Anthony Camerona (Gambino)

 

A. Camerona 1961

Anthony 'Sonny' Camerona was a possible Member of the Gambino Family and a former member of the Gallo crew.

Born 27 January, 1931 in Brooklyn to Anthony (34y) and Rose Esposito (28y). Both parents born in New York.

By 1940 the family resided at 552 East 5th St. in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood Father worked as a bank inspector with Prudential Savings Bank at its Broadway, Manhattan office.

The Gallo Brothers (Lawrence, Joseph and Albert Jr) resided one block away at 639 East 4th St. 

By the mid 1950s Camerona was an Associate of the Gallo brothers.

In late 1958 Camerona became president of Local 19 of the Federated Service Workers Union, a so-called "paper local" started with the intention of extorting Jukebox and Pinball operators. Local 19 was controlled by Colombo Soldier's Joe and Larry Gallo, Charles Panarella and Genovese Soldier Anthony 'Dutchie' Tuzio.

Local 19 was a subject of attention by the McClellan Committee in its investigation of criminal or other improper practices in the field of labor-management. Senator Robert Kennedy conducted the hearing investigating Local 19:

"The CHAIRMAN. John R. Caruso. That is who you are talking about. Do you know the witness on your left?

Mr. CONSTANDY. Yes, I do.

The CHAIRMAN. Have you had interviews with him?

Mr. CONSTANDY. I interviewed John Caruso on June 4, 1958, at his home at 3403 12th Avenue, Brooklyn.

The CHAIRMAN. You interviewed him in your capacity as a mem- ber of the staff of this committee?

Mr. CONSTANDY. That is correct. I might say that I was accom- panied by Detective Cy Jordan of the New York Police Department, at that time.

The CHAIRMAN. Was he apprised of your position and authority at that time?

Mr. CONSTANDY. He was.

The CHAIRMAN. You may proceed.

Mr. CONSTANDY. Mr. Caruso stated that about September or October 1957, he was approached by Anthony Camerona, who he had known for a few years.

Mr. Caruso said he had been unemployed for several months at that time in 1957, and that his previous job was that of a truck driver. Mr. Camerona told him that he knew some jukebox servicemen who were dissatisfied with local 1690 of the Retail Clerks, which was then-

Mr. KENNEDY. That is C-a-m-e-r-o-n-a?

Mr. CONSTANDY. That is correct.

Mr. KENNEDY. He doesn't come into this much further, but that is the identification on how you spell his name?

Mr. CONSTANDY. Yes; Mr. Camerona was thinking of starting a new union to help the employees in the jukebox field, and had asked Mr. Caruso to come into the local and help organize.

Mr. Caruso told me that he knew nothing about union organizing or the music industry, but he consented any how because he wasn't working. He stated that he could help the employees, and besides, to quote him, "I would have a steady weekly income for myself."

He stated that the first meeting was attended by the seven charter applicants held at Camerona's house, and that it was an informal meeting, not one where someone stood up in front, but a gathering. The CHAIRMAN. That is the applicants for what charter?

Mr. CONSTANDY. The charter for local 19 of the Federated Service Workers Union.

The CHAIRMAN. That is when they were getting ready to organize local 19 and get a charter?

Mr. CONSTANDY. That is correct.

…

Mr. KENNEDY. He was elected vice president at the first meeting? Mr. CONSTANDY. Yes; he was elected vice president at the first meeting.

Mr. KENNEDY. And he had never heard of the Federated Service Workers Union?

Mr. CONSTANDY. No; he had not.

Mr. KENNEDY. His local was a part of that international?

Mr. CONSTANDY. That is what he stated to me at that time, that when he originally entered into the affair he had not then heard of the Federated Service Workers.

Mr. KENNEDY. At a second meeting a man by the name of [Biagio] Latriano was elected to an office?

Mr. CONSTANDY. That is Latriano, and he was elected to one office, but Mr. Caruso didn't know what office.

Mr. KENNEDY. He will enter into this hearing quite extensively this afternoon.

Mr. CONSTANDY. While Mr. Caruso was unemployed and drew no salary, he had advanced $300 to local 19 to help get it started.

The CHAIRMAN. That is this witness had advanced $300 to the union to help get it started?

Mr. CONSTANDY. Yes, sir."

 

B. Latriano

On August 28, 1958 Local 19 Officer Biagio Latriano (1924-1958) was murdered in front of his home 349 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, two blocks from Camerona's childhood home.

On September 3, 1958, an FBI CW advised: "concerning the murder of BIAGO "BENNY" LATRIANO in Brooklyn, New York, that he had heard that JOE and LARRY GALLO had shot down LATRIANO in front of his residence on August 28, 1958. The informant understood from overhearing conversations that the victim received $6,000.00 for delivery of a package of narcotics; subsequently the package was found to contain flour or some other disguise. The victim was then beaten up by the GALLO brothers and told to return the money and the package. When neither was forthcoming, LATRIANO was shot by the GALLO brothers. According to the informant, the GALLOS were connected in this matter with GENEROSO DEL DUCCA also known as "TODDO DELL" and JOSEPH PROFACI."

Local 19 was dissolved by a Court order late 1959 and replaced by Teamster Local 266. Joe 'Bull' DeGrandis became president of Local 266.

On August 3, 1959 arrested with the Gallo brothers and Ralph Mafrici (26y) for felonious assault. The five men had attacked Frank Boccanfuso and two other men with tire irons and chains after a dispute between Buttanfuso and a female relative of the Gallo's. Camerona held on $2500 bail.

On May 12, 1961 arrested Colombo Family Soldier Nicholas Bianco for consorting for unlawful purposes. Shortly before they were arrested the pair had been meeting with Joe Gallo, who was arrested on extortion charges. Gallo would be sentenced to 10 years for extortion.

At the time Camerona resided at 10 Seagate Terrace, Brooklyn and stated his occupation as 'landlord'.

Possible Gambino membership

In early 1976 the induction ceremonies resumed after being closed since 1958. Latriano would have been inducted into the Gambino Family sometime after.

Camerona's mother Rose Esposito was a sister of Jenny Esposito, mother of Gambino Soldier Anthony 'Tony Lee' Guerrieri (1928-1993).

Former Gambino Family Associate and FBI CW Anthony Ruggiano, Jr has stated that Gambino Soldier Anthony Guerrieri's cousin 'Sonny' [LNU] was a Soldier in the Gambino Family who was formerly affiliated with the Gallo crew. Ruggiano Jr was Guerrieri's driver during the late 1980s.

In a February 8, 2019 post LCNBios.com stated that an "Unsub [Related to Guerrieri brothers]" had been confirmed inducted into the Gambino Family Pre-1980.

 

Camerona likely transferred from Colombo Family's Gallo crew to the Gambino Family sometime after the early 1960s. Another Gallo crew member, Bobby Borriello (1944-1991) also transferred to the Gambino Family and later became an inducted Member of that Family.

He died in October 1979.

William Cottone (Gambino)

 

Cottone 1955

William 'Willie' Cottone was a member of the Gambino Family's Rava - Dellacroce crew active in Lower Manhattan.

Born William Cottone on April 14, 1915 at 56 Monroe St in Manhattan to Frank (31y) and Josephine Murgo (25y). Father born in Palermo and mother born in Siracusa, Sicily. Father worked as a tailor.

By October 1940 he resided at 174 Madison St. At the time he claimed employment at Heflin's Blue Room located at 111 Cherry St.

On November 12, 1946 Cottone was one of 12 men arrested for stealing 176 bolts of wool from the Textile Transfer Co. 159 W 18th St.

 

Cottone, left, and Guarnieri.

On May 30, 1955 Cottone was arrested for assaulting Joseph Porus (28y) following a traffic incident on Grand St. in Manhattan. Arrested with Cottone was John Guarnieri (51y).

Following the car incident, Porus said Cottone and Guarineri began hitting him with their fists, and when Porus' wife intervened they punched her as well.

Cottone's passenger, John 'Red Egan' Guarnieri, of 98 Bayard St., had been arrested in 1930 for the murder of bootlegger Vincent Sabatino.

By 1950 Cottone resided at 10 Elizabeth St.

 

B. Ruggiero

On March 13, 1954 Cottone was stabbed in a bar at 407 Pearl St in Manhattan. Initially Cottone was in critical condition. Arrested for the assault was Matthew Galemmo, Jr (1928-2012) and future Bonanno Soldier Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero (1926-1994). Charges likely dropped.

On March 28, 1958 he was sentenced to six years in prison for the armed robbery of the home of Henry Cohn in West Orange, NJ on October 27, 1955. Cottone and two others bound the maid with venetian blind cords and stole cash, furs and jewelry. Cottone was arrested after an anonymous tip to the police. His accomplices escaped.

By the late-1950s he was an inducted member of the Gambino Family.

On January 10 through 13, 1966 an FBI CI advised that: "COTTONE is probably under "Mr. O'Neill" who is ANIELLO DELLACROCE. On April 5 and 6, 1966, [Informant] advised that COTTONE is definitely a "made guy" in the GAMBINO "family" and is under either ANIELLO DELLA CROCE also known as. "Mr. O'Neill or JOE GENNARO alse known as "Joe The Wop". He stated that COTTONE used to be under TOMMY RAVA when RAVA was alive. He stated that COTTONE is not known to associate with anyone with any degree of regularity and is known as "loner"."

On April 5, 6, 1966 an FBI CI advised that: "WILLIE COTTONE has always been known as a shakedown artist and an extortionist as far as labor unions were concerned. He stated that COTTONE became involved in labor union matters merely for the purpose of having his hand in the organizing of these unions for the express purpose of extorting and misappropriating union funds at a later date."

On April 5, 6, 1966 an FBI CI advised that: "[Cottone] hangs out in the vicinity of Mott, Elizabeth and Mulberry Streets between Clinton and Houston Streets in New York City."

On June 1, 1966 the New York City Police Department: "advised that the [Cottone] has been seen a number of times in a bar on Bayard Street, between Baxter and Mulberry Streets. The former name of the bar was Carmine's Bar. It was determined on June 1, 1966. that the only one in the immediate vicinity has New York State Liquor Authority License Number 77235 and is located at 104 Bayard Street.

On June 13, 1966, it was noted that the new name) the bar at 104 Bayard Street is "Happy's". On June 1, 1966. [Informant] stated that the subject also frequents the "Limehouse" on Mots and Bayard Streets. On June 13, 1966, it was determined that the "Limehouse" had changed its name to the Chinatown Seafood House and is located at 74 Bayard Street."

On July 5, 1966 an FBI CI advised: "Information received that [Cottone] has an apartment in Brooklyn as well as one in Manhattan. Current employment unknown to NYPD and informants. He was associated with GUIDO and EDWARD DE CURTIS, ANIELLO DELLA CROCE and JOSEPH GENNARO. Informant states [Cottone] is in the GAMBINO "family" of La Cosa Nostra under either DELLA CROCE or GENNARO. [Cottone] frequents bars on Bayard St., NYC. There is no record of him travelling outside the country."

He died February 1985 in Brooklyn, NY.

Daniel Scarglato (Genovese)

 

D. Scarglato

Daniel 'Danny Hogan' Scarglato was a made member in the Genovese Family's East Harlem crew.

Born September 23, 1903 in NYC as Candeloro Sgarlata to Giuseppe (28y), Concetta Culli (28y). Both parents born in Reggio Calabria.

First arrested on an unspecified charge on June 8, 1921.

On November 20, 1922 arrested in NYC for burglary. Charge dismissed three days later.

On September 7, 1926 sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in Atlanta for violation of the Harrison Drug act.

Arrested for robbery in 1927 (one time), and in 1929 (two times), and in 1930 (three times), and in 1931 (two times). All charges dismissed.

On February 26, 1930 arrested for homicide by gun. Charge dismissed ten days later.

By 1933 resided at 35 East 109th Street in East Harlem.

Was possibly a made member of the Genovese Family's East Harlem Crew by the 1930's.

On October 30, 1933 Scarglato and four others were arrested on charges of malicious mischief. Co-conspirators included suspected Genovese Soldier Joseph 'Joe Swede' Paterra (1906-1974) and Genovese Family Associate Arthur Vellucci (1910-1972).

 

A. Vellucci

The group was driving around between 3 and 6 o'clock in morning and smashed about one hundred windows of small stores, confectioneries and social clubs were between in the 27 square block area bounded by E. 106th St. and 115th Sts. and 3rd and Pleasant Aves. Most of them contained Campaign placards of Fiorello LaGuardia, 1933 New York City mayoral candidate. On November 21 of that year he was sentenced to an indefinite term in prison on Welfare Island. He served one year.

On May 1, 1937 arrested for bookmaking.

In January of 1940 returned to NYC from a trip to Miami by boat. Travelling with him was Joseph Paterra and Arthur Vellucci. At the time Scarglato resided at 310 East 113th St in East Harlem.

In the late 1940s his daughter, Concetta, married George 'Gigi' Cervone, also from East Harlem. By the early 1950s Cervone had become president of the 1,000-member Mason Tenders Local 13.

At the time Mason Tenders Local 13 is thought to have been under the sole control of the East Harlem crew. At some point the Genovese Family crews of Mike Miranda and Tommy Greco gained influence over Local 13, probably through Cervone's brother Basilio 'Bobby Cherry' Cervone (1912-1990). 

On March 13, 1967 and FBI CI advised: "that in 1959 and 1960, BOBBY CERVONE (BASIL ROBERT CERVONE) on several occasions gave money to THOMAS GRECO. CERVONE is associated with Local 13 of Mason Tenders Union. In addition, the Brick Layers Union in Flushing, Long Island, was furnishing money to TOMMY GRECO. It was the informant's belief that GRECO was acting as a "rabbi" for CERVONE and the head of the Brick Layers Union in Flushing."

Former Genovese Family Associate Vincent Siciliano described the situation in his book Unless they kill me first:

"And just like in a crap game, you can cheat some but not too much. It looked bad. And who was figuring to pick up the chips? Bobbie's brother George. He was in with the Harlem people a lot better than Bobbie, it turned out, and he was talking a better deal to them and also, I guess, talking about how Bobbie was cheating them. By the time I got involved it was a real family show. One of the guys who had helped Bobbie get his uncle out and get help from the Harlem mob was Georgie's own father-in-law, Danny Hogan. Anyway, the story was that the Harlem people were ready to get rid of Bobbie-hit him, even kill him if they had to. They had even brought him to Harlem at gunpoint."

On December 19, 1962 identified by a FBI CI (likely Joe Valachi) as a Member of the Genovese Family.

By the early 1960s disagreements between the Cervone brothers had escalated to violence.

On March 16. 1964, outside Mason Tenders Local 13's headquarters at 24-36 38th St., Astoria. As George Cervone was getting into his car, a man ran up. shot him once in the right arm, and escaped. Shooter is thought to have acted on orders from Basil Cervone, who had taken over as president of Mason Tenders Local 13. George Cervone had become the local's treasurer.

On July 31, 1964, George Cervone discovered four sticks of dynamite in his union office. He offered police no explanation for the assassination attempt.

On November 25, 1964, George Cervone was one of a dozen men standing on a sidewalk when shots sounded. The man next to him. Liborio Marino (55y) was fatally wounded in the chest and stomach. Cervone told police then he thought the shots had been meant for him, but he did not explain this.

On July 3, 1966 George Cervone was killed in his Long Island summer cottage. Scarglato and other relatives were present at the time. A press report described the murder:

"Police said Scarglato took the bench along the North wall of the front room. Cervone stretched out on the bench on the south side, next to two windows that are shoulder high from the sandy ground at the cottage’s side. Cervone, clothed in pajamas and a blue polka dot robe, staved up and watched the portable television in the front room until 5 AM. Shortly after Cervone turned off the television set, police theorize, the assailant pumped four bullets into Cervone. The window screen had two holes—one the size of a quarter, the other the size of a child’s fist. Police theorized the gunman fired once, making the small hole, then either smashed through the screen or shot several more times at the same level, making the larger hole."

None of the five persons in the cottage reported hearing the shots.

  

During a 1968 State Investigation Commission hearing former assistant chief inspector, Raymond Martin testified that Basil Cervone and George Cervone argued over control of the Mason Tenders Local 13. Joe 'Stretch' Stracci and Mike Miranda were called in as intermediaries. It was decided to make Basil the boss and to cut George in on the take. Raymond Martin estimated the take as up to $25,000 a month. 

On December 3, 1969 and FBI CI advised: "that MIKE MIRANDA, a "consiglieri" in the GENOVESE family, controls the bricklayers helpers union in Long Island from the union offices in Long Island City. He is assisted in controlling this union by FILIPPO LOMBARDO aka Benny Squint, and a family of Italians with a last name similar to CHARIZOLDA (ph). This family is referred to as the "CHERRY FAMILY." [Informant] advised that one of the brothers, GIGI CHERRY, was killed about six years ago in Long Beach, Long Island, New York, for getting out of line. His father-in-law, DANNY HOGAN true name believed to be, DANNY SCALATO (ph) was present when GIGI was killed and was believed to have set the murder victim up for the killing. SCALATO is an LCN member in BENNY SQUINT's regime.

The Informant advised that BENNY SQUINT and BOBBY CHERRY operated the union for several years. Prior to his knowledge of this, the Informant had made moves to cut in on the union himself. He had a meeting scheduled with the unknown union bosses at union headquarters. When the Informant arrived at the meeting, he found himself facing MIKE MIRANDA. When MIRANDA saw the Informant he reportedly laughed and asked if this was "the guy" who was cutting in. The Informant said he laughed too and told MIRANDA that he had no idea that MIRANDA was behind the union. The Informant said that no problem arose over this confrontation, largely because of his long-time association with MIRANDA, and the Informant backed off from the union deal. To the best of his knowledge, the Informant said MIRANDA still heads this union."

By 1982 resided at 3555 Bruckner Boulevard, The Bronx. 

 

Scarglato died in January 1982 in the Bronx, New York.

Dominick Lepore (Philadelphia)

 

D. Lepore

Dominick 'JB' Lepore was a member of the Bruno Family. 

 

He was a close associate of the Family's Consigliere Giuseppe 'Joe The Boss' Rugnetta (1896-1977).

Born June 25, 1912 in the Buccino comune of Salerno, Campania to Frank (29y) and Celia Mancini (16y). The family moved to the US in 1919, settling in Camden, NJ.

By 1930 the family resided at 1005 Winston St in South Philadelphia.

During the 1930 employed as a chef at different bars and restaurants in South Philadelphia.

On June 9, 1941 Philadelphia PD raided his home on 1005 Winston St and found 2000 numbers slips, representing an estimated 50,000 plays. Lepore and Michael Baldino (31y) were arrested.

On May 9, 1947 arrested on lottery charges. Also arrested were Joseph Esposito (35y) and Frank Rainer (31y). Lepore was released on bail.

During the 1950 he became a partner in Joe Rugnettas restaurant the South Philadelphia Grill located at 2026-28 South 12th St. The establishment served as Rugnetta's headquarters and was a major meeting Place for LCN Members and Associates during the period from the 1950s to the 1970s. Brother Sabato 'Sam' Lepore believed to hold the ownership as a front.

In December of 1954 the body of bootlegger Marcello 'Marshall/Mutt' Veneziale was found in the trunk of a car parked in South Philadelphia. He had been shot in the back of the head. 

 

According to one informant Veneziale had been seen in the South Philadelphia Grille the night he disappeared arguing with members of the Philadelphia Family, among them future Boss Angelo Bruno. Veneziale possibly assaulted Bruno. His brother, Charles Veneziale, became an FBI CI during the late 1950s and provided the FBI with information on Bruno Family members and their operations.

On Mars 7, 1958 and FBI CI reported:

"[Informant; believed to be Charles Veneziale] also advised that BRUNO's top Lieutenant in Philadelphia is one PHILIP TESTA of 10th and Christian Streets, who handles the pick-up of the numbers slips for BRUNO's numbers bank and also keeps the numbers writers in line. [Informant] also advised that after the disappearance of one MARSHALL VENEZIALE, a former South Philadelphia bootlegger, he learned that BRUNO left town by airplane. [Informant] stated that he had heard that BRUNO was at a meeting the night VENEZIALE disappeared, which was held at the South Philly Grill, which is owned by JOE RUGNETTA. He stated that quite an argument took place there, supposedly with BRUNO, VENEZIALE, JAMES "LEFTY" GATTI, and that BRUNO was supposed to have been seen leaving the grill holding a handkerchief over his eye. He stated that VENEZIALE had quite a temper and it is possible that VENEZIALE hit BRUNO and this led to his murder. [Informant] said the story is that JAMES "LEFTY" GATTI was supposed to have done the killing but at the last minute he got cold feet and that BRUNO did the job. This information is known to the Philadelphia Police Department. [Informant] was again contacted on March 21, 1958, but due to a previous appointment, was unable to take time to furnish any additional information."

On May 12, 1965 identified by the FBI as a Member of the Bruno Family. 

On October 20, 1967 identified by the FBI as a Member of the Bruno Family.

In 1972 he was named as one of Philadelphia's biggest gambling operators with 5 offices and an estimated 95 employees working for him.

In 1980 the Pennsylvania Crime Commission named him as a Member of the Bruno Family active in gambling and a daily visitor to the South Philadelphia Grille.

By 1980 he resided at 1830 South 12 St. in Philadelphia.

He died in February 1981 in Philadelphia.

Anthony Mosco (Bufalino)

 

A. Mosco 1970s

Anthony Mosco is a Member of the Bufalino Family.

Born June 12, 1942 in Endicott, NY to Vito Mosco (40y) and Nancy Piccarreto (36y).

Both parents were born in the comune of Corato in Bari, Apulia.

At the time the family resided at 323 Murphy Ave, Endicott, NY.

First arrested at age 16 on January 12, 1959 for speeding and driving without a license.

By the mid-1960 he was associated with Bufalino Family Member Anthony 'Guv' Guarnieri (1911-1990).

In May of 1976 Guarnieri, Mosco and Family Associate Joseph Maruca and others indicted on extortion charges. The indictment charges that they allegedly conspired to assault a Teamster steward at a construction site. The Teamster steward had tried to remove Mosco from a construction site, but he testified that the assault had nothing to to with either Guarnieri or Mosco. They were acquitted of the charges.

By 1980 Mosco was an inducted member of the Bufalino Family reporting to Capodecina Guarnieri.

In 1979 Guarnieri moved to Florida leaving Mosco and Anthony Santacroce, Jr as the only inducted Bufalino Family Members living in Endicott.

By 1980 resided at 702 North Rogers Avenue in Endicott.

In 1980 identified as a Member of the Bufalino Family by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission.

 

A. Guarnieri 1980s.

In 1982 Joseph Maruca was shot five times in Agawam, MA. Philadelphia Underboss and FBI CW Philip Leonetti testified that Genovese Family Member Adolfo Bruno confessed to the attempted murder of Maruca. 

Maruca himself turned CW in 1991 and claimed that he was targeted because he refused to turn over profits to members of the Bufalino Family. Bruno and the Genovese Family did the shooting as a favour to the Bufalino family, Maruca claimed.

In 1986, Mosco used his organized crime affiliation to obtain the position of business agent with Local 693 of the Teamsters Union. 

According to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission Mosco used position with the local, as well as the reputation of the Bufalino Family, to extort construction workers and employers working on interstate construction projects in the Binghamton, NY, area.

In October 1989 Anthony  Guarnieri and Anthony Mosco were indicted and charged with labor racketeering, conspiracy, and RICO offenses. Charged also were various labor union officials.

In 1990 identified as a Member of the Bufalino Family by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission.

On April 20, 1990, Mosco and Guarnieri were convicted of various RICO and labor racketeering charges. 

On August 12, 1990, Guarnieri was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Mosco was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Mosco was released from prison on July 18, 2005.

Edward Quirolo (Gambino)

 

E. Quirolo

 

Edward 'Eddie Guida' Quirolo was a Soldier in the Gambino Family.

Born June 7, 1910 in NYC to Victor Quirolo (32y) and Giuseppina Guida (27) in NYC.

Father owned the Victor Quirolo Funeral Home.

Father was born in Northern Italy in the Chiavari comune, close to the city of Genua. Mother was born in Sorrento in Campania.

At time of birth the family resided at 327 East 109th St. Father's funeral parlor had an office at the same address.

From 1926 to 1932 boxed professionally under the name 'Eddie Guida'. He fought 46 bouts with a knockout rate of 46%.

On June 2, 1935 older brother Guido Quirolo (1908-1950) married Helen Paterra. Bride was the sister of Joseph 'Joe Swede' Paterra (1906-1974) was a Soldier in the Genovese Family's East Harlem Crew. Brother also worked for Victor Quirolo Funeral Home and also resided at 327 East 109th St.

It is not known when Quirolo became associated with the Gambino Family but he was likely an Associate by the late 1930s.

 

Michael Baratta after being shot in the leg.

On August 5, 1938 Quirolo, Michael Baratta [Future Gambino Soldier] (1904-1988), Frank Cipoletti and four other men attempted to extort tavern owner Anthony Marano at his 'Dutch Tavern' in Astoria, Queens. During the following mele Marano shot Baratta in the leg and Quriolo was grazed by a bullet in the neck. 

He was taken to hospital for treatment, where he was arrested.

Initially charged with attempted extortion and assault. Marano later retracted the charges.

By 1940 Quirolo resided at 327 East 109th St and worked for the Victor Quirolo Funeral parlor.

During the early 1950s involved in Florida in a Florida business with among others Gambino member Joseph 'The Hat' Zingaro. 

 

An FBI informant advised:

"Concerning Royal House Fruit Company he stated this company was formed in 1953 and incorporated in the Bronx. The President was VINCENT SQUILLANTE, JOE ZINGARO was Vice-President and MARIO PICCININNI was Treasurer to the best of his recollection. These 1ndividuals were not stock holders and merely took a salary. One of the stock holders he recalls was OLIVIA SQULLLANTE, wife of VINCENT. He does not know any of the other stock holders.

He stated he has been in the produce business all of his adult life and has been employed by MARIO PICCININNI in the past.

In 1955, he, JOE ZINGARO and MARIO bought out the previous interests in Royal House Fruit Company for $1,000. The three put up §333 each. He said EDWARD QUIROLO never had a part of this business. He said Royal House Fruit Company is presently inactive having gone out of the fruit business in 1960.

About four years ago, JOE ZINGARO came to him with the idea of the company buying 110 acres of land in Florida. The total price for the land was $180,000 and it was decided Royal House Fruit would buy Into the deal. Reval House Fruit invested a total of about $1,000, EDWARD QUIROLO put in additional money and GEORGE MANZI also put money into this deal."

Around the mid-to-late 1950s Quirolo was inducted into the Gambino Family.

At two associations in 1960 interviewed by FBI agents concerning his association with Genovese Family member Anthony 'Fat Tony Salerno':

"In Feb. and Dec., 1960, Edward Quirolo advised he was born in the East Harlem area of NYC and that he had mown Anthony Salerno all his life. He became friendly with Salerno who was now known as a racketman. Salerno was well liked by the people in his area for doing small favors for them when they were hard up."

During 1962 involved in a Florida real estate deal with Philadelphia Boss Angelo Bruno. Bruno's brother-in-law Ralph Maranca acted as a courier during the deal:

"[Informant] stated EDDIE (QUIROLO), Undertaker from New York, was seen entering Penn Jersey Vending on February 9, 1962 and Mareh 8, 1962 to talk to ANGELO BRUNO concerning the purchase of parcels of land with BRUNO and mortgage money."

"EDVARD QUIROLO interviewed on March 23, 1962, by [redacted] and advised that-he was one of the owners 110 acres of land in Broward County, Florida  which was purchased for $180,000 in May, 1957.

QUIROLO also advised that he knows ANGELO BRUNO from Philadelphia and admitted meeting with him in Philadelphia on various occasions, in addition he met BRUNO in March 1962, in Miami Beach, Florida, to see if BRUNO, knew anyone who would be interested in purchasing the land, also CARLO GAMBINO attended this meeting. QUIROLO admitted GAMBINO previously."

"Philadelphia teletype to Bureau, 11/19/62.

Person believed to be RALPH MARANCA delivered an envelope to EDWARD QUIROLO, 327 East 109th Street, NYC, at about 6:30 pm, 11/16/62. Envelope appeared to contain legal papers and no money was observed in the envelope by NYO SAS. QUIROLO maintains a business and residence address at 327 East 109th St., and is a funeral director.

MARANCA arrived at residence at 6:29 pm and departed at 6:31 pm, in the same cab bearing NY license 0-19346. After MARANCA departed, QUIROLO left residence and visited a luncheonette several doors from his home. No one was observed meeting QUIROLO in the luncheonette.

JOSEPH VALACHI (protect) advised 11/8/62, that EDWARD QUIROLO is a “button man" in the CARLO GAMBINO family."

The real estate sale between Quirolo and Bruno was finalized during the summer of 1964.

On September 23, 1966 an FBI CI reported on Quirolo:

"Informant stated he is familiar with QUIROLO and knew 225 him to be a "button guy" in the GAMBINO "family" and operating in East Harlem, NY, as a shylock. Informant said he had recently heard that QUIROLO was having considerable trouble with his wife."

Quirolo died in June 1976 in Westchester, NY.