and under a doctor's care. When questioned he continued to profess no knowledge of LCN activity.

He was interviewed by Agents for the final time on June 8, 1978: "Mangione stated [wife deceased] and Mangione was presently residing alone at 2575 Woodlyn Road. Mangione stated that he had sold the restaurant in which he had part ownership, Joe and Nino's Pizza Place, 3136 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA and stated that he was living off Social Security plus a small amount of money he was receiving from the sale of his restaurant. Mangione stated he had had a heart attack within the last year and had the 'shakes'...Mangione stated that he had never associated with the Organized Crime element in Los Angeles and further stated that he had been 'an honest man' all of his life."

Anthony Mangione died October 24, 1979 in Los Angeles.