Gaetano Amato (Genovese)

 

G. Amato

Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato was a soldier in the Genovese Family active in Brooklyn.

He had a long history of associating with Members and Associates of the Colombo Family.

Born October 29, 1913 in Brooklyn to Francesco Amato (42y) and Anna Cozzolino (26y). Father was born in Palermo and mother born in Naples, Italy.

At the time of birth the family resided at 160 Union St, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

By 1925 the family had moved to nearby 514 Henry St.

By 1930 the family had moved to 390 Clinton St, also in Carroll Gardens.

On December 21, 1936 arrested with two others on charges of having no visible means of support. The NYPD described the men as "degenerates" and arrested them after

their car sped down Broadway in Manhattan.

On April 4, 1940 picked up for vagrancy by the NYPD. Also arrested was Paul Ruggerio (29y) of 549 Henry St, said by police to be a recently released convict.

By October 1940 he was residing at 9 Prince St in Manhattan and gave his occupation as a longshoreman.

By 1950 he and wife resided at 38 President St in Brooklyn. 

By 1958 formally inducted member of Genovese Family.

In an FBI report dated October 8, 1963 FBI CI and Colombo Family member Gregory Scarpa identified Amato as a Member of Cosa Nostra.

In October 1967 included in the FBI's list of identified Genovese Family members.

Attended a 1969 New Year's Eve party at a mob social club, along with Colombo Family Member Dominick Scialo. On October 5, 1971 an FBI CI advised: "[Informant] advised that on New Year's Eve 1969 at the West Side Civic Club on New Utrecht and 81st Streets, MIMI got extremely drunk and became very abusive toward two of CARLO GAMBINO's young associates, who promptly gave SCIALO a severe beating. They had guns and were going to kill SCIALO but were stopped by TOMMY "SCAR" AMATO.

[Informant] advised that SCIALO who is not Sicilian has an intense hatred for Sicilians and this becomes very evident when he drinks. [Informant] further advised that although SCIALO probably has some gambling operation going, it is not a big one and that he heard SCIALO is shaking down bar owners in the Coney Island area for fifty bucks a week."

In the early 1970s partner with Family Boss Joe Colombo (1923-1978) in a gambling operation in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. On April 7, 1971 Amato and Colombo were among 38 persons arrested for violation of Federal Gambling laws. Amato was arrested at 80-11 New Utrecht Avenue in Bensonhurst. At the time he was residing at 297 Bay 10th Street in Bath Beach.

The Amato/Colombo operation laid off its 'numbers action' to a numbers bank located at 218 Grand St in Manhattan. Probably the same numbers bank controlled by Genovese Members Thomas Eboli and Eli Zeccardi. The FBI arrest report stated:

"AMATO admitted his identity but refused to answer any questions concerning his alleged involvement in violation of Federal laws relating to an illegal gambling business of the FBI. AMATO was then transported to the New York Office"

In 1972 identified by the NYPD OC Squad as a customer of the Anthony Granata/Joseph 'Sam' Pontillo Cigarette smuggling operation. As Colombo Family Associates Granata and Pontillo headed NYC's largest smuggling ring but were financially backed by Genovese family Members Vincent and Mario Gigante.

 

A. Granata

A December 15, 1973 report from the NYPD's Organized Crime Control Bureau stated: "[Anthony Granata] is the largest smuggler of untaxed cigarettes in the N.Y. area. His customers include members of Catena,Tramunti, Colombo & Gambino families such as, Gaetano Amato (Guy Russo), a soldier Genovese Family; Anthony DeLutro, soldier in Gambino Family and close associate of Aniello Dellacroce; Frank Malvagna, soldier in Colombo Family; Ralph Marino, alleged godson of Buster Aloi, Capo in Colombo Family; Anthony Pinto, soldier in Tramunti Family; and Anthony Castaldi, a soldier in Tramunti Family. He was last arrested on March 29, 1973, and charged with violation of the untaxed cigarettes statutes."

In early 1973 Granata and Pontillo ended their partnership and Pontillo started his own cigarette smuggling operation that was financially backed by Amato and Lucchese Family Members Anthony Pinto and Anthony 'Tony Bones' Castaldi.

On October 11, 1973 Amato, Pontillo and Carlo Noia were arrested as they were unloading 3600 cartons of cigarettes out of a truck in a Brooklyn parking lot. Amato, Noia and charged with possessing untaxed cigarettes. Pontillo was also charged with bribery after he offered a detective $5000.

Six months later Carlo Noia was indicted as part of Colombo Member Gregory Scarpa, Sr. crew attempting to sell stolen stocks. Among those also indicted together with Noia and Scarpa, Sr was Future Colombo Members Robert Zambardi and Joseph DeDomenico. 

On August 14, 1974 Pontillo was shot two times in the stomach as he was standing on a street in Sheepshead bay, Brooklyn. Five months earlier a close associate of his, Anthony 'Tony Ninny' Giordano had been shot dead in Brooklyn.

He was identified as a Soldier in the 1983 Senate Chart.

On December 3, 1911 shot dead as he was standing in front of a social club at 2284 McDonald Ave. The intended victim was Colombo Family Associate Joseph Tolino (38y) who was aligned with the Orena faction. The shooters were part of the Gregory Scarpa Crew aligned with the rival Persico faction. On December 11, 1991 Gregory Scarpa reported to his FBI handler, Lindley DeVecchio:

 

"[Scarpa] said the hit on GAETANO AMATO was an accidental shooting by the PERSICO faction when attempting to hit TOLINO. The PERSICO faction contacted the GENOVESE Family and expressed their apologies for the shooting, and were told by tals of the GENOVESE Family that it was regrettable about it, but he should have known better than to be in a COLOMBO location and there would be no retaliation. The [Scarpa] said the believed Persico side them to be members close to NICHOLAS Grancio at that location prior to the shooting."

DeVecchio wrote about the murder in his 2011 book "We're going to win this thing: The shocking frame-up of a Mafia crime buster": 

 

"December 3, 1991: The Persico faction struck back and had their first kill. It was not exactly a trophy kill. The victim was seventy-eight-year-old Gaetano Amato. He was a Genovese made man who was then "on the shelf," that is, semiretired. Gaetano made the error in judgment of hanging out in front of a social club belonging to my civil lawsuit murder victim Nicky Black Grancio. Drive-by shooters under Greg Scarpa were looking for Nicky Black and were aiming for another Colombo button when they shot and killed Gaetano by mistake. Since the old guy was no longer a Genovese Family moneymaker, his Boss, Chin Gigante, took the hit in stride. Chin generously blamed Gaetano for getting himself killed and paid for the funeral."

Vincent Belmont (Lucchese)

 

V. Belmont

Vincent Belmont was a Soldier in the Lucchese Family active in the numbers racket and a close associate of Capodecina Anthony 'Tony Higgins' Castaldi (1913-1987).

Born October 18, 1925 in NYC to Peter (23y) and Lena Fadelici (22y). Both parents were born in NYC. Father worked as a bus driver.

Paternal grandfather, Vincenzo Belmonte, was born in the San Mauro Forte comune in the province of Matera, Basilicata. 

Brother Salvatore Belmont (1930-2021) was a Lucchese Associate. Possibly a nephew of Lucchese Members Anthony and Salvatore Castaldi. The exact relationship, if any, is not clear in available material. The Castaldi brothers parents were both born in Campania, Italy.

By 1940 the family resided at 1969 First Ave in East Harlem.

 

A. Castaldi (1950)

 

An NYPD report from 1965 identified 34 numbers banks in NYC. Eighteen was controlled by the Genovese Family, four was controlled by the Lucchese Family, was controlled by the Gambino Family. The Bonanno and Colombo Families controlled two each. Five banks believed to be independent/undeterment.

Of the four Numbers Banks controlled by the Lucchese Family one was controlled by Capodecina Paul Vario and Associate Steven DiPasquale, operating mainly in Brooklyn and Long Island. One was controlled by Soldier Nunzio 'Frank' Arra, operating in East Harlem and Queens. A smaller numbers bank was controlled by Associate Neil Migliore, operating in Corona, Queens. The fourth Lucchese numbers bank was controlled by Belmont and Anthony Castaldi.

According to a NYPD C.I.B. report the Freni brothers, Eugene and Santo, controlled numbers along a route of the Long Island Railroad and collected money and bets in front of the Saverin Restaurant in Pennsylvania Station. They were originally numbers collectors for Aldo Mazzarati and Gaetano 'Kay' Somma, Soldiers of the Genovese Family. Collectors along the Long Island Railroad route included conductors and other employees of the railroad who would deliver the numbers to the Freni's. The brothers also collected wagers from railroad conductors and other railroad employees at the Sunnyside Railroad Yards in Long Island City, Queens.

For reasons unknown, Mazzarati and Somma dropped the Freni's from their operation. It was soon agreed upon, that Vincent and Salvatore Belmont would bank the numbers work emanating from the Freni's. A Belmont associate, James Migliero, was the sales manager for the Paragon Oldsmobile Corporation in Queens, the meeting place and contact spot for associates of the Lucchese Family. Belmont maintained a close association with his uncle, Anthony Castaldi, with Anthony 'Tony Ducks' Corallo, and with Nunzio Arra. In a C.I.B. report, Bonanno Family Captain Thomas D'Angelo, financial backer of the Aloi numbers enterprise (Colombo Family), was observed driving to a high level Commission meeting in a Belmont automobile (no further details given).

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

He was identified  as a Soldier in 1983 Senate Chart, and posthumously in 1988 Chart.

By 1983 he was residing at 169-65 24th Road in Whitestone, Queens.

He died February 1984.

Salvatore Peritore (Colombo)

 

S. Peritore (1984)

Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore was a member of the Colombo Family.

Born January 26, 1913 in Brooklyn, NY to Federico (33y) and Margherita Damante (25y). Father born in the Licata comune of Agrigento, Sicily. Mother likely also from Licata. 

By 1920 the family resided at 207 Union St. in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens.

By 1930 the family had moved to 1160 70th St. in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights.

On September 10, 1930 one of seven arrested as part of what police dubbed 'The Midget Gang'. The seven, travelling in a car, had robbed people of their wallets and other valuables. Also arrested was Andrew Muzzo, 19, of 191 Frost street, Brooklyn; Lucio Nuro, 17, 1060 Seventy-first street; Salvatore Muzzo, 17, a brother of Andrew, who lived at 433 West Thirty-eighth street, Manhattan; John Loparo, 18, of 1135 Sixty-ninth Street, Brooklyn; Dominick Igneri, 17, of the same address, and Patsy Trimarco, 18, of 1056 Sixty-ninth street, Brooklyn.

Trimarco had previously been arrested for robbery with future Genovese Family Soldier Mario Mosiello and would be arrested for robbery along with future Colombo Family Soldier Pasquale Guariglia the following year.

On his World War II Draft Card from October 1940 he gave his address as 1866 W 3rd St. in Brooklyn's Gravesend and his occupation as butcher.

Around the mid-to-late 1950s Peritore was inducted into the Colombo Family. 

 

John Oddo

Among 18 men that attended the reopening party of Club 13 at 1302 Avenue U, Brooklyn, on June 17, 1958. Club 13 had been closed since April after being destroyed by a fire and was the headquarters of Colombo Family Captain John Oddo. Peritore may have been reporting to Oddo at the time. The NYPD raided the party and charged the men with vagrancy. Charges likely dropped.

Club 13 located 8 blocks from Peritore's residence at 462 Avenue V, Brooklyn. 

During late February and March 1961 Peritore vacationed in Miami with Colombo Captain John Oddo and Gambino Family Member Pasquale Crapanzano At the time the Group was surveillance by the FBI: "The 1960 International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and Helpers' Roster of Local Unions, as checked on 4/25/61, reflected that PATSY CRAPANZANO, is the Secretary of Local 27, Room 133, 147 4th Avenue, NYC. It is to be noted that CRAPANZANO shared a room with SALVATORE PERITORE of 462 Avenue V, Brooklyn, in a Miami Beach Hotel in February and March, 1961. PERITORE is a close associate of the [Oddo], who was residing in the hotel at the same time as CRAPANZANO and PERITORE."

In early 1963 he was part of a group of Family Members expressing dissatisfaction with Family Boss Joe Magliocco. On January 17, 1963 Colombo Family Member and FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: "Referenced teletype set forth information received from NY 3461-C-TE that CHARLES LOCICERO, SAMUEL PERITORE, SALVATORE BADALAMENTI, and BENNY D'ALASSANDERO were going to meet with the "Commission" sometime between 1/16/63 and the end of the week in New York City. The purpose of this meeting was to explain a situation in the MAGLIOCCO "Family" to the "Commission" and how much of this "Family" they control and the above named individuals' discontent with MAGLIOCCO as boss."

In April of 1964 FBI CI Gregry Scarpa reported that the daughter of Salvatore Peritre would be getting married. As a preparation the FBI sent agents for special training. The following reports were later made by the FBI:

"[CI Gregory Scarpa] has advised that the daughter of SALVATORE PERITORE, a NY subject in the COLOMBO "family", is being married on 6/14/64. The wedding will be at 5:00 p.m. and the reception at 8:00 p.m. PERITORE has mentioned to the informant that he is inviting a large number of guests which includes CARLO GAMBINO, a NY Commission member, JOSEPH COLOMBO and some people from Cleveland. It is known that in the past PERITORE has travelled to Buffalo where he visited members of the MAGADDINO "family"." 

"During the period of 4/27 through 5/1/64, an Agent assigned to Criminal Intelligence investigations in the NYO was afforded one week of training at the Bureau's Photographic Surveillance School. On the evening and early morning hours of 6/14-15/64, a wedding reception was held at the Claridge Caterers in Brooklyn, NY for the daughter of SALVATORE "SAMMY PERITORE, a member of "La Cosa Nostra" in the JOSEPH COLOMBO "family". A photographic "plant" was established on the second floor of a building approximately 110 feet away from the entrance of the reception hall location. From this location photographs of wedding guests were made with Tri-X film from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. Royal Recording film was then substituted for Tri-X film from 11:00 p.m. to approximately 2:30 a.m. The photographic instrument used was a Practiha Camera using a 300 mm lens."

"On the evening and early morning hours of 6/14-15/64, a wedding reception was held at the Claridge Caterers in Brooklyn, NY for the daughter of SALVATORE "SAMMY" PERITORE, a member of "La Cosa Nostra" in the JOSEPH COLOMBO "family". Approximately 100 identifiable photographs were taken at this location, many of which were identified by confidential sources for the first time as previously unknown members of "La Cosa Nostra". It is also noted that these photographs were exhibited to the Attorney General during his recent visit to the NYO as an example of the continuing investigation and identification of members in "La Cosa Nostra"."

Among those photographed was Boss Joseph Colombo, Colombo Family Captains Simone Andolino, Nicholas Forlano and Carmine Persico and Soldiers Joseph Yacovelli and Gregory Scarpa. Gambino Family Members Paul Castellano, Salvatore Aurelllo and John Rizzo were also photographed.

During August and September 1964 San Jose Boss Joe Cerrito visited New York and Peritore was among those that meet him: "On August 16, 1964, the departure of JOE CERRITO and his wife was observed by Special Agents of this office and it was ascertained, that members of the immediate family of JOE CERRITO and JOHN ARDIZZONE, his brother-in-law, and a cousin, GIUSEPPE MARINO, who operates the San Jose Imports Company, and JOE CERRITO were also present. The New York Office by communication dated August 31, 1964, advised that CERRITO throughout his stay in New York City was in contact with SALVATORE J. PROFACI, JR., nephew of the deceased JOE PROFACI. CERRITO was observed on several occasions at the residence of PROFACI and on one occasion BILL BONANNO, son of JOE BONANNO, Commission member, and SALVATORE PERITORE, of the JOSEPH COLOMBO Family of La Cosa Nostra, were also in attendance at the residence. COLOMBO is the current successor to the late JOSEPH PROFACI. BILL BONANNO is the Consiglieri of La Cosa Nostra, LA BRUZZO Family, in New York, which was formerly known as the JOE BONANNO Family. [Informant] advised on October 1, 1964, that he had received a card from JOE CERRITO on September 30, 1964, and this card had been airmailed from Palermo, Sicily and merely indicated CERRITO was enjoying his trip in Europe."

By 1965 Peritore reported directly to Colombo Family Underboss Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo. 

In October, 1966 Peritore was among five Colombo members and one Associate indicted as reported by the FBI: "JOSEPH COLOMBO, "boss" of COLOMBO "family"; JOHN ODDO, "Capodecina"; LAWRENCE GALLO, SALVATORE PERITORE, both members of the COLOMBO "family"; as well as ALBERT GALLO and JOSEPH LIVOTI, both associates of COLOMBO "family", were indicted by a Kings County Grand Jury, Brooklyn, New York, under Section 600 of the New York State Penal Law covering the crime of contempt. In July, 1967, the above contempt indictments were dismissed by the New York State Supreme Court."

In April of 1969 sentenced to 30-days in jail for contempt after refusing to answer questions before a Grand jury.

He was identified as a Colombo Family member in 1983 / 1988 Senate Charts.

Between April and May, 1993 former Colombo Family Consigliere and FBI CW Carmine Sessa was interviewed by the FBI about the Colombo Family structure as of May 1991. Sessa identified  Peritore as a member of the Colombo family reporting to Captain William Cutolo: "CUTOLO's crew consisted of: JOSEPH COLOMBO; JOSEPH GAMBOLA a/k/a "Joe Smash"; JOSEPH SORRENTINO , a/k/a "Peanuts"; JOSEPH IANNACI, a/k/a "Joe Notch"; SAM PERITORE, a/k/a "Cut'em up Sam"; JOSEPH CAMPANELLA, a/k/a "Joe Campy", and others." 

He died October 29, 1994 in Staten Island, NY.

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.

 

J. Guarnieri (right)

 

 

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.