When Paul Scarcelli’s presence was discovered in the Apalachin area in November 1957, little was known about him. This article explores who he was, and who he was before that.

When the end of this story is known, it comes as no surprise that the beginning of this man’s life, even his birth date, is questionable. According to information found in Mafia: The Government’s Secret File on Organized Crime, New Orleans’ Mario Presta aka Paul Scarcelli was born in July, 1898. However, later sources oppose this fact. This is just one detail that makes up an interesting, dramatic and colourful life.

His early years had enough drama to fill a lifetime, but this was just the first half of the story.

Mario Olindo(?) Presta immigrated from Mendicino, Cosenza Province, Calabria in 1915, aged 16, destined for an Uncle, Domenico(?) Presta of 749 River Street, Paterson, N.J. By 1917, Presta was living with his brother Albert at the same address, when a fire gutted the building. The following year, the brothers lived further along the street with Mario working as a mechanic for the Gibson Motor Co.

In 1920, Presta, now owning and operating a Jitney Bus, had an unorthodox shift one Saturday evening in March. The Paterson Evening News reported that, “Simerson and Gillman entered the bus at the intersection of Wagaraw Road and May Street, and while the former was paying the fare, Gillman knocked out the driver [Presta] semi-unconscious by hitting him on the head. While they were attempting to escape with the money, Presto shot Gillman through the back, and both bandits were later arrested.” This case was of further interest, as Otto Gillman was a special deputy sheriff. Meanwhile, Presta’s brother Albert, by this time was working for the local police. Mario Presta was exonerated of any charges.

In April 1923, Presta married Marion Abrahams in NYC. This partnership did not last and was terminated when a year later, Abrahams whilst still married to Presta, married a Harlem man, William Waller. This was revealed in the press when Waller claimed he had spent $2,300 on Abrahams and wasn’t even allowed a kiss. Abrahams hit back stating she couldn’t “kiss Willie because he kissed too modernly.” Presta and Waller apparently met and compared notes.

By April of 1925, Presta owned the building formerly known as The Palace Inn and Roccos’s Palace in Hawthorne, N.J., with the intention of leasing the building for residential purposes. In March of the following year, the building suspiciously burned down. Oil saturated slips of paper were found in rooms and stuck in partitions. The occupant Alphonse Villa stated he had started a fire in the furnace, though police were left unsatisfied; Villa was later sought for arrest.

In January 1927, The Morning Call reported that authorities “arrested Mario Presto of Paterson on a federal warrant for having violated the Mann white slave act.” Later in May of this year, Presta failed to appear in federal court for this charge. In September 1929, Presta was, “still at large” as he and Alphonso Villa were under indictment for burning the residential building formerly known as Rocco’s Palace.

This record of Mario Presta being AWOL (often reported as Presto), is the last time we see his name in the press in the Paterson, N.J. area. As of this time, his brother Albert was an investigator for the Paterson traffic department. Did Presta leave Paterson due to continued pressure from law enforcement, or a conflict of interests with his brother, who was progressing towards becoming a Detective in the same city?

~ ~ ~

Mario Presta of Paterson was no more. Enter Paul Scarcelli of New Orleans. The exact date when Paul Scarcelli arrived/was created is unknown. Presta created a new identity including a new name, birth date and birthplace. However, there is one record that confirms they are one and the same.

The birthdate on Mario Presta’s 1918 WW1 draft registration (May 29th, 1899) matches the birthdate on Paul Scarcelli’s 1939 New Orleans voting register. This record states Scarcelli had been living in Louisiana since 1936. Therefore, there is a gap in his known history from 1929-1936.

The name Paul Scarcelli starts appearing in New Orleans press in 1939 (the same year Scarcelli falsely states he arrived in New Orleans, having been born in New York in a 1959 interview). In 1940, Scarcelli was married and living at 6421 Vicksburg Street. The census stated he lived at the same address in 1935. The census also states he was a file clerk for a finance company and was born in New York.

Presta’s brother Albert died in 1942. His obituary stated Mario was residing in Italy. Was this a mistake? Or, was the Presta family covering up Mario’s new location and identity?

In the 1940s, Scarcelli operated New Orleans’ Magazine Grill, and in 1945, was involved in another shooting. In short, he shot a customer in the forehead. The Times-Picayune reported, “[John Miller] Cassidy entered the grill, ordered a bottle of beer and then began cursing the waitress. Miss Johnson said Cassidy threatened to kill her if she came from behind the counter. A moment later, Miss Johnson said, Cassidy hurled his beer bottle at her, whereupon she summoned Scarcalli [sic] from an upstairs room. Scarcalli told police he ordered Cassidy to leave the grill and that latter refused to do do and cursed the proprietor. Scarcalli said he shot Cassidy in the forehead with a revolver when Cassidy made a motion with his right hand as if he were reaching for his hip pocket. Police said Cassidy did not have a gun. Scarcelli was booked on a charge of shooting and dangerously wounding.

In 1948, Scarcelli was an unsuccessful candidate for State Senate (Sixth District). This period appears to illustrate a shift in Scarcelli’s past times, with him having a more community-based presence in New Orleans. In 1951, Scarcelli was the Financial Secretary of New Orleans’ Italian Union. The following year saw him and many others receive the decoration of Knight, from the Italian Government following a visit from Italian Consul Enrico Aillaud. In 1950, census records show Scarcelli’s occupation as a restaurant accountant.

In 1954, Scarcelli acted as Master of Ceremonies for Italian Union’s Columbus Day celebrations.

In 1956, Scarcelli was in the press again for his community-based work, in his capacity as the Secretary of the New Orleans chapter, American committee of Italian Immigration. He would act as translator for newly-arrived Italian families.

November 14th 1957 is a famous date in the LCN calendar; it was the day of the infamous Apalachin meeting where 62 LCN figures were questioned (not arrested) following the interruption of their meet. As well as the ones stopped at the McFall Road roadblock, several were found in and around the Apalachin area, and others were identified as probable attendees due to them staying at local hotels. Paul Scarcelli, at this point unknown to law enforcement to associate with LCN figures, registered at the Frederick Hotel, Endicott, N.Y., on November 13th, and then rented a car from Hertz Car Rentals, Binghamton, N.Y., on the evening of November 14th, (Detroit LCN Boss Joseph Zerilli rented from the same company). These details led him to be suspected of being at the meeting (or linked to it, i.e. a driver of others). It was later reported that Scarcelli returned the car three days later, having put 1200 miles on the clock.

In March 1959, Scarcelli was interviewed at his residence by the FBI, and gave the false 1898 date as his birthdate. He reported that as well as operating the Magazine Grill, he had previously ran a race horse handbook. He “advised that for the past six years he had been employed as sales manager for the Gold Seal Creamery, owned and operated by S. Centanni. He advised that in connection with his work, he may have been observed in the company of Italian restaurant operators who may or may not be associated with the Italian hoodlum element.”

“He emphatically denied that he attended instant meeting [Apalachin] and said that he has never been connected with “those people.” He further stated that he has no association with the Italian criminal element in New Orleans.”

Scarcelli “indicated that he visited a woman during the November visit, but declined to name this woman. He advised that he toured the area of Binghamton and Elmira, New York, and nearby Pennsylvania. He stated that on the night he rented the car in Binghamton, he stayed in a motel in nearby Pennsylvania.”

Presumably, a witness at that car rental company must have mentioned Scarcelli had a partner, as several FBI reports c.1959 contain interviews of Scarcelli associates who are asked about the identity of the other man. In 1960, Scarcelli’s wife stated, “she had no knowledge of Scarcelli’s whereabouts, and since she overheard him tell agents that he went to New York in 1957 to see a woman, she has no concern of his whereabouts. She said he told her when he was leaving that he was going hunting in New York. She said she has no knowledge that anyone accompanied him.” It appears as of this time, Scarcelli had left his home and was in hiding.

Seven years later in 1967, the identity of the Apalachin mystery associate came to light curtesy of an informant. “In March, 1967, NO T-1 advised that Carlos Marcello was to attend the meeting at the home of Joseph Barbara, Jr., at Apalachin, New York, on November 14, 1957. Several days prior to this meeting Marcello notified several individuals in New York that he was too ill to attend this meeting and designated Mario Prestia [sic] and his brother, Joseph Marcello, to attend in his stead. NO T-1 stated that both men attended this meeting representing Louisiana interests. Both Prestia and Joseph Marcello escaped arrest at this meeting by fleeing on foot trough a nearby wooded area.” In Hortis’ The Mob and the City, he quotes a memo, presumably regarding a car rental agent who said they were “well dressed but in wet, bedraggled clothing.” Due to these details, Mario Presta aka Paul Scarcelli can be named at least as a suspected member of LCN.

Following Apalachin, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (I&IN) as well as the FBI were investigating Scarcelli. At this point in 1959, the I&IN knew Scarcelli was an Italian alien illegally living in the US, and were in the process of verifying his true name. An agent reported that, “the true Paul Scarcelli was born in New York July 28, 1898 and is deceased.” Note this date is different to the May 29th, 1899 date that appears on both Mario Presta’s WW1 draft registration and Paul Scarcelli’s New Orleans voting register.

Scarcelli’s employer, and self proclaimed ‘best friend’ Salvadore Centanni, vaguely stated that Scarcelli “had been in a place and there was a fight, and he ran off. … Scarcelli did not elaborate on this incident.”

An FBI file regarding LCN member Anthony Carollo states in the fall of 1959, “Scarcelli wanted to sell his 1957 Cadillac since he had to have medical treatment for sever headaches. Carollo said he bought the car for $2,000.00 and resold it. Carollo said he seemed anxious to sell the car which should have been worth at least $2,500.00.” Carollo reported he had know Scarcelli since about 1940. Scarcelli had other well-known associates. Another file states, “The Immigration and Naturalization Service investigation has determined that Scarcelli is apparently a very close friend to Jimmy Campo [Vincenzo Campo, suspected Marcello LCN Family Consiglieri], a New Orleans florist” and “they are apparently close friends insofar as their association in the Dante Lodge, a Masonic Order [Scarcelli was treasurer].” Another Dante Lodge member, Bill Grosch reported in the late 1950s that, “ten or fifteen years ago, some of the Italian hoodlum element frequented the Dante Lodge Hall, usually playing poker. New Orleans hoodlum, Nofio Pecora, also admitting to knowing Paul Scarcelli.

By early 1960, Scarcelli, who had by now been named as a co-conspirator following Apalachin, was reportedly a patient in an LA hospital suffering from a brain tumor. At some point after this, Scarcelli left the country as in November 1967, NO T-14 advised that “Paul Scarcelli currently resides at Mendicino, Cosenza, Italy.” Another informant later reported he died in Italy, in January 1968.

~ ~ ~

In the book, Mafia: The Government’s Secret File on Organized Crime, the page dedicated to Mario Presta states he was the “New Orleans representative of Mafia chief Frank Costello, controlling gambling in that area.” A 1959 FBI files reports that, “Scarcelli is quite friendly with Teddy Geigermann [Frank Costello’s brother-in-law]” and that, “Scarcelli had about a dozen slot machines during the period 1944-1946, some of which were located in the Magazine Grill, operated by Scarcelli.” Costello’s slot machines arrived in New Orleans c.1934. This date is close to when Paul Scarcelli first appeared in Louisiana.

One of Costello’s closest aides was Willie Moretti; he resided in Paterson as of 1930 where Scarcelli, then going as Mario Presta lived. Could Scarcelli have been brought into the Moretti-Costello circle during this time period? This theory holds more credence when birthplaces are examined. Scarcelli/Presta was born in Mendicino, Cosenza Province, whilst Costello and Moretti’s father were both born in Cassano, of the same province. Note, none of the confirmed Marcello Family LCN Family were Calabrian or mainlanders, they were all Sicilian/from Sicilian heritage.

Suspected LCN Member Nofio Percora, stated that were “six original guys who tried to come to New Orleans from “back East” and tried to take over some of the action from the local New Orleans natives.” One of these guys could have been Mario Presta aka Paul Scarcelli.

Some mysteries solved, some remain.

Eighteen months later, there was a LCN induction ceremony held in Medord, MA.; the first in history to be recorded. The infamous Medford ceremony of October 1989, has been reported upon many times; this article explores the details, some of which are almost sitcom-like, that precede the ceremony’s introductory words of, “We’re all here to bring in some new members into our Family and more than that, to start maybe a new beginning.”

The four men inducted were, Robert DeLuca, Vincent Federico, Richard Floramo and Carmen Tortora.

Background info:

In 1989, there was deep tension amongst the Patriarca family. Patriarca Jr. had snubbed Joseph Russo, placing his ally William Grasso, in the number two position. This would be the first time that there was a non-Boston/Providence-based member as the Underboss. According to Ralph Ranalli’s Deadly Alliance, “[Raymond Patriarca] Junior had quietly “made”…Frank Salemme” after he was released from prison. ““Cadillac” Franks’ induction to the family had incensed the Boston faction, which was badly depleted after the Angiulo case.” The Russo faction knew Law Enforcement were on the tail and wanted to develop their numbers before they may be imprisoned. However, Boss, Patriarca Jr. said no.

This led to a divide in the family, with the so called Boston-Russo Faction at odds with the Revere, MA.-Providence, R.I.-Hartford, CT. Faction. According to John Connoly’s memo following a conversation with Stephen Flemmi on June 5th, 1989, the Boston-Russo faction were “bitter about the treatment they are receiving from LCN capo Charlie Quintina and Frankie Salemme… and that they blamed their problems on Frankie Salemme (who stands to take over all of Boston after the indictments), Charles Quintina who has agreed with Raymond Patriarca Jr. and Frank Salemme in every decision which has affected the Boston LCN adversely, and Billy Grasso, who has no love for Joe Russo [and] is blamed for instigating the “bind” which the Boston LCN finds themselves in.”

On June 16th, 1989, an attempt was made on Frank Salemme’s life, outside a Pancake House in Saugus, MA. Later that afternoon, William Grasso’s body was found on the Connecticut River banks, near Hartford.

“During the time period [of c. July 1989], CS-3 reported a very shaky peace existed between the Providence and Boston faction and that Patriarca, Jr. had made Nicky Bianco the family Underboss to replace Grasso and Boston Capo Joe Russo the Family Consiglieri [this would suggest the Consiglieri position was left open since Illario Zannino’s conviction in 1987]. These steps were made known to members of the Patriarca Family at a large meeting of members on a Saturday in late July in East Boston at a private residence.”

In 2018, 1989 inductee, and informant, Robert DeLuca testified that, “they [Joseph Russo and Vincent Ferrara] were saying that they were supposed to make some guys and he [Boss, Raymond Patriarca Jr.] never went along with. But now they’re going to do it, they’re going to make them. They didn’t ask him if they could. They tell him they’re going to make him. And he [Patriarca Jr.] says, well, don’t let me step down, just say I’m stepping down, that’s embarrassment. After the ceremony, I’ll say that I’m sick because he had - he used to get treated for prostate cancer. I’ll say that I’m sick and I can’t handle this. And then I’ll say I’m retiring and Joe can take over.”

The days prior to the ceremony

“To the best of DiStefano’s [Vincent Federico’s brother-in-law Stephan DiStefano,] recollection, on Wednesday, October 25, 1989, he met Ferrara, [Robert] Donati, Russo and [Angelo] Mercurio in the North End of Boston. DiStefano then drove Ferrara, Russo and Mercurio to 34 Guild Street and back to the North End, where Donati was waiting for them. The five men discussed the proper route to 34 Guild Street, Medford.” This was to be the ceremony’s venue.

According to the United States v. Salemme, “On Thursday, October 26, 1989, the FBI learned that a ceremony to induct new members into the Patriarca Family would take place on Sunday, October 29, 1989, at 11:00 a.m., near Wellington Circle in Medford, Massachusetts.

On Friday, October 27, 1989, the FBI checked a furlough application of Vincent Federico, an imprisoned Patriarca Family associate suspected of being a candidate for induction. The application stated that Federico intended to be at his sister’s home at 34 Guild Street, Medford, on Sunday, October 29, 1989. Later this day, “the government obtained a court order authorizing roving electronic surveillance.”

The Boston Globe reported that, “On the next day, agents watched as Federico’s brother-in-law, Stephan P. DiStefano, and his sister carried suitcases to their car and left [leaving their residence empty]. That night, agents broke into the home and planted microphones to electronically intercept and record anything said there.”

Informant Robert DeLuca, outlined his route to awareness of the ceremony, “I seen Vinnie [Ferrara] and Joe [Russo]. And they took a walk and they explained it all to me. They said you helped out a lot here [making the peace], and we appreciate it, and we want to - we proposed you, we want to make you. … On a Saturday night Raymond come by my house, October 28, and he said tomorrow, he said, be ready in the morning and wear a suit and tie. And he said we’re going to pick you up, he said, we’re going to Boston.”

The morning of the Ceremony

On the morning of October 29th, Capodecina Vincent Ferrara drove Consiglieri Joseph Russo to the Medford address where the ceremony would take place.

Joseph Russo, the relatively new Consiglieri was to hold an important role. Already (allegedly) the pricker of fingers in the 1977 making ceremony, he with Ferrara were first to arrive at Guild Street, and it was Russo’s job, with Ferrara, to set the scene. As well as being the Family’s Consiglieri, Russo was to be given further responsibility. Later in the ceremony, Raymond Patriarca Jr. would state, “he [Russo] has the authority to more or less handle the business in Boston when I leave, more or less like Gerry [Angiulo] did when he was here.”

A huge amount of time, care and detail was spent on the laying out and organizing of chairs in the property’s 15’ x 17’ basement room, the setting for the ceremony. This is hugely significant to Joseph Russo, who was determined to achieve the correct presentation. The allocation of chairs- and their roles, being central to the ceremony appears to have great meaning.

At one point, a certain chair is given a title.

Ferrara - “we don’t need that chair, just leave it there.”

Russo - “Yeah, but this is the Captain’s chair.”

Ferrara - “‘Cause I, huh?”

Russo - “This is the Captain’s chair, we call this a Captain’s chair too.

Ferrara - “Yeah, okay?”

Russo - “I’m giving the chair to Biag [Biagio DiGiacomo]”

The ‘Captain’s chair’ may link to the specific officiating role that Biagio DiGiacomo held during the ceremony.

Mercurio had previously identified there was a lack of chairs at Guild St. and was tasked in bringing some from his Deli, Vanessa’s.

As Joseph Russo was preparing the basement, the Providence contingent were en route. As part of his testimony, Robert DeLuca stated how he travelled to the ceremony, “[Raymond Patriaca Jr.] picked me up. We drove to Boston. We met Sonny Mercurio at a parking lot in the North End, and he drove us to Medford….Sonny drove us. There was me, Raymond, Jr., Matty Guglielmetti, and Pascone [Galea].” This was Mercurio’s second trip having already collected a his first group of members earlier that morning.

The Republican reported in 1991 that, “Those attending parked at Wellington Square in Medford and were ferried to the single-family home owned by Federico’s sister and brother-in-law, in a Lincoln town car or a Mazda registered to Ferrara’s girlfriend.” This differs slightly to the information Sonny Mercurio told the FBI, when he stated that, “his chief job would be chauffeur, transporting members from a busy shopping area in Revere known as Wellington Circle to the actual location.”

A meeting of this secrecy operates on a need-to-know basis, with a minimal amount of communication and a slice of uncertainty. Transcripts of the recordings identify that as Russo and Ferrara were arranging chairs in the basement, they were still not positive of Boss, Raymond Patriarca Jr.’s definite arrival. Ferrara states, “He don’t show up, we say out of respect for Abe [Raymond Patriarca Jr.], we’re gonna leave this seat open. See, I don’t want this. I don’t want Nicky [Bianco] sitting there because then people take it like he’s over you and he’s not. So … .” Russo responds with, “That’s why for example, the knights of the round table was round so nobody was, ah, the Boss.”

Further to the possibility of the Boss being absent, the Underboss, Nicholas Bianco, as of the morning, was expected. Ferrara discusses the chair formation of the top three men in the organization with Russo, “We’re gonna have’ta do it like this, Joe. It will be Raymond, Nick and you. Like this. Get it?” Later, Ferrara talking to Russo again, says, “lets figure this here- you, Nicky and Abe. Is three.” However, for unknown reasons, Bianco did not arrive.

Whilst the number of Capos present at the ceremony is certain (five), the number operating in the Patricia Family as of 1989 is less so. Even after Russo names the expected Capos, Ferrara asks, “But just think about it, who’s the other one? Is there another skipper?” In 1985, FBI files stated there were eight, in 1988 reports, the number was nine.

At the ceremony, five were present, but dialogue at the meeting suggests some were absent. Joseph Russo states, “Now there’s four men who’s not here. We left that chair open. He was getting too sick [to be here]. The editor of the book, writes that, “One chair has been left empty to represent the four captains who are not present.” It is difficult to determine if the book editor’s note is accurate and these '‘four men” were all captains. If true, this may be a reference to Angelo Iaconi, or Salvatore Giglia- who possibly was sick in late 1989, and died just a few months later- who were identified as Capos in the pre-mentioned 1988 chart. Or possibly, this is a reference to some of the imprisoned Capos from the mid 1980s.

In March 1990, The Boston Globe, reported that there were “six reputed lieutenants” as part of a federal indictment against the Patriarca Family, and that “[Edward] Romano, [was] the only Capo regime, or lieutenant, of the Patriarca family in Rhode Island to escape indictment.” Eduardo/Edward “Mulligan” Romano (1924-1999), a Providence figure who was named as an Acting Capodecina as far back as 1969 was also titled a Capo in a 1993 FBI list. Romano is listed as the sixth Capodecina in March 1990 charts created from FBI reports that appear in many press releases. As of this time, there is no mention of Salvatore Giglia who had died in February, 1990 or Worcester’s Angelo Iaconi.

As well as Bianco and a Capo/s being absent from the ceremony, a Connecticut member, mentioned in the recording was also not present. In conversation with Joseph Russo, Louis Failla mentions, “So uh, when I met with Rico last, I called him this morning. I said why didn’t you call me? Well I don’t know I got heat on me. I don’t know. Who cares, you know? I’m glad he didn’t come. ‘Rico’ is Amerigo Petrillo of Old Saysbrook. Joseph Russo reacts with, “Well, to tell you the truth, I’m kind of happy that a lot of us didn’t because, ah, the situation was so rushed.”

According to Ranelli’s Deadly alliance, “[Robert] Bobby DeLuca was supposed to have picked up the Saint [LCN Member Anthony St. Laurent], but left him standing like an idiot on the street instead.”

Seventeen members (twenty one including the inductees) attended the ceremony. This was around half of the total ‘on the street’ membership of c. 32, with a further c. 13 imprisoned and two members, Ralph LaMattina and Salvatore Caruana, fugitives,- though Caruana may have been murdered. Further to the many convictions in the mid 80s and the death of Raymond Patriaca Sr in 1984, the family also lost influential members, Stephen Broccoli, Nicola Giso, Paul Intiso and the imprisoned Henry Tameleo to death in the years leading up to October 1989.

Below is a chart outlining the attendees to the 1989 induction ceremony:

When discussing the ceremony, Ferrara states that the four inductees will wait upstairs with Angelo Mercurio plus another LCN member being stationed downstairs, almost bookending the to-be-baptized soldiers.

During one comical moment in setting up the basement, Russo tests for insulation of sound.

Russo - “I just want to do one thing. Shut that door.”

Ferrara - “Shut this door?”

Russo - “Just talk a little louder, while I’m downstairs. Talk out loud.”

Ferrara - “Okay.”

Russo - “Whatever you want.”

Ferrara - “All right ladies and gentlemen, the star of the show, the new man in town, the Captain, J.R., my main man. And on its way, is the donut man. Can you hear me?”

After further discussion, and a realisation that voices from the basement may be heard upstairs, Ferrara suggests that they, (presumably the inductees) could sit in Ferrara’s car and wait their turn. The irony being more than just the people waiting upstairs, were to hear the contents of the making ceremony.

When Boss, Raymond Patriarca arrived, he greeted Joseph Russo with a wisecrack about the chairs.

Patriarca Jr. - “We got to bring our own chairs, and everything.”

Russo - “You look good Ray.”

Patriarca Jr. - “You look good.”

Unidentified speaker - “You look good, good.”

Patriarca Jr. - “Thank you. [Believe that? We gotta] bring are own chairs.”

Unidentified speaker - “(Unintelligible) your own chair.”

Russo - “I was going to tell you to bring a sandwich.”

Patriarca Jr. - “You know we figured that.”

With the sound checks done, the seating arranged and the audience in attendance, the concert could begin.

* * * * *

Notes:

The Ceremony: The Mafia Initiation Tapes was used as reference for photos and speech used in this article.

Screenshots of cars were taken from the Geraldo Rivera Video. In the video, Arthur Nascarella (The Sopranos’ Carlo Gervasi ) plays Biagio DiGiacomo in a reconstruction of the ceremony.

Born in Calatabiano, Catania, in 1892 to Antonio (a farmer) and Concetta Vitale, Salvatore immigrated in 1909 heading for a brother, Filippo, at 921 Christian Street, Philadelphia (No further records for Filippo b. c1887 can be found).

In 1915, Salvatore married Maria Famulari (sp?, born in Giardini, Messina) and resided on South Delhi Street. He appears to have spent his entire American life living in and around one block of South Philadelphia.

A 1967 FBI report states, “[Guiseppe] Traina in 1920 appointed Salvatore Sabella as the Philadelphia “Boss” of the organization which was then known as the “Black Hand.” There were “just a handful of members” in 1920. Among the original members were Gaetano Scafidi, Dominick Festa, Joseph Scafidi, Frank Barrale, Marco Reginelli, Antonio Pollina, Michael Maggio, John Scopelliti, Mario Riccobene and Salvatore Testa.” This information came from informant Rocco Scafidi, via his brother Salvatore, and should not be assumed to be exhaustive, with the date of 1920 to be considered an estimate - Testa may have been made a member later than 1920.

By 1924, Salvatore Testa was residing at 904 Christian Street where he would live the rest of his life. This was also the year his son Philip was born. Here he would sell live chickens, cut poultry and watermelons in the Summer.

Testa’s 1927 naturalization record lists witnesses as Michael Travaglio and Francesco DiBello, though DiBello’s signature reads DiBella. This Francesco DiBella (1893-1975), hailed from Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, an hours walk from Calatabiano, Testa’s hometown. DiBella was also a chicken man, owning a poultry store a short walk from Testa’s home. There is a Francesco DiBella listed as a Philadephia LCN member on 1960s FBI reports. However, it is unknown if these are one and the same.

In her book Before Bruno & How He Became Boss: Book 3, Celeste Morello writes Testa was “taught about the Sicilian Mafia by Sabella’s members who were “made” in western Sicily… Testa chose to become a member of Sabella’s Family when he was recommended- no one else in his family in Sicily or in the U.S. were members. He was legit on paper, but may have not been arrested for his alleged part in some organized crime activities that the confidential informants said he did to support his large brood of children.”

“He was viewed more as a supporter or ally, than an involved Mafia member when Sabella was boss, no bootlegging offences, nothing suggestive of anything criminal or deviant. The only negative comments about Mr. Testa were that he was “mean,” and “mean-looking” and not approachable.”

However, the ‘nothing suggestive of anything criminal’ characteristic can be questioned when reflecting on several incidents from 1928, which can be traced back to the Memorial Day murders of 1927.

Memorial day murders, 1927

Joseph Zanghi (brother of gang leader, Anthony “Musky” Zanghi) and Vincent Cocozza were shot dead on Memorial Day, 1927. Salvatore Sabella, John Scopelliti, John Avena, Joseph Ida, Dominick Festa, Antonio Pollina and Luigi Quaranta was arrested for the killings. In the aftermath, local dope peddler, thief, and witness to the shootings, William Denni confused the trial by altering his story.

During the trial, Denni admitted “with sullen bravado that he had lied time and again at previous examinations in the prosecutor’s office and in the office of the county detectives” and that the truth was that he had received an offer from “Musky” Zanghi to testify against Scopoletti and co. and that Zanghi “had deliberately plotted to “frame” Scopoletti and the other five prisoners.”

This enraged Anthony “Musky” Zanghi, who during Denni’s testimony “sat forward in his seat eyeing the witness with baleful glares”… and was “uttering soundless oaths.”

Assistant DA Kelley accessed Denni of being paid off by another party to confuse the case. The other party would presumably be Sabella et al.

October 27th, 1928 - shooting of Anthony Denni

Anthony Denni (William’s brother) calls Anthony “Musky” Zanghi, “a dirty rat” on the corner of Eight and Christian (the same location as Joseph Zanghi was shot and killed) and shoots at him. Zanghi responds, killing Anthony Denni.

Nov 7th, 1928 - shooting of William Denni

“Friends” of Anthony “Musky” Zanghi shoot William Denni, brother of Anthony, at 6th and Washington.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, “the police theory was that Denni had been “bumped off” to prevent him from “getting” Zanghi for the older Denni’s death … Denni had been heard to threaten to “get Zanghi” in retaliation for the shooting last month … [Police] were of the opinion that “friends of “Musky” beat Denni to it and “got him” before he could do any harm to Zanghi … Police said that, at one time, Denni had been “in” with Zanghi’s gang.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer on a later date stated, “Police secured information that Picola [Frank Piccolo] was the man who had done the shooting … When confronted with Picola, Denni could not identified [sic] him and even went so far as to shake hands with him. [Detective] Baldino said last night that it was one of the chilliest, unenthusiastic handshakes he had ever seen.”

Nov 19th, 1928 - shooting of Frank Piccolo

In the afternoon of November 19th, 1928, Frank Piccolo was walking with friends through crowded streets, when he was struck by gunfire at 9th and Christian. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that, “a fusillade of shots rang out, the sharp crack of the pumpgun mingling with roar of the shotgun. Picola [sic] half-fell, half-flung himself to the sidewalk, as he was whirled about by the force of the bullets striking his arm. His companions fled.”

The Public Ledger added, “Police obtained information late last night that James Fiore [Flori] and Harry [Pius] Lanzetti, both gangsters and expert shots, were seated in Piccolo’s car and returned fire.” (James Flori would be executed in 1930 for the murder of Pasquale Livoy).

Anthony “Musky” Zanghi associate, Rocco Caruso, allegedly saw the shooting and called to a motorist who took the injured Piccolo to hospital.

According to an article of the Inquirer, police were looking for “a man with a velour hat, wearing a moustache,” whose description was supplied by one of the reluctant witnesses, scores of whom were rounded up and found to be silent and uncommunicative.”

Newspapers linked the shooting of Frank Piccolo to the attempted murder of William Denni, two weeks earlier.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that, “[Salvatore] Testa was arrested by police the following day when a shotgun and a revolver were found in his bedroom on the second floor over his poultry shop. Picolo [sic] had been shot by someone hiding in a second floor room, police said. Testa was arraigned and released on $2000 bail to await the outcome of Picolo’s injuries.” The Public Ledger added that “neither Piccolo nor Testa would talk.”

The location of the Frank Piccolo shooting, 9th and Christian, was also the site of the following incidents:

• 1919, policeman, Joseph Swerczynski (sp?), murdered by Anthony Zanghi

• 1925, Joseph Bruno, murdered by five men (including Ignatius Lanzetti ?)

The area would be known as '“dope and hi-jack row.”

December 1st, 1928 - attempted murder of Salvatore Testa

On an early December evening of 1928, Testa was standing in his store doorway at 904 Christian St., when a car filled with five men with shotguns approached. Recognising the men, Testa dived behind his counter as shotgun slugs crashed through his window killing twelve chickens, but not the chicken man. The car quickly left the scene. The Public Ledger reported that “Police expressed belief that Testa had resented attempts of gangsters to “shake him down.” His refusal to contribute money to the gang is thought to have been at the bottom of last night’s shooting.” However, The Philadelphia Inquirer addressed the incident from another angle. It reported that the “foray was an attempt on the part of [Frank] Picolo’s friends to settle the matter themselves.”

Frank Piccolo would meet his demise in 1939, when he was killed from a single shotgun shell as he was sat in a truck with a cousin, Frank Campo.

Member Sam Scafidi had stated to an informant, “Frank had been jailed for an unknown reason and upon being released from jail was murdered at Eighth and Wolf Streets, Philadelphia, for something that Piccolo had done against the “Family,” of [or] the “Black Hand” as it was known at that time.” Piccolo had been jailed for the murder of Pasquale Livoy. Following Piccolo’s murder Michael Maggio was questioned. The Cheese company of influential LCN member Michele Maggio was situated around the corner from Testa at 918 So. 9th Street (see map below). Maggio would later be named in the same Decina as Testa. FBI files state Maggio, “fostered [Angelo] Bruno’s rise,” and “was the person responsible for having Angelo accepted into La Causa [sic] Nostra.” Bruno would become extremely close to Salvatore Testa’s son, Philip.

Though loyalties are extremely hard to determine during this time with gang allegiance seemingly being quite fluid across South Philadelphia, the attempted murder of Salvatore Testa can reasonably be linked back to William Denni supporting Sabella and Co. after the Memorial Day murders of 1927.

Amazingly, Salvatore Testa’s grandson, also Salvatore Testa, was also shot at, at the exact same location, 54 years later. The Philadelphia Daily News reported, “Testa was shot as he sat on a small red stool outside a home [904 Christian] next to a pizza parlour at 9th and Christian. He was hit by a blast from a shotgun fired from a passing car.” The press seemingly had no idea that this Testa had experienced a near identical event to his grandfather in 1928. The elder Salvatore Testa’s home of 904 Christian was clearly still in the Testa Family as of 1982.

In August of 1933, Testa was loosely involved in the murder of John Lerro, with his store being used as a contact point for providing the location of a wanted rival to Philadelphia’s LCN Family, then controlled by John Avena.

In 1968, Capodecina Joseph Scafidi informed Boss Angelo Bruno of members who knew of a South Jersey burial site used when John Avena led the Family; Sam (Salvatore) Testa was named as one who was in the know.

The below photo is of Salvatore Testa, a young Frank Sindone, half a melon and an unsubstantiated man. As of 1942, Sindone and family lived 100 metres from the Testa residence at 917 Christian St. Sindone would be murdered in 1980, on orders from Salvatore Testa’s son, Philip. Interestingly, Frank “Barracuda” Sindone’s father was a fish salesman.

Salvatore Testa died in August of 1950. As of this year, his son Philip’s job was noted on census records as ‘salesman of chicken’ in his store.

Celeste Morello names Antonio Calio as an “alleged bootlegging partner of “Big Tom” Scafidi and Salvatore Testa” whilst stating that Paul Savarese sometimes associated with Salvatore Testa. In 1964, Salvatore Testa would posthumously be placed in the c.1952 Decina of Gaetano “Big Tom” Scafidi by informant Harry Riccobene alongside Antonio Calio and Paul Savarese.

Testa was well-respected beyond his grave. In 1962, then Boss Angelo Bruno was caught on a wiretap reflecting on deceased friends, “We lost a lot of good people. We lost Phil’s father [Salvatore Testa], Mr Maggio [Michael] … gentlemen, all gentlemen.”

Salvatore’s son Philip Testa (1924-1981) would become Boss, whilst his grandson, his namesake, Salvatore Testa (1956-1984), would become Capodecina.

* * * * *

Notes:

This article was aided by photos and family information contributed by Alfia Muzio, great granddaughter of Salvatore Testa.

Like so many other LCN Bonventres, Pietro hailed from Castellammare del Golfo. Born in September 1897, to Father Pietro and Mother Marianna Randella, Pietro immigrated c. 1913, settling in Buffalo. By 1914, he was residing at 120 18th St. Whilst records cannot be located linking him to the Bonanno Bonventres, it is likely he was a distant cousin to them.

Not much is known about his short life in Buffalo. In 1918, Pietro was living at 99 Commercial (Street?); his job was listed as labourer for the W.M. Central Freight House.

In 1921, he married into the CDG-Buffalo DiBenedetto clan, marrying Antonetta DiBenedetto. Following this marriage, Pietro had the following in-laws:

• Brother-in-law, Calogero “Charlie Buffalo” DiBenedetto (1906-?)

• Brother-in-law, Vincent “Jimmy Ancona,” “Jimmy the Tough“ Anconitano (1901-1948), known to be Joseph DiCarlo’s bodyguard. When Ancona wed Lena DiBenedetto in 1926, guests included Filippo Mazzara (1889-1927), Philip Mannor (?-1928), Angelo “Buffalo Bill“ Palmeri (1878-1932), Paul Palmeri (1892-1955), Angelo Perna (1896-1971), Stefano Magaddino (1891-1974), Simone “Buffalo Joe” Borruso (1880-1946), Nicholas Longo (1887-1959), Salvatore Maranzano (1886-1931) and Gaspare Milazzo (1887-1930).

• Father-in-law, Antonino DiBenedetto (1873-1917, murdered with Antonino Mazzara)

• Uncle-in-law, Giuseppe DiBenedetto (1885-1929, murdered in a grocery store)

In early March 1924, Peter Bonventre, now a wholesale grocer, died aged 26 following a months-long illness. At this time he resided at 853 Niagara St., Buffalo. The Buffalo Post named him, “one of the most influential members of a strong Italian secret society.”

Joseph Gambino, priest of Buffalo’s Holy Cross Roman Catholic church, refused to bury the deceased as Bonventre had refused to accept the rites of the church before his death. This caused great uproar.

The Buffalo News reported that, “Father Gambino told reporters for the News that he declined to permit Bonventre’s body to be brought into the church, because the dying man refused the last offices of the church, and because his conduct in life had been frowned upon by the church authorities. “He was bad and I wanted him to confess,” said Father Gambino. “He turned from me, and then when he died I could not permit a man who had led such a life to be brought into the church.”

The Buffalo Courier quoted Philip Manor, a cousin of Peter Bonventre; “My cousin, Peter, did not antagonize the church in the slightest, nor did he refuse the sacraments. He meant no disrespect. The priest came at 10 o’clock Monday night for the last time, put on his vestments, blessed him with holy water. Bonventre had been unconscious intermittently for several days and had not been able to speak. At this time however, he signified that he recognised the priest. As the rite proceeded, however, he lost the power of speech and and the priest refused to continue the rite. There seems to be have been some sort of misunderstanding. Peter Bonventre was a Catholic all his life.”

The Buffalo News reported that, “A Sicilian secret society, with lodges throughout the world, sent representatives from every eastern city. They were the last, so it was said, to lend their aid in the attempt to gain permission from Father Gambino to permit the funeral to take place in Holy Cross Church.” Father Gambino had also received threatening letters.

Philip Mannor and friends did not get their way, and Bonventre’s funeral took place in the Episcopal church of Saint Mary’s on-the-hill, Buffalo. Father Joseph Gambino remained in his rectory under police guard. Bonventre's cousin (?), Philip Mannor aka Philip Livacooni (sic?), an ex-business partner of Filippo Mazzara was murdered in 1928.

The Buffalo News stated, “The funeral was attended by more than 2000 persons (other reports vary between 1000-2000). Six hundred motor cars were in line, 15 of them filled with floral offerings (another report states 12). Members of the secret society marched with a band at the head of the column.” The ‘secret society,’ may have simply been a reference to Buffalo’s Castellammare del Golfo Society.

Bonventre’s obituary published in Il Corriere Italiano was written by Simone Borruso.

The Buffalo Times reported Bonventre’s funeral pallbearers as:

• Andrew La Gattuta, brother of Samuel

• Samuel La Gattuta, aka “Toto,” brother-in-law of Filippo Mazzara, Apalachin attendee, Buffalo LCN member

• Vartula Cuccia (Bartolo Guccia), Apalachin attendee, brother-in-law of Gaspare Milazzo

• Paul Palmeri, high ranking Buffalo LCN member

• Stefano Magaredino (Magaddino), Buffalo LCN Boss

• Dominick Sabbela (Sabella), possibly the Bonanno CDG member (1899-1972), brother to Philadelphia LCN Boss Salvatore Sabella

When the casket was brought out of the church to be placed in the hearse, behind it walked Angelo “Buffalo Bill” Palmeri, who the Buffalo Post name as an “Italian leader in the city and Uncle of Joe DiCarlo.” Newspapers reported that the funeral procession was the largest ever seen in the city of Buffalo.

The calibre of pallbearer, the family connections and funeral attendance all but confirm Pietro Bonventre as a Buffalo LCN member.

By 1930, Gottobrio, aged 24 was living on Mole Street, Philadelphia with his parents, employed as a chauffeur.

According to a later Courier-Post article, Gottobrio was arrested in January 1938 “when he was picked up in Baltimore in connection with a Mann Act charge.” No further information can be found regarding this crime.

In March 1938, Gottobrio along with possible LCN member, Louis Campbell was arrested as part of a huge Camden gambling raid. Some FBI reports label Campbell an LCN member, whilst others state the opposite. Whilst Campbell’s Mother was Italian, his Father appears to have not been so.

Whilst searching one of the two gambling premises from the 1938 raid, a car was found and when questioned about the ownership, Gottobrio stated it belonged to “the boss.” Later, the car was identified as being owned by Philadelphia LCN Underboss Marco Reginelli. Gottobrio would later state he ran the place for Reginelli. Louis Campbell claimed he was just a visitor to the gambling house.

In June of 1938, 24 hours after not contesting his recent numbers charge and paying a $300 fine, Gottobrio was arrested again, this time for speeding and driving without a license. As of this time, Gottobrio was living in Camden.

In July 1949, a staggering 187 people were arrested as part of a gambling raid at a building outside Maple Shade, N.J. Emanuel Gottobrio, now 43, was one of the 14 named as principles charged with aiding, abetting and assisting in the operation of a gambling establishment. Other notable names were:

• Nicholas Bocchicchio (brother of Felix, Philadelphia LCN associate)

• Joseph “Joe the Gent” Girgenti, LCN member

• Thomas Girgenti (brother of Joseph)

• Frank Pollastrelli, future LCN member

Newspaper reports at the time recorded that law enforcement recognized “henchman of Marco Reginelli among the men seized.” Gottobrio would be fined $1000 for his part in the gambling operation.

In September 1950, Gottobrio was called before a Philadelphia Federal Grand Jury with the purpose of investigating gambling, racketeering and organized crime in Eastern Pennsylvania. Reginelli was also quizzed, and was seen speaking with Gottobrio in the corridors of the court.

Gottobrio is absent from a 1952 membership list made by Harry Riccobene in 1964, though it is probable he was a made member by this time, and most probably in the decina under Underboss Marco Reginelli.

On the 18th January, 1956 Emanuel Gottobrio was found murdered. The Courier-Post reported, “Gottobrio, who lived on Edison ave., Erlton, was found slumped over the steering wheel of his two-tone 1955 Buick Wednesday night on a lonely South Philadelphia street. There were two bullet holes in the back of his head. Police say it was a gangland slaying.” In the article, Inspector Thomas Murphy stated, “my information is that he was Marco Reginelli’s book man. … Gottobrio was always well-groomed. He spoke intelligently.” On searching his car, detective found equipment for a floating dice game.

The Philadelphia Inquirer later reported that, “Police here [in Philadelphia] and Camden began a search for Gottobrio’s killer, believing the slaying was an offshoot of a struggle for power in the shaky gambling empire of Marco Reginelli, reputed numbers and racket king of South Jersey, now facing deportation.” Gottobrio’s killer was never determined.

In 1965, Emanuel Gottobrio was identified as a deceased member of the Philadelphia Family of LCN.

Riccobene stated the identities of the Boss, Underboss and six Capodecinas. Most members were placed ‘under’ a Capodecina, whilst others’ Decina were unknown to him.

The light grey backed photos indicates Sicilian birth/heritage, whilst the darker grey indicates mainland Italy.

The maps below shows how condensed the early membership of the Milwaukee LCN was in 1920, with 16/21 known members/future members living a short walk from the Boss’ home at 164 Detroit Street (1 on map).

In 1920, the following were living on and around Detroit Street.

Members/future members born in Santa Flavia:

1. Vito Guardalabene (1845-1921), Boss, 164 Detroit Street

2. Giovanni “Pete” Guardalabene (1881-1949), future Boss, son of Vito, 164 Detroit Street

3. Carmelo “Charles” Zarcone (1889-1974), future Consiglieri, 166 Detroit Street

4. Giovanni Alioto (1888-1972), future Boss, 438 Van Buren Street

5. Giuseppe Gumina (1902-1995), 438 Van Buren Street (as of 1923)

6. Giuseppe Amato (1883-1927), future Boss, 187 Detroit Street

7. Mariano Megna (1876-1965), 319 Jackson Street

8. Salvatore Dentice (1881-1938), suspected member. The father of LCN associate Joseph Dentice is noted as an ‘old time member of the mafia’ by an informant in one FBI report. He resided at 341 Van Buren Street.

Members/future members born in Prizzi:

9. Giuseppe Vallone (1885-1952), future Boss, 137 Buffalo Street

10. Salvatore Ferrara (1896-1974), future Boss, 301 Jackson Street

11. Pasquale Migliaccio (1887-1961), future Capodecina, 161 Detroit Street

Members/future members born in Bagheria

12. Andrea Di Salvo (1885-1949), 340 Milwaukee Street

13. Benedetto Di Salvo (1878-1964), Madison LCN member, 126 Huron Street

14. Cosimo Di Salvo (1904-1988), Madison LCN member, son of Benedetto, 126 Huron Street

Members/future members born in Partinico

15. Carlo DiMaggio (1899-1968), 162 Detroit Street

Members/future members born in Monreale

16. Antonio Albano (1888-1970), 165 Huron Street

Members/future members born in Palermo

17. Nunzio Maniaci (1881-1962), 149-151 Detroit Street

Members/future members living in the vicinity, but not on map:

• Nicola Marino (1877-1921), 730 Jackson Street

• Santo Marino (1913-2002), son of Nicola, 730 Jackson Street

• Giuseppe Balistrieri (1894-1971), Father of the Frank, 461 Jefferson Street

• Frank “Big Frank“ Bal (1896-1972), Uncle of the Frank, 461 Jefferson Street

In 1910, as well as various other Balistrieris living in Milwaukee, at 160 Detroit Street (three doors down from Vito Guardalabene) lived a Giovanni Balistrieri (1851-1946). With him was his wife Caterina and three sons, Frank, Girolamo and Salvatore.

Frank, (1877-1953) was the father of Caterina, an Aunt through marriage of the Frank Balistrieri, Maria, wife of Peter Balistrieri (brother of the Frank), Vito (1902-1964), a Milwaukee LCN member, Anna, wife of Kansas City LCN member, John Molle (1914-1982) and Buster (1918-1977), Kansas City and Milwaukee LCN member.

Girolamo, (1891-1959) was James “Big Jim” Balestrere (different spelling), a high-ranking member of the Kansas City LCN.

A daughter of Giovanni and Caterina, Maria, would marry Emanuel Blando and have a son, Giovanni who would become a LCN member in Kansas City.

Giovanni’s brother, Giuseppe, was Grandfather to Milwaukee member, and his namesake, Giuseppe Balistrieri (1894-1971) who was Father to the Frank Balistrieri.

By 1920, Giovanni and Caterina Balistrieri and family had relocated to Kansas City, but all future offspring could trace their roots back to Milwaukee.

At the funeral of Vito Balistrieri in 1964, amongst the many LCN members present were John Molle, Buster Balestrere and Giovanni Blando from the Kansas City LCN.

March 15th, 1933 - the murders of Joseph and John Marazzo

Informant (H.R.) stated, “ [Two] brothers were near Passyunk and Washington Avenue in Philadelphia. A fire alarm was pulled, and when the fire engines were going by, the noise from the engines was used as a cover to muffle the gunshots which were fired. In this fashion, the two brothers were killed.”

“Informant [H.R.] stated that [Angelo] Cherico and Ignazio Denaro committed these murders. Peter Casella, who was described as a nobody at this time, was said to have been standing on the corner. Denaro, when running from the scene, might have tripped by a witness. REDACTED It was recalled that Denaro stumbled on the railroad tracks on Washington Avenue. Two doors from the intersection was a club known as Bella Napoli, which was described as a “hang-out” for Big Nose John Avena who was then head of the racket activities in Philadelphia and a member of the Cosa Nostra. Skutchie Cherico and Denaro went to the club, apparently to establish an alibi or to seek cover.” This last sentence is contradicted in newspaper reports of the time which suggest the gunmen fled to Ellsworth Street.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, gives more context, describing the murders as happening “in the dingy shadows of a warehouse at the northeast corner of Washington and Passyunk aves” an area known as “Dead Man’s Corner.” Boss John Avena would meet his demise at this same location in 1936. Police officials suggested the slain brothers were “musclin in” on someone else’s territory, or else they unwittingly endeavoured to eke a “contribution” from someone who enjoyed the protection of another gang.”

Regarding a possible motive, The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader stated that Joseph Marazzo, “had connections with an extortionist gang, was recently involved in an affair with a woman and had many gangland enemies” whilst The Daily Republican wrote “some investigators believe one of the brothers was involved in trouble over a woman.” Due to the informant (H.R) revealing the details of the Joseph and John Marazzo murders immediately after the murder of Cherico’s wife, it does beg the question; could Joseph Marazzo’s affair have been with Angelo Cherico’s wife? Whatever the reason, the Marazzo family’s pain did not end there.

April 17th, 1933 - the murder of Anthony Schiavo

Just minutes before midnight on the 17th, Anthony Schiavo was gunned down in front of his home, by shots fired from a coupe containing three or four men. The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote “The trigger man who “wiped out” Schiavo was perched in the rumble seat of a coupe that roared down 15th st. … Two policeman of the motorcycle bandit patrol who heard the shots gave chase to the car and in a mile-a-minute race over two miles of downtown streets exchanged shots with the machine gun operator. As the policeman peppered away with their revolvers, the man in the rumble seat answered with repeated bursts of the gun. Finally, the car eluded the police and the slayers escaped.”

Whilst Schiavo, a stone cutter had no police record and no underworld connections, he was an uncle of the Marazzo brothers who were murdered weeks earlier.

April 18th, 1933 - the disappearance of James Marazzo

James Marazzo left his home early on the 18th to collect his stonecutting tools from his uncle, Anthony Schiavo. “Marazzo did not know of Schiavo’s murder when he left home and vanished. Police believe he may have learned of his uncle’s slaying and fled in fear of his own life, or has himself been “wiped out” by the men who have claimed the lives of the other three.”

Later that month, the Marazzo’s mother, Rachel Marrazo was in court pleading for her remaining two sons, Dominick and Albert, and her son-in-law John Lerro to be freed of charges of carrying concealed weapons. Mrs Rachel Marazzo cried, “One dead, two dead, three dead, one gone. What shall I do now?” The Public Opinion printed that Rachel Marrazo shouted, “The Mano Nera…they are murdering my whole family!”

August 24th, 1933 - the murder of John Lerro

“Lerro [with brother-in-law, Albert Marazzo] was sitting on the doorstep of his home at 7.30 o’clock last night when a sedan came roaring along Montrose street. As it passed the Lerro house, two revolvers were poked from an opened window in the machine. A rain of bullets spilled from the weapons and Lerro tumbled from the steps, dead.” This was The Philadelphia Inquirer’s reporting of the murder of John Lerro. Albert Marazzo escaped unharmed.

In 1964, an “Informant [Again, Harry Riccobene] said regardless of the newspaper accounts that Lerro was shot with a machine gun, that Lerro was actually shot with a sawed-off shot gun. He advised that [Felix] De Tullio was made a member of La Cosa Nostra for fingering Lerro in this murder. … Informant said the first time there was a run made in an effort to kill Lerro, REDACTED [presumably, Harry Riccobene, was given the contract] with Peter Casella as a partner. It was arranged for the informant to come from a parking area near Phil Testa’s chicken store [this must be a mistake, with the informant meaning not Phil “Chicken man” Testa (who would have been aged ten at this time), but his father, LCN member Salvatore Testa who as of 1930 owned a Poultry store] and then drive south on 10th and Montrose. [Felix] De Tullio was to give the signal by calling Phil Testa’s [Salvatore Testa’s] chicken store. The car was supposed to be abandoned near 8th and Carpenter Streets, Philadelphia. The car used by informant belonged to the father of Harry Riccobene [LCN member, Mario Riccobene]. The car was called a “Moon.” Informant said he made the run and Peter Casella was with him, but the victim could not be located. When victim was finally shot, he was killed by Peter Casella with a sawed-off shot gun. Informant said he did not know who drove Peter Casella for this killing.” This last sentence may be Harry Riccobene speaking truthfully, or it may be him withholding the information of himself being the driver in the Lerro murder. At this time, Riccobene would have been aged 23, and by his own testimony, already a made member of LCN.

According to another FBI report, there was only a “handful of [Philadelphia-New Jersey LCN] members” as of 1920, with two of the “original members” being Mario Riccobene and Salvatore Testa.

August 27th, 1933 - the Bella Napoli shooting

The Cherico and Denaro hideout, the cafe Bella Napoli, was again in the news, linked to another drive-by shooting just a few days after the Lerro killing. A car filled with four men roared past the cafe in the evening, as owner, ex-narcotics peddler, and man of many names, Modestino Dellapia, a.k.a. “Agostino Dellapi”, “Angelo,” “Patsy Augustine,” “Johnny Augustine” was sat on the cafe steps with his wife Angelina. A sawn-off shot gun was poked through the car window, the trigger was pulled and a rain of slugs poured down on the Dellapias. As Augustine dived clear, his wife received a bullet to the right eye. This may have been in retaliation for the Lerro murder.

Dellapia would later move his cafe to 11th and Christian Streets, Philadelphia. It is unknown when Dellapia made this move, but it is clear Avena was using this location by 1936. In this year, The Philadelphia Inquirer, noted that, “[John] Avena was the head of the numbers game in South Philadelphia, and that he operated two large gambling establishments…located at 11th and Christian Sts and at 9th St. and Washington Ave.”

This location would go on to become the 500 club, and by 1958 was owned by LCN members, the Piccolo brothers. In 1977, the wives of Thomas DelGiorno and Frank “Frankie Flowers” D’Alfonso would buy the club from Michael and Nicholas Piccolo, and it would be renamed Cous’, Little Italy. This was of course the site of Angelo Bruno’s last meal. As of 1978, customers could enjoy the Sindone Salad, named after LCN member Frank Sindone.

A few days after the Bella Napoli shooting, former Brooklyn gangster, Frank Russo, was held without bail for the killing of John Lerro. Russo, who was brought to Philadelphia 18 months prior to Lerro’s slaying by one of the “downtown wine gangs,” was identified as the shooter by Lerro’s brother-in-law, Albert Marazzo. The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, “after naming Rosso [Russo] [Albert] Marrazzo almost frantically begged police to commit him to jail, because of his fear of gang reprisal. This was done and after his release he was accompanied for a time by a bodyguard, so solicitous was the District Attorney’s office to preserve him as a Commonwealth witness.”

As previously mentioned, Harry Riccobene identified Peter Casella as Lerro’s shooter. Was Russo mistaken for Casella, or were they both shooters?

Shortly after the Russo hearing, Bella Napoli owner, Modestino Dellapia was arrested for violating the firearms act. He was caught carrying a gun for protection.

March 16th, 1934 - the death of Francesco Marazzo

The father of the Marazzos, Francesco died in March of 1934, aged 68.

September 6th, 1934 - the murder of Albert Marazzo

In early September, Albert Marazzo was murdered as he fled his apartment, “he dashed down the steps and out onto the street, only to be chopped down by a fusillade of bullets, three of which struck him. Others sprayed the street and housefronts in the vicinity.” This was just 18 days before Albert Marazzo was due to testify at the trial of Frank Russo.

Ignatius Lanzetti and Charles Keller were initially arrested (later released), as were Angelo Pelagano (Modestino Dellapia) and James Scoffetti (Scafidi) from Dellapia’s cafe, Bella Napoli.

After the murders of Joseph, John and Albert Marazzo, Anthony Schiavo and John Lerro, and the death of her husband, Rachel Marazzo was still left with two sons (James Marazzo has presumably appeared unharmed from his previous disappearance). “Police estimated that they probably are immune from the Nemesis which has pursued four other members of the family. They asked why. “Oh they’re all right guys.” it was pointed out. “They work for a living.”

In June, 1935, Frank Russo, after severing 22 months was released from prison due to a lack of evidence. Albert Marazzo was dead, and the other witness, Albert Savino had retracted his statements.

In 1937, when mother, Raffaele “Rachel” Marazzo died, her residence would be listed as Philadelphia Hospital Mental Institution.

* * * * *

Notes:

• Figures labelled as LCN members may not have been made as of 1933-1934

EDIT - Aug 20th, 2026 - it was brought to my attention that the name Frank Russo (the convicted shooter of John Lerro) was an alias of Onofrio Franzese (1904-1969), a brother of Columbo LCN member John “Sonny” Franzese (1917-2020).

Angelo was born to Francesco Encarcosole (who by 1920 was known as Frank Son) and Rose Volpe. Frank Son, a shoemaker, immigrated from Serradifalco, Caltanissetta. On his naturalization documents, one witness is listed is Thomas Cometa, a brother of LCN member Salvatore “Sam” Cometa (1897-1975). Angelo’s mother, Rose, came from Montedoron heritage; early Pittston LCN Boss Santo Volpe was a first cousin, once removed.

Whilst Frank Son appears to not have been a LCN member, Angelo Son had two Uncles who were made members. One was, Salvatore “Sam Son” Carcasole (1893-1959), another shoemaker, who used a slightly different variation of the same surname before adopting the same change as his brother Frank. The other, who was married to his mother’s sister, was Calogero Bufalino (1878-1960), a man that FBI files stated at one point, “held a leadership role in the [LCN] organization.”

In 1920, Uncle, Calogero “Charles” Bufalino lived next door to the Frank Son family, with Angelo also being able to call LCN members Agostino Alfano and Calogero Consagra close neighbours. Influential Pittston Italian, Salvatore Bufalino was also close by.

In 1924, Sam Son was involved in a double murder. On one September evening, Sam Son visited a Pittston tavern with two associates looking to confront his brother-in-law, Joseph Marranca. Marranca had allegedly mistreated Sam Son’s sister. “During the scuffle, police say Son whipped out a 14-inch stiletto which was made from a file and plunged it into the body of Marranca. At this point in the fracas, Pietza (ph?) and the unknown man also entered the fight and five revolver shots were fired. One of the bullets struck Peatz behind the right ear, and he fell to the floor dead. Son and the unknown man made their exit from the saloon and disappeared into the darkness.”

“Sam Son is said to have a police record and is known as “Come Clean.” A few years ago he is said to have shot up a gambling place on Main Street, Pittston. and was given a six months sentence in the county jail.”

Three years later, Sam Son surrendered to state police and was trialled for double murder. He was soon discharged due to a lack of evidence. It was later reported that Piatzzo was the murderer of Marranca, not Sam Son.

By 1928, Angelo Son and his family had moved to Scranton. By 1940, Angelo had graduated with a degree in Radio and Acoustical Engineering, and was working for the Volpe Coal Company, owned by Pittston LCN Boss, Santo Volpe. Later this year, he would enlist in the Army, going on to serve as Captain.

In 1947, Angelo Son married Mary Medico, sister of future LCN members Angelo, Philip and William, and niece of member Archangelo Medico. Santo Volpe Jr served as Best Man, future Arizona-based Bonanno LCN member Russ Andaloro’s orchestra performed the string music. Coincidentally, Russ Andaloro lived five minutes away, on the same road as Angelo Son, in 1920.

In 1949, Angelo Son enrolled at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA., to study Engineering. He completed his degree in 1951.

By 1956, Son was associating with Russell Bufalino.

In 1959, his Uncle, Sam Son died.

In 1960, another Uncle, Charles Bufalino died. Amongst the honarary pallbearers were William and Philip Medico. Active pallbearers were Angelo Son, Russell Bufalino, David Osticco and Joseph Barbara (all LCN members).

As of March 1962, Angelo Son was employed as an engineer by Medico Industries of Pittston, a company started in 1938 by Son’s brother-in-law, LCN member William Medico.

An informant stated in October, 1963 that Angelo Son and his wife had dinner every Saturday night with Russell Bufalino.

In 1965, an investigation of Louis Cohen and Son, Inc., a wholesale scrap dealer located in Wilkes-Barre, PA., revealed the following officers:

• Angelo J. Son - President

• Santo Volpe (Jr) - Vice President

• William Medico - Secretary

• Fred Correale - Treasurer

One informant claimed that “Russell Bufalino has an office at the Cohen Junk Yard and is seen quite frequently at the place.”

A 1965 FBI file goes into the background of Son, reporting that, “he is reported to have been the owner of the Bethlehem Cartridge and Tool Company, Bethlenhem, PA. He allegedly owned this company for several years, since 1948. Angelo Son was allegedly the President of the Atlas Spring Company, Pittston, PA., prior to 1957. Also Son was allegedly President of the Mastic Coating Distributors, Inc., Pittston, PA.”

Angelo Son, in 1965, is identified as one of 27 living LCN members residing in the Upstate Pennsylvania area.

In March, 1966, a dinner was given in honor of Russell Bufalino where William Medico presented a testimonial. Bufalino was honored and presented a plaque for his “conscientious interest in promoting the welfare of his fellow man.” 66 persons attended dinner, including identified members of LCN, Salvatore Cometa, Philip T. Medico, Angelo J. Son, Modesto Loquasta and Vincenzo [“Dave”] Sticco.”

In July 1979, Son with four others was charged with one count of conspiracy and 26 separate counts of sports bribery, as part of what the press called a “multi million dollar race-fixing scheme at Pocono Downs and race tacks in New England and New Jersey.”

A 1965 FBI file states that, “PH T-23 further advised that in regards to the Pocono Downs Raceway, the “Cosa Nostra” still has control of the track regardless of who is publicly listed as the owners. PH T-23 stated that James J. Durkin has been a front for the Medico brothers for years and noted that when he, Durkin, traded stock in the Lou Cohen and Son Junk Yard at Wilkes Barre, Pa., for stock in the Pocono Downs Raceway, he was fronting for them.”

In 1980, The Pennsylvania Crime Commission report stated that, “sources have said that Son traveled to New York City monthly to meet with [Pittston LCN Boss, Russell] Bufalino at Vesuvio’s Restaurant. Numerous calls have been made to Son’s residence and place of work from the Consulate Hotel in New York City where Bufalino maintained an apartment.” The report states “He has recently been an emerging figure in the family.”

Newspapers reported in January, 1980, that Angelo Son was ill. On June 12th, 1981, charges against Son from the 1979 race fixing case were dismissed. He died the next day.

Born in Philadelphia, 1931, to John Monte and Virginia Mancini, by 1940, Frank Monte was living in a multi-generation dwelling, housing himself, his father, his brother, four aunties, a grand mother and a grandfather, his namesake, Frank Monte. The younger Frank’s mother and father had separated by this time and would go on to divorce.

His grandfather (listed on some records as Francesco Monti) had immigrated in 1903 from Belmonte Mezzagno and was living at 722 Warnock Street as early as 1920; an address his Grandson, Frank was attached to as late as 1961. Frank’s Great Grandmother was a Barrale (a Belmontese name associated with the Philadelphia LCN Family).

The younger Frank was an amateur boxer before enlisting in the army in 1949, serving in Korea, before being wounded in 1951. Records describe his injury as ‘seriously wounded in action by missile.’

When he returned to Philadelphia, he wasn’t far from LCN characters. Whilst he didn’t appear to have any close family with mob ties, a stone’s throw from his address lived Michael Piccolo (made a member in 1955), brother to future Capodecina and Consiglieri, Nicholas Piccolo. Monte would go on to be Consiglieri to the Piccolo’s nephew, Nicky Scarfo.

Also close by was member Salvatore Casella (Father of Peter Casella, who would plot Boss Philip Testa’s death in 1981). Testa would become Monte’s Capodecina.

By 1953, Frank Monte was starting to make a name for himself as a burglar. In December of this year, four men were arrested in Trenton, N.J., after they attempted to take $4,800 from a locked, moving car. They were unsuccessful, reported and later apprehended. The men were LCN member Rocco Scafidi, Andrew Scafidi, William LaMassa, and Frank Monte, then just 22 years old. The driver of the car was unable to identify them, “the four Philadelphians said they came to Trenton to shop for Christmas gifts because of cheaper prices here. In the trunk of [Andrew] Scafidi’s auto a realistic toy pistol was found.” A few days later, when the four failed to pay fines of disorderly conduct, they were all jailed.

In April, 1954, three men robbed a Trenton Beverage company employee of her satchel containing checks and cash worth over $41,000, as she was leaving her car, heading for a bank. Two witnesses tied Monte to the crime, however he denied the charge and testified at the time of the crime “he was helping his grandmother with the housework.” The robbed employee stated that, “a man “resembling” Monte clamped his hand over her mouth and wrenched the brief case containing the cash and checks from her… Under cross-examination, [she] admitted she was not “absolutely certain” that Monte was the man.” Louis Hartel, a burglar who had linked Monte to the robbery, “told the jury that he was in company with Monte, Louis Torzillo and Paul Bellino along with another man identified only as “Rocco” when all admitted being involved in the robbery.” There is a strong case that the pre-mentioned “Rocco” is Rocco Scafidi. Frank Monte was acquitted of his part in the robbery. His brother’s testimony, that Monte was at home, helped his cause.

In May 1954, a Morrisville, PA, home was robbed of $100 cash and $996 in jewellery. Louis Hartel, again was in on the act. In March 1955, he pleaded guilty to being part of a five-man team and stated, “Louis Torzillo, Paul Bellino, who are in a New Jersey prison, and Rocco Scafida [Scafidi] and Frank Monte, who are fugitives from justice, were with him.” Monte would be later acquitted of the charge.

In May 1955, an illegal still of 1,000 gallon capacity was found in Ivyland, Bucks Co.; the farm location was making moonshine whiskey. The farm owner was arrested, as was Frank Monte as he drove towards the farm “in a panel truck loaded with sugar and charcoal.” Monte was asked many questions, to which he replied, “I don’t know anything.” He was charged with violating liquor laws.

In November 1956, Monte along with three others was jailed for 60 days at Camden County prison for carrying burglar tools. A routine road check led troopers to find tools, a pistol and a knife in a car containing Monte, Louis Matteo, Rosario Falzone and John Passalocqua.

In March 1958, Monte was placed on probation for one year following his arrest in 1955 and his part in the local Bootleg Ring. Monte was arrested in June 1958 with a charge of gambling and in October 1958 for frequenting a gambling house.

In October 1960, Frank Monte, the Purple heart veteran became a made member of the Philadelphia LCN Family.

FBI files state, “Frank Monte and Frank Narducci were both “made” members of La Cosa Nostra in Philadelphia in 10/60… Rocco Scafidi was “reinstated” into La Cosa Nostra on the same night. This source said the induction ceremony took place at the Buckeye Athletic club” and, “On this occasion, Frank Monte, Frank Narducci, Michael Tramantana, Santo Romeo and a “Mike” (LNU) from Trenton, N.J., also known as “lightning” were sponsored for admission to La Cosa Nostra…Frank Monte and Frank Narducci were sponsored by Philip Testa.”

In June 1964, Monte and Rocco Scafidi would discuss the making ceremony.

RS - Hey tell me the truth, the night we met and I was made you didn’t know I was in (La Cosa Nostra) did you? You know, when I was reinstated?

FM - (Obscene) what you think, I come from the country or something. I knew everybody - before I was in (La Cosa Nostra) I knew everybody.

RS - You knew I was in all that time?

FM - Yeah, yeah.

RS - When you and I were clipping together you knew I was in then?

FM - Yes, I knew you was in.

In Kansas City, ‘The Bakery’ was both a functioning bakery and grocery store, and a name for the upper echelon group who seemingly controlled the behind-the-scenes decisions of the local LCN group. Their story starts in Castelvetrano, Trapani province in 1913.

Giovanni Filardo (b. 1888), a baker, immigrated from Castelvetrano in 1913, heading for a brother-in-law, Isco La Monica of Kansas City. Later that year, Giovanni’s brother Giuseppe, then aged 16, would also immigrate, joining his brother.

Also in 1913, Giacomo Binaggia (b. 1897) of Gibellina, 11 miles North-East of Castelvetrano, headed for Kansas City and to his Uncle, Francesco Lombardo, of 565 Cherry St.

By 1917, Giovanni and Guiseppe Filardo had moved to Scholes St., Brooklyn, NYC. After serving in the war, Giovanni returned to Castelvetrano, but Giuseppe remained in Brooklyn, and in 1922 had his first brush with the law.

In February 1922, Giuseppe Filardo, Bartolomeo Messina (Giovanni Filardo’s brother-in-law) and Giovanni Giannone was arrested following complaints by over 40 Bushwick and Greenpoint businessmen of letters being sent to them with threats of either payment or death. The spelling of ‘Bushwick’ on the letters led Filardo and Co. to being arrested. When Giannone was asked to spell Bushwick, he misspelled it ‘Bushiwick,’ the same misspelling that appeared on the ‘black hand’ letters.

The same month as Giuseppe Filardo was blackmailing in Brooklyn, Giacomo ‘Jack’ Binaggia was also finding his feet. Binaggia, now married to a Lena Capo, and operating a Grocery store at 1701 Holmes St. named ‘Binaggia and Catalano,’ (with Giovanni Catalano, b.1891, Santa Ninfa) was held by Kansas City police after a car parked by him, was found to contain a gallon of corn whiskey. Charges of possession of whiskey would continue for Binaggia into 1923.

As of early 1923, Binaggia’s store would be renamed to ‘Binaggia and Co.’ Shortly after, in June 1923, Giuseppe Cusumano (Filardo’s cousin according to the Roma Bakery’s official website) immigrated from Castelvetrano to Kansas City.

According to the Roma Bakery’s website, the Roma Bakery would form in 1923. This year is debatable due to further information presented in this article.

In November 1923, Binaggia was the named contact for future Kansas City hoodlum, Antonino Bonino, who aged 18, immigrated from, like Binaggia, Gibellina. Bonino named Binaggia his Uncle. Bonino would in 1950, be named an ‘alleged mafia member’ by the Kefauver committee.

On February 15th, 1925, in the Springfield, Illinois area, Filardo was charged with three counts of violating the National Prohibition Act. Filardo pled guilty to possession of illegal alcohol, illegal selling, and maintaining a common nuisance. He was fined $300 and sentenced to three months imprisonment. Also charged was an Ernest ‘Earnie’ Farnam, who with Vincent Salvo, verified Filardo’s identity. Vincent Salvo (1894-1967) was a Castelvetrano-born, suspected member of the Springfield LCN Family. The information in this paragraph comes directly from Bill Ouseley, Former Supervisor of the Kansas City FBI Organized Crime Squad.

In 1927, Filardo, back in Kansas City and now going by Joseph, was caught up in a lovers triangle, resulting in a hospital stay for him, and death for another man. Filardo, who according to newspaper reports of the time, was operating the Filardo wholesale grocery on 2110 East Fifteenth Street, was having a relationship with a married woman, Caterina Leon. Her husband Antonio ‘Tony Leon’ Montelione was informed by his son that his wife had visited a rooming house- the home of Filardo. As Tony Leon approached the apartment, Filardo and Caterina Leon exited, there was a struggle, shots were fired and Tony Leon died, whilst Filardo took two bullets, one to the chest, one in the abdomen. Caterina Leon stated her husband was to blame. Filardo’s rooming owner presented the information that Filardo had previously introduced Caterina Leone as a cousin(?), and that she had visited him many times with food and had cleaned his room.

In 1929, Joseph Filardo’s naturalization was denied with a reason of “not good moral character” written on his application. Witnesses included John Lazia associate Marion Nigro, brother of suspected LCN member Louis and cousin of Angelo “Bossie” Nigro. By this time, the Roma Bakery was definitely in operation (Filardo’s obituary states 1928), situated at 1303 Independence Avenue (not at either of Filardo or Binaggia’s previous business addresses).

The Kansas City Star reported that a group named the Sugarhouse Syndicate was formed, holding “a corner on black market sugar and corn sugar syrup during the waning years of prohibition.” One FBI files goes further, stating this group controlled all bootlegging in the Kansas City area. Headed by John Lazia (widely regarded as the local LCN Boss from 1931-1934), the Sugarhouse Syndicate members included Filardo, Cusumano and Binaggia.

In 1931, Filardo married Carmen Capo, a sister of Jack Binaggia’s wife (with Binaggia acted as witness to the wedding), making the two grocers brother-in-law to one another. The three men of the Bakery were now connected by business, friendship, blood and marriage.

During the Christmas period of 1936, The Bakery, with the North Side Democratic club, prepared 450 food baskets for local impoverished families. At this time the North Side Democratic club was headed by Marion Nigro. Former presidents of the club were Charles Carrollo and John Lazia (both former Bosses of the Kansas City LCN).

In February, 1937, The Kansas City Times reported that Cusumano’s left hand was caught in a bread roller and the “forearm was mangled badly.”

By 1940, Filardo and Cusumano were neighbours on South Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City. In 1944, Cusumano was naturalized, with Binaggia acting as witness.

The Roma Bakery, in 1945, was fined $25 on four counts of of violation of the food and drug act. The next few years contained more fines, with the Bakery’s corporation, Midwest Bakery and Macaroni Co. being guilty of some of their bread being adulterated. Also in this period, the Bakery was robbed, with Cusumano held at gunpoint. At this time, Filardo was President, Cusumano was Vice President, and Binaggia was Secretary. As stated earlier, when Giuseppe Filardo’s older brother’s arrived on US soil, he listed his occupation as Baker; baking could well have been a family trade back in Castelvetrano.

On April 6th 1950, current Kansas City Boss, Charles Binaggio and his bodyguard Charles Gargotta were shot to death inside the Democratic Club. Charles Binaggio may well have been a relative of Jack Binaggia, with Charles’s father Vito also being born in Gibellina, arriving with the name Binagia.

A 1962 report, contains the following information from the Kansas City Crime Commission’s restricted files regarding leadership in the 1940s-50s. “In 1943 Tony Gizzo was the enforcer for the Mafia in Kansas City and Charles Binaggio was the political front man. At this time, Nick Civella, Joseph [“Buggy”] Anch and John [“The Mutt”] Mutalo were on the outs with the fellow Mafia members and held up several Mafia business ventures, both legal and otherwise. This resulted in the killing of Anch [1946] and Mutalo [1947] and the flight of Civella to Chicago [Civella’s father, Antonino immigrated to Chicago in 1903] where he was given the protection of his friend Tony Accardo [also of Castelvetrano heritage]. By 1950, Binaggio was becoming too powerful to suit Gizzo and he turned to Accardo for help. Accardo sent Civella back to Kansas City and on April 5, 1950, Binaggio and a friend, Charles Garotta [Gargotta], were shot and killed by Civella and REDACTED, known as REDACTED. [Other informants have indicated that Joseph “Joey G” Gurera was involved in the killing of the two Charlies]. Civella then became the bodyguard for Gizzo and REDACTED was also in high favour with the members of the Mafia then in power. At this time, James Balistrere [Balestrere] was considered the top man with Gizzo, and Joseph Filardo was becoming known as an important man in the group. On April 1, 1953 Gizzo died and Civella took over as enforcer and REDACTED became REDACTED.” Later in this report, Filardo is named as an arbitrator.

Whilst many KC LCN members attended Charles Binaggio’s wake, absent were Filardo, Cusumano and Binaggia.

Later this year, the Kefauver Committee attempted to “establish in its public hearings in Kansas City that a group of criminals engaged in gambling, but many of whom had formerly engaged in the illegal liquor traffic, attempted to dominate law enforcement in the city of Kansas City.” Labelled as ‘Alleged Mafia members’ were both Joseph Filardo and Joseph Cusumano.

As part of the hearings, a local baker named Louis Weintraub stated that in 1948, his drivers had “run into trouble (threatened) with those of the Roma Bakery,” and that one of his existing customers were switching their buyer to the another (alluding again to the Roma Bakery) as he “could not give them protection and somebody else was giving him protection.”

In 1958, an upstate New York school teacher mentioned to her brother that she remembered a day in the previous year where two men had arrived at her school from the surrounding woods and asked to use the telephone to call a taxi. After calling one, the two men went to the back of the building, waited for the taxi to appear and when it arrived, they continued their journey.

At 17:00, on November 14, 1957, Joseph Filardo and Nick Civella were picked up, riding in a ‘City Cab’ on Route 17, East of Vestal, N.Y., heading for Binghamton. The cab was redirected to the Vestal substation where earlier that day, many other men has been questioned having left the infamous Apalachin meeting. Sgt. Benanati ordered the men to be questioned as they were “flashily dressed, and seemed to fit into the picture.” Civella claimed he had gone to Apalachin to spend time with a woman, whose address was given to him by a bell hop. Filardo claimed he was not at (Apalachin host) Joseph Barbara’s residence and neither did he know the man.

Earlier that day, James Colletti, Frank Zito, Frank DeSimone and Simone Scozzari were located by law enforcement having headed West from Barbara’s home on foot, presumably across the creek and wooded area. They may have been with Filardo and Civella before later splitting up.

Confidential Informant Albany T-42 advised that Filardo and Civella had travelled (to said meeting) in Civella’s car. Civella and Filardo had registered at the Arlington Hotel, Binghamton, N.Y. Also staying there at the time of the meeting was Vito Geneovese, Michael Genovese and John LaRocca.

In late November, 1957, the Kansas City Police department called Civella and Filardo; they admitted having been in Apalachin that day, having caught a taxicab near the high school in Apalachin, but denied attending the meeting. Civella continued with his reason of “chasing women” for his appearance in the area. Jack Binaggia was interviewed following the gathering, but denied any knowledge of the meeting.

At this time Nick Civella was Boss of the Kansas City LCN family. Civella’s mother, Antonia, was born in Castelvetrano, whilst his father, Antonino, though born in Poggiareale, listed his last Italian residence as Castelvetrano on a naturalization document. This geographical link between Filardo and Civella surely strengthened their relationship. Post-Apalachin, Filardo stated in an interview that he “sometimes took trips with him [Civella] when his son was unable to.”

Since the Kefuaver hearings, Filardo had managed to keep himself out of the limelight. His name was now in papers nationwide. The headlines continued into the 1960s with Filardo and to a lesser extent, Cusumano often appearing in the Kansas City press due to being called to testify. Binaggia escaped the attention.

In 1959, Confidential informant Albany T-65, stated “the organization normally conferred to as “The Clique.” “The Boys,” or “The Syndicate,” was under the actual leadership of Joseph Filardo and Joseph Cusumano… but that the syndicate handled all its business through Nicholas Civella.”

In the 1960s, many reports contained statements alluding to Filardo and Cusumano as overseers of Kansas City’s LCN Family.

In 1961, a report states, “all of the money from the various enterprises, both legal and illegal, in which Clique leaders and prominent Clique members are involved goes into a common pool, supervised by Joseph Filardo.”

A 1962 FBI file states, “the entire [gambling] operation is controlled by the Roma Bakery” and “Nick Civella is answerable to the Roma Bakery.”

An informant from a 1963 FBI file reported, “the two leaders of “The Clique” have been Joseph Filardo and Joseph Cusumano, referred to as, “The Big Men, Old Men at the Bakery, Mr. Joe or by their proper name.” He added these two men controlled “The Clique.” Informant stated that only one man reports to “The Men at the Bakery” and the current man is Nick Civella.”

Another 1963 file reports, “the leaders of this group [The Clique] only report to Nick Civella and if a problem arises that requires a higher decision, Civella will then take this matter up with “The Men at the Bakery.”

An informant states in a further report from the same year that, “Joe Filardo and REDACTED [almost certainly Joe Cusumano] still have a great deal of power. This is evident in weddings and funerals, where everyone “comes up to them and bows down.”

In 1964, KC T-7 reported that Gurera [Joseph Gurera, Kansas City LCN member] had confided in him, “that the “Bakery” had okayed a change in leadership, and that Nick Civella is “on his way out.” Gurera stated that there have been many complaints made to the “Bakery” concerning Civella’s handling of the “outfit” in Kansas City.” KC T-7 continued to say that, “Joseph Filardo and REDACTED [again, almost certainly Joe Cusumano] have been described as leaders who have authority over Civella, however, do not come to the public attention.” In November 1964, KC T-7 also stated that during the period of 1947-1949, Former Boss “Tony Gizzo had explained to REDACTED according to information furnished by KC T-7, that Joseph Filardo and REDACTED [again, almost certainly Joseph Cusumano] were the heads of the criminal organization; however they were “behind the scenes” and were never actually in on the open operation of the organization. The operating level consisted of Charles Gargotta, Charles Biaggio, REDACTED [probably Gaetano Lococo] and Tony Gizzo.” This extract informs that Filardo and Cusumano were ‘overseeing’ the Kansas City LCN Family long before Civella was named Boss.

In another 1964 report, it states, “Civella is not a true member of the “Mafia group” [presumably a label for the old Black Hand group/Sugarhouse Syndicate] to which Joe Filardo, Joe Cusumano and Jack Binaggia belong. Civella, most likely, will replace Filardo one day, or at least, assume a semi-retired consultant status as exemplified by individuals of Filardo’s group, such as Joe “Scarface” Di Giovanni and John Blando.”

In May 1965, a CI reported that “Joseph Filardo and Joseph Cusumano are still the leaders of the criminal organization and Nicholas Civella is the active leader who takes orders from them. Filardo and Cusumano do not come into direct contact with other members of the organization as does Civella.” CI continued, advising “all [members] are under the authority of Filardo and Cusumano” and that “Cusumano only occupies his position since he is a relative of Filardo.”

Filardo and Cusumano along with Nick and Carl Civella amongst others, were questioned as part of Clay County’s investigation into organized criminal activities in the county in early 1966.

In March 1967, an alleged member of LCN, stated that Nick Civella is the “undisputed boss,” and that “Joe Filardo was probably the second most important person in the “outfit” in Kansas City. He said Filardo is the Italian and Civella the American…Filardo is one of the old men, now in his 70s who “has stayed in the picture and has real authority. He explained [that] Filardo has plenty of money, making some originally in the bootlegging days and has kept it.” The informant also stated, “Joe Cusumano, while a member of the “Outfit” has no power and is “just getting by.” He explained that Cusumano was originally with Binaggio (Charles) and Gargarda (Gargotta) and with their death has never been able to “get back.”

Later that year, a member source outlined the Kansas City family membership, and included Filardo and Cusumano as ‘inactive members.’

On 1/1/68, an informant stated as well as many other members, he observed Filardo and Cusumano at the wake of fellow LCN member, Joseph Gurera.

In August 1971, an informant listed Filardo, Cusumano, and this time Jack Binaggia as members of the Kansas City ‘outfit.’

In November 1973, Joseph Cusumano died in hospital. He was 73.

In late December 1973, an informant reported that, “Joe Filardo has been ill lately and is reportedly all “crippled up” with a bad back, legs and various other ailments.”

In August 1985, Joseph Filardo died, aged 87. Jack Binaggia would live to 94, passing in 1991.

In 1992, the Roma Bakery (now run by Joseph Filardo’s son amongst others) was destroyed by fire. The Kansas City Star reported that, “At least one witness claims to have seen two cars: One reportedly cruised by the building at 1301 Independence Ave., and someone in the car threw a brick or rock to clear a hole through a thick front window. The second car allegedly rolled by a minute or two later, and someone inside hurled a Molotov cocktail.”

Whilst the company would reestablish itself, “the Bakery”- the building and the people, were all gone.

*****

Notes:

1. A huge thank you to Bill Ouseley who kindly provided some of his personal research of Joseph Filardo

2. Notable people who were at some point employed at the Roma Bakery:

• James DeSimone

• Nicolo Impastato

• Angelo Donnici

3. Some of the information found in the above article can also be found here, in Ed Valin’s article. It would have been remiss to not contain these details as they play an important part in the story.

Born in Cortale commune of Catanzano, Calabria, in 1899, Raffaele Saraceno immigrated to Utica, N.Y., from Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, in 1920, heading for an Uncle, Vincenzo Gulla.

Three years after his arrival, now residing in Corry, Erie Co., PA, Saraceno was in the news, suspected of having left town with a local female, ten years his junior. A few days later it was revealed the couple had wed in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Marriage records detail his parents as Guiseppe Saraceno (b. Cortale) and Teresa Vulla (Gulla?).

By early 1927, Saraceno was known to authorities as a bootlegger and being a member of local vice circles. He operated a roadhouse between Corry and Union City, described as a “dump” by a local newspaper. The Warren Tribune described Saraceno as a “type of criminal who would stop at nothing, even murder, to carry out his dirty, lawless, parasitical operations, which have shrouded his movements since he took up his residence in Corry.”

Ralph Bocci and Tony Cuzzola murders

In June 1929, Ralph “Botch” Bocci, 35, and Tony Cuzzola, 42, two Erie men disappeared. Shortly before they vanished, the pair had received threatening letters from a Black Hand society. Cuzzola, a prominant figure in Pennsylvania bootlegging, had allegedly cut in on territory owned by another clique.

It was discovered that Bocci and Cuzzola had left Erie on June 13th with a carload of liquor intended for Ralph Saraceno. Tracks of their car were found near the spot they were supposed to have met Saraceno, and evidence of a struggle was found. Their car was found two days later with one of the missing men’s hats found in the automobile.

Suspicion of the bootleggers disappearance was aimed at Saraceno, and a friend Joseph Perry, the pair were arrested on 10th August. During this investigation, it was revealed Saraceno, who newspapers were now calling “King of Corry bootleggers and rum runners,” was operating a still on a local farm. The theory of the police was that Sarceno was eliminating his local competition in the bootlegging trade. With no evidence, Saraceno and Perry were soon released.

On the 4th August, 1929, state police arrested James Amato, 36, of Girardville, Schuylkill County and Joseph Scarfo, 40, of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, in connection with the two missing bootleggers. The Warren Times Mirror stated that, Amato and Scarfo were “members of the Forest County district of the bootleg ring of which Saraceno is a member.” (As noted above, Amato and Scarfo lived in Schuylkill County, not Forest County).

Amato, was Vincenzo “Upstate Jimmy,” aka “Jimmy the Shiek” Amato, (b. 1894) a Philadelphia LCN member who immigrated from Santa Cristina d'Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria in 1912. Informant Harry Riccobene placed Amato under the direction of either Giuseppe Rugnetta or Marco Reginelli, c. 1952. In 1957, Amato attended the funeral of fellow Calabrian, Albert Anastasia. Anastasia owned a dressmaking factory in nearby Hazleton.

Joseph Scarfo, although not a close relative of the infamous Nicky Scarfo, was born in Mammola, Reggio Calabria, the same town as Nicky’s ancestors (and the Philadelphia LCN Piccolos). Interestingly, Joseph Scarfo married a Piccolo, as did Nicky’s father (to a sister of the LCN Piccolo brothers)- but neither sets were closely related.

Amato and Scarfo had been wanted in connection with another murder, with police believing they may have been linked to the disappearance of the two Erie men. Newspapers reported that it was established both were not connected and therefore were released.

On September 16th, two young men found the bodies of Ralph Bocci and Tony Cuzzola in a ravine, near Triumph township, whilst hunting woodchucks. The two corpses were found, wrists tied, slumped having fallen from gunshot. One was lying on his hat. Law enforcement agreed the pair has been marched to the clearing where each received two shots behind the right ear. Newspapers reported that this was the first time in Northwestern Pennsylvania where a person had been “put on the spot” by killers.

Shortly after the bodies were found, an intensive man-hunt was implemented to locate Ralph Saraceno. On 30th September, Saraceno’s car was found, but it wasn’t until 8th October, 1929 when Saraceno turned himself in for questioning, that he was charged with ‘suspicion of having committed a felony.’ He was described as being “immaculately groomed, having a clean shave, with his hair sleeked down nicely. He was wearing a blue serge suit, blue sox, blue polka dot tie and low shoes.”

In February, 1930, like Amato and Scarfo, Ralph Saraceno was released in connection to the disappearance of Bocci and Cuzzola, and for violation of liquor laws, both on account of insufficient evidence.

In April 1930, Joseph Piccolo, 23, a.k.a. Joseph Mario (one of the three Philadelphia LCN Piccolo brothers), was held by Philadelphia police in connection with the Bocci and Cuzzola murders. According to one newspaper report at the time, on the day prior to the victims disappearing, Piccolo had been arrested in Butler, PA, (85 miles south of where the bodies were found) charged with carrying concealed deadly weapons. When he was discharged for the weapons charge, he said the two men (Bocci and Cuzzola) had been responsible for his apprehension. Piccolo, (with Ralph Saraceno and Joseph Perry) was held on another occasion, this time in Westfield, Chautauqua County, N.Y., 30 miles North of Corry, two weeks prior to Bocci and Cuzzola disappearing, under suspicion due to purchasing large quantities of shotgun ammunition (these two events may be one and the same, due to inaccurate newspaper reports).

After being held for two days in April 1930, and having being labelled as the ‘suspected triggerman’ in the murders, authorities were unable to present sufficient evidence, leading to Piccolo being released.

Piccolo, Amato and Scarfo, like Saraceno, were all Calabrian/of Calabrian descent. The four suspects in this murder case hailed from Corry, to Philadelphia (and towns in-between), a distance of 340 miles. Whether they were all involved with the deaths or not, the fact they were all connected having lived so far part is intriguing. Although hailing from different towns, they actually lived closer together when previously living in Calabria.

Amato would live until 1975. In 1971, he was the proprietor of the A & J Wholesale-Retail store in Shenandoah, a store owned by LCN member brothers Albert (Pittston member) and Joseph Scalleat (Philadelphia member). Another Calabrian, Philadelphia member and Murder Inc. triggerman, Gioacchino Parisi was found hiding in 1949 in the Hazelton home of Nellie Scalleat, sister of Albert and Joseph. The Scalleats were of Campanian descent (Father’s name was Scariati). As the most North-Eastern PA Philadlephia members, Amato, Parisi and Joseph Scalleat would all likely have been part of the Chester Calabrian Decina in later years.

A move to New Jersey

By 1939, Ralph Saraceno had moved to Mount Carmel, Northumberland Co., PA. His 1942 draft registration states his occupation as an independent coal breaker. By 1950, he had relocated to Erlton, Camden Co., N.J.

In both 1953 and 1957, The Philadelpha LCN Family Boss, Joe Ida, a fellow-Calabrian, made telephone calls to the Erlton home of Ralph Saraceno. Saraceno’s car had been identified outside Ida’s home, in Highland Park, N.J.

Disappearance

On the evening of Tuesday, March 10th, 1959, Saraceno left home for business. He was last seen having parked his Cadillac in a parking lot, walking in the direction of the Walt Whitman Hotel, Camden, N.J. Saraceno told the parking lot attendant he would be back within two hours. He did not return.

Two days later, Saraceno’s daughter spotted her father’s car at the Camden parking lot. One newspaper at this time reported that Saraceno was a partner in a South Philadelphia dairy products firm, another stated he was a salesman. This company was the Maggio Cheese Co., the founder being Philadephia LCN member, Michael Maggio. Member Dominick Pollina was also employed by the Cheese Company.

On March 14th, Saraceno was reported missing. Coincidently, this was the same day that Michael Maggio died.

Ralph Saraceno’s body was never found.

Below is a list of LCN-connected people who at least for some time, resided in Auburn, N.Y. The names with an asterisk attached to them appear in one of Nicola Gentile’s address books seized in 1937. Besides Salvatore Scro, all on the list were born in Agrigento province, with six of the nine being born in Siculiana.

• Nicola Gentile (b. Siculiana, 1885-1966)

• Amadeo Sciortino (b. Siculiana, 1880-1951) *

• Pasquale Sciortino (b. Siculiana, 1915-1999) (son of Amadeo)

• Antonio Alongi (b. Siculiana, 1888-1941)

• Agostino Santino (b. Siculiana, 1884-1954) *

• Joseph Graceffo (b. Siculiana, 1880-1949) *

• Saverio Monachino (b. Realmonte, 1892-1990) *

• Pasquale Monachino (b. Realmonte, 1908-1988) (brother of Saverio)

• Ignazio Cassaro (b. Comitini, 1882-1960)

• Salvatore Scro (b. Marineo, Palermo, 1893-1962)

Due to the close birth dates of the men born in Siculiana, it is not too much of a stretch to presume at least some of these men knew each other before they immigrated to US soil.

The following graphic aims to communicate the links between the people on the above list c. 1940. Absent are Nicola Gentile and Joseph Graceffo. Gentile only lived in Auburn for a brief time, when he stayed “with a friend” following the Pittsburgh Volpe brother murders in 1932. The friend may have been someone from the above list. Graceffo, a saloon owner with a record, apart from appearing in Gentile’s address book appears to have no links to others on the list.

Which Family?

Attempting to identify which LCN Family Auburn was attached to (or even if it was its own group), is challenging and hard to nail down. Due to Sam Scro residing there in the 1930s, one might think it would be the Buffalo Family, with Scro’s marital connections to several significant Buffalo members (Boss, Stefano Magaddino, Underboss, Angelo Acquisto and soldier, Anthony Perna- as well the Bonnano’s Gaspare Di Gregorio). Scro would later move to Syracuse and associate with Anthony DeStefano, who was a Buffalo member. A 1985 FBI file listing Buffalo members contains the name Patrick Sciortino, aka Patsy, of Rochester, which one would assume was the same person from the ten-name list at the top of this post.

However, there is suggestive evidence that Auburn may have been part of the Pittston Family’s sprawling territory. The below extract details how Joseph Barbara led a group from as North as Auburn, N.Y., to as South as Hazelton, PA. Whilst there are contradictory reports of whether Barbara ever led the Pittston Family, it is interesting that the informant stated that Auburn belonged to the same family as regions that definitely did belong to the Pittston Family (though Hazleton was also territory of the Philadelphia family).

The Pittston LCN group were not strangers to the inclusion of Agrigento-born members. One member was Dunmore-based Joseph Contessa, (b. Cianciana 1893-1975) while Emanuel Zicari (b. Siculiana, 1900-1970) is listed by the FBI as a suspected member. Zicari, an Apalachin attendee and lifelong friend of Joseph Barbara, would act as pallbearer for him, as well as for the wife of Pittston member Sam Cometa.

Of the ten people listed at the top of the article, many have links to Pittston. Antonio Alongi lived in a Pittston building owned by Pittston LCN Member Charles Bufalino as of 1927. Ignazio Cassaro lived in the same building as the Bufalino brothers’ Pittston saloon as of 1918. Both men would move north to Auburn.

In 1929, the honorary pallbearers for Dunmore miner Frank Geraci included Antonio Alongi, Ignazio Cassaro, Agostino Santino as well an S. Sciartibo (possibly an error, and meant to be Sciortino). The pre-mentioned Joseph Contessa was a casket bearer.

When you add in Joseph Barbara’s connections with the Monachinos, there then seems to be more than just a slight connection between Pittston and a Siculiana-born group who resided in Auburn.

The Monachinos (and Sciortino) were important enough to be invited to Apalachin in 1957. Were they there representing their own group, or as part of another?

The children were:

• Marianna Polizzi - 1885-1956

• Cataldo Polizzi - 1893-1952

• Salvatore Polizzi - 1896-1925

• Angelo Polizzi - 1899-1957

• Angela Polizzi - 1903-1989 (no LCN ties)

• Giuseppe Polizzi - 1906-1981

1. Marianna (Mary) Polizzi

Marianna immigrated from San Cataldo in 1907, intending to reach husband Michele Ferrari/o of Main Street, Pittston. She was widowed by 1930, leaving her to raise six children. She tragically died in 1956, whilst picking coal. The Times Leader, January 6th, wrote that a witness reported that, “Mrs Ferrari was reaching for coal between two lokie cars of a string of 20 cars on a slope. The empty lokie cars were moved and Mrs Ferrari was dragged between the cars for about 33 feet.”

Pallbearers for her funeral included three nephews, all named Michael Pollizi (presumably one was the Detroit LCN member of this name, son of Angelo), Joseph Barbara, Emanuel Zicari and (Pittston Boss at this time) Russell Bufalino. The calibre of pallbearer was in no doubt due to her brother Angelo and his connections.

2. Cataldo Polizzi

Cataldo immigrated to Dunmore in 1913. Three year later, he is arrested as an accessory after the fact in the murder case of a Giuseppe Pasquale. His Father-in-law, Cataldo Guarnieri was the murderer; Cataldo Polizzi was excused of aiding his Father-in-law of escaping. Cataldo Polizzi denied any knowledge of the crime and explained he knew nothing of the murderer’s whereabouts. He was later released.

By 1930, Cataldo Polizzi was President of the Dunmore San Cataldo Society. This was followed in 1941 with him being named an Officer of the Young Men’s Progressive club of the Second Ward, Dunmore (a group that included LCN member Casper “Cappy” Guimento as part of its ‘executive committee’).

In 1940, Polizzi was elected as Councilman for the Second Ward of Dunmore.

Cataldo’s 1942 draft registration details his employer as the Volpe Coal Co. of Pittston. This is former Pittston Boss Santo Volpe’s company. In his obituary, it states that prior to 1940, he was a member of the United Mine Workers of America Grievance Committee for Pennsylvania Coal company employees.

In 1950, he is named with brothers Angelo and Joseph, as ‘mafia suspects’ in the Texas Crime Investigating Committee’s report on the History of the Mafia.

Cataldo Polizzi died in 1952 after a brief illness.

3. Salvatore Polizzi

Salvatore immigrated in 1913, aged 17, with an intention to join brother-in-law Michele Ferraro in Mayfield, Pennsylvania. By 1917 he was working for the Penn Coal Company. After serving his country, he lived in Dunmore, married Laura Guimento (sister of LCN member Casper) before dying young, in 1925. His daughter would marry the son of LCN member Louis Consagra.

4. Angelo Polizzi

The most prolific of the brothers was Angelo. Born in San Cataldo in 1899, he immigrating in 1915 as Michelangelo, with a destination of brother Cataldo in Dunmore.

From July 1917-February 1919, Angelo served in the First World War. He was discharged from duty; a February 1919 newspaper report names him in a list of those ‘wounded slightly.’ He was naturalized in Scranton in October 1919, with his residence listed as 247 Elm Street, Dunmore. The same address in 1919 was listed as his brother Salvatore’s home. Cataldo also lived here as of 1923.

In August of 1920, Angelo was involved in a gangland incident in Detroit’s Little Italy. At 9:30 on the morning of the 11th August, he and a Giusepe Manzello were shot by automobile gunmen.

The Detroit Free Press described the shooting in this sequence of events:

“[Angelo Meli] came to their house, 121 St. Aubin Avenue, Wednesday morning. He breakfasted with them. Following this, he asked his hosts to accompany him to a nearby garage. With Meli in the center, the three walked south on St. Aubin Avenue to Larned Street, turning east on Larned. The gunman’s automobile approached them as they were passing No. 539. The occupants opened fire, but the aim was wild.

Manzello and Pollizi turned and fled. Shooting continued, and Manzello fell with seven shots in his back, and Polizzi with five in his back. Meli, according to detectives did not run; they said they will undertake to prove he fired the shots that wounded the fleeing men.

The shots from the automobile which sped on, went high, they said. Ten bullets well up on the sides of houses in the neighbourhood support their conclusions.

When questioned, Manzello said, “he saw the shotgun poking out of the auto, but could not say who did the shooting, not even whether it was a man or a woman. He could not tell what kind of car it was.” Angelo Polizzi stated, “two shots were fired, one of them accounting for Manzello and the other wounding himself. When the two shots were fired, the third man, who was on the inside and furthest away from the auto, ran between the houses and escaped” In response to the implication that Angelo Meli had played a part in the shooting, Polizzi replied, “He came from the same town in Italy as we did, and he was like a brother.” LCN members Angelo and Frank Meli, like Angelo Polizzi immigrated to Dunmore from San Cataldo.

As only two shots were fired, and the men had 15 wounds between them, the prosecutors office was satisfied the shooting had been done with shotguns. It was believed the shooting was completed by one man, and the victims knew his identity.

Newspapers reported the murder of Antonio Badalamenti (15:45, also 11th August), was connected to the shooting of Angelo Polizzi and Manzello. Suspects held in connection to the Badalamenti murder were James Baracco, Joseph Zerelli, Leonardo Cellura, Joseph DeManto, William Toco (‘Black Bill’ Tocco), John Mengone, Carlo Menzello (Manzello) and Vito Perraino. The connection between the two crimes was made when it was discovered that Joseph Zerelli (future Detroit LCN Boss) lived at the same residence of 121 St. Aubin Avenue, as the morning shooting victims, Angelo Polizzi and Giuseppe Manzello.

In June 1921, Dunmore Police got a tip from Detroit authorities that a Cadillac had been shipped from Detroit to Buffalo, where it was repainted maroon in preparation for a bank robbery or payroll hold-up. Local Police found the newly painted car in a garage, awaiting repairs and after surveying the area, spotted four men acting suspiciously. They were arrested and after searching them, three were found to be carrying revolvers, each with extra ammunition. The four men were: Angelo Polizzi, Detroit; Salvatore Cerrito, Pittston; George Pantano, Dunmore and Angelo Meli, Detroit. Clearly Polizzi was in contact with Dunmore-based criminals and was willing to travel back to his old town to commit crime. Three of the men told police they were on their way to a wedding celebration; this looked doubtful when a kit of burglars’ tools were found in the maroon car. A ‘Dunmore Italian’ posted the £1000 bail, Polizzi left town and the bail was forfeited later that year. Newspapers reported the men were planning to rob the Pennsylvania Coal Co. Angelo’s brother Salvatore was working for the company as of 1917.

In August 1922, Angelo Polizzi applied for a passport with the intention of visiting relatives in Italy. Witness of application was future Detroit Boss, Cesare “Chester” LaMare, stating he had known Angelo since 1919. Whilst in Italy (presumably, San Cataldo) Angelo married Assunta Chinnici.

Polizzi arrived back in the port of New York in June 1923. As eldest son- and future Detroit LCN member Michele (Michael) Pollizi (1924-1997) was born in January of 1924; it can be assumed he was conceived during Angelo’s visit to his homeland. Angelo’s address as of 1923 is listed as 2952 Senolem (Seminole?) Avenue, Detroit.

Immigration records show he traveled again to Italy and returned in 1927, listing 247 Elm Street, Dunmore as his residence. He was most probably still residing in Detroit, as in 1928 when his Wife and four-year old son Michele immigrated from San Cataldo to join him, the address they were heading for, was 11800 Longview Avenue, Detroit. This is the same address as Frank Meli’s wife and children were heading to when they immigrated in 1929.

In 1929, Angelo is a pallbearer for ‘person of interest’ - Calogero Cancellieri, a mining contractor from San Cataldo.

By 1930, the family, now living on 11743 Longview Avenue, Detroit, had been joined by Angelo’s brother Joseph. Both brothers occupation was listed as coal miner.

Pittsburgh Boss, John Bazzano was brutally murdered in New York, August 1932. Fourteen men were arrested, charged with murder including Santo Volpe and Angelo Polizzi. After being released for lack of evidence, Polizzi was immediately rearrested for disorderly conduct and as a ‘public enemy’.

In newspaper articles and an FBI file, Polizzi’s address is reported as 285 Elm Street, Dunmore. As of two years earlier, Angelo’s Mother, remarried, lived at this residence along with her widowed daughter-in-law, Laura Guimento and her family. A year later another newspaper article has Angelo still residing at this address. The building was also home for brothers Joseph in 1932, and Cataldo as early as 1919.

In 1933, Hanover Township racketeer Samuel Wichner’s body was discovered in the back of his abandoned Ford coupe, having been beaten and strangled. Familiar names were linked to his death. An FBI file records that “On 2/21/33 Angelo Polizzi was arrested at Recreastional Center of Louis Pagnotti after having just returned from New York accompanied by Joe Barbara. Barbara was arrested the same date.” Santo Volpe was asked to appear for questioning. Another FBI files states that, “victim allegedly lured to the home of [Joseph Barbara], Santo Volpe and Angelo Polizzi, who were to be his silent partners in a new bootlegging venture. He had informed his wife he had been to [Barbara’s] home the previous night and was instructed by [Barbara] to return at 9:30 P.M. the following night and not let anyone know where he was going, not even his wife.”

Following the discovery of his body, Wichner’ wife informed State Police that he had told her of his plans to “see Volpe, Polizzi, and man known as “Sam.”

A witness reported that when Wichner’s car was abandoned in Scranton, two men stepped into a black Buick occupied by two other men who had followed them. The witness was unable to identify Polizzi or Barbara. Following their questioning, both Old Forge men were released.

Joseph Barbara appears to have had a strong friendship with Angelo Polizzi. In 1936, he is named as a guest at Angelo’s 37th suprise birthday party, reported in The Scranton Republican. Barbara is the only known LCN member at the event.

By 1937, several years after his brother Cataldo, Angelo Polizzi was President of Dunmore’s San Cataldo Society and by 1940 was living in Scranton.

In 1953, the New York State Liquor Authority attempted to put Joseph Barbara’s Endicott bottling company out of business due to a company stockholder and director, Pittston LCN member Salvatore Galante concealing a criminal record. One of the charges investigated was an alleged arrest in February 1944 related to a shooting in San Francisco. Galante included in his affidavit the following details, “On or about the month of February, 1944, I, in company with…Bufalino [Charles] a retired mine operator of Pittston, Pa., by whom I had been employed many years ago, (and with [John] Sciandra and [Angelo] Polizzi) took a vacation trip to California… I think it was about the second day after we arrived at the San Francisco Hotel that the police came to the hotel. They were investigating some crime. They searched our rooms. Of course, they didn’t find anything. They took us to the police station to question us….They mentioned the names of some San Francisco ‘characters’ and asked us whether we were acquainted with any of them…we were ‘suspects.’

Between 1944-45, Pollizi lent Joseph Barbara $15,000 to be used as working capital for Barbara’s Canada Dry Bottling Co. Other lenders were LCN members Santo Volpe, Charles Bufalino, Louis Consagra and possible member Louis Pagnotti.

A 1950 newspaper article concerning Angelo Polizzi and this period contains quotes from Santo Volpe stating that Polizzi “was in business with me from 1934 to 1947, in charge of a stripping operation [coal mining, not a Bada Bing type enterprise] in the Tamaqua area.” Their shared enterprises included the Volpe Construction Co., The Volpe Coal Co., and the Pittston Excavating Co. Volpe goes on to say, “In 1946, Mr Polizzi suffered a heart attack and was unable to continue his activities here. He sold out his business interests and moved to Detroit, where his son had gone into business. I last heard from the family last week, when Mrs Polizzi told me by telephone that her husband was seriously ill of a heart ailment there, and was under an oxygen tent.”

Angelo’s son Michael married Angeline Priziola, a daughter of John “Papa John” Priziola in 1947. With this family bond, Angelo was linked one way or another to four of the five ‘Dons’ sat at the top of the 1963 Detroit ‘Valachi Chart.’

In 1950, Angelo is listed as a ‘mafia suspect’ in the Texas Crime Investigating Committee’s report on the History of the Mafia. The detailed report states, “This subject is an extremely important and influential member of the Grand Council of the International Mafia Society and is head of the state organization in Michigan. Polizzi came to Detroit, Michigan about two years ago and replaced Pete Licavoli, who formerly occupied this position, when the latter purchased a large ranch near Tuscon, Arizona. Polizzi, is closely associated with the top ranking members of the organization throughout the United States and Italy and has made several trips abroad in recent years. During the twenties, he lived in Detroit, Michigan. He then moved to New York for a short time where he was associated with such important mafia members as Guiseppe (Joe) Traina and Albert Anastasia. During the early thirties, Polizzi moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he soon became recognised leader among the mafia and Sicilian elements. While residing in Pennsylvania, he controlled the largest illicit liquor enterprise in the area during national prohibition an in addition had diversified legitimate business interests which include the following: coal mine operations at Pittston, Pa., Old Forge and Forest City, Pa., a construction business in Pittston, Pa.; and a brewery at Lockport, Pennsylvania. The subject has been arrested on a number of occasions on such charges as carrying concealed weapons, murder and general investigation and his criminal activities are known to have included a much larger category.” Whilst some of the details presented may elevate Angelo Polizzi’s actual position in the Detroit LCN, it does demonstrate and summarise his coloured and vastly-connected past.

An FBI file detailing ‘LCN Activities in Upstate Pennsylvania area’ states, “in 1955 [Russell] Bufalino was the immediate supervisor of John Parrino and that Parrino had the following persons directly under him: John Salvo, Sam Cometa, Rosario Montanto, Angelo Polizzi, William Medico, Angelo Medico, Louis Consagra, Joseph Contessa, Joseph Scalleat [and] possibly Angelo Sciandra.” This information could either be dated, as Polizzi had by now been living in Detroit for several years, or, it could mean he was a remote Pittston member. One error is the inclusion of Joseph Scalleat. Brother Albert was the Pittston member.

A 1958 FBI interview with Pittston member William Medico, gives further information of Polizzi’s friendship with Joseph Barbara. “Medico advised that during the summer of 1957, date not recalled, he arranged for the transportation of Angelo Polizzi and his wife from Avoca, PA., to Endicott, N.Y., using the plane of Louis Pagnotti, Sr. He said that on the flight, he and Russell Bufalino travelled to Endicott in Pagnotti’s plane with Angelo Polizzi and his wife. Medico said that Polizzi and Barbara were old friends and that the trip made by Polizzi…was strictly social in nature. He explained that Polizzi was ill at the time.”

Later in 1957, Angelo Polizzi died.

5. Giuseppe Polizzi

The youngest of the Polizzi siblings, Giuseppe was born in 1906, immigrated with his mother in 1920, heading for brother Salvatore and by 1930 was living with brother Angelo in Detroit. By 1940, he was residing in Dunmore and working for the Volpe Coal Company. He, like brothers, Angelo and Cataldo was named a ‘mafia suspect’ in 1950. However, there is little evidence to substantiate this claim.

He died in 1981.

Born in 1924 in NYC, Joseph Saraceno, according to his obituary was “a sickly child” and moved away from the city and to Endicott in circa 1930 to live with an Aunt and Uncle. At this time the Saraceno name was common in New York’s Little Italy, but it was also present in Endicott, N.Y., both being homes of people born in Castellammare del Golfo.

After serving his country in the 1940s, Saraceno completed a business degree and in 1948 he got engaged to Alfonsina Volpe, daughter of former Pittston Boss, Santo Volpe. They were married in 1949. Newspaper reports reveal persons involved in the ceremony. Bridesmaids included Mrs Santo Volpe Jr, Miss Josephine Gelso (daughter of Pittston LCN member Charles Gelso) and Miss Toni Meli (daughter of Detroit LCN member Frank Meli, and future wife of Bill Bufalino), The flower girl was the daughter of Joseph Barbara.

By 1950, Saraceno and his wife were neighbours to Santo Volpe. Whilst not quite the Corleone Mall, Volpe did surround himself with friends and family at his residence on Wyoming Avenue, Pittston.

The residents of the above map (L-R) were:

• 225 Wyoming Ave - Angelo Falzone, Pittston LCN member

• 221 Wyoming Ave - Charles Bufalino, son of Salvatore Bufalino, and son-in-law of Santo Volpe

• 215 Wyoming Ave - Santo Volpe, Former Pittston LCN Boss

• 213 Wyoming Ave - Joseph Saraceno, Pittston LCN member, son-in-law of Santo Volpe

• 211 Wyoming Ave - Santo Volpe Jr, Santo’s son, and son-in-law of Pittston LCN member William Medico

Sarceno is named as a member of the ‘Upstate Pennsylvania LCN Group’ in a 1968 FBI file. This same year, Saraceno was teaching at Wyoming High School and by 1971, was Head of the Social Studies Department for the Wyoming Area School District.

In 1984, Saraceno, a member of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, was charged with theft for the illegal receipt of travel reimbursements; the amount of money totalling $1,375. According to the affidavit, on one trip to Detroit, Saraceno flew tourist class and charged the Sanitary Authority for first class travel, pocketing the $54. His Defense Attorney was his brother-in-law, Ettore Agolino. Joseph Saraceno applied to retire from his post of Teacher in November of this year. In January of 1985, due to the theft charges, Saraceno was placed on six months probation. The following month he retired from his position within the Sanitary Authority due to “poor health.”

The question remains, why was he made? What connections did he have?

To understand the reasons why Saraceno was not only made a LCN member, but accepted by former Boss Santo Volpe as son-in-law material, requires further digging.

Born in 1924 to Leonardo Saraceno (1898-1977) and Maria Cannone (1896-1974), Joseph, as mentioned earlier, moved away from the city to live in Endicott, upstate New York circa 1930 to live with a sister of his mother. The only Aunt living in Endicott at this time was Frances Cannone and her husband Matteo Vivona. Vivona had recently been made President of the Sociata Concordia Castellammare del Golfo, succeeding an Ignazio Saraceno (Ignazio Saraceno immigrated in 1906, destined for Girolamo Ciaravino of 243 Elizabeth Street, NYC. Ciaravino was married to Antonia DiSalvo whose brother-in-laws included several Bonventres, including Vito Bonventre (1875-1930), and Asaros).

Matteo Vivona was a witness to Joseph Barbara’s naturalisation as well as being his brother-in-law. As of 1934, Barbara was managing the Vivona Brothers Restuarant, Endicott, and stayed with the Vivonas when in Endicott.

Joseph Saraceno’s Aunt, Frances was widowed prior to marring Matteo Vivona having previously been married to Leonardo Saraceno’s brother, Giuseppe, whilst living in NYC.

In 1910, Joseph Saraceno’s father, Leonardo immigrated with his widowed mother Maria Navarra and his cousin Maria Minore, heading for his sister Giacoma and her husband Francesco Minore at 234 Elizabeth Street, NYC. Leonardo’s father was Antonino, who was a brother to Salvatore Saraceno, a man Joseph Bonanno described in his autobiography A Man of Honor, as, (with Salvatore Bonanno, Joseph’s Father) “two of Castellammare’s most important men of Tradition in the New World.”

Pittston LCN member Joseph Saraceno’s Great Uncle, was Salvatore Saraceno. This family lineage could have been a contributing factor to why Joseph, a Teacher, was brought into the blood and LCN family. Not because of ability to make money, or to commit crime, but because of his heritage.

Bonanno Family Consiglieri, Stefano Cannone was an uncle of Joseph. Pittston LCN members Ignazio and Frank Cannone were cousins.

Joseph Sarceno died in 2018.

* * *

For further information on Salvatore Saraceno aka Giuseppe Palermo, the May 2014 edition of Informer, (Issue list here - https://mafiahistory.us/informer/) and Jon Black’s articles on Giuseppe Palermo and The Morello and Lupo Trial should be read.

Less is known about the other Peter Casella and his family.

Salvatore Casella, born in Belmonte Mezzagno, immigrated with his wife Dorothea Salvato in 1906 heading for Pietro Cutelli (named a cousin in immigration records) in St Louis. His son, Pietro (Peter) Casella (1907-1983) was born in St. Louis in 1907. The family then relocated to Bryan, Texas before settling in Philadelphia by 1914.

Salvatore Casella had a brother named Antonino (1883/5-1950), who made a similar journey. Antonino immigrated to the US and by 1908, like his brother, was living in Bryan, Texas. His Wife, Vincenza Mazzola and their children Pietro (1907-1971- both brothers had named their first son after their Father) and Angela immigrated from Poggioreole, Trapani, entered through New Orleans intending to join Antonino at 91 Manford Street, Bryan, Texas. This was followed by stays in Philadelphia, St. Louis, before heading back to Philadelphia.

In 1916, Antonino Casella and family were living with his brother Salvatore at 736 South 9th Street, Philadelphia. Salvatore and Antonino had an Uncle, Vincenzo Traina, who himself was an Uncle to influential Gambino member Giuseppe Traina (1883-1979). Traina’s Mother was a Santangelo like Antonino Casella’s second wife.

Antonino’s first wife, Vincenza died at somepoint in the 1920s; he remarried in 1929 to Saveria Monte (born, Saveria Santangelo). In 1930, the family were residing in Camden, N.J. with son Peter living alongside siblings and step-siblings Jack and Anna. In 1931, Peter married his step-sister Anna Monte and by 1940, they, as well as Antonino and the remaining family had moved South to Vineland, N.J., all living in the same building. At this time, Peter’s occupation was listed as Tailor, his Father Antonino’s as Gardener.

The relocation from Philadelphia to Vineland was seen with many Philadelphia members. Joseph Scafidi and the Turco brothers, Vincenzo and Angelo all moved to the Vineland-Bridgeton area having started American life in Philadelphia.

In October 1948, a mysterious blaze occurred at a disused Vineland factory causing $4000-$9000 of damage. The Modernistic Shade Company was managed by future Philadelphia family member, Antonino “Anthony” Maggio (made in 1950); the president was a Peter Casella. According to The Redwood City Tribune, Philadelphia LCN member Michael Maggio bought the Sequoia Laundry in Redwood, California in November of 1948, and brother Anthony Maggio managed the business.

There is an Antonio Casella named on 1960s FBI lists of ‘Philadelphia Family deceased members’. The only detail given is Newark as the local field office, meaning his residence was somewhere in New Jersey. Though in her extensive research, Celeste Morello identifies another Antonio Casella (1969-1926) as a member, there is evidence to suggest the pre-mentioned Antonino Casella (who was reported as Antonio in some obituary details) is the deceased member identified by the FBI, or, could have been himself a member in his own right.

In September 1950, Antonino Casella died of a heart attack. Pall bearers included a second Anthony Casella (possibly his nephew, future member and son of Salvatore), Frank Barrale (Capodecina of the Bridgeton-Vineland decina at this time) and Joseph Scafidi (future Bridgeton-Vineland Capodecina). Antonino was clearly linked to the Bridgeton-Vineland group’s most important members, as well as his brother, son and nephews being made members. His obituary states since c. 1942, he was a cheese and olive oil merchant.

A 1965 FBI file is the source of Antonino’s son Peter identity as a LCN member. When revealing previously unknown members of the Angelo Bruno Family, an informant revealed the name of Peter Casella of Vineland. “Peter Casella’s cousin, also named Peter Casella, of Vineland, New Jersey, an old-time gambler who was set aside for telling his wife “too much. The Vineland Peter Casella looks to have been shelved for a period for not meeting LCN protocol. He would die in 1971.

Salvatore Casella would remain at 736 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, the home he once shared with his brother 57 years earlier, until his death in 1973. His son Peter, would die in Florida in 1983, after relocating following the murder of Boss Philip Testa.

A 1920 census document has Arturo’s, (now going by Alfred) occupation as driver. By now his family had grown and he had several siblings including brothers Guido, Nicolo (Nicholas) and Alphonse (Arnold).

In 1922, Arturo/Alfred, now a jeweller like his Father, was residing on Passyunk Avenue, just a few minutes walk from the Turco brothers, Vincenzo and Angelo.

From 1922-1940, little can be found about DeMarco’s whereabouts, though the 1927 murder of Joseph Zanghi and Vincent Cocozza involving Joseph Ida and Salvatore Sabella amongst others should be considered. A ‘John Marko’ of New Brunswick was involved alongside Joseph Bruno. John Marko may be an alias of one of the DeMarco brothers.

A 1940 census report details Alfred DeMarco living in Highland Park, N.J. (his obituary states he was there since c.1938). This is the same route as Philadelphia Boss Joe Ida took, who lived in Philadelphia before he relocated to Highland Park. Census records show he was there by 1930. In 1957, Captain Walter L. Simpson of the Middlesex County’s Prosecutors’s Office stated that, “it is his understanding that Ida originally came to New Jersey from Pennsylvania under the sponsorship of Joe Bruno.”

A 1950 census report details that Alfred DeMarco completed “all around work” for a wholesale beer corporation. This company was, The High Grade Beverage Firm, of New Brunswick, a beer distribution company owned by DeMarco’s brother, Nicholas. Eight years earlier, in 1942, his other brothers, Guido and Arnold were indicted as part of a liquor ring in Philadelphia. A 1959 FBI file states, “the DeMarcos [Alfred and Nicholas], until the 1940s, were associated with Joe Bruno, a New Jersey racket leader until his death in the early 1940s [1946]. Since that time, the DeMarcos have operated High Grade and have not been known locally to have engaged in early illegal activity.” Celeste Morello names an ‘Albie’ as a close companion of Joseph Bruno, in her book, Before Bruno: Book 2.

Former Boss Joe Bruno, like Alfred DeMarco and Joe Ida is another who headed North to Middlesex County, this time New Brunswick, having previously lived in Bristol, PA.

A second 1959 FBI file, referring to 1950, suggests a relationship between Alfred DeMarco and Philadelphia Family Boss at the time, Joe Ida. “…in 1950, an automobile registered to Alfred DeMarco, Highland Park, New Jersey registration KF 345, was seen in front of Joe Ida’s home. …DeMarco was at one time associated with Joe Bruno.” Other cars identified in the vicinity of Ida’s Highland Park residence by law enforcement at this time belonged to LCN members Dominic Festa and Pasquale Massi. The connection between the DeMarcos and Ida is confirmed in the previously mentioned file, “Joseph Ida…is believed to still be socially acquainted with the DeMarcos.”

In January 1961, Alfred’s brother Guido died. A 1969 FBI file states, “[Angelo] Bruno…told Peter [Maggio] to order flowers for Guido DeMarco. Peter said he had ordered floral arrangements at $30.00 a piece for Angelo Bruno and his family, the Michael Maggio family [Maggio had died in 1959], Pozi, not further identified, Johnny Casablanca [John Simone] and Charles Costello.”

The file goes on to state, “Guido DeMarco was a brother of “Little Albie” DeMarco and Arnold DeMarco, who are connected with Felix John DeTullio, whom the informant identified as a racket figure from Camden, N.J.” As of 1961, Felix DeTullio, Philadelphia-born with Abruzzese heritage (as were the DeMarco brothers), with his Father, also Felice being from Bomba, Chieti, was a Capodecina in the Philadelphia LCN Family.

Unlike his brothers Alfred and Nicholas, Arnold DeMarco spent the majority of his life in Philadelphia.

As of 1957, “Arnold and his brother [Guido?] were operating an exterminating service” in Philadelphia. A 1962 FBI file reports that “Angelo Bruno, Fred Iezzi, and Bruno’s son, Michael Bruno, were discussing Universal Exterminating Company, which was first a partnership of Arnold DeMarco and Felix John DeTullio. DeTullio thereafter went to a lawyer and bought 50% interest, then ran this business alone.”

Arnold had a long list of arrests; lottery, suspicious character, violating liquor control act, violating internal revenue laws. His name appeared in Angelo Bruno’s address book that was obtained by the Philadelphia Police in March 1961. When questioned by law enforcement in June 1961, Arnold DeMarco stated that he “has never been engaged in any activity, legal or illegal, with Angelo Bruno.” In August 1961, Arnold moved to Middlesex County, when he purchased a restaurant in Franklin Park. He died there in 1963.

A 1962 FBI file reported Alfred DeMarco’s death, “[Felix] John DeTullio visited [Angelo] Bruno 7/14/62, was told by Bruno of death [of] Alfred DeMarco, aka Albie, at New Brunswick, N.J., 7/13/62. Private viewing Highland Park, N.J., 7/14/62, public viewing Philadelphia 7/16/62. Obvious from attention given to news of death that DeMarco close to Bruno, probably “friend of ours.” ”

“John Simone, Trenton, instructed by Bruno to get seven bouquets [of] flowers at $10.00 each for DeMarco funeral. Flowers designated as from Bruno, John Simone, Edward Braylinski, Michael Trammantana, Michael Cammarata, Carl Ippolito, Charles Costello, all believed Amico Nostro.” (Edward “Brownie” Braylinski not a made member).

A subsequent 1962 FBI file reads, “Viewing Alfred DeMarco, Highland Park, NJ, Checked July 17, 8:40 to 9:30 PM. Large number persons present. Twenty cars with NJ registration observed in area. Newark will be requested to identify. Bruno not seen.”

In December 1962, several Philadelphia LCN members met with Angelo Bruno for a holiday drink. During a recorded conversation, Bruno reflected on recent times and said, “We lost a lot of good people, we lost (word inaudible), Phil’s father [Salvatore Testa, 1950], Mr Maggio [Michele Maggio, 1959] … gentlemen, all gentlemen. That Albie over there, he was a real nice person. I’ll tell you, Albie was really a gentleman, a nice person.” Frank Nicolletti follows this with, “He was a nice, soft spoken fellow. We got nobody in New Brunswick, he was the last one. We got nobody there at all.”

A source, NK T-52, in March 1963 advised that, “individuals from the Trenton, New Jersey area had come to the Plainfield, New Brunswick and Perth Amboy areas in February, 1963 in an attempt to move in on the bookmaking and numbers rackets in these areas. Anthony Interdonato … seemed to be the individual who was contacting the local gamblers in this regard. Interdonato is known as an associate of Joseph Danzo and source surmises that Danzo may be making a move to become the leader in gambling activities, which position was held by Alby DeMarco prior to his death.”

Both Anthony “Nino“ Interdonato and Joseph “Whitey“ Danzo would go on to be linked to bookmaking, gambling and loansharking in Middlesex County. Interdonato died in 1972 following injuries suffered from gunshot wounds.

The fourth DeMarco brother, Nicholas, died in 1971.

In 1964, Harry Riccobene revealed that in c. 1952, a man named “Cheech” was a Philadelphia Family Capodecina who controlled “a group in the Bridgeton-Vineland area of New Jersey.” Frank “Cheech” Barrale was born in Belmonte Mezzagno in 1882, immigrated in 1900 and was living in the farming area of Rosenhayn, Cumberland County by 1920. A census report from this year lists his occupation as farmer. He remained a resident of this area until his death in 1958. Barrale’s son-in-law’s Uncle, Bridgeton-based Joseph Scafidi, would succeed him as Capodecina.

In a 1961 report regarding Felix John DeTullio aka “Skinny Razor,” an informant stated in 1946 that, “the “Greaser Mob” had a graveyard near Vineland, N.J., which if located at least fifteen or twenty bodies could be exhumed…”Skinny Razor” was one of the killers of the gang who knew the location of this graveyard.” - *

Informant Rocco Scafidi (nephew of Capodecina Joseph Scafidi) stated in a 1964 file that the “Greaser Gang” burial grounds, Cumberland County, N.J., [are] located approximately two miles from the Parvin State Park on private property. Present occupant not known to source nor agents handling source. Present occupant did not occupy this farm at time of burials.”

In Salvatore Sabella’s FBI file, there is a partly redacted portion detailing a 1968 conversation between Angelo Bruno, Philip Testa and Joseph Scafidi where Scafidi starts to discuss a South Jersey burial ground.

AB:      I don’t know about it. Phil (Philip Testa) don’t know about it. This was before our time. This was before we were made. REDACTED Isn’t that right Joe?

JS:        I guess so. This all happened when John Avena was Boss.

REDACTED

AB:      What we don’t know is better.

REDACTED

AB:       How many people know about this thing?

Joseph Scafidi lists himself, Ignatius Denaro, Antonio Pollina, Peter Casella and Harry Riccobene as living LCN members who know of the graveyard. He also listed the following deceased members; John Avena, Mario Riccobene, Sam [Salvatore] Testa, John Capello Sr, Gaetano Scafidi, Sam Scafidi, Frank Barrale, Salvatore Sabella, Anthony Perella and Joseph Giammona (Giammona died in 1930 before Avena was Boss).

Further in the file, an informant (again, Rocco Scafidi), states he “was originally told about a farm in New Jersey being used to bury murder victims by Sam Scafidi (his brother)” and that “the farm was used when Sam [John] Avena was Boss” (1931-1936) and “continued to be used as a burial site at least through the 1940s.” Sam Scafidi also told Rocco that the “Doggie Brothers were buried on this farm and these brothers disappeared from Philadelphia in December, 1940.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer in January 1941 reported that a set of brothers went missing and were “possibly the victims of some unguessed underworld vendetta.” They were: John “Doggie” D’Alessandro, 37, Adolph “Amos” D’Alessandro, 23, and Albert D’Alessandro, 26. When questioned who was associated with John D’Allessandro, an informant (probably Harry Riccobene) stated, “all of us” and it that is was rumoured that “[Peter] Casella had been close to D’Allessandro as had Leonard Nicolletti.”

The three missing had two other brothers, Joseph, who as of 1941 was imprisoned, and Amodei. The most criminally decorated of them was John, who was convicted for narcotics, murder and suspected of felony. In 1939, he was close to being killed when he was shot in the cheek when driving through South Philadelphia. In the two months prior to the shooting, three local gangsters, Frank “Big Frank” Piccolo, Willie Lanzetti and Daniel “Danny Day” Del Giorno had also been killed in the same area. The D’Alessandro brothers were nephews of Murder Inc. member Frederick “The Angel” Tenuto, who was placed on the FBI’s Top Ten list in 1950 and was suspected of being killed via an order of Albert Anastasia.

By 1967, informants has clearly spilled enough, as a report from this year titled, “Philadelphia Family LCN Victims’ Burial Grounds, Rosenhayn, New Jersey,” informs that “Department Attorney MC Millan, Washington, DC advises Justice Dept. has approved affidavit for use in obtaining two search warrants to exhume bodies on target property. Target property is… located in Deerfield Township.” The report later states, “Newark and Philadelphia division are jointly planning execution for early A.M. Monday, November Thirteen next. FBI lab requested to forward available  “D-Tex” metal detectors”. One final extract from the file reports that, “Atlanta Division interviewing Philadelphia Family LCN member [and future Underboss] Peter Casella, U.S. Penitentiary, Atlanta…. Casella prime suspect concerning murders and burial of victims in captioned matter.”

On Monday 13^th of November 1967, the FBI began their excavation of a farm in Deerfield Township (on the edge of Rosenhayn) looking for the bodies of the D’Allessandro brothers.  This was not the first FBI dig at a farm in New Jersey that year. Earlier in 1967, bodies were found at a farm in Jackson Township, Ocean County owned by Joseph Celso, an associate of Joseph Zicarelli.

When reporting on the FBI dig, South Jersey newspapers from 1967 gave information of the location of the burial ground as well as personnel involved. The farm that was excavated was located on Parvin Mill Road, in Deerfield Township. One newspaper article states one of the current occupants of the farm (as of 1967) lived in a building facing Garton Road. Another newspaper stated a neighbour’s farm on Richards Road backed onto the farm in question. A third mentions the farm being on the corner of Parvin Mill Road.  Thanks to a post in the comments section, below, the farm can be placed at the corner of Parvin Mill Road and Richards Road, in Deerfield. Newspapers widely suggest the farm is the burial ground of three D’Allessandro brothers.

The dig lasted two days and involved fifteen agents, helpers, an earth mover and a device resembling a mine detector (probably the metal detector mentioned in the FBI report). Areas near a garage and a chicken coop were examined. One newspaper stated, “A neighbour [of the farm] reported that her children noticed “what appeared to be” a green automobile fender being pulled from the ground.” In 1964, Informant Rocco Scafidi stated with regards to the burial grounds in Rosenhayn, N.J., that “the Dogge [Doggie] brothers and their 1941 Buick are buried near the chicken coop at this location.” Official photographs were taken and “something” was taken to an FBI lab for examination.

It could be assumed Frank Barrale, the Rosenhayn Capodecina had previously owned the farm with the burial grounds, but newspaper articles reporting the dig reveal another name. Records of the Cumberland County Courthouse, according to newspaper articles, state the past owner of the farm, from 1927-1949, was a Filippo “Philip” Martorano/a. Martorano was born in 1885 in Belmonte Mezzagno, immigrated in 1909 heading for a brother-in-law (possibly cousin) Pietro Pizzo, in Philadelphia. Sometime after he returned home as he immigrated again to Philadelphia in 1914, this time with his brother Giuseppe, heading for an Uncle, Vincenzo.

By 1922, Martorano was living on Catherine Street, Philadelphia, less than one mile from Belmontese members/future members Salvatore Casella and his son Peter.  His wife Giuseppina Buttacavoli had by now joined him. Martorano’s Father was Nicolo, whilst his mother was Agostina Traina, a Belmontense name of LCN significance. No direct link can be made between Martorano’s mother and Giuseppe Traina or, from his father to Philadelphia member Ignazio “Raymond,” “Long John” Martorano who also had Belmontese heritage. Philip Martorano’s maternal Grandmother was a Barrale.

By 1925, Martorano was living at 807 South Hutchinson Street, Philadelphia as was his brother Giuseppe, who’s Mother-in-law was Antonina Scafidi, sister of members Joseph and Gaetano. 

Circa 1927, Martorano moved to South Jersey and owned the previously mentioned farm on Parvin Mill Road, Deerfield Township. A 1940 census lists his occupation as Farmer. Also residing on Parvin Mill Road were his brother Joseph, Marco “Mike” Scafidi (brother of Joseph and Gaetano- all three started American residency in Philadelphia, with Gaetano remaining) and Gaspar and Joseph Sparacio, Uncles of future Philadelphia Capodecina Salvatore Sparacio (Salvatore and his family were residing in Camden at this time).

In 1967 newspaper reports, an ex-neighbour of Philip Martorano describes him as “a fine man and a very good neighbor.” In 1942 Philip’s brother Giuseppe took his own life. By 1950, Philip Martorano was back residing in Philadelphia. He died there, in 1954.

A 1968 extract from Salvatore Sabella’s FBI file, states that an informant (Rocco Scafidi) believes “the grave site of the Doggie Brothers and the other unknown victims was on the property owned by REDACTED because when Sam Scafidi originally told the source about the farm, it was during a conversation in which the informant was told that the Doggie Brothers were buried on this farm, and informant was also told that he could live on this farm “free” just to keep curious people away from the property so that they would not find what was buried there.”

However, Scafidi goes on to say, “If it was not REDACTED then it would have been one of the adjoining farms owned by REDACTED or the farm across the street owned by Mike Scafidi, Joseph Scafidi’s son [not a son, but a brother, another farmer]. The graves are within these three farms and more likely on the farm previously owned by REDACTED. If this wasn’t true, then Joseph Scafidi would not have been highly upset at the time the FBI was digging on the REDACTED [and] upset to the extent that he needed medical attention…and would not be upset now just reading in the paper that there was going to be a Federal Grand Jury empaneled and one of the things they would investigate was the FBI’s digging on the farm in Rosenhayn, N.J.”

Rocco Scafidi leans towards the burial ground being at the farm where the FBI had recently completed a dig. However, as the owners of the Farm only had five acres of the 45 previously owned by Philip Martorano, there is a chance bodies may have been buried in one of the adjoining farms and were never discovered.

A year after the dig, an informant (probably Harry Riccobene) said that… “He was told that the FBI had, indeed found what they were looking for. He was also told that there would probably be an FGJ in regard to this FBI investigation.”

Whatever was excavated at the 1967 dig, there are enough reports to suggest more was missed than was found.

Notes:

Higher definition photo of farmhouse can be found here

* Quote regarding Felix DeTullio and “a graveyard near Vineland” was from Joseph D’Allessandro, Miami, Florida. He is almost certainly one of the two surviving D’Allessandro brothers

Key:

Red: Montedoro, Caltanisetta

AA = Agostino Alfano

AA2 = Angelo Alfano

Bufs = Salvatore and Nicolo Bufalino (Not LCN members)

CB = Charles Bufalino

CS = Charles Schifano (1930)

DA = Dominick Alarm

JS = John Sciandra

SL = Stefano Latorre

SV = Santo Volpe

Green: San Cataldo, Caltanisetta

AF = Angelo Falzone

Medicos = William, Philip and Angelo Medico

CG = Charles Gelso

JA = Joseph Andaloro (Father of Bonanno member Russell)

SI = Salvatore Insalaco

Yellow: Serradifalco, Caltanisetta

AS = Angelo Son

ML = Modesto Loquasto

SC = Samuel Cometa

Light Blue: Bompensiere, Caltanissetta

CC = Calogero Consagra

LC = Luigi Consagra

SG = Sam Galante

Dark Blue: Calimera, Vibo Valentia, Calabria

VM = Vincenzo Maccarone

Orange: Castelmauro, Campobasso

VS = Vincenzo Sticco

Pink: Palazzo Adriano, Palermo

FP = Frank Parrino

Gaetano ‘Danny’ DiMinno was born in 1911 in NYC to Nicolo DiMinno (b. Greci, Campania) and Ermelina/Armelinda (Emily) Mella, growing up in The Bronx. He appears to have lived in NYC his whole life. Other NYC-based Bufalino members on the 1985 list are Edward Sciandra and Charles Fratello.

In 1932, a group including DiMinno held up the office of a theatre in Huntington, L.I. A police constable who was part of the audience attempted to intervene, but was tragically shot through the heart and died. DiMinno was arrested when leaving the hold-up scene mistaking detectives for friends with whom he intended to find a hideout.

Following his arrest, DiMinno was convicted of second degree manslaughter in 1934 and was sentenced to 22 years at Sing Sing Prison.

A 1943 Draft Registration details him living back in The Bronx, residing with his mother, Emily.

By the late 1940s, Danny DiMinno had forged a career as a songwriter, and in 1958, he wrote his biggest hit, ‘Return to Me’ for Dean Martin.

November 1971 saw the first annual dinner of Chapter 34 of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, held in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Pittston LCN member Angelo Bufalino was vice president, future Boss William D’Elia was Secretary.

Appearing on the dinner program were Rocky Graziano, Lenny Montana (Colombo Family associate and actor who portrayed Luca Brasi) who at the time was President of Chapter 37 of the Italian-American Civil Rights League and Danny DiMinno.

Danny DiMinno died in 1991, aged 80.