Daniel Scarglato (Genovese)

 

D. Scarglato

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

A. Vellucci

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

On May 1, 1937 arrested for bookmaking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

By 1982 resided at 3555 Bruckner Boulevard, The Bronx. 

 

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

Dominick Lepore (Philadelphia)

 

D. Lepore

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

On Mars 7, 1958 and FBI CI reported:

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

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

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

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

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

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

He died in February 1981 in Philadelphia.

Anthony Mosco (Bufalino)

 

A. Mosco 1970s

Anthony Mosco is a Member of the Bufalino Family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By 1980 resided at 702 North Rogers Avenue in Endicott.

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

 

A. Guarnieri 1980s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mosco was released from prison on July 18, 2005.

Edward Quirolo (Gambino)

 

E. Quirolo

 

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

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

Father owned the Victor Quirolo Funeral Home.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Michael Baratta after being shot in the leg.

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

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

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

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

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

 

An FBI informant advised:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quirolo died in June 1976 in Westchester, NY.

Joseph Frangipane (Lucchese)

 

J. Frangipane

Joseph 'Pippeneddu' Frangipane was a Soldier in the Lucchese Family.

Born September 5, 1925 in NYC to Leone (41y) and Antonia Scavuzzo (28y). Father was born in Ciminna, close to the city of Palermo. Mother was born in the Province of Trapani, Sicily.

Father worked as a Waiter and Elevator Operator.

At the time of birth the family resided at 232 Elizabeth St.

Through his paternal grandmother, Maria Cassato, he was related to Lucchese Capodecina Frank 'Chick Wilson' Citrano (1900-1960). The families both resided at 232 Elizabeth St. In 1920 Frank Citrano moved next door to 234 Elizabeth St.

By 1943 resided at 8 Prince St. Listed his employer as the American Labour Party.

By the mid 1940s associated with the Lucchese Family's Crew in Lower Manhattan. On August 3, 1945 he and three others, including future Lucchese Soldier Victor Panica (21y), were arrested for running a dice game. in Westbury, LI. About 70 players were present at the time of the raid. 

 

Peter Simonetti

The principle operator of the dice game was said to be Peter Simonetti (35y), a possible Lucchese Associate/Member. The game operated with Police protection. On July 23 1945, the operators had paid $300 to two Detectives to leave the game alone.

Simonetti was shot dead two weeks later as he sat in a car at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Houston Street. With him was future Lucchese Member John Nuccio. Nuccio's brothers Frank, Salvatore and Vincent would all become members of the Lucchese Family. Their father Sebastiano (1879-1941) may have been a member of the Lucchese Family as well. The Nuccio's resided at 265 and 268 Elizabeth Street.

On October 26, 1945 pleaded guilty to participating in the dice game and paid a $100 fine.

On September 8, 1947 arrested at an illegal still located on a farm in Newburgh, NY. 375 gallons of alcohol seized by police. Also arrested was Salvatore Nuccio and five others.

On September 1, 1955 arrested for theft in Manhattan. Also arrested were Geonvese Family members and brothers Frank 'Frankie Skimp' Caggiano and William 'Willie Skimp' Caggiano. 

By 1970 resided at 18 Wesley Place, Staten Island.

Sometime after mid 1984 Lucchese leadership appointed Frangipane to control of Local 20 Cement & Concrete Workers Union with the positions of treasurer and business agent. Lucchese Soldier Christopher Furnari, Jr was made Vice-President of Local 20. 

Local 20 had previously been under control of Lucchese member Luigi 'Louie Beans' Foceri (1922-1989).

Frangipane also exercised control over Local 46 of the Mason Tenders through Family Associate Peter 'Butch' Vario.

Lucchese Underboss and CW Al D'arco later testified about the Family's influence over Local 46:

"Before his conviction in 1989, Peter "Butch" Vario, a Luchese Family associate, who was also an officer of Local 46 & the nephew of Paul Vario, exercised influence over Local 46 for the Luchese Family. Butch Vario reported to Joseph "Pippeneddu" Frangipane, a made member of the Luchese Family."

On August 18, 1987 indicted for labour racketeering in the 'Conrax' case, an investigation that had been initiated in 1984. The indictment included 12 union leaders from Local 13 and 46 Mason Tenders, Carpenters Union 351 and Local 20 Cement & Concrete Workers. 

 

Local 13 Mason Tenders were controlled by the Genovese Family.

The indictment charged that the defendants: "systematically bled the construction industry in Queens through a pattern of extortion, bribery and various forms of collusion and fraud."

"[Butch] Vario and Walaski were also involved, along with Cervone and another codefendant, Joseph Frangipane, in a series of payoffs for labor peace from the Spartan Concrete Corp. ("Spartan"). Frangipane was the business agent of the Cement and Concrete Workers Local Union 20 ("Local 20" or "Concrete Workers"), whose territory included a Spartan jobsite on Atlantic Avenue in Queens. The site was also arguably within the jurisdiction of Vario's Mason Tenders' Local 46, which handled certain jobs involving concrete. Although Martin Padover, Spartan's president, had reported the job to the District Council of Cement and Concrete Workers Unions as required under the collective bargaining agreement, Vario, upon learning of the project, took the position that it was a Mason Tenders' job, rather than one for the Concrete Workers.

Padover sought Cervone's intervention to establish which union had jurisdiction. Cervone and Vario agreed that the job likely fell under the authority of both unions, and Cervone therefore arranged that Padover would pay bribes to officials of both. Frangipane was paid off through "ghost" paychecks, while Vario, despite Padover's view that Atlantic Avenue was a Concrete Workers' job, received a cash payment of $1000, "just to start off the relationship." This payment was the basis of Vario's conviction on Count 61 for labor bribery."

On November 18, 1988 found guilty of violating the federal Taft-Hartley labour stature. He was sentenced to six months in prison.

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

On January 19, 1990 released from Federal prison.

He died April 25, 1992 in NYC.

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.