Rosario Nastasa (Colombo)

 

R. Nastasa

Rosario 'Black Sam' Nastasa was a Soldier in the Colombo Family.

Born 20 March, 1912 in NYC to Rosario 'Sam' Nastasa Sr (28y), a Laboratory Assistant, and Rosina Sparici (18y). Both parents were born in Italy.

In 1933 married Sarah McKay. Son Sam was born the following year.

At an unspecified time in the early 1940s served time in prison for bookmaking. For the next fifty years Nastasa's main activity would be various types of illegal gambling.  

Possibly started as a Genovese Family Associate that transferred to the Colombo Family. An 1948 intelligence report from the NYPD Detective Bureau named Nastasa as a bookmaker reporting to Anthony 'Tony Adonis' Doto (1898-1967), brother of Genovese Capodecina Joseph 'Joey Adonis' Doto.

Doto operated his bookmaking operation out of the Salfred Sign Company located at 5910 Fort Hamilton Parkway.

By 1950 resided at 5510 11th Ave, Brooklyn.

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

By 1965 Nastasa reported to Capodecina John 'Sonny' Franzese.

In early 1966 served six months in prison on Hart Island for bookmaking. At the time he resided at 929 60th St. Brooklyn.

While incarcerated indicted on 43 Counts of bookmaking. Charges grew out of two raids carried out on Broadway and in the Garment center the previous October. Sonny Franzese also indicted. Manhattan District Attorney Frank Hogan called Nastasa Franzese's "lieutenant and muscleman persuader."

Another defendant was Genovese Family Soldier Dominick 'Buddy' Cappolla (1923-2020) who was accused of using a baseball bat to extort $19,000 and attempting to extort another $10,000.

In 1971 Franzese and Nastasa plead guilty to aiding and abetting bookmaking and fined $500. Cappolla was sentenced to six years in prison.

Nastasa attended the Colombo Family's picketing of FBI headquarters in Manhattan during 1970. In attendees was FBI CI and Colombo Member Gregory Scarpa Sr who reported to his FBI handers on 18 May, 1970:

"Informant advised he has attended the picketing on a nightly basis and that COLOMBO has been keeping a "head count of all those attending and is angry at those who haven't shown regularly. Informant said on the previous night JIMMY ROSELLI was in attendance as well as ANTHONY AUGELLO, FUNZIE D'AMBROSIO and the usual crew. At one point, AUGELLO falsely claimed an FBI agent had torn his placard off him, spit on him and an incident almost ensued. After this incident, JOE COLOMBO took him aside and severely censured him over this “attempted” incident on AUGELLO's part, informing him that if he wanted one he (COLOMBO) would arrange one and have "his photographers” nearby. Informant advised previously BLACK SAM had attempted to start trouble and COLOMBO likewise berated him.

Informant advised that COLOMBO complained that the demonstration was costing him a great deal of money and that he had discontinued the daily arrival of a food truck."

 

Louis Malpeso

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr gave information on Nastasa Associate Louis Malpeso in a "fur deal" involving Gambino Family Underboss Neil Dellacroce:

"On October 19, 1971 informant advised he was again in contact with [redacted] at which time [redacted] advised that also involved in this fur case was NELL DELLACROCE who "steered" the furs [redacted] one BOBO (true name LOUIS MALFESO NYCPD B# 578672), who operates as a courier and [redacted] who operates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Informant said that [redacted] primarily deals in swag jewelry, however, often handles other types of swag as well.

It is to be noted MALPESO was last known to be driving a 1969 green Cadillac, NY License LX 8517. Informant also advised that BOBO is "with" BLACK SAM NASTASI."

On May 6, 1975 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr gave information about Nastasa:

"ROSARIO NASTASI, a "button", who operates a club in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY [redacted] and a large card games are played in the club."

On August 10, 1975, an FBI CI provided the FBI with the hierarchy of the Colombo Family with Nastasa listed as a Soldier in the crew of Capodecina Joe Brancato:

"[Informant] cautioned that the hierarchy is in a state of flux.

Boss TOMMY DI BELLA

Underboss ANTHONY ABBATEMARCO

Consigliere ALPHONSE PERSICO

Captain JOE BRANCATO

ANTHONY PERAINO

JOE PERAINO

SAM NASTASI"

On February 8, 1975 Colombo Soldier Joseph Vitacco married. At the reception Nastasa seated at the same table as Colombo members Joe Brancato, Joe Periano, Leonard Dello, and Associates Carmine Franzese and Ralph Scopo. Both were later inducted into the Colombo Family.

 

Nastasa during 1982 raid

In August of 1982 a large casino type gambling operation with a number of craps tables opened at 3516 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. Likely a joint venture between serval or all five families the casino was raided by the NYPD on September 1, 1982 at a time when 150 patrons and 24 employees was at the premises, among them Paul Vario, Jr (1938-2019) son of Lucchese Family Capodecina Paul Vario, Sr.

Nastasa and Lucchese Family Associate Vincent Diorato (1926-2006) charged with grand larceny after they tried to take gambling money seized in the raid.

In 1983 he resided at 929 60th St. Brooklyn.

Nastasa was identified as a Soldier in the Colombo Family in 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts.

In December of 1990 FBI CI Greg Scarpa, Sr reported that Nastasa's longtime Associate Louis 'Bobo' Malpeso had become an inducted Member of the Colombo Family. Although no sponsor is named, it is likely Nastasa sponsored Malpeso for membership.

"ON DECEMBER 12, 1990, SOURCE ADVISED THAT CARMINE SESSA

IS THE OFFICIAL CONSIGLIERE OF THE COLOMBO FAMILY, AND BENNY ALOI THE UNDERBOSS.

SOURCE SATD RECENTLY TEN NEW INDIVIDUALS WERE TAKEN INTO

THE COLOMBO FAMILY. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED AS "FAT PATTY" WHO WAS

AN EXPRESSO PLACE AT 20TH AVE. AND 72ND ST. BROOKLYN; BO BO

MALPESO; AND JOEY AMATO; AND FRANKIE "HIGHWAY". THE SOURCE ALSO IDENTIFIED NEWLY MADE MEMBERS AS JOE MONTE, AND SAL FUSCO, JR."

On March 16, 1991 FBI CI Scarpa identified Nastasa and Malpeso as a Soldiers reporting to Capodecina Pasquale 'Patty' Amato.

 

By 1991 the hostilities between the Colombo Family's Persico and Orena factions turned into open warfare for control of the Family. Nastasa sided with Family Boss Carmine Persico, Louis Malpeso sided with Orena.

 

On December 5, 1991 Nastasa was shot and killed inside his base of operations, The Belvedere Social Club, located at 911 63rd St  in Brooklyn.

 

Nastasa 1991

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr named Colombo Soldier Vincent DeMartino and Associates Frank Iannaci and Dominick Dionosio as the killers.

According to Scarpa they were also responsible for the murder of Colombo Soldier Henry 'Hank the Bank' Smurra on November 24, 1991 and the attempted murder of Scarpa himself.

The next day the Scarpa crew killed Orena Associate Vincent Fusaro in Bay Ridge. Two days later BoBo Malpeso's son James was shot in the stomach but survived.

On April 7, 2009, NYPD raided the Bonnano Family linked Banner Civic Social club on 72nd Street in Bensonhurst. During the raid the club's caretaker Sam Nastasa went into cardiac arrest and subsequently died. He was the son of Black Sam Nastasa and also a sometime actor with credits on the TV-show the Sopranos and the mob themed movie Out for Justice (1991) and Carlito's Way (1993). Sam Nastasa reportedly had no criminal record.

 

 

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.

Gerard Mosiello (Genovese)

 

G. Mosiello

 

Gerard 'Jerry Moore' Mosiello was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born October 13, 1905 in NYC to Albert Mosiello (21y) and Maddalena Agresti (20y).
Father born in Frasso Telesino comune of Benevento province, Campania. Father worked as a 'ladies tailor'.

At the time of birth family resided at 170 Thompson St in Manhattan, a couple of doors from future Boss Vito Genovese's office at 180 Thompson St.

Brother Anthony (1907-1988) was a suspected Member of the Genovese Family.

Brother Mario (1912-2001) was a Member of the Genovese Family.

First arrested for attempted burglary in 1924.

It is not known when Mosiello became an inducted Member of the Genovese Family. Referred to as a "long-time" member by FBI CW Joseph Valachi, he was possibly inducted before the LCN membership admissions were closed in the mid 1930s.

By 1933 resided at 1 Minetta St in Manhattan.

In 1937 traveled to Jamaica with wife Susan (neé Rubino).

By October 1940 he resided at 136 Waverly Pl in Manhattan. Listing his occupation as self-employed.

In the early 1940s Mosiello invested $40,000 in Dairt Co of Hicksville, LI a company that assembled and reloaded rifle cartridges for the war effort.

On June 26, 1943 Gerard and Anthony Mosiello were arrested together with two Dairt officials, Moe 'Luger Mike' Saraga and Nathan Silverman on charges of mail fraud for selling purposely defective cartridges to the Soviet government.

It was alleged that the defendants contracted to deliver 2,000,000 rounds of .45 calibre re-load cartridges to the Soviet government at the time of the German invasion. They used primers manufactured in 1898 to 1903, bullet cases that were split and corroded, and "doctored" a firing demonstration so the Soviet inspector would approve the sale. The government contended that the bullets were so constructed that they would jam the rifle so that the magazine would explode in the arms of the soldier.

Moe Saraga in 1937

 

Moe Saraga, a former gun dealer, admitted he had supplied the Dutch Schultz gang with weapons from 1931 to 1935.

Saraga had been named as the last purchaser of a rifle used in the slaying in Chicago of 'Two Gun Louie' Alterie on July 18, 1935. 

Acquitted on December 8, 1943.

By the early 1960s Gerard Mosiello reported to Capodecina Thomas 'Tommy Ryan' Eboli.

In March 1963 included in the FBI's list of Genovese Family members.

By the early 1960 the FBI had recruited a source (NY 3586-C-TE) close to Mosiello who provided the FBI with a large amount of information on LCN activities.

It is not thought NY 3586-C-TE was an inducted member of LCN.

"NEW YORK 3586-C-TE ADVISED ON MAY 31, 1963, THAT HE HAD BEEN IN COMPANY OF GERARD MOSIELLO (GERRY MOORE) ON MAY 30, 1963. MOSIELLO ADVISED INFORMANT THAT "COUNCIL" HAD MET TO DECIDE DISPOSITION OF GALLO-MAGLIOCCO CONFLICT. MOSIELLO  STATED DECISION OF "COUNCIL", WAS THAT GALLOS MUST BE ELIMINATED FOR GOOD OF THE ORGANIZATION, MOSIELLO DID NOT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION AS TO WHERE "COMMISSION" MET, WHO WAS PRESENT AT MEETING, OR EXACT NUMBER OF GALLO'S OR ASSOCIATES TO BE ASSASSINATED, INFORMANT INFERRED FROM MOSIELLO THAT DECISION OF "COMMISSION" WOULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN TWO TO THREE WEEKS."

"On August 2, 1962, [informant] advised that a source close to GERARD MOSIEILO, also known as Jerry Moore, advised that [Tommy] EBOLI had returned from his vacation. According to [informant], MOSIELLO had stated that EBOLL had definitely been in Las Vegas and had met with unknown associates concerning a gambling syndicate that EBOLI is organizing in New York City. The purpose of the syndicate, according to [informant] is to organize bookmakers under the control of EBOLI and his associates and make the bookies use certain "layoff" betting establishments run by EBOLI. MOSIELLO indicated that he had been promised a part of this "action" when it was finally organized and operating."

"[Redacted] advised on 2/24/63, that he had learned from JERRY MOORE (GERALD MOSIELLO) that THOMAS EBOLI had attended a meeting of New Jersey underworld figures at the home of TONY BANANAS (ANTONIO CAPONIGRO) in Belmar, New Jersey, during the earlier part of the week. MOORE related to the informant that the meeting concerned important decisions to be made on the New Jersey waterfront, but he was unable to give any further details as to what was discussed at this meeting."

"During October, 1963, [informant] advised that while present at the Eaglewood Country Club, he saw JERRY CATENA, JERRY MOORE (MOSIELLO) from New York City, NICHOLAS RATENNI, also known as NICK PERRY, MINGI from Camden, New Jersey, whose true name is not known to informant, and MAX GELLIS.

[informant] stated that he saw some of these individuals sitting at separate tables and they appeared to be involved in “paperwork" and exchanging envelopes. Om this particular occasion, [informant] stated JERRY MOORE MOSIELLO is supposed to have made some remarks about gambling at Bayonne, New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey, Union, and North Plainfield, New Jersey."

On January 7, 1964 a FBI CI reported that Mosiello's stature had fallen somewhat: 

"informant stated that MOORE was formerly an important figure in the GENOVESE family, but that he lost his power for playing around with too many women, although he still considers him a "made guy’."

On January 31, 1967 Mosiello was ordered to appear before a federal grand jury investigating illegal gambling in Easton, PA. Brother Mario Mosiello and Joseph Migliazza had previously been arrested in the probe. Migliazza of Easton, PA controlled gambling in that city and operated as an independent but in partnership with a gambling operation controlled by the Mosiello brothers. According to a federal affidavit, Migliazza paid a portion of his earnings to Philadelphia Soldier Joseph Scalleat, Sr of Hazleton, PA.

On March 2, 1977 his nephew Albert Mosiello was shot dead by police after he went "berserk" and attacked an Officer with an ax at a Coney Island apartment building.

Gerard Mosiello died August 1971 in NYC. Wake held at James W. Rosso Funeral Home on 188 Bleecker St. The same funeral home that brother Mario listed as his employer in 1940.

Vincent Perino (Gambino)

 

V. Perino

Vincent 'Yumpie' Perino was a member of the Gambino Family.

Perino was born August 16, 1918 in NYC to Giuseppe Perino (44y) and Caterina Surace (37y). Both parents born in Italy.

At the time of birth the family were residing at 143 Mulberry St in Manhattan.

Older brother Anthony Perino was a professional prize-fighter boxing under the name 'Andy Thomas'.

Brother Rocco 'Burry' Perino (1915-1987) was a possible member of the Genovese Family.

On February 6, 1923 Anthony (21y) died of brain hemorrhage, collapsing in the ring after fighting eleven rounds.

Sister Giovanna 'Jennie' Perino married future Gambino Capodecina Vincent Corrao in 1930. Jennie's sons Augustus and Joseph became members of the Gambino Family in the 1970s.

Married Isabela Pompeo on October 9, 1937. Pompeo was the daughter of Michael Pompeo and Maria Cicero. Nine months later son Joseph was born.

By 1940 resided at 141 Mulberry St. The building would later on house Cafe Biondo, owned by nephew Joseph 'Joe Butch' Corrao.

On September 27, 1943 arrested by the FBI for hi-jacking a truckload of liquor at a Eastside garage. Arrested with Perino was John 'Lefty' Paretti, John Mondo, Francis Smith and Richard Commerford. FBI agents used covert film cameras as evidence gathering and the could arrest the men before they were able to leave the garage. On May 18, 1944 Perino was sentenced to an indefinite prison term at Elmira Reformatory. The judge concluded that Perino knew about other hijackings but refused to cooperate with law enforcement. Perino had been released by 1950.

By 1950 resided at 139 Mulberry St. Neighbours included Michael Catalano, a Gambino Family Soldier the same age as Perino who was an inducted member by the late 1950s. Catalano was a close associate of Underboss Neil Dellacroce. Another neighbor at 139 Mulberry St was future Genovese Family Soldier Frank Catenaccio (1939-2010).

On April 3, 1958 photographed by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN). That year Rocco Perino's daughter Cathrine married Dominick 'Cookie Dom' Alongi, a member of the Genovese Family who would be identified by FBI CW Salvatore Gravano as the Genovese Family Consigliere in the late 1970s.

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

On June 23, 1972 CW Joseph 'Joe Fish' Luparelli, a former Colombo Associate, was extensively interviewed by the FBI while in custody. Shown a photograph dated April 3, 1958 he made the following comments: "The individual listed as Vincent P is known to [Redacted] as Vincent Perino, who was a "made guy" in the Genovese "Family" but is now dead."

 

Luparelli is possibly confusing Perino's Family affiliation with his brother Rocco Perino's affiliation with the Genovese Family.

In March, 1971, son Joseph 'Joe the Bull' Perino (32y) was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, a Class A drug felony and sentenced to a term of from twenty years to life. Sentence mostly served in Green Haven State prison.

Perino was granted more than forty outside trips as well as at least ten unescorted leaves of absence, some of which lasted two days. Bribes were suspected. Trips included visits to his wife, his girlfriend, his favorite Little Italy restaurant and to a close friend; Dominick Montemarano, a future Member of the Colombo Family.

On behalf of his friend 'Joe the Bull' Perino, Montemarano provided officers with theatre tickets to the now defunct Westchester Premiere Theatre. Additionally, baked goods were given to officers from a bakery either owned or controlled by Montemarano.

Joseph Perino's record included earlier arrests for policy, bookmaking and conspiracy to forge United States Savings Bonds. While an inmate at Green Haven he suffered a heart attack in the Parole Clothing Room and died there on August 25, 1977.

By 1959 Vincent Perino was living separately from wife in an apartment on Cropsey Ave in Brooklyn. On May 27, 1959, while on the phone with one girlfriend he was stabbed to death by another girlfriend.

Tobia De Micco (Genovese)

 

T. De Micco

 

Tobia 'Toby' De Micco was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born March 24, 1916 in the Bronx to Donato (24y) and Genoveffa Angelino (18y). Mother born in Naples, Campania, Italy. Father was also born in Italy, probably in the Campania province. Father was a laborer that later worked for the NYC subway.

Mother's brother James Angelino, Sr (1905-1967) was identified in 1963 by FBI CW Joseph Valachi as a Genovese family Capodecina.

By 1930 resided at 655 East 188th Street in the Belmont section of the Bronx.

First arrested for assault at age 15 in 1931. Again arrested the following year on an unspecified charge.

On August 21, 1933 arrested for burglary and possession of burglary tools.

On June 25, 1937 arrested for robbery. Co-defendant were Robert Tarantini (sp?) possibly identical with future Genovese Family Soldier Robert Tarantino.

Three months later sentenced to 10 years in prison. Two weeks later transferred to Dannemora prison hospital for treatment of Tuberculosis.

Paroled in October of 1939.

In 1942 resided at 476 East 187th Street in the Bronx.

During 1943 worked as a mechanic at Newark Airport.

On January 1, 1947 traveled by airplane from Montreal to NYC. The following year he was under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN). No charges brought.

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

On May 3, 1959 De Micco was one of 23 men arrested by the NYPD at the Concord Restaurant located at 203 Bridge Street in Brooklyn.

1. Generoso Del Duca (Genovese Captain)

2. Pasquale Del Duca (Genovese Soldier)

3. Camillo Parisi (Genovese Soldier)

4. Joseph Gerardo (Genovese Soldier)

5. Ralph Ferraro (Genovese Soldier)

6. Salvatore Celambrino (Genovese Soldier) (Later Captain)

7. Tobia De Micco (Genovese Soldier)

8. Amato 'Matty' Principe (Genovese Soldier)

9. Joseph Scarpinito (Genovese Soldier)

10. Ralph Dolce (Genovese Soldier)

11. Salvatore DeMarco (Genovese Soldier)

12. Joseph Santaniello (Genovese Soldier)

Others present were:

1. Alfonse DeVito (57y)

2. Daniel Mazeroli (46y)

3. James Civello (38y)

4. Vito Arcuri (43y)

5. Lodovico Esposito (63y)

6. John Aromandi (60y)

7. Anthony Biondolillo


A gambling operation was ongoing at the premises and the NYPD observed Generoso Del Duca talking to Joe Profaci sometime before the raid. De Micco called to testify but the charges were later dismissed.

After listening to the testimony Judge Leibowitz declared, "It is my opinion that a convention was to take place. When 23 men, all with criminal records, gathered over a period of hours In this Godforsaken place. I can't be so naive as to believe otherwise."

 

J. Angelino, Sr

By the 1960s reporting to his uncle James Angelino.

"On October 1, 1962, Agents of the New York Office observed a blue 1960 oldsmobile, New York Registration Number WT9163, parked in the driveway of NICHOLAS A. RATTENNI's residence, 107 Rockledge Road, Bronxville, New York. Records reflected this automobile was registered to TOBIA DE MICCO, 131 Alta Vista Drive, Yonkers, New York.

On October 8, 1962, NY T-2 identified DE MICCO as a nephew of JIMMY ANGELLINO, a "caporegima" in the VITO GENOVESE "family", and stated that DE MICCO is a member of ANGELLINO's "regime".

On September 15, 1962, NY T-1 advised that RATTENNI is a "button man" in the "regime" of VINCENT ALO in the GENOVESE "family"."

By the early 1960s involved in the garbage collection industry. An FBI report from 1963 states:

"JAMES ANGELLINO, FBI #145619 He was described by JOSEPH VALACHI as a "caporegima" in the VITO GENOVESE "family' and has been reportedly engaged in bookmaking and shylocking operations in the Fordham area of the Bronx, NY. ANGELLINO lives at 42 Bulkley Manor, Rye, New York. He has a serious heart condition which has limited his activities. ANGELLINO alleges that he is employed by his brother-in-law in the Mancuso Furniture Company, Yonkers, New York.

TOBIA DE MICCO resides at 131 Alta Vista Drive, Yonkers, New York, and according to sources is a member of "Causa Nostra". DE MICCO purported to operate the American Lumber Company, Newark, New Jersey, but according to informants he is active in the garbage collection racket in Westchester County and in this activity closely associated with NICK RATTENNI and SABATO MILO."

N. Rattenni in 1959

 

In January of 1967 James Angelino died and Nicholas 'Cockeye Nick' Rattenni replaced him as Capodecina.

According to FBI surveillance, in March of 1968 De Micco and Genovese Family Soldier John 'Little John' Buonoraba attended the funeral of Gambino family member Angelo Mascia's grandson. Mascia was close to a number of Bronx based Genovese Family members:

"It was previously set forth that a automobile registered to the Valley Carting Corporation, 194 South Highland Avenue, Ossining, New York, was observed at the wake of  [Mascia's] grandson. It has been determined that TOBIA DE MICCO is associated with this firm. DE MICCO has been identified as a member of La Cosa Nostra (LCN). JOHN BUONAROBO, 23 Stevens Avenue, Yonkers, New York, was identified as an individual who was present at the wake of the [Mascia's] grandson."

T. De Micco in 1969

 

Valley Carting had, together with, other companies controlled by members of the Genovese Family a near monopoly on the carting industry in Westchester and Yonkers. In the early 1960s Tobia De Micco and Nick Rattenni were involved in a dispute with Gambino Family Soldier Nicola 'Nick Nelson' Melillo over the garbage account at a Pelham Park restaurant. Melillo and Genovese associate Vincent Fiorillo convicted of perjury as a result. 

A State investigation report concluded:

"Vincent Fiorillo, a leading operator in the garbage industry in the New York metropolitan area, was convicted in October 1966 of committing perjury before a Federal grand jury in New York City by lying about his contracts and relationships with other Westchester and Bronx garbage company owners, in particular, Nicholas Rattenni and Toby Demicco, both of the Vito Genovese Cosa Nostra "family." Investigation revealed that Rattenni and Demicco controlled Fiorillo's business. Fiorillo was sentenced on November 16, 1966, to 1 year and fined $3,000."

By the late 1970s Valley Carting operated by De Micco's son-in-law James Hickey, Hickey's brother Matthew Hickey and De Micco's son Tobia De Micco, Jr.
 

In 1979 the trio was indicted for paying $70000 to Genovese Family associate Carmine Franco for the right to illegally dump trash at a site controlled by Franco's company. The charges were dismissed on technical grounds. At the time Franco reported to Genovese Family Soldier Tino Fiumara.

By the early 1980s De Micco belived to living mostly in Florida.

In 1987 newspaper reports, citing FBI sources, named De Micco's Valley Carting as one of three companies that dominated garbage collecting in the Westchester area. The other two being A1 Carting owned by Alfred Ratenni (Nick Rattenni's son) and Suburban Carting owned by Thomas Milo, Jr.

In the mid 1990s FBI surveillance team observed son-in-law James Hickey in the company of Genovese Family Consigliere James Ida.

De Micco died July 23, 1989 in Sarasota, Florida.

James Falco (Lucchese)

 

J. Falco

 

James 'Jimmy Black' Falco was a member of the Lucchese family.

Born March 19, 1912 in NYC to Michele Fulco (36y) and Maria SanFilippo (34y). Parents emigrated from Nicosia commune of Enna province, Sicily in 1904. Father worked as a bricklayer. Family used both names Fulco/Falco.

By 1930 resided at 171 East 111th Street in East Harlem.

Older brothers Felice Falco (1906-1976) and Philip Falco (1908-1993) were made members of the Lucchese Family. His brothers Frank Fulco (1902-1965), John Falco (1914-1976) and Anthony Falco, and nephew Louis Falco were associates of the Lucchese Family. Falco's niece, Rose Falco married Gaetano 'Corky' Vastola in 1952, at the time an associate of the Genovese Family and later a member of the DeCavalcante Family.

John Falco was named in 1935 newspaper reports as a lieutenant of Dutch Schultz and active in the lottery racket. The Falco brothers would be associated with the illegal lottery and operated numbers banks in East Harlem and the Bronx, and later on Long Island.

By the late 1930s the Falco brothers were associated with the East Harlem crew of the Lucchese Family.

In 1942 resided at 168 East 117th Street. Listing his occupation as 'unemployed'.

On June 4, 1945 textile executive Albet Langford, manager of a shirt manufacturer in the Garment District, was shoot in the head and killed in the doorway of his suite at Hotel Marguery on Park Avenue in NYC.The case became tabloid fodder. The killers were described as two "short dark men", who disappeared without any trace through the courtyard. The murder of Albert Langford occurred at a time when the mob, and the Lucchese family in particular, expanded its influence in the Garment District following the trial and execution of Lepke Buchalter in 1944. According to press accounts Langford and his wife had recently been the victims of extortion attempts. An anonymous tip named Felice Falco as one of the killers, but he was released from custody following questioning. The Falco brothers were short in stature; James was 5'1", Felice was 5'4" and Philip was 5'4".

The murder of Albert Langford remains unsolved.

Langford in 1937

 

Arrested on November 12, 1947 with Ettore 'Eddie' Coco (possibly already the Capodecina of the Family's East Harlem crew), Frank Carbo, James Plumeri, Frank Marino and Sam Richman for disorderly conduct. The group had arrived shortly after midnight at the Markwell bar on 220 W St in Manhattan. When the owner Anthony D'Amico tried to close the bar at 4 a.m., the group, according to press accounts, traded hot words with the owner and a number of bar stools were overturned and glasses broken, but no blows were struck.

Fight manager Frank Carbo was a member of the Genovese Family and had spent the previous day being questioned by District Attorney Hogan over the much suspicious boxing match between middleweights Billy Fox and Jake LaMotta. Like Carbo, Coco was involved in boxing and at the time manager of boxer Rocky Graziano.

D'Amico retracted the charges hours later.

On January 31, 1951 plainclothes police men raided an upper West Side hotel room and arrested James, Felice and Louis Falco together with three others. Cash and 11,000 lottery slips were confiscated. The lottery, according to police, operated mainly in East Harlem.

The next day Coco shot and killed a man outside his Normandy Isles, Miami apartment. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. During his imprisonment Coco married Carmella Falco, sister of the Falco brothers.

Eddie Coco 1950s.

It's not known specifically when Falco was inducted into the Lucchese Family. He was likely a made member by 1958.

By 1963 resided at 7 Oldfield Road, Greenlawn, Huntington, LI. Felice and Philip also resided in Huntington and the brothers owned Falcon Vending, a company that distributed vending machines on Long Island.

On September 24, 1963 arrested with Gambino Family Soldier Frank Pasqua, Sr. on unspecified charge. Falco refused to answer any questions and was released shortly afterwards.

On August 17, 1965 Ettore Coco was released from prison. FBI reports from 1967 identify him as a Lucchese Family Capodecina based in Florida. As a condition for parole he was required to live in Florida, ruling him out as a possible successor to Family Boss Tommy Lucchese who died in 1967.

By 1967 James Falco resided at 6905 Willow Lane in Miami Lake, Florida.

Owned the “The Den” lounge, Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach. Philip Falco was employed as the manager. The Den enjoyed brief success as a “hoodlum hangout” as a FBI CI advised:

”That on the night of April 10, 1967, [Genovese family member] Pasquale Erra visited DEN Lounge, Biscayne Boulevard, and bought drinks for everyone in the house.”

On August 31, 1967 Coco made small talk with FBI agents:

“He stated that as Special Agents (SA) PETER C. CLEMENTE undoubtedly know, his brother-in-law, had been refused a liquor license and the control of the lounge had reverted to the control of JACK HULL, the original owner of liquor license...He stated that the place is now a "graveyard" but that if his brother-in-law had been permitted to operate it would become very popular. Coco said that he believed his brother-in-laws, JAMES and PHILIP FALCO, referred to as the BLACK BROTHERS, continue to operate Falcon Vending Machine Company in New York. He said that they no longer have any interest in the numbers operation in the Harlem area.”

1972 Loan-sharking Case

On June 13, 1972 indicted with Coco and Louis 'Louis Nash' Nakaladski. The trio operated a loan-sharking business that charged 400 percent interest and used threats to collect debts. While Coco and Nakaladski were arrested and went on trial, Falco avoided capture and became a fugitive. The subsequent trail described the operation as following:

"the evidence introduced at the trial established that Coco, Nash, and one James Michael Falco  were in the loan sharking business together as early as 1966. During that year they began to transact some of their business in the offices of one Harvey Goodman, a mortgage and insurance broker. Goodman testified that he heard discussions concerning the making of loans and collections. When Nash or Falco arranged to make a loan in Coco's absence they would telephone Coco to obtain his approval. On one occasion, Falco objected to a loan that Nash wanted to make on the ground that there had been difficulties in collecting a previous loan from the prospective borrower, but when Coco said that Nash would be responsible for collecting the new loan, it was approved"

"In June or July of 1966, Joel Whitice procured his first loan from Falco. Whitice made most of his payments to Falco, who was accompanied by Nash and Coco on a number of occasions when he came to collect from Whitice. At other times Whitice also made payments to Nash or Coco. During this time Whitice operated a retail grocery business, Food Palace, Inc., in partnership with another man, selling items manufactured in various parts of the country. His initial loan was for $10,000, which he paid back in approximately one year with weekly payments of $300. In December of 1967, Whitice borrowed another $4,000, and in June he increased his total debt to $12,000. He paid interest on these loans at the rate of $25 per $1,000 per week, and by June of 1968 his total interest payment was $300 per week. By September of 1969, Whitice had paid approximately $27,600 in interest, and still owed the full $12,000 principal."

Captured on August 8, 1973 in New York after 14 months on the run. Later that year sentenced to ten years in prison for three counts of conspiracy to extort and six counts of loan-shark extortion. Louis Nakaladski was later discovered to have been an FBI CI. Coco was sentenced to fifteen years and Nakaladski to ten years.

Believed to have been released July 1, 1986.

Falco is included in both the 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts of Lucchese Family membership.

He died January 15, 1987 in New York.