The 1970s Gambino Inductions post has been edited to add the following as members confirmed inducted pre-1980s:
Daniel Marino - By 1980 identified as a Gambino Soldier reporting direct to administration.
Anthony 'Porky' Porcelli - Listed in LE charts as a Lucchese member, multiple CI reports describe him as a Gambino Soldier under Captain Joseph Zingaro. Porcelli was reportedly 'thrown out', or shelved, on orders of Boss Paul Castellano following a 1981 narcotics indictment. Released from FCI Loretto, Pennsylvania after serving approximately twenty years and died January 2009. Wake attendees included Gambino Captain Louis Mastrangelo and Ruling Panel member Bartolomeo 'Bobby' Vernace.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Cosmo Sandalo (Gambino)
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| 1962 |
Cosmo Sandalo was a member of the 'Ndrangheta who is believed to have later been inducted into the Gambino Family.
Born June 12, 1914 in Oppido Mamertina comune of Reggio Calabria to Antonio and Maria Polimeni.
In 1942 married in town of Plati, Reggio Calabria.
On December 30, 1952 arrived with family at Port of New York aboard S.S. Vulcania. Destination given as address on West Ave in Stamford, Connecticut.
Later sources claim Sandalo was already an inducted member of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta. Following his arrival in the United States he became associated with the Gambino Family's Connecticut faction.
On September 7, 1961 became naturalized US citizen in USDC New Haven. Previous attempt failed as result of an inability to write the English language. At time of naturalization residing at 20 Anderson St in Stamford and employed as butcher.
On October 5, 1962 arrested by Stamford PD on charge obtaining money under false pretense.
By 1965 Gambino Family's Connecticut crew reported to Captain Domenico Arcuri headquartered in Upper Manhattan.
By 1970 owned Hubbard Heights Food Store at 114 West Broad St. That January a newly acquired FBI source provided an extensive breakdown of LCN membership in Connecticut. Among those named as Gambino Family members was 'Cosmo (LNU) from Stamford'. A phone book seized following the March 1970 arrest of Gambino member Frank Piccolo provided investigators with a full name.
On April 8, 1970 FBI CI reported and identified Sandalo as a Gambino Soldier who 'formerly reported to Nick Patti, now reports to Frank Piccolo'. CI knew him as a butcher living in Stamford and stated he 'probably has a few bookmakers under his wing and receives weekly pay from them to operate'.
On June 9, 1970 CI reported on upcoming wedding of a Sandalo relative with reception to be held at Artom Manor in South Norwalk: "[All] members of the Gambino Family in Upper Westchester County and CT are going to attend the reception and Sandalo's contacts in Canada will also attend this wedding."
On January 29, 1971 Gambino members Frank Piccolo and Paolo Agresta observed by Connecticut State Police visiting Sandalo's Anderson St residence.
On June 19, 1971 wedding for son of Thomas DeBrizzi held in Bridgeport. Most of the Gambino CT crew was in attendance, along with DeCavalcante Captain Michael Puglia and Genovese Associate Francis Curcio. An informant who attended later reported: "San Dallo claims he is broke and needs a backer for a numbers bank."
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| Paolo Agresta Source: FBN Mafia Book |
On July 14, 1971 CI reported: "[Paolo] Agresta and Cosmo San Dallo went to Canada over the Fourth of July weekend to meet with some 'Camarista' members. [CI] stated this is an independent group from Italy who are not associated with or controlled by the NY crowd. He said they are all from Italy and active in Toronto and Montreal. He said Agresta and San Dallo knew some of them from Italy..[CI] stated Agresta is still plotting against Frank Piccolo and may make another move on him without going to NY. [CI] added on 7/9/71, Agresta flew to Italy to attend [wedding]." (Agresta disappeared July 1974.)
In November 1971 Stamford PD received information naming Sandalo as participant in large-scale sports betting operation in Fairfield County. Similar claims received from FBI sources described Sandalo as protection for a local gambling operation.
On March 21, 1972 CI reported on Frank Piccolo's numbers business: "[CI] said the past year, Piccolo has been forced to bring in organization men from NY and cut them in on his operation. He said San Dallo is an old and trusted organization man and Piccolo may have had to give him a piece of the Stamford action. [CI] said he has not seen San Dallo lately, but knew Paul Agresta visited San Dallo each week at Stamford."
In July 1972 CI reported: "[CI] advised he is familiar with Cosmo San Dallo who has had dealings with him concerning gambling, and San Dallo is a made man on the other side, but not in the US and has no power. According to [CI], San Dallo would have to go through Frank Piccolo of Bridgeport if he wanted any contact with NY."
In September 1972 CI provided breakdown of Gambino's Connecticut membership, naming Nick Patti as Captain and Sandalo as a member under Patti. Sandalo further described as 'member from Italy, aligned with Gambino, under control of Paul Agresta, has contacts in Canada'.
Following week CI listed off made members in each of the Families operating in CT: "Cosmo San Dallo made in Italy, not accepted by Gambino but does business in Stamford, mostly numbers and relies on Paul Agresta to handle disputes."
In May 1973 CI reported Sandalo had ended partnership with unnamed local bookmaker and was currently inactive. Stated 'Sandalo has made efforts to connect with someone else but evidently is not wanted'.
In June 1973 CI reported: "...Sandalo is an 'old grease ball' who hustles card and dice games, settles disputes and 'puts the arm on non-affiliates in the Stamford area'. [CI] stated Sandalo is close to Paul Agresta."
By September 1973 identified as partner in a Stamford-Norwalk based numbers operation headed by Genovese Associate Francis Curcio and others.
In January 1974 met with Nick Patti in Florida.
In Fall 1974 crap game operated by Sandalo and Louis Spetrino out of Twin-Ridge Country Club in Pound Ridge, New York. CI later reported: "The game has been OKed by NY and will also include players from Bridgeport and New Haven and 'Slew' will be getting a cut out of this game...According to [CI] it appears this game will be controlled out of both Bridgeport and NY with some locals working the game due to the fact that it is in the Stamford area." ('Slew' refers to Gambino Soldier John 'Fred Sardo' Palmieri, murdered by car bomb that November.)
In April 1975 visited Detroit.
In April-May 1975 Sandalo and Genovese Associate Francis Curcio briefly ran crap game out of Stamford Motor Inn. Closed due to low turnout.
By September 1975 ran a gambling operation in New York with Genovese Soldier Vincent Pollina and Genovese Associate Francis Curcio. Following year trio rented apartment in Upper Manhattan for purpose of hosting Las Vegas Nights and shared profits in another dice game at the Motor Inn. Genovese involvement authorized by Consigliere John 'Buster' Ardito.
On December 3, 1975 CI reported: "[Sandalo] is running a card game on weekends at an unknown location in Stamford. [CI] said this game was held up about three weeks ago and $15,000 was taken. [CI] said Phil LoScalzo, an LCN member from the Bronx, was at that game and allegedly lost $5,000." (LoScalzo was a Soldier under Joseph Gambino. This crew would later absorb much of the Family's Connecticut interests.)
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| Frank Piccolo |
In July 1976 CI reported Frank Piccolo was recently appointed Captain over Connecticut membership. CI named Sandalo as part of the group now under Piccolo's control.
In August 1976 CI reported Sandalo and Gambino Soldier (Possible Captain) Angelo Mascia were partners in blackjack game run out of a motel, likely the previously mentioned Stamford Motor Inn. Held once or twice per week and frequented primarily by New York clientele.
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.
In July 1977 CI reported Sandalo handling the Stamford portion of imprisoned Francis Curcio's gambling business.
On February 28, 1978 CI reported: "San Dallo was 'made' in Italy prior to his coming to the US. Upon arrival in the US, San Dallo became an associate of the Gambino Group and is a close friend of John Angelone inasmuch as they both come from Calabria. [CI] advised San Dallo has many friends in organized crime in both Toronto and Montreal, Canada who are from Calabria. He stated San Dallo is a personal friend of the Volpe Family, who are head of an organized crime group in Canada...He stated San Dallo hustles the old Italian store owners in the Stamford area and usually has a 'piece' of the dice and card games in the area. He stated although low key and quiet, San Dallo is a vicious individual and knows San Dallo assisted Paul Agresta (deceased) on some 'hits' ordered out of New York City. [CI] related he does not feel San Dallo is presently involved or handling any 'hits' for the NY crowd inasmuch as he is old, a very poor driver and not the type of individual to shoot someone. [CI] stated San Dallo would use a knife rather than a gun in committing a killing."
On March 6, 1978 CI reported: "San Dallo is not a button man in the LCN."
By 1979 nephew Anthony Megale owned Tony's Restaurant located on Atlantic St in Stamford. Site used as meeting spot for Frank Piccolo, his crew and members and associates of other Families. Sandalo also typically kicked up a portion of his numbers profits to Piccolo during these visits.
Around January 1980 weekly meetings held at Tony's to discuss ownership of local interests formerly controlled by deceased Gambino Captain John Angelone.
By Summer 1980 Gambino Boss Paul Castellano dispatched committee to meet with each regime and reiterate Family guidelines, foremost among them the narcotics ban.
An informant gave the FBI full details of committee meeting with Frank Piccolo's regime, held July 11, 1980 at Chapter II Restaurant in Stamford. Present were Frank Piccolo, most or possibly all of the made members in his crew, and two New York representatives: Captain John Riccobono, filling in for an ailing James Failla, and Acting Captain John Gotti. Per Castellano's orders the standard rules against involvement in narcotics, as well as counterfeit money and stolen securities, were re-emphasized. (CW Michael DiLeonardo, then an associate, provided the location for another of these meetings held in Brooklyn.)
Five members of Piccolo's crew are specifically named as being present: Thomas DeBrizzi, David Iacovetti, Ignazio 'Benny' Marchese, Nick Patti and Cosmo Sandalo.
Assuming the prior CI reports identifying Sandalo as an 'ndranghetista rather than an American LCN member were accurate, his presence would seem to indicate he had since inducted into the Gambino Family as well. Otherwise the Gambinos were comfortable having an outsider present for the high level internal discussion.
Cosmo Sandalo died September 1, 1980 in Stamford. His nephew Anthony Megale was inducted into the Gambino Family under John Gotti and later rose to the position of Acting Underboss. Megale died 2015, also in Stamford.
Edit: Corrected Sandalo being 'transferred' to the Gambinos into his being inducted into the Family.
Thomas Gioeli (Colombo)
1970s arrest photo of future Colombo Acting Boss Thomas Gioeli. Held on a robbery charge, at the time he was an associate of the Russo cousins Anthony and Joseph.
Gioeli was inducted under the Russos' sponsorship in January 1987, and promoted to Captain following Joseph's 1994 conviction on Federal racketeering charges. He served as the Family's Acting Boss for a time leading up to his own indictment in June 2008.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Nicholas Pisciotti (Bonanno)
Nicholas 'P.J.' Pisciotti was a former Acting Captain in the Bonanno Family who became a cooperating witness in 2007.
Grew up in Lower Manhattan. Family friends included Bonanno Member Russell Mauro.
As a teenager involved in selling fireworks. Also assisted unspecified uncle with packaging heroin for distribution.
By 1986 more directly involved with narcotics: "First marijuana, then cocaine...[Marijuana business] was very small, like dime bags. [Cocaine] I use to sell like half grams and grams. [Heroin] I only sold twice, a pound and a half each time."
By mid-to-late 1980s associate of Lucchese Family. On-record with Prince Street crew member John 'Johnny Brody' Sorrentino. Crew headed by Sorrentino's uncle Joseph 'Joe Beck' DiPalermo.
Around 1990 arrested on state narcotics charges. Pleaded guilty and given four years to life. Began serving sentence in December 1990. Paroled October 3, 1994.
Around 1995 transferred to Bonanno Family: "I had a problem with someone in the Lucchese Family. They were trying to kill me. My uncle [former Bonanno Captain Charles Musillo] found out about it, got it squashed, ultimately I went to the Bonanno Family." Placed with recently appointed Bonanno Captain Frank Coppa.
Formerly direct with the administration, Frank Coppa was given a crew that included made members Richard Cantarella, Anthony Furino and Thomas Mallette. Non-made members included Pisciotti, his close associate Michael DiMaria and future CW Peter Lovaglio.
Pisciotti collected loanshark payments on Coppa's behalf and the two briefly discussed entering the drug business: "[Coppa] told me once if I was able to get marijuana on a large scale that he would get it approved [and] he would get rid of it." The plot never went beyond the talking stages, although Pisciotti did resume involvement with other Bonanno associates in off-the-record marijuana sales.
By 1996 operated social club on Spring Street in Little Italy, Manhattan. Profits from the location's Joker Poker machines were split between Pisciotti and Michael DiMaria. The two, joined by Bonanno Associate Hector Pagan, also conducted sportsbetting operation out of club. An arrest on gambling charges related to operation ended in six-month conditional discharge.
In December 1997 formally inducted into Bonanno Family in ceremony held inside Long Island hotel room. Those present were Boss Joseph Massino, Underboss Salvatore Vitale and Captains Frank Coppa and Frank Lino. Inducted were Pisciotti and 'somebody named Richie', believed referring to Lino crew member Richard Riccardi. Pisciotti: "We sat around a table, Joe [Massino] explained the rules of the Family, how he wanted people to conduct themselves in the Family. He told us how we're supposed to act, spoke in Italian, said some things. At the end of the day we shake hands, kissed each other. That was the end of it."
Around 2000 became involved in narcotics with Bonanno Soldiers Vincent Basciano and Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato. Pisciotti had previously met Basciano while attempting to resolve a dispute with the Genovese Family's Bronx faction. Product obtained from individuals in Canada using minivan to bring in approximately two-hundred fifty pounds marijuana per trip. 100,000 ecstasy pills purchased from same source. Those responsible for distribution included Pisciotti and Bonanno Associates Joseph DeMarco and Thomas Pennini. Pisciotti typically given ten pounds per shipment and sold to customers in Manhattan.
Around Fall 2000 provided silenced MAC-10 firearms to Anthony Indelicato.
Around early 2002 proposed longtime associate Michael DiMaria for membership into Bonanno Family. DiMaria's proposal disputed by Captain Richard Cantarella and sitdowns held. Attendees included Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Captains Richard Cantarella, Frank Coppa and Anthony Graziano, and Soldiers Paul Cantarella, Pisciotti and Joseph Torre. Pisciotti: "Richie [Cantarella] was saying that Michael's father was a rat, which wasn't true and they resolved it. Michael ultimately got cleaned up."
Pisciotti attended DiMaria's induction soon after. Held inside another hotel room, the ceremony was presided over not by the Family administration but instead by Captains Frank Coppa and Anthony Graziano.
In April 2002 Frank Coppa sentenced to thirty-six months Federal imprisonment on stock fraud charges. Anthony 'Tony Black' Furino appointed Acting Captain. Crew members in addition to Pisciotti and DiMaria included Coppa's son Frank Jr. and Joseph Lino, son to Captain Frank Lino.
Indicted on additional charges in October 2002, Frank Coppa became the Bonanno Family's first official cooperating witness. Captain Richard Cantarella soon followed.
In Summer 2003 meeting held between Captain Vincent Basciano and Soldier John Spirito over Basciano's recent proposal of Dominick Cicale for membership. Pisciotti attended on Basciano's behalf: "There were a couple of people in the Family who didn't want to get Dominick Cicale straightened out and Vinny knew the story. I told him previously about Patty Boy [Maiorino] when he was in prison and [at] the time Patty Boy was going to get straightened out, too...[Basciano] asked me if I would talk about what happened with Patty Boy. So whoever was going to say something about Dominick, we can try and squash it. [At the meeting] everybody knew why we were there. Vinny told me to say the story about what happened to Patty Boy. When Johnny Joe [Spirito] heard the story he basically said he wasn't going to say nothing about Dominick if I didn't say nothing about Patty Boy." Both Cicale and Maiorino inducted August 2003. (It's not clear what incident is being referred to and further details aren't given.)
In January 2004 Anthony Furino indicted on Federal racketeering charges and held without bail. Former Coppa crew members transferred to Vincent Basciano. That summer, on Basciano's orders, unspecified male targeted for assault after he threatened one of Basciano's sons. Pisciotti, two of his associates and Dominick Cicale, the crew's Acting Captain, made one or more unsuccessful attempts to locate target after which plot abandoned.
On August 11, 2004 Pisciotti, Cicale and Bonanno Soldier Anthony 'Ace' Aiello involved in altercation at Suite 16 nightclub in Manhattan. Pisciotti confronted by the son of deceased Associate Thomas Pennini regarding money owed by Pisciotti, after which brawl erupted between the two groups. Not far from club the trio was pulled over and briefly held by NYPD. Released after Pennini and associates claimed unable to make identification: "Dominick [Cicale] was still complaining to the police and they took the handcuffs off and let us go...My view of Dominick was changing for awhile, but that really made it change...[I later told Basciano] that Dominick was acting out of character, that he was complaining when we got arrested [and] Vinny said no, that's not like him, don't worry about it."
Around Fall 2004 meeting held between Dominick Cicale and crew member Gino Galestro at Sushi Samba restaurant in Manhattan. Others present were Pisciotti, Acting Captain Louis DeCicco and Soldier Anthony Aiello. Galestro had recently been assaulted by Cicale: "[Meeting] was the first time Dominick was going to see [Gino] after he hit him. Dominick wanted to intimidate him so he asked me and a couple of other people to meet with him to meet Gino...Gino came in, he was really scared. I think once he seen me, he felt a little better. I knew him previously from the neighborhood."
On November 12, 2004 Eric LNU beaten severely on Basciano's orders. Co-conspirators included Cicale and Pisciotti. Victim, on-record associate of Gambino Soldier Blaise Corozzo, refused to pay $45,000 owed to sportsbetting operation headed by Bonanno Associate Frank 'Fat Frankie' Esposito. Eric initially threatened at residence by Cicale and others, resulting in sitdown scheduled between Cicale and Corozzo that Corozzo failed to attend. Eric LNU outside washing car when struck multiple times with hammers by Soldier Anthony Aiello and Associate Vincenzo Masi. Associate Giuseppe Gambina also present. (Gambina flipped the following year. Masi was later inducted and by late 2014 had risen to rank of Acting Captain.)
In December 2004 Bonanno Family meeting held at diner near LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Purpose to determine loyalty between Acting Boss Vincent Basciano and Acting Underboss Michael Mancuso. Attendees included Captains Dominick Cicale, Jerome Asaro and Louis DeCicco, Acting Captain Nicholas Pisciotti and Soldier Anthony Aiello. Pisciotti: "[We] got to the diner. First we met Louie Electrician [DeCicco]. We sat down. We had coffee or whatever. Dominick went outside and spoke [with] Louie, and then [Jerry Asaro] came and the three of them went outside and spoke, and they all came inside. We said good-bye to each other and me, Dominick and Ace left...[Dominick] said Louie was on board with Vinny's side [and Asaro] said he was on the fence. It didn't matter."
In late December 2004 passed on $20,000 Christmas payment kicked up by Cicale crew member Perry Criscitelli.
In January 2005 crew leader Dominick Cicale indicted by EDNY on Federal racketeering charges and held without bail. Following indictment Pisciotti met with Captain Louis DeCicco: "Louie wanted to know if I knew what was going on with the crew. There was a loan that was owed that he had borrowed for Dominick and Vinny. He wanted to know if I was going to be able to pay for it...I think [it] was 70 or 80,000." Refused to pay.
In January 2005 met with Nicholas Santora to discuss Family setup: "Nicky explained to me that Mikey Nose [Mancuso] was going to be running the show, he didn't want to meet with any of the captains. There was, like, two captains who was supposed to meet with all the other captains and acting captains...[Santora] was one. I'm not sure who the other one was...Nicky said [Mancuso] was running the show for Vinny while Vinny was incarcerated."
By early 2005 involved in ownership of Synergy Gyms in Manhattan. Criminal activities included sportsbetting operation run through online company headquartered in Costa Rica. Customers provided by Bonanno Associate Hector Pagan.
Around Spring 2005 represented Hector Pagan in sitdown with members of unspecified Family over $150,000 - $200,000 debt: "[Hector] asked me to squash a beef where somebody was trying to collect money from somebody he knew...[I was to] speak up for Hector's guy and speak to the other Family about it...Nicky Santora reached out for me [and] I guess he knew I was speaking for Hector's guys. When he met me he told me to make my guys lose because he wanted to do something with construction with the guys who were saying they owed him money...[I refused and] wound up meeting with Nicky's friends and they wound up losing the beef and didn't collect anything...They came with lawyer papers that their guy was suing my guy pretty much, and once I seen that, they weren't allowed to talk about it anymore." Pisciotti received $20,000 for assisting Pagan and gave $5,000 to Santora.
On September 18, 2005 involved in altercation with Genovese Associates Joseph Caruso and Robert Ianniello. Incident result of dispute between Caruso and Hector Pagan: "I wasn't even there [at first]. By the time I got there Joey [Caruso] came over and had an argument with me about it. Hector came over and smacked him. He got nervous. He ran to the back of the bar, Joey, I got mad at Hector for smacking him. I paid the check. We left. I get about a block, a half a block away and Joey came out with two guys and couple of bouncers and called me over and surrounded me...We argued for a couple of minutes, then he sucker punched me...I hit him back [and] he got hurt." Pisciotti and Bonanno Associate Louis Ventafredda arrested on assault charge and released on bail.
Following arrest met with Nicholas Santora: "I told Nicky what happened with the fight. I [falsely] told him when I was in court the FBI was there and they put up a stink to have me remanded if I see any other organized crime people...I was trying to stay away from everybody in the mob for the longest time. It was a good excuse...After I told him everything that happened he asked me if I wanted to have [Joseph Caruso] killed [and] I told him no, why did you want to kill somebody over a fight. I felt bad. He was already in the hospital."
Around November 2005 met with Badalamenti: "[Badalamenti] was arrogant and talking to me about not paying war chest money and that I'm supposed to answer to him. And I stopped him in his tracks and told him I am not supposed to answer to him. He's my equal. He is not anything above me...Nobody ever told me he was my captain. He was, you know, I'm a captain, he was a captain, I was never around him." Soon afterwards summoned to meet with Acting Consigliere Anthony Rabito: "[Rabito] asked me why I got nasty with Vinny. He says Nicky [Santora]'s going crazy, Nicky wants to crack your head open. When I heard that statement I started getting a little loud and Anthony calmed me down. No, don't take it the wrong way. Nicky introduced you to him as your captain. I explained that Nicky never introduced me to him as my captain. I said if you want to be my captain I have no problem with. Anything you want to do with the Family, that is fine. I really don't care what goes on, but no way are you going to introduce him to me as my captain."
In December 2005 met with Genovese Associate Rocky DiPietro re assault case: "[Rocky] wanted to meet up with me and tell me that he wanted to hear about the case, what was going on with it, and he also wanted to tell me that Nicky [Santora] and Anthony Rabito went to his superiors [in the Genovese Family] and told them to mind their business, not to help me out, if somebody was going to press charges, let them do it if that's what they wanted to do...I felt betrayed. I felt they were ratting on me. If they wanted -- they were scaring me, they should just try to kill me...[The Bonannos] were all in disarray...I distanced myself a long time before that. After that happened, I didn't really care what anybody was doing."
Following Dominick Cicale's January 2006 defection, meeting between Pisciotti and Soldier Anthony Indelicato held in Brooklyn - Queens: "I wanted to ask [Indelicato]'s opinion on what I heard about Nicky [Santora] and Anthony [Rabito] had said about me...I also heard they were trying to kill me [and] I guess I asked him if he thought I had anything to worry about. After I explained everything to him he basically said no, Nicky can't even walk straight, forget about doing anything else...I told him that I couldn't believe Nicky and Anthony would go and do something like that. That's a rat move...I started talking about Dominick [Cicale], what a piece of shit he turned out to be, and I can't believe all the stuff he's done and Bruno didn't really say too much about Dominick. He says that Vinny [Basciano] made a lot of bad decisions in putting Dominick in that position and stuff like that...Bruno was talking about how he was disappointed in all the stuff that's happened over the years, and he said, I even gave him [Basciano] all my guys and he ruined every one of them."
In December 2006 approached by FBI and warned of plot against life. Refused offer to cooperate.
On February 26, 2007 attended first proffer session.
On February 28, 2007 attended second proffer session.
In late February 2007 released on bail.
Attended three more proffer sessions through March 2007.
On April 30, 2007 attended final proffer session.
On May 3, 2007 pleaded guilty to one count racketeering conspiracy and one count assault. Released on bail. Thirteenth Bonanno member to become cooperating witness over previous five years.
Debriefed multiple times through following months leading up to role as witness against Vincent Basciano. Basciano convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In December 2012 sentenced by EDNY Judge Garaufis to time served.
Government Photo
Born October 1969. Family from Miglionico comune of Matera, Basilicata.Grew up in Lower Manhattan. Family friends included Bonanno Member Russell Mauro.
As a teenager involved in selling fireworks. Also assisted unspecified uncle with packaging heroin for distribution.
By 1986 more directly involved with narcotics: "First marijuana, then cocaine...[Marijuana business] was very small, like dime bags. [Cocaine] I use to sell like half grams and grams. [Heroin] I only sold twice, a pound and a half each time."
By mid-to-late 1980s associate of Lucchese Family. On-record with Prince Street crew member John 'Johnny Brody' Sorrentino. Crew headed by Sorrentino's uncle Joseph 'Joe Beck' DiPalermo.
Around 1990 arrested on state narcotics charges. Pleaded guilty and given four years to life. Began serving sentence in December 1990. Paroled October 3, 1994.
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| Pisciotti following 1990 narcotics arrest |
Following release his criminal activities included loansharking, sportsbetting and continued involvement in fireworks and marijuana sales. Also held various legitimate interests: "I worked on construction, I was in the union, had a meat route, had some restaurants, and I owned gyms."
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| C. Musillo |
Formerly direct with the administration, Frank Coppa was given a crew that included made members Richard Cantarella, Anthony Furino and Thomas Mallette. Non-made members included Pisciotti, his close associate Michael DiMaria and future CW Peter Lovaglio.
Pisciotti collected loanshark payments on Coppa's behalf and the two briefly discussed entering the drug business: "[Coppa] told me once if I was able to get marijuana on a large scale that he would get it approved [and] he would get rid of it." The plot never went beyond the talking stages, although Pisciotti did resume involvement with other Bonanno associates in off-the-record marijuana sales.
By 1996 operated social club on Spring Street in Little Italy, Manhattan. Profits from the location's Joker Poker machines were split between Pisciotti and Michael DiMaria. The two, joined by Bonanno Associate Hector Pagan, also conducted sportsbetting operation out of club. An arrest on gambling charges related to operation ended in six-month conditional discharge.
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| Richard Guiga Source: Gang Land News |
On September 13, 1997 Bonanno Associate Richard Guiga murdered inside Pisciotti's bar, Bandito's, on the Lower East Side: "[Richie] came into the bar. He was outside fighting with some neighborhood kid. He wound up staying in there to drink. He wind up arguing with some customers and he pulled out a knife. I was behind the bar. He turned toward my friend Michael [DiMaria]. He went after Michael and there was a big scuffle [and] I came out from behind the bar, to the middle, to try and stop it...We all started pushing each other. Richie wind up dropping the knife [and then] dying...I left the bar, left him there and then I went back and started drinking some more. And then I tried to clean it up." Pisciotti received stab wounds to hand, forearm and stomach during incident. Guiga's body put in basement and left there for two to three days, after which Michael DiMaria's father-in-law transported it to Staten Island for burial in location prepared by Pisciotti and DiMaria.
In December 1997 formally inducted into Bonanno Family in ceremony held inside Long Island hotel room. Those present were Boss Joseph Massino, Underboss Salvatore Vitale and Captains Frank Coppa and Frank Lino. Inducted were Pisciotti and 'somebody named Richie', believed referring to Lino crew member Richard Riccardi. Pisciotti: "We sat around a table, Joe [Massino] explained the rules of the Family, how he wanted people to conduct themselves in the Family. He told us how we're supposed to act, spoke in Italian, said some things. At the end of the day we shake hands, kissed each other. That was the end of it."
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| Top (L to R): Sponsors Coppa, Lino Bottom (L to R): Inductees Pisciotti, Riccardi |
As with previous Bonanno ceremonies there was no gun and knife present and the inductees did not have their fingers pricked: "[Massino] was very surveillance conscious. He was worried in case anybody came in that we didn't want to get caught with a gun."
Around 2000 became involved in narcotics with Bonanno Soldiers Vincent Basciano and Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato. Pisciotti had previously met Basciano while attempting to resolve a dispute with the Genovese Family's Bronx faction. Product obtained from individuals in Canada using minivan to bring in approximately two-hundred fifty pounds marijuana per trip. 100,000 ecstasy pills purchased from same source. Those responsible for distribution included Pisciotti and Bonanno Associates Joseph DeMarco and Thomas Pennini. Pisciotti typically given ten pounds per shipment and sold to customers in Manhattan.
Around Fall 2000 provided silenced MAC-10 firearms to Anthony Indelicato.
Around early 2002 proposed longtime associate Michael DiMaria for membership into Bonanno Family. DiMaria's proposal disputed by Captain Richard Cantarella and sitdowns held. Attendees included Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Captains Richard Cantarella, Frank Coppa and Anthony Graziano, and Soldiers Paul Cantarella, Pisciotti and Joseph Torre. Pisciotti: "Richie [Cantarella] was saying that Michael's father was a rat, which wasn't true and they resolved it. Michael ultimately got cleaned up."
Pisciotti attended DiMaria's induction soon after. Held inside another hotel room, the ceremony was presided over not by the Family administration but instead by Captains Frank Coppa and Anthony Graziano.
In April 2002 Frank Coppa sentenced to thirty-six months Federal imprisonment on stock fraud charges. Anthony 'Tony Black' Furino appointed Acting Captain. Crew members in addition to Pisciotti and DiMaria included Coppa's son Frank Jr. and Joseph Lino, son to Captain Frank Lino.
Indicted on additional charges in October 2002, Frank Coppa became the Bonanno Family's first official cooperating witness. Captain Richard Cantarella soon followed.
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| Joseph Lino |
In Summer 2003 provided gun to Soldier Joseph Lino, whose father Frank had also recently defected: "Frankie Lino was cooperating and Joey was nervous and he asked me to borrow a gun."
In Summer 2003 meeting held between Captain Vincent Basciano and Soldier John Spirito over Basciano's recent proposal of Dominick Cicale for membership. Pisciotti attended on Basciano's behalf: "There were a couple of people in the Family who didn't want to get Dominick Cicale straightened out and Vinny knew the story. I told him previously about Patty Boy [Maiorino] when he was in prison and [at] the time Patty Boy was going to get straightened out, too...[Basciano] asked me if I would talk about what happened with Patty Boy. So whoever was going to say something about Dominick, we can try and squash it. [At the meeting] everybody knew why we were there. Vinny told me to say the story about what happened to Patty Boy. When Johnny Joe [Spirito] heard the story he basically said he wasn't going to say nothing about Dominick if I didn't say nothing about Patty Boy." Both Cicale and Maiorino inducted August 2003. (It's not clear what incident is being referred to and further details aren't given.)
 |
| Vincent Basciano |
 |
| L to R: Vincent Basciano, Dominick Cicale Source: Gang Land News |
In July 2004 Bonanno Family meeting held for purpose of officially promoting Dominick Cicale to Captain of former Basciano crew. Pisciotti appointed Acting Captain but not introduced to the portion of the crew formerly under Richard Cantarella due to Basciano's distrust of the defector's former Soldiers.
On August 11, 2004 Pisciotti, Cicale and Bonanno Soldier Anthony 'Ace' Aiello involved in altercation at Suite 16 nightclub in Manhattan. Pisciotti confronted by the son of deceased Associate Thomas Pennini regarding money owed by Pisciotti, after which brawl erupted between the two groups. Not far from club the trio was pulled over and briefly held by NYPD. Released after Pennini and associates claimed unable to make identification: "Dominick [Cicale] was still complaining to the police and they took the handcuffs off and let us go...My view of Dominick was changing for awhile, but that really made it change...[I later told Basciano] that Dominick was acting out of character, that he was complaining when we got arrested [and] Vinny said no, that's not like him, don't worry about it."
Around Fall 2004 meeting held between Dominick Cicale and crew member Gino Galestro at Sushi Samba restaurant in Manhattan. Others present were Pisciotti, Acting Captain Louis DeCicco and Soldier Anthony Aiello. Galestro had recently been assaulted by Cicale: "[Meeting] was the first time Dominick was going to see [Gino] after he hit him. Dominick wanted to intimidate him so he asked me and a couple of other people to meet with him to meet Gino...Gino came in, he was really scared. I think once he seen me, he felt a little better. I knew him previously from the neighborhood."
On November 12, 2004 Eric LNU beaten severely on Basciano's orders. Co-conspirators included Cicale and Pisciotti. Victim, on-record associate of Gambino Soldier Blaise Corozzo, refused to pay $45,000 owed to sportsbetting operation headed by Bonanno Associate Frank 'Fat Frankie' Esposito. Eric initially threatened at residence by Cicale and others, resulting in sitdown scheduled between Cicale and Corozzo that Corozzo failed to attend. Eric LNU outside washing car when struck multiple times with hammers by Soldier Anthony Aiello and Associate Vincenzo Masi. Associate Giuseppe Gambina also present. (Gambina flipped the following year. Masi was later inducted and by late 2014 had risen to rank of Acting Captain.)
In December 2004 Bonanno Family meeting held at diner near LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Purpose to determine loyalty between Acting Boss Vincent Basciano and Acting Underboss Michael Mancuso. Attendees included Captains Dominick Cicale, Jerome Asaro and Louis DeCicco, Acting Captain Nicholas Pisciotti and Soldier Anthony Aiello. Pisciotti: "[We] got to the diner. First we met Louie Electrician [DeCicco]. We sat down. We had coffee or whatever. Dominick went outside and spoke [with] Louie, and then [Jerry Asaro] came and the three of them went outside and spoke, and they all came inside. We said good-bye to each other and me, Dominick and Ace left...[Dominick] said Louie was on board with Vinny's side [and Asaro] said he was on the fence. It didn't matter."
In late December 2004 passed on $20,000 Christmas payment kicked up by Cicale crew member Perry Criscitelli.
In January 2005 crew leader Dominick Cicale indicted by EDNY on Federal racketeering charges and held without bail. Following indictment Pisciotti met with Captain Louis DeCicco: "Louie wanted to know if I knew what was going on with the crew. There was a loan that was owed that he had borrowed for Dominick and Vinny. He wanted to know if I was going to be able to pay for it...I think [it] was 70 or 80,000." Refused to pay.
In January 2005 met with Nicholas Santora to discuss Family setup: "Nicky explained to me that Mikey Nose [Mancuso] was going to be running the show, he didn't want to meet with any of the captains. There was, like, two captains who was supposed to meet with all the other captains and acting captains...[Santora] was one. I'm not sure who the other one was...Nicky said [Mancuso] was running the show for Vinny while Vinny was incarcerated."
By early 2005 involved in ownership of Synergy Gyms in Manhattan. Criminal activities included sportsbetting operation run through online company headquartered in Costa Rica. Customers provided by Bonanno Associate Hector Pagan.
Around Spring 2005 represented Hector Pagan in sitdown with members of unspecified Family over $150,000 - $200,000 debt: "[Hector] asked me to squash a beef where somebody was trying to collect money from somebody he knew...[I was to] speak up for Hector's guy and speak to the other Family about it...Nicky Santora reached out for me [and] I guess he knew I was speaking for Hector's guys. When he met me he told me to make my guys lose because he wanted to do something with construction with the guys who were saying they owed him money...[I refused and] wound up meeting with Nicky's friends and they wound up losing the beef and didn't collect anything...They came with lawyer papers that their guy was suing my guy pretty much, and once I seen that, they weren't allowed to talk about it anymore." Pisciotti received $20,000 for assisting Pagan and gave $5,000 to Santora.
On September 18, 2005 involved in altercation with Genovese Associates Joseph Caruso and Robert Ianniello. Incident result of dispute between Caruso and Hector Pagan: "I wasn't even there [at first]. By the time I got there Joey [Caruso] came over and had an argument with me about it. Hector came over and smacked him. He got nervous. He ran to the back of the bar, Joey, I got mad at Hector for smacking him. I paid the check. We left. I get about a block, a half a block away and Joey came out with two guys and couple of bouncers and called me over and surrounded me...We argued for a couple of minutes, then he sucker punched me...I hit him back [and] he got hurt." Pisciotti and Bonanno Associate Louis Ventafredda arrested on assault charge and released on bail.
Following arrest met with Nicholas Santora: "I told Nicky what happened with the fight. I [falsely] told him when I was in court the FBI was there and they put up a stink to have me remanded if I see any other organized crime people...I was trying to stay away from everybody in the mob for the longest time. It was a good excuse...After I told him everything that happened he asked me if I wanted to have [Joseph Caruso] killed [and] I told him no, why did you want to kill somebody over a fight. I felt bad. He was already in the hospital."
 |
| Vincent Badalamenti |
Around late September 2005 again met with Nicholas Santora and informed that all members of Cicale / Pisciotti crew transferred to Captain Vincent Badalamenti. Pisciotti introduced to Badalamenti by Soldier Michael DiMaria: "Michael was supposed to introduce me [but] Michael didn't know how to do it, so I kind of introduced myself, and Michael repeated what I said, and then [Badalamenti] basically said he was going to service my guys until my case was over with."
Around November 2005 met with Badalamenti: "[Badalamenti] was arrogant and talking to me about not paying war chest money and that I'm supposed to answer to him. And I stopped him in his tracks and told him I am not supposed to answer to him. He's my equal. He is not anything above me...Nobody ever told me he was my captain. He was, you know, I'm a captain, he was a captain, I was never around him." Soon afterwards summoned to meet with Acting Consigliere Anthony Rabito: "[Rabito] asked me why I got nasty with Vinny. He says Nicky [Santora]'s going crazy, Nicky wants to crack your head open. When I heard that statement I started getting a little loud and Anthony calmed me down. No, don't take it the wrong way. Nicky introduced you to him as your captain. I explained that Nicky never introduced me to him as my captain. I said if you want to be my captain I have no problem with. Anything you want to do with the Family, that is fine. I really don't care what goes on, but no way are you going to introduce him to me as my captain."
In December 2005 met with Genovese Associate Rocky DiPietro re assault case: "[Rocky] wanted to meet up with me and tell me that he wanted to hear about the case, what was going on with it, and he also wanted to tell me that Nicky [Santora] and Anthony Rabito went to his superiors [in the Genovese Family] and told them to mind their business, not to help me out, if somebody was going to press charges, let them do it if that's what they wanted to do...I felt betrayed. I felt they were ratting on me. If they wanted -- they were scaring me, they should just try to kill me...[The Bonannos] were all in disarray...I distanced myself a long time before that. After that happened, I didn't really care what anybody was doing."
Following Dominick Cicale's January 2006 defection, meeting between Pisciotti and Soldier Anthony Indelicato held in Brooklyn - Queens: "I wanted to ask [Indelicato]'s opinion on what I heard about Nicky [Santora] and Anthony [Rabito] had said about me...I also heard they were trying to kill me [and] I guess I asked him if he thought I had anything to worry about. After I explained everything to him he basically said no, Nicky can't even walk straight, forget about doing anything else...I told him that I couldn't believe Nicky and Anthony would go and do something like that. That's a rat move...I started talking about Dominick [Cicale], what a piece of shit he turned out to be, and I can't believe all the stuff he's done and Bruno didn't really say too much about Dominick. He says that Vinny [Basciano] made a lot of bad decisions in putting Dominick in that position and stuff like that...Bruno was talking about how he was disappointed in all the stuff that's happened over the years, and he said, I even gave him [Basciano] all my guys and he ruined every one of them."
In December 2006 approached by FBI and warned of plot against life. Refused offer to cooperate.
 |
| Nicholas Santora Source: Gang Land News |
On February 1, 2007 indicted by EDNY on narcotics conspiracy charge re marijuana operation. Remanded to MDC Brooklyn. Five days later Acting Underboss Nicholas Santora and Acting Consigliere Anthony Rabito were among 19 Bonanno members and associates indicted on Federal racketeering charges. Santora and Rabito also remanded to MDC: "When I first seen [Santora], I pulled him over to the side and I was pretty nasty with him. I asked him, I heard you guys want to have me killed. Why don't you try to do it in here? [Santora] says, No, that's not true. I don't know what you're talking about...[Santora] said that Mikey Nose [Mancuso] was in charge in the street, he was the guy in the street running the Family. Anthony Rabito was still Consigliere, and Nicky was Acting Underboss."
On February 26, 2007 attended first proffer session.
On February 28, 2007 attended second proffer session.
In late February 2007 released on bail.
Attended three more proffer sessions through March 2007.
On April 30, 2007 attended final proffer session.
On May 3, 2007 pleaded guilty to one count racketeering conspiracy and one count assault. Released on bail. Thirteenth Bonanno member to become cooperating witness over previous five years.
Debriefed multiple times through following months leading up to role as witness against Vincent Basciano. Basciano convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In December 2012 sentenced by EDNY Judge Garaufis to time served.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Update
1. Gambino Family Ceremonies (1970s) [Gambino]
Compared to the Bonanno and Colombo Families, there isn't much information on Gambino ceremonies from the time period. I'm posting now with what's currently available and will be adding to it as more comes in. Similar posts to follow on Genovese/Lucchese.
Compared to the Bonanno and Colombo Families, there isn't much information on Gambino ceremonies from the time period. I'm posting now with what's currently available and will be adding to it as more comes in. Similar posts to follow on Genovese/Lucchese.
Gambino Family Ceremonies (1970s)
Brief descriptions, in chronological order, of known Gambino Family induction ceremonies from the 1970s.
Dates 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.
===
c. Late January / Early February 1976
- Books open. Each Family initially allowed ten members.
On February 12, 1976 CI reported: "Gambino's have not made new membership as of 2/9/76 due to large number of candidates but initiation imminent."
First wave included:
Dates 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.
===
c. Late January / Early February 1976
- Books open. Each Family initially allowed ten members.
On February 12, 1976 CI reported: "Gambino's have not made new membership as of 2/9/76 due to large number of candidates but initiation imminent."
First wave included:
 |
| DeCicco |
- Frank DeCicco (40y) [Murdered 1986] [Sponsored by J. Failla]
- Nine Additional Inductees
- Nine Additional Inductees
===
c. Early May 1976
c. Early June 1976
1976
- Louis 'Louie Fats' Astuto (46y) [Died 1994] [Sponsored by J. Failla]
- John Gambino (36y) [Died 2017]
c. Early May 1976
 |
| Corrao |
- Joseph 'Joe Butch' Corrao (40y) [Died 2001] [Sponsored by D. Castore]
===
May 14, 1976
- "[CI] advised the ban on introducing newly made members to members of other Families has been lifted." CI reports Carlo Gambino 'recently made ten'.
===
May 14, 1976
- "[CI] advised the ban on introducing newly made members to members of other Families has been lifted." CI reports Carlo Gambino 'recently made ten'.
===
c. Early June 1976
 |
| LaForte |
- Joseph 'The Cat' LaForte (59y) [Died 2016] [Sponsored by A. Dellacroce]
===
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."
===
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."
===
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."
===
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."
===
1976
- Louis 'Louie Fats' Astuto (46y) [Died 1994] [Sponsored by J. Failla]
- John Gambino (36y) [Died 2017]
- Salvatore Spatola (44y) [Sponsored by J. Gambino]
Astuto likely candidate for first wave. As an associate he was already close to Family leadership and occasionally chauffeured Boss Carlo Gambino.
CW Gravano stated John Gambino may have been another of the first recruits inducted in early 1976. His recall with dates wasn't perfect however, and he admitted he wasn't certain that Gambino was made before he (Gravano) was.
===
c. Late 1976
Location: Basement of Gagliardi Residence (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)
Attendees:
- Paul Castellano (61y) (Boss) [Murdered 1985]
- Aniello Dellacroce (62y) (Underboss) [Died 1985]
- Joseph N. Gallo (64y) (Consigliere) [Died 1995]
- Salvatore Aurello (62y) (Captain) [Died 1998]
- Others
Members Inducted:
- Charles Aurello (33y) [Died 2018] [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano [31y] (Flipped 1991) [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Several Additional Inductees
Gravano: "I was called to Todo [Aurello]'s club. We went to somebody's house, a fellow named Frank the Wap [Gagliardi], we were upstairs, there was a few other fellows there. One by one they called us down to the basement. When it was my turn to go down to the basement there was the Boss, the Underboss, the Consigliere, a few Capos, a few made members, and I took the oath at that point to become a made member."
===
c. Late 1976 / Early 1977
April 1977
When the books opened Nicholas Corozzo's sponsor, Anthony 'Fat Andy' Ruggiano, initially refused to put up any of his crew. It was later decided that only his favored associate Corozzo would be proposed. Around this time Ruggiano, a Soldier under Carmine Fatico, had volunteered Corozzo and fellow Ruggiano crew member Leonard DiMaria to 'do work' for Fatico and others.
After Gene Gotti's induction Ruggiano brought an unspecified complaint to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. Full details aren't given but the implication is Ruggiano was offended that Gotti had been made before his own candidate. Soon after Dellacroce informed Ruggiano that Corozzo was set to be inducted and, furthermore, Dellacroce himself would sponsor Leonard DiMaria as a 'gift' to Ruggiano.
===
May 15, 1977
- CI reports 'the books in the Gambino Family are again opened'.
Astuto likely candidate for first wave. As an associate he was already close to Family leadership and occasionally chauffeured Boss Carlo Gambino.
CW Gravano stated John Gambino may have been another of the first recruits inducted in early 1976. His recall with dates wasn't perfect however, and he admitted he wasn't certain that Gambino was made before he (Gravano) was.
===
c. Late 1976
Location: Basement of Gagliardi Residence (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)
Attendees:
- Paul Castellano (61y) (Boss) [Murdered 1985]
- Aniello Dellacroce (62y) (Underboss) [Died 1985]
- Joseph N. Gallo (64y) (Consigliere) [Died 1995]
- Salvatore Aurello (62y) (Captain) [Died 1998]
- Others
Members Inducted:
- Charles Aurello (33y) [Died 2018] [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano [31y] (Flipped 1991) [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Several Additional Inductees
Gravano: "I was called to Todo [Aurello]'s club. We went to somebody's house, a fellow named Frank the Wap [Gagliardi], we were upstairs, there was a few other fellows there. One by one they called us down to the basement. When it was my turn to go down to the basement there was the Boss, the Underboss, the Consigliere, a few Capos, a few made members, and I took the oath at that point to become a made member."
===
c. Late 1976 / Early 1977
 |
| Gotti |
- Gene Gotti (30y)
===
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."
===
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."
===
April 1977
 |
| L to R: Agro, Corozzo, DiMaria |
- Thomas 'Tommy A.' Agro (45y) [Died 1987] [Sponsored by J. Armone]
- Nicholas Corozzo (37y) [Sponsored by A. Ruggiano]
- Leonard DiMaria (36y) [Sponsored by A. Dellacroce]
- Frank 'Frankie the Hat' DiStefano (40y) [Sponsored by J. Armone]
- Leonard DiMaria (36y) [Sponsored by A. Dellacroce]
- Frank 'Frankie the Hat' DiStefano (40y) [Sponsored by J. Armone]
After Gene Gotti's induction Ruggiano brought an unspecified complaint to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. Full details aren't given but the implication is Ruggiano was offended that Gotti had been made before his own candidate. Soon after Dellacroce informed Ruggiano that Corozzo was set to be inducted and, furthermore, Dellacroce himself would sponsor Leonard DiMaria as a 'gift' to Ruggiano.
===
May 15, 1977
- CI reports 'the books in the Gambino Family are again opened'.
===
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."
===
c. Mid-June 1977
- Robert 'Bobby Cabert' Bisaccia (42y) [Died 2008] [Sponsored by F. Corsi]
===
June 24, 1977
- Gregory DePalma (45y) [Died 2009] [Sponsored by A. Gaggi]
- Several Additional Inductees
===
c. Pre-July 1977
- Roy DeMeo (36y) [Murdered 1983] [Sponsored by A. Gaggi]
===
c. Early October 1977
- Unsub [Sponsored by J. Armone]
===
October 1977
c. Late October 1977
- John Gotti (37y) [Died 2002] [Sponsored by C. Fatico?]
- Peter Mosca (44y)
- Seven Additional Inductees
Reported 11/4/77. CI claimed Gotti's sponsor was Anthony Ruggiano, not Fatico.
===
c. 1977
- Robert 'Bobby Cabert' Bisaccia (42y) [Died 2008] [Sponsored by F. Corsi]
===
June 24, 1977
- Gregory DePalma (45y) [Died 2009] [Sponsored by A. Gaggi]
- Several Additional Inductees
===
c. Pre-July 1977
- Roy DeMeo (36y) [Murdered 1983] [Sponsored by A. Gaggi]
===
c. Early October 1977
- Unsub [Sponsored by J. Armone]
===
October 1977
 |
| Bilotti |
- Thomas Bilotti (37y) [Murdered 1985]
===
c. Late October 1977
- John Gotti (37y) [Died 2002] [Sponsored by C. Fatico?]
- Peter Mosca (44y)
- Seven Additional Inductees
Reported 11/4/77. CI claimed Gotti's sponsor was Anthony Ruggiano, not Fatico.
===
c. 1977
 |
| L to R: DiBernardo, Ruggiero |
- Robert 'D.B.' DiBernardo (40y) [Murdered 1986] [Sponsored by E. Zappi]
- Angelo Ruggiero (37y) [Died 1989]
- Angelo Ruggiero (37y) [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. 1978
- Armand 'Buddy' Dellacroce (23y) [Died 1988]
- Anthony Vitta (40y) [Died 2018] [Sponsored by J. Armone]
Information re Dellacroce's membership was unknowingly passed on to an FBI source (possibly UCA Donnie Brasco) by Bonanno Soldier Anthony Mirra. Dellacroce was again identified as a made member by a Gambino source in early 1980.
===
c. Mid-to-Late 1970s (Confirmed Inducted Pre-1980)
- Joseph Bilotti (45y) [Died 2016]
- John Carneglia (35y) [Sponsored by A. Ruggiero]
- Augustus 'Augie' Corrao (44y) [Died 2010]
- John 'Jackie Nose' D'Amico (45y) [Sponsored by O. Garofalo]
- Joseph 'Pal Joey' Farinella (48y) [Died 2001]
- Salvatore Franco (40y)
- John 'Jack' Giordano (35y) [Died 2009]
- Joseph Giordano (30y) [Died 2013]
- Michael 'Mikey Gal' Guerrieri (50y) [Died 2014] [Sponsored by A. Guerrieri]
- Joseph 'Buddy' LaForte Jr. (37y)
- Charles 'Buster Russo' LiConti (60y) [Died 1995] [Sponsored by E. Zappi]
- Joseph 'Joe Dogs' Lombardi (38y) [Sponsored by J. Failla]
- Salvatore Mangialino (40y) [Died 2019]
- Daniel Marino (38y)
- Liborio 'Louie' Milito (35y) [Murdered 1988] [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Michael 'Mickey' Paradiso (40y) (Died 2026) [Sponsored by O. Garofalo]
- Anthony 'Porky' Porcelli (50y) [Died 2009] [Sponsored by J. Zingaro]
- Natale 'Big Chris' Richichi (60y) [Died 2001] [Sponsored by E. Zappi]
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. 1978
- Armand 'Buddy' Dellacroce (23y) [Died 1988]
- Anthony Vitta (40y) [Died 2018] [Sponsored by J. Armone]
Information re Dellacroce's membership was unknowingly passed on to an FBI source (possibly UCA Donnie Brasco) by Bonanno Soldier Anthony Mirra. Dellacroce was again identified as a made member by a Gambino source in early 1980.
===
 |
| Pre-1980 (L to R): Corrao, LiConti, Richichi |
- Joseph Bilotti (45y) [Died 2016]
- John Carneglia (35y) [Sponsored by A. Ruggiero]
- Augustus 'Augie' Corrao (44y) [Died 2010]
- John 'Jackie Nose' D'Amico (45y) [Sponsored by O. Garofalo]
- Joseph 'Pal Joey' Farinella (48y) [Died 2001]
- Salvatore Franco (40y)
- John 'Jack' Giordano (35y) [Died 2009]
- Joseph Giordano (30y) [Died 2013]
- Michael 'Mikey Gal' Guerrieri (50y) [Died 2014] [Sponsored by A. Guerrieri]
- Joseph 'Buddy' LaForte Jr. (37y)
- Charles 'Buster Russo' LiConti (60y) [Died 1995] [Sponsored by E. Zappi]
- Joseph 'Joe Dogs' Lombardi (38y) [Sponsored by J. Failla]
- Salvatore Mangialino (40y) [Died 2019]
- Daniel Marino (38y)
- Liborio 'Louie' Milito (35y) [Murdered 1988] [Sponsored by S. Aurello]
- Michael 'Mickey' Paradiso (40y) (Died 2026) [Sponsored by O. Garofalo]
- Anthony 'Porky' Porcelli (50y) [Died 2009] [Sponsored by J. Zingaro]
- Natale 'Big Chris' Richichi (60y) [Died 2001] [Sponsored by E. Zappi]
- Joey Russo [Died c. 1986]
- Joseph C. Russo (48y) [Died 1998] [Sponsored by J. Riccobono]
- Thomas 'Tommy Sparrow' Spinelli (65y) [Murdered 1989]
- Unsub [Related to Guerrieri brothers]
- Many others
---
Edit1: Added Salvatore Franco, known to Gravano as a made member prior to 1980. Credit to Pogo for providing this info.
Edit2: Added John D'Amico, Joseph Farinella, John and Joseph Giordano.
Edit3: Added CI report excerpts.
Edit4: Added Daniel Marino and Anthony Porcelli.
Edit5: Added Robert Bisaccia.
- Thomas 'Tommy Sparrow' Spinelli (65y) [Murdered 1989]
- Unsub [Related to Guerrieri brothers]
- Many others
---
Edit1: Added Salvatore Franco, known to Gravano as a made member prior to 1980. Credit to Pogo for providing this info.
Edit2: Added John D'Amico, Joseph Farinella, John and Joseph Giordano.
Edit3: Added CI report excerpts.
Edit4: Added Daniel Marino and Anthony Porcelli.
Edit5: Added Robert Bisaccia.
Edit6: Moved Robert Bisaccia to mid-June 1977.
Edit7: Added Joey and Joseph Russo.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Nicholas Accardi (Bonanno)
Currently there's only enough information for a brief outline:
Born December 27, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Leonard and Lena Petardi. Family from Marsala comune of Trapani, Sicily.
By 1935 the Accardis resided at 54 Montrose Ave in Williamsburg. Both parents worked at a coat factory.
By early 1942 they had moved to an address on Willoughby Ave in Bushwick.
By 1978 resided at 130 Hayrick Lane in Commack, Long Island. Partner with Bonanno Captain Philip 'Philly Lucky' Giaccone in AIR Freight Transportation headquartered at 333 North Henry in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Both men were targets of an FBI investigation into racketeering activities occurring out of JFKIA.
It's not known whether he was inducted prior to the books closing in 1979 or if he was among the former Giaccone associates made after the books reopened in 1984. After the three captains hit Giaccone's airport interests, and the portion of his crew actively involved in same, were inherited by Joseph Massino.
Accardi's name does not turn up in available sources again until March 1999, when he was among the few dozen Bonanno members and associates surveilled attending the wake of former Captain Gerlando Sciascia in White Plains.
The following month FBI surveillance was conducted on Massino's Casa Blanca Restaurant in Maspeth, Queens. Those observed included Bonanno Captain Anthony 'Tony Green' Urso and Soldiers Nicholas Accardi, Alfred Altadonna, Louis 'Louie Electric' DeCicco, Thomas DiFiore and Louis Restivo.
In July 1999 attended wake for Bonanno Soldier Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata, another former Giaccone crew member.
Died January 20, 2002 and buried in Riverside Memorial Park located in Martin County, Florida.
By 1978 resided at 130 Hayrick Lane in Commack, Long Island. Partner with Bonanno Captain Philip 'Philly Lucky' Giaccone in AIR Freight Transportation headquartered at 333 North Henry in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Both men were targets of an FBI investigation into racketeering activities occurring out of JFKIA.
It's not known whether he was inducted prior to the books closing in 1979 or if he was among the former Giaccone associates made after the books reopened in 1984. After the three captains hit Giaccone's airport interests, and the portion of his crew actively involved in same, were inherited by Joseph Massino.
Accardi's name does not turn up in available sources again until March 1999, when he was among the few dozen Bonanno members and associates surveilled attending the wake of former Captain Gerlando Sciascia in White Plains.
The following month FBI surveillance was conducted on Massino's Casa Blanca Restaurant in Maspeth, Queens. Those observed included Bonanno Captain Anthony 'Tony Green' Urso and Soldiers Nicholas Accardi, Alfred Altadonna, Louis 'Louie Electric' DeCicco, Thomas DiFiore and Louis Restivo.
In July 1999 attended wake for Bonanno Soldier Gasper 'Skin' Cammarata, another former Giaccone crew member.
Died January 20, 2002 and buried in Riverside Memorial Park located in Martin County, Florida.
 |
| Court Exhibit (Originally posted on Black Hand Forum) |
A Bonanno induction list seized the same year shows six candidates and four
deceased members being replaced. (Beginning around 2000 each Family was
allowed two extra slots per year.)
The proposed members were:
The proposed members were:
- Joseph Amedure (43y) [F. Lino crew member, subsequently disqualified for membership]
- Thomas 'Tommy Las Vegas' Ferreri (43y)
- Joseph Loiacono (56y) [A. Graziano crew]
- Michael Palmaccio (30y) [Asaro crew]
- Salvatore Puccio (31y) [Chilli crew]
- Louis 'Big Louie Toronto' Taranto [F. Lino crew member, believed disqualified]
- Nicholas Accardi (DOD 1.20.2002)
- John Arcaro (DOD 4.26.2001) [Former A. Graziano Crew]
- Giuseppe Arcuri (DOD 6.11.2001) [Former G. Sciascia Crew]
- Arthur 'Artie' Franconeri (DOD 7.28.2001) [Former A. Graziano Crew]
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J. Legrano New Posts: 1. Joseph Legrano (Colombo) 2. Jack Leale (Colombo) 3. Anthony LaPonzina (Colombo)
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