THE ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, FAMILY
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Valley shootout with police, Jim Pinto, Sam Mondeli and Joe Ramono
The city of Rockford, situated only ninety miles North West
of Chicago, has been the home of an often forgotten crime Family for the better
part of eight decades. Having been overshadowed in the national media by its
more famous and often more violent counterpart in the Windy City, the Rockford
Mafia has a relatively unknown history. And while both Federal and local law
enforcement agencies have kept a close eye on various Rockford Mafia members in
the period ranging from the 1950s up to the 1980s, the development of Federal
informants within the crime Family’s inner circle has never been successful,
resulting in a lack of information regarding the Family’s first years of
existence. Were it not for the Rockford papers, which kept the local public
amazingly well informed on the happenings in Northern Illinois gangland, this
history would probably have been lost in time.
The Italian immigrant colony in Rockford, having come to the
area in relatively large numbers by the early 1900s, appears to have been a
rather quit community compared to many other cities across the United States.
Black Hand outrages were almost unheard. But, to say Black Hand tactics were
not practiced in the area is simply untrue. Within the city limits itself,
Black Hand cases made an occassional appearance during the 1900s and 1910s. One
notable case occured in March 1916, when three Black Handers were arrested
after a shootout with police. The three lay in wait for their victim to deposit
the demanded money on a street corner, who had informed police.
Another notable Black Hand case, one of Rockford’s most
prominent and most definitely the one receiving most attention from both local
and out of state newspapers, was the bombing of the Joseph Vitoli’s residence
on February 15, 1911. Vitoli, known as a wealthy man, had received several
Black Hand extortion letters, but had refused to comply with the demands. When
his home was blown up, Vitoli himself escaped injury. His wife Rena and their
one year old infant were not so lucky; they were seriousely wounded. Rena would
die of her injuries a week later. Black Hand affairs of such a ferocious
caliber however, were rare within Rockford’s Italian community.
Aside from the Black Hand bands, there is no indication of
organized, structured Italian gang activity in the city in the years before
prohibition, leading to believe the Mafia factions that were active in the late
1920s and early 1930s were not organized before the Volstead Act came into
effect.* Both Federal and local law enforcement seems to support this belief,
claiming the Rockford Mafia was formed during the later years of prohibition,
out of the various Italian bootleg gangs operating within the city and in the
surrounding area. The main character in this evolvement was Antonio Musso,
recognized as the first boss of the Rockford Mafia.
*Although there is no indication there
were Mafia factions in existence in Rockford before the 1920s, there were
certainly already persons later identified as members of the Rockford Mafia
living and in some instances criminally active in the city before that time.
One clear example is Philip Caltagerone. Caltagerone was arrested in 1917, for the
murder of one Giuseppe Tarantola. Caltagerone and Frank Zammuto, a brother of
future Rockford mob boss Joe Zammuto,
were both convicted for the crime, but their convictions appear to have
been overturned, since both were back in Rockford soon after.
Antonio Musso, better known as Tony Musso, came to the
United States from his native Sicily in 1912, and went to live with relatives
in Detroit first. After having spent time in New Orleans and Johnston,
Illinois, he went to live in St. Louis, where Musso’s first arrests would take
place. By the early 1920s, Musso had settled in Madison, Wisconsin, were he
quickly became known as the leader of the local Italian criminal element. He
was forced to flee Madison by December 1924, due to the involvement of his
associates in the murder of a police officer. Although Musso’s exact movements
after his department from Madison are unclear, it can be assumed his next
residence was Rockford, were he would live for the rest of his life.
Due to his travelling, it remains unclear when and where
Musso became involved with Mafia activities, but it is obvious he had already
been well established in the underworld before coming to Rockford. And this was
certainly not only on a business level. In 1917, Musso had married the sister
of the wife of John Piro, at the time a powerful New Orleans Mafia figure.
Musso’s sister Carmella, in addition, was married to Tony Lombardo, Chicago’s
Sicilian Mafia chief until his murder in 1928. Upon arrival in Rockford, Musso
only expanded his criminal contacts.
Musso reportedly build up an association with the
Springfield, Illinois bootlegging syndicate headed by Frank Zito, who would
stay on as the city’s Mafia boss for more then thirty years. Social and
business ties existed between the Rockford Mafia and their confederates in
Milwaukee and Dallas. Bootleggers in the Ladd and LaSalle areas were alleged to
have been closely aligned with the Rockford liquor racketeers. In addition,
Musso was said to have been a close friend of Chicago’s Al Capone, which is not
unimaginable, being the brother-in-law of Antonio Lombardo. According to
various sources, it was Capone that not only supported him in his efforts to
organize the Rockford liquor trade; they had more or less encouraged him in
doing so.
The region around Beloit, Wisconsin, some sixteen miles
north of Rockford, would become another important area of support for Musso.
The Italian bootleggers operating in and around Beloit would allign themselves
with Musso in the early 1930s. After prohbition had ended, the Rockford Mafia
would continue to be a factor in the Beloit underworld.* In contrast to
Rockford, the Italian immigrant colony of Beloit had been a rural one during
the 1910s, with frequent violent encounters in which Black Handers figured.
Interesting enough, on more then one occassion persons from Rockford figured in
this apparent feud, which eventually resulted in the July 22, 1920, murder of
Joe Mascoli in South Rockford.**
*Joseph DiGirolamo, was identified as a
Rockford Mafia member by federal informants in the early 1960s. DiGirolamo, had
been a longtime Beloit resident before relocating to Illinois, was active in
the local bootlegging scene during much of the 1930s, in co-operation with the
Rockford Mafia.
**The Rockford police department was
assisted in the Mascoli murder case by Dan Torrisi, a Beloit police detective
working on the Beloit Black Hand cases. Torrisi claimed the Beloit Black Hand
was connected with a simular organization in Rockford. The Rockford
organization consisted of some twenty members, but Torrisi did not provide any
details. During the Mascoli investigation, Torrisi and a Chicago detective were
accused of trying to beat a suspect into a confession. The suspect, one Vito
Mortellaro, was a member of the Rockford Black Hand, according to Torrisi, who
was eventually found not guilty in the assault case.
Musso started his drive to organize the Rockford bootleggers
around 1927/1928. Although many were quick to subdue to Musso and his men, he
did not succeed without the use violence. Various murders, shootings and a high
profile kidnapping case were attributed to warfare among the bootlegging gangs,
and Musso and his underlings figured in many of them. But violence was not only
used against competitors in the bootleg business. Proprietors of drinking
establishments refusing to buy from the right suppliers were often the subject
of threats and assaults. Even the enforcers of the prohibition law were not
always safe from the bootleggers. In September 1926, three of Musso’s
associates had been arrested and charged with the attempted murders of liquor
investigators Alec and David Dotz. The case proved only a minor inconvenience
for Musso’s outfit; all three suspects were acquitted in July of the following
year.
The high profile kidnapping case, which was widely measured
out in the Illinois newspapers, involved the October 1927 kidnapping of Ezra
Duffy. Duffy, a Sterling, Illinois bootlegger, had failed to pay for a load of
liquor he received from Musso’s gang. In order to make sure payment would be
secured from Duffy, he was abducted and told he would not be released until he
would agree to pay his debt. After being held for several days, Duffy agreed to
the terms, and was moved to Dixon, Illinois. There, Duffy was observed by the
local sheriff in speakeasy with Giuseppe Stassi and Antonio Carlino, two
members of Musso’s Mafia organization. Duffy was recognized by the sheriff as
the kidnapping victim, and picked up the three men.
After having interviewed Duffy about his abduction, Rockford
police raided the Rockford home were he claimed to have been held for several
days. A farm in Rockton, Illinois, where Duffy had been held for several days
after being held in Rockford, and before being moved to Dixon, was also raided.
The raids resulted in the apprehension of three additional men. The three,
Carlino and Stassi, and Tony Musso, who was also arrested, were all identified
by Duffy as having been involved in his kidnapping. As in the Dotz case, there
were little consequences for Musso and his gang, since it appears no charges
were ever filed against the men.
Although the 1920s saw several fatal gang shootings, the
victim of the most noteworthy shooting of the period survived. He was Nicolo
Licata, who was wounded on May 26, 1928. Licata, who years later would rise to
prominence as the boss of the Mafia in Los Angeles, was claimed to have been
send to Rockford by Al Capone,* to assist Musso in bringing the independent
bootleggers under his control. In Rockford, he was said to have been involved
in bootlegging and extortion, although he was never arrested on those charges.
On that particular day in May, Licata was seriously wounded by a gunshot wound
in his chest. He was dropped off in front of the Rockford Hospital by an associate,
who fled to scene as soon as a nurse came to assist Licata.
*In March 1929, Al Capone himself was
reported to have come to Rockford to inspect Musso’s progress. It was reported
that Capone was seen just outside Rockford’s city limits, and waited until
darkness to be escorted into the city by Tony Musso.
While interrogated in the hospital, Licata insisted he was
one George Pumilia, from 1117 Ferguson Street. Licata was sought by Chicago
police on charges of working a confidence game, auto theft and various other
crimes, thus reluctant to reveal his true identity. And although he kept
insisting he was Pumila, Licata was positively identified by the Rockford
police as the Chicago fugitive. The Ferguson Street address indeed turned out
to bear a Pumila family. It was the household of Albert Pumila and his family.
Pumila’s sons were later identified as Licata’s brothers-in-law. It seems
Licata was never extradited to Chicago, since his arrest record does not
reflect any Chicago arrests. His assailant, identified as Joe Raymond*, pleaded
he shot Licata in self defence.
*Joe Raymond was most assumable Joe
DiRaimondi, an alleged Rockford mob figure.
The surroundings of Licata’s shooting remain unclear.
Licata, who was alleged to have been acting as a muscle man for Musso, was said
to have been involved in extorting Rockford residents in a very aggressive
manner. The possibility exists that Licata was shot down in an attempt to
extort his assailant, who operated a roadhouse. But it is more plausible his shooting
was connected with the looming battle for control of the bootleg trade. In
Licata’s company at the time of the shooting was Paul Giovingo, a powerful
local bootlegger. Giovingo and his brothers Tony and Joe were considered
Musso’s main rivals, and were at the centre of the gang warfare in the early
1930s.
While Paul Giovingo was present at the scene when Licata was
shot, it remains unclear what his role was, or why he was in Licata’s company.
Licata was an alleged Musso muscleman, while Giovingo, at least in the years to
follow, was clearly opposing the Musso mob. Was Licata the designated hitman in
an early attempt on the life of Giovingo that did not went as it was supposed
to? Was Licata himself the target of Giovingo, who felt more secure with one of
Musso’s feared underlings out of the way? Or was Licata just in the wrong place
at the wrong time. With the small amount of information available on the case,
it is impossible to tell, and will probably remain unknown. Licata, at the time
of the shooting said to have been a part-time resident of Rockford, appears to
have left the city for Detroit not long after leaving the hospital.
While the 1920s did have the occasional bootleg related
murders, the victims were petty figures in Rockford’s crime circles. Not until
1930, the first high profile gangster would fell to rival guns. It was Joe
Giovingo, the least harmful of the Giovingo brothers, who was shot down on
August 15. Eleven shotgun slugs ended the life of Joe, who, unlike his
brothers, did not have an arrest record. Brothers Paul and Tony had been
arrested earlier that year, having been indicted for liquor law violations.
Indicted in the same conspiracy was Tony Musso, as well as several of his
underlings. Musso had undoubtly ordered Joe Giovingo’s murder, but was
conveniently in custody at the time.
Giovingo was shot just seconds after he had greeted a
Rockford policeman. The officer and his partner rushed to Giovingo, who lay
dying on the sidewalk. Only six feet away from were Giovingo fell, the officers
noted Tommy Abbott, real name Abbate, sitting in a car with three companions.
Abbott was a notorious Chicago gangster and affiliate of Chicago’s North Side
mob, dubbed the Moran/Aiello mob by the press. He convinced the officers he was
not involved in any way with the killing, as did the other three passengers of
the car. They were identified as Chicagoans William Sullivan and Elmer
Whiteley, and Paul Picchioni, Abbott’s bodyguard and a Rockford Mafia member.
Although Abbott managed to escape arrest immediately after
the shooting, he was brought in the following day for questioning. Although
Paul Giovingo had already waved off the theory that Joe’s assassin mistook him
for Abbott*, there was still the theory that Abbott has acted as the “fingerman”
in the slaying. Picchione was also re-captured. He and Robert White, another
Abbott associate, were found sitting in the slain Giovingo’s car only hours
after his murder. Both were armed. Abbott and Picchioni were released after
questioning, and never charged in connection with the Giovingo murder. Nor was
anybody else, for that matter.
*Paul Giovingo, upon hearing the theory
that his brother might have been mistaken for Tommy Abbott, was quickly
dismissed by him. He claimed both he and Joe had received phone calls recently,
from a person that seemed anxious to meet them. Paul claimed he and his brother
decided to ignore the calls, but he now felt the unidentified caller wanted to
get both of them out in the open in order to “get to them”.
Giovingo’s associates were furious about the killing, and
were quick to start their own investigation in order to find out who was
responsible. Apparently, they knew in which direction they had to look. A few
hours after the shooting, seven or eight men, posing as dry agents and police
officers, came to the house of Tony Carlino, whose wife was the only one home.
The men demanded entrance into Carlino’s two car garage. She let the men enter
the garage, and went inside the house to call the police to inquire about the
raid. When they arrived, the fake law enforcement officials had already left,
and their identity remained unknown. The police believed the men to be looking
for the car used in the Giovingo murder.
On another occasion, the house where one of Musso’s closest
associates roomed was fired upon. Rooming in the house was Vincenzo Troia,
known in Rockford as Lorenzo Salvatore or Big Vince. Troia was described in the
media as Musso’s main lieutenant, and was an important figure in the Rockford
Mafia. He enjoyed close ties with the Zito mob from Springfield, lead by Frank
Zito, and with the liquor syndicates in Southern Wisconsin. Because of his
authority while Musso was in custody, Giovingo’s friends must have thought he
had a hand in the killing, in which they were most assumable right. Troia
disappeared from the Rockford area shortly after the attack on the house he
roomed in, and settled first in Springfield, and eventually in Newark, New
Jersey. However, Troia stayed in contact with his Rockford associates, and made
occasional visits to the area.
Within a half year of Troia’s department from the Rockford
area, Musso, his chief rivals Paul and Tony Giovingo, and several of their
associates, were convicted of liquor law violations, and received prison
sentences varying from one day to two years. The Giovingos were committed to
the same jail as Musso, which apparently made them nervous. Paul Giovingo, at
one point, was searched by a prison guard after the receiving of a tip that
Giovingo was armed. A screwdriver was found in his possession, which he undoubtly
carried to protect him from the grudge of Musso and company. But while in
prison, even with their enemies in the same building, the Giovingos were
relatively safe from harm.
But the feud was still brewing. Musso’s associates left on
the street, reinforced with mob figures from Springfield, Illinois,* and
southern Wisconsin continued their drive to bring the Italian bootleggers into
their fold. Those who refused were dealt with, as were those who had infuriated
the gang for other reasons. One of them was Jack DeMarco, who had been
sentenced to prison in the same conspiracy as Musso and the Giovingo brothers.
DeMarco, who appears to have been aligned with Musso’s group, was murdered
within a day of his release from Leavenworth Penitentiary, in January 1932.
DeMarco, it was alleged by Rockford police, was killed by his former associates
for having been too talkative while in custody.
*Joseph Zito and Jasper Calo, both to
become ranking members of the Rockford area, came from Springfield. Zito, a
brother of Springfield’s Frank Zito, reportedly went to Rockford in the early
1930s. He was among the main suspects in the murder of Paul Giovingo in 1933.
Calo was arrested in a Springfield bootlegging conspiracy in 1931. Joseph Zito
was also indicted, although he was never been caught. Possibly, Zito had gone
to Rockford in order to avoid prosecution. Calo, at the time of the indictment
already described as a Rockford resident, settled permanently in the area after
having been released from prison in 1934.
Paul Giovingo, after release from prison in October 1932,
was still defying the Musso liquor syndicate. He reportedly made threats around
Rockford to “get” certain people, most assumable Musso, whom he held
responsible for his brother’s death. Four months after his release, on February
11, 1933, Paul Giovingo was shot to death after his car had been forced to the
curb. With Giovingo’s murder, his former associates saw the benefit of
cooperating with Musso. After more then five years of violence, Musso and his
group finally succeeded in bringing Rockford liquor traffic under his command.
And although prohibition would be repealed within a year, bootlegging kept an
important source of income for the Rockford Mafia well into the 1940s.
But repeal did cause a decline on demand of bootleg liquor,
in turn causing a decline of income. It appears that towards the end of
prohibition, other rackets were explored. One of these was obviously committing
armed robberies. In April 1933, less then two months after the Paul Giovingo
murder, several young Rockford mob figures were arrested in connection with a
string of hold-ups, robberies and car thefts. When it was suspected that one of
the young gangsters, Nick Misuraca, had been too talkative to police about the
affairs of his associates, he was shot to death. At the time of his murder,
Misuraca was under indictment for a robbery, car theft and a delinquency
charge. He had been released from prison only a few days prior to his murder.
Some six and a half year later, another alleged robbery
related homicide took place, when Rockford crime figure John DeBenedetto was
found shot to death in Chicago, in a car that was allegedly used in the robbery
of John Cuneo, president of the Cuneo press, Chicago. DeBenedetto was identified
by Cuneo and his wife as one their robbers. Chicago Police alleged DeBenedetto
had been shot by his confederate in the robbery so the loot, said to have been
$40,000, would not have to be shared. Rockford police however, doubted
DeBenedetto was involved in the robbery; he had been seen in Rockford on a
point of time that made it almost impossible to have been in Chicago in time to
participate in the robbery. Mrs. Cuneo identified another robber, after having
viewed several pictures shown to her by police, as Anthony “Tough Tony”
Capezio, a notorious Capone gunmen. But when apprehended, John Cuneo was unable
to confirm he had been one of his attackers, and Capezio was freed.
Loan sharking was another racket the Rockford Mafia wanted a
part of. In the early 1930s, the foremost money lender in the area was Walton
Wheeler, who lived in Belvidere, Illinois. It is alleged that when Wheeler was
approached by the Rockford mobsters for a piece of his business, he refused
their demands. His refusal would cost him his life. On April 13, 1934, Wheeler
was called on at his farm in Belvidere, according to his wife, by four masked
gunmen. Two of them beat Wheeler to the ground, and took him outside. While one
of the masked men drove Mrs. Wheeler and their eight children into the house,
Wheeler was shot to death outside. And while local police were looking for
suspects among Wheeler’s debtors, Musso was behind the murder.
Wheeler’s murder wasn’t the only mob related homicide in
1934. Only five days later, Louis DalCollo, a Rockford tavern operator, was
murdered. Mrs. DalCollo, wounded in the attack on her husband, indicated
several attempts to collect money from the tavern had been made, with DalCollo
refusing every time. Police alleged the latest attempt got out of hand, with
DalCollo being shot to death. Before dying however, he managed to fire five
shots himself, wounding one of his assailants. Police, on a mysterious tip,
went to find Angelo Buscemi, a Rockford Mafia figure, severely wounded in a car
parked outside the local hospital. Buscemi had been shot in the back, and had
been stripped down to his waist. He refused to talk to the officers, and lost
conscience a short time later. Buscemi, the assailant wounded by DalCollo,
didn’t survive the shooting either. Frank Buscemi, a brother of Angelo, was
questioned in the DalCollo murder, but never charged. More the four decades
later, a cousin of the Buscemi brothers, also named Frank, would become head of
the Rockford Family.
1934 was also the year of a brief return of Vincenzo Troia
to Rockford. Troia, during his absence from the Rockford area, had become a
leading figure in the Newark Family, and was reported to be in control of a
major lottery operation there. He had gained prestige in the national
underworld when he was asked to become a
member of a general assembly that was established to mediate with Salvatore
Maranzano, the opponent of Joseph Masseria in the notorious underworld struggle
known as the Castellammarese War.
Troia’s return to Rockford turned out to be unsuccessful for
him. In May 1934, he was arrested by local police on a warrant charging him
with violations of the international revenue act, relating to his former
bootlegging activities. Troia’s companions at the time of his arrest, both
found to be armed after having been searched, were Frank Longo, of Springfield,
and Phil Piccuiro, of Beloit. Longo, who together with Piccuiro acted as
Troia’s bodyguard, had been a prominent Springfield Mafia member under Frank
Zito, having been described as the “killer” for the Zito mob. All three were
freed on bond the following day, and Troia quickly departed for Newark again.
Apparently, Longo went with him.
On August 23, 1935, Vincenzo Troia was shot and killed in
Newark, in the reputed headquarters of a lottery gang. One other person, his
bodyguard Frank Longo, had been killed instantly, and three persons had been
wounded, Troia’s son Joseph among them. Joseph would die of his wounds a short
time later. News of Troia’s death reached the Italian communities in Rockford
and southern Wisconsin within days, and Rockford police eventually heard
rumours of his demise. Not having received any official reports of his demise,
the exact surroundings around his murder were still unclear to the Rockford
police department.
Since Troia was known under the name Lorenzo Salvatore in
Rockford, the police reviewed several gangland slayings that could be a match.
Eventually, officers were dispatched to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, were one Big
Mike Mince had been slain, while other officers were send to Newark. Vincenzo
Troia, according to residents of Rockford’s Italian district, was an alias of
Salvatore. Although Newark police doubted Troia was the man the Rockford
officers were looking for, fingerprints of Troia and Salvatore turned out to be
the same.
Various theories for his murder surfaced. Newark police
focussed their attention on a brewing lottery war among Italian racketeers in
the city. This theory was collaborated years later, by Melchiore Allegra, a
Sicilian Mafioso defector, who mentioned that after Troia’s murder, men were
dispatched to empty certain safety boxes Troia kept. These boxes, where Troia
was alleged to have kept his profits from his lottery operations, turned out to
be empty already, according to Allegra’s confessions. Nicola Gentile also
provided a theory, although years after the murder, in his memoirs. Gentile
states that Troia’s former friendship with Salvatore Maranzano was the real
reason behind his murder. Gentile however, fails to explain why there was an
almost four year gap between Troia’ murder and the killing of Maranzano.
Theories of the Rockford and Springfield police
investigators both focussed on local angles. According to Springfield police,
the Troia murder was linked to a Springfield gangland slaying some two months
earlier. The Rockford theory was that Troia had threatened to return to
Rockford permanently and take over control of the underworld again, and was
shot to death on orders of the Rockford syndicate to prevent him from doing so.
Police in Beloit, Wisconsin, supported their Rockford colleagues by stating
they were in possesion of concrete evidence that Troia had been in Rockford a
short time before his murder making these threaths.
The real reason behind Troia’s murder was never discovered,
although his involvement in the Newark Italian lotteries seems the most
plausible explanation. But if the Rockford Mafia was indeed involved, as was
theorized, there is one man who most likely played an important role in the
killing. He was Tony Riela. At the time, Riela most was most assumable a member
of the Newark Mafia, as was Troia. Before coming to New Jersey, he had lived in
Rockford and Springfield, were he was acquainted with the local Italian
criminal elements. In fact, when in 1930 Giovingos associates shot up the house
in which Troia roomed, another roomer at the place was Riela. Riela appears to
have followed Troia to Springfield, and later to Newark. Riela’s former
association with the Rockford mob and his knowledge of Troia’s movements in
Newark made him the ideal person to set up or even carry out the murder.
Although Troia had been a powerful figure in Rockford’s
Family, being among its leading members as one Musso’s main lieutenants, his
death proved to have very little to no impact on its affairs. Musso and his
associates, whether they had a hand in Troia’s demise or not, continued their
business as usual. The Families control of the local rackets was still
expanding. By the late 1930s, early 1940s, they had a firm control of most
illegal enterprises in the city, including the illegal liquor trade, loan
sharking and prostitution. In addition, a variety of legitimate businesses was
operated by various Family members. Gambling proved to be another important
source of income. Like bootlegging and loan sharking, gambling had to be taken
over by force, when
Before the Rockford mob could take control of local
gambling, they had to deal with Charles Kalb. Kalb was the biggest horse bookmaker
in the area, with his operation stretching from Rockford and surrounding area
into Wisconsin. Reportedly, Musso had tried to get Kalb to join the Rockford
syndicate, and later force him out and take over his operations. But although
Kalb did not seem to have the availability of the same amount of muscle as
Musso, he had been successful in keeping his independence. By 1937, while most
other rackets had been brought under the control of Musso, Kalb still operated
independently, refusing to join Musso’s organization. His luck finally ran out
on December 22, 1937. While returning home from a movie with his wife and
bodyguard, Kalb was shot to death. His wife was slightly injured by flying
glass, while the bodyguard, Harry Dunn, remained unharmed. After Kalb’s murder,
the Rockford mob had no more interference or resistance from other racket
figures. Law enforcement however, was another story.
The Kalb murder caused a lot of unwanted publicity for Musso
and his associates, which in turn caused a lot of attention from law
enforcement. Directly after the murder, local police ordered gambling to a
halt, temporarily disturbing Musso’s newly acquired racket. Two months later,
members of a huge bootlegging ring, including various Rockford Mafia figures,
received heavy prison sentences and fines for their participation in the ring.
Several other bootlegging operations figuring Rockford mob figures were broken
up in the next decade. The successful probe against the illegal liquor trade
caused the loss of an important source of income for the Rockford Mafia. The
1940s closed with another financial setback, when in June of 1949, two highly
profitable houses of prostitution were raided.
The early and mid 1950s were a relatively quit time in
Rockford. With a few occasional arrests of individual Rockford Mafia members
and associates, there was little interference from law enforcement for several
years. When law enforcement agencies were putting pressure on almost every
organized crime Family across the United States after the Apalachin meeting in
1957, the Rockford group appears to have escaped most of the attention. No
Rockford residents were identified as having attended the meeting,* although
there is some indication that Antonio Musso and Jasper Calo, another power in the
Rockford Mafia, were planning to. Both were registered at a hotel in the nearby
area. But while the presence of several other, non Rockford Mafia figures not
identified as having attended the meeting but known to have been near Apalachin
have been measured out by various sources, the presence of Musso and Calo is
relatively unknown.
*In fact, only one Illinois resident
had been detected by State Troopers. It was Frank Zito, boss of the Mafia in
Springfield, and brother of Joseph Zito, a power in the Rockford mob. There was
some speculation that Frank Zito was only present because his brother Joseph
could not attend. However, Frank Zito controlled organized crime in the state
capitol and the rest of Sangamon County,
and was among the most powerful Illinois racket figures outside of
Chicago. Frank Zito representing his brother, who in Rockford held a lower rank
in the Mafia’s hierarchy then Frank in Springfield, seems highly unlikely, and
he was almost definitely there to represent his own interests.
Tony Musso retired around the same time as the Apalachin
meeting, although it is unclear whether it was before or after the meeting.
Jasper Calo, a high ranking figure for more then twenty years, was appointed
the new boss. Calo, a brother in law of Joseph Zito, was respected among the
membership of the Rockford Family, and had been Musso’s most logical successor.
However, Calo seems to have lost the respect of his fellow mobsters at some
point during his reign, and several of his underlings became disgruntled. In
late 1958, when Calo opened the front door of his house, three shots were fired
into his doorway. Calo understood what had to be done, and he stepped down in
order to avoid a real attempt on his life. In 1961, after having kept an
advisory role within the Rockford Family, Calo returned to his native Sicily,
where he would die in 1973.
A new era in Rockford crime had started. The newly appointed
boss was Joseph Zammuto, a long-time capo in the Rockford Mafia. The publicity
shy Zammuto believed in a quit approach, and he and his direct underlings shed
themselves from criminal activities. Zammuto managed to keep attention of
himself and his Mafia Family for most part of the 1950s. Where Mafia bosses in
other parts of the country became the subject of much publicity in the national
press, the Rockford Mafia received little to no attention. But reigning in a
time the Mafia was becoming a household name in America, it would have been
nearly impossible for himself or his associates to stay unnoticed forever.
The existence of the Rockford crime syndicate was measured
out nationally after the May 2, 1959, murder of Donald Burton and Joseph Greco
Jr. Their bodies were found stuffed in the trunk of Greco’s car. Large
quantities of fixed gambling pharameblia were also found in the car. Rockford
Police learned that Burton, with Greco, had tried to force his way into the
local gambling racket, and had been warned to stay out of town. It was clear to
local law enforcement agencies the established gambling syndicate, headed by
Zammuto, was to blame for the double slaying. However, even after Zammuto
associates had been questioned in the murder, an out-of-town gambling syndicate
was eventually blamed. The Grand Jury investigation that followed however,
would focus on Rockford organized crime circles. And although Zammuto himself
was never called to testify, several of his associates were not as fortunate.
A parade of witnesses was called to testify about their
knowledge of local gambling operations, and of the Burton and Greco murders.
Among the more notorious figures called were Sebastian Gulotta, a rising star
in Zammuto’s organization, and Joseph Maggio, an associate of the murdered men,
whose murder two decades later is recognized as the last Mafia related murder in
Rockford. In the end, after the hearings had ceased, the Greco and Burton
killings were still unsolved, and little to no damage had been done to the
operations of the Zammuto mob. Despite a lot of unwanted publicity, the first
major investigation into organized crime in Rockford proved to have little
effect on Zammuto and his associates.
The 1960s would bring more investigations, primarily from
the Federal Bureau of Investigation. By now, the FBI had started its drive on
the various Mafia Families across the country, and the Rockford Mafia was no
exception. Informants from Milwaukee and New York City had identified Joseph
Zammuto as Rockford’s Cosa Nostra boss, making him the focus of their
investigations. But Zammuto, it turned out, was hard to link to any criminal
involvement. His name was occasionally linked to various gambling operations,
but his involvement could never be proven. Several of Zammuto’s underlings were
also under Federal surveillance, but were equally hard to incriminate.
Raids on gambling establishments and the arrests of several
gambling operators failed to seriously damage the operations of the Rockford
Mafia. Charges against gambling figures often did not stick, and if convicted
sentences were often low. New Grand Jury investigations, this time focussing on
the Rockford tavern scene and its connection to gambling also failed to disrupt
the mob’s criminal operations. The probe, taking place in December 1968,
uncovered a close connection between Rockford tavern operators and various criminal
enterprises, eventually resulting in the indictments of eight Rockford
mobsters. However, the majority of Rockford’s Mafia figures and their
operations could continue without interference.
But both the Grand Jury Investigations and the raids on gambling
establishments caused a lot of unwanted publicity, much to Joe Zammuto’s
frustration. But the biggest blow to Zammuto’s publicity shy approach came a
year before the Grand Jury hearings. In September 1967, Life Magazine published
a series of articles about the American Mafia. In one article, a map of the
United States with pictures of alleged Mafia bosses surrounding the map was
printed. Although the picture was unclear, and only Zammuto’s last name was
given, it was clear to most Rockford residents who the article was referring
to. According to later revelations of a relative, Zammuto was grief-stricken by
the article. The mob boss, his relative pointed out, felt terrible when he
found out that his grandson had been confronted with the articles.
The 1960s also brought to attention again the close
association between the Rockford Family and the Chicago Outfit. The association
between both Families went back to the Musso regime, as discussed above, and
had remained intact ever since. Several Chicago mobsters were in partnership
with Rockford Mafia figures, and moved freely around the Rockford area. This
became clear in 1962, when Rocco Pranno, ranking member of the Chicago Outfit,
together with an associate, were suspects in the double slaying of Octavio
Martinez and his eighteen year old girlfriend Ann Bergman. Martinez, known as
Chico, was a Rockford racketeer linked to the local organized crime scene, who
was found beaten and shot on a road south of Rockford. His girlfriend, who
accompanied Martinez the night he was murdered, was found dead almost a week
later. Pranno, it was alleged, had murdered Martinez after the latter had
failed to repay a loan.
Chicago mobsters were also suspected of having teamed up
with Rockford Mafiosi in various gambling operations, and on at least one
occasion, Chicago crime figures were partners with a Rockford mob soldier and
two other Rockford residents in a legitimate enterprise. Most assumable because
of the close relationship between both Families, the Rockford Mafia has often
been wrongly labelled as a satellite operation of the Chicago Outfit. The
Chicago Tribune appears to have been the first to supply this false information.
In 1966, the Tribune labelled Joe Zammuto as the boss of the Rockford branch of
the Chicago mob in two separate articles focussing on the Illinois gambling
scene. Federal informants however, have pointed out the Rockford Family has
been an antonymous Family.
Zammuto grew tired of the continuing threat of getting
either subpoenaed or indicted, and stayed more and more in the background. His
administration took over much of his responsibilities over the years, and in or
around 1973, Zammuto retired from active leadership. Frank Buscemi, a cousin of
one of Tony Musso’s close associates in the 1920s and 1930s, was brought
forward as the new boss. Zammuto, who already had passed much of his authority
to Buscemi prior to his stepping down, would stay on in an advisory role.
Although there was reported to be some distrust towards Buscemi by some members
in the Rockford Family, Buscemi was accepted as the new leader.
Frank Buscemi got his start in the mob in Chicago, where he
lived before coming to Rockford in 1959. Almost immediately after his arrival,
Buscemi was observed meeting and socializing with known Rockford Mafia members.
He set up a vending machine business in the basement of the Aragona Club, a
known Mafia meeting place. But despite his known association with the Rockford
Family, Buscemi managed to keep a low profile.
He had been arrested on occasion in Chicago, but had no arrest record in
Rockford. Zammuto, whose son had married Buscemi’s sister, appears to have held
Buscemi in a high regard. His closeness to Zammuto, in addition to his strong
ties to the Chicago mob, paved the way for his fast rise within the Rockford
Family. By the late 1960s, Buscemi was among Zammuto’s closest confederates.
During his tenure as boss, Buscemi remained his low profile.
Although Federal investigations were still conducted, the intensity appears to
have been reduced. Although various investigating agents were highly aware of
the contrary, the Federal Bureau had the belief the Rockford Mafia was little
more then a handful of “retired old Italians”. Local police were equally
unsuccessful; occasional arrests were made, but the police department either
failed or refused to link these to any organized crime activity. One theory
provided by various sources for the lack of local law enforcement to recognize
the overall organized crime situation is bribery. Although hard evidence for
this theory has never been supplied, certain situations have occurred which
were not in favour of local police. The best known example is probably the
destroying of organized crime related police files in the mid 1980s. Claimed to
have been part of a state-wide purge to get rid of unnecessary and irrelevant
paperwork, this goal was not reached.
Despite the little interference Buscemi had from law
enforcement, he still had his legal troubles. The Internal Revenue Service was
more then interested in one of Buscemi’s businesses, Rondinella Foods. The
company, supplying the ingredients for among others pizza toppings, had gained
a near monopoly in the Rockford area through intimidation, and its owners were
suspected of evading taxes. Nothing indicating tax evasion could be found in
the company’s records, but the IRS made frequent checks. In 1981, Buscemi sold
his interest in Rondinella to a cousin. The sale, to speak in the words of
Buscemi’s associates, was because of the constant harassment from the IRS. The
whole affair proved to be little more then inconvenient for Buscemi, and had no
effect at all on the overall workings of the Rockford Mafia.
The interest of the FBI in the affairs of the Rockford Mafia
returned when three ranking members figured into the undercover operations of
Federal agents into both the Milwaukee mob and New York’s Bonanno Family.*
Buscemi’s consiglieri Joseph Zito and gambling bosses Charles Vince and Philip
Emordeno travelled to Milwaukee to make introductions between members of the
Bonanno Family and Milwaukee’s Mafia boss, Frank Balistrieri in June 1978. The
Bonanno Family contacted the Rockford mob through Tony Riela, who as stated
above, had close connections to various Illinois mobsters. Riela, by now, was
an aging Bonanno capo in New Jersey. Because the Bonannos lacked contacts in
Milwaukee, the Rockford Mafia was asked to make proper introductions between
both Families. Eventually, indictments in the cases were handed down in both
New York and Milwaukee. Zito, Vince and Emordeno were named as co-conspirators
in the Milwaukee case, none were charged. **
*This involved the undercover
operations of Joseph Pistone, who had infiltrated New York’s Bonanno Family
under the name Donnie Brasco, and of Gail Cobb, who as vending machine operator
Tony Conte tried to infiltrate the Milwaukee coin machine scene in Milwaukee.
For details see chapter X, the Bonanno Family, and chapter X, the Milwaukee
Family.
**Of the three, only Vince was still
alive when the case was brought to court.
The affair led the FBI to the conclusion that the Rockford
mob was more then only a few old Italians. But it was certainly not the only
event that was noted with interest by the Bureau. During the 1970s and early
1980s, several cousins and various others were brought in from Sicily and set
up to work in pizza shops across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. It
was believed by Federal agents that the Sicilian arrivals were imported to
strengthen the local crime Family, although hard evidence to acknowledge this
is missing. As of today, several of these young Sicilian immigrants and their
families continue to live in the Rockford area, some of them owning local
restaurants.
Frank Buscemi died of natural causes on December 7, 1987.
During his almost fifteen year reign, he and his associates had received little
interference from law enforcement, despite several investigations. Even after
the murder of mob member Joseph Maggio in April 1980, Rockford’s last recorded
Mafia murder, operations could continue as usual. Although Buscemi himself had
been under investigation in connection with the murder, as well as several
other Rockford mobsters, none were arrested. Buscemi, who without any doubt had
either ordered or approved the killing, was left untouched, and Rockford’s last
known gangland slaying remains unsolved.
In 2006, the Maggio murder came to the attention of the
public again, when a Rockford newspaper columnist suggested that sources
indicated that Maggio opposed the decision of Joseph Zammuto to allow drug
trafficking in the area. The same columnist indicated the drug operations
Zammuto gave his approval to could have been part of the so called Pizza
Connection, which was in operation at the time of Maggio’s murder. Buscemi’s
importation of Sicilians, many of them working in pizza parlours spread
throughout the state, was believed to have played a role in this narcotics
network. However, hard evidence again was missing.
Succeeding Buscemi as the city’s Mafia boss was Charles
Vince. Vince, former street boss supervising local gambling, was a long-time
player in the Rockford Family. He was questioned in 1933 with regard to the
murder of Nick Misuraca, a close friend of Vince. Vince’s further career
included several arrests and convictions, including assault and gambling. His
latest conviction was in 1971, for extorting a retired Beloit physician. By the
time Vince had taken over the Rockford Family, he had recently been elevated to
underboss. Vince, because of a nasty habit of gambling, was not the most
respected member of the Rockford mob, but due to various deaths of prominent
members during the two decades, he appears to have been the most logical
successor.
Vince took over the Family in a relatively favourable time.
The attention of the media was focussed on the high profile Mafia cases in New
York, and the casino skimming cases in Kansas City. The Federal government had
lost interest in many of the smaller, quit Families across the country,
claiming several of these had ceased to exist. Local police, having denied over
the years even the existence of a structured organized crime Family operating
in the city, also failed to act. When Charles Vince died a natural death in
1994, little to no attention was given to his passing. The FBI already
considered the structured Rockford Mafia organization history, and viewed the
death of Vince as collaboration.
But the truth lay somewhere else. The very little attention
the Rockford mobsters had received from both law enforcement and the media had
resulted in an environment to operate unnoticed and in almost complete secrecy.
Identified as successor of Vince was Sebastian Gulotta, although it appears he
was not recognized in that capacity by law enforcement; naturally he couldn’t
be recognized as such when the Rockford Mafia had already been considered
dormant for several years. But knowledgeable sources have indicated Gulotta
controlled a still smooth running and stable crime Family, holding a vast
control on several gambling operations.
In March 2000, Gulotta died in his vacation home in Mesa,
Arizona. His successor is unknown, although sources confirm there has been one,
who is said to be still in position. Salvatore Galuzzo, first publicly
identified as a Rockford Mafia member in the 1980s, appears to be a prominent
and ranking figure, although it is unclear what his exact position in the
current Family structure is. The Family is said to be still in control of a
huge portion of illegal gambling in the Rockford area, and has remained in
contact with the Chicago Outfit until at least 2005.
That year, Frank Saladino was found dead in a motel room,
from an apparent suicide. Saladino was a Rockford born mob figure, who had been
identified as liaison between Rockford and Chicago. He was about to be indicted
in a major case against the hierarchy of the Chicago Outfit, called “Family
Secrets”. The timing of his death leads some to believe his suicide was staged
to prevent him from eventual cooperation. Saladino, the indictment read, was
suspected of carrying out several murders on behalf of the Chicago mob, and was
facing a possible life sentence. His knowledge on these killings certainly made
him a dangerous risk for the Outfit bosses, but again, evidence to support this
allegation is simply missing.
Saladino’s sudden death not only caused his own exclusion
from the trial. A Rockford based sports betting operation in which Saladino
figured, could not be linked to any defendants in the Family Secrets trial
without Saladino. Federal authorities decided to indict the betting ring
separately, which they did in February 2006. Nine Rockford area men were
charged with running the operation, which netted more then half a million
dollars over the years. Eight of them were arrested; one of them was already in
custody on unrelated charges. The indictment clearly showed the continuing
presence of illegal gambling in Rockford. But while the operation was publicly
linked to Chicago, no mentioning was made of the local mob scene. The defendants were convicted, but all
received relatively low sentences.
But the convictions were certainly not the end of the
Rockford gambling scene under the mob’s control. Illegal gambling parlours
continue to operate. Gambling debts are still collected with the threat of
violence, or if necessary, with violence itself. Salvatore Galluzzo and his
brother Natale are suspected of running a large portion it. The Galluzzo
controlled gambling ring is reportedly known as the Soccer Club, a combination
of various gambling establishments.
Although raids on these establishments have been made on various
occasions, the existence of a structured organization behind these operations
are steadily denied.
One of the last major event relating to Rockford’s illegal
gambling racket occurred in October 2007, when a group of criminals decided to
make a quick buck by robbing a card game. The card game was run by Vaughn
“Curly” Fitzgerald, allegedly connected to the Galluzzo’s Soccer Club. The
police, who responded quickly when notified of a possible robbery in progress,
managed to stop one of the fleeing robbers, and placed him under arrest. But
Fitzgerald had his own ideas what to do with him. After having obtained a
rifle, Fitzgerald wounded the robbery suspect while already under arrest. When
he refused to put down his rifle, the police officers were forced to shoot
Fitzgerald. The eighty year old Fitzgerald died instantly.
Within days of the robbery, two other suspects were
arrested. The loot of the robbery, according to insiders around the fifteen
thousand dollars, has not been recovered. It was alleged that one of the
participants of the card game notified the robbers of the amount of money
present. However, the police remains unclear who this participant is, or if he
is among the three men under arrest. The police remains equally unclear about
the other participants of the illegal card game, and until now have only
released the name of one of them, while there was reportedly a relatively large
party in attendance. Rumour has surfaced that the reason of this secretiveness
is that among those in attendance were several prominent Rockford residents,
including a police official. If true, these kinds of attitude will only aide
the Rockford mob in continuing its present operations.
members/associates
Abbernethy, Harry –
*born November 14, 1886??
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*died in July 1969
Achilli, Mark -
*son of Robert
*alleged Rockford mob associtae
*gambling figure
*shot to death in Los Gatos, California, on March ??, 2003
*rumors in Rockford were that Achilli’s debts to loansharks
had caught up with him
Achilli, Robert –
*member
*Born February 23, 1913
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died June 22, 2003, In Dallas, Texas
Adams, Thomas -
*arrested in November 1929, together with Peter and Tony
SanFilippo, Charles Samsera, Tony LoMonaco, all of Rockford, and Michael Licari
of Madison, for his involvement in the opartion of a huge still
Aglito, Lily -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Alderman, Charles “Charles Riggo, Charles Rizzo” –
*born approx. 1896??
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo, alleged owner oi a farm on which a $25.000
still was found
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Alfano, Dominic –
*born December 9, 1889, in Sambuca, Sicily
father of Leo Luca
*figured in bootlegging case in 1925, together with among
others his wife Vita, Philip Vella and Peter SanFilippo
*passed away in February 1971, in Rockford
Alfano, Leo Luca “Luke” –
*born December 3, 1919
*son of Dominic Alfano
*associate
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*died August 23, 2005, in Pittsfield, Pike, Illinois
Aliosio, Lorenzo –
*born June 7, 1881
*bootlegging figure
*In January 1929, was put on trial for operating a still
*passed away in July 1965
Allen, Albert -
*associate of Phil Priola
*observed by federal informants in Milwaukee with Phil
Priola, discussing possibilities with August Maniaci of Milwaukee to “move in”
on some businesses
Allen, Freddy -
*born approx. 1890
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Alto, John (real name: Salvatore DiBenedetto) –
*born February 15, 1899, in Vicari
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging ring
*sentenced to 2 years in prison and fined $2.500
*Died November 11, 1975, in Rockford
Amato, Sam -
*born approx. 1892
*arrested in Rockford after shootout with police in March
1916, together with Joe Renaldo and Sam Cipollo, after having send Black Hand
letters to one Giom Calderotta and lying in wait for him to deposit money. A
fourth Black Hander escaped
Anastase, James –
*born May 11, 1897
*son-in-law of Andrea Saladino
*involved in 1938 bootlegging case involving mostly Calumet
City Mafiosi. Most prominent among those arrested was Phil Bacino, who under
the name Tony Bello attended the notorious Mafia meeting in Cleveland, in 1928.
Anastase, in 1940, was sentenced to one and a half year for his involvement in
the case
*died in July 1980, in Rockford
Anderson, George -
*questioned in murder of Charles Kalb, together with Phil
Caltegerone, Leo Ginestra, Leo Palmeri and George Saladino
Andonna, Geno – (possibly Reno Sandona)
*involved in 1937 bootlegging case, sentenced in February
1938 to 30 months and fined $1,600
Angileri, Cosmo –
*member
*born March 4, 1895, In Marsala, Sicily
*alleged to be connected to Rockford liquor operations
during prohibition
*arrested in April 1930 in Engelhaupt farm raid with Fred
Gaulandri, Tony Bertelino, George Smith, all believed to be Rockford mobsters
*died in July 1977
Angona, Antonino (real name Renvenuto) -
*born January 23, 1902, in Castelvetrano, Sicily
*Rockford Mafia figure
*brother of Frank
*died August 1, 1982, in Dallas, Texas
*the Angona brothers real last name was Renvenuto, but they
changed it to Angona, a variation of their mother’s maiden name due to their
father abandoning them when they were young
Angona, Frank (real name Renvenuto) -
*Rockford Mafia figure
*born on December 12, 1911
*involved in DalCollo slaying in 1934
*moved to Dallas, Texas
*In Dallas, ran a liquor store
*in April 1966, store was robbed of $150, while robbers
escaped, Angona fired five bullets at them
*died on July 23, 1997, in Dallas.
Angona, Sam (real name Renvenuto) -
*born July 3, 1914
*brother of Frank and Antonino
*arrested in april 1935 on bootlegging charges
*died May 8, 1983, in Upland, California
Anzaldo, Mike -
*South Beloit, Illinois based figure in 1937 bootlegging
ring. Sentenced to 5 years and fined $3,000 in February 1938. Others figuring
in the case were Rockford mob members Phil Cannella and Joseph Capriola, Angelo
Baraconi, also of Rockford, Samuel DiGaetano, of Chicago, John Sardo, Genno
Andonna and Joseph DiGirolamo of South Beloit, and Frank Brown and George
Stassin of Beloit
Arbisi, Dominic –
*born May 26, 1895
*married sister of Sam and Leo Ginestra
*still operator put on trial in September 1929
*died May 38, 1989, in Loves Park, Illinois
Baden, John -
*South Beloit
*sought in April 1953, on gambling charges, with Charles
Peperone and Frank Giardono Jr.
Baden, Matthew -
*South Beloit
*operator of Italian American Club (early 1960s)
*fined in Appril 1963 for failure to have proper license
Balsamo, Joe “Sam Caruso” (real name Domenico
Padro) –
*associate
*arrested in October 1934 for using fake whisky labels
*indicted in April 1935 on liquor violation charges, given a
suspended sentence with the provision that he leave the country within 90 days,
at his own expenses
Baraconi, Angelo –
*born December 26, 1908, in Cardiff, Illinois
*son of Joe Baraconi
*involved in 1937 bootlegging ring. Sentenced in February
1938 to 30 months in prison and fined $1,6000
*died in April 22, 1964, in Rockford
Baraconi, Joe –
*born August 10, 1881, in Ronocco, Italy
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced one year and one day, fined $1.000
*died April 8, 1959, in Rockford
Barbagello, Tony –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*born September 1, 1901, in Pawnee, Illinois
*brother-in-law of Frank Gambino
*died October 17, 1984, in Rockford
Barber, Wilbert J. -
*born approx. 1944
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Baroni, Thomas -
*born approx. 1911
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Barteli, John -
*born in 1946 ihn Rockford
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Bartolini, Victor -
*bootlegging figure allegedly alligned with Rockford Mafia,
arrested in Mark, Illinois
Basile, Filippo -
*Rockford bootlegger
*father of Rockford mob member Tony Basile
*born in San Giuseppe Iato, Sicily
Basile, Tony -
*member of Rocford Mafia
*born June 17, 1908, in Rochester
*son-in-law of Peter Triolo
*died July 1977
in Denver, Colorado
Beatty, Robert -
*born approx. 1896
*arrested in April 1935, being accused as a member of a
robbery gang, with among others Charles Vince
*acted as go-between for gang to dispose stolen loot to
Charles Lazzio and Sam Casippi
*during search of his house, an illigal still was found, for
which he was charged
Belle, Domenico -
*Oglesby bootlegger apparently alligned with Rockford Mafia
*arrested six miles south of Rochelle, trafficking liquor
from South Beloit
Benard, Charles –
*born approx. 1892
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
Benedetto, John –
*born approx. 1904, in Donaldsville, Louisiana
*figured in 1930 liquor case
*sentenced to one year and one day in prison, fined $1.000
*murdered in November 1936
Bercato, Sam “Sam Bancato” –
*born approx. 1894
*figured in 1930 liquor case
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
Berridge, Al -
*operator of gambling establishment
*place raided in December 1934, four patrons arrested, but
himself not at premises at the time
Bertelino, Tony -
*arrested in April 1930 in Engelhaupt farm raid with Cosmo
Angileri, Fred Gaulandri George Smith, all believed to be Rockford mobsters
Bianchi, Carlo “Carlo Carlo, Carlo Bortelucci,
Bortoucci, Bartolucci” -
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring Frank Rumore, Tony Carlino, Nick Manzullo, Sam DeVito,
Rosario Chiarelli and Frank Zammuto of Rockford, John Czyska of Chicago,
Abraham Berman, Barney Berman, Max W. Brach, Fred Brach, Herman Brinkmeyer and
Stanley Wells of Belvedere and James Jeffrita, Nick Jeffrita, James Battista
and Mike Mavich alias Morvich with unknown addresses
*named in second indictment charing Tony Carlino, Ben
Cannariato, Clifford Roy Dennison, Marion Lavern Locke and a Gilmore whose
first name was unknown
Blake, Clyde -
*born approx. 1933
*twice arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Bloomquist, Percy -
*arrested as bookmaker in September 1941
Bonavia, Joe –
*born October 18, 1904
*arrested and convicted for violating Dyer Act in 1925
(transported stolen automobile from one state into another), sentenced to
Leavenworth
*alleged head of robbery gang
*associate of Tony Giovingo
*arrested in May 1932 on robbery charges
*died June 1978
Boscio, Calogero “Charles” -
*born approx. 1882
*alleged Rock Island, IL, Black Hand figure
*murdered Frank Faracci, a witness for the defense in the
Cordia murder trial, on July 9, 1920, in South Beloit. Arrested following day
*sentence to life inprisonment in November 1920 for the
Faracci murder
*made the news in 1949, when he claimed to have been in
priosn since 1920 while innocent. Boscio said Torrisi had beaten him into a
confession, as well as at the time of his conviction his English was so bad he
only realized that he was serving a life sentence by another prisoner, and he
himself was under the impression he was only held as a material witness in the
case
Bossi, Fred -
*Ladd bootlegger aligned with Rockford Mafia
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Branchini, Tony -
*born approx. 1885
*operated gambling out of Jolly Fifty Club
*arrested on gambling charges in Decermber 1935
Braught, John A. -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Brown, Frank -
*South Beloit
*figured in 1937/38 bootlegging ring, sentenced to five
years and fined 3.000 dollars
Buckman, Carl –
*born approx. 1908, father from Austria
*arrested in June 1930 for bootlegging
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*onetime Rockford Golden Glove boxer
Burton, Donald L. -
*gambling figure, murdered with Joe Greco in May 1959
Buscemi - Angelo -
*member
*born May 8, 1912, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Frank
*alleged head of slot machine operations in early 1930s
*arrested for carrying brass knuckles and having in
possession obscene material in 1932
*gunman in murder of Louis DalCollo in April 1934. Himself
critically wounded in the shooting
Buscemi, Frank “Frankie Bush” -
*alleged member of Rockford Mafia
*born June 23, 1904, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Angelo Buscemi
*??former boxer, indicted in May 1925 with Sammy Mandell and
various Chicago boxers for violating Illinois boxing laws. Eventually found not
guilty by jury in circuit court
*arrested in January 1926 on charges of having in possession
a stolen car
*figured in 1930 bootlegging ring
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
*questioned in murder of Louis DalCollo in 1934
*with Tony Calcione arrainged for bootlegging and
transportation of stolen automobile in June 1934
*passed away on March 13, 1977, in Delray Beach,
Florida
*lengthy arrest record, served time in Atlanta prison for
violating Dyer Act
Buscemi, Frank A. -
*born December 23, 1957, in Chicago
*not known to have been criminally active within Rockford
Mafia
*son of Frank J. Buscemi
*worked for his father in Stateline Vending with brothers
Salvatore and Vincent
Buscemi, Frank J. -
*member, boss from approximately 1973 to 1984
*formerly active under and close to Chicago Outfit power Jim
DiGeorge before moving to Rockford
*initiated into Mafia in Rockford
*born December 8, 1911, in Aragona, Sicily
*cousin of Angelo and Frank Buscemi
*fined in April 1963 for failure to have decal permanently
affixed to a pool table
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*passed away on December 7, 1987, in Rockford
Buscemi, Salvatore - ???
Buscemi, Thomas -
*brother of Frank and Angelo
*born February 14, 1912
*arrested for attempted robbery in July 1934, together with
one Joseph Francischi, son of a Rockford
physician. Both were still attending school when arrested. Buscemi was a high
school student, Francischi, a senior at the University of Illinois
*died in January 7, 1980, in Rockford
Buttice, Lorenzo -
*born March 4, 1892, in Aragona, Sicily
*died October 3, 1967
*member of Rockford Mafia
*identified by Federal informants as capo in early 1960s
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging ring
*arrested in June 1930 on bootlegging charges
*sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison and fined a $1.000
*arrested in 1939
in Bureau County liquor bust
Cacciatore,
Vincent “Jim”
-
*bootlegging figure
*born November 23, 1901, in Aragona, Sicily
*as still operator was put on trial in September 1929
*died May 20, 1974, in Rockford
Cagnoni, Peter –
*born approx. 1887
*grandfather of Michael Cagnoni, Chicago Outfit murder
victim in 1981
*arrested for liquor running in February 1923
*alleged to have been bootleg liquor supply for New Rochelle
area, getting his liquor from Joseph Ippolito
*died October 26, 1937, in Rockford
Calacurcio, Frank –
*born November 9, 1880, in San Stefano del Sole, Sicily
*father-in-law of Phillip Vella
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case with among others Philip
Vella. Said to have been landlord of the Vella family
*passed away April 6, 1976, in Rockford
Calcione, Andrew
Joseph –
*born June 8, 1915 in Rockford
*suspected member
*involved in prostitution racket with LaFranka brother in
1940s
*passed away on November 7, 2007, in Rockford
Calcione, Anthony
F. “Fred
Calcione” -
*member
*born March 8, 1914, in Rockford
*Sam Marotta was a brother-in-law
*arraigned with Frank Buscemi on charges of bootlegging and
transporting a stolen automobile in June 1934
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
*died September 8, 1993, in Rockford
Calderotta, Joe -
*member
*born October 21, 1910, in Castellana, Sicily
*arrested with Phil Cannella and Nick Misuraca on robbery
charges on April 8, 1933,
in a succesful crime drive
Calderotta, John “Blackie” -
*leading Rockford gambling figure during 1940s
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
Calderotta, Thomas –
*born January 25, 1897, in Castellana, Sicily
*subpoenad before 1959 Grand Jury investigating Burton/Greco
murders
*died in May 9, 1978, in Rockford
Callea, Benny F. –
*born March 14, 1921, in Rockford
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*still living
Calo, Gaspare
Bernardo
“Jasper Calo, Jasper Blanda” -
*born September 13, 1897, in Casteldaccia, Sicily
*brother-in-law of Joseph Zito
*alleged to have been involved with prostitution racket and
Black Hand activity in Springfield during prohibition
*arrested in Springfield liquor conspiracy in 1930, as
Jasper Blanda, sentenced to Leavenworth and fined $10,000
*after release in 1934 moved to Rockford
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*became boss of Rockford Mafia for a short time after Musso
passed away
*retired to Italy in 1961
*made frequent trips back to US, being in contact with moob
figures from New York, Milwaukee, Springfield, Illinois and Rockford
*passed away in July 1973, in his birth town
Caltegerone,
Calogero
“Carl” -
*member
*born January 3, 1998, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Philip, brother-in-law of Joe Stassi
*figured in kidnapping of Anna Domino
*named by Federal informants as a Rockford Mafia member,
very close to Milwaukee capo Pasquale Migliaccio
*passed away on April 1, 1962
Caltegerone,
Filippo
“Philip” -
*member
*born January 24, 1895, in Aragona
*brother of Carl
*figured in attempted murders of David and Alex Dotz,
Rockford liquor investigators, in 1926. Arrested with George Saladino and Tony
DiGiovanni, put on trial, and acquitted
*questioned in 1937 murder of Charles Kalb
*arrested on October 26, 1938, for selling alcohol without
tax stamps. Arrest followed a raid on Caltegerone’s residence, which was a
direct result of an arrest of two Rochelle men who had untaxed liquor in their
possession. They implicated Caltegerone as the person from who they had
obtained the liquor
*passed away on March 26, 1971, in Rockford
Caltegerone, Sam -
*operated speakeasy in early 1920s
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with 22 others
Campello, Israel -
*born in 1941
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Cannariato, Ben -
*indicted in June 1934 on bootlegging charges involving
among others Tony Carlino and Carlo Bianchi
Cannella, Phillip
Francis
“Phil” -
*born July 8, 1914, in Rockford
*married to daughter of Giorgio Saladino
*arrested in 1933 for robbing a meat market
*arrested in March 1937 following a raid on a farm in
McHenry County were a huge still was discovered. Also arrested were Tony
Laudicina of St. Louis, Missouri, and Mike Anzaldo and Tony Rizzo from Beloit.
Owner of the farm, Russell Bussert not charged. Sentenced in February 1938 to
five years in prison, fined $3,000
*indicted in August 1938 on grand larcey charges, relating
to a false hijacking of a ;load of cigarettes in December 1937
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*passed away on May 12, 1971, in Rockford
Cannella, Luke -
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982,
arrested in Las Vegas
Canova, Tony –
*born approx. 1875
*Freeport liquor racketeer
*figured in Joe Giovingo slaying
Cantone,Tony –
*member
*alleged liquor racketeer
*licence plates of car used in Joe Giovingo murder issued in
his name
Capes, R. L. -
*born approx. 1905
*arrested in October 1925 on bootlegging charges, in operation
linked to Phil Caltegerone
Capriola, Joseph -
*born December 20, 1905, in Rockford
*arrested in 1929 with Frank Oddo (his brother-in-law) while
delivering sugar to an alleged still. The address the sugar was delivered to,
had been raided a year before, at which time a still was also found. Also at
the same address, a shooting had occurred in 1915, during a card game. The men
shot were identified as Chicago Black Hand figurers
*figured in 1930 bootlegging coonspiarcy
*arrested in 1934 on bootlegging charges. Figured in Roloff
farm still operation.
*figured in 1937 bootlegging ring, sentenced in February
1938 to five years and fined $3,000
*passed away October 31, 1992, in Rockford
Capriola, Louis –
*born September 23, 1902, in Lousiana
*South Beloit gambling figure
*purchased a Federal gambling stamp in 1954
*died July 14,1958, in Rockford
Capriola, Sam –
*member
*uncle of Joe Capriola
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with 22 others
*figured in 1930/1931 bootlegging conspiracy, convicted and
sentenced to prison. Appealed sentence, appeal denied in July 1932
Cardillo, Joe -
*Peoria
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Carlino, Antonio “Tony Carlino, Tony Carleno, Antonio
Catalano” -
*born on June 22, 1899
*alleged member of Rockford Mafia
*involved in kidnapping of Ezra Duffy
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging case
*home was visited by Giovingo supporters seeking clues to
his murder
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Frank Rumore and Frank Zammuto
*named in second indictment in connection with simular
charges
*in 1934 was sentenced to a fine and prison sentence unless
he paid $310 in taxes. After failment to pay, Carlino was sentenced to three
years in prison and fines totalling $1,200 in November 1936
*at one time believed to hav ebeen kidnapped due to his
failure to show up in court to answer the 1934 liquor conspiracy charges
*eventually moved to California
*passed away on December 29, 1964, in Los Angeles
Caruso, Alphonse
R. –
*born June 1, 1893, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas
*involved in bootlegging operation with Kenosha Camorra in
late 1930s. Arrested with among others the Ricchio brothers and Frank Infusino
of Kenosha. Caruso eventually plead guilty, and testified for government.
Sentenced to 30 days in jail
*died in August 1968
Cascio, Joe -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Cascio, Gaetano “Guy” –
*born April 22, 1913, in Rockford
*cousin of Steve Cascio
*charged with burglary together with Steve, plead not guilty
in October 1943
*arrested in January 1950 on robbery charges
*died September 10, 1973, in Phoenix, Arizona
Cascio, Rose -
*wife of Joe Cascio
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Cascio, Stefano “Steve” -
*born on August 31, 1891, in Roccamena, Sicily
*owned dry goods store with Caltagerone brothers during
prohibition, which was a front for bootlegging operation
*close friend of Al Capone, who made an occassional visit to
the Cascio home
*arrested in 1939
in Bureau County on bootlegging charges
*brother-in-law of Rockford mob member Tony Lombardo
*passed away November 19, 1952, in Rockford
Cascio, Steve –
*born April 30, 1916, in Rockford
*plead not guilty to burglary in 1943
*passed away August 24, 1990, in Rockford
Cassaro, Mike –
*Aragona
*still operator arrested in April 1929
Cassioppi, Sam -
*born approx. 1905
*arrested in April 1935 with Charles Lazzio, being accused
of obtaining stolen goods from a robbery gang, which included Charles Vince
Castanza, Jasper -
*born approx. 1879
*arrested in January 1936 for liquor law violations
Castro, John -
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case involving Peter Sanfilippo
and his wife, Joe Saladino and his wife, Dominic Alfano and his wife, Peter
Cioppi and his wife, Phil Vella and his wife, Thomas Castro, Frank Colacurcio
and Frank and James O’Donnell
Castro, Thomas -
*involved in 1925 bootlegging case
Celebron, William “Billy” (real name Celebrone) –
*born September 10, 1910, of parents of Venetian descent
*former Rockford Golden Glove boxer
*after retiring, owned several taverns partially controlled
by Rockford Mafia
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died December 11, 1987
Cellitti, Lalio “Flash” -
*born November 16, 1921, in Rockford
*died in Rockford on June 28, 2006
Cellitti, Nello -
*member
*born may 14, 1926, in Rockford
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
*passed away on July 12, 2007
Cellitti, Nello - ????
*born on November 11, 1953, in Rockford
Cellitti, Victor “Victor Silletti” -
*born approx. 1913
*arrested in April 1935, being accused as a member of a
robbery gang, with among others Charles Vince
*shot in foot while trying to escape from arrest
Chiarelli, Rosario “Ross” –
*born July 29, 1888, in Aragona, Sicily
*arrested for operating still in May 1930
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Frank Rumore and Frank Zammuto
*died in March 26, 1970, in Rockford
Chiarre, James -
*bootlegging figure
*put on trial for operating a still in September 1929
Ciabatti, Chris -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Ciaccio, Anthony –
*member
*born May 11, 1888, in Sambuca, Sicily
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died January 26, 1973, in Rockford
Cicechello,
Madeline E. -
*operated gambling operation on behalf of Rockford Mafia.
Arrested for this in November 1967. operation involved at least $100,000 a year
Cicero, Alfred –
*born December 1, 1906, in LaSalle, Illinois
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died April 18, 1994, in Rockford
Cicero, Calogero “Alex” -
*member of Rockford Mafia
*born in 1925
*still living, currently residing in North Reddington Beach,
Florida
*brother of Matt Cicero, Rockford attorney described as
“very well connected”
Cioppi, Peter -
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case with among others his wife
Jennie, Frank Colacurcio and Phil Vella
Cipollo, Sam -
*born approx. 1892
*arrested in Rockford after shootout with police in March
1916, together with Sam Amato and Joe Renaldo, after having send Black Hand
letters to one Giom Calderotta and lying in wait for him to deposit money. A
fourth Black Hander escaped
Cocivera, Carmelo -
*born September 26, 1876, in Raccuja, province of Messina, Sicily
*arrested for murder of Gaetano Cordia in February 1919,
pleaded self defense, although police claimed the murder wa s a result of a
Black Hand dispute
Coleman, George W. “Sleepy” –
*born September 5, 1887
*arrested in June 1930 on bootlegging charges
*associate during prohibition, indicted with Musso and many
others in 1929/1930 rum indictment
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Colleta, Joe -
*alleged member
*born 1909
*arrested in April 1933 in Rockford crime drive, suspected of
being a member of robbery gang hauled in a week earlier
Collins, James –
*of African-American descent
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Conti, Angelo “Phillip Conti” -
*arrested on bootlegging charges in early 1930s in Aurora,
Illinois, in raid on Blackball Mine, operation possibly linked to Rockford mob
Cordia, Gaetano -
*alleged Beloit Black Hand figure
*held as material witness in 1917 shooting of Gaspare
Lombardo in Beloit
*murdered February 2, 1919, in Beloit, by
Carmelo Cocivero, in what police claimed to have been an argument over Black
Hand affairs
Corirossi, Arthur -
*born September 2, 1847
*arrested in 1932 on liquor charges
*died in November 1959
Correnti, Frank –
*member
*born October 28, 1911
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*operator of Bel-Air Motel Sales in 1950s
*held interest in Twinspot
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*passed away in January 1985, in Loves Park
Corsentino, John -
bootlegging figure put on trial for operating a still in
September 1929
Corso, Joe “The Crow” -
*LaSalle/Ladd crime figure apparently alligned with Rockford
Mafia
*brother-in-law of Joe Gutilla
*arrested in Ladd in August 1930, on bootlegging charges
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
*arrested on counterfeiting charges with among others Ernest
Dinora, Springfield Mafia member, in April 1938
Cox, Johnny F. -
*born approx. 1952
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Croon, Francis B.
-
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
Croon, Rubin A. -
*Rockford gambling figure
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
Cuccia, Joe -
*member
*born January 20, 1894, in Independence, Louisiana
*brother-in-law of John and Tony Domino
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*died November 2,1949, in Rockford
Cuccia, Tony -
*member
*arrested with Phil emordeno on charges of transporting
liquor
Cudia, Joseph -
*arrested in April 1963 for the operation of a large illigal
still and possesion of gambling records
Curo, Charles -
Peoria
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
D’Agnolo, John -
*possible Rockford Mafia figure
*arrested in February 1935 afor involvement in an alleged
alien smugling ring centering around New York City
D’Agostino,
William “Big
Bill” –
*born May 5, 1885
*among leading bootleggers in Rockford
*sided with Giovingo brothers in Giovingo/Musso struggle
*charged with bootlegging on various occasions
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case
*figured in 1930/1931 bootlegging trial
*named by media as main rival of Musso
*appeal in liquor case denied in July 1932
*died December 2, 1959, in San Bernardino, California
DalCollo, Evaristo “Evertt” -
*born October 19, 1905, in Vel D’Aspico, Sicily
*brother of Louis DalCollo
*arrested during a raid on a still located near Janesvile,
Wisconsin, in May 1932. Arrested with him was Nunzio Ingrassia. Both were
sentenced to six months in prison.
*died January 15, 1952, in Rockford
DalCollo, Louis -
*brother of Evaristo
*Rockford bootlegging figure
*operated tavern after prohibition
*murdered by Angelo Buscemi in 1934
Damiano, Filippo -
*born January 29, 1902
*Rockford Mafia member
*moved to San Diego somewhere in 1940s
*in San Diego, placed under Joe Adamo, San Diego mob boss,
but reportedly “spend his all time fishing”
*died March 5, 1978, in San Diego
DeFay, Peter (real name probably DeMaio) -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
DeMar, Raymond -
*LaSalle bootlegger alleged to have been alligned with
Rockford mob
*arrested on bootlegging charges ??together with Sam Saladino
and his mother??
DeMarco, C. - (Jack???)
*arrested in May 1930 on bootlegging charges, together with
Carl Lotta and Charles Muttimer
DeMarco, George - ???
DeMarco, Jack -
*associate, liquor racketeer
*born approx. 1885 in Lingualossa
*married sister of wife of Nick Vince
*figured in 1930 liquor case
*sentenced to 18 months, fined $7.500
*murdered in his home on January 18, 1932, after a
homecoming party celebrating his release from prison
Dennison, Clifford
Roy -
*indicted in June 1934 on bootlegging charges involving
among others Tony Carlino and Carlo Bianchi
DePallo, John “Fred” -
Ladd, Illinois
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
DeVito, Sam -
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Frank Rumore and Frank Zammuto
Diamond, Joe -
*Spring Valley, Illinois, and NYC
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
DiGiacomo, Alfonse –
*born in September 1957, in Aragona, Sicily (1948???)
*cousin of Frank Buscemi, brother of Salvatore
*active in Rondinella foods
*associate of Galluzzo
DiGiacomo,
Salvatore –
*born August 1947, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Alfonse, cousin of Frank Buscemi
DiGiovanni, Anna -
*born approx. 1880
*arrested in January 1936 for liquor law violations
DiGiovanni,
Antonio –
*member
*born approx. 1907
*figure in Dotz murder attempts in 1926, put on trial,
acquitted in May 1927
*arrested in Milwaukee in 1934, for carrying concealed
weapons and transporting untaxed liquor. Fined and released after Federal
agents failed to pick him up. Officer that released DiGiovanni under heavy fire
because of his action
*indicted in April 1935 on liquor violation charges
DiGiovanni, Mike -
*member
*born in 1879
in Sambucca
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*stepfather of Lazio brothers
*died March 15, 1939, in Rockford
DiGirolamo, Joseph –
*born January 30, 1891, in Marsala, Sicily
*figured in 1937 bootlegging ring. As one of eight alleged
ringleaders, was sentenced to five years and fined $3,000. Was one of four
defendants from South Beloit
*died in December 12, 1965, in South Beloit,
Wisconsin
DiSalvo, Gaetano -
*bootlegging figure
*murdered on September 4, 1928
*theory was that he was killed either in retaliation of Reda
slaying, or because he was using fake labels on his bootleg liquor and
continued doing so after he had been warned not to.
Dmskaka, Mary -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Dodaro, Luigi “Louis Todaro” –
*born October 10, 1884, in Cosenza, Italy
*owned Piedmonte Bakery
*figured in 1930/1931 bootlegging conspiracy, convicted and
sentenced to prison. Appealed sentence, appeal denied in July 1932
*passed away in February 17, 1985, in Rockford
Domino, Anthony –
*born May 26, 1896, in Roccamena, Sicily
*liquor racketeer
*brother of John
*bootleg partner of Jasper Calo and Joe Zito
*arrested in June 1930 in Milwaukee for bootlegging, at the time
wanted in Rockford as one of the heads of a bootlegging ring
*figured in a 1933 Wisconsin liquor conspiracy, sentenced to
one day in prison. Among other persons figuring in this case were then Milwaukee
mob boss Joe Vallone and Angelo Guardalabene, son of former Milwaukee mob boss
Vito.
*pled not guilty to selling stolen merchandise obtained from
Guy and Steve Cascio in October 1943
*officer of Illinois Wholesale Liquor Company in mid 1960s
*died in July 19, 1978, in Rockford
Domino, George –
*born around 1865
*arrested in June 1930 on bootlegging charges
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
Domino, John J. -
*member
*born June 26, 1899, in Louisiana
*married Lillian Capriola, sister of Paul Picchioni’s wife.
*related to Ginestra and Cuccia families
*son of Joseph Domino
*figured in 1930 bootlegging ring, described as one of
principal figures
*sentenced to 18 months, fined $7,500
*worked as manager for Black Hawk Brewing, operated by
??Zammuto brothers” in Freeport
*passed away in August 1977, in Tucson, Arizona
Domino, Joseph –
*born January 17, 1868, in Roccamena, Sicily
*father of Domino brothers
*arrested in 1925 for bootlegging with son Peter. Said to
have wept when booze was destroyed
*arrested again on bootlegging charges in June 1930
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*arrested in July 1930 on bootlegging charges
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*died July 12, 1939, in Rockford
Domino, Peter -
*brother of John Domino
*born December 8, 1908
*arrested in 1925 for bootlegging with his father
*arrested in 1928 on bootlegging charges
*arrested in July 1930 on bootlegging charges with his
father, a Joliet youth and John C. Ross
*arrested in 1930 bootlegging case, sentenced to one year
and one day in prison, fined $1.000
*arrested in 1937 during raid on a farm near Cedarville
*died in August 1995
D’Onofrio, Joe –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
D’Onofrio, Sam -
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Dorman, Charles -
*arrested on October 5, 1934, on counterfeiting charges.
Arrested with him were Elmer Hall, and Tony and Jerome SanFilippo
Dugash, Alfred -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo
Dugash, Edward -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo
Dupree, Tyree -
*born approx. 1928
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Dursch, Charles -
*leading Rockford gambling figure during 1940s
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*operator of horse wire racing results on behalf of Rockford
Mafia
*run Acme Ready Mix
Earle, G. E. -
*born approx. 1876
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Elliott, Lewis
Edward -
*born appprox. 1924
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme, with Joseph
LaFranka and several others
Emordeno, Philip
Joseph “Phil
the Taylor” -
*born on April 6, 1911, in Frankfort, NY
*moved to Madison, were he becme involved with the local
crime element
*later went to Rockford, became a member of Rocford Mafia
*arrested in Madison in July 1931 on charges of assault with
intent to rob
*arrested with his father Samuel near Chicago in April 1934,
on theft charge. Wanted on same charge in Watertown
*arrested in September 1934 on bootlegging charges, being
operator of a huge still found on the farm of Henry Roloff
*involved in Madison gambling, sought on gambling charges in
1936
*sought by Dodge County officials in connection with a
confidence game in June 1938. At the time also sought by two other counties
*fined on morals charge in January 1939. Charges resulting
from Emordeno’s involvement with a 19 year old girl
*sentenced in Madison court to 18 months for possesing and
transporting untaxed liquor in May 1939
*arrested in Dcember 1966 in gambling raid
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury with his wife Mary
*died on May 6, 1981, in Rockford
Engstrom, Gus -
*held in connection with September 1929 shooting in Oriental
Tavern, together with Peter SanFilippo, Charles Sanzeri and Tony LoMonica
Faletti, Steve -
*arrested in Mark, Illinois, on bootlegging charges with
several others in September 1930
Falzone, Alfred –
*born October 13, 1901, in Aragona, Sicily
*figured in 1930 bootleg case
*fined $1.000 and sentenced to one year and a day in prison
*died September 7, 1991, in Rockford
Fasula, Joe “Fezullo” –
*member
*born September 23, 1907, in Villafranca, Sicily
*closely associated with John Domino
*figured in 1930 bootleg case
*sentenced to 18 months and fined $7.500
*died November 13, 2000, in Rockford
Ferro, Dominick -
*born approx. 1916
*arrested in April 1935, being accused as a member of a
robbery gang, with among others Charles Vince
Ferruggia, Peter -
*liquor racketeer
*in October 1932 was charged with attempted murder of Edward
Medders and Phil Zizco (Zizzo)
*arrested in February 1939 for weapon violations. Fired
shots at “ghost” Ferruggia saw in his house.
Ferruggia, Sam -
*operator of Da-Mar Lounge
*fined in April 1963 for failure to have proper license
displayed and failure to have decal on pool table (owned by Frank Buscemi’s
Stateline vending)
Fiorenza, Joseph
F. “Pep”
–
*born October 22, 1945, in Rockford
*arrested in February 2006, on gambling charges. Figured in
a sports betting ring operating from the 1980s up to at least 2005. Others
figuring in the case were John Frisella, Nicholas and Rick fiorenza, Charles
Purin, Frank Giardono, Nick Provenzano Joseph W. Saladino and John Salamone.
Frank Saladino named as unindicted co-conspirator
Fiorenza, Nicholas
T. –
*born 1967,
in Rockford
*son of Joseph Fiorenza, brother of Rick
*figured in 2006 gambling case
Fiorenza, Rick T. –
*born June 3, 1969, in Rockford
*figured in 2006 gambling case
Fitzgerald, Vaughn “Curly” –
*born July 3, 1927
*longtime Rockford gambling figure
*various arrests since 1964, last arrest in 2002
*on October October 17, 2007, was shot to death by police
after robbery of Fitzgerald’s card game, after he had fired on one of the
robbers alreday placed under arrest by police officers
Flowers, Dave -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel, together with William Sherod, Andrew Morey, Philip Jackson,
Robert Gilbert, Samuel Wilkins, Jim Rollins, David Lane and Lee King
Frazzito, Giuseppe “Joe Frozzito” -
*born January 12, 1890
*alleged Beloit Black Hand figure
*involved in July 1920 murder of Frank Faracci
*sentenced to life improsinment in Movember 1920 for Faracci
murder
*died November 1970
Friels, Melvin -
*born approx. 1913
*involved in 1934 DalCollo slaying, confessed and implicated
Frank Angona, Angelo Buscemi and Tony LaFranka
Frisella, John P. “Tiger” –
*born in December 9, 1948, in Rockford
*brother of Sam
*Rockford gambling figure
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
*arrested in February 2006, on gambling charges. Figured in
a sports betting ring operating from the 1980s up to at least 2005. Others
figuring in the case were Joseph, Nicholas and Rick fiorenza, Charles Purin,
Frank Giardono, Nick Provenzano Joseph W. Saladino and John Salamone. Frank
Saladino named as unindicted co-conspirator
Frisella, Samuel
Andrew –
*born in 1943
*brother of John
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
Galluzzo, Natale –
*born in May 3, 1936, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Salvatore Galluzzo
*involved in Rockford gambling
*involved in 1981 arson case in Rockford
*currently alleged to be among the leading gambling figures
in Rockford
Galluzzo,
Salvatore –
*born in 1934,
in Aragona, Sicily
*member of Rockford Mafia
*cousin of Frank Buscemi
*described as being the most logical person to be in command
of the current Family in Rockford
*closely associated with certain elements of the Chicago
Outfit
Gambino, Frank –
*born September 22, 1900, in Italy
*brother-in-law of Tony Barbagallo
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*died April 6, 1968, in Rockford
Gaserude, Lester –
*born December 2, 1915
*operator of Green Onions, Janesville, Wisconsin bar
*numerous arrests for gambling violations
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died November 1, 1996
Gaulandri, Fred -
*arrested in April 1930 in Engelhaupt farm raid with Cosmo
Angileri, Tony Bertelino, George Smith, all believed to be Rockford mobsters
Gaziano, Sam (real name: Salvatore Graziano) -
*member
*both Joe Zito and Guy Cascio wwere his brothers-in-law
*born September 6, 1906, in Aragona, Sicily
*son married daughter of Natale Troia, Madison bootlegger
*died March 18, 1972, in Rockford
Gemonoco, Fifi -
*born approx. 1899
*arrested in January 1936 for liquor law violations
Geraci, Frank -
*Rockford fireman
*identified by Chicago mobster Nick Calabrese as a Rockford
gambling “agent”
*gambling figure, formerly aligned with Chicago Outfit’s
Chinatown Crew
*headed gambling operation in Rockford with Frank and Joe W.
Saladino
Ghibellini, James –
*member
*born January 31, 1916
*arrested in May 1943 on charges of stealing a load of food from an army camp near
Rockford. Arrested with him was Ray I. Tuttle
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died June 15, 1989
Giacometti, Luigi -
*liquor racketeer
*born 1877
*murdered on December 12, 1932. Alleged to have been the
victim of either robbers or rival liquor sellers. However, what the papers
failed to mention was that Giacometti, like DeMarco, had also been involved
with the 1930/1931 liquor conspiracy, and may have talked too much in that
case.
Giacone, John -
*still operator in Domino liquor operations
Giambruno, Joe “Gembrone” –
*member
*born July 12, 1912, in Cornerview, Louisiana
*cousin of Stefano Cascio
*gambling associate of Giorgio Saladino
*died July 23, 1999, in Rockford
Giardono, Frank C.
Jr. –
*born September 6, 1936, in Rockford
*brother of Sam
*stepson of Charles Vince
*brother-in-law of Angelo Pro
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
*figured in 2006 gambling case
Giardono, Frank J.
Jr. -
*sought on gambling charges in April 1953, in connection with
South Beloit gambling operation
Giardono, Frank
Sr. -
*alleged member
*arrested on robbery charges in 1934, with among others
Charles Vince
*after his death, wife married Charles Vince
*died in May 1954
Giardono, Sam J. -
*born approx. 1938
*brother of Frank
*stepson of Charles Vince
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
Gilbert, Robert -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel
Ginestra, Leonard –
*born June 14, 1905, in Chicago
*member
*arrested in January 1928 on bootlegging charges
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*questioned in murder of Charles Kalb in 1937
*arrested in august 1939 on gambling charges, as operator of
a gambling house
*died July 11, 1987, in Rockford
Ginestra, Sam -
*member
*born September 2, 1908, in Chicago
*brother-in-law of Dallas Mafia figure Joseph Civello
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*died February 10, 1986, in Rockford
Giglio, Mario -
*still operator
*put on trial in September 1929, for ownership of a still
Giomato, Tony -
*arrested for bootlegging
Giovingo, Joseph -
*born on July 13, 1897, in New Orleans
*brother of Paul and Tony
*married sister of Frank Rumore
*arrested in may 1930 for bootlegging with his brother Tony
*murdered August 13, 1930, in Rockford
Giovingo, Paul -
*born October 7, 1899, in Thibodeaux, Louisiana
*arrested in 1924 for robbery
*1930 arrest in Memphis, Tennessee, on charges of assault
with intent to murder
*arrested in June 1930 for his involvement in bootlegging
ring
*sentenced to 2 years and fined &10.000
*murdered on February 11, 1933, in Rockford
Giovingo, Sam -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case
Giovingo, Tony –
*born October 23, 1901
*arrested in June 1923, with Tony Perrone on robbery charges
*sought in 1924 for bootlegging, not apprehended
*arrested in may 1930 for bootlegging, again in June
*believed to have been member of same gang that used a
machine gun to scare away prohibition agents two days before he himself was
arrested in May 1930
*again arrested for bootlegging in June 1930
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
*after his release appears to have hooked up with gang of
robbers led by Joe Bonavia. Was arrested in May 1932, trying to arrange bail
for Bonavia
*passed away in February 1967, in Rockford
Giuliano, Jerry -
*born approx. 1889
*arrested in January 1936 for liquor law violations
Graceffa, Phil –
*born January 21, 1922, in Rockford
*subpoenad before 1959 Grand Jury investigating Burton/Graco
murders
*partner with Sebastian Gulotta in Phil and Knobby’s tavern
in 1950s
*still living in Rockford
Grant, Tony -
*born approx. 1953
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Greco, Joseph
Patrick –
*born approx. 1937, in Rockford
*low level gambling figure
*murdered in 1959. Body of him and his partner Donald L.
Burton found strangled in trunk of car on May 2, 1959
*allegedly associated with Joseph J. Maggio
Green, Darrell –
*born July 21, 1918??
*associate, gambling figure
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died January 15, 1996, in Janesville, Wisconsin
Greffa, Joe -
*figured in slaying of Joe Giovingo
Greno, John -
*arrested in May 1930 on bootlegging charges in Raid on
Flaherty farm with Joe Viglia, both
described as members of Sicilian syndicate
Guagliardo, Joe –
*member
*born April 30, 1914, in Hammond, Louisiana
*arrested in July 1965 on gambling charges
*died in March 16, 1985, in Rockford
Gucciardo, Pat -
*associate of Phil Priola
*observed by federal informants in Milwaukee with Phil
Priola, discussing possibilities with August Maniaci of Milwaukee to “move in”
on some businesses
Gugliotta, Samuel
J.
“Boone” –
*member
*born August 18, 1924, in Rockford
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*still living in Rockford
Guisti, August -
*arrested in Mark, Illinois, on bootlegging charges with
several others, in September 1930
Gullo, Biagio “Blase” –
*born January 5, 1902, in Bayon Goula, Louisiana
*arrested for bootlegging in 1928
*died January 25, 1981, in Rockford
Gullo, Frank -
*member
*born January 27, 1891, in Roccamena, Sicily
*brother of Blase and Tony
*died December 1974, in Loves Park
Gullo, John -
*LaSalle
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Gullo, Tony -
*born June 17, 1882, in Roccamena, Sicily
*arrested with Blase for bootlegging in 1928
Gulotta, Frank –
*born February 5, 1900, in Baton Rouge, Florida
*bootlegger, owner of house where still was located
*arrested in January 1928 with Leo Ginestra, Pete Domino and
Jerry Schiro for operating a still
*died December 26, 1982, in Rockford
Gulotta, George A. –
*born January 25, 1923, in Rockford
*brother-in-law of Angelo Pro
*arrested in January 1959 on gambling charges
*died September 10, 1997, in Rockford
Gulotta, Sebastian
J.
“Knobby” -
*member, boss 1994 – 2000
*born August 20, 1930
*arrested in 1952 for battery and assault
*arrested in 1958 for receiving stolen property
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*arrested in December 1966, in gambling raid
*held interest in Plantation Restaurant
*subpoenaed before 1968 Grand Jury investigating organized
crime
*passed away on March 14, 2000, while on vacation in
Arizona.
Guston, Joe –
*born around 1908
in New York
*associate
*figured in October 1927 Duffy kidnapping
*arrested with Paul Scamardo in January 1929 for operating a
huge still
Gutilla, Giuseppe -
*Rockford Mafia member
*brother-in-law of Joe Corso
*father-in-law of August Maniaci, Milwaukee mob member and
Joe P. Saladino
Hall, Elmer Joseph –
*born April 18, 1900
*arrested with SanFilippo brothers and Charles Dorman on
counterfeiting charges in October 1934
Hicks, Earlee -
*twice arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Hill, Daniel E. -
*born approx. 1922
*twice arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Hill, Frank -
*born approx. 1903
*arrested in December 1937 on gambling charges, being the
keeper of a gambling house known as Second Ward Social Club, in the rear of the
A&R Smoke Shop
Holden, Dean S. –
*born October 1926
*gambling figure
*vice president of Wyman Buffet when place was raided in
1967
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*reportedly still alive
Ingrassia, Claude
A. -
*born April 11, 1896
*arrested on December 30, on bootlegging charges
*arrested February 4, 1925, on bootlegging charges
*arrested October 9, 1929, on forgery charges
*according too FBI records on Joseph Civello, Ingrassia was
in occassional contact with Civello
*passed away July 1972, in Rockford, IL
Ingrassia, Frank -
*alleged member of Rockford Mafia
*sister married to John Domino
*brother of Theodore and Joseph
*among the ranking bootleg bosses during prohibition
*arrested in December 1923, with Sigretto cousins, on
bootlegging charges
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to one year and one day in prison, and fined
$1.000
*was best man at wedding of Sam Ginestra to Phyllis Civello
in 1932
*arrested in 1937 during raid on a farm near Cedarville
Ingrassia, Joseph -
*active in bootlegging racket during prohibition
*appeared on police station to furnish bonds for the four
persons arrested in January 1928 during the Gullato raid
Ingrassia, Nunzio -
*born August 9, 1893, in Camporeale, Sicily
*brother-in-law of Giuseppe Tarantola
*son-in-law of Joseph Monti
*arrested in May 1932 during a raid on a still located near
Janesville, Wisconsin, together with Everett Diacollo (DalCollo??)
*operated stills in Wisconsin with brother Frank and John
Domino, which were raided by Milwaukee hoodlum Joseph Scaffidi. Scaffidi
murdered in Chicago on November 16, 1935, together with Angelo Klenomonos,
another Milwaukee hoodlum. Police claimed their hijacking activities were the
reason behind their murders
*died September 7, 1982, in Rockford
Ingrassia,
Theodore Salvatore
–
*born May 26, 1900, in New Orleans
*alleged member of Rockford Mafia
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to two years in prison and fined $1.000
*arrested in 1937 during raid on a farm near Cedarville
*died in May 12, 1974, in Rockford
Ippolito, Joseph -
*born February 19, 1871, in Roccamena, Sicily
*father of Nunzio
*arretsed for bootlegging in February 1923, together with
his wife
*died May 8, 1936, in Rockford
Ippolito, Nunzio “Lawrence” –
*member
*born January 19, 1900, in Roccamena, Sicily
*died November 3, 1973, in Rockford
Jackson, Philip -
*associate
*arretsed in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel
Johnson, Walter -
*born approx. 1891
*arrested in January 1936 for liquor law violations
Jones, Arthur -
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Jones, Jack -
*associate of Musso liquor ring
*figured in Duffy kidnapping, identified by Duffy in January
court testimony during liquor trial as one of his abductors
*indicted in liquor conspiracy, but never apprehended
Kamrar, J. L. -
*arrested in February 1966 for running a casino, together
with Bass Schmit. Alleged to have run casino for Charles Vince
Kane, Frank -
*arrested in January 1959 on gambling charges
Kanzenbach, Albert -
*Waupurn, Wisconsin
*South Beloit
*figured in 1937/38 bootlegging ring, sentenced to one year
and fined 1.600 dollars
Kincheloe, Margery -
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme with among others
Joseph LaFranka and Lewis Elliott from Rockford, herself residing in Salt Lake
City
King, Lee -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel
Kirk, Melvin Henry “Mike” -
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
Labella, Louis M. -
*born aprox. 1949
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
Lacks, Henry John –
*born May 24, 1900, in Germany
*associate
*insurance salesman
*murdered on June 22, 1944
LaFranka, Charles -
*alleged member
*brother of Salvatore
*born February 4, 1913
*one of notorious LaFranka brothers
*arrested with Paul Picchioni on robbery charges in 1932,
convicted and sentenced to one to twenty years
*numerous other arrests, including on charges of keeping a
house of prostitution and assault with a deadly weapon
*murdered in January 1965, body found in trunk of car on
January 16 in
Elgin, Illinois
LaFranka, Joseph -
*born October 29, 1914, in Fort Dodge, Iowa
*arrested in June 1949 raid on luxury vice dens
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme, at the time
described as a siding salesman
*died November 26, 1995, in Rockford
LaFranka, Peter –
*born September 19, 1923
*arrested in June 1949 raid on luxury vice dens
*died March 24, 2002
LaFranka,
Salvatore Theodore “Ted, Frenchy” –
*born July 25, 1909, in Council Bluffs, Iowa
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to one year and a day in prison, and fined $1.000
*arrested in New Orleans in September 1934 as member of
Rockford car theft ring
*arrested in June 1949 raid on luxury vice dens
*eventually moved to Denver, Colorado
*died August 3, 1969, in Fairplay, Colorado
LaFranka, Tony -
*born approx. 1912
*figured in DalCollo slaying
*arrested in 1949 vice raid
Lamendola, James -
*member
*born February 6, 1894, in Aragona, Sicily
*died March 31, 1966, in Rockford
Lamendola, Sam -
*alleged member
*born 1908,
in Aragona
*died November 12, 1984, in Beloit, Wisconsin
Lane, David -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel linked to Joe Zito
LaRosa, Jasper -
*born May 8, 1887, in Aragona, Sicily
*associate of Peter Schifo
*involved in 1928 kidnapping of Anna Domino
*died June 29, 1946, in Rockford
LaRosa, Sam -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
LaRosa, Tony -
*bootlegging figure
*put on trial in September 1929 for operating a still
Lazzio, Charles –
*member
*born April 10, 1907, in Convent, Louisiana
*stepson of Mike DiGiovanni
*related to Giovingo brothers (Lazzio’s grandmother was
mother of Giovingos)
*arrested in April 1935, being accused of obtaining stolen
goods from a robbery gang, which included Charles Vince
*indicted in August 1938 on grand larcey charges, relating
to a false hijacking of a load of cigarettes in December 1937
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*during 1960s partner in North Towne Lounge with Joe Zammuto
and Charles Vince
*died April 27, 1987, in Rockford
Lazio, Joe –
*born January 1, 1914
*stepson of Mike DiGiovanni
*purchased gambling stamp with August Musso in 1954
*died March 1981
Lazio, Sam -
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*operator of Spotty’s Tavern during 1940s with Frank Maragi.
The tavern received wire service from Dursch
Leggio, George –
*member
*born June 24, 1918, in Rockford
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died January 10, 1980, in Rockford
Leggio, Joe –
*born approx. 1906 in Louisiana
*assumed associate
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in
the case were Arthur Leese, Joe Sartino, Joe Vernasky, Ben Ognibene, Joe and
Tony Sparacino and George Doshier. Among the stolen vehicles was the machine of
former Rockford mayor Burt Allen.
Leumbroni, John S. –
*born January 1950
*alleged associate
*headed majr drug trafficking ring, allegedly connected to
Rockford Mafia
*arrested in 1982 for cocaine trafficking. Arrested with him
were his brother Mike, John Barteli, Jack Richardson, Dennis Lee Salisbury,
John J. Schiro, Israel R. Campello, Rubin Yazez, all of Rockford, Luke
Cannella, from Rockford but arrested in Las Vegas and Manuel Martin Gomez, of
Chicago.
Leumbroni, Michael -
*born in 1952,
in Rockford
*brother of John
*associate
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Licali, George –
*born around 1892
*owner of Rockford Celery company
*alleged associate of Musso liquor ring, was one of
witnesses for one of the defendants
*shot to death on June 19, 1936, by Thomas Rumore
Licari, Frank “Frank Lecari, Frank Farina, Frank
Roado” -
*alleged Rockford/Waterloo rumrunner
*owned truck in which Mangiaracina was killed
*arrested in September 1931 on bootlegging charges
*later moved to Iowa Falls, Iowa
*arrested in Iowa on charges of having an unregistered
machine gun
*indicted in April 1935 on liquor violation charges
Licari, Joe –
*member
*born 1898,
in San Giuseppe Iato, Sicily
*figured in 1930 bootlegging trial, charged with Musso and
many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*died June 13, 1976, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Locke, Marion
Lavern -
*indicted in June 1934 on bootlegging charges involving
among others Tony Carlino and Carlo Bianchi
Lolli, Renato –
*born around 1909
*longtime Rockford gunman and criminal
*occassional associate of Rockford Mafia
*arrested in may 1932 on robbery charges
*figured in 1944 Chicago gang case involving murder of Cecil
“Red” Smith, and the fatal shooting of a policeman
Lombardo, Antonio “Tony” –
*member
*born January 11, 1895, in Marsala, Sicily
*brother-in-law of Stefano Cascio
*passed away in December 22, 1981, in Rockford
LoMonaco, Anthony -
*Madison Mafia figure, later moved to Rockford
*born approx. 1980/1884
*operator of Belvedere in Madison, later sold to Tony Musso
*called “King of Little Italy” by Madison newspapers in 1924
*arrested various times on liquor charges in Madison
*arrested in 1929
in Rockford, on bootlegging charges. Also arrested were,
among others, Peter and Tony SanFilippo
*held in connection with September 1929 shooting in Oriental
Tavern, together with Peter SanFilippo, Gus Engstrom and Charles Sanzeri
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*fined in January 1936 on charges of running a speakeasy
LoPiccolo, Joseph –
*born May 8, 1911, in Whistler, Alabama
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime, himself stated he was only there with a friend
*died October 1981, In Rockford
Loreno, Nello -
*arrested in Dubeque, Iowa, in January 1926 on charges of
transporting liquor, together with Frank Buscemi
Lotta, Carl -
*arrested on bootlegging charges in May 1930 with C. DeMarco
and Charles Mutimer
Lucco, Joe -
*arrested with Stefano Cascio and Lorenzo Buttice for liquor
law violations in 1939 in
Bureau County
Lungo, Mike -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Maggio, Joseph -
*member
*born October 30, 1936, in Rockford
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*arrested in 1964 for gambling
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*convicted in Montgomery, Alabama, on mail fraud charges in
1972
*murdered on April 9, 1980, in Rockford
Maggio, Sam -
*alleged member during Zammuto regime
*born November 6, 1926, in Rockford
*died May 2, 2005, in Rockford
Mallot, Alf J. -
*Rockford gambling figure
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
Mandala, Frank “Frank Mandell” –
*born October 13, 1883, in Piana degli Albanese, Sicily
*liquor racketeer
*brother of Rockford boxer Joe Mandell
*arrested in April 1929 for operating a huge alcohol plant
Mangiaracina, Tony –
*born 1902
in Louisiana
*liquor racketeer, killed in auto accident in July 1931,
while driving liquor in the truck of Frank Licari, who was sleeping in a hotel
nearby the accident
Manzullo, Nick -
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Frank Rumore and Frank Zammuto
Maragi, Frank -
*born approx. 1906
*brother-in-law of Anthony Zacharia, thus related by
marriage to Dallas Mafia boss Joe Civello
*arrested September 14, 1941, on gambling charges
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*during 1940s, operator of Spotty’s Tavern with Sam Lazio,
to which Dursch wire service delivered
*according to FBI records, in contact with Civello on
several occasisons during 1960s
Marinelli. James -
*born February 27, 1898, in Ferentino, Italy
*steward at Club Roma
*brother-in-law of Anna Domino
*shot to death on November 6, 1928, within a month of the
Anna Domino kidnapping
*cousin John Marinelli held for murder
Marinelli, Joseph “Joe Gramps” -
*born on Janary 14, 1918, in Rockford
*bodyguard for Tony Musso
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*associated in siding business with Sebastian Gulotta and
Joe Maggio prior to the latter’s murder
*indicted in 1976
in a candy franchise scheme. Indicted with hime were:
John Walsh, whose were abouts at the time of the indictments was unknown,
Theodore Moore, Lawrence Ballard and Robert S. Doiel of Rockford, Morris
Friedman, of Skokie, Larry Gold, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Louis Meyer, of Fort
Wayne, Indiana, Bartholomew Walsh, of Elke Grove Village and Philip Johnson of
Viroqua, Wisconsin
*died June 5, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri
Marino, John -
*born approx. 1893
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Marino, Tony –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
Marotta, Sam –
*member
*born January 3, 1904, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
*brother-in-law of Tony Calcione
*died October 31, 1985, in Rockford
Martinez, Octavio “Chico” –
*born September 6, 1930
*alleged associate of Rockford Mafia
*murdered with girlfriend on August 8, 1962, allegedly by
Rocco Pranno and Julius Cohn
Martorano, Jack -
*arrested in april 1935 on bootlegging charges with Sam
Angona
Maura, Mike -
*LaSalle, Illinois, bootlegging figure allegedly alligned
with Rockford Mafia
*arrested on bootlegging charges in February 1930
McCann, Matt –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
Mela, Alfonso –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Mera, Sam -
*born November 5, 1881, in Siculiana, Sicily.
*arrested in 1930 as member of bootleg ring
*sentenced to 1 year and 1 day, fined $1.000
*passed away April 7, 1964
Messina, George -
*arrested with Emordeno, Joe Caioli, John Sardo, G. Motota,
Henry Roloff and Theodore Colias of Milwaukee, in Roloff farm raid in September
1934
Metropolis, Nick -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Miller, Guy –
*born approx. 1892
*arrested in June 1930 for bootlegging
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
Miller, Harry -
*born approx. 1905
*arrested in October 1925 on bootlegging charges, in
operation linked to Phil Caltegerone
Miller, Paul –
*born March 20, 1894??
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*died February 1977??
Misuraca, Nick -
*associate/member
*born in 1910
in Rockford
*arrested on robbery charges in April 1933, together with
Phil Cannella and Joe Calderotta
*murdered on August 30, 1933, while under indictment with
Rockford mobsters Joe Calderotta and Phil Cannella on robbery charges
*close friend of Charles Vince.
Moccero, Tom -
*Janesville, Wisconsin, associate of Peter Schifo
*involved in kidnapping of Anna Domino, owner of home were
Anna was transported to after the kidnapping
Montalto, Gaspare –
*born April 29, 1887, in Marsala, Sicily
*arrested in 1934 Roloff farm raid with among others Phil
Emordeno
*died April 23, 1963, in Rockford
Monti, Gino –
*member
*born August 1927
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
Monti, Joseph J. –
*born March 19, 1917, in Rockford
*son-in-law of Nunzio Ingrassia
*arrested in January 1949 on gambling charge
*died January 23, 2006, in Rockford
Morey, Andrew -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel linked to Joseph Zito
Morris, William B. -
*Rockford gambling figure
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*arrested in August 1962 on gambling charges with Reno
Sandona
*officer of Midwest Distributing Co., co-owned by Outfit
members Willie Daddano and Anthony Cardamone
Mortellaro, Vito -
*born October 10, 1890
*alleged Rockford Black Hand figure
*arrested for murder of Joe Mascoli in Rockford on July 21,
1920
*claimed Beloit police officer Daniel Torrisi and Chicago
detective Julian Bernacchi had beaten him into confessing the murder. Both
policemen were charged, but eventually acquitted
*died March 1982,
in Rockford
Moscarelli,
Lorenzo –
*born February 21, 1886, in Roccamena, Sicily
*arrested in June 1930 for bootlegging
*died September 1, 1957
Mungiovino, Frank -
*arrested in 1932
in Rockford with Rocco Siciliano, Springfield and
Sherman crime figure, on charges of carrying concealed weapons and transporting
liquor
Musso, Antonio “Tony Musso” -
*born February 11, 1893, in Partinico, Sicily
*married Maria Piro, sister of wife of John Piro, NO/LA Mafia figure
*first recognized boss of Rockford Mafia
*reportedly send to Rockford by Capone Outfit to take over
local bootlegging
*brother-in-law of Tony Lombardo, prohibition era Mafia
leader in Chicago
*reportedly received Al Capone in Rockford in 1929
*arrested in St. Louis on weapon charges and suspicion of
robbery in 1918, fined $100 and costs
*arrested in 1919 on burglary and weapon charges in St.
Louis
*active during first years of the 1920s in Madison,
Wisconsin, were he was the recognized leader among the Italian immigrants
*in Madison, operated Belvedere, formerly owned by Andrew
DiSalvo and Tony LoMonaco
*figured in various mob related cases in Madison before
leaving the city in approx. 1925
*arrested in December 1924 for having in possesion fake
rumlabels
*arretsed in Los Angeles in 1930 on gambling charges,
eventually extradited to Rockford
*Madison, Wisconsin, also made a bid for Musso’s
extradition, but failed. Was wan’t on a rape charge in Madison
*in Los Angeles, most probably lived at house of John Piro,
former New Orleans Mafia figure who was married to a sister of Musso’s wife
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging ring, claimed to have been
one of principal bootleggers
*sentenced to two years in prison and fined $10.000
*arrested in January 1938 for assault relating to a truck
driver’s strike
*latest known arrest in 1944, for an inquiry
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*passd away on May 23, 1958, in Rockford
Musso, August A. –
*born October 23, 1918
*son of Tony Musso
*purchased a Federal gambling stamp in 1954
*passed away July 23, 2006, in Fond du Lac,
Wisconsin
Muttimer, Charles -
*arrested in May 1930 on bootlegging charges with C. DeMarco
and Carl Lotta
*figured in 1930 bootlegging trial involving Musso and many
others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Nichols, Vernon
Eugene -
*associate of Phil Priola
*observed by federal informants in Milwaukee with Phil
Priola, discussing possibilities with August Maniaci of Milwaukee to “move in”
on some businesses
O’Bannon, Michael -
*Peoria
*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating gambling and
Burton/Greco murders
Oddo, Frank –
*born approx. 1886
*arrested with Joe Capriola in September 1929, for transporting
corn sugar, an ingredient for bootleg alcohol
*died November 26, 1945
Ognibene, Ben -
*born approx. 1911
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in the
case were Arthur Leese, Joe Sartino, Joe Vernasky, Joe Leggio, Joe and Tony
Sparacino and George Doshier. Among the stolen vehicles was the machine of
former Rockford mayor Burt Allen.
Oliveri, Salvatore “Sam Olivera” -
*born January 17, 1898, in Corleone, Sicily
*attended Cleveland Mafia meeting in December 1928 as one of
several Chicago figures
*transferred membership from Chicago to Rockford in mid
1930s
*musscled his way into Gasparini funeral home, there after
named Gasparini and Oliveri funeral home
*died in Rockford on November 4, 1969
Paganelli, Joe -
*arrested in September 1930 in Mark, Illinois, on
bootlegging charges with several others
Paganelli, Ray -
*arrested in Mark, Illinois, on bootlegging charges with
several others, in September 1930
Palazzolo, Joseph “Palazoto -
*came to Rockford from Louisiana
*linked to Frank Ingrassia
*cousin of Cacsio family
*either Joe F. Palazzolo (Polozola), born October 25, 1915,
died December 6, 1988, or Giuseppe “Joe” Palazzolo (Polozola), born December 1,
1901, died April 1957. Both men were cousins to the Cascio family
Palmeri, Frank F. –
*member
*born 1920
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*still living
Palmeri, Leo –
*member
*born August 10, 1892, in Marsala, Sicily
*questioned in 1937 murder of Charles Kalb
*died in July 5, 1975, in Rockford
Paollos, James -
*born approx 1908
*arrested in July 1965 on bookmaking charges
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
Parrino, Frank –
*born December 19, 1891
*arrested in April 1929, with Frank Mandell and Mike
Cassaro, for operating a huge still
*passed away in July 1974
Patti, Frank -
*father-in-law of Giorgio Saladino
*born approx. 1881
*arrested in March 1929 on bootlegging charges with Giorgio
Saladino
Pauls, Robert
Eugene -
*born approx. 1929
*arrested in August 1961 as being the keeper of a gambling
house
Pearce, Ralph
Orlando James
“Fuzzy” –
*born January 4, 1887
*high level associate
*race horse bookmaker
*victim of kidnapping for ransom in November 1931. Later
returned after ransom had been paid. Lawrence Mangano, Chicago Mafia figure,
was named by media as possible key figure in the case, because Pearce was
released after Mangano was arrested in Chicago. However, it appears Chicago
police had broken up a high level Mafia meeting instead, since among the
persons arrested with Mangano were Paul Palmeri, powerful Buffalo Mafioso, and
Angelo Caruso, boss of the non-Castellammarese members in the Maranzano Family.
*arrested in December 1934 on gambling charges, as operator
of a bookmaking establishment
*questioned in 1937 Kalb murder
*died on March 19, 1953, in Santa Barbara, California
Pelo, Frank -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Pendergast, Thomas -
*born approx. 1904
*Rockford gambling figure
*unidentified sources in 1946/1947 stated the gambling scene
in Rockford was controlled by a gambling syndicate consisting of Charles
Dursch, Tony Musso, Alf J. Mallot, Jasper Calo, Charles Lazio, John Calderotta
alias Blackie, Thomas Pendergast, Francis B. Croon, Rubin A. Croon, William B.
Morris, Sam Lazio and Frank Maragi.
*arrested as bookmaker in September 1941
*present on August 20, 1966 during gambling raid on Uptown
Lounge. but was not arrested due to his bad health
Peplos, Pete -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Peri, Frank -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Perrone, Anthony
John –
*born June 24, 1898, in Louisiana??
*arrested with Tony Giovingo on robbery charges, both
accused of being a members of a robbery bandit gang
*died February 7, 1988??
Peterson, Swan A. -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Philbrook, Herbert
M. -
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme with among others
Joseph LaFranka and Lewis Elliott from Rockford, himself residing in Quincy,
Illinois
Picchioni, Paul “Peachy” -
*born November 1, 1908, in Cherry, Illinois
*brother-in-law of Louis Capriola
*bodyguard of Chicago gangster Tommy Abbott
*member of Rockford Mafia
*onetime chauffer to John Domino
*questioned after murder of Joe Giovingo
*arrested in 1932 for robbery
*died in Dallas, on December 27, 1974
Piccuro, Phil -
*Beloit Mafia fgigure
*associate of Frank Longo, Springfield mobster, and Vincenzo
Troia
*arrested in May 1934, with Longo and Troia, on chargesa of
having a concealed weapon
Pinella, Joe -
*bootlegging figure allegedly alligned with Rockford Mafia,
arrested in Mark, Illinois
Pipitone, Charles -
*South Beloit
*owner of Shuffle Inn, a Bar (early 1950s)
*sought on gambling charges in April 1953, together with
Frank Giardono Jr. and John Baden
Plager, C. A. -
*born approx. 1890
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Poshard, Kenneth –
*born October 3, 1935??
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford organized
crime
*died December 24, 1989, in St. Petersburg, Florida??
Powers, Walter -
*Rockford gambling figure
*arrested with Leo Ginestra in one of various raids on
Rockford handbooks in August 1939, as operator of Hermit Club (linked to Leo
Ginestra)
Priola, Phil Jr. -
*born in 1943
in Rockford
*son of Phil Sr.
*figured in recent fraud case involving Texas Grill
restaurant
*after having served his prison sentence in the fraud case,
moved to Las Vegas, Nevada
Priola, Phil Sr. –
*member
*born April 11, 1907, in Chicago
*father of Phil Jr.
*oil station operator
*arrested by Beloit police on bootlegging charges in June
1934
*arrested in July 1934, as last member of kidnapping gang
involved in among others the kidnapping of Fred DiFilippi. Charges dropped
after DiFilippi was killed in a car accident
*arrested that same year in Beloit for bootlegging
*close to Milwaukee Mafia member August Maniaci
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died July 6, 1987, in Rockford
Pro, Angelo “Dingo” -
*born in 1930
in Rockford
*active in gambling, loansharking and prostitution, the
latter after the Calcione brothers ceased this activity
*said to have been close to Rockford’s African American
community
*subpoenad before 1959 Grand Jury investigating Burton/Greco
murders
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
*still alive
Provenzano, Al -
*distantly related through marriage to Joe Zammuto
*Rockford gambling figure
*owner of apartment building were Charles Vince lived when
he died
*owner of Creative Jewelers, were gambling was alleged to
have taken place during early/mid 1990s
*arrested July 1994 on gambling charges, not charge when he
denied knowledge of gambling activties because he rented basement
Provenzano,
Carolyn -
*proprietor of Victory Tap (early 1960s)
*fined in April 1963 for failure to have proper license
displayed for pool table
Provenzano, Nick –
*born February 1961??
*arrested in 2006 gambling case
Purin, Charles A. –
*born in March 1943 in Rockford
*figured in 2006 sports betting case
Radwan, Azmi S. -
*born approx. 1943
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
Ranieri, Cleto -
Dalzell, Illinois
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Ranieri, Raldo -
*Spring Valley,, Illinois
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Reda, Tom -
*low level bootlegger
*murdered on February 4, 1928
*theory evolved he knew too much about the shooting of
policeman Arthur Bassett, and was silenced for it. More assumable he was killed
because he had informed on various bootlegging establishments
Renaldo, Joseph -
*born approx. 1892
*arrested in Rockford after shootout with police in March
1916, together with Sam Amato and Sam Cipollo, after having send Black Hand
letters to one Giom Calderotta and lying in wait for him to deposit money. A
fourth Black Hander escaped
Ripi, Giovanni -
*born August 18, 1867
*claimed by Beloit detective Dan Torrisi to have been a
member of the Black Hand in Rockford
*arrested in February 1919 in connection with the
death of Gaetano Cordia, after Cordia’s killer claimed Ripi had been hired by
Cordia to murder him
Rizzi, Anthony -
*Beloit bootlegging figure
*arrested in March 1937 on bootlegging charges with among
others Phil Cannella
Roberts, Joe -
*alleged Beloit gambling figure
*close associate of Gramps Marinelli
*involved in dipute wwith Nick Gentile, Milwaukee mob figure
then also resding in Beloit, in or around 1969
Rocchio, Frank -
*LaSalle bootlegger alleged to have been alligned with
Rockford mob
*arrested on bootlegging charges together with Phil Scortino
and John Violo
Rocconi, Leo –
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
Riccoro, Joseph -
*arrested in 1937 during raid on a farm near Cedarville
Richardson, Jack -
*born in 1956,
in Rockford
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Rizzo, Pete -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo
Rollins, Jim –
*born February 1931??
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel
*still alive??
Ross, John C. -
*arrested in July 1930 on bootlegging charges, together with
Peter and Joseph Domino, Frank Theodore and a Joliet, Illinois, youth
Rotello, Joe -
*Rockford Mafia figure
*born December 24, 1899, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
*brother-in-law of Cosmo Angileri
*died December 19, 1974, in Rockford
Roth, Thomas M. -
born approx. 1931
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme with Joseph
LaFranka and Lewis Elliott from Rockford, Margery Kincheloe of Salt Lake City,
Herbert M. Philbrook of Quincy, Illinois, and Theodore J. Venable of Redding,
California
*indictment result of a Denver Grand Jury investigation
regarding fraudulent FHA home improvement loans obtained by Statewide Builder’s
Supply Co. in Denver, of which the six were officers and salesmen, in
connection with sales of alluminium house siding
Rowe, L. C. -
*born approx. 1886
*arrested as bookmaker in September 1941
Rumore, Frank -
*born November 24, 1898, in Contessa Entellina, Sicily
*alleged cousin of Thomas Rumore
*brother-in-law of Joe Giovingo (sister’s first husband)
*arrested for auto theft in 1924 as alleged to have been the
head of a stolen car ring, case linked Rumore to one Rosario Calamia, gangster
from Madison
*arrested in may 1930 for bootlegging, again in June
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*sentenced to 18 months and fined $7.500
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Tony Carlino and Frank Zammuto
*Died September 3, 1954, in Rockford
Rumore, Thomas -
*alleged member
*arrested in may 1930 for operating a still
*arrested again in June 1930
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*sentenced to a year and a day in prison, fined $1.000
*brother of Tony
*murdered Joe Licari, his neighbour, in 1935
*himself shot to death a year later, on October 6, 1936
Rumore, Tony –
*born approx. 1910???
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*brother of Thomas
Ryan, William “Red” -
*Beloit gambling associate of Ralph Pierce
*charged with accessory to Pierce’s kidnapping, acting as
go-between in obtaining Pierce’s release, in November 1931
Sagona, Mike -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Saieva, Carl -
*born February 23, 1902
*arrested in 1932 on liquor charges
*died August 1985
Saieva, Salvatore –
*member
*born October 16, 1905, in Aragona, Sicily
*Lorenzo Buttice was his uncle
*died February 6, 1990, in Rockford
Saladino, Andrea “Andrew” -
*born September 8, 1887, in Marsala, Sicily
*brother of Jospeh Saladino
*father-in-law of James Anastase
*father of Joseph P. Saladino
*grandfather of Joseph W. Saladino
*figured in 1930 bootleg case
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
*died May 29, 1959
Saladino, Frances (maiden name Barbara) -
*wife of Joseph saladino
*arrested with husband and several others on bootlegging
charges in 1925
Saladino, Frank “Gumba” -
*born December 9, 1945, in Rockford
*son of Giorgio Saladino
*half sister married to Phil Cannella
*arrested in 1981
in Chicago in connection with burglary. Also arrested
were Ronald Jarrett, Frank Bertucci, Michael gurgone, George Ravnic, Phil
Lazzaro, Sam Bills, Sam Ciancio and Tom Versetto
*various other arrests, including assault and rape
*closely associated with Chicago Outfit
*used by Outfit in several murders
*involved in a bitter
feud with Salvatore Galuzzo and several of his relatives and associates
evolving out of a car accident Saladino and Galluzzo had with Galluzzo’s car.
*one of persons figuring prominently in Family Secrets trial
involving the Chicago Outfit. Officers send to arrest him found him dead in his
room
*died April 24, 2005, in Hampshire, illinois, allegedly a
suicide
Saladino, Giorgio “George” -
*member
*born September 13, 1892, in Roccamena, Sicily
*father of Frank “Gumba” Saladino
*gambling associate of Joe Giambruno
*figured in attempted murders of Alex and David Dotz in
September 1926. Put on trial, eventually acquitted
*arrested in March 1929 on bootlegging charges, together
with his father-in-law Frank Patti
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*arrested and charged with selling liquor in a Social Club
to non-members in February 1957
*questioned in 1937 murder of bookmaker Charles Kalb
*associated with Milwaukee Mafia boss John Alioto
*died June 7, 1964, in Rockford
Saladino, Joseph –
*born November 19, 1882, in Marsala, Sicily
*brother of Andrea
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case with among others his wife
Frances Barbera
*died June 29, 1953, in Rockford
Saladino, Joseph
P. -
*born July 17, 1918, in Rockford
*father of Joseph W. Saladino
*figured in 1940s burglary case involving Cascio cousins.
Allegedly solled stolen liquor to Milwaukee resident, Sylvester McCarthy
formerly from Rockford.
*died October 14, 1990, in Rockford
Saladino, Joseph
W. –
*born October 11, 1945, in Rockford
*grandson of Andrew Saladino
*son of Joseph P. Saladino
*figured in 2006 gambling case
Saladino, Sam -
*LaSalle, Illinois, bootlegging figure, formerly from
Rockford
*arrested in January 1931 on bootlegging charges, together
with his mother
Salamone, Carmelo “Carl” -
*Rockford Mafia figure
*born October 28, 1892, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother Filippo had maried the sister of Vincenzo Tarallo,
Wisconsin mob figure
*died February 12, 1946, in Rockford
Salamone, Carl -
*born June 28, 1925, in Rockford
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*operator of Times Lounge in 1950s
*died December 1, 1994, in Rockford
Salamone, John F. “John Finooch” -
*born Approx. 1978
*arrested in February 2006, on gambling charges. Figured in
a sports betting ring operating from the 1980s up to at least 2005. Others
figuring in the case were Joseph, Nicholas and Rick fiorenza, Charles Purin,
Frank Giardono, Nick Provenzano Joseph W. Saladino and John Frisella. Frank
Saladino named as unindicted co-conspirator
Salisbury, Dennis
L. -
*born in Rockford in 1950
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Salvaggio, Alex -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Sandona, Reno –
*born March 12, 1916, in Rockford
*member
*arrested in August 1962 on gambling charges, together with
William Morris
*held interest in Northern Illinois Music Company with
Chicago mobsters William Daddano Jr. and Anthony A. Cardamone, and Rockford
residents William F. and William V. Morris
*died March 19, 2002, in Rockford
SanFilippo,
Anthony Joseph
–
*born June 30, 1911, in Wisconsin
*son of Pietro
*arrested with among others his father for his alleged
involvement of a huge alcohol distilling plant. Others arrested were Tony
LoMonaco, Michael Licari of Madison, Charles Samsera and Thomas Adams
*arrested in October 1934 on counterfeiting charges, with
among others his brother Jerome
*arrested in March 1935 on theft charges, with his brother
Jerome
*died January 6, 1956, in San Diego, California
SanFilippo,
Antonina
“Anna” -
*wife of Peter, mother of Anthony and Jerome
*arrested on bootlegging charges with Peter and 21 others on
Thanksgiving Day 1924
SanFilippo, Jerome
Joseph –
*born November 12, 1913, in Wisconsin
*son of Pietro
*arrested in 1934 on counterfeiting charges
*arrested in March 1935 on theft charges, with his brother
Anthony
*died April 12, 1981, in San Diego, California
SanFilippo, Pietro “Peter SanFilippo” –
*born September 18, 1884, in San Giuseppe Iato
*alleged member
*father of Jerome and Tony
*before going to Rockford (around 1920) lived in Madison,
Wisconsin
*arrested in December 1920 for grand larceny (alleged to
have stolen $6,000 worth of goods from a Madison concern). Was not extradited
to Madison from Rockford
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with 22 others,
including his wife
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case with his wife Antonina
Licari and various others
*arrested in September 1929 for alleged involvement in huge
alcohol ring, together with among others his son
*held in connection with September 1929 shooting in Oriental
Tavern, together with Charles Sanzeri, Gus Engstrom and Tony LoMonaco.
SanFilippo wounded in shooting affray
*figured in 1930 liquor case
*sentenced to 1 year and 1 day, fined $1.000
Sansone, James -
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
*operator of jewellery store in 1950s
Sanzeri, Charles -
*held in connection with September 1929 shooting in Oriental
Tavern, together with Peter SanFilippo, Gus Engstrom and Tony LoMonaco
*arrested in November 1929 on bootlegging charges
Sardo, John -
*Beloit/Rockford liquor racketeer
*arrested in Roloff farm raid in September 1934
*figured in 1937 bootlegging case. One of three South Beloit
based ringleaders, was given five years in prison and a fine of $3,000 in
February 1938
Sartino, Joseph -
*born approx. 1910
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in
the case were Arthur Leese, Joe Leggio, Joe Vernasky, Ben Ognibene, Joe and
Tony Sparacino and George Doshier. Among the stolen vehicles was the machine of
former Rockford mayor Burt Allen.
Saulter, Fred D. -
*born approx. 1937
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Saulter, Lee R. -
*born approx. 1931
*arrested on gambling charges in March 1989
Scalia, Peter -
*Beloit bootlegging figure
*son-in-law of Joe DiGirolamo
*brother married into Schifo family
*arrested in June 1934 for operating a still with James
Valenti
*operated a liquor store in South Beloit during 1960s
*shot in a hold up in September 1969, and transported to
hospital in serious condition
Scamardo, Paul –
*born June 21, 1883
*member
*figured in Ezra Duffy kidnapping
*arrested with Joe Guston in January 1929, on bootlegging
charges. Raid was reason for re-opening the Duffy kidnapping case, eventually
resulting in the arrest of Tony Musso. Still was located at same address were Duffy
claimed to have been held a few months before
*indicted in 1930 liquor conspiracy trial, but never
apprehended
Schifo, Peter “Peter Scifo” -
*member
*born on July 5, 1904, in Aragona, Sicily
*orchestrator of Anna Domino kidnapping in October 1928. Reason
for kidnapping said to have been because Anna rejected Schifo. Other
possibility is that Schifo tried too intimidate Domino family
*charged with bribery in August 1950
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*passed away on September 22, 1969, in Rockford
Schiro, Jerry -
*bootlegger
*arrested in January 1928 in raid on Frank Gulotta house
Schiro, John J. -
*born August 20, 1959, in Rockford
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Schmit, Ivan “Bass” -
*arrested in February 1966 for running a casino, together
with J. L. Kamrar. Alleged to have run casino for Charles Vince
Sciortino, Sam “Sam Scartino” (real name Sam
Salvatore) -
*born December 7, 1885, in Siculiana, Sicily
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to 18 months, fined $7.500
*died October 22, 1976, in Rockford
Scortino, Phil -
*LaSalle bootlegger alleged to have been alligned with
Rockford mob
*arrested on bootlegging charges together with Frank Rocchio
and John Violo
Segalla, Victor
Augistine -
*born approx. 1913
*arrested in April 1935, being accused as a member of a
robbery gang, with among others Charles Vince
Seminerio, Carl -
*born May 6, 1951, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Iggy, cousin of Frank Buscemi
*died July 7, 2000, in Rockford
Seminerio, Ignazio “Iggy” -
*born November 27, 1941, in Aragona, Sicily
*cousin of Frank Buscemi, brother of Carl
*alleged member
*brought to Rockofrd by Frank Buscemi in early 1960s
*died in Rockford on February 4, 2001
Sendele, Gilbert E. -
*indicted in August 1938 on grand larcey charges, relating
to a false hijacking of a ;load of cigarettes in December 1937, together with Charles Lazzio and Phil Cannella
Shaul, Ollie -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo
*arrested in June 1930 on bootlegging charges
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
Sherod, William –
*born September 25, 1909
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel linked to Joe Zito
*died March 1986
Sigretto, Sam “Segretta” -
*born August 10, 1893, in Sambuca, Sicily
*bootlegging associate of Frank Ingrassia
*brother of Steve Sigretto
Sigretto, Stephen “Segretta” -
*born January 4, 1889, in Sambuca, Sicily
*associated in bootlegging with Frank Ingrassia
arrested with Ingrassia and brother in December 1923, on
bootlegging charges, after a still operated by the three had blown up.
*died June 30, 1971, in Rockford
Simmons, John -
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
Smith, George -
*arrested in April 1930 in Engelhaupt farm raid with Fred
Gaulandri, Tony Bertelino and Cosmo Angileri, all believed to be Rockford
mobsters
Sparacino, Anthony -
*born approx. 1914
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in
the case were Arthur Leese, Joe Sartino, Joe Vernasky, Ben Ognibene, Joe
Leggio, Joe Sparacino and George Doshier. Among the stolen vehicles was the
machine of former Rockford mayor Burt Allen.
Sparacino, Joseph -
*born approx. 1911
*brother of Anthony
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in
the case were Arthur Leese, Joe Sartino, Joe Vernasky, Ben Ognibene, Joe
Leggio, Anthony Sparacino and his brother Joseph and George Doshier. Among the
stolen vehicles was the machine of former Rockford mayor Burt Allen.
St. Angel, Jasper -
*born April 8, 1885
*prominent Rockford Italian
*figured in 1930 liquor trial, although not named directly
*FBI records indictae St. Angel was associated with Rockford
Mafia
Stasin, Geroge -
*South Beloit
*figured in 1937/38 bootlegging ring, sentenced to five
years and fined 3.000 dollars
Stassi, Joe -
*member
*born January 1, 1892, in San Giuseppe Iato, Sicily
*two of his sisters married Carl and Phil Caltagerone
*figured in Ezra Duffy kidnapping
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging operation
*sentenced to two years, fined $2.500
*died August 7, 1963, in Rockford
Steel, A. J. -
*born approx. 1903
*arrested on gambling charges in Decermber 1935
Stello, Giuseppe “Joe Stello” -
*alleged Beloit Black Hand figure
*arrested in Rockford in December 1917 for the Beloit
shooting of one Gaspare Lombardo during an argument relating to a two dollar
bet
*sentenced to five years for manslaughter in March 1918
Tassoni, Angelo -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Tassoni, John -
*born approx. 1917
*arrested in 1933
in connection with escape plot of Donald Loftus, a
notorious Rockford bank robber, after he threw a gun over the fence of the
penintentary in which Loftus was locked up
*arrested in April 1935, being accused as a member of a
robbery gang, with among others Charles Vince
*at the time of 1935 arrest on parole from Joliet prison in
connection with the 1933 arrest
Tati, Tony -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Terrace, Rose -
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating gamblling
and Burton/Greco murders
Terrazino, Frank –
*born January 18, 1921, in Rockford
*member
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
*died November 24, 1977, in Rockford
Theodore, Frank (real name Frank Todaro) –
*born January 25, 1905, in Melville, Louisiana
*lengthy arrest record
*related to Giovingo and Bonavia family
*arrested in July 1930 on bootlegging charges, with Pete
Domino and his father, a Joliet youth and John C. Ross
*figured in 1930 bootlegging case
*owner of house raided in May 1930
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
*arrested in 1937 during raid on a farm near Cedarville.
Others figuring in case were Peter and Tony Domino, Frank and Theodore
Ingrassia and Joseph Riccoro. All defendants rleased under probation except for
Theodore Ingrassia, whose case was dismissed
*died March 1957,
in Rockford
Tisdale, Robert –
*born approx. 1888 in Alabama
*still operator
*put on trial in September 1929 for owning a still
Tortorici, Mary -
*arrested in 1924 on bootlegging charges with among others
Sam Caltagerone and Sam Capriola
Torzeski, Nicholas -
*union “connection” guy for Joe Zito
*from South beloit, Wisconsin
*indicted in huge fraud case on October 29, 1965
moved to Los Angeles
*dealings with Hollywood movie unions
*named defendant in 6.75 million dollar damage suit, as
partner of tv personality Ed McMahon
Triolo, Peter -
*early Rockford Mafia figure
*father-in-law of Rockford Mafia member Tony Basile
Troia, Vincenzo
Elia
“Lorenzo Salvatore, Elia Costanza” -
*born in San Giuseppe Iato, approximate year of birth in
dubious.
*Mafia power in Rockford during 1920s
*involved in bootlegging racket
*involved in kidnapping of Ezra Duffy, Sterling liquor
racketeer
*arrested for the attempted murder of Madison, Wisconsin,
bootlegger Joe Gelosi and the murder of Gelosi’s three year old son Frank,
together with Charles Guidera, Madison Mafia figure
*moved first to Springfield, then to Newark, New Jersey
after shooting of Joe Giovingo in August 1930, upon arrival quickly rose in
rank of Newark Family
*When Castellammarese War erupted in New York City, Troia
was appointed to a commission to mediate with Salvatore Maranzano
*according to Nicola Gentile, Troia became friendly with
Maranzano, and sided with him, against the orders of the Assembly
*murdered on August 23, 1935, in “the reported
headquarters of a lottery gang” in Newark
*killed with him was Frank Longo, member of the Springfield,
Illinois, Zito mob, wounded were Troia’s son Joseph, who would die a few days
after the shooting as a result of his wounds, Jerome Bevinetto and Antonio
Sunsaro
*Gentile attributed his murder to his former close
friendship with Maranzano, while the confessions of Sicilian Mafia figure
Allegra, attribute Troia’s murder to a feud involving the Newark lottery racket
*Possible (co)conspirator in murder Anthony Riela, Newark
based Bonanno Family member and former roomer in same Rockford house as Troia
at the time of the Giovingo shooting. Longo also known to Riela, since Riela
had lived in Springfield for a time also, were he associated with Zito mob.
Riela, years later, would contact the Milwaukee Family through his old Rockford
associates, on behalf of Lefty Ruggiero and Donnie Brasco, undercover FBI
operative whose real name is Joseph Pistone
Tulini, Joe -
*arrested in Mark, Illinois, on bootlegging charges with
several others, in September 1930
Turner, John -
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Graco murders
Valenti, James -
*arrested in June 1934 for operating a still at Monroe
Madison, Wisconsin, together with Peter Scalia
Vanderah, Melvin –
*born January 26, 1914
*indicted by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
*died June 21, 1999
Vargas, Frank J. -
*born approx. 1956
*arrested in July 1994 on gambling charges in Creative
Jewelers raid
Vella, Frank P.
Sr. –
*born June 20, 1922, in Rockford
*alleged member of Rockford Mafia
*father of Frank Jr., attorny trying to bring legal gambling
boats to Rockford in 1990
*arrested in July 1965 after raid on his bookmaking
establishment, at the time owner of a doughnut shop
*indicted in February 1966 on gambling charges. Of ten
indicted persons, only resident of Rockford, and the only one to be named in
all four counts of indictment
*passed away of natural causes on February 3, 2007, in Rockford
Vella, Philip –
*born February 19, 1895, in Siculiana, Sicily
*member of Rockford Mafia
*father of Frank Vella Sr.
*son-in-law of Frank Calacurcio
*figured in 1925 bootlegging case with among others his wife
Jennie and Peter SanFilippo
*involved in 1930 bootlegging conspiracy. Charged with Musso
and many others
*freed due to the prosecution’s failure to link them to the
conspiracy
*indicted in April 1935 on liquor violation charges
Venable, Theodore
J. -
*indicted in April 1963 in a Denver fraud scheme with among others
Joseph LaFranka and Lewis Elliott from Rockford, himself reesiding in Redding,
California
Vento, Angelo -
*LaSalle
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Verace, Louis –
*born November 11, 1904
*figured in 1928-1930 bootlegging case
*sentenced to one year and one day, fined $1.000
*related to Calacurcio family
*died in September 28, 1972, in Rockford
Vernasky, Joseph -
*born approx. 1912
*involved in stolen car ring in early 1930s, arrested for it
in January 1934. Eventually confessed his part in the ring. Other figuring in
the case were Arthur Leese, Joe Sartino, Joe Leggio, Joe and Tony Sparacino and
George Doshier. Among the stolen vehicles was the machine of former Rockford
mayor Burt Allen.
Viglia, Joe -
*arrested in May 1930 on bootlegging charges in Raid on
Flaherty farm with John Greno, both
described as members of Sicilian syndicate
Vince, Charles (real name Vinci) –
*born August 18, 1907, in New Orleans, Louisiana
*stepfather of Giardono brothers
*member, street boss before becoming boss in 1987
*arrested in April 1935 on robbery charges
*appeared by 1969 Grand Jury investigating organized crime
in Rockford
*arrested in December 1966 in gambling raid
*sentenced to prison in 1971 for extortion (extorted $2,000
at gunpoint from Dr. Alfred Ottow, a retired Beloit physician)
died of natural causes on January 24, 1994, in Rockford
Vince, Nick –
*born August 26, 1913, in New Orleans, Louisiana
*member
*brother of Charles Vince
*appeared before 1969 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*died August 21, 2007, in Rockford
Violo, John -
*LaSalle, Illinois
*arrested on bootlegging charges together with Frank Rocchio
and Phil Scortino
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Vitale, Leo -
*Peru, Illinois
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
*sentenced to prison, deported after release
Vota, Angelo -
*alleged bootlegger during prohibition
*member of Chicago centred kidnap gang broken up by law
enforcement in mid 1930s, believed to have been responsible for various
kidnapping in Illinois, among them the kidnapping of Fred DiFilippi, Spring
Valley, and Admehar Huughe, of East Moline.
*arrested in February 1933, together with Jules Vey and Dan Zook
of Moline and Mike Talerico of Davenport
*others figuring in case were Chicago gangsters John
Siciliano, Rocco Gareffa, Joe Varsalona and Joe Marando, Ted Patterson of Spingfield and Edward Moore, Joe Castagna
of Cherokee, Kansas and Vince Burman of Spring Valley, and Archie Brown of
Chicago, Frank “Fat” Smith of Rock Island, Wesly Pritchett of Chicago and
Victor Ciesielski of Davenport
*gang also thought to have been responsible for a Beloit
bank robbery
*at the time of his arrest, Vota was said by arresting
officers to be one of supervisors of vice, gambling and bootlegging in Moline,
Davenport and Rock Island
*Vota himself appears to have escaped charges, since he was
not among those put on trial
Walker, Lee -
*subpoenaed before 1959 Grand Jury investigating
Burton/Greco murders
Walsh, John F. –
*bond broker
*arrested for bootlegging on June 5, 1930
*figured in 1929/1930 bootlegging operation
*appeal denied in July 1932
*associated with Charles Kalb in bookmaking business.
*indicted in February 1935 with Kalb in corruption case,
evolving out of a bribe. Among the other persons indicted was Walsh’ daughter
*???indicted in 1976 in a candy franchise scheme???
Wheaton, Charles -
*figured in May 1930 bootlegging case with among others
William D’Agostino and Sam Giovingo
Wilkins, Samuel -
*associate
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges involving syndicate
policy wheel
Winn, Kenneth -
*born approx. 1891
*arrested in July 1938 on gambling charges, being accused of
operating a bookmaking business
Wolf, Jack -
*Beloit gambling associate of Ralph Pierce
*charged with accessory to Pierce’s kidnapping, acting as
go-between in obtaining Pierce’s release, in November 1931
Wolf, Paul -
*Hollowayville and Ladd, Illinois
*arrested in 1938 Bureau County liquor bust with among
others Lorenzo Buttice and Stefano Cascio
Yanez, Rubin -
*born February 11, 1950
*arrested as member of John Leumbroni drug ring in 1982
Zacharia, Anthony –
*born November 8, 1909
*associate/member
*brother of August Zacharia, a Rockford dentist and
brother-in-law of Dallas mob boss Joseph Civello
*married to aunt of Knobby Gulotta
*arrested in 1966 on gambling charges, together with
Sebastian Gulotta, Robert Joseph Priddle, Ann Louise White, Jane Elvida Hall,
Felix David Harbison, Charles Vince and Howard William Crosby
*died November 1995
Zammuto, Frank -
*born January 5, 1887, in Aragona, Sicily
*brother of Joseph P. Zammuto
*with Phil Caltagerone was arrested for the murder of
Giuseppe Tarantola in January 1917. Arrested and put on trial, convicted to 23
years in prison. Conviction appears to have been overturned.
*indicted in June 1934 in connection with a major bootlegging
operation figuring among others Frank Rumore and Tony Carlino
*passed away on November 6, 1953, in Rockford
Zammuto, George –
*son of Joseph P.
*brother-in-law of Frank Buscemi
*reportedly acted as driver for his father
Zammuto, Joseph P. –
*born February 16, 1897, in Aragona, Sicily
*long time figure in Rockford Family, boss from approx. 1958
until 1973, the acting as counsellor to new leadership
*minor arrest record
*involved in multiple legitimate enterprises
*died in May 18, 1990, in Rockford
Zammuto, Joseph -
*born June 21, 1927, in Rockford
*not known to have been involved with Rockford Mafia
*son of Joe Zammuto
*associated with father in legitimate business
*died April 19, 1980. Funeral attended by Chicago mob power
Joey Aiuppa
Zito, Joseph “Joe Bruno, Diamond Joe” -
*born on June 5, 1906, in San Giuseppe Iato, Sicily
*brother of Springfield’s Frank, Tony and Joe Zito. Possible
other brother Philip, also of Springfield
*sister married to Jasper Calo
*married to sister of Sam Gaziano
*involved with liquor operations in Springfield during late
1920s. Indicted in Springfield liquor conspiracy in 1930. Never apprehended.
Most assumable had left for Rockford
*questioned in murder of Paul Giovingo
*indicted in April 1935 on liquor violation charges
*former Rockford mayor Ben Schleicher reportedly committed
favors for Zito and Phil Cannella
*according to informants held interest in the Midway Lounge,
the Grand Park, the Cyprus, the Playroom and the Roma Club during 1960s
*appeared before 1968 Grand Jury investigating Rockford
organized crime
*indicted in 1971 for falsifying tax returns
*allegedly extorted $15,000 from Peter Zammuto, cousin of
Joe Zammuto. Case dropped after Peter Zammuto testified he had willingly paid
Zito
*passed
away June 14, 1981, in
Rockford
