Obscure Bonanno Members (Pt. 1)

Below is a photo that appeared in New York newspapers during September 1930:

Those pictured were charged with involvement in the May 1930 kidnapping of Louis Gandolfo.

Of interest is that at least two of those arrested were made members of the Bonanno Family who have rarely, if ever, been mentioned outside of old government reports.

1. Joseph Colletti

Born 1897 to Paolo and Mary Colletti. Family from Lucca Sicula comune of Agrigento.

By the 1920s resided on E 13th St in East Village, Manhattan.

In May 1943 indicted on bootlegging charge. Listed residence at 299 Innes Rd in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey.

By 1950s served as Bonanno Capodecina, heading a primarily Manhattan-based crew of non-Castellammarese members. The group typically congregated at the Shoreview Social Club, located on E 12th St in East Village and supervised by Colletti's brother-in-law, and former Bonanno Acting Boss, Angelo Caruso. Angelo married Joseph's sister in 1928.

Colletti briefly showed up on the FBI's radar following the November 1957 Apalachin meeting. Significant Federal attention was directed towards each of the attendees, among them Vincenzo 'Black Jim' Colletti, a cousin and the Family Boss in Colorado.

L to R: Angelo Caruso, Vincenzo Colletti

Agents noted a phone call placed by Vincenzo Colletti to Joseph's residence in New Jersey exactly one week prior to the meeting. Also noted, but disregarded at the time, were records of phone contact between Joseph, his brother-in-law Angelo Caruso and Bonanno member (and future Capodecina) Angelo Salvo, who would later describe Colletti as his 'close friend'.

At the time Joseph Colletti was in failing health. He died in a Manhattan hospital the following month, and is believed to have been replaced as crew leader by Angelo Caruso.

2. Nicola Ciccone

Born May 31, 1900 in Casteltermini comune of Agrigento, Sicily to Vincenzo Ciccone and Alfonza Rizzo.

Immigrated August 1923.

On December 16, 1931 married Maria Noto (29y) in Manhattan. Maria's brother Leo (No. 3), Nicola's co-defendant in the kidnapping case, was murdered in Brooklyn early that year.

By 1935 resided at 1848 W 7th St in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Listed employment in garment manufacturing business.

On April 26, 1947 shot to death outside tailor shop at 1478 76th St in Bensonhurst. Assailant approached Ciccone on foot and fired multiple rounds, hitting victim twice in hands, once in hip and twice in chest. Bystander Joseph Tornello (38y) wounded in ankle. Assailant fled in automobile.

Many years later an FBI informant identified Ciccone as a Bonanno member and gave the following synopsis of events surrounding the murder:

The CI described 'Nick' as an active member of the Family with a group of 'young toughs who were trying to become members' under him. Acting on Ciccone's orders, these associates severely beat the unconnected owner of a shoe repair store who refused to allow the use of his business as a gambling spot. One of the participants later became a fugitive and traveled to Arizona where, after running into someone close to Family Boss Joseph Bonanno, he complained that Ciccone failed to provide assistance while he was on the lam. Furthermore, the associate claimed, Ciccone was 'highly ambitious and looking for power' in the Family. This, according to the CI's account, resulted in Bonanno ordering Ciccone's murder. The killer was named as 'Sally the Greek' LNU, a close associate of the victim. In recounting the events, the informant made at least one error when stating Sally the Greek, by that time dead of natural causes, killed Ciccone at a wedding.

Nicola's cousin Vincent Ciccone (No. 4) maintained association with the Bonannos through the following decades.

Little information is available on the remainder:

- Peter Mandella (No. 5) possibly identical to Pietro Mandala born circa 1877 in Monreale, Palermo.

- Leo Gardini (No. 6) resided in East Village and worked as a plasterer. Possible match with Leo Giardina (1905-1989), who in turn may be 'Leo Giarino' included in the deceased section of a Bonanno induction list from 1991.

Santini and Prisco (2004)

On December 24, 2004 FBI CI Jeff Santini met with Genovese Capodecina Angelo Prisco. Conversation surreptitiously recorded by Santini, who had been introduced into the crew earlier that year through Genovese Associate Michael Visconti. Santini grew close to Prisco and began serving as one of his drivers.

Topics of discussion included Angelo's current status within the Genovese Family, his outlook on the Gambinos and a comparison of the two Families' general methods of operation.

Another topic briefly touched upon was a suspected plot against Angelo's life by Genovese member Daniel Leo and other Family higher-ups. Initially dismissing the idea as paranoia on the part of his subordinates, Angelo later obtained a bullet proof vest from one of his crew members as a precaution.

The Rocky referred to in the conversation is Genovese Associate John Melicharek.

Prisco's mentions of 'this guy' is a reference to imprisoned Boss Vincent 'Chin' Gigante.

Conversation excerpts:

Transcript of relevant sections:

Bonanno Family List (2014)

Below is a list compiled by the Federal government titled "Bonanno Organized Crime Family". This particular version is noted as having last been updated near the end of 2014. Nicknames and spellings, as well as the order of those named, are direct from the original source.

• 1. [Blank]
• 2. Anthony Urso 'Tony Green/Junior Urso'
• 3. Jerome Asaro
• 4. Vincent Badalamenti 'Vinnie Paris/Vinnie TV/Vinnie Appliance'
• 5. Vincent Basciano 'Blimpy/Vinny Gorgeous'
• 6. Peter Calabrese 'Petey the Hat/Peter Rabbit'
• 7. Joseph Cammarano Jr.
• 8. Ronald Carlucci 'Ronnie Flowers/Ronnie Mozzarella'
• 9. Vito Pipitone
• 10. Joseph DeSimone 'Desi'
• 11. Thomas DiFiore 'Tommy D'
• 12. Anthony Furino 'Anthony Black'
• 13. Anthony Graziano 'TG'
• 14. Vito Grimaldi 'The Baker'
• 15. Robert Lino Jr.
• 16. Dominick Miniero
• 17. Frank Porco 'Frank the Fireman/Big Frank'
• 18. Anthony Rabito 'The Rabbit/Mr. Fish/Do Do/Fat Anthony'
• 19. William Riviello 'Rift/Crazy Willie/Big Willie'
• 20. Joseph Corrado
• 21. Anthony Sclafani 'Little Anthony'
• 22. Joseph Torre 'Joe T'
• 23. Frank Adamo
• 24. Antonino Aiello 'Tony Commachante'
• 25. Sandro Aiosa
• 26. Alfred Altadonna
• 27. Vincent Amarante 'Elmo'
• 28. Baldassare Amato 'Cumpari of the Tall One'
• 29. Vincent Asaro
• 30. Louis Attanasio 'Louie Ha Ha'
• 31. Robert Attanasio 'Fat Bobby/Big Bobby'
• 32. Vito Balsamo
• 33. Daniel Costanzo
• 34. Antonino Bonventre
• 35. Giacomo Bonventre
• 36. Salvatore Caccamise 'Sal Longo'
• 37. Anthony Calabrese
• 38. Dino Cammarano
• 39. Anthony Caponigro 'Little Anthony'
• 40. William Capparelli 'Cappy'
• 41. Michael Cardello 'Mikey Bat'
• 42. Salvatore Catalano 'Toto'
• 43. Jerry Chilli 'Hamburger'
• 44. John Cicala
• 45. Louis Civello 'Big Louie/Fat Louie'
• 46. John Contello 'Big John'
• 47. Frank Coppa Jr.
• 48. Peter Cosoleto 'Petey Boxcars'
• 49. Frank Santo Cotroni
• 50. Perry Criscitelli
• 51. Vincenzo D'Antoni
• 52. Louis DeCicco
• 53. Fabrizio DeFrancisci
• 54. Michael DiMaria 'Mike the Boxer'
• 55. John DeSena
• 56. Steven DeSimone
• 57. Anthony DiGregorio
• 58. Joseph DiStefano 'Joe D/Joey Shakes'
• 59. Anthony Donato
• 60. Michael Donofrio 'Mike the Electrician'
• 61. Simone Esposito
• 62. Anthony Fasitta
• 63. Vincent Faraci
• 64. Thomas Ferreri
• 65. Anthony Frascone
• 66. James Galante
• 67. Gino Galestro
• 68. Ronald Giallanzo
• 69. Frank Pastore
• 70. Joseph Grimaldi
• 71. Anthony Bruno Indelicato 'The Kid/Bruno Indelicato'
• 72. Joseph Indelicato 'Joey Red/JB'
• 73. John or Giovanni Licata
• 74. Joseph Lino
• 75. Stephen LoCurto 'Stevie Blue'
• 76. Ronald Lorenzo 'Fat Ronnie'
• 77. Peter Lovaglio
• 78. Michael Mancuso
• 77. Anthony Mannone
• 78. Salvatore Marchese
• 79. Bari Mascitti
• 80. John Mirabile 'Fat Jack/Johnny Boy'
• 81. Daniel Mongelli 'Little Danny'
• 82. Arthur Tarzia
• 83. Salvatore Morale 'Sally Burns'
• 84. John Spirito Jr.
• 85. Richard Musumeci 'Junkyard Richie'
• 86. Antonio Navarra
• [87 skipped]
• 88. Filippo Navarra
• 89. John Palazzolo 'Johnny P/Johnny Skyway'
• 90. Anthony Palmiotto 'JJ/Jersey Joe'
• 91. Anthony Piscopo
• 92. Thomas Pitera 'Tommy Karate'
• 93. Michael Primiano 'Crazy Mike/Mike the Watchman'
• 94. Armando Rea 'Mondo'
• 95. Giuseppe Renda
• 96. Paolo Renda
• 97. Louis Restivo
• 98. Richard Riccardi 'Ricky/Big Richie/Fat Richie'
• 99. Joseph Sabella
• 100. Joseph Sammartino 'Sammy'
• 101. Nicholas Santora 'Nicky'
• 102. John Sciremammano
• 103. Paul Spina 'Big Paulie'
• 104. John Spirito 'Johnny Joe/Hannibal'
• 105. Joseph Taglianetti 'Joe Curly'
• 106. Charles Travella 'Crazy Charlie'
• 107. Joseph Yannucci
• 108. John Zancocchio 'Porky'
• 109. David Primiano
• 110. John Carlucci
• 111. Joseph Loiacono
• 112. Michael Palmaccio
• 113. Robert Serra
• 114. Anthony Valenti
• 115. Ernest Aiello
• 116. Vito Badamo
• 117. Giuseppe Bosco
• 118. Micheal Cassese
• 119. Alphonse DiPilato
• 120. Vincent DiSario
• 121. Pasquale Maiorino
• 122. Mark Meleo
• 123. Dominick Merolla
• 124. Anthony Pipitone
• 125. Nicolo Rizzuto
• 126. Al Armetta
• 127. Pasquala Romania
• 128. Joseph Spatola
• 129. Enzo Stagno
• 130. George Tropiano

--

Notes

- Appears to have initially been put together following the Bonanno indictments and subsequent defections of the early 2000s.

- Confirmed members not present include Vito Badamo Sr., Ally Indelicato and Anthony Santoro. (Edit: The Ally Indelicato inducted Fall 2003 is identical with the already listed Alphonse DiPilato. Like 'Ally', DiPilato is apparently a nephew of the elder Indelicatos [Alfonse / JB]. Credit to Eld for posting the info on DiPilato's family ties.)

- Those who were deceased as of the most recent update include Salvatore Caccamise (2011), William Capparelli (2012) and the Canadian members.

- This document provides further corroboration re the membership of certain individuals for whom there had previously been only one source available. These include Salvatore Morale, Michael Primiano and Joseph 'Augie' Yannucci.

- John Carlucci (No. 110) is identical to 'Johnny Phones' proposed for membership in the early 2000s.

- Michael Donofrio (No. 60) aka 'Mike the Electrician' is likely the 'Mike Donafeui - S.I.' present on a Bonanno induction list from 1999.

- Mark Meleo (No. 122) believed identical to 'Mark from New Jersey' inducted with CW Cicale in August 2003.

- Anthony Palmiotto (No. 90) aka 'JJ' or 'Jersey Joe' was previously named as a member of CW Richard Cantarella's crew following the latter's promotion to Capodecina in 1999. It was originally assumed this individual, known to Cantarella only by nicknames, was a reference to Joseph Taormina or another already known member.

- There are no Associates listed. Those present who were already known about have all been reliably identified as made members. The one exception would be Anthony 'Commerciante' Aiello and it's possible this is a mistaken reference to his son, Anthony aka 'Ace', a confirmed member otherwise missing. It is highly likely each of the dozen or so unknowns present on this list are made members as well. Some of the last names suggest blood relations to other LCN members in the Bonannos or elsewhere.

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.