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Lorenzo Lampasi was a member of the Colombo Family.
His son
Lorenzo 'Larry' Lampasi Jr. (1925-1992) was a Colombo Soldier murdered during the Orena - Persico war of the early 1990s.
His grandson, Colombo Associate John Aratico, was murdered in 1982.
Lorenzo was born January 11, 1887 in Monreale comune of Palermo to Giovanni Battista and Rosetta Modica.
On September 21, 1909 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S.
Virginia. Destined for older brother Antonino (36y) at 195 Forsyth St in Little Italy, Manhattan.
He was back in Sicily by 1913.
In February of that year he returned to the United States, this time headed to brother Luigi (28y) at 282 Grand St in Little Italy.
On April 26, 1913 younger brother Michele arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S.
San Guglielmo, destined for Lorenzo at 173 (Illegible) in Manhattan.
By Fall 1913 Lorenzo and Michele resided at 509 (59?) East 79th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Around that time Lorenzo, who worked as a shoemaker, was arrested by NYPD Manhattan for attempted murder.
Convicted on a final charge of assault 2nd degree, he was sentenced on October 28 to two-and-one-half to six years in New York State Prison.
The next day received at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.
The following July transferred upstate to Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock.
By June 1917 he was released and living at 512 Onderdonk Ave in Ridgewood, Queens. Listed employment with Novelty Shoe Company at 40 Walton St in nearby Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Served in the US Army from May 24, 1918 to June 15, 1919.
On March 13, 1920 married Maria Lamposi (24y) in Manhattan. Bride's parents listed as Giuseppe and Cristina Felice.
On June 24, 1920 became naturalized US citizen in New York County Supreme Court.
Information on Lorenzo's activities through the rest of the 1920s is unavailable. Given his age it's likely he was already a made member.
The Colombo Boss at the time is believed to have been Salvatore DiBella (1878-1934).
On May 8, 1929 Luigi Lampasi filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Manhattan. Lorenzo acted as a witness, along with storekeeper Salvatore Termini (1884-1951).
Born in Monreale, Salvatore resided with wife Angela Rizzo at 11 Stanton St in Little Italy. A son, Frank Charles (1912-1977), served as a witness in the 1937 Petition of Bonanno Member (and later Consigliere) Michael Adamo.
By April 1930 Lorenzo and family moved to California, residing at 315 W 95th St in the Green Meadows neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Brother Michele lived further north in South Central.
By the mid-1930s the Lampasis had returned to New York, settling at 1719 W 10th St in Brooklyn's Gravesend neighborhood.
In 1939 established Trenton Linen Supply Company at 4108 3rd Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
On May 7, 1944 son Joseph Lampasi (20y), on active duty in US Army, was seriously injured in Asam, India after a bomb exploded while being loaded onto a truck. Lampasi was blinded as a result and given an honorable discharge on Certificate of Disability.
In September 1947 Trenton Linen Supply Company was formally incorporated as a partnership between Lampasi and Mrs. Angela Luisa. Sons Joseph (24y) and Giovanni Lampasi (26y) served as President and Secretary respectively. FBI later noted: "
This company is a wholesale supplier of linens to retail barber shops, restaurants and hotels in the Brooklyn area."
Lorenzo's other son,
Lorenzo Jr. aka 'Larry', was by this time a Colombo Associate active in gambling.
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L. Lampasi Jr.
New York Daily News |
Around Mid-1957 Lorenzo sponsored his son for membership in the Colombo Family. The
ceremony, presided over by Underboss Joseph Magliocco, was held inside the Magliocco home in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Others present included Captains Harry Fontana, Calogero 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero, Salvatore 'Sally the Sheik' Musacchio and John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo. Those inducted included Leonard Dello, Charles 'Lolly' DePierro, Lorenzo Lampasi Jr., Joseph Magnasco and Anthony 'Tony Skee' Scianna.
At the time of induction the Family Boss was Joseph Profaci, who succeeded Salvatore DiBella around 1931. Joseph Magliocco and Joseph 'Peppino' Buffa served as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.
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H. Fontana (1957)
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As of 1960 the Lampasis both reported to Harry Fontana, a long-time member who headed a large crew based primarily in South Brooklyn.
Made members of Fontana's crew included:
In late February 1961 Harry Fontana and other high-ranking Colombo members were kidnapped by the rebel Gallo faction. The group was released unharmed but the incident ultimately led to a shooting war that left several members and associates dead.
In October 1961 Fontana was target of another kidnapping, this time outside the College Restaurant at 224 4th Ave in Gowanus. Gallo crew member
Joseph Magnasco, a former Soldier under Fontana, was shot to death during the attempt by Harry's brother Salvatore. (Magnasco was made in the same ceremony as Lampasi Jr.)
On December 20, 1961 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported that Boss Joseph Profaci had ordered a halt to the violence so that a peace could be negotiated. Lorenzo Lampasi, according to Scarpa and other sources, was one of the primary mediators acting on behalf of the Gallo faction. (The attempt ultimately failed and hostilities continued through the next year and into 1963.)
On March 20, 1962 FBI CI Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa]
advised that he had heard that [redacted]
the moratorium on violence which had been in existence between the Profaci and Gallo groups during the negotiations to reach a peace agreement had been extended for a two week period...He stated that he had heard from individuals closely associated with Charles LoCicero that an individual by the name of Lawrence (LNU) (Lorenzo Lampasi), who operates a barber supply business in the vicinity of Gallo’s headquarters, was acting as a messenger between the Gallos and LoCicero. He stated that individual, according to his information, is a very old man and is completely gray. [Scarpa]
related that he had heard this individual visited LoCicero at LoCicero's home during the afternoon of 3/20/1962.”
Six days later the FBI interviewed the rebel faction's leader, Colombo Soldier Lawrence Gallo: "[Gallo]
stated, at this time, that he had purchased a 1960 Rambler sedan from Lawrence Lampasi Jr., the son of Lorenzo Lampasi, owner of Trenton Linen Supply Company. He added he is not employed by [Trenton]
but has used this as his employment when registering the above vehicle solely for the purpose of obtaining insurance."
On May 4,1962 FBI CI reported: "
...[CI]
said further that Larry [Gallo]
's representatives have been meeting regularly with representatives of Joseph Profaci. These meetings seem to occur every four or five days. [CI]
termed these meetings as 'progress reports', as apparently they have not as yet resulted in any conclusion of the Profaci - Gallo feud. [CI]
added that Larry Gallo is represented at these meetings by 'Old Man Lorenzo' (Lorenzo Lampasi), Abbatemarco, 'Jimmy the Bat' (James Cardello), and [Redacted]
. Also by 'The Blast' (Albert Gallo, Jr). Joseph Profaci is represented in these meetings by Charlie the Sidge (LoCicero). [CI]
said that 'Old Man Lorenzo' sees Larry Gallo twice a day usually and Lampasi's son (Larry Lampasi) also sees Larry. [CI]
said the younger Lampasi gave Larry Gallo a car recently."
On May 23, 1962 FBI CI (possibly the same one from May 4) reported: "[CI]
said that he has heard 'old man Lorenzo' (Lorenzo Lampasi) owns Trenton Linen Supply Company, which is located in NYC, possibly Brooklyn or Queens."
On August 10, 1962 Colombo Soldier Charles 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero was interviewed by the FBI. During questioning he displayed an address book that included an entry for Lorenzo Lampasi.
On April 23, 1963 CI Scarpa reported: “Photographs of the following persons were exhibited to [Scarpa], and he made comments concerning them as set forth below: Lawrence Lampasi Jr. – Scarpa advised that Larry is the son of (FNU) Lampasi Sr., who acted as the middle-man between the Gallo and Profaci factions when attempts were made to settle the feud. [Scarpa] advised that both the father and Larry Lampasi are ‘good fellows’ and both are in the regime of Harry Fontana.”
Publicity given the Gallo conflict brought Lorenzo onto law enforcement's radar. On August 22, 1963 he voluntarily appeared for interview at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office in Hauppauge, Long Island: "
...Lampasi refused to answer certain questions pertinent to his associations. He did state he was part owner and salesman of the Trenton Linen Supply Co. dealing mostly in Brooklyn and parts of NJ. He also stated he is a licensed real estate broker presently not connected with any real estate office. During Interview, Lampasi stated the Trenton Linen Co. has their cleaning done at the Arrow Laundry, which is owned by [Redacted; Ambrose Magliocco]
."
The following day both Lorenzo and son
Larry Jr. were interviewed at the Nassau County DA's Office: "
Born Moracle (Monreale)
, Italy, 1888. Belongs to North Italian Club, 86th St, Brooklyn. Former owner of Trenton Linen Supply. Knows Albert Gallo, Sr., Red Levine, Joseph Profaci, Joseph Magliocco, Joseph Gallo, Lawrence Gallo, Albert Gallo. Attempted Murder 1913 - did 2.5 years." Father and son were photographed during their appearance (see top).
On September 9, 1963 Suffolk County Police Department reported: '"
...The following information was obtained through members of the Brooklyn South Homicide Squad (Special Gallo Investigation Unit) and the Criminal Investigations Bureau, [NYPD]
. Lorenzo (Larry) Lampasi [Jr. was]
known to be associated with the Gallo Gang prior to their split with the Profaci Organization. Lampasi is known to be a gambler in Brooklyn Park Slope Section [and]
was suspected of supplying money to the Gallos from the proceeds of this wire room operation. Subject's father, Lorenzo Sr., ([Redacted]
) was considered to be close to Joseph Profaci, and after the Gallo split, Lorenzo Sr., attempted 'mediation' between Gallos and Profaci. It was during this period that an attempt was made to strangle Larry Gallo. Lampasi Sr. acquired a complete 'Amnesty' for Lampasi Jr. and he 'pulled' away from Gallos completely with a group of about ten other hoods. Lampasi Jr. is still felt to be close to Profaci (Magliocco) faction and is probably still carrying on gambling activities. Lampasi has a close association with [Redacted]
suspected of being a subordinate of Joseph Magliocco."
As a possible result of the Gallo conflict,
Larry Jr. left his Commack, Long Island residence in October 1963 and moved into his father's residence.
On March 23, 1964 Lorenzo was interviewed by FBI at Trenton Linen Supply:
"
At the outset Lampasi reflected a belligerent attitude. He later become ostensibly cooperative, however, repeatedly declined knowledge of any hoodlum connections or activity...Lampasi readily admitted his identity and stated that although not an officer of [Trenton] he continued active participation in the company's affairs and was usually at the office between the hours of 11 AM and 2:30 PM in the afternoon. He furnished certain background information concerning himself and his immediate family.
A general discussion relative to underworld activities in Brooklyn was opened to Lampasi based on current newspaper stories. Lampasi although admittedly acquainted with some of the more prominent hoodlums denied any close personal relationship with any of them. Specifically, he stated that he was acquainted with the Gallo brothers but purely on a business basis since his company supplied Gallo with linens. As a result of this association as well as his son's activities as a salesman for Trenton Linen and Supply he has a passing acquaintance with others associated with the Gallos. He advised that at the present time the Gallos are indebted to him for a small amount of money for services rendered and he is currently attempting to collect.
Concerning Ambrose Magliocco he stated that he knows Magliocco on purely a business basis since it is Magliocco's Arrow Linen Supply that does the cleaning for his (Lampasi's) company. He again denied any knowledge concerning underworld activities of any of these individuals and continually made light of press reports describing Brooklyn hoodlum groups and in particular characterized Joseph Valachi as an individual of questionable stability. At the conclusion of the interview Lampasi advised that he would be available for interview at any time called upon by the interviewing agents. It is pointed out that although Lampasi admits to be 79 years of age he reflected an unusual alert, positive reaction to the matters discussed. He also advised that he is in excellent health. Lampasi at the conclusion of the interview stated his belief that the [NYPD] was giving him constant attention.
"
On April 13, 1964 the FBI's New York Office reported: "[Lorenzo's] son, Lorenzo Lampasi Jr., is considered a member of the underworld element having been sponsored by Lampasi Sr. [whose] activities are apparently limited to that of an arbitrator of disputes within the Profaci - Magliocco Family and other than the information upon which this matter is predicated no further information relative to his activities has been developed to date."
Earlier that month Joseph Colombo was named the new Family Boss. Under his leadership the Gallos were brought back into the fold and further hostilities ceased.
Colombo also quickly began the process of re-organizing the Family by demoting some of the older Captains and appointing new ones.
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N. Forlano (1961)
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One of the first to be given a promotion was Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano, formerly a Soldier in the Fontana crew. He and Vincent Aloi were both named Captains around mid-May 1964.
Forlano was given several Soldiers who were also previously with Harry Fontana, who still remained active as a Captain but had his sizeable crew trimmed down over the following year.
Made members of Forlano's crew included
John 'Little John' Capichano, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio,
Leonard Dello,
Aniello 'Allie LaMont' Giannattasio, Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro,
Salvatore Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi and George Tropiano. Possible additional crew members included
Lorenzo Lampasi Jr. (Lampasi Jr. may have remained under Harry Fontana.)
Associates of interest included future Colombo Captains Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio and Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello, future Gambino Captain Gregory DePalma as well as future Bonanno Captain turned CW Frank 'Curly' Lino. Non-Italian associates included loanshark Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Carna was believed on-record with Gugliaro. DePalma, Grancio and Lino were with Alphonse D'Ambrosio and his imprisoned brother Salvatore aka Sally D. Not long after Forlano's death in 1977 Charles Stein was murdered by the Irish-American Westies gang.)
On November 24, 1964 FBI surveillance conducted in vicinity of Pisa Catering located at 1435 86th St in Bensonhurst. At 1:59 PM Boss Joseph Colombo and Lorenzo Lampasi exited establishment and walked to automobile driven by Colombo Soldier Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia. Colombo left in Miraglia's vehicle; Lampasi entered his own vehicle and returned to his residence in Gravesend.
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Forlano (L) and Lampasi (R) at Fusco Reception (1965)
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On May 15, 1965 the youngest daughter of Colombo Acting (Official?) Captain Frank Fusco was married, with the reception held at Claridge Caterers located at 631 Ave P in Gravesend. The event was heavily attended and, thanks to forewarning by CI Scarpa, a target of FBI surveillance. Those observed included Boss Joseph Colombo, Underboss Salvatore Mineo, at least eight of the nine Family Captains (Simone Andolino may not have been present), Lucchese Captain Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti and at least thirty-one identified Colombo Soldiers. Lorenzo and his Captain Nicholas Forlano were present and photographed by Agents. (Within a couple of days it was reported that Fusco had been promoted to official Captain.)
On September 7, 1965 FBI surveillance conducted in vicinity of Caplan Buick in Bensonhurst. At 1:40 PM Colombo Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico arrived and entered establishment. At approximately 1:42 PM Patriarca Soldier Nicholas Bianco exited Caplan Buick and entered Pisa Caterers next door. At 1:54 PM Colombo Soldier Lorenzo Lampasi exited Caplan Buick and entered Renato's Restaurant across the street. At 1:55 PM Bonanno (?) Associate Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto (Bonanno Associate) observed in front of Renato's. FBI noted: "
Cosoleto was going to enter the restaurant, but was apparently instructed by [Redacted]
not to go into the restaurant." (Bianco transferred to the Colombo Family a couple of weeks later. Cosoleto was
inducted into the Bonanno Family around 1978.)
On December 1, 1965 a meeting between Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss) and Nicholas Forlano's crew was held inside the New York residence of an unspecified Colombo Associate. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico and Soldiers Nicholas Bianco, Rocco Miraglia and FBI CI Gregory Scarpa. Scarpa subsequently reported that the meeting was held for Colombo to extend holiday greetings to the crew and to hear any problems the members were having in the Family. Forlano crew members present included Alphonse D'Ambrosio,
Aniello Giannattasio, Vincent Gugliaro,
Salvatore Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi and George Tropiano. Scarpa later noted: "
There could have been 3 or 4 others present he could not recall."
Around July 1966 vehicle registered to Fred Ribaudo (1915-1971) observed by FBI in vicinity of Lampasi residence / business. Ribaudo, born to parents from Villafrati, Palermo (grandfather from Marineo, Palermo), resided at 8318 Bay Parkway in Gravesend. His 1971 wake was held at the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst.
On January 25, 1968 vehicles registered to Anthony Cardone (1902-1978) and Mimi Romeo (1923-1992) observed at Lampasi residence in Gravesend. Cardone, residing at 39 Remsen Rd in Yonkers, was born to parents from Caserta and Salerno, Campania. Romeo resided at 1670 W 9th, also in Gravesend.
On May 17, 1968 FBI CI named Lorenzo Lampasi as among those recently observed frequenting Caplan Buick and meeting with Joseph Colombo and his associates.
In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.
On March 8, 1969 Joseph Colombo Jr., son to the Boss, married in Brooklyn. A reception was held at Queens Terrace Caterers located at 68-27 Roosevelt Ave in Woodside, Queens. Many Colombo Members, including Lorenzo Lampasi, were among the several hundred attendees. Guests from other Families include Gambino Boss Carlo Gambino, Gambino Captain Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Lucchese Captain (?) John 'Johnny Dio' DioGuardi, Genovese Acting Captain Joseph Schipani and Gambino Soldier Pasquale 'Patsy' Crapanzano.
In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.
On or around March 2, 1970 Unspecified Male interviewed by FBI: "[UM]
, Trenton Linen Supply, Inc., 41-08 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, advised [he]
had been employed by Trenton for [redacted]
years. The company was founded by Lorenzo Lampasi, Sr. with [Redacted]
. After a short time [redacted]
out of the business. At one time Larry Lampasi, Jr. worked as a salesman for Trenton. [Redacted]
. John Lampasi, a third son of Lorenzo died recently of cancer. Benjamin LoCicero worked for Trenton Linen as a salesman immediately after he got out of jail the last time. LoCicero brought in one or two accounts as a salesman. [UM]
says help is hard to get in the linen supply business and he is [redacted]
."
In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 72 identified Colombo Family members.
By May 1973 the Family was headed by Thomas DiBella, with
Anthony Abbatemarco and Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico serving as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.
Around this time the leadership promoted Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo to Captain of a new crew comprised mostly of former Fontana and Musacchio crew members. Others reporting to Scialo included Lorenzo's son
Lorenzo Jr.
On July 26, 1973 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family hierarchy and the activities of various members. During the contact Scarpa incorrectly reported that 'old Lorenzo Lampasi' had died 'several months ago'.
In October 1973 erroneously included in the FBI's list of 22 deceased Colombo Family members.
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D. Scialo (1968)
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By late 1973 the Scialo crew was suspected of having carried out several unsanctioned hits, including the December 10 murder of bookmaker Miguel Cosme at a Coney Island social club. Two ski-masked gunmen lined the patrons up, singled out Cosme and opened fire, killing him with two shots to the back and one to the head. The victim was an on-record Associate of
Lorenzo Lampasi Jr., who was not consulted beforehand. He lodged a complaint with Colombo leadership.
Three days later, Lampasi Jr. was at a Brooklyn barbershop when a ski-masked gunman entered and shot him once in the chest. He was taken to Coney Island Hospital for treatment. Scialo crew Associate
Dominick 'Donnie' Somma may have been the gunman.
Lampasi Jr. survived the shooting but it cost Scialo, already on thin ice with Family leadership, his life. He was strangled the following month and buried in the basement of Otto's Social Athletic Club in Red Hook. (His remains were recovered in an FBI dig nine months later.)
On January 29, 1974 FBI CI Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa]
advised that the word on the street is that 'Mimi' Scialo was 'hit' because he had become a liability to the Family...Scarpa advised that the older men of the Family were aware that Scialo was undergoing psychiatric treatment and they felt that he was too unpredictable. In addition, Scialo personally killed an individual named Miguel Cosmos, one of Larry Lampasi's bookmakers, whom Lampasi was to kill himself. When Lampasi complained, Scialo shot him. After Lampasi's shooting, Harry Fontana put a contract out to the Persico crew to 'hit' Scialo."
On February 1, 1974 the NYPD's Organized Crime Unit advised FBI: "[Detective]
advised approximately one week after Larry Lampasi was shot, an off-duty police officer was eating dinner [in]
Bonaparte Restaurant, 1613 Avenue M, Brooklyn and observed Carlo Gambino with several other unidentified males. [Det]
advised that the off-duty police officer stated that Gambino was greeted by another older gentleman and there appeared to be some sort of meeting taking place. [Det]
advised that he later interviewed the police officer and displayed photographs of both Gambino and Colombo Family members. [Det]
advised that the police officer identified a photograph of Lorenzo Lampasi as the elderly gentleman who greeted Gambino and spoke with Gambino in a very serious manner. [Det]
advised that he felt this meeting between Carlo Gambino and Lorenzo Lampasi could have had something to do with the recent attempt on Larry Lampasi's life by Dominick Scialo or one of his crew. [Det]
advised that his department has received information Scialo may have been killed because of his unsuccessful attempt to 'hit' Larry Lampasi. [Det]
advised Larry Lampasi was well thought of and his father, Lorenzo, of course has always been well-respected."
On February 6, 1974 FBI CI Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa]
stated that Mimi Scialo was definitely killed on a contract given by Harry Fontana and the OK was given by Carmine Persico. Details were furnished in a prior contact with Scarpa reported earlier. Scarpa commented that the Lampasi incident was merely the straw which broke the camel’s back; other Families notably Carlo Gambino and Funzi Tieri had complained about Scialo's attitude and past activities also.”
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V. Gugliaro
New York Daily News |
Around mid-May 1974 Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro was promoted to Captain. Like Lampasi, Gugliaro had formerly been a Soldier under Nicholas Forlano, who was sidelined due to both legal issues and a drinking problem.
Made members of Gugliaro's crew included Lorenzo Lampasi, his son
Lorenzo Jr.,
Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, Salvatore Scarpa (brother of Greg) and George Tropiano.
Associates of interest included future Colombo Members Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello and William 'Billy' Cutolo.
Lorenzo's last noted activity was a probable role in soliciting Dominick Scialo's murder.
He died April 30, 1975 and was buried in Long Island National Cemetery.
In April 1982 his grandson, Colombo Associate John Aratico, was shot to death in front of his residence on 21st St in South Slope, Brooklyn. Colombo Soldier Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio was identified by CI Scarpa as the shooter.
In January 1992 Grancio was himself murdered by Scarpa and associates as part of the Orena - Persico war.
On May 22, 1992 Lorenzo's son
Lorenzo Lampasi Jr. (66y) was shot dead by a Scarpa hit team in the parking lot of his apartment building in Brooklyn.
Edit: Corrected details re Lampasi Jr.'s murder.
