DeMeo Crew Murders

Revised list of known victims related to Gambino Family's DeMeo crew.

1. Paul Rothenberg (42y) (July 29, 1973)

• Motive: Suspected cooperator.
• Method: Shot twice in back of head with handgun.
• Location: 1025 Northern Blvd (Flower Hill, Long Island)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (Shooter; 32y). Ordered by Anthony Gaggi (47y). Authorized by Gambino leadership.

2. Joseph Umile (41y) (December 4, 1973)

• Motive: Money dispute.
• Method: Shot once in chest and four times in head.
• Location: Dumped from automobile in vicinity of Whitty Lane and E 56th St (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (Shooter; 33y), possibly others. Murder likely authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: This victim was linked to the DeMeo crew by CW Frederick DiNome, who advised the FBI in February 1983 that DeMeo shot and killed (FNU) Himilli (ph) over a money dispute approximately ten years prior.

3. Andrei Katz (22y) (June 13, 1975)

• Motive: Cooperator.
• Method: Stabbed multiple times in chest and back. Body dismembered.
• Location: Pantry Pride at Beach 90th St (Rockaway, Queens)
• Participants: Harvey/Chris Rosenberg (24y), Roy DeMeo (34y), Henry Borelli (27y), Anthony Senter (20y), Joseph Testa (20y). Judith Questal used as lure.
• Note: Victim's relative, possibly brother-in-law, reportedly committed suicide in New Jersey years later under what may have been suspicious circumstances. CW DiNome later claimed death was legitimate suicide with no crew involvement.

4. Joseph 'Joe Bikini' Brocchini (Lucchese Soldier; 43y) (May 19, 1976)

• Motive: Punched DeMeo.
• Method: Shot five times in head.
• Location: Parliament Auto Sales at 69-11 Roosevelt Ave (Woodside, Queens)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (35y), Henry Borelli (27y), Chris Rosenberg (25y), Anthony Senter (21y), Joseph Testa (21y). Authorized by Anthony Gaggi (50y).
• Note: Murder unsanctioned by Gambino leadership and staged to look like armed robbery gone wrong. Brocchini shot by DeMeo and Borelli. Employees restrained by Rosenberg, Senter and Testa.

5. Vincent 'Vinny Mook' Governara (34y) (June 12, 1976)

• Motive: Broke Gaggi’s nose during altercation years prior.
• Method: Shot multiple times with handguns.
• Location: 20th Ave and 85th St (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Anthony Gaggi (50y), Roy DeMeo (35y), Dominick Montiglio (28y).
• Note: Shooters were DeMeo/Gaggi.

6. George Byrum (42y) (July 13, 1976)

• Motive: Provided tip leading to robbery of Gaggi's Florida residence.
• Method: Shot in face with .380 handgun. Stabbed in back eleven times. Partially decapitated.
• Location: Ocean Shore Motel (Dade County, Florida)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (35y), Anthony Gaggi (50y), Anthony Plate (Gambino Soldier; 63y).
• Note: Victim shot/stabbed by DeMeo. Plate acted as lookout.

7. Unidentified Victim #1 (1976)

• Method: Likely shot to death.
• Location: Buried at future site of Mobil Gas Station (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (35y), others.
• Note: Mentioned to CW Montiglio by DeMeo. Site excavated but no remains found.

8. Unidentified Victim #2 (1976)

• Method: Likely shot to death.
• Location: Buried at future site of Mobil Gas Station (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (35y), others.
• Note: Mentioned to CW Montiglio by DeMeo. Site excavated but no remains found.

9. Charles 'Ruby' Stein (Genovese Associate; 61y) (May 5, 1977)

• Motive: Killed to erase debts and to take over his loansharking business.
• Method: Shot to death with automatic pistol. Body dismembered.
• Location: 596 Club at Tenth Ave and 43rd St (Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan)
• Participants: Edward 'Danny' Grillo (43y), James Coonan (30y), William Beattie (30y), Thomas Hess (39y), Richard Ryan, Nicholas Kagabines (46y).
• Note: Grillo acted as shooter. After death each participant fired shot into body. Body dismembered by Coonan and Ryan. Remains transported by Kagabines to Wards Island where dumped in East River. Ten days later torso washed ashore in Jamaica, Queens. DeMeo not informed of murder until after the fact.

10. Michael 'Mickey' Spillane (43y) (May 13, 1977)

• Motive: Killed as favor to James Coonan.
• Method: Shot five times in arm, stomach, chest and face with handguns.
• Location: Outside Spillane apartment building at 47-50 59th St (Woodside, Queens)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (36y), Danny Grillo (43y), Henry Borelli (28y), Chris Rosenberg (26y), Joseph Testa (22y), Anthony Senter (22y).
• Note: DeMeo and Grillo acted as shooters. Others positioned as backup.

11. Jerome Hofaker (23y) (June 9, 1977)

• Motive: Involved in altercation with Dennis Testa.
• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Canarsie, Brooklyn
• Participants: Anthony Senter (22y), Joseph Testa (22y).

12. Johnathan Quinn (34y) (July 20, 1977)

• Motive: Testified before grand jury.
• Method: Shot once in back of head with .32 caliber handgun.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (36y), Henry Borelli (29y), Peter LaFroscia (28y), Chris Rosenberg (26y), Joseph Testa (22y), Anthony Senter (22y).
• Note: Body dumped in Dongan Hills, Staten Island.

13. Cherie Golden (19y) (July 20, 1977)

• Motive: Had knowledge of Quinn operation.
• Method: Shot three times in head with .38 caliber handgun.
• Location: Outside Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Anthony Senter (22y), Joseph Testa (22y), Roy DeMeo (36y), Peter LaFroscia (28y), Henry Borelli (29y), Chris Rosenberg (26y).
• Note: Victim, shot by Senter, left in Quinn automobile abandoned in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn.

14. Daniel Conti (28y) (Found October 29, 1977)

• Motive: Seen as weak link and potential cooperator re botched hijacking.
• Method: Shot in neck and eye.
• Location: Found in trunk of automobile at Rochester Ave and President St in Lincoln Terrace Park, Brooklyn
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (37y), Peter LaFroscia (28y), others.
• Note: Body discovered by car thieves in process of stripping vehicle.

15. John Costello (20y) (Found November 14, 1977)

• Motive: Seen as weak link and potential cooperator re botched hijacking.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head.
• Location: Found in trunk of automobile at 1045 Atlantic Ave in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (37y), Peter LaFroscia (28y), others.

16. Michael 'Twipp' Mandelino (Lucchese Associate; 37y) (March 19, 1978)

• Motive: Suspected of setting up Peter LaFroscia for robbery.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head.
• Location: Found in trunk of automobile at Hinsdale Ave and DeWitt Ave (East New York, Brooklyn).
• Note: Victims, described by LE as low level associates of Lucchese Family's Vario crew, wrapped in plastic and bound with wire and/or Venetian cords.

17. Nino Martini/Martino (Lucchese Associate; 38y) (March 19, 1978)

• Motive: Present with Mandelino.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head.
• Location: Found in trunk of automobile at Hinsdale Ave and DeWitt Ave (East New York, Brooklyn).
• Note: Victims, described by LE as low level associates of Lucchese Family's Vario crew, wrapped in plastic and bound with wire and/or Venetian cords. Martini was also a nephew of recently deceased Genovese Soldier Maurice 'Chubby' Longo.

18. Patrick Prisinzano (Bonanno Associate; 31y) (March 23, 1978)

• Motive: Stole jewelry from DeMeo acquaintance, refused to return it.
• Method: Beaten and shot to death. Throat slit.
• Location: Found in backseat of automobile at Boynton Place and Ave X (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (37y), others.
• Note: Murder unsanctioned. Victim son of Bonanno Capodecina Angelo 'Moe' Prisinzano.

19. Michael DiCarlo (Lucchese Associate) (May 16, 1978)

• Motive: Molested nephew of Lucchese associate.
• Method: Blunt force trauma to head after being shot, stabbed, beaten and sodomized. Body dismembered.
• Location: After-hours club (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Anthony Senter (23y), Roy DeMeo (37y), Henry Borelli (29y), Edward Grillo (44y), Joseph Guglielmo (51y), Chris Rosenberg (27y), Joseph Testa (23y).

20. Kevin Gueli (20y) (June 9, 1978)

• Motive: Attempted to scam Chris Rosenberg in cocaine deal.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head.
• Location: Found inside his automobile behind Kings Plaza Diner (Mill Basin, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (27y), possibly others.

21. Joseph Scorney (28y) (September 28, 1978)

• Motive: Multiple, including refusal to join DeMeo auto-theft operation.
• Method: Shot and possibly bludgeoned to death.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at Glenwood Rd and E 42nd St (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Vito Arena (36y), Richard DiNome (24y), Ronald Turekian (29y), Frederick DiNome (37y).
• Note: Victim shot by Arena and possibly bludgeoned by Richard DiNome. Turekian present outside shop as lookout. Frederick DiNome assisted in disposal. Arena later claimed Joseph Lee also present as lookout without knowledge of other participants.

22. Edward 'Danny' Grillo (Gambino Associate; 44y) (November 14, 1978)

• Motive: Fell into heavy debt; seen as weak and potential cooperator.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), Chris Rosenberg (28y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (23y).

23. Gary Gardine (25y) (November 30, 1978)

• Motive: Attempted to scam Chris Rosenberg in marijuana deal.
• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Body found in trunk of burning automobile (Brooklyn)
• Participants: Likely Rosenberg (27y), others.

24. Unidentified Victim #3 (Early 1979)

• Motive: Reportedly described to Arena as favor for 'someone in Manhattan'.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), others.
• Note: Allegedly witnessed by CW Arena.

25. Unidentified Victim #4 (Early 1979)

• Motive: Reportedly described to Arena as favor for 'someone in Manhattan'.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), others.
• Note: Allegedly witnessed by CW Arena.

26. Unidentified Victim #5 (February 2, 1979)

• Motive: Insulted DeMeo.
• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Outside Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participant: Roy DeMeo (38y).
• Note: Witnessed by CW Montiglio.

27. Peter Waring (30y) (February 7, 1979)

• Motive: Suspected informant.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Paul Dordal (34y), possibly others.
• Note: Victim arrested previous month with Dordal on cocaine and weapons possession charges.

28. Scott Carfaro (Early 1979)

• Motive: Acquitted of rape. Victim’s family members contracted DeMeo crew.
• Participants: Likely Roy DeMeo (38y), others.

29. Ferdinand 'Fred' Todaro (60y) (February 19, 1979)

• Motive: Contract murder. Killed so nephew could take over business property.
• Method: Shot and stabbed to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), Chris Rosenberg (28y), Frederick DiNome (38y), Paul Dordal (34y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (23y). Solicited by Douglas Rega (29y).
• Note: Victim taken to location by DiNome. Shot by DeMeo and stabbed by Rosenberg.

30. Charles Padnick (50y) (March 17, 1979)

• Motive: Murdered in cocaine rip-off.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Likely apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (28y), Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (24y), possibly others.
• Note: Rosenberg received superficial gunshot wound to head during incident.

31. William Serrano (32y) (March 17, 1979)

• Motive: Murdered in cocaine rip-off.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Likely apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (28y), Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (24y), possibly others.

32. Unidentified Male Associate of Serrano (March 17, 1979)

• Motive: Murdered in cocaine rip-off.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Likely apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (28y), Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (24y), possibly others.

33. Unidentified Female Associate of Serrano (March 17, 1979)

• Motive: Murdered in cocaine rip-off.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Likely apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (28y), Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (24y), possibly others.

34. Jamie Padnick (March 18/19, 1979)

• Motive: Went to New York to investigate father’s disappearance. Knew of cocaine deal.
• Method: Likely shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: Likely apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Chris Rosenberg (28y), Roy DeMeo (38y), Henry Borelli (30y), Anthony Senter (23y), Joseph Testa (24y), possibly others.

35. Dominick Ragucci (18y) (April 19, 1979)

• Motive: Mistaken as hitman by DeMeo.
• Method: Shot seven times in upper body at close range with handgun.
• Location: Route 101 (Suffolk County, Long Island)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), Frederick DiNome (38y), Joseph Guglielmo (51y).
• Note: Victim killed after car chase beginning outside DeMeo residence in Massapequa Park, Long Island. DeMeo acted as shooter.

36. Harvey 'Chris' Rosenberg (Gambino Associate; 28y) (May 11, 1979)

• Motive: Killed to avoid war over March 1979 cocaine rip-off murders.
• Method: Shot four times at close range.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (38y), Anthony Senter (24y), Henry Borelli (30y), Frederick DiNome (38y), Joseph Testa (24y).
• Note: Shooters were DeMeo and Senter. Body placed in Rosenberg's automobile parked at Floyd Bennett Field in Marine Park, Brooklyn. Borelli, armed with silencer-equipped .45 caliber automatic, fired over two-dozen rounds into vehicle. Silencer removed and weapon thrown over Marine Parkway Bridge.

37. James Eppolito (Gambino Soldier; 62y) (October 1, 1979)

• Motive: Accused Gaggi and DeMeo of involvement in narcotics.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head with handgun.
• Location: Brighton 6th St and Shore Parkway (Coney Island, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Anthony Gaggi (54y). Peter Piacenti (Gambino Soldier; 58y) present as unwitting accomplice. Authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Shooters were DeMeo (Eppolito) and Gaggi (Eppolito Jr). Gaggi and Piacenti arrested leaving scene.

38. James Eppolito, Jr. (Gambino Soldier; 33y) (October 1, 1979)

• Motive: Accused Gaggi and DeMeo of involvement in narcotics.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head with handgun.
• Location: Brighton 6th St and Shore Parkway (Coney Island, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Anthony Gaggi (54y). Peter Piacenti (Gambino Soldier; 58y) present as unwitting accomplice. Authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Shooters were DeMeo (Eppolito) and Gaggi (Eppolito Jr). Gaggi and Piacenti arrested leaving scene.

39. Khaled Daoud (October 12, 1979)

• Motive: Contacted law enforcement re DeMeo auto-theft operation.
• Method: Shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at 4214 Glenwood Rd (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Henry Borelli (31y), Vito Arena (37y), Frederick DiNome (38y), Anthony Senter (24y), Joseph Testa (24y), Ronald Ustica (35y).

40. Ronald Falcaro (29y) (October 12, 1979)

• Motive: Present with Daoud.
• Method: Shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at 4214 Glenwood Rd (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Henry Borelli (31y), Vito Arena (37y), Frederick DiNome (38y), Richard DiNome (25y), Anthony Senter (24y), Joseph Testa (24y), Ronald Ustica (35y).
• Note: Shooters were Borelli and DeMeo. Victim automobile taken to Pace Auto Wreckers where crushed.

41. Joseph Coppolino (39y) (March 7, 1980)

• Motive: Suspected informant.
• Method: Stabbed to death. Decapitated.
• Location: Brooklyn
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), others.

42. Patrick Penny (21y) (May 12, 1980)

• Motive: Witness in Eppolito murder trial.
• Method: Shot nine times in head with handgun.
• Location: Outside Ryan’s Bar at 1607 Sheepshead Bay Rd (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Vito Arena (38y), Richard DiNome (25y). Authorized by Gambino leadership.

43. Charles Mongitore (30y) (June 5, 1980)

• Motive: Refused to drop assault charge against Gambino member's son.
• Method: Shot fourteen times at close range with .380 handguns. Throat slit.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at 4214 Glenwood Rd (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Henry Borelli (31y), Salvatore Mangialino (Gambino Soldier; 43y), Vito Arena (38y), Richard DiNome (25y), Edward Rendini (31y), Anthony Senter (25y), Joseph Testa (25y). Authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Murder solicited by Salvatore Mangialino after victim insisted on pressing charges against son Andrew. Shooters were DeMeo and Borelli. Victim throat cut by DeMeo. Bodies placed in trunk of stolen automobile and left at nearby Holy Cross Cemetery.

44. Daniel Scutaro (25y) (June 5, 1980)

• Motive: Killed to eliminate potential witness in Mongitore homicide.
• Method: Shot to death with .380 handguns.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at 4214 Glenwood Rd (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Henry Borelli (31y), Salvatore Mangialino (Gambino Soldier; 43y), Vito Arena (38y), Richard DiNome (25y), Edward Rendini (31y), Anthony Senter (25y), Joseph Testa (25y). Authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Bodies placed in trunk of stolen automobile and left at nearby Holy Cross Cemetery.

45. Frank Amato (Gambino Associate; 38y) (September 20, 1980)

• Motive: Mistreated daughter of Paul Castellano (Gambino Boss).
• Method: Shot to death with automatic firearm. Body dismembered.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (39y), Anthony Gaggi (55y), Henry Borelli (31y), Vito Arena (38y), Richard DiNome (25y), Joseph Guglielmo (52y), Joseph Testa (25y), Anthony Senter (25y), Unspecified Male (Gambino Associate). Authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Unspecified Male noted above, proposed for Gambino membership at time, present as intended shooter. CW DiNome told by DeMeo that UM lost nerve and unable to carry out shooting, at which point DeMeo stepped in and killed victim. Remains dumped at sea.

46. Vito Borelli (Gambino Associate) (c. Fall 1980)

• Motive: Made insulting remarks towards Paul Castellano (Gambino Boss).
• Method: Shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: 308 East 53rd St (Midtown, Manhattan)
• Participants: John Gotti (Gambino Acting Capo; 40y), Joseph Watts (Gambino Associate; 38y), Roy DeMeo (40y), Joseph Massino (Bonanno Capo; 37y), Dominick Napolitano (Bonanno Capo; 50y), Frank DeCicco (Gambino Soldier; 45y), James Episcopia (Bonanno Soldier; 52y), Anthony Rabito (Bonanno Soldier; 46y), Angelo Ruggiero (Gambino Soldier; 40y), John Cerasani (Bonanno Associate; 42y), Salvatore Vitale (Bonanno Associate; 33y), Duane Leisenheimer (Bonanno Associate; 24y), others. Authorized by Gambino and Bonanno leadership.
• Note: Shooters were Gotti and Watts. See Borelli murder post for further details.

47. Unidentified Car Dealer (October 21/28, 1980)

• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Apartment behind Gemini Lounge at 4021 Flatlands Ave (Flatlands, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (40y), Frank DeCicco (Gambino Soldier; 44y), likely others.
• Note: CW DiNome ordered by DeMeo to repair bullet damage to floor. At time DiNome led to believe DeMeo/DeCicco had carried out additional hits together previously.

48. James Bennett (Lucchese Associate; 65y) (April 29, 1981)

• Motive: Set to testify against Richard Mastrangelo.
• Method: Shot twice in head.
• Location: Outside residence of in-law at Ave N and E 59th St (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Note: Victim shot by two masked gunmen. Assailants carjacked passerby and fled scene after gunfight with off-duty corrections officer.

49. Joseph Viggiano (December 4, 1981)

• Motive: Owed money to DeMeo associate Gus Kalevas.
• Method: Shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: 11th floor office of Show World at 8th Ave and 42nd St (Times Square, Manhattan)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (41y), Gus Kalevas (28y).
• Note: Show World operated by Kalevas in partnership with DeMeo. Only known crew murder in which Kalevas participated. Victim also involved in local x-rated businesses.

50. Al Viggiano (December 21, 1981)

• Motive: Investigating disappearance of son Joseph.
• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Canarsie, Brooklyn
• Participants: Likely Roy DeMeo (41y), others.

51. Paul Viggiano (December 21, 1981)

• Motive: Investigating disappearance of brother Joseph.
• Method: Shot to death.
• Location: Canarsie, Brooklyn
• Participants: Likely Roy DeMeo (41y), others.

52. Anthony Romano (64y) (July 4, 1982)

• Motive: Suspected involvement in 1978 robbery of Peter LaFroscia.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head with .38 caliber handgun.
• Location: Found in vacant lot at Blake Ave and Van Sinderan Ave (East New York, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (41y), others. Believed authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Victims bound with cord and wrapped in plastic bags.

53. John Romano (36y) (July 4, 1982)

• Motive: Suspected involvement in 1978 robbery of Peter LaFroscia.
• Method: Shot multiple times in head with .38 caliber handgun.
• Location: Found in vacant lot at Blake Ave and Van Sinderan Ave (East New York, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Roy DeMeo (41y), others. Believed authorized by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Victims bound with cord and wrapped in plastic bags.

[Possible]53a. Albert 'Albie' Somma (Gambino Associate; 38y) (Found October 18, 1982)

• Method: Shot multiple times in back and head.
• Location: Found off highway median (Lake George, New York)
• Note: Released from Adirondack Correctional Facility on September 24, 1982. Disappeared same day. Rental car found torched in Queens. Shortly before prison sentence victim brought accusations of drug dealing against DeMeo and crew. As result DeMeo called on carpet by Gambino leadership.

54. Roy DeMeo (Gambino Soldier; 42y) (January 10, 1983)

• Motive: Viewed as potential cooperator.
• Method: Shot multiple times in chest and head.
• Location: Found in parking lot of Varuna Boat Club at Emmons Ave and E 28th St (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Suspects included Anthony Gaggi (57y), Frank DeCicco (Gambino Soldier; 47y), Anthony Senter (27y), Joseph Testa (27y), Carlo Profeta (40y). Ordered by Gambino leadership.
• Note: Body discovered January 20.

55. Louis Petrizzo (23y) (March 1, 1983)

• Motive: Viewed as potential cooperator.
• Method: Shot six times in chest.
• Location: Outside his residence on E 54th St (Mill Basin, Brooklyn)

56. Ronald Saka (23y) (April 11, 1983)

• Motive: Viewed as potential cooperator.

57. Richard DiNome (Gambino Associate; 29y) (February 4, 1984)

• Motive: Viewed as potential cooperator.
• Method: Shot once in back of head with automatic firearm.
• Location: DiNome apartment at 2305 E 5th St (Gravesend, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Likely Joseph Testa (28y), Anthony Senter (28y), others.

58. John Baida (19y) (February 4, 1984)

• Motive: Present at DiNome apartment.
• Method: Shot once in back of head with automatic firearm.
• Location: DiNome apartment at 2305 E 5th St (Gravesend, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Likely Joseph Testa (28y), Anthony Senter (28y), others.

59. Frederick Seiden (23y) (February 4, 1984)

• Motive: Present at DiNome apartment.
• Method: Shot twice in head with automatic firearm.
• Location: DiNome apartment at 2305 E 5th St (Gravesend, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Likely Joseph Testa (28y), Anthony Senter (28y), others.

Post DeMeo-Crew Murders

60. Vladimir Reznikov (44y) (June 13, 1986)

• Motive: Threatened acquaintance of Lucchese member Anthony Casso.
• Method: Shot seven times with .380 automatic handgun.
• Location: Brighton Beach Ave (Brighton Beach, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Joseph Testa (Lucchese Associate; 31y), Anthony Senter (Lucchese Associate; 31y), Anthony Casso (46y).
• Note: Testa and Senter believed acted as shooter and driver respectively.

61. Nicholas Guido (Civilian; 26y) (December 25, 1986)

• Motive: Mistakenly identified as participant in attempted hit on Anthony Casso.
• Method: Shot multiple times in chest with handgun.
• Location: Outside Guido residence (Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Joseph Testa (31y), Frank Lastorino (Lucchese Associate; 47y), George Zappola (Lucchese Associate; 27y). Authorized by Lucchese leadership.

62. Carmine Varriale (Lucchese Soldier; 30y) (September 3, 1987)

• Method: Shot in shoulder, chest and back of head at close range with .38 caliber handgun.
• Location: 1508 Bath Ave (Bath Beach, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Frank Smith (Lucchese Associate), Anthony Senter (32y), Joseph Testa (32y), George Zappola (28y). Authorized by Lucchese leadership.
• Note: Smith acted as shooter. Senter and Testa positioned as backup.

63. Frank Santora (Gambino/Bonanno Associate; 50y) (September 3, 1987)

• Motive: Killed with Varriale.
• Method: Shot twice in body and once in head at close range with .38 caliber handgun.
• Location: 1508 Bath Ave (Bath Beach, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Frank Smith (Lucchese Associate), Anthony Senter (32y), Joseph Testa (32y), George Zappola (28y).
• Note: Smith acted as shooter. Senter and Testa positioned as backup.

Possible Victims

1. Unidentified Male (c. 1976/1977)

• Motive: Reportedly stole drugs from Canarsie stash house owned by DeMeo.
• Participants: Edward/Danny Grillo (43y), Roy DeMeo (47y), possibly others.
• Note: After victim's disappearance CW Peter Corso informed of circumstances by Grillo.

2. John Burton (1979)

• Method: Shot to death. Body dismembered.
• Location: DiNome auto shop at 4214 Glenwood Rd (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
• Participants: Frederick DiNome (38y), possibly others.
• Note: CW Arena claimed Burton, employed at auto shop, killed by DiNome for unspecified reason. LE search of location uncovered no evidence.

3. Unidentified Male (c. 1979/1980)

• Participants: Vito Arena (38y).
• Note: CW DiNome reported Arena possibly killed 'a Jewish guy he was shaking down'. No further details re victim identity.

4/5. Unidentified Males (c. 1979/1980)

• Participants: Roy DeMeo (40y), others.
• Location: Brooklyn
• Note: On two separate occasions DeMeo, accompanied by Unspecified CW, supervised transport of automobiles to salvage yard located on or near Morgan Ave in Brooklyn. Both remained at location to watch cars crushed. CW did not personally see bodies but after first visit DeMeo remarked, 'Well that's one less rat', and indicated need to supervise disposal.

6. Unidentified Male (c. 1979/1980)

• Participants: Roy DeMeo (40y), others.
• Location: Brooklyn
• Note: Unspecified CW present when body transferred from car trunk onto boat operated by DeMeo. CW recalled incident occurred during summer months.

7. Ronald Fischetti (29y) (June 10, 1981)

• Method: Shot multiple times in back and head.
• Location: Inside residence at 163-48 89th St (Howard Beach, Queens)
• Note: Victim employed in auto business with Patrick Testa. Date of murder coincides with meeting between DeMeo and Lucchese associates concerning potential informants.

8. Joseph 'Dracula' Guglielmo (Gambino Associate; 56y) (c. November 1983)

• Note: Guglielmo present during Federal search executed on apartment behind Gemini Lounge. Disappeared following day. Believed murdered, although as late as mid-1990s still officially carried as fugitive.

By 1990 the NYPD cleared sixty-nine cases as crew related murders. Total victim estimates range from seventy-five to well over one hundred.

Update1: Added Joseph Umile (December 1973).

Genovese Induction List (1991)

Above is one of seven induction lists seized during NYS OCTF search executed February 3, 1997 on basement of property located at 106-13 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Property owned by associate of Gambino Capodecina John Gotti Jr. This was the only Genovese list present; also found were three Lucchese, two Bonanno and one from the DeCavalcantes. All appear to be from 1991. A copy of the Genovese list was included as part of a New York Daily News article published the following year.

Brief details for some of those named:

Inductees

1.) Anthony Volpe (1932-2010) : Born in Pratola Peligna comune of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. Resided in West Hartford, Connecticut where operated Volpe's Cafe. In July 1996 pleaded guilty on Federal racketeering charges. Released November 1999.

4.) Salvatore Cetrulo (1939-?2009?) : One of several in proposed section based in New Jersey. Possibly identical to individual of the same name who died February 2009.

5.) Silvio DeVita (1931-) : New Jersey.

6.) Michael 'Tona' Borelli (1937-2020) : New Jersey. Long-time associate of former Genovese Capodecina Tino Fiumara.

7.) Peter Grecco (1937-) : New Jersey. Part of large Federal racketeering indictment in 2005. Convicted and released September 2007.

8.) Lawrence Ricci (1945-2005) : New Jersey. Another long-time Fiumara crew associate. In or around mid-1990s CW George Barone was told by Genovese Acting Boss Liborio 'Barney' Bellomo that Ricci was then Acting Captain responsible for Genovese interests on Jersey waterfront. In February 2005 Ricci was indicted on Federal racketeering charges and opted for trial. On October 7, 2005, with trial ongoing, he disappeared. On November 30, 2005 found shot to death inside trunk of automobile left in parking lot of Huck Finn Diner on Morris Ave in Union, New Jersey. By the time of discovery Ricci and his co-defendants had been acquitted on all charges.

9.) Anthony Russo : Common name makes further identification difficult. Genovese membership has included Russos from NJ, Brooklyn and especially Lower Manhattan. Possibly connected to JoJo Russo identified by CW Vincent Palermo as Soldier under Salvatore Lombardi circa 1999.

10.) Louie Citriniti : Possibly identical with Louis Citriniti (1943-)?

Deceased

1.) Vic Pasairo : Believed reference to Victor Pisauro (1913-1969), Newark-based Soldier under Ruggiero 'Richie the Boot' Boiardo. It is not uncommon for these lists to use inaccurate years of death.

2.) Chappy Scalfane : Believed referring to Santo 'Chappy' Sclafani (1906-1985) from Sciacca, Agrigento.

4.) Cosmo 'Pinky' Panarelli (1920-1989) : Member of Genovese Family crew based in Springfield, Massachusetts.

5.) Salvatore 'Sam' Cufari (1901-1983) : Born in Bianco comune of Reggio Calabria. Served as Genovese Family's Captain in Springfield, MA. Believed succeeded by Francesco 'Skyball' Scibelli.

6.) Nino Piazza : Common name with several possible matches. Of note is Joseph 'Tony Zito' Piazza (1908-1989). Typically carried by Federal sources as a Lucchese member, he was cousin to Genovese Soldier Joseph Zito and frequently associated with Harlem area Genovese membership. In addition to Tony Zito he also went by Nino. The Genovese and Lucchese Bronx/Harlem crews were closely aligned and a frequent source of confusion for law enforcement. No CW information has yet been uncovered clarifying his Family affiliation. Piazza is not included in CW Alfonso D'Arco's list of deceased Lucchese membership compiled during his tenure as Acting Boss but that list may be incomplete.

7.) Thomas Lombardi (1924-1987) : Capodecina of crew formerly headed by Frank Tieri. Not long after his death Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi (1940-2009) was heading the crew with Anthony Lanza (1934-1999) as Acting.

8.) Angelo Mazzola (1937-1982) : Grew up in Lower Manhattan and inducted in or around late 1970s. In early morning hours of January 9, 1982 shot to death at corner of Ave X and Stillwell Ave in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Manner of death makes his the most significant inclusion on the list. CWs from every Family, in all available sources where the subject has come up, unanimously state that murdered members cannot be replaced. This raises several questions, including when exactly the rule was put into practice. Available info gives no indication it had only recently been instated. Not long after the murder CI Gregory Scarpa reported Mazzola's death was 'not an LCN sanctioned hit' but instead committed by 'young punks who had an argument with Mazzola'. This possibly enabled the Genovese to prove no involvement on their part, thereby allowing use of the name for replacement purposes. This is the only publicly available induction list to have a murdered member's name present.

9.) Tony Guido : Common name with several possible matches. In 1975 a non-member FBI source, closely associated with crews from Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg-Bushwick, identified Tony Guido as a member. Guido described as late 60's and residing in vicinity of Stanhope St and Central Ave in Bushwick. CI believed Guido was a Soldier under Bonanno Capodecina Salvatore Ferrugia, however, he put at least one other confirmed Genovese member with Ferrugia as well.

10.) Paul 'Frankie' Carbo (1904-1976) : Closely associated with Lucchese membership and at times erroneously included with that Family. Another case with notably inaccurate year of death (1984).

Alfonse DeMarinis (Bonanno)

1962

Alfonse DeMarinis was a Soldier in the Bonanno Family.

Born February 15, 1906 at 326 East 12th St in East Village, Manhattan to Enrico DeMarinis (50y) and Louise Porazzo (30y). Parents from Candida and Campanarello (Venticano) comunes of Avellino, Campania.

Given the nickname 'Big Al' to differentiate him from a brother, Albert aka 'Little Al'. Albert later moved to the Bronx but Alfonse remained in East Village through at least the 1980s.

First known arrest was in July 1943 for gambling. Approximately a dozen more on similar charges occurred into the early 1960s.

By the 1950s DeMarinis was a formally inducted member of the Bonanno Family. CI information would later indicate he was sponsored for membership by Angelo 'Moe' Prisinzano.

By 1962 he resided at 66 St. Mark's Place in East Village. His primary activity was working crap games centered in lower Manhattan. Close associates included Antonio Adamo and Michael Sabella, who may have been his Captain at the time.

In November 1965 he was surveilled at the wedding reception for Bonanno Acting Boss Gasper DiGregorio's daughter in Huntington, Long Island.

The following October a benefit dance was held at Riccardo's Restaurant in Astoria, Queens in honor of Gambino Soldier Joseph 'Piney' Armone, set to begin a fifteen year sentence at USP Lewisburg following a narcotics conviction. Bonannos present aside from DeMarinis included Acting Capodecina Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari and Epifanio 'Frank Fauney' D'Angelo, another obscure member from East Village. An FBI informant was also among the attendees, and it was through this source that the FBI learned 'Big Al' LNU, who they already knew of as an East side gambling figure, was also a made member with the Bonanno Family.

By Fall 1967 'Big Al' was positively identified as Alfonse DeMarinis when the FBI tracked him down for an interview. At the time he managed Rapoport's Restaurant on 2nd Ave. He professed ignorance of LCN in general and Joseph Bonanno in particular but admitted involvement with gambling.

In September 1968 arrested for gambling during the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. This may have been his final arrest, and like nearly every previous case resulted in either dismissal or a small fine.

By 1971 no longer held employment with Rapoport's Restaurant and rarely seen in attendance at local crap games. Interviewed and claimed inactivity in large part due to the need to act as caretaker for ailing family member.

Attended August 29-30, 1973 wake for Bonanno Boss Natale Evola held in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. In March 1974 FBI interview admitted knowing Evola 'since childhood'.

By 1975 involved in gambling operation headquartered out of Windsor Garage and adjacent Victory Star Social Club on East 76th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Participants included DeMarinis, Bonanno Soldier Antonio Adamo, Genovese Soldier Frank Cacciatore and the Schiro brothers, one of whom headed the DeCavalcante Family's Manhattan faction. The social club itself was controlled by the Gambino Family's Arcuri regime.

By Fall 1975 Soldier in crew headed by former sponsor Angelo Prisinzano. The majority of those under Prisinzano were from either Lower Manhattan or Bath Beach area of Brooklyn. (During this period of time the FBI succeeded in developing a member source in the Bonanno Family. The source, who has yet to be identified, also reported to Prisinzano.)

By September 1977 DeMarinis had been transferred to Armand 'Buddy' Pollastrino. As a member of Pollastrino's crew, he entered into partnership with an unspecified Lucchese Family member in a Bronx crap game and also resumed involvement in neighborhood gambling activity.

By Summer 1979 made members of Armand Pollastrino's crew included Antonio Adamo, Joseph Benanti, Vito Bonventre, Frank D'Angelo, Alfonse DeMarinis, Gabriel Infanti and Salvatore 'Chubby' Maiorino.

A string of regime changes followed the July 1979 murder of Carmine Galante. Armand Pollastrino initially kept his rank and even had his power expanded with the addition of members from other now-defunct crews, but around April 1980 he was also taken down and replaced by Dominick 'Trin' Trinchera. After Trinchera's own murder in May 1981 control went to Gabriel Infanti.

L to R: Prisinzano, Pollastrino, Trinchera, Infanti

On March 28, 1987 the FBI compiled a background report on DeMarinis. The report described DeMarinis as a retired former short order cook and cashier (restaurant) and noted that he spoke 'Minimal Italian'. It also stated: "Subject is considered a very trusted individual by his peers. He is a Soldier who was made under Bonanno Captain 'Moe' Prisinzano. DeMarinis frequents the gambling operation, 78 East 4th Street, New York City." (The operation, run out of a travel agency, was supervised by Captain Gabriel Infanti.)

As late as Summer 1987 DeMarinis continued to be active in East Village, reportedly assisting Infanti with the numbers operation on East 4th St.

On December 17, 1987 Infanti was murdered on orders from the Bonanno leadership. Members of his regime were split up amongst multiple crews. It's not known which crew DeMarinis was placed with, or if he continued to be active in Family affairs. He died on or around March 12, 1995.

DeMarinis was among 42 LCN members listed in a phone book collected by law enforcement investigating the June 1993 murder of Bonanno Soldier Salvatore 'Sally Horse' Tozzi.

Colombo Membership (2000)

The Colombo Family was barred from making new members through most of the 1990s as a result of the internal Orena-Persico conflict. The last known ceremonies of the decade were in early 1991. In the years leading up to 2000, nine members were murdered and therefore not officially replaceable even if the books had been open. Another half dozen defected. Around early 2000 the ban was lifted and inductions resumed.

Following is a list of known membership just prior to the books re-opening in early 2000:

- Abbatemarco, Anthony
- Aloi, Benedetto (IP; FMC Devens)
- Aloi, Sebastiano Jr.
- Amato, Joseph
- Amato, Pasquale (IPL)
- Audino, Joseph

- Barbieri, Robert
- Baudanza, Joseph
- Bevacqua, Paul
- Bretti, Dominick (IP; NYS)

- Cacace, Joel
- Cagno, Aurelio (IPL)
- Cambria, Salvatore

- Cammarata, Salvatore
- Campanella, Joseph
- Campione, Frank
- Campisi, Peter
- Capichano, Richard
- Carna, Joseph
- Cascio, Vincent
- Castellazzo, Benjamin
- Clemenza, Gerard
- Clemenza, James Jr.
- Colombo, Anthony
- Colombo, Joseph Jr.

- D'Agati, Jerome
- D'Ambrosio, Alphonse
- D'Amico, Paul
- Dello, Leonard
- DeLucia, Dennis
- DeMartino, Vincent
- DeRoss, John
- Donofrio, Robert (IP; Released 7.00)

- Falvo, Robert
- Farese, Thomas (IP)
- Febbraro, Vincent
- Franzese, John (IP)
- Fusco, Richard (IP; MCFP Springfield)
- Fusco, Salvatore
- Fusco, Salvatore Jr.

- Gambale, Joseph
- Gioeli, Thomas
- Gorgone, Joseph
- Gugliaro, Gary
- Gugliaro, Vincent

- Iannaci, Joseph
- Induisi, Anthony

- Langella, Gennaro (IPL)
- LaPonzina, Ernest
- Legrano, Joseph (IP)
- Leto, Angelo
- Leto, Frank
- LoCicero, Benjamin
- LoCicero, Frank
- Lombardino, Salvatore (IP)
- Lombardo, Ralph

- Malpeso, Louis (IPL)
- Maltese, Anthony
- Melia, Frank
- Micciolo, Lawrence (IP; Released 2.00)
- Miceli, Charles
- Miceli, Vincenzo
- Monteleone, Joseph (IPL)
- Montemarano, Dominick (IP)

- Orena, John
- Orena, Vic (IPL)
- Orena, Victor M. (IP; Released 3.00)

- Panarella, Charles
- Pate, Robert
- Persico, Alphonse (IP)
- Persico, Carmine (IPL)
- Persico, Daniel [Scarpa reported his induction 3/26/91]
- Persico, Theodore (IP)
- Persico, Theodore Jr. (IP; NYS)
- Petrizzo, Thomas (IP)
- Piccirillo, Ralph
- Politi, Frank
- Profaci, Salvatore J.

- Ricciardo, Vincent
- Rizzo, Nick
- Rosatti, John
- Russo, Andrew (IP)
- Russo, Anthony (IPL)
- Russo, Joseph (IPL)
- Russo, Vincent
- Russo, William

- SanGiorgio, Joseph (IP; Released 8.00)
- Scarpa, Gregory Jr. (IP)
- Scarpati, Anthony (IPL)
- Scianna, Anthony
- Sciortino, Frank (IP)
- Scopo, Ralph Jr.
- Serrantonio, Alfonso (IP; Released 1.00)
- Sessa, Michael (IPL)
- Spitalere, James
- Staluppi, John

- Tomasello, Joseph (IP)
- Tormenia, Frank

- Yacovelli, Joseph

- Zambardi, Robert (IP)
- Zorzi, Richard [Possibly Deceased]

Total: 101

+ Cooperators

- Cagno, Rocco
- Franzese, Michael
- Miciotta, Salvatore
- Pate, John
- Quattrache, Alan
- Sessa, Carmine

---

EDIT1: Added Salvatore Cambria. Credit to Pogo for noting his absence from the list. He was indicted as a Soldier in 1996, and in a 2002 indictment is again referred to as a made member.

EDIT2: Added Peter Campisi. Removed John Scimone (Died 1996).

EDIT3: Added Salvatore Cammarata. Removed Dominic Esposito.

EDIT4: Added Vincent 'Big Lou' Russo.

Colombo Family Induction Ceremony (February 1977)

On or around February 26-28, 1977 the Colombo Family inducted five new members. This was the first ceremony held since an intra-Family dispute ended in large-scale reorganization.

Brief bios of those inducted:

1. John Matera (44y)

Known as 'Johnny Irish', Matera grew up in Little Italy, Manhattan but moved to Brooklyn and later Queens after serving in the Korean War. By the mid-to-late 1960s he was committing armed robberies as part of a crew under John Franzese. Convictions in Florida and New York resulted in multiple local and Federal prison terms.

Released from Florida State Prison in April 1976 he soon became close with Colombo Boss Thomas DiBella. Later named as on-scene participant in the October 5, 1976 murder of Colombo Soldier John 'Mooney' Cutrone, shot to death inside Danny's Luncheonette at 202 Ave M in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The murder was ordered by DiBella and carried out by Colombo Soldier Salvatore Albanese and Associate Hugh 'Apples' McIntosh.

Matera was personally sponsored by Thomas DiBella and reported to him directly until approximately Summer 1978. Around that time he was made Captain overseeing Family interests in Florida. The position had been vacant since the demotion of James Clemenza circa January 1977.

In July 1981 Matera disappeared. Multiple CIs reported he was killed on orders of Boss Carmine Persico, recent successor to Matera's sponsor DiBella. Anthony Induisi was subsequently appointed the new Florida captain.

2. Frank Melli (35y)

Known as Beansy, Melli was part of a large crew of bank burglars and hitmen loyal to former Captain Dominick Scialo. After Scialo's murder the majority of his former associates, Melli included, were placed with Charles Panarella. Melli was sponsored for membership by Panarella and continued reporting to him until the latter's demotion around late Summer 1980. Melli was put direct with Carmine Persico, then the Underboss but soon to replace Thomas DiBella as Family head.

Through the 1980s he operated a social club at 170 Ave T in Gravesend, where many LCN members, suspected drug dealers and former burglary crew associates congregated. One of eleven defendants in a 1984 indictment targeting the Colombo Family leadership, Melli initially stood trial with the others but was severed following a heart attack. He died June 1987.

3. Alphonse Persico (23y)

Source: Gang Land News

Son to Carmine Persico. He was sponsored for membership by his uncle Alphonse aka 'Allie Boy'. One of several newly inducted members who reported direct to Boss Thomas DiBella. Made a captain around May 1981. By 1999 Alphonse acted as Family Boss on behalf of his incarcerated father. Not long afterwards he was imprisoned as well and subsequently convicted on additional Federal racketeering charges. Currently serving life sentence at FCI McKean, Pennsylvania.

4. Philip Rossillo (34y)

Known as Chubby, Rossillo was born in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to parents from mainland Italy. Later described as a bodyguard for Family Boss Joseph Colombo. He is highly suspected of being the individual who killed Jerome Johnson immediately after Johnson shot and seriously wounded Colombo at the June 1971 IACRL rally. Following the incident Rossillo remained part of a crew around Colombo's sons. By the mid-1970s he had aligned with the dominant Persico faction of the Family and was sponsored for membership by Consigliere Alphonse Persico. Following induction his captain was Persico loyalist Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella.

Rossillo was identified as a participant in the September 1980 attempted murder of Samuel 'Sammy the Syrian' Zahralban, former Gallo crew associate wounded by a shotgun blast outside his residence in Bay Ridge. CI information claimed the shooting was the result of a feud between Langella and an outlaw group headed by Zahralban.

In 1985 Rossillo, the Colombo sons and several of their associates were indicted on Federal racketeering charges. Rossillo and many co-defendants entered guilty pleas. Released after serving approximately eight years and died April 1998.

5. Joseph Tomasello (44y)

Known as Joe T., born in Gravesend, Brooklyn to Antonino Tomasello and Anna Parisi Tomasello. Father believed from Messina, Sicily. Active associate with Gravesend and Bensonhurst area Colombos by the 1960s. CW Carmine Sessa later reported that when Colombo member Gregory Scarpa was (correctly) suspected of being an informant, Tomasello approached Scarpa and suggested he 'go out and do a piece of work' to put an end to the rumors.

By the 1970s Tomasello held employment with Colonial Bus Service owned by Lorenzo 'Larry' Lampasi Jr. At the time Lampasi Jr. was a Soldier in the crew headed by Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro. Although recently demoted at the time of Tomasello's induction, Gugliaro acted as sponsor.

Initially one of several newly inducted members who reported direct to Boss Thomas DiBella, around August 1980 Tomasello was made Captain over a newly formed crew and helped run the Family for a brief period in following years. Around Summer 1988 he was demoted to Soldier and assigned to Joseph Russo.

Following a May 1992 Federal racketeering indictment he became a fugitive and remained on the lam until July 1998, when tracked down and apprehended in the Catskills, New York. Convicted at trial and released from prison in 2005. Died November 2016 in Florida.

Paul SanFilippo (Gambino)

Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo was a member of the Gambino Family.

Born May 18, 1917 in Bath Beach, Brooklyn to Joseph SanFilippo (24y) and Jennie Abrams SanFilippo (23y).

His father, a shoemaker from Sciacca in Agrigento, was also a made member with the Gambinos. Many years later an FBI CI reported the following: "[Paul SanFilippo] is the son of an old Italian don of the original Mafia group in the US and a 'Consulieri of Judgement' and was considered to be a very fair and honorable man." Wording suggests the elder SanFilippo may have held an administrative spot at one point, or was at least a member of some influence.

Paul grew up in the neighborhoods of Bath Beach and New Utrecht, and by the 1940s operated Whitey's Cafe at 1183 49th St in Borough Park. This business would last until shortly before his father's death in 1960.

On August 27, 1955 his sister Lillian married Mario 'Red' Traina in Bensonhurst. A Gambino Soldier and son to Captain Giuseppe Traina, Mario sponsored his brother-in-law for membership into the Gambino Family around the same year.

As an FBI member source noted later, SanFilippo was unique in that only his father was Italian. One of the conditions for LCN membership, particularly in the pre-1970s era, was that both the father and the mother must be Italian. For some reason, possibly the Traina connection, this requirement was waived for SanFilippo. The member source noted this was the only exception to the rule that he knew of.

By Spring 1959 SanFilippo opened the Intermission Cafe at 5108 New Utrecht Ave. This location served as a meeting place for LCN members from multiple Families through the next decade.

Both Paul SanFilippo and Mario Traina first came to the attention of the FBI around January 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, also a Gambino Soldier, identified Mario's father as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him, among them Mario and someone initially described only as 'Whitey'. Neither man had a criminal record and they remained fairly obscure even after being identified.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

Through the 1960s Paul SanFilippo continued to operate the Intermission Cafe. He was never arrested, nor was any solid information received linking him to specific criminal activity. He died of natural causes March 23, 1969 in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Wake held at the Gambino-linked Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home in Gravesend, after which he was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens.

Mario Traina had more or less succeeded his ailing father as Captain by the time of SanFilippo's death. The following year, along with crew member Vincent Sarullo, Traina was reportedly maneuvering to gain control of his former brother-in-law's cafe.

Bonanno Family Ceremonies (1970s)

The Bonannos were the last of the New York Families to have a member turn cooperating witness. Several made members acted as confidential informants at various times going back to the 1960s, but it wasn't until October 2002 that a formally inducted member, Capodecina Frank Coppa, officially defected to the government. Twelve more members, including official Boss Joseph Massino, turned CW through the next five years.

Following are brief descriptions, in chronological order, of the cooperators' inductions from the 1970s. Also listed are confirmed inductions obtained from these CWs and/or from contemporary informant reports. Of particular note is that, in cases where specifics are available, the ceremonies were handled in a manner very similar to the so-called unorthodox methods practiced by the DeCavalcantes.

Dates for the non-CW involved ceremonies are approximate and usually indicate when news of the induction was first reported to LE, not necessarily when the ceremony itself took place. It's possible some names listed separately were made together and news of their membership got out at different times.

===

January 12, 1976

- "[CI] advised that all LCN 'Families' in New York have been given permission to initiate ten (10) new members into each Family. Source stated that Carlo Gambino had been against such a move; however, he has been persuaded to go along with the initiation...Source stated that the initiations could happen any day in the near future. Source advised each Family is receiving an equal number of new members so that the already unequal membership in the Families will not be thrown farther out of proportion."

===

c. Late January / Early February 1976

Books open. Each Family initially allowed ten new members. Those inducted in Bonanno's first wave included:

- Anthony 'Bims' Bonacci (45y) [Died 2001]
- James 'Jimmy Legs' Episcopia (47y) [Died 1997]
- Alfonse 'Sonny Red' Indelicato (49y) [Murdered 1981]
- Dominick 'Sonny Black' Napolitano (46y) [Murdered 1981]

L to R: Episcopia, Bonacci, Indelicato, Napolitano

===

February 9, 1976

- "...[CI] continued that no party has been held as yet for the new members in LCN but that a party will be held for new members in the near future."

===

c. March 1976
- William 'Cappy' Capparelli (41y) [Died 2011]
- Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato (29y)

The above information was obtained by the DEA and forwarded to the FBI.

===

May 14, 1976

- "[CI] advised the ban on introducing newly made members to members of other Families has been lifted."

===

Early June 1976
- Frank Lupo (50y) [Died 1983]
- Anthony Mirra (49y) [Murdered 1982]

L to R: Lupo, Mirra

===

June 8, 1976

- "[CI] advised the LCN membership books continue to be open. He mentioned the original plan was to make only ten new members per Family. However, the larger Families complained this number is too few and favored the smaller Families."

===

June 30, 1976

- "[CI] advised he has heard there will be a meeting of representatives of LCN Families in Miami, Florida in the near future to discuss 'opening the books' for further LCN induction. [CI] advised there are an estimated 150 proposed members awaiting induction into the LCN, many having been proposed for a number of years. [CI] noted, however, that no proposed member over age fifty will be inducted. [CI] advised he does not expect the Miami meeting to occur within the next ten days, because he has heard Sam DeCavalcante who will be a representative at that meeting is presently hospitalized in the Miami area."

===

July 1, 1976

- "[CI] advised there were no 'geeps' (ie foreign born Italians) made in the recent induction of members into the NY LCN Families."

===

September 14, 1976

- "When new members are 'made' or intra-Family transfers are effected, either the Boss or Underboss must personally oversee such an occasion and make the formal introduction to the respective captains."

===

c. Fall 1976
- Alfred 'Al Walker' Embarrato (67y) [Died 2001] [Given age and close association to leadership he may have been part of first wave]

Embarrato (1970)

Given Embarrato's age and close association to the Family leadership, Embarrato may have been part of first wave. His nephew Anthony Mirra may have been inducted around this time as the FBI received conflicting dates from informants.

===

1976 (Confirmed Inducted by 1977)
- William Riviello (45y) [Died 2014] [As an associate CW D'Amico worked in Riviello's numbers office and knew him to be a made member]

Riviello (June 1977)

===

March 3, 1977

- "[CI] advised each of the five NY LCN Families have been given authorization to initiate ten new members, and each of the NY Families have already prepared a list of those individuals to be 'made' in the immediate future."

===

May 20, 1977

- "CI advised despite popular belief that only full-blooded Italians are admitted to LCN membership, many members have mothers who may be only part Italian. He noted, however, if a proposed member's father is not Italian, he would be barred from membership, since an Italian name is an absolute requirement."

===

June 14, 1977

Location: Bar (Queens)

Attendees
- Carmine Galante (67y) (Acting Boss) [Murdered 1979]
- Nicholas Marangello (64y) (Underboss) [Died 2000]
- Stefano Cannone (64y) (Consigliere) [Died 1985]

- Alfred 'Al Walker' Embarrato (67y) (Soldier) [Died 2001]

Members Inducted
1. Joseph 'Junior' Chilli (43y) [Died 2008]
2. Emanuel 'Manny' Guaragna (44y) [Died 2008]
3. Joseph 'J.B.' Indelicato (46y)
4. Joseph Massino (34y) [Flipped 2004] [Died 2023]
5. Anthony Spero (48y) [Died 2008]

Notes:

- Ceremony conducted at night in back of bar. Business not closed and other patrons were present at location. In an attempt to deflect suspicion, food was laid out and "Happy Birthday" was played on the jukebox to make it appear the group was assembled for a party.

- Induction through verbal oath only. Massino: "They said, 'Normally, we put a gun and knife on the table. But the way times are, there's no gun and knife on the table. But imagine that it is.'"

L to R: Massino, Chilli, J. Indelicato, Spero

===

c. Mid-1977

Location: Apartment (Brooklyn)

Attendees
- Carmine Galante (67y) (Acting Boss) [Murdered 1979]
- Stefano Cannone (64y) (Consigliere) [Died 1985]

- Angelo 'Moe' Prisinzano (68y) (Captain) [Died 1979]
- Michael Sabella (66y) (Captain) [Died 1988]
- Matteo Valvo (68y) (Captain) [Died 1985]
- Michael Zaffarano (54y) (Captain) [Died 1980]

- Alfred 'Al Walker' Embarrato (67y) (Soldier) [Died 2001]

Members Inducted
1. Baldassare 'Baldo' Amato (26y) [IPL 2006]
2. Cesare Bonventre (26y) [Murdered 1984]
3. Frank Coppa (36y) [Flipped 2002] [Died 2024]
4. John Palazzolo (40y)

Notes:

- The new members were made in pairs, Amato/Bonventre followed by Coppa/Palazzolo.

- Induction through verbal oath only.

L to R: Amato, Bonventre, Coppa

===

c. August 1977
- Barney 'Joe Bozzo' Anello (59y) [Died 2007]

- Vincent Asaro (42y) [Died 2023]
- Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli (43y) [Died 2016]
- Peter Monteleone (50y) [Died 1991]

G. Chilli (Sept. 1977)

===

Pre-September 1977
- Salvatore 'Toto' Catalano (36y)
- Anthony 'T.G.' Graziano (38y) [Died 2019]

Catalano (Sept. 1977)

===

c. August-October 1977
- Anthony 'Fat Anthony' Rabito (43y)

Rabito (Aug. 1977)

- Francesco 'Cheech' Navarra (38y) [Died 2000] [Reported Early 10/77]
- Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero (51y) [Died 1994] [Reported Early 10/77]

Ruggiero (Sept. 1977)

Re Anthony Rabito, Massino stated: "I proposed him. Carmine Galante made him." Galante was returned to prison for violating parole on or around October 11, 1977. CW D'Amico also reported that at the time of his own induction later that month, he knew Rabito to already be a made member under Zaffarano.

===

October 31, 1977

Location: Indelicato Apartment Building at 113-117 Elizabeth St (Little Italy, Manhattan)

Attendees
- Nicholas Marangello (65y) (Underboss) [Died 2000]
- Stefano Cannone (64y) (Consigliere) [Died 1985]

- Vito DeFilippo (65y) (Captain) [Died 1985]
- Nicholas DiStefano (64y) (Captain) [Died 1985]
- Salvatore Ferrugia (61y) (Captain) [Died 1992]
- Frank Lupo (52y) (Captain) [Died 1983]
- Matteo Valvo (68y) (Captain) [Died 1985]
- Michael Zaffarano (54y) (Captain) [Died 1980]

- Alfred Embarrato (67y) (Soldier) [Died 2001]
- Emanuel Guaragna (44y) (Soldier) [Died 2008]
- Anthony Mirra (50y) (Soldier) [Murdered 1982]

Members Inducted
1. Joseph Benanti (43y) [Died 2005]
2. Joseph D'Amico (22y) [Flipped 2003]
3. Gabriel Infanti (42y) [Murdered 1987]
4. Frank Lino (40y) [Flipped 2003]
5. Salvatore 'Chubby' Maiorino (52y) [Died 2007]
6. Dominick 'Trin' Trinchera (40y) [Murdered 1981]
- Several others

Notes:

- Induction through verbal oath only:

- Lino: "[They] didn't use no gun or knife because they said things were getting bad with the government; that we would get raided and they would find all those things; so it was done in a different way. [Everybody] would hold hands and they would say something in Italian, meaning that once -- you can't lie and you've got to be truthful in whatever you say."

- D'Amico: "The oath was in Italian, I don't remember it too well..And we held hands at the whole table and we shook our hands up, stood up three times, Nicky [Marangello] said something three times, same words, we shook and then they told me I was baptized again and this was my family."

- Lino remembered the ceremony as having occurred the previous day, his 40th birthday. D'Amico claimed Halloween 1977, a date supported by NYPD surveillance. A large group, among them Anthony Mirra, was observed entering the Indelicato apartment that night.

- An FBI member source reported not long after the ceremony that Joseph 'Pepe' Marino (1934-1986) was one of those made. No mention of this individual has yet turned up in other sources.

L to R: Benanti, D'Amico, Infanti, Lino, Trinchera

===

Pre-1978
- James 'Jimmy' Galante (40y) [CW Massino's Captain for brief period c. 1978]

===

c. Spring 1978

- Anthony 'Blackie' Calabro (50y) [Died 1997] [Sponsored by A. Indelicato?]

- Pasquale 'Patty Boxcars' Cosoleto (65y) [Died 1994] [Sponsored by A. Prisinzano?]
- Russell Mauro (40y) [Murdered 1991]

- Robert 'Bobby Bad Heart' Perrette (47y) [Died 1989]

===

April 6, 1978

- "[CI] advised that there has been a delay in new LCN members being made in the NYC area because of the ill health of Joe N. Gallo and 'Vinnie Beans' Foceri, the Consiglieri's of the Gambino and Lucchese Families of LCN."

===

c. Early May 1978

- Andrew Asaro (51y) [Died 1991] 

===

Pre-September 1978
- Salvatore 'Sally Blind' Frascone (42y) [Murdered 9.78]

- Stephen Maruca (49y) [Died 1997] [Sponsored by M. Sabella]

Maruca (1968)

===

c. Late 1978
- Gaetano 'Sal' Caminito (40y) [Died 2012]
- Salvatore Morale (34y) [Died 2018]

===

Mid-to-Late 1970s (Confirmed Inducted Pre-1979)
- Louis Attanasio (34y)
- Joseph 'Joe Beans' Campanella (40y) [Died 2007]
- Salvatore 'Sally Penn Glass' D'Ottavio (47y) [Died 1999]
- John 'Johnny Green' Faraci (56y) [Died 2011]
- John 'Chubby' Galante (45y) [Died 2013]
- James Genna (48y) [Died 1997]
- Santo 'Toni' Giordano (35y) [Died 1983]
- Giovanni Ligammari (39y) [Suicide 1999]
- Ronald Lorenzo (32y)
- Gerlando 'George' Sciascia (44y) [Murdered 1999]
- Giuseppe 'Joe' Turano (47y) [Murdered 1979]

In 1979 the Bonanno Family's books were closed on Commission order. This ban was lifted around 1984. Ceremonies from that decade will be the subject of a future post.

Edit9: Moved Andrew Asaro to circa Early May 1978.

Edit10: Added Barney Anello.