Giuseppe Giammona (Los Angeles)

Giuseppe 'Joe' Giammona was a Captain in the Los Angeles Family.

Born December 8, 1900 in Palermo, Sicily.

Around March 1920 immigrated to the United States.

In April 1928 married Maria LaFata (17y) in Los Angeles.

As of April 1930 the couple were residing with Maria's parents, Rosario aka 'Roy' and Rose Giardina, at 7805 Santa Fe Ave in Compton. Giuseppe and his father-in-law both worked as salesmen at a fruit market. (Roy and wife were also Palermitan, the latter from Santa Cristina Gela.)

In November 1939 filed liquor license application.

By April 1940 the Giammonas were living at 3324 Hamilton Way in the Silver Lake neighborhood.

On July 10, 1942 Giuseppe was held by the Los Angeles PD for suspicion (robbery).

On September 12, 1944 filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Los Angeles.

Witnesses were Anthony Serio (40y), a liquor store owner from Enna (Calascibetta), and waitress Mildred Lindemann.

On December 20, 1945 held by INS for violating Immigration Laws.

Became a US citizen on July 14, 1950.

By the time of his naturalization Giuseppe was likely already a formally inducted member of the Los Angeles Family, headed since the early 1930s by Jack Dragna.

Around August 1951 filed liquor license application.

By 1952 owned a restaurant in Hollywood.

On July 23 of that year Giuseppe was driving on Sunset Boulevard when he lost control of his auto and collided with a bus, injuring five of its passengers and himself.

F. DeSimone

Frank DeSimone became Boss after Jack Dragna's death in early 1956.

On March 1, 1963 the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office advised Headquarters: "Concerning the information from [San Francisco Field Office Informant] regarding a 1947 trip as related by Alex Camarata to Los Angeles, it would appear that the 'Giamona' referred to at Los Angeles would be Joe Giammona." (Alex Camarata [1906-1976] was a Soldier in the San Jose Family).

S. Scozzari
FBN Mafia Book

Around late 1963 FBI CI Salvatore Piscopo, a Los Angeles Soldier, provided Agents with a breakdown of the Family's hierarchy. A report from December 13 summarized the information: "...Capo Regime - Joseph Giuseppe Giammona: According to [CI], Giammona, while a Capo Regime, is more or less retired due to age and ill health, and has no 'soldiers' attached to him. Giammona [has] been arrested for bootlegging, and in 1942, he purchased two revolvers from Los Angeles police officers, which weapons were later found in the possession of four suspects in an armed robbery. In 1945, Giammona and Simone Scozzari were partners in the purchase of an apartment building at 6072 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, California. The cost of this property was $37,500, and was sold in 1957 for $77,500." (Simone Scozzari [1900-]), former Los Angeles Underboss, was deported June of the previous year.)

By 1967 Giammona had stepped down from his position as Captain and reported to Angelo Polizzi.

Made members of Polizzi's crew included Giuseppe Giammona, Anthony 'Nino' Mangione, James 'Danny Wilson' Iannone, CI Salvatore Piscopo and Dominic 'Mimi' Tripoli.

On March 9, 1967 FBI CI (Los Angeles Member) reported: "...While speaking of gambling, the subject of Nick Simponis was raised. He admitted that Simponis' gambling operation at Cabazon, California, on the outskirts of Palm Springs, was at one time a part of the Los Angeles Family 'action'. His remarks indicated that Nick Licata, Sal Piscopo and Joe Giammona had 'cut into' Simponis' operations at Cabazon, and Simponis used them to 'cut out' his two partners, a John Chapman and a Jim Pierce. Later Simponis paid off $50,000 in cash to [Nick] Licata and his associates to get them out of his gambling operation at Cabazon. After clearing them out, he then built his present Desert Sands Card Casino on the outskirts of Palm Springs. After building this, several members of the Los Angeles Family attempted to muscle their way back in, but Simponis began to 'scream' and threaten to go to the FBI and, according to informant, they backed off."

Boss Frank DeSimone died August 4, 1967.

S. Piscopo
FBN Mafia Book

Salvatore Piscopo provided Agents with frequent updates on the process of choosing a successor.

On August 30 Piscopo reported:
"

Informant advised [to] his knowledge, no change in leadership has yet occurred. Subsequent to the death of DeSimone, informant has maintained contact with various other Los Angeles LCN 'members' and none of them are yet aware nor have they been contacted relative to a change in leadership.

Informant and former LCN 'Capo' Joseph Giammona have had several discussions recently relative to the new leadership. Giammona stated he is certain 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata will attempt to line up support to have himself (Licata) appointed 'Boss', Giammona is opposed to Licata but would support 'Capo' Joseph Dippolito for this position. Another possible candidate mentioned by Giammona, as well as by LCN  'member' Dominick 'Mimi' Tripoli, is Louis Tom Dragna, nephew of former Los Angeles LCN 'Boss' Jack Dragna (deceased 1956) and son of former Los Angeles LCN 'Consigliere' Thomas F. Dragna. Dragna has some scattered support in Los Angeles 'Brugad', according to [Piscopo, but he] doubted that such support was adequate.

Giammona told informant on night of 8/29/67 that 'Under-Boss' Nick Licata had been in recent contact with 'Capos' Angelo Polizzi, Joseph Dippolito and Joseph Adamo. Giammona then noted that Licata holds considerable influence over 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi. Giammona then speculated that Licata would attempt to line up support of Polizzi in his bid for leadership. Giammona stated he would not go along with Polizzi in such event.

Informant advised that neither Giammona, Tripoli or informant have been in contact with 'Capo' Angelo Polizzi during about past ten days. Polizzi has not been to Villa Capri Restaurant, Hollywood Park Race Track or Hollywood - Roosevelt Hotel during this period -- places he frequents and where contacts are made with him.

"

On October 4, 1967 FBI LA reported:
"

...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.

"

N. Licata

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

On July 25, 1968 CI Frank Bompensiero reported: "[While] having coffee with Licata on the morning of 7/24/1968, Licata mentioned during the conversation that Giammona had a heart attack and in addition had lost a leg. The informant did not ask any further questions and assumed it was Joe Giammona, a former Capo who is no longer active. Informant was asked if Licata could have meant Angelo Giammona, to which the informant replied that now he was not sure to which Giammona Licata was referring."

Giuseppe Giammona died September 20, 1977 in Los Angeles and was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Update

Paul Villano

New Post:

1.) Colorado Inductions (1977) : Notes the recent inductions of John Foderaro (1947-1980) and Paul Clyde Villano (1928-2003).

Updated Posts:

1.) Genovese Family Ceremonies (1970s) : Added Michael Coppola, inducted not long after the Lardiere murder, and Vincent 'Jimo' Calabrese (1918-1994), identified as 'recently made' in February 1978.

2.) Peter Giammona : Added details from newly released reports, including further confirmation that he was a made member by the Fall of 1973.

3.) Anthony Mangione : Details from additional reports.

4.) Dominico Esposito : Details from additional reports.

Update

The Anthony Mangione entry has been updated with additional notes on Mangione's phone contacts as well as the identification of Joseph Gentile, of Vancouver, as a former Los Angeles Family member.

Peter Giammona (Los Angeles)

c. 1970

Peter Giammona was a member of the Los Angeles Family.

Born June 4, 1904 in Giardinello comune of Palermo to Ciro (25y) and Rosalia Misuraca (23y), Peter was the oldest of twelve children.

Ciro Giammona (1878-1948) may have been a Mafia member in Sicily and later the United States.

Rosalia Misuraca's brothers Anthony (1878-1937), Salvatore (1894-1919), John (1897-1986), Arturo (1900-1967) and Pietro (1905-1988) were Members / Suspected Members in Michigan, New York, California and possibly Newark and Tampa. John Misuraca briefly served as the Colombo Underboss in the early 1960s.

Peter Giammona's younger brothers Angelo (1912-2000) and Frank (1908-2001) were both with the San Jose Family, Angelo as a made member and Frank as an Associate / Possible Member.

The Giammonas were related to additional LCN members through marriage:

1. In March 1935 Peter's younger sister Rose married Future San Jose Member Leo Cusenza (1913-1993), son to Captain Joe Cusenza of San Vito Lo Capo in Trapani.
2. Younger sister Mary Agnes married a half-brother to San Jose Member Pietro Ruffino (1892-1966) of Montelepre, Palermo.
3. In June 1935 John Misuraca's daughter married Future San Jose Member Alex Camarata (1906-1976) of Borgetto, Palermo. Alex's younger brother Salvatore (1918-2008) was a Colombo Soldier.

On May 7, 1905 Peter and his mother arrived at the Port of New York aboard S.S. Algeria. Destined for Ciro in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

By April 1910 the Giammonas resided at 1220 7th St in St. Louis, Missouri. Ciro worked as fruit peddler.

They were residing at 128 Hastings St in Detroit at the time of Angelo Giammona's birth in December 1912.

By April 1920 they moved to the West Coast, residing at 496 Willow St in San Jose. Peter and his father worked as ranch hands.

Around 1924 the family moved to Newark, where Ciro ran a produce business. Peter worked for the city as a truck driver.
 

In 1928 he married Vivian Ann Chiarello (18y) in Grand Rapids. Wife's parents from Palermo and Alcamo in Trapani, Sicily.

By April 1930 the couple were living at 348 Cumberland in Pittsburg, CA. Peter listed his occupation as salesman.

During the mid-1930s they show up in Newark, New Jersey, near Peter's uncle John Misuraca and cousins the Cammaratas.

By 1940 the Giammonas returned to California, moving around the Bay Area (San Jose, SF, Richmond) before settling further south in Long Beach. Peter worked as an auto mechanic and later as a used car salesman.

c. 1960

By the mid-1960s he was a formally inducted member of the Los Angeles Family.

It's not known who Giammona's Captain was. Other Family members in Long Beach included Nicolo Marchese (1896-1975).

On August 20, 1965 Peter's brother Angelo Giammona, then a San Jose Soldier, was interviewed by the FBI: "...He stated Peter Giammona has a rather large family and as far as he knows Peter Giammona is not employed."

In September 1965 joined a used car business at 4401 Harvey Way in Long Beach. Listed same address as his residence.

On December 6, 1965 an FBI member source in San Jose, possibly Soldier Salvatore Costanza, reported on an attempt by 'Joe and Pete Giammona' to recruit Alex Camarata in a plot to break away from the local Family and join with San Francisco. The FBI noted: "...In view of the large number of Pete and Joe Giammona's all of whom are cousins there is some question as to which is which. It would appear unlikely that a Joe from Point Reyes and a Pete from Long Beach (Angelo Giammona's brothers) would be engaged in recruiting in Modesto and San Jose."

Eight days later an informant provided background on the Giammona siblings and described 'Pete' as retired.

On December 29, 1966 interviewed by FBI:
"

[Giammona] was brought to the United States when eleven months old by his mother, Rose Giammona, nee Misuraca. He said his father, Ciro Giammona, had preceded them to the US and they joined him at Grand Rapids, Michigan.

...Giammona stated in 1919, his family moved to Pittsburg, California, from Michigan where his father, Ciro Giammona, opened and operated a wholesale produce business. He said in 1924, the family moved to Newark, New Jersey, where his father operated a food sales route. Giammona said he obtained employment as a truck driver with the city of Newark. He stated in 1927, he obtained employment with Sam Azerello in Grand Rapids, MI in construction.

Giammona advised that in 1928, he moved to Pittsburg, California, where he sold produce for two uncles, John and Sam Giammona. He said he held various jobs between 1930 and 1941, and during this period resided in [San Jose, Grand Rapids and Newark]. Giammona stated in 1942, he moved to Los Angeles and worked a few months for a printing company. In 1943, he was a salesman for Ziegler Produce, Los Angeles. In 1944, Giammona said he moved to Richmond, California and operated a garage through 1945, at which time he moved to Long Beach, California and obtained employment with Olson Bakery, Los Angeles.

Giammona stated that for the last 15 years, he has been self-employed in buying, repairing and selling cars.

Giammona stated he has never been involved in any racket and strongly denied having any affiliation with the La Cosa Nostra. Giammona said he has made many trips to the San Francisco area due to his many relatives and close friends in the area.

Giammona said he visited in San Francisco in October, 1964 or 1965, when [Redacted]. He said on [redacted] was married in San Francisco and that this wedding was attended by nearly all the family members.

...Giammona was questioned regarding having an uncle named Alex. He stated he had no close relatives so named but a cousin of his named [Redacted].

"

On August 20, 1968 included in the FBI's list of 35 identified Los Angeles Family members. (This is one of only two reports confirming Peter's membership status.)

Six days later FBI Member Source (Salvatore Costanza?) reported on a visit between Alex Camarata and Pete Giammona: "...Alex then began to praise Giammona's ability to make money and stated they were going to [redacted]...Alex evaded the question as to Giammona's membership in the LCN and merely stated, 'Don't worry about him, he's okay. He knows all the boys.'"

In July 1969 Frank Giammona informed the FBI that his brother was living 'somewhere in the Los Angeles area'. Agents questioned him about a July 1969 magazine article listing Angelo Giammona as a 'known Mafia' member: "[Frank] said that he has heard the name of his brother, Angelo Giammona, mentioned in the past as being a member of the Mafia, however, he doubted this as 'Angelo wouldn't hurt a fly'. He said that he is in constant contact with Angelo and he has never indicated any Mafia associations. Subject said he would rather suspect his brother, Peter Giammona, might be a member of the Mafia as Peter has always been associated in 'shady deals' involving money and automobiles. He said Peter often visits him during his frequent trips to the Bay area."

On October 9, 1969 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] said he has heard Pete Giammona, from Los Angeles, has been in contact with Alex Camarata recently. He said Pete is brother of Frank Giammona, Pittsburg, and Angelo Giammona, Modesto, all nephews. He said he suspected all three brothers are members of the LCN, Frank and Angelo as part of the San Jose Family but he would not know if Pete would be associated with this Family."

On October 30, 1969 FBI CI reported: "Target was contacted [redacted]. He said one Pete Giammona from Los Angeles [redacted] at which time he was driving a big new Cadillac. He said Pete did not stay long but appeared anxious to leave to meet someone but he had no information of who this might be. He knew Pete Giammona had been visiting with Alex Camarata in Martinez, CA but he had no information indicating it was anything other than a social visit."

He was later noted as an associate of Los Angeles Captain Dominick 'Jim Regace' Brooklier and may have been reporting to him by the early 1970s.

On February 26, 1970 FBI CI reported: "...He recently learned [Pete] Giammona, car salesman from Los Angeles, CA, has been spending a lot of time in the Martinez area and apparently in contact with Alex Camarata and his brother, Frank Giammona from Pittsburg, CA. He said Pete Giammona was at one time closely associated with John Misuraca 'back east' and he had no info indicating Pete is an LCN member. He said Giammona's visits could be purely social in nature."

On May 21, 1970 FBI CI reported: "Target said [redacted] Pete Giammona [redacted] continues to have appearances of wealth as he drives a big Cadillac and has much money to display. He never [redacted] and always states he is going to visit Alex (Camarata) in Martinez. He has no definite information, but it would appear 'these two have something going on'. Target did not elaborate but would not discount the possibility of something 'illegal'."

J. Misuraca (1964)

On October 1, 1970 FBI CI reported: "..Source advised that [redacted] John Misuraca who he described as a lot more powerful than the FBI gives him credit...He advised [it] was obvious to him John was a much more powerful man in the organization than [SJ Boss Joseph] Cerrito. He stated John has a strong group of Soldiers who are loyal to him in this area and included in this are his son-in-law Alex Camarata who was starving as a plasterer until John got behind him and now he is a successful contractor. Other members loyal to John are Sal Costanza who has been told by John that he better 'toe the straight and narrow path' as John has not been happy with some of his actions and John's nephew Angelo Giammona who built up his ranch as a meeting place for John when John had designs on moving out to this area. Also John's nephew Pete Giammona from Long Beach, CA who is in the auto sales business and who constantly shows up in a new Cadillac is also one of John's faithful. He stated there are others put in this area who are with John."

On February 23, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Pete] Giammona continues to drive a Cadillac and appears affluent but he had no information as to his source of income."

In the Spring of 1972 moved to Northern California.

By September 1972 employed with Gibson Motors at 233 East Anaheim St in Long Beach.

By late October 1973 the FBI was carrying him as an LCN member.

On November 3, 1973 FBI CI reported: "...Source advised he had attended the funeral of Tony Giammona, brother of Angelo Giammona and Pete Giammona, LCN members. Tony died of a heart attack in San Mateo, CA and most of the Giammona clan residing in California including Tony's brothers Angelo from Modesto, Pete from San Jose and Long Beach, Joe from Point Reyes, Frank from Pittsburg, Sam from Sacramento and John who is a floater, [were] all present." (This is the second of three reports confirming Giammona's LCN membership.)

On January 29, 1974 FBI's San Francisco Field Office reported: "Since moving to Northern California, [Giammona] has continued to spend considerable time in the Long Beach - Los Angeles area as he maintains close contact with his many used car agencies purchasing cars to wholesale in Northern California and also as many of his children reside in Southern CA."
 

By May 1974 Peter resided at 6518 46th St in Long Beach and worked as a salesman with Les Brand Motors.

He died January 28, 1980 in Los Angeles.

 

Edit1: Various additions including confirmation that the FBI identified him as an LCN member by late October 1973.

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.

Charles Caci (Los Angeles)

c. 1985

Charles 'Bobby Milano' Caci was a member of the Los Angeles Family.

Born October 16, 1936 in Buffalo, New York to Alfonzo and Josephine Dina. Father from Porto Empedocle comune of Agrigento, Sicily. Mother from Palermo.

The Caci family resided at 82 10th St in Buffalo's West Village district. Alfonzo worked at the Curtiss-Wright plant located in the adjacent town of Kenmore.

During the 1950s Charles, using the name Bobby Milano, began what would be a lifelong involvement with the entertainment industry.

By the 1960s he was also one of several Caci brothers associated with Buffalo's Magaddino Family.

Eldest brother Onofrio aka 'Al' was a made member of the Family. Vincent aka 'Jimmy' and Salvatore aka 'Sam' were Associates.

In June 1967 Charles and others were indicted for Hobbs Act conspiracy concerning a planned robbery in Los Angeles. Co-defendants included Magaddino Underboss Frederico Randaccio, Captain Pasquale Natarelli and Associate Stephen Cino.

The group was convicted at trial later that year and Caci received a ten year sentence.

In mid-June 1985 the FBI included Charles Caci in a list of newly identified members of the Los Angeles Family.

Jimmy Caci (1984)

He was likely sponsored for membership by his brother Jimmy, a Captain who joined the Family a couple of years prior.

In May 1987 the brothers were indicted by USAO Los Angeles on Federal racketeering charges.

Among the thirteen co-defendants were Family Boss Peter Milano, Underboss Carmen Milano, Captain Luigi Gelfuso Jr. and three other Family members, including fellow Buffalo transplant Stephen Cino. Also indicted was Bonanno Soldier Arthur 'Artie' Franconeri from Bayonne, New Jersey.

An article in The Desert Sun noted: "[Caci] and others allegedly obtained property from two gamblers by extortion and from a Palm Springs bookmaker." The article described a March 1985 meeting between Charles and the unnamed bookmaker: "[Victim was ordered] to give a portion of his gambling business to Caci or his business would be closed."

The Los Angeles Times reported: "[In] April 1985, one of the potential [Family] members was told that a man named Mike Murray had won money in a card game from [Caci]...Murray was to return the money 'or get his head broken'."

The Caci brothers and five others reached a global plea agreement in late March 1988.

On May 16, 1988 Charles and Jimmy were each given prison terms of one year and one day.

Nearly ten years later the brothers were named in another Federal racketeering case, this one out of Las Vegas.

On February 3, 1998 sixteen were indicted on various counts that included extortion, money laundering, fraud and murder conspiracy.

Returning co-defendants included Family Underboss Carmen Milano and Soldiers Stephen Cino and Rocco Zangari. Captain Louis Caruso and Magaddino Member Robert Panaro were also charged.

On January 8, 2001 Charles pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, admitting his role in a plot to sell fraudulent traveler's checks, and was sentenced to four months confinement at his residence in Palm Springs.

He died January 17, 2006 and was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheektowaga, New York.

Los Angeles Misc Info (1980s)

Misc info from FBI reports on the Los Angeles Family during the 1980s:

- March 2, 1983: "[Recent] information has been developed at Los Angeles from Title III intercepts and source information that the following individuals [have] become members of the Los Angeles LCN Family: [Redacted Name], Nicholas Nardi; Michael Comparetti."

- August 9, 1983: "[Recent] information received at Los Angeles from two separate and independent sources, one being a member source, that the following individuals have become members of the Los Angeles LCN Family: Luigi Gelfuso; Vincent Dominic Caci, aka Jimmy Caci. It is noted that Caci has previously been identified as a member of the Buffalo LCN Family."

- December 7, 1983: In regard to the above names, the FBI noted: "[This] increases identified Los Angeles LCN Family members to a total of 15. Recent intelligence information at Los Angeles indicates additional members have been made and efforts are continuing to substantiate this information."

- June 21, 1985: Additional names, including Carmen 'Flipper' Milano, Charles 'Bobby Milano' Caci and Stephen Anthony Cino are added as members: "[This] increases the Los Angeles Family to a total of 20 members and includes the deletion of [Redacted], Angelo Polizzi (totally inactive), Dominic Phillip Brooklier (deceased), and the addition of 7 new members into the Los Angeles Family, and the inclusion of 3 members active in the San Diego area, as well as 1 member active in the San Jose area."

- April 29, 1988: The death of Los Angeles Member Nicholas Anthony 'Nick' Nardi is reported: "...Therefore, Nardi is being deleted from the membership of the Los Angeles LCN Family which brings the total now to 20 members."