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.

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.

Michael Catalano (Gambino)

 

M. Catalano 1970

Michael Catalano was a member of the Gambino Family. He was a close associate of Gambino Family Underboss Neil Dellacroce.

Born February 7, 1918 in NYC to Giorgio Catalano (27y) and Lucia Fortunato (24y).

Father born in Martone, in the province of Reggio Calabria, Calabria. Mother born in Miglionico, Provincia di Matera, Basilicata.

At time of birth the family resided at 284 Mulberry St.

In 1940 claimed employment at Standard Fruit and Ss Co. At the time he resided at 284 Mulberry St.

In 1950 he resided at 139 Mulberry St.

In 1954 arrested by the NYPD for criminally receiving stolen property.

On April 10, 1955 charged with Bank Robbery of the Chase Manhattan Bank branch on Roosevelt Ave, in Queens. The robbery that occurred four days earlier. Also charged was 'Big Frank' Cocchiaro, a member of the DeCavalcante family. The charges were later dismissed.

"0n 10/1/55 MICHAEL VINCENT CATALANO, advised SAS NICHOLAS DUNBAR and ARTHUR P, DUFFY that he met FRANK COCCHIARO about 1947 or 1948, both were working at the Palladium Dance Hall, Catalano advised that he knew at one time that Cocchiaro had worked on the docks for Gran-colombiana, He stated that he knew that FRANK COCCHIARO had trouble with his waterfront pass, and had to leave his job then. He has not seen too much of Frank since they were both arrested in 1/55, in Bklyn, NY. He stated, Cocchiaro was wholly innocent of any wrong doing and he blames himself for getting Cocchiaro in any difficulties, and at that time neither of them had any intention to hold up a bank."

In 1956 arrested by the NYPD for carrying a loaded pistol.

By 1958 he was an inducted member of the Gambino Family. His first Captain would have been Armand 'Tommy' Rava, a Close associate of Dellacroce. By that time he had moved to 248 Mulberry St, directly opposite The Ravenite Social Club at 247 Mulberry St. Dellacroce's headquarter. Dellacroce lived at 232 Mulberry St.

 

Rava headed a large Crew; among the soldiers in the Crew was Neil Dellacroce, Mike Catalano, Mike Caiazzo, Carmine Fatico, Anthony Ruggiano, Anthony Guerrieri and others.

Dellacroce 1970

 

After Rava was murdered in about 1958, Dellacroce was promoted to head the Decina and Catalano reported to him.

On february 11, 1959 one of fourteen individuals arrested by FBI Agents for the armed hijacking of a truck load of cigarettes. At the time he was an organizer for Ironworkers Local 40.

On May 12, 1960 interviewed by FBI agents:

"MICHAEL CATALANO was interviewed at his apartment located at 248 Mulberry Street, New York Clty. He advised that ANIELLO DELLACROCE is the godfather to his son and that he has known DELLACROCE all of his life due to the fact that they were both born and raised in the same neighborhood.

CATALANO said that due to the close proximity of their residence, he sees DELLACROCE several times a week on the street.”

From the mid 1960's Dellacroce and his crew was under increasing FBI surveillance.

"On July 21, 1967 an FBI CI gave information on Dellacroce's crew members: "[informant] advised that [redacted]. He noted that CATALANO is a very shrewed, clever individual who is highly regarded by DELLACROCE."

On May 20, 1958 the FBI conducted surveillance and observed Dellacroce and Catalano on Mulberry St:

"[subject] proseded North at Mulberry Street, while CATALANO remained in front of Ferrara's Pastry Shop. MIKE CIRILLI, who usually hangs out at Aniello Dellacroce's Social Club, was observed speaking to CATALANO on Mulberry Street near Grand Street.

...

While the unknown man was in the shoe shining parlor, ANIELLO DELLACROCE and MIKE CATALANO were seen conversing in the vicinity of Prince Street and Mulberry Street. In addition, at 4:15 PH, two unknown subjects entered the Ravenite Social Club."

In 1969 listed by the USDOJ Manhattan Strike Force as a Gambino Family Member.

On December 17, 1969 FBI Agents arrested Catalano and Dellacroce on charges of tax fraud they found five loaded handguns in his apartment on 248 Mulberry St.

"MICHAEL VINCENT CATALANO, subject in captioned case, was also arrested on 12/17/69, with NY File 166-2217. Five loaded handguns were found in CATALANOs apartment incidental to his arrest, and a separate Federal indictment is expected to be handed down on CATALANO, a convicted felon, regarding these unregistered handguns found in his apartment. 

CATALANO is a member of the CARLO GAMBINO "family" of LCN, and is under ANIELLO DELLACROCE."

In 1970 arrested three times for gambling and was fined a total of $60 after pleading guilty to loitering for the purpose of gambling.

On August 28, 1970 Catalano, Dellacroce and Philadelphia Boss Angelo Bruno was charged with contempt of Court. The grand jury questioned all three about a mob takeover of the gambling casino of the Hispanola Hotel in Santo Domingo, to which they either lied or refused to answer. 

Dellacroce was also asked the following questions about Bonanno Family Soldier Anthony Leone:

"Did you not warn Leone that he was talking too much and causing friction within the ‘family’? 

Did you not tell Leone to keep his mouth shut, to stop criticizing others within the ‘family’? 

Did you not tell Leone you had been asked to straighten him out and that if he didn’t, he would be discussed by the commission and 

the borgotta?"

 

On October 16, 1970 Catalano plead guilty to weapons possession and was sentenced to one year in prison.

On January 17, 1972 Catalano pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charge of contempt and was sentenced to 90 days in prison. 

On January 26, 1973 Catalano was found guilty of aiding Dellacroce to commit tax fraud and sentenced to two years in prison. The Daily News noted that Catalano had to rush over to his hysterical wife to try to calm her after the jury convicted him and Dellacroce who was sentenced to five years for tax fraud.

After his prison sentence Catalano's stature in LCN may have fallen as a FBI CW reported on July 24, 1973:

“[redacted] advised that he recently Heard a rumor to the effect that MIKE CATALANO was just thrown out of LCN. He stated that NEIL DELLACROCE, who was CATALANO's mentor, is presently in jail serving time at Rikers Island and that the word is that MIKE CATALANO could have taken all the blame for DELLACROCE and in this way taking DELLACROCE off the hook and as MIKE was going to jail anyway, it would not have made any difference to him. This is supposedly the reason he was thrown out."

 

Late 1980s outside The Ravenite

During the late 1980s  Catalano was photographed by the FBI standing outside the Ravenite Social Club.

He died 15 May, 1998 in the Bronx.

Louis Musto (Gambino)

 

Louis Musto

Louis Musto was a possible Member of the Gambino Family.

Born December 11, 1929 to Joseph Musto (Chauffeur; 26y) and Grace LaRocca (Seamstress; 25y).

All four grandparents were born in Italy. Mothers family partly from Ottaviano comune of Naples, Campania.

At the time of Louis's birth the family resided in Parsippany, NJ.

By 1934 the family resided at 27 Mill St. in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.

On November 22, 1934 father Joseph Musto was arrested for driving a car while intoxicated. He died in April the following year.

By 1950 Musto resided at 196 Mott St. in Manhattan.

By the early 1950s Musto was involved in a car theft operation on the Lower East Side. On November 4, 1952, an FBI CI advised that:

"[Vincent Potenza; Lucchese Soldier] and the following individuals have been engaged in stealing, disposing and preparing fictitious registrations and bills of sale for stolen Cadillacs: SALVATORE DI PIETRO, NYCPD B#253560; JOSEPH YACOVELLI, NYCPD B#2318; CARMINE DI BIASI, NYCPD_B#149289; ANTHONY MANGINE, NYCPD B#ST360, and LOUIS JOSEPH MUSTO NYCPD B#2T8833."

Di Pietro (1922-1973) was a Member of the Genovese Family. Yacovelli (1928-2006) would become Consigliere of the Colombo Family.

V. Potenza

 

At 2:45 AM on August 22, 1955 cops arrived at New Follies Tavern on 232 W. 48th St. A patron pointed out Vincent Potenza as the man who struck him in a row over Potenza's wife. In the following melee Gambino Family Soldier John Mingoia was shot by police. The bullet went through his lung. Mingoia, Musto and Potenza were all arrested and later released on bail. First listed in serious condition, Mingoia later recovered.

On January 12, 1956 involved in the hijacking of a load of furs from Nathan Klemas Co. in Queens. The conspiracy started in late 1955 as reported by an FBI CI:

 

"[Informant] advised on December 10, 1955, revealed that he had visited the Rex Bar and Grill, Grand Street, Manhattan, where he was introduced to LOUIS GUIGA and another individual described as GUIGA's partner. During this meeting, LOUIS GUIGA discussed the possibility of "taking" a large load of [redacted] from a Queens, New York express company wich was known to pick up shipments of [redacted] from [redacted] on a regular basis. In discussing  this matter, GUIGA indicated that he had two good "drops", one in Brooklyn, the other in Harlem, and that he had a buyer who would take such a load immediately."

Involved in the hijacking was Louis Musto, Joseph 'JoJo' Vitacco (1926-1980; a Colombo Member), James 'Jimmy Russo' Rocereto and Richard Langone. Also possibly involved was Gambino Member Louis 'Louie Juga' Guiga (1927-1980) and others. Rocereto, a professional boxer, was managed by Genovese Soldier Frankie Carbo. Richard Langone had been arrested a year earlier for hijacking a truck load of canned ham.

 

Langone and Rocereto

 

Musto, Rocereto and Langone subsequently were arrested and indicted for theft from an interstate shipment. Vitacco avoided arrest as he could not be located.

An FBI report from 1956 summarized:

"It is to be noted that during the course of another investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1956, case captioned "NATHAN KLEMAS, with aliases, ET AL; THEFT FROM INTERSTATE SHIPMENT", information was developed which indicated that LOUIS GUIGA, who hangouts at the Rex Bar and Grill, Grand Street, New York City, was an associate or acquaintance of RICHARD MICHAEL LANGONE, JAMES JOSEPH ROCERETO, and LOUIS JOSEPH MUSTO, all subjects in described investigation."

By 1956 Musto was possibly a formally inducted member of the Gambino Family. One informant stated that Musto had been sponsored for membership by Aniello Dellacroce.

On the night of June 23, 1956 Musto, Potenza and Vitacco used a baseball bat to beat up an 18-year-old sailor outside a Brooklyn tavern. The sailor was on leave from the Key West Naval Base. The trio was released on a $5000 bail.

On July 28, 1956 the bodies of Rocereto and Langone were found inside a parked car outside 104 Forsyth St. They had been beaten to death, possibly with an axe. Parts of a rope were found. It soon emerged that Musto was missing and probably had met the same fate as Rocereto and Langone.

Musto was last seen alive on July 27, 1956. Police stated that Musto was in telephone contact with Joseph Vitacco that day.

Musto, Rocereto and Langone was supposed to attend trial on the hijacking charges on August 1. Musto was later convicted in absentia.

 

A friend of Musto, Abraham Telvi, was found shoot dead July 28, 1956 outside 282 Mulberry St. Telvi, Musto, Rocereto and Langone out at Lima's Lounge, at 60 Clinton St. But no connection was found between the Telvi murder and Musto's disappearance.

On October 15, 1959 added to the FBI's Most Wanted list. He replaced Carmello Cocchiaro, a future DeCavalcante Member, on the list.

In the following years sporadic reports emerged about Musto's fate.

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr. stated:

"On 7/5/62, informant advised that approximately 6 years ago, an individual by the name of LOUIS MUSTO was thrown into a furnace alive and completely burned. The informant stated that he was not aware of the reason for Musto's execution, but feels that it may have been due to MUSTO was sticking up crap games controlled by members of the organization."

An unknown FI CI stated:

"On January 21, 1963, NY T-6 advised that several years ago, RICHARD MICHAEL LANGONE, JAMES ROCERTIO and LOUIS MUSTO were murdered in the Ravenite Social Club, 247 Mulberry Street, New York, New York. [Informant] stated that [redacted]. [Informant] advised that these individuals were killed [redacted] [Informant] stated that these three persons were in the middle of a trial in which they were all defendants."

In 1964 an FBI informant claimed that Musto had been an initiated member of the Gambino Family:

"[Informant] advised on February 7, 1964, that several years ago, DELLACROCE sponsored LOUIS MUSTO and that MUSTO became a "button man" under DELLACROCE. Sometime after MUSTO became a "button man" MUSTO was found murdered in a field."

The informant was incorrect as to the recovery of Musto's body. It was never found.

 

Pop artist Andy Warhol used Musto's photo from the Most Wanted poster in his "Thirteen Most Wanted Men" at New York State Pavilion at New York World’s Fair in 1964. The artwork proved to be highly controversial. 

 

Thirteen Most Wanted Men at New York State Pavilion. Musto's photo in the middle to the right.

 

 

In 1967 Musto was listed by the FBI as a suspected Member of the Gambino Family with the status "missing".

On January 21, 1977 he was listed by the FBI as a deceased Member of the Lucchese Family. The reason for this assessment of Family affiliation is not given.