Lennert's Rochester list

     THE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, FAMILY

On October 8, 1963, famous Mafia defector Joseph Valachi, in his lengthy testimony given before the McClellan Committee, spent a few lines on Mafia activity in the city of Rochester, New York. He identified two Rochester brothers, Costanze “Stanley” and Frank Valenti, as members of New York City’s Bonanno Family, and their pictures were pinned on one of the charts used during the hearings. Valachi stated he had met the brothers “one time or another” through an intermediary. But his testimony was confusing and contradicting. By identifying the Valenti brothers, the recognized leaders of Italian organized crime in the Rochester area, as Bonanno Family members, he indicated the Rochester rackets were under control of a New York City Family. But having previously testified that the Mafia in Buffalo, only 65 miles west of Rochester, supervised the entire area from Buffalo up to Utica and into Ontario, Canada, Valachi contradicted himself.

Adding to the confusing was the fact that in an earlier session of the committee, Valachi had answered “nothing in Rochester” to the question whether there was any Cosa Nostra presence in that city. When asked about these discrepancies, Valachi replied; “Senator, I don’t know the difference between Rochester and Buffalo. I call Rochester Buffalo. To me they are the same.” Although Valachi with this answer clearly meant that it was in fact the Buffalo Family that the Valenti brothers belonged to, he did not retract his earlier statement that the Valentis were members in the Bonanno Family. It was all Valachi had to say about the Valentis or Rochester in general.

Exactly why Valachi would classify the Valentis as Bonanno members, despite Rochester’s geographical closeness to Buffalo, is unclear. Truth is the Valentis were members of the Buffalo Mafia, at the time headed by Stefano Magaddino. The Federal Bureau of Investigation had the information to prove it, but remained silent. Informants much closer to the Valentis then Valachi had identified the brothers as Magaddino underlings and wiretaps placed in Magaddino’s business in Niagara Falls clearly showed the influence the Buffalo mob wielded over the Rochester rackets. Valachi could have been simply confused, or did not know exactly what he was talking about. But more assumable, Valachi overestimated the influence of New York’s Bonanno Family in Rochester, which it did turn out to have.*

*More then a decade after Valachi’s testimony, these ties became clear when several Rochester Mafia members sought the support and advice of the Bonanno Family when the Rochester group was facing internal leadership issues. To seek this support the Rochester mobsters must have been already familiar with at least some Bonanno Family members. But it would also indicate the approval of the Bonannos was necessary for the Rochester Mafiosi to make changes in their leadership, or at least the Rochester Mafioso felt so.

It is not exactly clear how both the Bonanno and Magaddino Families gained their influence in the Rochester area. For Buffalo, it could have been a simple matter of proximity, considering the authority Magaddino held in most of western New York. This however, does not explain how the Bonannos wound up having influence in the area. One character that could have played a role in the development of these ties is Vincenzo “Black Jim” Colletti. Colletti, the Mafia chieftain in Colorado, was like the Valenti brothers wrongly described as a Bonanno soldier during the Valachi testimony. His direct ties to the Bonanno mob were clearer though; with Joseph Bonanno, he was a partner in the Colorado Cheese Company.

During the later part of the 1910s, Colletti lived in Rochester and, apparently, in other parts of the New York state and New Jersey. Reportedly, Colletti only moved to Colorado somewhere around 1940. According to a Federal informant, Colletti was “one of the organized criminal element who opened up Rochester for the mob in the middle and late 1920s.” The same informant advised that Colletti was related through marriage to an alleged Rochester Mafia member. This informant could provide no additional information about Colletti and his link with the Rochester Mafia, making Colletti’s associates and operations during this period unclear.

Another figure that possibly is of interest in regard with developing ties between the Mafia in Rochester and both the Bonanno and Magaddino Families is one Calogero Arena, a suspected Rochester blackmailer. Being arrested in October 1919 on behalf of Detroit authorities, Arena was wanted there as one of the shooters of Salvatore Giannola, one of Detroit’s reigning Mafia bosses.* Arrested a few days after Arena, in Arena’s Rochester home, was John Macalizzi, a confederate in the shooting. Both Arena and Macalizzi were identified by witnesses as the gunmen. Despite their identification, both escaped conviction on the Giannola murder charge. Macalizzi however, was jailed for another homicide only a short time later. Arena found himself on the receiving end of gang vengeance, being murdered in Rochester on December 29, 1924.

*During the 1920s, there have been several other instances that tied the cities of Rochester and Detroit together. One was the Giannola murder. Another was murder of Angelo LaFata in Detroit in November 1925????????? In addition to Leo Cellurra, a notorious Detroit Mafia figure, four men who had just arrived from Rochester were taken into custody. Another would be Frank Cremaldi, an organized crime figure active in Rochester, Chicago and Detroit. Finally, there was Angelo LoVecchi, a Detroit Mafia member and suspected with several other prominent Detroit Mafiosi in the murder of radio commentator Gerald Buckley, shot too death in Detroit in July 1930. LoVecchi had been a former Rochester resident who had been implicated in a string of robberies committed in the city.

In August 1921, several men were arrested in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. Among them was Stefano Magaddino, the future Buffalo mob boss, who at the time made his home in Brooklyn. The men were arrested after one of their gang, Bartolo Fontano, had confessed his sins and that of the gang to police. The gang, Fontano claimed, was known as “The Good Killers”, and had been responsible for various murders in New York and Detroit. One of the Detroit murders Fontano stated was committed on the orders of the Good Killers was that of Salvatore Giannola, the murder Arena and Macalizzi had been charged with two years earlier.

Although some of Fontano’s claims can be questioned, Fontano did know his way around in Detroit crime circles. He became associated with the Good Killers gang in the motor city and stayed with the group for several years. He then moved to New York City, quickly aligning himself with the Good Killer branch of that city. The Good Killers gang was in fact (a part of) the Castellammarese Mafia clan, of which Magaddino at the time was a ranking member. The New York City Castellammarese clan would eventually develop into the Bonanno Family. Fontano also revealed the headquarters of the gang was in Buffalo. Magaddino, in a trap laid by police, was arrested when he was about to board a train to Buffalo with Fontano to meet the leader of the band, according to Fontano’s later statements.*

*This however, is one of those claims Fontano made that can be questioned. For a detailed explanation, see the chapters ??NYC early years, ??Bonanno, ??Buffalo

If the Giannola murder was indeed committed by the Good Killers gang, as Fontano stated, Arena and Macalizzi were acting on their orders. Arena and Macalizzi then were either members or associates of the Good Killer mob, giving an explanation to the long standing ties between the three Mafia groups. Arena, police reported, had formerly lived in Detroit, where he had become acquainted with a Black Hand gang. Apparently, this was the same gang Fontano was affiliated with. But as with Colletti, Arena’s exact scope of associates remains unclear. Both have most assumable figured in developing relationships between the Rochester Mafia and its counterparts in New York City and Buffalo, but due to a lack of more detailed information the extent of their involvement remains unknown.

But despite the influence of out-of-town crime syndicates, most of Rochester’s Italian organized crime scene was home-grown. When the Italian immigrant colony in the city began to take form by the late 1890s, early 1900s, Rochester was no exception to other American cities with an Italian population. While most of the Italian immigrants worked hard to build up a life in their new home, a very small percentage turned to crime. Black Hand extortionists made a regular appearance within the Rochester Italian community. As is seen with Black Hand extortion in almost every city the tactic was in practice, in most cases the crimes were committed by small, disorganized bands of criminals. More often then not, these bands concentrated on one victim before being disbanded, whether voluntarily or by interference of law enforcement.

Rochester’s first Black Hand incidents of prominence, not only receiving the attention of local newspapers, but also of many other New York state publications, were the cases surrounding Frank Randazzo. Randazzo was the operator of a Rochester saloon, who in August 1906 was visited by three men demanding money in the name of the Black Hand society. Reaching for his cash register, Randazzo grabbed his gun instead of the demanded money, and shot one of the Black Handers through the heart. He died instantly, while the others fled the saloon. The dead man was identified as Antonio Reggitano. One of his companions was thought to be one Lelajoine DeCome, a Rochester baker in whose house Reggitano boarded.

Randazzo had been hounded by the Black Hand, according to his own statements. He formerly lived in Cleveland, where he also had been the subject of Black Hand extortionists. Fleeing that city and settling in Rochester, he opened a saloon and became relatively wealthy. Not long after he opened his saloon, Randazzo again became the subject of Black Hand threats, which eventually resulted in the shooting of Reggitano. Although police suspected there might be more to the case then Randazzo claimed, their sympathy lay with the saloonkeeper. Held on murder charges for only a few days, Randazzo was released after he had been acquitted of any wrongdoing.

In January that following year, Randazzo again received visitors in his saloon that demanded money under the threat of the Black Hand. Again Randazzo grabbed his pistol, and shot at the men. He wounded one of them; another again fled the place. This time, Randazzo had a lot more trouble convincing law enforcement of his innocence. Randazzo’s place turned out to be a disorderly house, and he was taken into custody. He would eventually be convicted of shooting the alleged Black Hander, identified as Giuseppe Grecco, and was sentenced to Auburn prison. Randazzo’s claim that the victim was a Black Hand agent attempting to extort money was disregarded. After Randazzo’s would be released in 1911, he kept maintaining that the man he shot was a Black Hander.

Although both Randazzo cases made for spectacular reading in the local newspapers and various other New York and Pennsylvania newspapers showed interest in the fact that an extortion victim had shot his assailants, the cases itself proved of little importance. Despite speculations of the media, no evidence pointing to the existence an organized extortion ring was uncovered. Both of the extortion attempts, if it were in fact extortion attempts as Randazzo claimed, appear to have been nothing more then efforts to “earn” some easy money. While these efforts proved fatal for one and painful for another Black Hander, it did not stop others from using the same methods. Many similar extortion attempts, not addressed to Randazzo, followed. Some were successful, some not.

During the same period, the city was also slowly coming to the attention of organized Italian criminal elements. In the summer of 1907, Rochester for the first time figured in a case involving a highly organized Italian criminal society. It centered around Hillsville and Newcastle, Pennsylvania, were a network of Italian extortionist stood trial for their crimes. Called a Black Hand gang in the media, the group appears to have been connected with the criminal clans of Calabria. One of the supposed leaders of the gang was Giuseppe Joti, operating from Youngstown, Ohio. Joti was said to have been a lieutenant of Giuseppe Mussolini, who at the time was called “the dreaded bandit king of Italy”. In his era, Mussolini was among the most powerful gang bosses in Calabria, being a leader of what Italian police at the time described as “Picciotteria”, allegedly a forerunner of the N’drangheta.

The Rochester angle in the case came with the arrest of Ferdinando Surace, better known as Fred Serace, late in July 1907. Surace had been a former resident of the Hillsville district, were he was said to be among the leaders of the local Black Hand organization. When arrested, Surace had only recently moved to Rochester, but had already invested in several pieces of real estate in the area. He had build up a reputation of good standing within the local Italian community, many of them supporting him in his fight against extradition to Pennsylvania. When this failed and Surace was extradited, some followed him to support him during the trial that followed.

Surace would eventually be convicted in the case, and was sentenced to fifteen years for his part in the string of crimes the Black Hand organization was accused of. Surace’s sentence was the highest given, but he served only six years. In 1913, he was released from prison and returned to the Rochester area. He would live there for the rest of his life, passing away in 1967. After his release from prison, Surace managed to keep a clean record with the Rochester police department, despite one arrest for bootlegging during prohibition, for which he was eventually acquitted. Despite his prior involvement with the Hillsville Black Hand organization, there is nothing that indicates Surace picked up his old criminal contacts after having been released, nor that he build up any new ones.*

*Surace’s eldest son, Dominick, would eventually operate within the sphere of the Rochester Italian underworld, when in ???, at age ???, he was arrested and charged with being a major bookmaking figure.

Soon after Surace’s arrest in 1907, several Pennsylvania newspapers claimed  the Hillsville organization had a branch in Rochester. Their findings were based on the arrests of several Rochester Italians described as Black Handers. While the Pennsylvania papers announced those arrested were linked to Surace and wanted by Hillsville police, the Rochester media made no mention of any such link. Neither did the Rochester police department that made the arrests. In fact, both spend very little attention to Surace, devoting most of their time to the local Black Hand outrage. It evolved around the Lodato family and Luigi DiVito. And despite what the Pennsylvania newspapers made believe, it had nothing to do with the Hillsville case.

The ball started rolling due to DiVito, who walked into a police station within days of the Surace arrest. He complained he had been fired upon by one Charles Lodato. When Lodato was placed under arrest and told his side of the story, the case turned into a complicated story of assault, threats and an alleged local Black Hand syndicate. Charles Lodato and his brother Joseph stated that not DiVito, but the Lodato family was the victim in this case. According to the brothers, DiVito had arraigned for one Angelo Rossi, a Canandaigua Italian and alleged member of the Rochester Black Hand, to kill Charles. Rossi made an attempt, in which Lodato’s face was slashed.

Lodato would have been killed whether it was not for a police officer, who reached the scene of the violent struggle right at the moment Rossi was about to plunge his razor into Lodato’s chest. Therefore, the police were aware the Lodatos spoke the truth, or at least partially. They were also aware of DiVito’s prior record, having been arrested on Black Hand activities in May. According to the Lodatos, the attack upon DiVito, in which none of the shots hit the intended target, was in self defense. The story of the Lodatos, the officers argued, made sense. DiVito was taken into custody, and with several companions was charged with the assault of Lodato.

After the charges had been handed down, the case itself slowly disappeared from the newspapers. Some of those involved however, would make re-appearances in later years. Most notable of these was Joseph Lodato, the brother of Charles, who had claimed their family had been marked for extermination by the DiVito’s Black Hand gang. Lodato himself was convicted for using Black Hand extortion methods in 1913. After having served three years in prison for his crime, he would grow out to become one of the leading Italian organized crime figures during prohibition.

Within a year of DiVito’s arrest, another noteworthy Black Hand ring was exposed. Early in July 1908, several men were caught after having extorted several Rochester area farmers. They were eventually sentenced to prison. The case itself was far from spectacular and received only minor attention from the local press. Within three years however, it was prominently measured out during a string of events starting with the February 1911 murder of Antonio Ollis. A brother of one of the Black Handers convicted in 1908, Antonio was suspected of having a hand in many recent crimes within the local Italian community. Letters found in Ollis’ possession, according to investigators, indicated he had connections with the Mafia in Sicily.

Little more then half a year later, on October 30, 1911, a barrel was found alongside a road just outside of Rochester. Closer examination of the barrel revealed a chopped up body inside. The body was identified as Francesco Manzella the next day. Manzella was another of the Black Hand members arrested in July 1908 and had been released from prison only five months earlier. The murders of Ollis and Manzella were quickly linked together. Manzella, according to police, was somehow involved in the murder of Antonio Ollis, despite him still being in prison at the time, and was murdered by Ollis’ friends in revenge.

Arrested for the Manzella murder were two brothers, Giuseppe and Domenico Galbo. Domenico was the son-in-law of Sam Ollis, a well known Rochester fruit merchant, known as “king of the bananas”. Sam Ollis was a brother of Giuseppe Ollis, who in turn was the father of Antonio and Paul.* The Galbos, police alleged, had murdered Manzella as a favor to Domenico’s father-in-law. Witnesses had seen the Galbo brothers driving a wagon on the road alongside which the barrel containing Manzella’s body was found. More importantly, witnesses claimed the wagon carried a barrel similar to the one later found. It also became clear the Galbos were no strangers to Manzella, who had worked for Sam Ollis until shortly before his murder. Manzella’s immediate boss during this work was Domenico Galbo.

*The Ollis family, whose spelling of their surname was originally Allesse or Allessi, has played an important role in the early annals of Rochester organized crime. While Sam Ollis, the banana merchant, was a respected businessman in the Rochester Italian community, the impression left during the Manzella murder trial lead to another conclusion. Various other Ollis family members had regular brushes with the law. In addition to Antonio and Paul, their father had served time in prison, having murdered one Giuseppe Lombardo in Rochester in 1899.

Domenico Galbo, eventually charged with Manzella’s murder, was put on trial in July 1912. During the trial it became evident that bad blood existed between the senior Ollis brothers. The possibility was there that it was actually Sam Ollis who was behind the murder of both Antonio, his nephew, and Manzella. Antonio was not only Sam’s nephew, but also his business rival. Authorities now believed Manzella, a known friend of both Antonio and Paul Ollis, was out to get revenge for Antonio’s death and was killed to prevent him from doing so. This theory was crushed, or at least legally, when Giuseppe Ollis showed up in court, and testified on behalf of Galbo.

A month prior to his testimony, Giuseppe had lost another son. Paul, the Black Hander, was fatally shot in an apparent quarrel over money. But rumors it was again the banana king who was behind the murder started to surface almost immediately. Nevertheless, Giuseppe, in typical Sicilian tradition, appeared in court and pleaded there was no way his brother or the Galbos could have hurt his sons or Manzella. His pleas were to no avail. Galbo was found guilty of the murder and was sentenced to twenty years in prison. He was granted a new trial in 1916, in which he was acquitted. It was believed Galbo could not have committed the violent act against Manzella; he had two artificial legs.

After Galbo’s conviction, it remained quit around the Ollis family. Some family members continued to engage in criminal activity, but the violence and intrigues connected with them during the early 1910s disappeared. The most serious charge an Ollis family member would be convicted of in later years was burglary, when Anthony J. Ollis was sentenced to prison for this offense in the mid 1930s. Anthony, a direct relative of the Antonio murdered in February 1911, was the family member that would be most involved in criminal activities despite the lack of a further criminal record. He became a close associate of Rochester mob boss Frank Valenti during the 1950s and 1960s, acting as his chauffeur at various times.

While the Galbo case played out in court, Black Hand outrages continued to terrorize Rochester’s Italian inhabitants. But more and more, the interest in these cases faded. Authorities had a difficult task making arrests. Victims and witnesses remained silent more often then not. Solving Black Hand cases became a rarity. The media also reported less and less on crimes within the Italian quarter. It almost seemed they grew tired of the apparently endless string of crimes. When Luigi DiVito shot to death another alleged Black Hand figure and was convicted of this crime in February 1913, the newspapers made an exception, as they would do with Lodato’s conviction that same year. In contrast, the murder of Frank LaVerde in November 1917, was announced in an article of only a few lines. LaVerde was no small fry however; convicted with Lodato in 1913, he was known as a notorious criminal ever since.

But that little had changed became painfully clear in March 1919, when an alleged Black Hand member shot and killed Rochester police man James H. Upton. Upton was shot in cold blood by Luigi Guadagnino, after the latter and several companions were caught by the officer while trying to set fire to a fruit store, no doubt because the owner of the fruit store had failed to give in when money had been demanded from him. Luigi escaped, but three of his companions were arrested. Rochester police searched desperately for the killer of their colleague, but would not find him until more then two years later. In May 1921, Guadagnino was arrested, put on trial and quickly convicted after he pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter.

As an outgrowth of Guadagnino’s conviction, Rochester would face its last high profile Black Hand case.* Early in July 1922, a short time after Guadagnino took his plea, Rafaele Greco, a brother-in-law of Guadagnino and alleged to be a leading figure in the Black Hand, was arrested for extortion, together with half a dozen accomplices. Greco, it was rumored, had taken it upon himself to collect a defense funds for his brother-in-law, so his conviction could be fought. Greco’s way to gain this funds was by a method both he and his brother-in-law were familiar with; Black Hand extortion. Greco had been successful in several attempts, but his efforts to collect enough for Guadagnino’s defense obviously failed with his arrest.**

*Although police were quick to dub the Greco gang a Black Hand organization, and several of its members indeed were known to have used the extortion method, the group appears to have been more. The Greco gang was well organized, and not only was involved in extortion, but in a variety of crimes. Greco’s possession of lottery tickets when arrested indicates involvement in the gambling racket. And with Calogero Arena, Greco was at least associated with a Mafia figure. In addition, when Guadagnino shot Officer Upton in 1919, he and two of his companions not only carried revolvers, but had permits for them. It was not unusual for Mafia affiliated figures to have gun permits during this time, but simple Black Hand extortionists seldom had one.

**Interestingly, when the police searched Greco’s belongings upon his was arrested, they found several books of lottery tickets. Arrested with an even bigger amount of the same lottery ticket books later that month and held for running the lottery, was Calogero Arena, who has been discussed previously.

The arrest of Greco and his henchmen did not deliver any convictions. Although Greco himself was sentenced to six months in prison, this was because of a weapon law violation, for which he had previously received a suspended sentence. The others, all held in high bonds, appear to have escaped being indicted; two of them figured in a murder case within a year of their arrest on the extortion charges. This concerned the April 1923 murder of Giuseppe Capello, who was shot to death in a quarrel.* Greco himself, having been released after having served his sentence for weapon law violations, was held as a material witness in the same case. But even with their ineffective prosecution and their continuing involvement in criminal activities, the gang at least dropped their use of Black Hand extortion.

*The Capello murder again linked Greco to a Mafia figure. Another of the persons arrested as a witness, in addition to Greco, was Greco’s friend Michele LoQuasto from Pittston. Michele was the brother of Luigi LoQuasto, father of Pittston Mafia member Modesto LoQuasto.

The Greco gang was not alone in leaving the writing of extortion letters behind. During the early and mid 1920s, Black Hand activity in general ceased to exist. Not only in Rochester, but across the United States the Black Hand extortion method was a dying phenomenon. This had little to do with interference of law enforcement. Although the Rochester police department, as well as many others across the nation, was fierce in dealing with Black Handers and responsible for many convictions, the real reason behind the disappearing method was simple. Another opportunity, one that had the ability to yield more profit, while being considered a lesser violation of the law, had developed. That opportunity was bootlegging.

With the prohibition law coming into effect on a Federal level on January 29, 1920, criminal gangs all around the country quickly muscled themselves into control of the illegal alcohol trade. These gangs were of all kinds of ethnic backgrounds and mixtures, often bound to their own specific neighborhoods. Unintentionally, prohibition was in many cities the direct cause of bringing various crime syndicates to power, a position they would often hold on to for many years after prohibition had already been repealed. The city of Rochester was no exception. During and right after this period, Rochester’s Italian underworld was consolidated into the form as it would be known for many years to follow. 

By the mid 1920s, Rochester’s most powerful Italian bootleg syndicates were those led by Joseph Lodato, the former Black Hander, and by Alfio Boscarino, known as the “King of the Bootleggers”. Various other Italian bootleg gangs were active within the city, most of them somehow aligned or associated with either the Lodato or Boscarino outfit.  Of the two, Boscarino appears to have been most active, having a record of many liquor law violations dating back to June 1920, when a huge still was discovered in a barn owned by him. Lodato’s record only showed one entry for liquor violations, a conviction on ale smuggling in May 1926.

While the Italian bootleg trade in Rochester had a relatively peaceful start, hostilities between the various factions began to arise somewhere around 1926. At the center of it stood Boscarino. The shootings started in the night of April 13, 1927, when Boscarino was ambushed and shot. The police hauled in two brothers as suspects, Vincenzo and Antonio Infantino, the latter dividing his time between Rochester and Buffalo, were he conducted a grocery store. Both however, were released due to insufficient evidence. Boscarino remained silent, and the shooting was left unsolved. The Infantinos had formerly been aligned with Boscarino, but had ended the cooperation a short period before Boscarino’s shooting.

Less then a month after the Boscarino shooting, on the first of May, his main competitor, Joseph Lodato, was shot to death. Lodato was said by police to have been one of the leading bootlegging racketeers in Western New York. Boscarino, according to police a known enemy of Lodato, and several of his associates were questioned. Seven of Lodato’s associates were arrested as material witnesses. Among them was Pasquale Amico, better known as Patsy. Amico had been a partner with Lodato in the bootlegging business, and was among Lodato’s co-defendants in his 1926 liquor trial. He had risen quickly among the ranks of the Lodato group, and would become an important figure in the Rochester Mafia in years to come.

Both Lodato’s enemies and his associates were unable, or better said unwilling, to shed any light on the murder. While the police were certain the Lodato murder was related to the ongoing feud in Rochester’s Italian bootlegging circles, they were unable to prove anything. But while the investigations into both the Boscarino shooting and the Lodato murder stood still, the feud didn’t. Boscarino was wounded in a shooting again in July, while leaving the business of one of his associates.* Again the Infantino brothers were arrested. Boscarino identified Anthony as the shooter and ended up testifying in court against him. The trial did result in a conviction, but Infantino was released after a successful appeal.

*Interesting enough, the business place Boscarino left when shot was the restaurant of Angelo Alessi, at 191 Clifford Avenue. Alessi was yet another member of the extensive Ollis family, although his exact relationship to Giuseppe and his sons Antonio and Paul is unclear.

Boscarino’s decision to testify in court apparently made him loose some amount of respect from his associates, since police shortly thereafter heard rumors that Boscarino was no longer referred to as king of the bootleggers. However, Boscarino continued to operate as a large bootlegging force. By 1930, despite being physical broken, he felt strong enough to face the Anthony Infantino again. This time, the element of surprise would be on his side. Traveling to Buffalo with a bodyguard, Boscarino shot down Infantino in front of a police station on September 12, 1930. He would die of his wounds a few days later, and Boscarino was charged with his death. Having gained the nickname of “Lucky” due too the many attempts on his life he survived, Boscarino lived up to his moniker; he was never prosecuted.

With Boscarino’s apparent downfall, other bootlegging gangs became prominent. By now, Pasquale Amico, together with his close associate Vito Piccaretto, were among Rochester’s most powerful liquor racketeers. Alleged to have taken over the former operations of Joseph Lodato, both Amico and Piccaretto managed to stay insulated from most of the violence that had occurred, and was about to occur. Both managed to gain a lengthy arrest record, and together they were picked up in a murder investigation, but both were never formally charged with a serious violent crime. Their subtle ways of conducting business, eventually brought them on top of the Rochester Mafia.

Another powerful bootleg outfit was headed by two Morreale brothers, Angelo and Salvatore. The Morreales had been arrested various times on liquor law violations, and were apparently loosely connected with the Infantinos; Angelo Morreale had figured in the July 1927 shooting of Boscarino, and had been held as a material witness for several days.  Taking a different path then Amico and Piccaretto, they were one of the driving forces behind much of the bootleg related warfare during the last years of prohibition; by 1928, a bitter feud had erupted between the brothers and a mid level bootlegger named Sam Spitale.

Spitale conducted a speakeasy across the street of one operated by Angelo Morreale’s. When Morreale’s place was raided by prohibition agents and Spitale’s place was left alone, Morreale accused Spitale of informing on him. While the Morreales and Spitale already had a known dislike for each other, it was Morreale’s suspicion that made the brewing feud escalate. With the help of two of his bootlegging associates, Angelo Morreale, according to police, started to plot Spitale’s demise. And although Sam Spitale survived the two murder attempts that would follow and would die of old age years later, the feud would completely destruct his life.

On November 14, 1928, Morreale and his confederates carried out their plot. Police stated one gunman lay in wait before Spitale’s home that night, and Morreale and the third conspirator were waiting nearby in a car. When Spitale, accompanied by his sixteen year old wife, returned for their home and were about to enter the driveway, the gunman took aim and fired several shots. Spitale, walking a short distance before his wife, managed to reach the door and escape inside. His wife didn’t. She was cut down by the gunfire, and died the following day in the hospital. Arrest warrants were issued for the three, all of them already having vanished from their usual haunts.

With their three suspects having disappeared, police had yet another open, and thus an unsolved, homicide. But due to the death of Spitale’s wife, the former Angelina Merlo, they were able to close down another case, one that had remained an open file since it was committed in January of 1926. It came with the arrest of the girl’s father, Antonio Merlo, having come to Rochester to avenge his daughter’s death, he proclaimed when apprehended. Merlo had been sought since he had fled Rochester after having shot to death his brother and wounded his own wife. After Merlo’s long sought arrest was announced, detectives gave the additional comment: “There are the Morreales, the Spitales and the Merlos, and underneath the constant whisper of the Mafia vendetta.”

After the first attempt on Spitale’s life, he was left grief-stricken by the death of his young wife. But with Angelo having left the area, Spitale appears to have felt relatively safe. He did not leave the Rochester area, nor did he appear to have been extra cautious. Sam Morreale, apparently the less violent of the brothers, continued his own bootlegging operations, but left Spitale alone. Spitale too, continued his illegal liquor operations. Rochester’s Italian bootleg scene remained unstable, but as far as the 1920s concerned, had seen its most violent period. In the early 1930s however, the old feuds flared up again.

With the new decade only a few days old, Vincenzo Infantino lost his wife and daughter in an attempt on his own life. Naturally, Boscarino was blamed, although it is uncertain whether he really was behind the shooting. As mentioned above, Vincenzo’s brother Tony was shot a few months later, an act Boscarino was certainly responsible for. The Morreale/Spitale feud also made a comeback, when in September 1931, Angelo Morreale was finally arrested in Denver, Colorado, were he had fled after the murder of Spitale’s wife. In Colorado, Morreale had remained active in bootlegging, which eventually led too his capture; his arrest took place in a bootleg establishment.

Morreale was charged with the murder of Angelina Spitale and was convicted in December, only three months after he was apprehended. Within five months of Morreale’s conviction, the second attempt on Sam Spitale’s life was made. Spitale had given lengthy testimony during Morreale’s trial, greatly attributing to a conviction. In May 1932, Spitale’s car exploded as he was about to start it. Seven sticks of dynamite had been placed under the car. Spitale only survived because six sticks had fallen off the car, and did not explode. “It was the Morreale mob”, police immediately announced. However, this time they failed to make definitive arrests, and the case remains unsolved.

After the Spitale bombing, the Rochester liquor feuds slowly ceased, the end of prohibition coming in sight. When it did end in December 1933, many of the prominent bootlegging figures, including Spitale and the Morreales, had faded away from view. Others, such as Amico, Piccaretto and Boscarino, continued their involvement in criminal activities. Bootlegging remained a profitable business, due to the heavy taxes on legal liquor. But the demand was not as high as during prohibition, causing a decrease of income for the former bootleggers. Those who chose to continue to operate on the wrong side of the law started looking into other criminal activities.

Gambling, counterfeiting, burglaries and robberies were among those activities, although these were certainly not new. Several Italian organized crime figures had been involved similar crimes years before prohibition had been repealed. The lifeblood of the old Black Hand gangs, extortion, was another important source of income. Although the tactics used by the Black Hand gangs had almost completely disappeared, there were other methods. Organizing certain professions into associations, to which members had to pay in order to benefit from certain privileges, was one of them. The privileges the members of these associations got were often simple. They were allowed to operate, while those who refused to join were driven out of business, or worse. That this method was being used in Rochester, even when the prohibition laws were still in effect, became clear in July of 1932.

On the 28th of that month, Domenico DiVincenzo, a wealthy baker, was shot while standing in the doorway of his own bakery. DiVincenzo, police learned, was killed due to his refusal to join a racketeer dominated baker association.* On two prior occasions, bombs had been detonated outside of DiVincenzo’s home, with DiVincenzo and his family escaping without serious injuries on both instances. But not that day in July; DiVincenzo died instantly. Two of his assailants were arrested, one only minutes after the shooting with the help of a butcher who chased the fleeing gunmen, the other the following day. Eventually, the first was convicted, the latter was found not guilty.

* An interesting side note is that Ignazio Lupo, with Giuseppe Morello New York’s most notorious Mafia bosses in the 1900s, was involved in a similar racket in the mid 1930s.

A third person was arrested in the case, although not charged with the murder itself. This was Joseph Fiannaca, a well known police character. Fiannaca and several of his relatives had long been associated with Italian organized crime in both Rochester and Chicago, Illinois. Fiannaca’s own record included an arrest for his alleged participation in the 1927 bombing of the home of Charles J. Mondo, a District Attorney prosecuting one of Fiannaca’s friends.  Three years later Fiannaca was himself on the receiving end of gangster violence, when he was slightly wounded in a shooting in Chicago, while apparently acting as a bodyguard for Philip Gnolfo. Gnolfo, a former Mafia power aligned with the Genna brothers, did not survive the attack.

How Fiannaca gained his contacts with the Chicago Mafia is unclear. A good possibility is that he continued with associations a few of his relatives had built up. Three of Fiannaca’s cousins, Giovanni, Vincenzo and Salvatore, had been active in Chicago. As early as 1912, Giovanni Fiannaca had been arrested as a suspected bomb maker and had been linked to Black Hand extortion on several occasions. On November 30, 1918, Giovanni was murdered in what police described as a feud over control of the grape market. Several months after Giovanni’s murder, an attack was made upon his widow and to escape the wrath of their enemies, the family moved to Rochester.

But Rochester did not prove to be much safer. Exactly a year after Giovanni’s murder in Chicago, Vincenzo was shot to death. The last brother, Salvatore, left Rochester and reportedly returned to his native Italy, in the hopes of finding a safe hiding place. At the time of Joseph Fiannaca’s 1927 arrest for bombing the Mondo home, police claimed he was the sole survivor of the Fiannaca family, with his last cousin, Salvatore, having been assassinated in Italy after his return there. The police greatly exaggerated their claim, but with the three murdered brothers, the family certainly had been decimated.*

*Newspaper reports claim the children of Giovanni were also killed in the feud, but there are no records that can confirm this.

After his release in the DiVincenzo case, Joseph Fiannaca managed to avoid attention of both law enforcement and the media and disappeared from view. His Chicago Mafia contacts appear to have died with Gnolfo; there is nothing that indicates Fiannaca, or any other Rochester organized crime figure, was in contact with Chicago mobsters after this period.* Due to their activities in both Rochester and Chicago, the Fiannacas are certainly noteworthy and of interest to organized crime historians. But the family had practically no role in the overall development of the Mafia in either city.

*Before the 1930s however, Rochester crime figures were involved in the Chicago rackets on several occasions. Frank Cremaldi, a Rochester crime figure and one time leader of a notorious gang known as the Wolves, popped up in Chicago as a Capone ally in the mid 1920s, and was murdered there in 1926. Frank Granata, another Rochester crime figure, relocated to Chicago after a long career in Rochester

By the mid 1930s, the Italian underworld in Rochester appeared relatively stable. The bootlegging feuds had disappeared with the repeal of prohibition, and the various factions seem to have operated alongside each other without any significant troubles. Whatever caused this change is not entirely clear, although there are several possibilities. One is that a mutual agreement had been made among the organized crime bands operating within the city, another that the activities of each band simply did not interfere with each other. Yet another would be that one overall leader had stood up, sizing control of the organized Italian underworld and effectively ending the old rum feuds.

If such a leader indeed existed, the person that fits the description best was Pasquale Amico. Already a veteran mobster, Amico appears to have had the support of Buffalo’s Magaddino mob; in September of 1931, he had been arrested in Buffalo while leaving the house of Angelo Palmeri, a powerful Buffalo Mafia figure. Arrested with Amico were two other Buffalo mobsters, one being Joseph DiCarlo Jr, like Palmeri a ranking figure within the Buffalo Family and at one time labeled Buffalo’s Public Enemy number one.  Amico remained a leading figure in the Rochester Mafia until his passing in 1947. He kept himself in the background during most of his later career. Three of Amico’s sons would follow in their father’s footsteps.

The stature Amico held within the Rochester Mafia did not go unnoticed by law enforcement. The Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who in contrast to the FBI believed in the existence of Mafia bands operating in the United States prior to the 1957 Apalachin Meeting,* had been informed of his reputation. He was named as Rochester Mafia member in a top secret file supplied to the Kefauver Investigation Committee in 1950, this despite his passing three years earlier. The file named a handful other alleged Rochester Mafia members,** but none appear to have been of the same prominence as Amico, nor did they enjoy his Buffalo contacts.

*The FBN was one of the only national law enforcement agencies that were aware of the existence of various Mafia groups operating throughout the United States. The Secret Service was another. The FBI however, denied such an existence until being confronted with its misjudgment in 1957. 

*The file concerned a list naming alleged Mafia members in the United States. There were eight identified as Rochester residents. Named in alphabetical order were Domenico and Giuseppe Aida, Patsy Amico, Robert Brucato, Joseph Cavallaro, Tony D’Agortino, Rocco Pelligrino and a R. Della Ventura. Tony D’Agortino was listed as living in East Rochester. Although the list was a good effort of the FBN to identify the leading Mafia figures in the US, it contained several inaccuracies. When looking at the eight Rochester residents listed, one was a woman, one most assumable was a Genovese Family capo operating and living in White Plains, NY, and of two, the Aidas, there is absolutely no proof of they even ever lived in Rochester, nor were they ever arrested by Rochester police. 

From somewhere around the late 1920s, early 1930s, Amico’s closest associate and apparent right hand man was Vito Piccaretto. Like Amico, Piccaretto had long been active in Rochester crime circles. Together, they were arrested and questioned in the 1931 slaying of Vincenzo Chiarmonte, a partner of the mobsters in a speakeasy. Both however, were released due to insufficient evidence, despite Piccarreto having been seen by witnesses covered in blood. As Amico had done with three of his sons, Piccaretto would raise his son to become a mob member. And like Amico, Piccarreto died in 1947.

If Pasquale Amico was indeed Rochester’s leading Mafia figure, which is no unreasonable assumption, Piccaretto without doubt would have been his second in command. With the passing of both in 1947, the mob was left leaderless. Although it can be assumed a successor was either quickly elected or appointed, it remains unclear who this person was. Information on this period is simply lacking. It was still ten years before the Apalachin Meeting, and thus ten years before the FBI started its active investigations into the activities of the Mafia. And although in later years several Rochester Mafia members would cooperate with authorities, none were able to provide any information relating to this period.

Rochester’s Italian underworld itself remained in the background during most of this period, making the identification of any possible leaders even harder. Although there were various arrests of Mafia affiliated figures, authorities failed to uncover any links to an organized criminal network. Even when in 1950 a two million a year lottery operation involving elements of the Mafia in Rochester, Utica and Baltimore was broken up, no such link was made and as a result, no investigations were undertaken to identify any crime bosses behind the operation. Rochester’s underworld hierarchy during this period remains in anonymity.

There is one figure that, although never identified as such, appears to have played an important role in Rochester’s Mafia during the late 1940s and early 1950s, namely Erasmo Mutolo. The only evidence that exists for this allegation is the fact that his name appeared in an address book seized in 1950 from Girolamo Adamo, at that time the underboss of the Los Angeles Mafia. The seized book contained some fifty names, of which Mutolo was the only Rochester resident. All other names listed were of persons who (eventually) were identified as high ranking Mafia members. Of Mutolo himself little is known. He appears to have died somewhere in the 1950s.

Only in 1957, ten years after the passing of Amico and Piccarreto,   Rochester’s alleged leading Mafia figures would be positively identified, the Apalachin meeting being responsible. The Valenti brothers, discussed above, were the two Rochester residents in attendance. Costanze, although the younger of the two, was claimed by law enforcement to be in control of the Rochester rackets, with his brother Frank acting under his supervision. Although it is possible Costanze was in control of the local crime scene since the death of Amico and Piccaretto, this appears unlikely, since he was only twenty one years old at the time. Frank, fifteen years older, also was an unlikely candidate for a position of authority the late 1940s and early 1950s; he had only recently arrived from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The attention the Valenti brothers received from both law enforcement and the media after their detection at Apalachin brought them into legal difficulties. After both had refused to answer questions before a Grand Jury investigating the reasons behind the underworld meeting, they were jailed for contempt in August 1958. Frank was released within a year. Costanze was held longer, gaining his release after sixteen months in prison. Although both free again, the Valentis were unable to hold on to their control of Rochester underworld activities. Costanze was under constant surveillance by law enforcement, while Frank had made himself scarce in Rochester for similar reasons.

Shortly after his release from prison, Frank Valenti was indicted for unlawfully having registered to vote in 1957, prior to his attendance at Apalachin.  Valenti was not permitted to register due to his criminal record, but had ignored this matter. He managed to keep out of the hands of law enforcement for a period of time, but eventually turned himself in. In April 1961, Frank Valenti was sentenced to three years in exile from Rochester. He returned to Pittsburgh, where he had spent most of his adult life. With Frank gone, and Stanley unable to move without Federal agents knowing it, somebody else was left in charge of the Rochester Mafia.

Alleged to have taken over control of the Rochester mob after the jailing of the Valentis in 1958, Jacomino Russolesi was identified as the new head. Better known as Jake Russo, Russolesi was a long time Rochester organized crime figure, with an arrest record stretching back to 1938. Although Russolesi did have the backing of the Buffalo Family, various sources have claimed he had a weak personality. He did not have enough authority to keep his underlings in line, and his own superiors in Buffalo doubted he would hold himself when under pressure. Nevertheless, Russolesi was looked upon as the new head of Magaddino’s Rochester branch.

Russolesi did have one advantage; he was not named Valenti. With the brothers getting most of law enforcement’s attention, Russolesi was able to remain in the background. The mob quietly continued operations as it had in the late 1940s and most of the 1950s. When on November 23, 1961, the mutilated body of Canadian mobster and Magaddino underling Alberto Agueci was found in a field just outside of Rochester, little attention was given to Russolesi and the local Mafia. While Russolesi, according to underworld sources, was involved in the torture slaying ,investigators were convinced the murder had been carried out by the Utica Falcone mob.* But  despite his ability keep both himself and his underlings away from attention, Magaddino kept skeptical about him.

*The Utica based Falcone mob, for long controlled by the Falcone brothers, Salvatore and Joseph, was like the Rochester mob a branch of the Magaddino Family. The Agueci murder, according to law enforcement, had been committed as a favor to Magaddino. This however, seems implausible. With Agueci had threatened to inform on Magaddino and his murder was without a doubt ordered.

Near the end of 1963, during the major publicity the Mafia in almost every city it was active in received due to the cooperation of Joseph Valachi with the McClellan Committee, Russolesi had completely fallen out of favor with Stefano Magaddino. A federal informant had advised his handling agent that Magaddino, now that it became more and more plausible Russolesi would be called for an investigative body, feared his Rochester representative might think of testifying about the Agueci murder. According to this informant, Magaddino had instructed one of his underlings to contact Russolesi’s brother, and relay the message that if Russolesi would not stand up well during questioning, both he and his brother would be killed.

Magaddino’s threat proved effective. Russolesi never cooperated with any law enforcement agency. But that did not make Magaddino’s grudge disappear. As soon as he got the opportunity, Magaddino gave his approval for Russolesi’s demise. That opportunity came in September 1964, in the form of Frank Valenti. Having completed his exile, Valenti returned to Rochester, eagerly seeking to regain control of the local underworld. As mob protocol required, he turned to Magaddino, who threw in his support. The days were numbered for Russolesi. .

Around November of 1964, Frank Valenti made it known that he was the new boss of the local Mafia. He threw two giant parties, attended by almost the entire local gambling scene, as well as some of Valenti’s out of town associates. There was one big absentee however. Russolesi was not among Valenti’s guests, having mysteriously disappeared a few days before Valenti’s first party. He has never been found. Several rumors surround his disappearance, one that he went to Florida, where he was claimed to have been seen several times after he had vanished from his Rochester haunts. The belief of law enforcement was more assumable; Valenti had secured his new position with Russolesi’s murder. 

Although Valenti was now recognized as Rochester’s new crime boss, he himself must have had mixed feelings about this particular period. His prominent position had made him into a trophy for law enforcement agencies, watching every of his movements. The same counted for the media. Where Russolesi had kept a relatively low profile and stayed out of the newspapers during his reign, Frank Valenti with his flamboyant behavior was another story. But Valenti’s attitude was not the only factor attributing to his regular appearance in the media. He had already been the subject of previous headlines, with both his presence at Apalachin in 1957 and his identification as a Mafia member by Valachi in 1963. But he also had the bad luck of wrestling control of the local gambling scene at a time one of Rochester’s leading papers ran a detailed investigative series on it.

Starting on November 29, 1964, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle published a series profiling Rochester residents in the possession of a federal gambling stamp. This stamp enabled persons to accept a certain amount of bets. Although the stamp was certainly not a free ticket to start a major gambling operation, it did help out if an arrested bookmaker was in possession of one. The Democrat and Chronicle started their investigation into the local gambling scene after they had noted the city had the most “stamped gamblers” of the entire state, twenty-nine in total. By way of illustration, Niagara Falls was the runner-up, with six. New York City only had one.

When the series had run a few issues, accompanying articles detailing the overall gambling scene in Rochester were published added. By the start of December, with Valenti only in control of the Rochester mob for a few weeks, the paper pointed its attention towards him. There was little on Frank Valenti the newspaper did not comment on. Detailed were among other things his former criminal endeavors, his thrown parties for his associates and his forged driver’s license. Law enforcement reacted on the articles with a series of gambling raids, placing under arrest several Valenti connected gambling operators. Although Valenti himself was not touched by the raids, the period must have been at least uncomfortable for him.

The series ran until the end of December. Within two months of the publication of the last part, Valenti was back into the headlines, when he was linked to the slaying of a well known gambling figure. On February 24, 1965, the body of Dominick Allocco was found. With an arrest record stretching over thirty years, Allocco had long been active on the fringes of the Rochester Mafia. Information surfaced that Allocco’s welcome had ran out, and was murdered on the orders of Frank Valenti. He was suspected of informing and his death was a message of the syndicate. Valenti himself was conveniently out of town at the time. Although authorities hauled him in a few days after the killing, they were unable to prove anything against him, or against anybody else. Valenti was at the heights of his power.

Most of Rochester’s gambling scene was now either paying off to Valenti or under his direct control. Many of his underlings had also firmly established themselves in a wide variety of both legal and illegal businesses. The only obstacle still in his way was the law. Bribery would be the solution, Valenti argued, and in May 1965, he held a meeting with two members of the Vice Control Unit of the Rochester Police Bureau. The meeting took place only three days after the bureau’s constant surveillance of Valenti had been stopped. A little more then a year later, an investigative commission concluded this meeting was “certainly not for any legitimate law enforcement purpose or for the carrying out of any lawful and proper police function”. It was only the first of a series of corruption scandals and strange behavior surrounding Rochester law enforcement agencies.

The meeting however, did not help Valenti much. Both officers were suspended after the findings of the investigative commission and Valenti’s surveillance continued. Gambling, seen as Valenti’s main source of income, was among the top priorities of both local and state police. Raids resulting in indictments were a common phenomenon. Several of Valenti’s close associates were arrested for gambling related crimes during the 1960s and early 1970s. And although these arrests seldom had serious consequences for those involved, it seriously disrupted the mob’s gambling operations. Little results were booked on other fields however. The Family’s infiltration of unions was left untouched. Equally poor successes were made with the solving of Rochester’s three apparent gangland slayings in the later part of the 1960s.

Most mysterious of these slayings was the August 4, 1969 shooting of Samuel C. Russotti, a nephew of Samuel J. Russotti, Valenti’s reputed consiglieri. The other two murders, of Norman Huck in December 1967 and of Enrico Visconte in March 1969, were of low level crime figures and could be traced to their criminal activities. But Russotti, police investigators stated, was a “clean, hard-working man” and no motive for his death was found. Other then him being the nephew of a high ranking Mafia figure, there was nothing that tied the slain man to any underworld activity. Even his exact cause of death was unclear. Although shot in the head two times, and witnesses had come forward claiming to have heard as much as four shots, suicide was not ruled out. All three slayings remain unsolved.

Of the three murders, Russotti’s is the most implausible too have been carried out with the knowledge of Valenti. Until today, no reason for his murder has been established. The other two, authorities alleged, had been carried out by the organized criminal element. Both Huck and Visconte appeared to have fallen out of favor with their former criminal associates shortly before their demise. Neither Valenti nor any of his close associates were ever officially suspected in the murders. The victims had simply been too far down the crime ladder to link them directly to the mobsters.

February 1970 would bring yet another gang murder, but this time the links with the upper elechon of the Rochester mob were perfectly clear. The victim, William Lupo was found slumped behind the wheel of his car. He was described as one of Valenti’s closest associates and at the time of his death was under federal investigation in connection with loansharking. The investigation into Lupo’s murder, as well as an unrelated investigation into gambling junkets to Las Vegas, brought Valenti and his Mafia cronies to the full attention of law enforcement. Valenti decided something had to be done in order to distract this attention, and plotted a move that, he thought, would relief them of the law for a considerable time. In a conspiracy that showed Valenti’s true face as a violent and vicious individual willing to harm innocent people to save his criminal organization, he ordered a series of bombings on public buildings.

On October 12, 1970, a total of five bombs exploded, causing major damage to two black churches, the Federal Building, the County Office Building, and a union’s official’s home. Fifteen days later, two bombs were detonated outside two synagogues, and six days later another synagogue was targeted. On December 15, 1971, the home of a Monroe County Court judge was bombed. Police were clueless. There was absolutely no pattern in the bombings, and evidence that could lead to the identification of a suspect was missing. As Valenti had suspected, the attention of law enforcement was now primarily focused on solving the bombings, without having the slightest idea it was Valenti who was behind it.

It remains the question if Valenti’s Buffalo superiors would have approved his bombing actions. These however, had other problems on their mind. In November 1968, during a raid on the home of Peter Magaddino, the son of Stefano, the FBI discovered two suitcases containing a total of more then half a million dollar. Several of Magaddino’s underlings were infuriated when they learned of the discovery; Magaddino, federal informants stated, had recently announced his members would not receive their annual cash bonuses with Christmas because he lacked the proper financial resources. Buffalo’s Mafia, having been a relatively stable group since the late 1930s, fell apart into various factions.

Valenti, it is alleged, had taken the opportunity to declare the independence, of the Rochester Mafia, although there is little to no evidence the group was ever recognized as such by either the Buffalo organization or the national Commission. Law enforcement sources have labeled the Rochester Mafia as independent since the 1970s, with a hierarchy accepted as common for regular Families.* The internal difficulties within the Buffalo mob made it possible for the Rochester branch to operate without their interference, opening the way for Valenti to carry out his bombing attack.

*Law enforcement charts of this period depicting the Rochester Mafia list a boss, underboss and consiglieri, capos and soldiers. This hierarchy is typical for independent Families.

It would take almost five years before police learned who were really responsible for the bombings, known as the Columbus Day Bombings. But despite this little “success”, the plot did not have the effect Valenti had hoped for. Within two weeks of the October 12 bombings, Rochester police raided a mob controlled gambling establishment, arresting two operators and several patrons. The bombings were definitely a top priority to the various law enforcement agencies, but obviously, Valenti and his associates were not out of the picture completely. This became even clearer in December 1970, when Valenti was linked to yet another gangland homicide.

Whether it was the lack of proper results, or the viciousness and thoughtlessness of the bombings, Valenti’s underlings slowly began to resent their leader. Valenti’s underboss and consiglieri, Rene Piccaretto, and Samuel Russotti respectively, were among the main figures who grew tired of Valenti’s behavior. Piccaretto was the son of former Rochester Mafia power Vito. Russotti was another veteran of the Rochester organization, with a criminal record starting in 1938. Valenti however, was still recognized as Rochester’s leader by Mafia figures from other cities, making it difficult to either oust or kill him without the possibility of repercussions.

Although the relationship with Buffalo had cooled down, it had not entirely disappeared. In addition, Valenti still had strong connections with the Pittsburgh Mafia. Not only had Valenti himself been a member of that Family prior to his coming to Rochester, his brother had married the daughter of a powerful Pittsburgh capo. Russotti and Piccarreto knew they could not act against the Valentis without support of their own. When they were feeling confident enough to make their move, they began lobbying. Piccaretto, who by now appears to have had close contacts with New York’s Bonanno Family, reportedly sought their backing, but was advised that due to the connection the Valenti brothers had with the Pittsburgh Family, their murder would not be sanctioned.

Frank Valenti was confronted on several occasions by his underboss and consiglieri, urging him to step down. Accused of keeping certain earnings for himself, Valenti confirmed his accusation, but refused to step down. Warned by the Bonanno Family to undertake any action against the Valentis themselves, Piccaretto and Russotti sought another solution. The decision was made to take out one of Frank Valenti’s more loyal underlings. In the night of May 5, 1972, Dominick Chirico was shot to death in a drive-by shooting. When Valenti again was confronted, he gave in and promised to leave the city. In October that same year, Valenti moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Although unwilling, Valenti made several trips back to Rochester that same year. With the moving of his household, Valenti had transported four guns over state lines, a crime for which he was indicted. Valentis troubles started piling up. He was already out on bail pending an appeal on a conviction stemming from his refusal to cooperate with a Grand Jury investigating organized gambling, and under indictment in an unrelated extortion case. In December 1972, he was convicted on the extortion charges, and eventually received a twenty year prison sentence. In March the following year he was convicted on the gun charges, which added another five years.

Convicted in the extortion case with Valenti was one Joseph Zito, a Batavia crime figure associated with the Binghamton branch of the Pittston Family, then under leadership of Russell Bufalino. Zito faced a twelve year prison sentence, and was certainly not planning to sit it out. In April 1973, the FBI announced that Zito had become a cooperating witness, and had provided a wealth of information on Mafia operations in the Western New York. Zito explained that in a joint operation, mobsters from Rochester and Binghamton had attempted to gain control of the vending machine business in and around Syracuse, New York, by eliminating competitors. Various other mob controlled operations were also bared by Zito.

Zito’s cooperation resulted in a string of arrests of Mafia figures associated with the Families in Rochester, Pittston and Buffalo. Among the twenty-four eventually charged in various indictments were Russell Bufalino and his Binghamton representative Anthony Guarnieri, and Frank Valenti. A massive trial followed, with Zito as the prosecution’s star witness. The damaging amount of information exposed during his extensive testimony proved to be the biggest concern for the mobsters; in the end, all escaped conviction. For Valenti, the outcome made little difference; his prison sentence on extortion charges had already effectively removed him from the Rochester crime scene.

Upon Valenti’s involuntary department from Rochester, Salvatore Russotti seized control of the Family. Piccaretto’s position was shifted from underboss to consiglieri. Salvatore Gingello, a relatively newcomer, was identified as the new underboss. Remaining Valenti loyalists were either forced out of town, or joined Russotti’s new regime. Stanley Valenti, having been a capo during his brother’s reign, was demoted. He moved to Victor and disassociated himself from the affairs of the crime Family. The influence the Valentis held over the Rochester underworld for the better part of two decades, had ended.

Russotti’s reign would not be much different then Valenti’s. He would eventually end up in prison. His downfall started in November 1973, when Rochester Mafia member Vincent “Jimmy the Hammer” Massaro turned up dead, found in the trunk of his car. Russotti, it was learned later, had ordered Massaro murdered after the latter had complained about the behavior of the current Family hierarchy. It would not be until 1975 that Russotti and some of his underlings were indicted for the crime. Russotti had been suspected of having a hand in the murder ever since the body was found, but until his indictment, evidence was missing.

The Massaro murder had created a desire within law enforcement agencies to destroy the local crime Family. Their brake came in December 1974, with the arrest of William Zimmerman. A local fence, Zimmerman had dealings with various Mafia figures, and shortly after his arrest began telling all he knew about them. Zimmerman himself was a low level crime figure, who himself had very little knowledge on the Mafia’s structure and operations, But his cooperation did result in the arrest of several persons on theft-related charges. Among them was Charles Monacchino, the brother of Rochester Family soldier Angelo Monacchino.

Charles proved an important catch. Like Zimmerman, he started to provide police with information. But Monacchino did have knowledge of the workings of the Rochester mob. He told all he knew, including the involvement of his brother Angelo in a 1970 gangland slaying. When arrested for the murder, Angelo followed his brother’s lead. Joseph Lanovera, another Rochester Mafia member, started cooperating with law enforcement not long after Angelo Monacchino. The information the Monacchinos and LaNovara provided was of tremendous value, and resulted in a string of indictments. Among the crimes cleared was the murder of Massaro. But more astonishing was the revelation of the truth surrounding the bombings that had terrorized Rochester in 1970 and 1971, until then attributed to left-winged radicals. Another almost unbelievable revelation was a plot of a handful of mobsters to kill then Sheriff William Lombard

Charged with Massaro’s murder were Russotti, Piccaretto and Gingello, as well as several others. The information provided by the cooperating witnesses was collaborated with extensive surveillance reports of the Monroe County sheriff department. The case against the mobsters was strong, and in November 1976, resulted in the conviction of almost all of the original defendants. Russotti, Piccaretto, Gingello and three others received lengthy prison sentences in January 1977. It was the first major success against the Rochester mob since Valenti’s conviction.

But the success would not last long. In September that same year, rumors started to surface indicating several members of the sheriff’s department had committed perjury during the Massaro murder trial, and a federal investigation followed. Surveillances that were said to have been conducted turned out to be fabricated. When in January 1978 a sheriff department detective admitted to this in Federal Court, the convictions of Russotti and his confederates were immediately overturned. On February the first, all were released from prison, after having served a little more then one year. The actions of the sheriff’s department would have consequences for several of its own members.

The actions also had its effect on the Rochester Mafia. When convicted in January 1977, Russotti had left an underling, Thomas Didio, in charge of his underworld operations. Didio, related to Russotti capo Thomas Marotta, had helped Russotti with ousting Valenti in the early 1970s. Russotti wrongly believed Didio could be easily controlled, but turned out to have his own agenda. Instead of helping the families of the convicted mobsters, Didio principally helped himself. Halfway 1979, while still in prison, Russotti wanted Didio removed as acting boss. Didio refused. For the second time during the 1970s, factions of the Rochester Mafia lined up against each other.

In an attempt to strengthen his position, Didio reportedly sought the advice of Stanley Valenti, who in turn consulted his brother. Frank saw the split as an opportunity to regain his former power upon release from prison. Didio was advised that the Valentis were behind him. But even with Russotti and his most loyal followers in prison, Didio’s entourage was small. Towards the end of 1977, Didio and his followers were forced into hiding. Both law enforcement and the media had followed the developments with interest. The main players of the factions were quickly identified, and popularly dubbed the “A-Team”, those loyal to Russotti, and the “B-Team”, the Valenti and Didio supporters. The inevitable struggle that would follow therefore became known as the “Alphabet War”.

When Russotti and the others were released from prison in January 1978, it appeared order was restored quickly. Russotti wasted no time in regaining control of the Family, and Didio seemed to offer no resistance. But it was far from the truth. B-Team members, dissatisfied with the return of the established leadership, had begun plotting the removal of the Family’s underboss, Salvatore Gingello. After several failed attempts, they succeeded by blowing up Gingello’s car in April 1978, with Gingello and two bodyguards inside. Gingello did not survive, but his two bodyguards, Thomas Torpey and Thomas Taylor, miraculously survived the attack, escaping with only minor injuries.

The Gingello murder did not have the effect Didio had wished; Russotti refused to give in. The B-Team continued its efforts to oust him. On May 19, 1978, Didio loyalists bombed a social club functioning as a gambling parlor, which was connected to Russotti. Four days later, another Russotti controlled gambling parlor was bombed. But still Russotti refused to subdue to Didio, and was quick to retaliate. On May 25, only six days after the first bombing, Rosario Chirico, one of the leading figures of the B-Team was shot by a sniper. The brother of Dominick Chirico, gunned down in 1972 because of his loyalty towards Frank Valenti, Rosario was among the first to put his support behind Didio. Knowing Russotti was behind his brother’s murder, he had a good reason for his dislike towards the formal leader. Surviving the shooting, he had another. 

In July 1978, the second fatal victim of the struggle fell. It was B-Team leader Thomas Didio who was shot to death with a submachine gun, only five days after two B-Team figures had been arrested with a load of dynamite in their possession. Didio’s murder was quickly followed by the non-fatal shooting of Rodney Starkweather, another B-Team affiliate, and one of the two arrested with the explosives. Starkweather had been publicly named as a suspect in the murder of Salvatore Gingello, and as it later turned out had been involved in the bombings on the Russotti linked gambling parlors. Facing various indictments on the one side, and possible death on the other, Starkweather weighted his options and decided to cooperate with law enforcement in February 1979.

With the death of Didio and the loss of one of their main enforcers, the B-Team had been dealt a severe blow. With the B-Team unable or unwilling to continue their grab for control of the Rochester mob, the violence ceased after the shootings. But the struggle had received tremendous attention from both local and national media. Law enforcement agencies, recently having been faced with the misconduct of various members of the sheriff’s department, were determined to break the warring factions. Investigations were conducted not only into the bombings and shootings, but also into gambling, loan sharking, extortion, arson and various other mob influenced rackets. Mobsters were frequently stopped in their cars, and on more then one occasion, were arrested for carrying weapons.

The B-Team received the first hits. In a string of indictments, eight members of the Valenti faction were charged on a variety of allegations including the bombings of the Russotti gambling parlors. Among them were Rosario Chirico, Angelo Vaccaro and Sonny Celestino, two alleged leaders of the B-Team, and Stanley Valenti. Frank Frassetto was another. Frassetto at first had been identified as a member of the A-Team, but as it turned out acted as an inside source for the Valenti group. His cover was blown in July 1978, when he was arrested with B-Team figures after a high speed car chase. Of the eight named in the original indictment, all except Stanley Valenti were put on trial. In January 1980, all seven were found guilty.

But this victory for the law must have been overshadowed by the various cases evolving around persons involved in the prosecution of the Massaro murder case defendants. The detective admitting his guilt in January 1978 had brought the ball rolling. A Monroe County Grand Jury investigation was started in February, almost immediately after the detective’s guilty plea. No time was wasted; that same month, four detectives and three deputies were indicted on charges ranging from burglary to perjury. Eventually, all but one were convicted. More indictments followed in April 1979, after a Federal Grand Jury had concluded its investigation.  A second Federal Grand Jury was conducted, ending up charging five in December.

Named in the December 1979 indictment were Raymond E. Cornelius, Patrick J. Brophy, William C. Mahoney, John E Kennerson and Joseph Robortella, the latter three also named in the indictments returned in April. Mahoney, Kennerson and Robortella were all formerly employed by the Monroe County sheriff’s department. Cornelius, at the time of his indictment Monroe County Family Court judge, was a former first assistant District Attorney responsible for the Massaro murder prosecution. Brophy was an assistant District Attorney in the prosecution of an unrelated case. The five were charged with violating the civil rights of at least sixteen persons. Eventually, Cornelius, Brophy, Mahoney and Robortella were hauled into court, with the trial starting in September 1980. Kennerson had pled guilty in February and appeared as a witness against his former colleagues.

Of the four, William Mahoney received the most negative attention. A former detective of the Rochester police department, Mahoney became chief of detectives of the Monroe County sheriff’s department in January 1974. He was known as a rough enforcer of the law, responsible for hundreds of arrests during his twenty four year career. He was among those responsible for bringing in the Monacchinos as government witnesses. But Mahoney had another side. He had some kind of association in a restaurant business with William Lupo, the Valenti’s lieutenant murdered in 1970 and in 1977 he was suspended because he had used a prisoner for personal benefit. He resigned four months later.

In December 1980, a verdict was reached in the civil rights case. Cornelius and Robortella were both cleared of all charges. Mahoney and Brophy were convicted, Mahoney on three charges, Brophy on one. Both would eventually receive fines. A year later, Mahoney died of a heart attack, broken by the last years of his life. In the end, the sentences received by both those who had gone to trial and those who had plead guilty were minor. But the whole episode was humiliating for all Rochester law enforcement departments. Despite successful convictions of Mafia figures like Frank Valenti and most of the B-Team, it was the acquitted Russotti, Piccaretto and their confederates that dominated the headlines.

Russotti came out the real winner, at least for the moment being. He and his closest associates were out of prison, and back in control of the Rochester Mafia. Frank Valenti, having been released from prison in June 1980, had little to no support left in Rochester, and went back to Phoenix. Stanley, having escaped trial in the B-Team case, would remain in the area, but again disassociated himself from his former criminal life, this time for good. Obviously, Russotti did not think of Stanley as a threat, since no attempts on his life were ever made despite his backing of the B-Team. He died of natural causes in 2001, in Victor, little more then sixteen miles south-east of Rochester. Frank died seventeen years later, in a Texas nursing home. 

But Russotti soon faced a new rebellion. In December 1981, after a relatively quit year, John Fiorino, an alleged capo under Russotti, was shot to death upon leaving a restaurant in Irondequoit, a Rochester suburb.* Four days after Fiorino’s murder, the first suspect was indicted. Louis DiGullio, a low level associate, was accused of being implicated in the murder. A second suspect, John Joseph Sullivan, was arrested in February 1982. Those having ordered the murder would not be known until June that year, when DiGullio signed statements identifying two other men involved in the slaying. They were Thomas Torpey and Thomas Taylor, the bodyguards of Gingello who had escaped unharmed when their boss was blown to pieces.

*Fiorino was shot while leaving the Blue Gardenia Restaurant, operated by Benjamin Managazze, better known as Ben Manning. Manning was a minor gambling figure linked to the A-Team. His restaurant had been a notorious meeting place for hoodlums and had been the scene of the attempted bombing of Gingello by the B-Team in March 1978.

The core of the group responsible for the Fiorino slaying were Torpey and Taylor, with several other figures aligned with them. Although most had been associated with various Mafiosi, none of the group were known to have been initiated members of the Rochester Mafia. As DiGullio would later explain, Taylor, Torpey, Sullivan and himself planned to overthrow the local mob with the murder of Fiorino and Richard Marino, the Family’s alleged underboss. Obviously, Marino was not found. With the removal of Fiorino and Marino, the quartet planned to take over the city’s rackets. The crime Family had been weakened by the internal struggles of the 1970s and Torpey and Taylor thought the time was ripe for a take over. Their faction became known as the C-Team.

Some time after the Fiorino slaying, the C-team felt strong enough to start intimidating Mafia operated gambling parlors. In March 1982, Taylor, Torpey and Michael and Thomas Pelusio entered a social club and beat a man into the hospital. The beating was a clear insult to Russotti, who was linked to the club. Russotti retaliated the following month by ordering, through Piccarreto, the execution of members of the insurgent faction. Nicholas Mastrodonato was murdered that same month, followed by the murder of Gerald Pelusio in August. Gerald was a brother of Michael and Thomas, and police suspected he had been mistaken for one of them.

But the insurgent mobsters turned out to be the least of Russotti’s problems. Rochester’s law enforcement agencies were doing everything they could to stop the mob and its accompanying violence. With the humiliating Massaro case still fresh in their minds, extensive investigations were conducted carefully; another fiasco was the last thing they needed. On November 10, 1982, Russotti, Piccarreto and eight others were named in a racketeering indictment charging them with a wide variety of crimes, including murder. The indictment, as well as the legal troubles that by now were piling up for Taylor and Torpey, caused the ongoing feud to cease. But only temporarily.

All of the ten mobsters indicted made bail and were soon back on the streets. So were Taylor and Torpey, and it did not take long for the feud to start brewing again. In April 1983, Thomas Marotta, another of Russotti’s capos, was shot but survived. The murder of Dino Tortarice in August that same year was thought to have been Russotti’s reprisal. Tortarice’s involvement with the C-Team appears to have been minor, having been described by a police informant as “a possible associate of Thomas Pelusio”. His family and friends described him as a well-liked character, with absolutely no involvement with organized crime. However, at the time of his slaying Tortarice had been under investigation by a Federal Grand Jury in connection with the shooting of Marotta four months earlier. Marotta would be shot at again in November, and again survived.*

*In 1989, the FBI revealed that it was not the C-Team, but Rene Piccarreto who had ordered the shootings of Marotta, although they failed to give a further explanation. Three years later, a mob hitman pled guilty to the murders of the three C-Team figures, as well as the two attempts on Marotta’s life.

After the November shooting of Marotta, the struggle came to a halt. Taylor and Torpey were focusing their attention on their legal troubles. Russotti, Piccarreto Marotta, who was indicted with Russotti, and their seven confederates were doing the same. Taylor and Torpey had been indicted for the Fiorino slaying after DiGuillio’s confessions. Testimony in their trial started on November 7, 1983, after eight weeks of jury selection. On January 3, the jury announced it was deadlocked, after six days of deliberation. A mistrial was declared, and both Thomases escaped conviction. Up to then, the trial was not only the county’s longest, but also its costliest. The mistrial was only a delay of the execution however. In August 1985, both received lengthy prison terms after a second trial on the charge had been concluded. 

The racketeering trial for Russotti and the nine other defendants started in September, 1984. A wide variety of witnesses was called by the defense, including Angelo Monachino and Anthony Oliveri, a member of the Rochester mob who had been cooperating with authorities since 1980. Testimony in the trial was a chronology of violence and crimes. The gathered evidence was strong, as it has been in Russotti’s earlier trial. But now nothing had been fabricated. In October, the jury had reached a verdict. Salvatore Russotti was found guilty, as well as Piccarreto, Marotta and four others. Despite the acquittal of three, the outcome of the trial was a major victory for law enforcement, a victory they needed after the humiliating affairs of almost four years earlier.

With Russotti’s and the rest of the Family’s hierarchy send to prison, again the Rochester Mafia was left leaderless. Senior members left on the streets were either unable or unwilling to take over the reigns and leadership fell into the hands of a younger generation of mobsters. Having stepped up as acting boss, according to informants, was Angelo Amico. He was aided by Loren Piccarreto. Both were sons of former Mafia leaders. Angelo the youngest of the late Pasquale, Loren the only son of the jailed Rene. It made them familiar with the workings of the local mob, a “quality” they could use in rebuilding its former operations. Due to both the internal strife and the successful prosecutions of several members and associates, the Family’s influence had waned tremendously. There was still a big portion of the gambling operations under the dominance of the mob, but an even bigger portion operated independently.

While Amico and Piccarreto struggled to hold on to their criminal operations, the law was closing in on them. Electronic listening devices had been installed on various locations, providing a wealth of information on Amico and his associates. Suspicions that it were indeed Amico, Piccarreto and Joseph LoDolce, one of the three acquitted in the 1984 trial, who had taken over the reigns after Russotti’s conviction were confirmed. The wiretaps also gave insight in the extensiveness of the mob’s gambling operations, and of Amico’s plans on how to regain the Mafia’s influence over the remaining gambling elements:

“We’re sitting back here and letting everybody do what they want to do. To me, it’s absolutely wrong. I will put up with it until we find out about the appeals. If they come home, fine. If they’re not coming home...”

The conversation, recorded on December 14, 1985, clearly indicates (at least a part of) the gambling scene operates without paying the mob a percentage, as it had done in previous years. It also indicates Amico was waiting for a verdict in Russotti’s appeal, before taking any violent actions. Possibly, Amico was either ordered or advised by the jailed leaders to hold back until it was definitive that they would remain in prison. Amico’s last statement, although he never finished his sentence, clearly states that when Russotti’s appeal would be turned down, he would take immediate action and force gambling operators to start paying off again.

Russotti would not come back, and died in prison in 1993. But Amico, upon learning in June of 1987 that there was no change Russotti would return to Rochester and reclaim his former title, had little time to carry out his threats. In October of that year, Amico, Piccarreto, LoDolce and Joseph Geniola, another of those acquitted in the 1984 trial, were charged in yet another indictment aimed at Rochester’s Mafia hierarchy. Also charged in this indictment was Donald Paone, already convicted in the 1984 case. The five were accused of running a criminal enterprise and of multiple acts of extortion. Piccarreto, LoDolce and Geniola were released on bail totaling $250.000. Amico, largely due to his own words, was ordered held without.

During bail hearings, tape recorded conversations collected over a two and a half year period were released, on which Amico prominently figured. When bail was denied for Amico, the presiding judge, who described the tapes as “startling”, stated they were the major reason for his decision. One conversation, in which Amico tells an alleged bookmaker how he can strike fear into people without saying anything, was one of those decisive tapes. The tape, according to one of the prosecutor’s team, showed it was likely for Amico to threaten witnesses if out on bail. The conversation, recorded on November 17, 1985, at an illegal gambling club, went as follows:

“Ya know when it counts when you’re terrifying somebody? I’ll tell you when it counts. Really, when you walk in there with a smile on your face and ya don’t say anything ta anybody, and they get terrified like I can do… They see me walk in some place and they know there’s something wrong, and they know I’m not hollerin’ and screamin’, they get terrified, ‘cause they know something might be happing or might be getting ready”.

Two other conversations were equally damaging. In one, Amico was heard complaining how he wished “there (was) somebody else who could just take over”, and how “everybody in town was talking that I’m the boss of this town and I don’t need that”. In the other, Amico is talking with a brother-in-law of B-Team figure William Barton, who had just been released from prison. Wanting to return to Rochester, Barton had sent his brother-in-law to ask Amico for permission. Through his brother-in-law, Barton was advised that there “was no way he could stay” in Rochester, and if he “chooses to do so, something might be happening to him”.

When the trial started in October 1988, Amico was not among the defendants appearing in court. He had previously pleaded guilty to both the extortion charges and to being a member of a criminal organization. Despite immediate speculation by both the media and the defense attorneys of the remaining three defendants,* Amico had not agreed to testify against his associates. In December, Piccarreto, LoDolce and Geniola were found guilty of conspiracy charges relating to control of organized gambling. Piccarreto and Geniola were also found guilty of racketeering, a charge LoDolce was acquitted on. Amico would eventually receive fourteen years in prison, Piccarreto and LoDolce seven and Geniola four.

*Donald Paone, the fifth man indicted, who was already serving a prison term, had also pled guilty before the trial started.

The convictions of their leaders dealt a severe blow to the Rochester Mafia. Although there were certainly still members and associates not in legal difficulties, none were willing or capable to assume the throne left by Amico. The once relatively well established Rochester Mafia organization was crumbling. But in reality, the mob was already on its last legs when Amico was still in control. Before he himself was indicted, a string of arrests had taken down several members and associates. Among them Charles Indovino, identified as a member, who was convicted of his involvement in a 1981 truck bombing. Another was Dominic Taddeo, suspected of murdering C-team members Nicholas Mastrodonato, Gerald Pelusio and Dino Tortarice. Taddeo, arrested in 1987, became the subject of a nation wide man hunt of two years after he failed to appear in court.

Three months after Piccarreto, the last of the five to receive his sentence, was shipped off to prison, another ten Rochester Mafia figures were arrested. In what law enforcement described as the breaking of the backbone of organized gambling, the ten were accused of running several gambling operations and meanwhile bribing police officers to do this without interference. One of those arrested, Anthony Falzone, was also charged with having tried to influence the outcome of the trial of Angelo Amico. Falzone, in a desperate attempt to regain freedom for his leader, had taken four law enforcement officials on a trip to Las Vegas. Obviously, Falzone’s attempt proved useless. Although the case would not bring any serious sentences for any of the defendants, it had again greatly disrupted the local mob.

With the start of the 1990s, the Rochester Mafia was reduced in both size and influence to little more then a street gang. Members and associates still alive and out of prison were either inactive or seemingly lacking supervision. Gambling and several other rackets still flourished in the Rochester area, but were no longer controlled or influenced by one organization. The various law enforcement departments in Monroe County had succeeded in what little of their colleagues had. They had, despite an unfortunate start, almost completely destroyed the local Mafia organization with successful prosecutions. But as the years carried on, it became evident that a close watch was still needed.

In October 1993, Rochester police raided three gambling parlours. It were not the raids itself that raised eyebrows, since similar raids were common in the city. It were some of the persons involved that made people wonder if Rochester’s Mafia was making a comeback. Among those arrested was Anthony Gingello Jr., the nephew of Salvatore Gingello, and himself involved with the Rochester mob in the 1980s. Louis Santonato was another. Having been one of those arrested in the 1989 bribery case, Santonato was also a familiar figure, as was Robert Silveri, who with his wife was charged in 1988 with operating Mafia controlled gambling operations.

Despite the involvement of figures at least formerly aligned with the Rochester Mafia, police did not believe in a resurgence of the mob. Except the suspicion that some of the raided sites double-functioned as a place where stolen goods were handled, nothing indicated the existence of any other illegal ventures. Gingello Jr. himself waived the theory of Mafia involvement off as nonsense. He stated he was a young man fond of late nights and gambling, burdened with a name that linked him to a mobster uncle killed fifteen years earlier.* But Gingello Jr. rapped no word about his father, who also had a history of Mafia association. The case, as so many before, would have no serious consequences for those involved.

*Interestingly, Robert Silveri could also be tied to Salvatore Gingello. It was Silveri’s car that Gingello used when he was blown up in April 1978.

Drug related crimes and major gambling operations not under the control of the local mob now became law enforcement’s top priority. Asian and Middle-Eastern crime rings became more prominent, and dominated headlines for most of the 1990s. After the arrests of Gingello Jr. in 1993, no other Mafia related cases would occur for the remainder of the decade. But both police and the FBI were well aware the Mafia had not disappeared altogether. Although the existence of a structured Family was steadily denied, Mafia members and associates were still residing in the area. The arrival of several old time mobsters released from prison was therefore watched upon with suspicion.

In July 1996, Thomas Marotta received his parole, having served more then eleven years of his 1984 sentence. In 1997, Frank Frassetto was released on parole, having been convicted in 1980 for his involvement with the B-Team. Dominic Celestino, another B-Team member convicted in 1980, also returned to Rochester after having served his sentence.  All three were kept under close investigation, due to the fear of law enforcement either one could be trying to re-organize the Family. None of the three made this attempt, but it turned out the fear was not entirely ungranted. All three ended up returning to their former life of crime.

Frank Frassetto was the first to take the fall, getting arrested in February 2000 on charges of selling more then one kilogram of heroin. Frassetto made a plea agreement and the charges were dismissed. Still, Frassetto was returned to prison for parole violations. In April 2004, he was named in another indictment, being charged with conspiring to steal some $100.000 from a New York bank. Indicted with him was his former partner in crime Dominic Celestino. Frassetto’s problems did not end there, as in June that same year, a new indictment was unsealed charging him and his two sons with a variety of drug related crimes. After another guilty plea, not only to the narcotics charges but also to the robbery plot, Frasetto was sentenced to another fifteen years in prison.

Thomas Marotta, the former Russotti capo, ran afoul of the law again in June of 2001, when he was arrested for his involvement in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine. Marotta was granted a $200.000 bail a week after his arrest, which was posted a day later by five of Marotta’s friends. Interestingly, one of them was Anthony Gingello Jr., while another was Richard Fabrizzi, the brother-in-law of William Barton who appeared on the Angelo Amico tapes. But authorities were determined to return Marotta to prison and more and more charges were brought against him. In May 2004, Marotta pled guilty to charges involving narcotics, stolen food stamps, money laundering and car theft, and was send back to prison.

Mainly responsible for Marotta’s unplanned return to prison was Anthony Delmonti, a former associate of Cleveland, Ohio, Mafia figures. Delmonti had met Marotta while both were in prison together, and after both had been released, Delmonti would eventually look up Marotta in Rochester. Unbeknownst to Marotta however, Delmonti was sending in his direction by the FBI, having become a federal informant prior earlier. Another federal informant, Anthony D’Agostino, had already been in contact with Marotta before Delmonti’s arrival. Since Marotta would only become involved with criminal activities again after being approached by these informants, it remains the question whether he would have done the same if he never met the men.

Delmonti, who was “initiated” into the Rochester Mafia in a phoney ceremony by Marotta, with FBI agents listening in, was responsible not only for Marotta’s return to prison, but also for the solving of a gangland style slaying and a ten million dollar armoured car heist pulled of in 1990. Although Marotta had little to no knowledge of both affairs, he was implicated by Delmonti in a money laundering scheme with the main players. They were Albert Ranieri, who performed the heist, and Anthony Leonardo Jr., a former criminal lawyer. Leonardo, as it would become clear, was behind the slaying.

Anthony Leonardo, who in his career had defended many Rochester mobsters, as well as detective William Mahoney in the civil rights trial, was charged with cocaine distribution in December 2000. Eight months earlier, he and Ranieri conspired to murder of Anthony Vaccaro, one of Leonardo’s partners in a nightclub. Vaccaro was gunned down in Greece, a Rochester suburb, in May 2000. Leonardo also plotted the demise of his other partner in the night club venture, but the plan was never carried out. Due to information provided by Delmonti, Leonardo soon faced charges of two murder conspiracies and money laundering in addition to the pending narcotics case. Eventually, Leonardo received a twelve year prison sentence in return for his testimony against two Buffalo brothers involved in the cocaine case and Ranieri, who ended up getting a thirty year stint.

As of today, the Rochester mob is considered gone, having slowly ceased to exist after the successful convictions in the 1980s. Those few members and associates still alive and not in prison are reported to be either retired or inactive. Federal investigations point out that traditional organized crime is still active in the area, but no longer controlled by a local Mafia organization. Unconfirmed reports claim there are currently some members and associates of the Buffalo Mafia Family active within the city, but it remains unclear in what kind of operations they are involved in. 

members/associates

Abbott, James B. -

*indicted in October 1971 in connection with credit card fraud

Accorso, Josephine -

*wife of Sam Accorso

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Accorso, Raymond -

*born approx. 1942

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Accorso, Sam J. “Pony” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, including his wife Josephine

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

Afeno, Thomas -

*arrested in November 1923 as suspected member of truck burglary ring, with Frank and Rose Agno, Cosimo Giordano, Patsy Amico and Joseph Longo

Agnello, Antonio “Tony Spitale” -

*early Rochester Mafia figure

*arrested April 25, 1922, on counterfeiting charges, together with Tony Infantino and Felippo Vitello from Cleveland, Ohio.

*formerly aligned with Alfio Boscarino, later with Infantinos

*arrested in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in July 1935, in connection with the 1927 Boscarino shooting, but not extradited to Rochester

*murdered in Rochester, Pennsylvania, in March 1938, supposedly as a result of Agnello’s involvement in bootlegging and counterfeiting

Agno, Frank -

*arrested in November 1923 as suspected member of truck burglary ring, with Patsy Amico, his wife Rose Agno, Cosimo Giordano, Thomas Afeno and Joseph Longo, with the Agnos being charged with receiving stolen property

Aida, Dominico -

*identified by FBN as Rochester Mafioso, but no trace of a person with this or a similar person can be found as having resided in or near Rochester

Aida, Giuseppe -

*identified by FBN as Rochester Mafioso, but again no trace of a person with this or a similar name in the area. However, Giuseppe Aida was a known alias of Philadelphia mobster and Apalachin attendee Joseph Ida. Stefano Magaddino, in tape recorded conversations, refers to the Philly boss as Joe Aida.

Aiello, John -

*arrested in connection with forgery of drivers’ licenses in September 1975, together with Richard Marino, James Cannarozza and Lawrence Masters

Alaimo, Crispino –

*born approx. 1880

*Black Hand/early Mafia figure

*shot and severely wounded on March 2, 1918

*involved in murder of policeman James H. Upton in March 1919. Arrested

*in possession of gun permit

Alaimo, Samuel F. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

*beaten by C-Team as warning to Mafia inside the 44 Club in March 1982

Albanese, Giuseppe “Giuseppe Albano” -

*Black Hand figure

*active in NYC before coming to Rochester in late 1911 or early 1912.

*murdered on July 7, 1912, allegedly by Luigi and Antonio DiVito

Aleveri, Carmelo -

*friend and associate of Sam Spitale

*arrested in December 1928 when threatening Sam Morreale with a gun in the Morreale’s grocery store

Alexander, Raymond -

*arrested on robbery charges with Joseph Ollis and George Morio in August 1928

Alfano, Angelo -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $200 in April 1972

Alfano, Christopher -

*indicted by Grand Jury in October 1970 on charges of first degree perjury, charges dismissed in June 1971

Allen, Peter -

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

Allocco, Dominick -

*Rochester mob figure

*lengthy arrest record dating back to 1929, when arrested on charges of assault

*murdered on orders of Frank Valenti on February 24, 1965

Alongi, Anthony -

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*partner in gambling operation with Angelo Amico and Louis Santonato, according to Santonato’s testimony during 1988 racketeering trial

*had already died at time of testimony

Alongi, Joseph -

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1971 with Nick DiNardo and George Kunz

Amato, Vincenzo -

*supposed Rochester bootlegging figure

*sought in August 1928 in connection with operation of four huge stills

Amico, Angelo -

*son of Pasquele, brother of Samuel and Michael

*partner in Mato Flyers Club, Inc., involved in junkets to Las Vegas

*arrested in June 1970 on gambling charges

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted on racketeering charges in October 1987, pled guilty and in February 1989 received a fifteen year prison sentence

Amico, Joseph John -

*born approx. 1914

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*arrested in November 1985 on gambling charges

Amico, Michael –

*son of Patsy

*born approx. 1918

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with Sam Piazza, Sam Pizzo and Angelo Cometa

*arrested for operating a lottery in October 1948

*partner in Mato Flyers Club, Inc., involved in junkets to Las Vegas

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in April 1971

*arrested in April 1973 in gambling raid

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973, among the others being Sam and Tony Gingello

Amico, Michael –

*arrested on robbery charges in 1924

*arrested for operating a lottery in August 1948

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

Amico, Pasquale “Patsy” -

*born in Caltanissetta, Sicily

*identified by FBN as Rochester Mafioso

*father of Angelo and Samuel

*assumed capo of Rochester Mafia in the period 1920s-1940s

*linked to Angelo Palmeri and Joseph DiCarlo in early 1930s

*arrested in November 1923 as suspected member of truck burglary ring, with Frank and Rose Agno, Cosimo Giordano, Thomas Afeno and Joseph Longo

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Joseph Lodato, Anthony Misseri, Larry Ranieri, Joseph Micheluso and Dominic Gattalaro

*arrested as material witness in May 1927 Lodato murder

*suspect with Vito Piccaretto in 1931 murder of Vincenzo Chiarmonte, bootlegging partner of both Amico and Piccaretto

*arrested in May 1933 after hitting someone with a chair during an argument

*denied citizenship in 1930, 1935 and 1938 due to his criminal record

*died November 9, 1947, in Rochester

Amico, Samuel J. -

*son of Pasquale, brother of Angelo

*identified in 1983 as a Bonanno soldier residing in Rochester

*figured in lottery arrests in June 1963

*convicted of gambling charges in April 1969, ordered to jail in April 1970

*questioned in 1970 Lupo slaying

*while serving April 1970 sentence, was temporarily released from jail to marry

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

Angarano, John A. -

*indicted in October 1971 in connection with credit card fraud

Angelino, Anthony -

*bootlegging figure employed by Boscarino

*arrested July 1922 in Boscarino saloon, where he was employed as bartender

Angelo, Victor A. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Ansiuni, Sam –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Antinarelli, Albert J. -

*arrested in December 1973 on gambling charges, acquitted in March 1974

Anthopoulos, Kyriakos C. “Carlos” -

*boorn approx. 1952

*arrested on gambling charges on July 1985

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

Ardito, Frank -

*arrested in October 1927 with Antonio Pesci and Frank Piccaretto on bootlegging charges

Arena, Anthony -

*member

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

Arena, Calogero -

*early Mafia figure

*arrested on October 24, 1919, on behalf of Detroit authorities. Identified as being one of the gunmen in the murder of Sam Giannola, Detroit Mafia power, on October 2, 1919. Interestingly, the Giannola murder was one off the murders attributed to the Good Killers gang. Reported to have formerly lived in Detroit, were he had become acquainted with a Black Hand gang (??Good Killers, like Fontano??)

*eventually extradited to Detroit authorities, charged with murder and put on trial, but not convicted

*John Macalizzi, other suspect in Giannola slaying, arrested in Arena’s home on October 28, 1919

*operator of a billiard room in early 1920s

*arrested July 27, 1922, for running a lottery in Italian district

*found shot to death on December 29, 1924

Arena, John E. -

*arrested on gambling charges with Thomas Asenato in December 1948

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Arena, Leo -

*born approx. 1922 or 1931

*indicted in July 1977 for attempting to extort dealers of pornographic material on behalf of Rochester Mafia

Ascarella, Angelo -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Rafaele Greco

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

Ascarella, Nicholas -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Rafaele Greco

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

Ascarella, Salvatore -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Rafaele Greco

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

Asenato, Thomas -

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1948

Asito, John -

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, as operator of gambling establishment on behalf of Salvatore Gingello

Baldasaro, Marcello -

*arrested in gambling raid in January 1971

Baldo, Diego –

*born in Grotto, Sicily, on March 3, 1896

*bootlegging figure

*indicted in September 1934 for operating stills with Sam Piazza and Peter Montana

*died in May 1984

Baldo, Joseph P. -

*bodyguard for Boscarino

*supposed to be Boscarino’s nephew

*arrested for bootlegging with Michael Salvaggio in February 1927

*married daughter of Boscarino in September 1931

*died August 5, 1948, in Rochester

Barber, Thomas M. -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Barco, William J. -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Baron, John -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Barone, Joseph S. -

*born approx. 1963

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Barone, Robert P. -

*born approx. 1954

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*wounded in shooting in March 1985

*testified on behalf of prosecution in 1967 racketeering trial of Loren Piccarreto and others after charges of extortion and coersion charges aginst him had been dropped

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Bartolletta, Louis -

*arrested in August 1928 on arson charges with Angelo Cometa and Vincenzo Grizzardi

Barton, William Bruce “Billy” -

*associate

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

*shot Daniel Bookless in December 1975, charged after Bookless identified him, but Bookless refused to identify him court

*indicted in late 1970s mob war as B-Team member, sentenced to 10 years in March 1980

Bates, James D. “Carlos” –

*associate, aligned with B-Team in late 1970s underworld war

*starting cooperating with law enforcement in March 1979, for unknown reasons; Bates wasn’t even arrested at the time

*confessed to involvement of bombings of gambling parlors the previous year

*indicted in connection with mob war in April 1979

Battaglia, Vincent -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Bellassai, John -

*born approx. 1956

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Belva, Joseph –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Belviso, Giacomo “Jack” -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*brother of Joseph

*operated speakeasy in late 1920s, early 1930s

*arrested for liquor law violations in April 1930

*murdered on September 24, 1930, in an argument in his speakeasy

Belviso, Joseph –

*born December 1, 1889, in Grotto, Sicily

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*grocery store raided in February 1929, in connection with bootlegging

*arrested in August 1929 when found to have a gun in his possession

*arrested with Charles Bertolino in bombing of home of Samuel Zucco, a bootlegging rival, in October 1929

*wounded when his car exploded in July 1930, after a bomb had been placed under the car’s driver’s seat, in a bootleg feud

*arrested in 1935 on bootlegging charges, sentenced to prison

*paroled, re-arrested in April 1937

*ordered deported, second stay of execution ended in January 1939

Belviso, Stefano Giuseppe “Steve Belviso” –

*born approx. 1884 in Grotto, Sicily

*brother of Joseph and Jack

*arrested in April 1928 in connection with operation of huge still

*arrested in April 1930 on liquor law violations

Benedetto, Randy -

*born approx. 1960

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Benincasa, Robert A. -

*born approx. 1941

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, sentenced in April 1986 to six months and a fine of $1,000

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*became an informant, and carried a body wire on several occassions in Rochester gambling clubs

*testified on behalf of prosecution during racketeering trial of Piccerreto, Geniola and LoDolce in 1988

*during trial, the disgust Benicasa had for the defendants became clear, leading defence attorneys to claim Benincasa lied on the stand

*claimed to have searched foor thug to beat up and possibly kill Joseph Grock, suspected by the local mob to be a police informant

*received probation for a charge of lying to a Grand Jury in February 1989

Berman, Norman “Jerome Miller” –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*holder of gambling stamp

Bertolino, Charles -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*father of Paul

*associated with Belviso in liquor racket in late 1920s

*suspected with his son Paul in bombing of Belviso’s car n July 1930

Bertolino, Paul -

*son of Charles

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*suspected with his father of bombing Belviso’s car in July 1930

Bianchi, Sylvio -

*born 1921

*indicted by Grand Jury in October 1970 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

Blakely, Harold -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Blanda, Andrew J. -

*arrested in August 1970 in gambling raid as a result of the Grand Jury investigation of that year

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*indicted on gambling charges in February 1972 with Raymond Steed and Chester Palozzi

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

*arrested on bookmaking charges in December 1973

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1979, charges dismissed in January 1986

Blandino, Michael F. -

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Block, Herman -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Bocchetta, Rocco –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Bonacci, Frank -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Bonacci, Joseph -

*born approox. 1908

*indicted in November 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charged with bribery

Bongiovanni, Frank -

*arrested in March 1825 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

Bookles, Daniel L. -

*associate

*shot in the head in December 1977 by William Barton, survived

*linked to C-Team in early 1980s mob war

*reportedly send by Toorpey and Taylor to locate Fiorino on the night of his slaying

Borelli, Paul Peter -

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Borelli, Maryan -

*wife of Paul

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Borelli, Peter -

*Rochester gambling figure

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

*owner of gambling stamp

*arrested with his wife Hazel in march 1969 on gambling charges, fined 2,000 dollars in June 1970

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in August 1970 gambling raid

Borregine, Joseph -

*born approx. 1933

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges, charges dismissed in January 1986

Boscarino, Alfio “The Lucky” -

*early Mafia figure

*born in Grotto, province of Agrigento, in approx. 1887

*leading bootlegging figure during prohibition

*first figured in bootlegging case when in June 1920 a still was discovered in a barn next to his home.

*shot at on January 6, 1921. Police suspected cider feud or robbery

*operated a saloon which was closed by court order on July 21, 1922

*sued by one Bernard Gondell after Boscarino allegedly mistook him for a robber and caused his arrest. Boscarino denies guilt, claiming Gondell was one of a party of robbers, in January 1923

*arrested as head of major bootlegging operation in August 1926

*wounded in shooting with Tony Infantino in April 1927

*wounded again in July 1927, Infantino brothers arrested

*charged with liquor conspiracy after Pagano brothers’ arrest in April 1929

*figured in bankruptcy case of Tripi company in late 1920s, early 1930s

*another (fifth) attempt on life made in August 1930

*mortally wounds Tony Infantino in a Buffalo shooting on September 12, 1930

*facing loss of citizenship in February 1932

*arrested in August 1944 on bootlegging charges

*died on March 9, 1961, in Rochester

Boscarino, Anthony -

*defense witness at trial of Richard Marino (first Massaro murder trial), during cross examination by prosecution was asked about his involvement in loansharking

Boscarino, Bartola (maiden name Palermo) -

*born in Grotto, province of Agrigento

*related to Joseph Santogiacomo

*figured in August 1926 Boscarino bootlegging ring

Bovenzi, Augustine -

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

Brenner, John J. “Jake” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Broccolo, Felix “Foot” -

*born approx. 1940

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, fined and oordered to Monroe County Sheriff’s Department work program in April 1986. Sentences of Broccolo and his five co-defendants were lifted the following day

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*testified on behalf of defense in 1988 racketeering trial, trying to discredit Robert Benincasa, the most damaging prosecution witness

Broide, Abraham –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Brown, Edward -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Brucato, Roberto -

*member, listed in 1950 FBN report

*born in Petralia Sottana, province of Palermo

*associated with Pasquale Amico and Joseph Lodato in bootlegging business

*questioned in Lodato murder in May 1927

*died on January 17, 1963, in Rochester

Brucato, Robert R. -

*son of Roberto Brucato

*apparent associate

*operator of car dealership

*sold cars to Rochester Mafia figures under assumed names

*appeared before Grand Jury investigations, in which he was allegedly guided by Richard Marino

*charged with lying to Grand Jury in April 1983, sentenced to  3 years in prison in March 1984

Bruno, Pleasant –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Bucciarelli, Frank Sr. –

*boorn apprx. 1931

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, sentenced in April 1986 to 60 days in jail and three years probation

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Bucciarelli, Michael A. “Bootsy” –

*born approx. 1952

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Burchell, Mark –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Burdulis, Charles F. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Buscemi, Carlo “Carlo Ceravino” -

*supposed Black Hand figure

*murdered Paul Ollis on June 7, 1912

*when placed under arrest immediately after the murder of Ollis, tries to shoot arresting officer when he wrestled his gun in the struggle

Buscemi, Leonard A. -

*plead guilty to gambling charges in August 1948, in case involving among others Rene Piccaretto

*arrested in October 1968 in connection with string of burglaries, linked to Buffalo Mafia figure John Sacco

Buscemi, Nardo –

*father of Leonard

Cacia, Anthony “Tony the Rattler” -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

Calabrese, Sammy –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Callari, Louis D. -

*born approx 1935

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted in July 1987 on gambling charges

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Callari, Michael –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Calrome, Salvatore -

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Frank Dongiovanni

Camiolo, Serafino -

*possible member

*born in Valguarnera Caroppe, province of Enna

*Arrested on August 28, in connection with car theft. With Luigi Nucci, claimed to have been leaders of stolen car ring

*arrested in April 1940 with Vito Piccaretto on counterfeiting charges

*arrested in September 1950, on gambling charges, alleged to have acted as Rochester agents for a major Western New York lottery operation involving among others Utica mobster John Melito

*died October 8, 1970, in Columbus, Ohio

Cammarata, Frank -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Camp, Alphonse -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Campanella, Salvatore “Sammy Camps” -

*member

*indicted in July 1959 on charges of robbery, grand larceny and assault, charges eventually dismissed

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*indicted by Grand Jury for perjury in October 1970, plead guilty and placed on probation

*charged in 1975 with Massaro murder, charges eventually dropped

Canito, Alphonse J. -

*born approx. 1936

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

Cannarozzo, James “Joseph Cannarozzo” -

*arrested January 1975 on charges of possession of stolen property, charges dismissed due to failure to prosecute

*convicted in 1961 for counterfeiting

*arrested in connection with forgery of drivers’ licenses in September 1975, together with Richard Marino, Lawrence Masters and John Aiello

Cannon, David R. -

*born approx. 1944

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, fined and oordered to Monroe County Sheriff’s Department work program in April 1986, released from sentence the following day

Canzano, Anthony J. -

*associate

*indicted in August 1974 on fraud charges in connection with Las Vegas junkets organized by Mato Flyers Club Inc

Capello, Giuseppe -

*born approx. 1888

*Black Hand figure

*figured in July 1908 Black Hand case of Ollis, Marino and Manzella. Hired by Black Handers to poison dogs of Antonio Lorenzo, and blow up his building. Cooperated with police.

*allegedly connected to Rafaele Greco in early 1920s

*shot death in Rochester on April 15, 1923, by Pietro Ribellino

Capizzi, Joseph -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Capone, John -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Frank Dimino and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Capuano, Salvatore S. -

*born approx. 1929

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

Carapezza, Frank Jr. -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Carbone, Charles -

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

Cardone, Allen J. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Carfi, Nicholas –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Carll, Clifford -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $150 in April 1972

Cariola, Samuel A. -

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

Carlotta, Michael –

*Boscarino aligned bootlegger

*figured in August 1926 Boscarino bootlegging ring

Carson, Henry “Hank” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*owner of gambling stamp

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Caruso, Victor -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Casey, Thomas F. -

*associate

*figured in case in which a gun was found in the luggage of his traveling partner

Castania, Charles -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, including his wife Patricia

Castania, Patricia -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, booked on felony gambling counts

Castellano, Ignatzio -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested with among others Orlando Paone and Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

Catagina, Giovanni -

*Black Hand figure

*arrested November 13, 1913, for Black Hand  extortion, together with Joe Lodato and Frank LaVerde

Cataldo, Joseph P. -

*arrested in counterfeit plot in November 1929, in which were figuring: George Miles, James Buscemi, Anthony Fetto, Sam Cartonia Joseph Bartolotta, Ignazio Calabrese and Harry Emerson of Buffalo and Angelo Michiche and Guido Laurenti of Rochester

Cavagrotti, John “Johnny Broadway” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

*disappeared and presumed murdered in September 1967

Cavagrotti, Salvatore “Sam” -

*brother of John

*Rochester gambling figure

*owner of gambling stamp

Cavallaro, Joseph -

*member, identified in 1950 FBN list

*in 1950, address reported to be

Celestino, Dominic “Sonny” -

*member

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970, charges dismissed in January 1978

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*aligned with so called B-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*arrested in June 1978 with Frank Frasetto, and charged with having in his possession a dangerous weapon (switchblade)

*indicted in connection with mob war in April 1979, sentenced to 30 years in March 1980

*indicted in plot to steal 90 million dollars in April 2004

Cerone, Alexander -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

Cervasi, Russell -

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges

Chiarmonte, Vincenzo -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*associate and partner of Vito Piccaretto and Pasquale Amico

plead not guilty to charge of assault in July 1924, after having fired a gun at his father-in-law Charles Battaglia

*speakeasy raided April 1926

*shoots to death one Philip Prophet during an argument in May 1931

*found murdered on November 4, 1931, with Amico and Piccaretto figuring as prime suspects, although never charged in the crime

*involved in scam in Buffalo, were he posed as Feruccio Ferrari, an artist

Chiazzese, Joseph Raymond –

*Infantino drove Chiazzese’s automobile when shooting Boscarino in July 1927

Chirico, Anthony -

*born approx. 1952

*son of Rosario

*associate

*aligned with B-Team during late 1970s Alphabet War

*arrested in June 1978 with Rodney Starkweather, having explosives in their possession

*arrested in August 1978 with two shotguns and a mask in his car

*indicted in November 1978 in connection with ongoing mob war, sentenced to 15 years in March 1980

Chirico, Dominick -

*member

*sometimes driver for Frank Valenti

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, involving junkets to Las Vegas, found not guilty in September 1971

*shot to death on June 6, 1972, a move by Russotti faction to oust Frank Valenti

Chirico, Rosario -

*member

*brother of Dominick

*convicted of counterfeiting in 1962

*one of leaders of so called B Team in late 1970s underworld struggle

*wounded when shot on May 24, 1978

*indicted on loansharking charges in July 1978, found guilty in July 1979, sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison in September that same year

*suspected of heading a $400,000 numbers operation in late 1970s

*indicted in November 1978 in connection with ongoing mob war, sentenced to 25 years in March 1980

Cira, Ronald F. -

*born approx. 1939

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Cira, Salvatore F. -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Cirilla, Gerald J. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Cirilla, Louis -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Ciulla, Santo R. -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Cocilava, James -

*born approx. 1956

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

Cocilava, John -

*born approx. 1960

*arrested on gambling charges on July 1985

*charged with aidfing Taddeo as a fugitive in April 1989

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Cocilava, Richard Jr. -

*charged with aidfing Taddeo as a fugitive in April 1989

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Cocilava, Richard J. Sr. -

*born approx. 1955

*father of John, Richard and Robert

*indicted in July 1987 on gambling charges

Cocilava, Robert C. -

*born approx. 1959

*arrested in November 1985 gambling raid, charged with selling liquor withoout a license

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

*charged with aidfing Taddeo as a fugitive in April 1989

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Coco, Charles -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*posted bail for one of Boscarino liquor ring defendants in August 1926

*still located at Coco’s address blown up by bomb in alleged bootlegger’s war in January 1927, Coco placed under arrest for operation of a still

*operator of stills, arrested in December 1929

Cohen, Irving B. -

*arrested on bookmaking charges in December 1973

Coia, Mario -

*born approx. 1931

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

Colangello, Dominick -

Colangello, Nicholas J. Jr. -

*born approx. 1942

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

*arrested in March 1982 on charges of selling liquor without a license

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*implicated with Thomas Marotta in money laundering scheme in 1999/2000

Colline, John -

*Rochester gambling figure

*record dating back too 1949

*holder of gambling stamp

Colombo, Anthony –

*arrested on charges of assault with Rene Piccarreto in March 1982, after having beat one Charles Joseph Perotti III after Perotti had greeted Piccarreto

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 40 years in prison in December 1984

*arrested in March 1979 on weapon charges, after allegedly staking out Angelo DeMarco in order to shoot him

*at the time of indictment, stewart of Local 398

Comella, John M. -

*indicted in October 1971 in connection with credit card fraud

Cometa, Angelo -

*Rochester Mafia figure

*arrested in June 1928 on arson charges

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with Michael Amico, Sam Pizzo and Sam Piazza

Cometa, Joseph -

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, cooperated with authorities

Comfort, Frank -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Comfort, Paul -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*aligned with C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

*arrested in March 1982 on weapon charges with Raymond Sampson, sentenced to one year in August 1983

Comfort, Robert R. “Bobby” -

*escaped Monroe County jail with five other inmates in November 1959

*was with Norman Huck the night he was killed, claimed to have dropped Huck off at nightclub

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

*involved in 1972 robbery of Hotel Pierre in New York, taking an estimated $4,000,000 in jewelry, securities and cash

*with Gerald Pelusio when he was gunned down on August 27, 1982

Comunale, James -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $200 in April 1972

Conchelos, Sam J. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Constable, William T. -

*associate of Frank Valenti

*involved with Bar Mon Construction

*shot to death in December 1970, body found December 19

*When in January 1975 Charles Monachino began cooperating with police, he stated his brother Angelo, Frank Valenti, Albert DeCanzio, Vincent Massaro and two other men were responsible for his death, with Angelo and DeCanzio haven actually having shot Constable

Contreras, Ralph -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Cordaro, Joseph -

*plead guilty to gambling charges in August 1948, in case involving among others Rene Piccaretto

Cordaro, Norman -

*arrested with Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg in February 1971 on gambling charges

Cordaro, Thomas -

*associate

*figured in case in which a gun was found in the luggage of his traveling partner

Cordello, Samuel -

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

Corey, Donald -

*born approx. 1938

*operator of Corey’s Tavern

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges, charges dismissed in January 1986

Cortina, Frank V. -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*one of operators of Caserta Social and Political Club, better known as the 44 Club, a notorious gambling joint

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Costa, Alex -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Costanzo, Anthony -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Costelli, Michael -

*one of the suspected shooters in Vincenzo Infantino murder attempt resulting in the deaths of Infantino’s wife and daughter in January 1930

Costello, Helen -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Costello, Anthony J. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Cottone, Vincenzo “Captain” -

*identified by Angelo Monachino as member of Rochester Mafia

*subpoenaed before August 1977 Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime activities

Cremaldi, Frank “Dago Frank” -

*one time leader of Wolves gang

*several minor arrests in Rochester before relocating first to Detroit, then to Chicago

*in Chicago, allegedly worked for Al Capone

*murdered in Chicago on May 22, 1926

Cringoli, Anthony “Sabu” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Croseta, Henry J. -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Culotta, Louis -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Cusumano, Anthony -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Cutaia, Salvatore “Sam” -

*born approx. 1941

*indicted in November 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charges dismissed in October 1990

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Cutali, Louis F. –

*head of Imperial Products Company

*arrested in August 1926 as member of Boscarino liquor ring

D’Agortino, Anthony -

D’Agostino, Anthony “Tony Daggs” –

*Rochester crime figure during 1990s, close to Tom Maroota after Marotta’s 1996 release from prison

*FBI informant, suposedly assigned t keep an eye on MArotta’s movements

*involved in cocaine trafficking with Marotta and Murray Kufeld, a Bonanno Family associate from New York City, apparently D’Agostino was the instigator of the crime

*eventually dismissed by FBI as an informant

*died in 2001

D’Agostino, Philip -

*born approx. 1930

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*arrested with among others Orlando Paone and Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

D’Ambra, Leo -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

D’Ambrosia, Albert -

*indicted in connection with large gambling operation in March 1975, the result of his arrest with several other in January earlier that year

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1979, charges dismissed in January 1986

D’Amico, John –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Darzinski, Steve H. -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

DeCanzio, Albert -

*associate

*bodyguard for Frank Valenti

*implicated by Charles Monachino in December 1970 murder of William Constable, eventually cooperated with authorities

*indicted in connection with Constable murder in April 1975

*indicted in murder of Ernest White Jr.

DeCarolis, Robert -

*born approx. 1952

*assoociate of Rochester Mafia figure, acting a enforcer, during 1980s

*leader of “the Brotherhood”, a motorcycle gang

*accused of bombing a Greece town house in 1984, in order to intimidate the woman living there (former girlfriend of DeCarolis)

*arrested in connection with cocaine distribution in October 1988

*received a 3 years prison sentence in August 1989 for the boombing of his former girlfriend’s residence, and 2 and a half year for operating a gambling club

Decker, Al Jr. -

*arrested in June 1963 for his involvement in lottery operations

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

*arrested on bookmaking charges in December 1973

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

DeFiore, Andrew P. -

*associate

*in February 1979 figured in case in which he tried to get a gun aboard of a plane while traveling with two companions, all three were identified as Rochester Mafia associates

DeFrancesco, Eugene “Gene” -

*member

*charged with variety of charges, including extortion, in May 1972 with Frank Valenti, Harry Riso and Joseph Zito, a self proclaimed Bufalino Family member who eventually started cooperating with the FBI

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*arrested on loansharking charges in February 1975, eventually sentenced to 18 months in prison

*indicted in connection with Constable murder in April 1975

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, found guilty in November 1976 and sentenced to prison, but after it became known evidence was fabricated the conviction was overturned

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970, sentenced to 14 years in prison in March 1978, released in December 1983

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

DelConte, Vincent -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

DeLettera, Joseph -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

DelGuerico, Anthony -

*arrested in Gingello linked gambling operation in June 1970

DellaVentura, Rose -

*identified in 1950 FBN list as Rochester Mafia member. Listed as R. DellaVentura. However, she was a woman

DeLorm, Robert -

*born approx. 1952

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

DelVecchio, Michael C. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

DeMarco, Angelo “Oskie” -

*Rochester gambling power

*partner in Mato Flyers Club, Inc., involved in junkets to Las Vegas

*one of operators of Caserta Social and Political Club, better known as the 44 Club, a notorious gambling joint

*William Hamill, then Deputy Police Commissioner, allegedly handed DeMarco evidence in upcoming gambling trials in July 1970, eventually resulting in a scandal and a Grand Jury investigating organized gambling and possible police corruption

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*indicted by Grand Jury on gambling charges in October 1970

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973, among the others being Sam and Tony Gingello

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1974

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

*died on April 4, 2005

DeNoto, Christopher -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

DeRenzo, August “Augie” -

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973, among the others being Sam and Tony Gingello

DeRosa, Salvatore –

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with among others Michael Amico, serving as repairman for stills

Dettman, Ruth -

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

Diamond, Peter W. -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

DiCesare, Patsy “Dang Dang” -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1974

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

DiCiaccio, Cosmo -

*born approx. 1933

*indicted in November 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charged with bribery

Didio, John -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure, member of Wolves gang

*arrested August 28, 1922, together with John Mollica, on connection with Camiolo/Nucci stolen car ring

*arrested  in October 1924 with Gabriel Sciortino in kidnapping case of Josephine Gugliuzza

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, Frank Dongiovanni, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

*arrested on robbery charges in March 1930

Didio, Lorenzo –

*born approx. 1891, in Valguarnera, Sicily

*brother of John

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Frank Dongiovanni, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

Didio, Thomas -

*member

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970, charges dismissed in January 1978

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling, charged with refusing to testify before Grand Jury

*among leaders of so called B-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*machine gunned to death on July 6, 1978, allegedly by Anthony Colombo, at the heights of the so called Alphabet War

DiFilippo, Luigi -

*born approx. 1938

*indicted in Indovino linked counterfeiting case in January 1987

DiGaetano, Samuel -

*identified as member of Rochester Mafia by Angelo Monacchino

*criminal attorney, defending many crime Family members during 1970s

*charged in June 1975 with plot to murder Monroe County Sheriff figures William Lombard and William Mahoney

DiGiuseppe, Pasquale -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

DiGuilo, Louis Albert –

*associate

*aligned with C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

*charged in connection with Fiorino murder, due to cooperation received a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison in February 1984

*started cooperating with authorities in June 1982, after having spend six months in jail, due to failure of Thomas Torpey and Thomas Taylor to provide him and his family with help. Based on DiGuilio’s confessions, arrest warrant signed for Taylor and Torpey

DiMarco, Angelo “Blackie” -

*member of Wolves, a notorious gang aligned with John Mollica

*reported first lieutenant of Gabriel Sciortino

*arrested in August 1924 for harassment of a Rochester girl

*shot to death by Mollica on November 23, 1924, in alleged dispute over spoils

DiMarco, Joseph -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Dimino, Andrew -

*brother of Frank

*operated speakeasy padlocked in December 1928

*arrested in May 1937 on bootlegging charges

Dimino, Frank “Frank Domino” -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Joseph Randazzo and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Dimino, Robert -

*associate

murdered Eugene Ragland in order to collect victim’s life insurance with backing of Charles Indovino, in November 1981

*died in November 1987

DiNapoli, Philip -

*born approox. 1941

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*arrested in November 1985 on gambling charges

DiNardo, Nicholas -

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

*holder of gambling stamp

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1971 with George Kunz and Joseph Alongi

DiPilato, Frank -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

DiPolito, Joseph -

*born approx. 1922

*indicted in 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charges dismissed in October 1990

DiPolito, Pat “Pat DePew” -

*gambling partner of Oskie DiMarco

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973, among the others being Sam and Tony Gingello

*one of operators of Caserta Social and Political Club, better known as the 44 Club, a notorious gambling joint

DiPolito, Rocco “Rocky DiPolito” -

*linked to 44 Club

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

DiPonzio, Frank -

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

DiPrima, Edward “Fast Eddie” -

*born approx. 1937

*indicted in November 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charged with bribery

DiRosa, Frank -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

DiSalvo, Joseph -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

DiSano, Vincenzo -

*member of arson gang dubbed a Black Hand operation by police

*murdered within a week of a failed explosion causing the death of Frank Iacona, another member of the arson gang, in August 1922

DiVito, Antonio -

*brother of Luigi

*arrested for assault with razor upon Joseph LaFace on July 7, 1908. Feud first believed to have grown out of supposed rivalry between Sicilians and Calabrians, but turned out to have been because of LaFace’s interest in DiVito’s wife.

*Sentenced to Auburn for no more then twenty years, for his part in the murder of Giuseppe Albanese. Entered prison on February 7, 1913

DiVito, Luigi “Sam Lima” -

*brother of Antonio DiVito

*arrested on May 26, 1907 for Black Hand extortion. Alleged to have extorted one Salvatore Bonafide. Accomplices were Joseph LaScala and Frank LaChuisa

*attended alleged Black Hand banquet at Angelo Mark residence in July 1907

*supposed to have been present when Augustino Rossi attacked Charles Lodato. A week later, files complaint against Lodato after the latter fired five shots in his direction. Eventually himself arrested after having threatened Alexander Eliott, Rochester policeman involved in many Black Hand arrests

*involved in murder of Giuseppe Albanese in July 1912. Eventually arrested in Texas and extradited to Rochester. Convicted

Dominick, Charles –

*Rochester gambling figure

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*involved in bookmaking out of Chuck’s Cigar Store with Anthony Donofrio

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in January 1979 on gambling charges

Domizio, Ralph G. -

*born approx. 1949

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

Dongiovanni, Frank -

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

Donofrio, Anthony T. “Tubbie” –

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*involved in bookmaking out of Chuck’s Cigar Store with Charles Dominick

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in gambling raid in January 1971

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*arrested in October 1974 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1976

*arrested in January 1979 on gambling charges

Donovan, Clement G. –

*founder of Don-O-Lac Company

*arrested in August 1926 as member of Boscarino liquor ring

Donovan, Raymond J. –

*founder of Don-O-Lac Company

*arrested in August 1926 as member of Boscarino liquor ring

Downey, Edward (possibly Downing) -

*born approx. 1953

*inside Donald Paone’s gambling club when the place was bombed in June 1978, during the late 1970s mob struggle known as the Alphabet War

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1978, with Donald Paone and Frank Pagelli

D’Urbano, Carl N. -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Edwards, Lionel “Mickey” -

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

*arrested in May 1975 on charges of bribery

*arrested in May 1975 on extortion charges, being accused of attempting to take over the numbers operation of Joseph Lippa, one of the biggest independent numbers operators in the area, convicted in 1977, appeal filed, conviction upheld in December 1979

Einsfield, Earl -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Encao, Anthony -

*arrested in December 1938 on counterfeiting charges with among others Louis Spitale

Engelbert, Eugene -

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

Fairmont, James W. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Falzone, Anthony J. -

*alleged member

*holder of gambling stamp

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*files a false arrest suit in connection with November 1971 arrest in February 1972, claiming the arrest had damaged his name and reputation, despite seven earlier gambling related arrests

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*indicted in November 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charged with bribery

*while bribery charges for others figuring in this case were in connection with buying protection from local police, Falzone was charged with trying to influence the outcome of the Angelo Amico racketeering case, charges dismissed in October 1990

Falzone, Mike -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

Farren, Edward -

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

Farren, Howard –

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

Farrone, Angelo -

*arrested with among others Orlando Paone and Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

Feldman, Joseph -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Fenicchia, Laurence -

*born approx. 1953

*nephew through marriage of Charles Indovino

*indicted in Indovino linked counterfeiting case in January 1987

Ferrara, Frank -

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

Ferrara, Joseph R. -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Fiannaca, Charles “The Sheik” -

*arrested in November 1933 after threatening one Jake Marino with a gun

*arrested in Peoria in September 1954, released and re-arrested within 24 hours, when it was learned Fiannaca was sought on extortion charges in Rochester, after having threatened the life of bookmaker Charles Dominick

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Fiannaca, Joseph -

*early Mafia figure

*born in Realmonte, province of Agrigento

*family involved in underworld feud resulting of shootings of two relatives in Chicago, one in Rochester and supposedly one in Sicily (Giovanni Fiannaca, shot to death on November 30, 1918, in Chicago, attempt on life of John’s widow in March 1919, James Fiannaca, shot dead in Rochester on November 30, 1919)

*arrested in connection with October 1927 bombing of home of Charles Mondo, then assistant DA prosecuting one of Fiannaca’s friends on robbery charges

*himself wounded in Chicago gangland shooting of Filippo Gnolfo, ranking Mafia figure, while acting as Gnolfo’s bodyguard, in May 1930

*figured in July 1932 murder of Vincenzo DiDomenico, a baker refusing to join a baker’s “association”

*Leonard Cumbo and Lorenzo Gallea, charged with the murder, lived with Fiannaca at the time of the murder

*in Cumbo trial, in which Fiannaca testified on behalf of the defense, admitted he was involved in bootlegging

Fico, Joseph -

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Fico, Michael –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Fiorantino, Woodrow -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Fiorella, A. Richard -

*father of Michael

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $1,000 in April 1972

Fiorella, Michael -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $5,000 in April 1972

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974, found not guilty in May 1976

*arrested in October 1979 on gambling charges, charges dismissed in January 1986

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1979

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1984

*testified during 1988 racketeering trial to making pay offs to local Mafia

Fiorino, John –

*born February 6, 1937

*member

*with Gingello in March 1978, when bomb exploded near Blue Gardenia

*murdered on December 17, 1981, on orders of Thomas Torpey and Thomas Taylor

*John Joseph Sullivan, a New York organized crime figure, eventually arrested and charged with murder

Fosco, Nicholas “The Bugster, the Fence”” –

*born approx. 1936

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*implicated with Marotta in sellinmg stoolen food stamps in 1999/2000, ordered to pay his restitution and fines totalling $27,000 and sentenced too four months of home confinement in June 2004

Fowler, Michael -

*boorn approx. 1953

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1984

Fox, John P. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Frasetto, Betti -

*indicted in November 1978 in connection with ongoing mob war, sentenced to 2 years in March 1980

*indicted with husband in February 1980 on insurance fraud, sentenced in June 1980 to 1 year and 1 day in prison

Frasetto, Francesco “Frank” -

*alleged member

*during late 1970s struggle among two factions of Rochester Mafia, Frasetto acted as spy for so called B-Team until his cover was blown in June 1978, when he was arrested with Dominic Celestino after a high speed car chase.  Both were charged with weapon charges. The attempted escape, it was learned, was to try to keep Frassetto’s ties to the B-Team unknown to their rivals

*indicted in November 1978 in connection with ongoing mob war, sentenced to 30 years in March 1980

*indicted with his wife on charges of insurance fraud in February 1980, sentenced in June 1980 to 10 years running concurrently with bombing conviction, and 5 years to serve after bombing sentence had been completed

*indicted in plot to steal 90 million dollars in April 2004

*indicted on charges of distributing cocaine, heroine and marijuana in June 2004, sentenced to ten years in prison in September 2006

Frasetto, Frank P. -

*born approx. 1970

*son of Frank, brother of Philip

*indicted on charges oof distributing cocaine, heroine and marijuana

Frasetto, Philip M. -

*born approx. 1974

*son of Frank

*indicted on charges oof distributing cocaine, heroine and marijuana

Frederico, Edward Eugene Jr. -

*Rochester contractor

*moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona in 1973

*in Lake Havasu, was head of Italian-American Anti Defamation League and owner of area’s only asphalt and concrete plant

*after reporter Don Bolles, investigating reporter for the Arizona Republic, was murdered in June 1976, due too his investigation into Arizona organized crime, a team of reporters started “The Arizona Project” a series of newspaper articles focusing on that what killed Bolles. During the project, Frederico was mentioned as being a former Rochester resident with ties to the mob. His concrete company employed two other former Rochester residents, also tied to Mafia activities by the reporters

Frederico, Edward Sr. -

Frisciano, Charles -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*arrested in connection with July 1927 Boscarino shooting

*arrested in February 1931 on bootlegging charges

*suspected shooter in Vincenzo Infantino murder attempt resulting in the deaths of Infantino’s wife and daughter in January 1930

*arrested in July 1937 on bootlegging charges

Furioso, Dennis -

*charged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Fury, John A. ”Johnny the Boxer” -

*longtime Rochester organized crime figure

*arrested in December 1936 on robbery charges with Anthony J. Ollis and Frank J. Miller

*arrested in 1964 on gambling charges

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Fustiano, James A. -

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Fustiano, Joseph P. -

*Rochester gambling figure

*owner of gambling stamp

Galbo, Domenico -

*brother of Giuseppe

*arrested in connection with Frank Manzella murder in 1911

Galbo, Giuseppe -

*brother of Giuseppe, son-in-law of Sam Ollis

*arrested in November 1911 in connection with Frank Mazella murder

*sentenced to twenty years in prison to life in July 1912, sentence reversed in May 1916, after it was found there was little evidence, as well as Galbo’s difficulty to have Manzella murdered, since he had two wooden legs

Gangemi, Lillian -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Gangemi, Sebastian -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*held when refusing to testify before May 1987 Grand Jury investigating gambling, sentenced to six months in prison for contempt in March 1988

Gangi, Joseph -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*arrested with among others Orlando Paone and Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1974

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Gangi, Samuel -

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Gattalaro, Dominick S. -

*arrested in October 1936 for posing as a policeman and extorting money from tavern keepers

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Joseph Lodato, Anthony Misseri, Larry Ranieri, Joseph Micheluso and Patsy Amico

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Gattalardo, Patrick -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

Gautheir, Bernard R. Jr. -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Genecco, Francis -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Geniola, Joseph R. –

*alleged member

*subpoenaed before August 1977 Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime activities

*indicted on racketeering charges in October 1987, sentenced to 4 years in June 1989

*chastised in December 1986 due to violation of Geniola’s curfew in connection with the 1988 racketeering trial

Gennarino, Bernard -

*born approx. 1952

*arrested on gambling charges on July 1985

Gennarino, Edmund -

*born approx. 1957

*arrested on gambling charges on July 1985

Geraci, Sam J. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Gerber, Norbert -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Giamarva, Adelle -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Giannavola, August -

*member

*arrested at age 17 in July 1938, for throwing objects from a car

*arrested in December 1970 on gambling charges, with Louis Mancuso

Giardino, Felix -

*brother of John

*arrested in October 1927 in connection with Mondo bombing, others arrested being Joseph Fiannaca, Frank Giullambardo from Brooklyn and Anthony Gagliano from Utica

Giardinoo, Samuel G. -

*born approx. 1925

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

Gingello, Anthony Jr. -

*associate

*son of Anthony Sr.

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Gingello, Anthony Sr. -

*brother of Salvatore

*father of Anthony Jr.

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973

*arrested in December 1974 for soliciting Zeke Zimmerman to commit a crime

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970

Gingello, Salvatore -

*member

*son of James Gingello

*home raided in July 1969 in which gambling records were seized

*convicted in October 1969 on disorderly conduct charge after he and four associates had blocked several police cars

*in December 1969, Gingello claimed a suitcase containing more then $100,000 was stolen from his home, the money being from gambling junkets to Las Vegas

*questioned in 1970 Lupo slaying, being a neighbor of Lupo

*involved in Mato Flyers Club, Inc., involved in junkets to Las Vegas

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito. Eventually acquitted

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973

*arrested in January 1975 for soliciting Zeke Zimmerman to commit a crime, charges dismissed in June 1975

*arrested in May 1975 on extortion charges, being accused of attempting to take over the numbers operation of Joseph Lippa, one of the biggest independent numbers operators in the area

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, found guilty in November 1976 and sentenced to prison

*freed in January 1977, after it became known evidence in the Massaro case was fabricated, a revelation which eventually resulted in a major scandal and civil rights violation lawsuits by several of the mobsters

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970

*among leaders of so-called A-Team in late 1970s underworld struggle

*bomb either intended for Gingello or meant as message to him exploded outside of Blue Gardenia Restaurant in March 1978

*murdered with car bomb on April 23, 1978, by members of so called B-Team, bodyguards Thomas Taylor and Thomas Torpey surviving the attack, being only slightly wounded

Gingello, Vincenzo “James” -

*associate

*father of Salvatore and Anthony

*arrested in October 1931 on robbery charges with Joseph Imburgia and Louis Sinare

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1978, together with Louis Santonato, charges dismissed in November that same year

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

Ginsberg, Julius “Whitey” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Giordano, Alfred -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

Giordano, Cosimo -

*early Mafia figure

*arrested in July 1922 for assault (beating during strike of shoemakers. Victim wrongly thought to have been a strike breaker

*arrested in November 1923 as suspected member of truck burglary ring, with Frank and Rose Agno, Patsy Amico, Thomas Afeno and Joseph Longo

*arrested in December 1925 on charges of criminally receiving stolen property with Charles LaPlaca. During trial that follows the prosecutor receives death threats on at least one occasion

Giordino, Michele -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

Giunta, Salvatore -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

Glasgow, James Sturat Jr. –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Goia, Samuel -

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

*at the time of his arrest was a Rochester Fire Department lieutenant

Graconia, Vincent -

*arrested in July 1937 bootlegging case with Charles Frisciano and Frank Muciolo

Grana, Samuel –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*holder of gambling stamp

Granata, Frank “Red” -

*early Rochester Black Hand/Mafia figure

*brother-in-law of Frank LaPlaca

*murdered one Rosalino LoBue on April 11, 1915. Arrested, eventually pled guilty and sentenced to prison. Served three years

*arrested in March 1920 for assault upon one George Pierce

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Dongiovanni, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

*moved to Chicago in mid 1920s, supposedly to work for Capone

*arrested in June 1929 in Rochester on suspicion of murder of Rose Resso, believed to have been mistaken for Granata’s ex wife

*released on bond, which he jumped

*found in Joliet, Illinois, prison cell in October 1932, search by Rochester police halted

Granite, Arthur –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Gray, Domenic “Digger” -

*born approx. 1949

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Gray, Louis -

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1973

Greco, Dominic -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Frank Dimino and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Greco, James -

*arrested in July 1969 on gambling charges with among others Salvatore Gingello

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Greco, Rafaele -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*born September 11, 1880

*arrested in 1921 for having in possession a gun and a stiletto

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

*at time of arrest, lottery tickets were found in his possession. Within a month, Calogero Arena was arrested for running the lottery

*held as material witness in 1923 murder of John Capello

*his supposed confessions were important in conviction of Ribellino

*arrested in May 1926 as suspected lookout in burglary

*suspect in a February 1928 murder in DuBois, Pennsylvania, for which he was arrested in Rochester in January 1931

*held for deportation in May 1932

Green, Arthur C. -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Grillo, Peter P. Jr. “The Count” -

*born approx. 1931

*Rochester gambling figure

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

*arrested in March 1982 on charges of selling liquor without a license

*arrested in February 1983 on charges of selling liquor without a license

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Grizzarsi, Vincenzo -

*arrested in August 1928 on arson charges with Angelo Cometa and Louis Bartolletta

Grock, Joseph R. “Snuffy” –

*Rochester gambling figure

*numerous gambling related arrests

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*arrested in August 1970 gambling raid

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*sought for arrangement in October 1970 on gambling charges, together with Andrew Blanda, turned himself in a week later

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring, of which Grock was identified as leader

*schedeuled to testify on behalf of prosecution in 1987/1988 racketeering trial of Loren Piccarreto and others, but passed away before he was called oon November 3, 1988

Groetsch, Andrew A. –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Gruttaura, Michael -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Rafaele Greco

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

  
Guadagnino, Luigi -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*born in Sommatino, Province of Caltanissetta

*shoots to death policeman James Upton in March 1919, after the officer caught Guadagnino and a few others trying to set fire to a grocery store

*allegedly lived in Pennsylvania, W. Virginia and Ohio after Upton slaying

*Placed under arrest while in Ohio hospital for Upton murder on March 8, 1921. In hospital after a stabbing affray a week earlier in East Liverpool, Ohio. Eventually plead guilty to avoid death sentence

Gublo, Leon G. -

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

Guidice, Rocco “Rocky” -

*doorman at 44 Club

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1974

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

Gunther, Kenneth E. -

*arrested on bookmaking charges in December 1973

Guth, Benedict -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust, being the only one not living in the Rochester area. Guth lived in Syracuse

Haak, Gary –

*associate, aligned with B-Team in late 1970s mob war

*business partner of Rosario Chirico

*cooperated with authorities, stated he had made certain components for bombs used in 1978 bombings

Harris, Eddie -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Hart, James C. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Hatcher, David L. -

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

Heicklen, Louis -

*sought in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, turned himself in several days after massive arrests

Heinsler, Gary P. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Hertz, Charles J. -

*born approx. 1934

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

Hoffman, Norman -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

*charged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Howe, Elvin –

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

Huck, Norman -

*low level organized crime associate

*sentenced to prison in February 1964 for assaulting policeman

*found murdered in December 1967

Iacona, Frank -

*member of arson gang dubbed a Black Hand operation by police

*died in explosion went planting a bomb that went of early

Ignizzio, John R. -

*arrested in April 1973 in gambling raid

Imburgia, John J. -

*born March 1, 1916

*plead guilty to gambling charges in August 1948, in case involving among others Rene Piccaretto

*arraigned on extortion charges with Rene Piccaretto in April 1968

*Died July 18, 1971, before extortion case was completed, in Miami, Florida

Imburgia, Joseph J. -

*born December 16, 1914

*arrested in October 1931 on robbery charges with James Gingello and Louis Sinare

*died February 17, 1995, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Imburgia, Louis J. “Tree-Top” -

*born December 13, 1914

*arrested in July 1949 raid on a vacant stoore in which weapons, ammunition, money order blanks, gambling machines and a counterfeit postoffice stamp were seized. William Terra, anotorious underworld character, sought in connection with raid

*claimed to have dined with his son Louis Jr., his nephew Stephen and Sam Gingello in Miami in November 1973, on a day he was suposedly seen by law enforcement officials in connection with the Massaro murder plot in Rochester.  Louis Jr. and Stephen testified in first Massaro murder trial about this dinner

*died August 8, 1990, in Miami, Florida

Indovino, Charles “Charlie the Ox” -

*member

*among leaders of so called B-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*allegedly ordered shooting of Robert Barone in order to take over Barone’s gambling operation, and bombing of Joseph DiBattisto, a witness in a murder Indovino associate Robert Dimino committed in order to collect victim’s life insurance, eventually recieved a 15 year prisoon sentence for the bombing (September 1987)

*figured in counterfeiting case in 1986

Infantino, Antonio -

*early Mafia figure

*brother of Vincenzo

*arrested April 25, 1922, on counterfeiting charges, together with Tony Agnello and Felippo Vitello from Cleveland, Ohio.

*alleged ranking figure of Boscarino outfit before breaking away

*various arrests for bootlegging

*arrested in July 1927 in connection with Boscarino shooting, put on trial and sentenced to fifteen years. Sentence eventually overturned

*mortally wounded by Boscarino in Buffalo on September 12, 1930

*dies of his wounds September 24, 1930

Infantino, Charles -

*operated speakeasy with his father Vincenzo, padlocked in December 1928

*arrested February 1930 with his father on bootlegging charges

Infantino, Philip –

*Rochester gambling figure

**arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

*holder of gambling stamp

Infantino, Sam -

*operated speakeasy with Charles and Vincenzo,

*fined in May 1930 for bootlegging charges after pleading guilty in order to get brother Charles and their father off

Infantino, Vincenzo -

*brother of Tony

*father of Charles and Sam

*arrested in July 1927 in connection with Boscarino shooting

*operated speakeasy padlocked in December 1928

*wife and daughter killed in attempt on his life in January 1930

Ingoglia, Charles -

*brother of Joseph

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*arrested as material witness in May 1927 Lodato murder

Ingoglia, Joseph -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*arrested as material witness in May 1927 Lodato murder

*arrested in August 1928 on bootlegging charges

*subject of attempted assassination in September 1929, when several shots were fired upon him

Ingoglia, Joseph -

*born approx. 1941

*subpoenaed before July 1977 Grand Jury investigating the Leo Arena extortion case, Ingoglia having accompanied Arena when visiting extortion victim

Inzina, Charles -

*involved in bootlegging operation broken up in May 1947 with among others Joseph LaNovara

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Ippolito, Salvatore S. -

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

Izzo, George -

*early organized crime figure

*arrested in June 1922 on charges of possessing stolen property

*arrested in October 1927 on counterfeiting charges

*sought on theft charges in December 1939, eventually found in hospital after car he was driving had crashed. Izzo’s companion, Angelo LaChuisa, also sought by police, died of his injuries

Johnson, William H. -

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

Jordan, William -

*charged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Juliano, Joseph -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Juzwiak, Louise -

*arrested in October 1974 with Anthony Donofrio on gambling charges

Kandris, Thomas G. –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Kandris, Tommy –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Keable, Raymond -

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1973

Kearney, William G. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Kelliher, Thomas -

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Kobryn, Charles -

*arrested in April 1973 in gambling raid

Koch, Leonard -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Korpal, Edmund –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Koumoutos, Stefanos -

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Kunz, George -

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1971 with Nick DiNardo and Joseph Alongi

LaChuisa, Angelo “The Squirrel” –

*crime figure associated with George Izzo

*died in car crash with George Izzo in December 1939

LaChuisa, Francesco -

*Black Hand figure

*arrested with Luigi DiVito and Giuseppe LaScala for Black Hand extortion on May 23, 1907

*partner in saloon with Joe LaScala

*figured in October 27, 1907, murder of Allesandrio Caruso, as did LaScala. One Natale Napoli accused of Caruso murder

LaMartina, Carl -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Lamentre, Frank -

*alleged leader of arson gang dubbed a Black Hand operation by police

*gang responsible for failed bombing resulting in death of Frank Iacona in August 1922

*evaded arrest by escaping while  fellow gang member Luigi Scarlotta had been sentenced to seventy years on a similar charge in another case, and several coconspirators were put on trial, eventually resulting in withdrawing of charges in November 1922. Coconspirators were Calogero Agnello, a grocery operator, Salvatore Barchieri  and three Palermo brothers, Salvatore, Calogero and Cataldo, suspected of having hired the ring

LaMonica, Joseph Jr. “The Blind Tiger” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Lang, Fred -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Lane, Tara -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

LaNovara, Joseph “Spike” -

*born approx. 1916

*involved in bootlegging operation broken up in May 1947 involving Lawrence Lucicano and Charles Inzina of Rochester and Pasco Pirincin of Lima

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975

*started cooperating with authorities in July 1975

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

*while he and family were in witness protection program, his stepson was arrested and charged with fraud in April 1979, for which he eventually received an 18 year prison sentence

Lanzalaco, John -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*associate of Frank Granata

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, Frank Dongiovanni, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

*indicted for burglary in June 1926 with Sam Piazza and Carl Veale

*sentenced to prison in 1928 on burglary charges, transferred to working camp in June 1930

*arrested in November 1930 in an Auburn bootlegging raid after having escaped form a working camp

Lanzaldia, Vincenzo -

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Frank Dongiovanni, Joseph Spagnola, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

LaPlaca, Charles -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*arrested in December 1925 on charges of criminally receiving stolen property, with Cosimo Giordano

*accused of double murder in 1932

LaPlaca, Frank -

*Black Hand/early Mafia figure

*brother-in-law of Frank Granata

*arrested on January 5, 1914, for burglary and petit larceny

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Joseph Spagnola, Frank Dongiovanni and Salvatore Calrome

*arrested in June 1929 in Rochester on suspicion of murder of Rose Resso, believed to have been mistaken for Granata’s ex wife

*arrested on July 12, 1931 as inmate of gambling house

*arrested in January 1938 on theft charges

LaRocco, Sebastian -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

LaScala, Giuseppe “Joseph LaScala

*Black Hand figure

*arrested May 23, 1907, for Black Hand extortion of Salvatore Bonafide

*partner with Frank LaChuisa in saloon

*figured in the October 1907 murder of one Allesandrio Caruso, victim supposed to have been in LaChuisa/LaScala saloon prior to his murder

Latin, Thomas –

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Latona, Salvatore Jr. -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

Latona, Salvatore Sr. -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

*John Capello shot dead by Pietro Ribellino after leaving Latona’s house

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

*arrested with his wife Rose on liquor charges in 1927

Laurenti, Guido -

*arrested in counterfeit plot in November 1929, in which were figuring: George Miles, James Buscemi, Anthony Fetto, Sam Cartonia Joseph Bartolotta, Ignazio Calabrese and Harry Emerson of Buffalo and Angelo Michiche and Joseph Cataldo of Rochester

LaVerde, Frank -

*early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*arrested November 13, 1913, for Black Hand extortion, together with Joseph Lodato and Giovanni Catagina. Not convicted

*shot in the night of November 15, 1917, died November 17.

*reported by police to have been a much feared individual

LeCesse, Florence -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Leonardo, Anthony Jr. -

*born approx. 1947

*noted criminal defense lawyer

*attorney for William Mahoney in 1979-1980 civil rights trial

*opens Club Titanic in July 1999 with partners Anthony Vaccaro and David Cashion

*plotted to murder his partner in a  nightclub, Vaccaro, in March 2000, gave Albert Ranieri key to club in order to ambush Vaccaro. Plot not carried out, Vaccaro murdered some six weeks later

*allegdly also plotted with Ranieri the murder of his other partner, David Cashion, but ploot also not carried out

*arrested in December 2000 on charges of distributing cocaine

*plead guilty to charges of money laundering, plootting to kill Anthony Vaccaro and conspiracy to distribute cocaine in August 2001, agreed to testify against codefendants in exchange for 12 year prison sentence

LeStrange, Richard -

*born approx. 1950

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Lipani, Frank J. -

*arrested in Gingello linked gambling operation in June 1970

*testified during 1988 racketeering trial to making pay offs to local Mafia

Lipani, Michael -

*arrested in Gingello linked gambling operation in June 1970

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

LoCurto, Leonardo J. -

*born approx. 1907

*identified by informant as capo during Frank Valenti reign

*part owner of New Crown Beverages

*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime in August 1977

Lodato, Ignazio “Charles” -

*Black Hand figure

*brother of Joseph Lodato

*face slashed by Augustino Rossi on July 26, 1907, supposedly because Lodato had divulged secrets of a Black Hand society

*claimed by Luigi DiVito to have fired five shots in his direction on August 2, 1907. Lodato later claims DiVito was involved in the attack upon him a week earlier. Arrested, released on $2,500 bail

Lodato, Guiseppe “Joseph, Joseph Ross, Joseph Rossi” -

*Black hand/early Mafia figure

*brother of Charles Lodato

*figured in Lodato/DiVito feud in July/August 1907

*arrested November 13, 1913, for Black Hand extortion of one John Petrossi. Arrested with him were Frank LaVerde, accused of extorting one Joseph Marino, and Giovanni Catagina, accused of extorting one Frank Valentino. All three said to have been leading members of a Rochester Black Hand society. Sentenced to no less then three years and three months and no more then seven years in prison on June 26, 1913

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Pasquale Amico, Anthony Misseri, Larry Ranieri, Joseph Micheluso and Dominic Gattalaro

*shot to death on May 2, 1927

LoDolce, Joseph -

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982

*at the time of indictment, stewart of Local 398

*indicted on racketeering charges in October 1987

*while on bail awaiting his sentencing in 1988 rackettering case, was accused of sexually abusing a 10 year old boy

*senteneced ti seven years in June 1989 in racketeering case

Longinotti, John J. -

*born approx. 1942

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, fined and oordered to Monroe County Sheriff’s Department work program in April 1986

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Longo, Joseph -

*arrested in November 1923 as suspected member of truck burglary ring, with Frank and Rose Agno, Cosimo Giordano, Thomas Afeno and Pasquale Amico

Lotta, Joseph A. -

*born approx. 1934

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*indicted on gambling charges in August 1987, alleged to be operator of 44 Club

LoVerde, Joseph -

*brother of Salvatore

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

LoVerde, Salvatore “Sam” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

LoVullo, Angelo J. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Lucisani, Lawrence -

*involved in bootlegging operation broken up in May 1947 with among others Joseph LaNovara

Lumpo, Orlando -

*owner of building in which the 44 Club was located

*building seized in May 1987

Lupo, William “Billy” –

*member

*sometimes driver for Frank Valenti

*found slain gangland style on February 18, 1970

*a week before his body was found, Lupo’s wife Jean had told police Lupo had threatened to kill her

*Lupo’s estranged wife Jean was placed in witness protection program after testifying Frank Valenti had asked her too lie on his behalf in his 1972 gun trial in Arizona

Lynch, Jimmy –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Maddolina, Henry M. “Hank” –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

Maiorani, John -

*arrested in December 1979 gambling raid netting more then 40

Malara, Robert -

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Malta, Charles -

*arrested in April 1973 in gambling raid

Mancuso, Alfred R. -

*shoots dead one Benjamin Oken on October 30, 1963

*arrested for Oken shooting, put on trial, acquitted March 1964

*arrested on extortion charges in March 1964 with Tom Taylor and Benny Morganti of Utica

Mancuso, Louis -

Rochester gambling figure

*numerous gambling related arrests, many with his partner George Rosenberg

*arrested in February 1970 during gambling raid

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in December 1970 on gambling charges

*arrested two days after his December 1970 with August Giannavola, again on gambling charges

*arrested with Rosenberg and Norman Cordaro in February 1971 on gambling charges

*arrested in August 1971 on gambling charges

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1971

Mandolini, Giovanni -

*Black Hand figure

*arrested in July for Black Hand extortion, together with Paul Ollis, Frank Manzella and Frank Marino

*Marino’s wife, during the trial, shot Mandolini’s wife over an argument concerning the alleged informing of Mandolini

Managazze, Benjamin “Ben Manning” -

*owner of Blue Gardenia Restaurant

*arrested on gambling charges

Manza, Frank -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1973

Manzella, Francesco -

*Black Hand figure

*close friend and associate of Antonio Ollis

*arrested in July 1908, for Black hand extortion, send to two and a half years in Auburn prison

*released in May 1911, returned to Rochester

*body found murdered and hacked in a barrel on October 30, 1911

Marasco, Samuel A. -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Margiotta, Joseph -

*associate

*linked to car bombing of Joseph DiBattisto in  July 1985 and shooting of Robert Barone in March 1985, recieved 20 year sentence in September 1987 for his part in the bombing case (to run concurrently with counterfeiting sentence)

*figured in counterfeiting case with Charles Indovino in 1986, sentenced to 25 years in September 1987

Marine, Morris -

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

Marino, Francesco di Filippo -

*Black Hand figure

*arrested in July 1908, with Frank Manzella, Paul Ollis and Giovanni Mandolini for extortion of Antonio Lorenzo

Marino, Lawrence “Skully” -

*early Mafia figure

*arrested and fined for causing disturbance in April 1917

*linked to Joseph Lodato

*various liquor law violations during prohibition

Marino, Richard “Dick, Molly” -

*member of Rochester Mafia

*Binghamton Press reported that Dick Marino for four years had been a partner of Robert E. Fisher in a trucking company. Fisher was a former Broome County judge and at the time the head of the New York State’s Organized Crime Task Force

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, went on trial alone, eventually receiving a prison sentence of 25 years to life, but conviction overturned in January 1976, after it became evident that evidence had been fabricated

*arrested in connection with forgery of drivers’ licenses in September 1975, together with Lawrence Masters, James Cannarozza and John Aiello

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

*one of leaders of so called A-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 40 years in prison in December 1984

*in 1973, elected first president of Allied Building Trades Council, representing 18 AFL-CIO trade unions

*sentenced to i year in prison on weapon charge in October 1983, resulting from an incident in which Marino threatened a man with a weapon on December 15, 1981

*died on September 23, 2004

Mark, Angelo -

*Black Hand figure

*threw the alleged Black Hand banquet were Charles Lodato first met Augustino Rossi

Marotta, Thomas -

*born in 1942 in Rochester

*member

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

*charged in June 1975 with plot to murder Monroe County Sheriff figures William Lombard and William Mahoney

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, found guilty in November 1976 and sentenced to prison

*freed in January 1977, after it became known evidence in the Massaro case was fabricated, a revelation which eventually resulted in a major scandal and civil rights violation lawsuits by several of the mobsters

*one of leaders of so called A-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 1984

*shot, allegedly by C-Team on April 12, 1983, and again on November 10, 1983, again survived

*After Dominic Taddeo’s arrest in 1989, it was stated Rene Piccarreto had ordered both shootings, in 1992, Taddeo would plead guilty to charges including the two Marotta shootings

*paroled in 1996

*implicated ina  variety of charges by Cleveland crime figure and FBI informant Anthony Delmonti after release from prison

*”inititiated” Delmonti into Rochester Mafia a phony ritual, with FBI agents monitoring the event in the room nextdoor

*pleads guilty to charges of cocaine distributing, money laundering (same scheme as Leonardo Jr.), transporting stoolen cars and tarnsfering stolen food stamps in May 2002

Marrapese, David J. -

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

Marterano, Reigo J. -

*alleged member

Martin, Eddie -

*Gingello associate

*arrested in November 1930 after shoving a policeman and using abusive language

Marzurchak, Michael -

*arrested in December 1970 on gambling charges

Mascitti, Venanzio -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

Masita, Giuseppe -

*associate of Antonio Ollis

*arrested with Antonio Ollis for burglary in November 1908, escaped, never heard of again.

Massaro, Tony -

*Monaca, Pennsylvania, bootlegging and counterfeiting figure associated with Agnello and Louis “Louis the Carpenter” Tantalo

*murdered December 11, 1938

*Virgil Earl Reynolds arrested for Massaro slaying, implicated Tantalo, and also confessed to Agnello slaying

*some time after the slaying rumored to have been Olean/Limestone bootlegging figure Tony Massari, but the rumor was never proven

Massaro, Vincent Leon “Vincent James Massaro, Jimmy the Hammer” -

*member

*connected to Bar Mon Construction

*shot to death and his body stuffed in the trunk of his car, found on November 28, 1973, reason behind murder thought to have been because he was too talkative and had complained about mob leadership

Masters, Carl -

*charged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Masters, Lawrence J. -

*associate

*Monroe County Auto License Bureau manager when charged with involvement in robbery in January 1975

*arrested in connection with forgery of drivers’ licenses in September 1975, together with Richard Marino, James Cannarozza and John Aiello

Mastrodonato, Andrew “Ollie” -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*implicated by Joseph Zito as one of operators of illegal gambling club in April 1973

*arrested in September 1973 on gambling charges

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in September 1978 on gambling charges with sixteen others

Mastrodonato, James -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Mastrodonato, Joseph M. “Big Joe”-

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Mastrodonato, Nicholas –

*linked to C-Team durting early 1980s mob struggle

*shot to death by Dominick Taddeo on May 25, 1982

Mastrolonardo, Michael –

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with among others Michael Amico, serving as truck driver to the combine

Mastrosimone, Samuel -

*born approx. 1947

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Masucci, William “Willie Hoppe” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*numerous gambling related arrests since 1938

Mayer, Richard -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

*arrested in August 1971 on gambling charges

McAfee, James –

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

McAfee, Steven –

*brother of James

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

McAvoy, Thomas -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

McCarthy, John –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

McGee, Willie -

*arrested in May 1975 on charges of bribery

McDonough, Thomas -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Mello, Ermalinda -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Merlo, Antonio -

*suspected early Mafia member

*murdered his brother Ernesto in January 1926, after Ernesto had laid eyes on his wife too often

*after murder of his brother, Merlo evaded police for some two years

*father of Angelina Spitali

*after Angelina was shot down, Merlo sought revenge, and when returning to Rochester, was arrested for murder of Ernesto

*sentenced to twenty years in Auburn for Ernesto’s murder

Miccariella, Michael -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

Miceli, Jerry –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Micheluso, Joseph –

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Joseph Lodato, Anthony Misseri, Larry Ranieri, Patsy Amico and Dominic Gattalaro

Michiche, Angelo -

*Rochester organized crime figure

*arrested March 21, 1929, on counterfeiting charges, with James Buscemi of Buffalo

Mihr, Norman C. -

*arrested in Gingello linked gambling operation in June 1970

Miller, Mark J. -

*born approx. 1955

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

Minkoff, Sam –

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, involving junkets to Las Vegas, together with Dominick Chirico and Angelo Vaccaro and Joe Todaro Sr. and Jr. from Buffalo, found not guilty in September 1971

Misseri, Anthony –

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Joseph Lodato, Patsy Amico, Larry Ranieri, Joseph Micheluso and Dominic Gattalaro

Misuraca, Angelo –

*brother-in-law of Richard Marino

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*became business agent for Local 398 after murder of Fiorino, the union’s former business agent

*barred from holding union post after ties with Angelo Amico became known in March 1991

Mollica, John -

*arrested in April 1908 raid on Frank LaChuisa hotel, for carrying concealed weapon

*arrested February 1910 for assault of one Michael LaScala

*arrested June 6, for carrying concealed weapons

*arrested August 28, 1922, together with John Didio, on connection with Camiolo/Nucci stolen car ring

*arrested in September 1922 for maintaining a gambling place with Frank Virgo

*shoots to death Gabriel Sciortino and Angelo DiMarco, associates and members of Wolves gang, on November 23, 1924

Monachino, Angelo -

*born approx. 1929

*member

*indicted in connection with Constable murder in April 1975

*indicted in connection with arson in June 1975, started to cooperate with authorities that same month

*based upon information provided by Monachino, 7 were charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975

*provided information about a plot of Rochester Mafiosi, including lawyer Samuel DiGaetano, to murder Monroe County Sheriff William Lombard and his chief of detectives William Mahoney

*provided the information that lead to indictments in connection with the 1970 Columbus Day bombings, as well as several others, which until then had been a mystery

*received a one year suspended sentence in July 1978 in tax case brought to him while already cooperating

Monachino, Charles -

*born approx. 1937

*associate

*brother of Angelo

*indicted in January 1975 on theft charges, connected with Zeke Zimmerman, started cooperating with authorities in January 1975

Montana, Peter -

*indicted in September 1934 for operating stills with Diego Baldo and Sam Piazza

Moon, Elizabeth (Maroon??) –

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in March 1982 on charges of selling liquor without a license

*arrested on charges oof illegal liquor sales in February 1983

Morio, George -

*arrested on robbery charges with Joseph Ollis and Ray Alexander in August 1928

Morreale, Angelo “Carl Vollo” -

*brother of Charles

*various arrests for bootlegging in Rochester

*arrested as material witness in July 1927 Boscarino shooting

*suspected orchestrator of failed attempt on life of Sam Spitale, in which Spitale’s wife Angelina was shot dead, disappeared from Rochester

*fled to Trinidad, Colorado, were he operated a shop which was a blind for bootlegging under the name Carl Vollo

*arrested in Denver in September 1931 in bootlegging raid and identified as fugitive from Rochester

*during Denver raid, Mike Malone, a Denver boxer, was seriously wounded by prohibition agents

*found guilty of second degree murder in Spitale death, sentenced to 20 years in prison

Morreale, Peter -

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*arrested July 1928 while unloading truck of liquor

Morreale, Salvatore “Sam” -

*brother of Angelo

*threatened under gunpoint after Spitale shooting in 1928

*speakeasy raided in January 1929

Mortorano, Samuel -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

Mosiello, Richard -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Muciolo, Frank -

*plead guilty to bootlegging charges in September 1939, in case involving Charles Frisciano and Vincent Graconia

Muoio, Frank “Froggy” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*claimed to have been inside gambling joint when it bombed when bomb threat was phoned in 1978

Muratore, Nicholas -

*arrested on bookmaking charges in December 1973

Muriello, Frank Jr. -

*arrested in October 1968 in connection with string of burglaries, linked to Buffalo Mafia figure John Sacco

Mutolo, Erasmo -

*listed as only Rochester residents in the address book of Momo Adamo, seized in 1950.

*born August 8, 1880, in Misilmeri, province of Palermo

*possible Rochester Mafia leader 1947 - 1950s

Nalore, Joseph -

*chief or Rochester fire department in early 1970s

*accused in 1975 of assisting Mafia figures in arson conspiracies, indicted in April 1976 with among others Frank Valenti Rene Piccarreto

Nanna, Anthony -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Nardozzi, David -

*associate

*professional burglar and safe cracker

*eventually became an FBI informant

*in late 1990s, tried to get Tom Marotta to give his approval for Nardozzi to shoot a police officer, suposedly in an attempt to seduce Marotta into comitting a criminal act

Natale, Anthony C. “Anthony Natalie” -

*indicted with Gene DeFrancesco and Peter Papaleo on loansharking charges in February 1975, charges dismissed in November 1977

Needle, Harvey -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Nucci, Luigi -

*early Mafia figure

*arrested with Serafino Camiolo on July 28, 1922, on charges of car theft

Oberty, Jeffrey J. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Oliveri, Anthony -

*arrested in December 1938 on counterfeiting charges with among others Louis Spitale

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested in March 1979 on weapon charges, after allegedly staking out Angelo DeMarco in order to shoot him

*started cooperating with authorities in or around 1982, gave evidence in second Massaro murder trial, as well as later trial of Angelo Amico and Loren Piccarreto

Olivero, Giovanni –

*bodyguard for Boscarino at the time of September 1930 attack on Infantino

Oliveri, Pasquale “Patsy” -

*officer of Local 1635, of which Tony Gingello was head

*sentenced in 1945 to 15 to 30 years in prison for manslaughter

*arrested in 1970 on weapon charges

Ollis, Angelo (real name Angelo Allessi) -

*close friend and associate of Alfio Boscarino

*Boscarino left Allessi’s place when wounded in shooting in 1927

*arrested in February 1929 for liquor law violations

Ollis, Anthony J. -

*arrested in December 1936 on robbery charges with John “Johnny the Boxer” Fury and Frank J. Miller

*identified as sometimes driver for Frank Valenti

*treasurer of Local 1635, of which Tony Gingello was head

Ollis, Antonio -

*Black Hand/early Mafia figure

*arrested for burglary in November 1908, with Giuseppe Masita

*involved in mysterious shooting affair on October 31, 1910, with one Francesco Guelli (Interestingly, the wife of Francesco di Filippo Marino was known as Rosa Guelli.)

*found murdered on February 26, 1911, allegedly murdered by Rosalino Ippolito, a brother-in-law who was jealous of Ollis due to the latter’s friendship with their father-in-law

*murder later thought to have been part of a feud between Joseph Ollis and his brother Sam

*letters found in Ollis’ possession indicated kinship with Sicilian Mafia

Ollis, Joseph -

*arrested on robbery charges with Ray Alexander and George Morio in August 1928

*arrested in October 1929 in small time scheme in which $50 was extorted from two young girls

Ollis, Paul -

*Black Hand figure

*brother of Antonio Ollis

*Arrested for carrying metal knuckles, a gun, a knife and a razor. Fined  $50 in police court for the gun, and on February 23, 1907, was fined $50 and sentenced to 100 days in jail for the knuckles, which was a federal offense.

*Arrested July 8, 1908, for Black Hand extortion, with Francesco Manzella, Giovanni Mandolini and Francesco Marino

*sentenced to two and a half years in prison

*released in March 1911

*murdered on June 7, 1912, by Carlo Buscemi

Ollis, Samuel -

*apparent Rochester Mafia figure

*brother of Joseph, who served time in Auburn prison after he murdered one  Giuseppe Lombardo in Rochester in 1899

*known as “King of the Bananas” due to his position as fruit salesman

*uncle of Antonio and Paul Ollis, grandfather of Anthony J.

*father-in-law of Giuseppe Galbo

*suspected of having orchestrated killings of Antonio and Paul Ollis and Francesco Manzella, although never formally charged with the crime

Pacheo, Israel -

*born approx. 1951

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Pagano, Anthony -

*bootlegging figure employed by Boscarino

*arrested July 1922 with truck loaded with liquor

*arrested April 1929 with his brother Nick on bootlegging charges, a revolver also found in his possession

Pagano, Nick -

*arrested in April 1929 on bootlegging charges with his brother, at the time working for Alfio Boscarino

Pagelli, Frank -

*born approx. 1946

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1978, with Donald Paone and Edward Downey

Palermo, Phillip -

*arrested in October 1968 in connection with string of burglaries, and charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun

Palledino, Joseph –

*bootlegging partner of Joe Lodato

*arrested in May 1927 in connection with Lodato murder

Palma, Dominic P. -

*owner of building in which Members Only club, a gambling place,  was located

*building seized in May 1987

Palmiere, Robert -

*associate

*tried to obtain through Samuel Dretto, a court stenographer instructor, transcripts of Grand Jury investigation into Massaro murder, for which Dretto was indicted in July 1975

*aligned with A-Team in 1970s mob war

*arrested in June 1978 with Joseph Trivigno and Joseph Trieste on weapon charges

Palozzi, Chester John -

*indicted by Grand Jury in October 1970 on gambling charges

*arrested in gambling raid in July 1971

*arrested in November 1972 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*indicted on gambling charges in February 1972 with Raymond Steed and Andrew Blanda

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

*charged in November 1977 with falsifying business records, perjury and evidence tampering in connection with a landfill project. Also figuring in the case were Frank DiMino, owner of a construction company and Kenneth Passero, an engineer and former head of Public Works Department (from 1963-to 1971)

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

*testified during 1988 racketeering trial to making pay offs to local Mafia

*indicted in June 1993 on gambling charges

Pannucci, Steven -

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

Paone, Donald -

*alleged member

*son of Orlando Paone

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*arrested on gambling charges in April 1971

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1974

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*aligned with so called A-Team during late 1970s underworld war

*operator of Social Club of Monroe, gambling joint bombed in May 1978 during so called Alphabet War. An unexploded pipe bomb had been found in front of the club in January that same year

*Club bombed again in June 1978, while Paone, his father and Edward Downing were inside the building

*arrested on gambling charges in December 1978, with Edward Downey and Frank Pagelli

*arrested in January 1982 on weapon charges, together with Joseph Rossi, sentenced to 1 year in September 1983

*arrested in March 1982 for hindering police officers making arrests in social club

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 1984

*indicted on racketeering charges in October 1987, in January 1988 sentenced to 3 more years after pleading guilty

Paone, Orlando -

*father of Donald Paone

*arrested in June 1963 for his involvement in lottery operations

*arrested in February 1970 in gambling raid

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested with Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

*inside his son’s gambling club when the place was bombed in June 1978

*arrested in March 1982 for hindering police officers making arrests in social club

Papaleo, Peter -

*indicted with Gene DeFrancesco and Anthony Natalie on loansharking charges in February 1975

Pascarella, Alphonse Sam –

*Rochester gambling figure

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Patti, Antonio -

*one of suspects in murder of Angelina Spitale

Paulino, Daniel F. Jr. -

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

Pavia, Frank D. -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested on gambling charges in April 1971

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

Pecora, Francis J. -

*low level organized crime figure

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

*prominent due to his role in 1975 - 1976 crackdown on Mafia, resulting in many indictments. Pecora revealed to Sheriff Lombard his role in a Buffalo heist, resulting in Zimmerman arrest and eventually in the cooperation of Monachino brothers and Joseph LaNovara

*after having cooperated, was given a job cleaning the Sheriff’s Department, an obvious mistake

Pecora, Nicholas -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Pedona, Croce “John” -

*sought in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, turned himself in a few days after massive arrests

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Pegelli, Frank -

*arrested on gambling charges in April 1971

Pelitera, Christopher -

*born approx. 1960

*associate

*figured in counterfeiting case with Charles Indovino in 1986

*linked to car bombing of Joseph DiBattisto in  July 1985 and shooting of Robert Barone in March 1985

Pellicone, Fred Jr. -

*arrested on gambling charges in April 1971

Pellicone, Gloria -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Pelusio, Gerald –

*brother of Thomas and Michael

*suspected affiliate of so-called C-Team

*shot to death on August 27, 1982

Pelusio, Michael –

*member of C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

*arrested within hours of Gerald’s slaying carrying a shotgun in the car, sentenced to five years in prison on weapon charges in May 1983

*charged with assault in March 1982, after having beat Sam Accorso inside the 44 Club as a warning to established Mafia, sentenced to 2 to 6 years in August 1983

*indicted on assault charges in October 1983, the result of a bar fight

Pelusio, Thomas A. -

*arrested in January 1982 on weapon charges, together with Thomas Taylor

*charged with assault in March 1982, after having beat Sam Accorso inside the 44 Club as a warning to established Mafia, sentenced to 2 to 6 years in August 1983

*identified as leader of C-Team after arrests of Torpey and Taylor in June 1982

*arrested within hours of Gerald’s slaying carrying a shotgun in the car, sentenced to five years in prison on weapon charges in May 1983

*started cooperating with authorities in July 1984

*according to Pelusio’s confessions, he was aligned with A-Team during late 1970s mob war, and could implicat several of the Massaro murder trial defendants in the Didio slaying

Pesci, Antonio -

*arrested in October 1927 with Frank Piccaretto and Frank Ardito on bootlegging charges

Petrillo, James -

*born approx. 1933

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1984

Phillips, Norton C. -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Piazza, Salvatore “Sam Piazza, Sam Piazzo” -

*indicted for burglary in June 1926 with John Lanzalaco and Carl Veale

*indicted in September 1934 for operating stills with Diego Baldo and Peter Montana

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with Michael Amico, Sam Pizzo and Angelo Cometa

*pleaded guilty to possession of untaxed liquor in September 1947, within a year of having been sentenced in the Boscarino ring

Piccarreto, Al -

*distant cousin of Loren Piccarreto

*partner in gambling operation with Joseph Grock and Richard Marino, according to testimony released during the 1988 racketeering trial

Piccaretto, Fred -

*brother of Vito

*arrested for liquor law violations in October 1930

Piccaretto, Frank -

*brother of Vito

*arrested on bootlegging charges in February 1926

*arrested in October 1927 with Antonio Pesci and Frank Ardito on bootlegging charges

Piccarreto, Loren -

*member

*son of Rene

*stewart in Local 435

*indicted on assault charges in December 1982, after having slapped, chocked and threatened a union member who spoke out against mob involvement in the union, no verdict reached in March 1983

*arrested on charges of illegal liquor sales in February 1983

*indicted on racketeering charges in October 1987, sentenced to seven years in prison in June 1989

Piccarreto, Rene James “Rennie, The Painter” -

*member of Rochester Mafia

*son of Vito

*plead guilty to gambling charges in August 1948, in case involving among others Jake Russo

*arraigned on extortion charges with John J. Imburgia in April 1968

*arrested on loitering charges in June 1970, with among others Joseph Fino and Roy Carlisi, Buffalo Mafia members

*arrested in August 1970 gambling raid

*owned residence in California, were he started a real estate company with several partners, among them Sam Russotti, Sam Gingello and Joseph Tiraborelli

*arrested in May 1975 on extortion charges, being accused of attempting to take over the numbers operation of Joseph Lippa, one of the biggest independent numbers operators in the area

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, found guilty in November 1976 and sentenced to prison

*freed in January 1977, after it became known evidence in the Massaro case was fabricated, a revelation which eventually resulted in a major scandal and civil rights violation lawsuits by several of the mobsters

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

*one of leaders of so called A-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*arrested on charges of assault with Anthony Colombo in March 1982, after having beat one Charles Joseph Perotti III after Perotti had greeted Piccarreto

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 40 years in prison in December 1984

*target of C-Team in Spring of 1982, according to confessions of Thomas Pelusio, plot never carried out

*released from prison in June 2007

Piccarreto, Vito -

*member, possible underboss mid 1930s-1940s

*born in Corato, province of Bari

*brother of Frank and Fred

*arrested in August 1931 for carrying a weapon, driving without a license and illegal parking

*supect with Pasquale Amico in 1931 murder of Vincenzo Chiarmonte, bootlegging partner of both Amico and Piccaretto, but never charged

*arrested in April 1940 with Serafine Camiolo for counterfeiting

*died on July 10, 1947, in Rochester

Pietrantoni, Charles S. -

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, as operator of gambling establishment on behalf of Salvatore Gingello

*arrested in June 1970 gambling raid

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1984

Pirincin, Pasco -

*involved in bootlegging operation broken up in May 1947 with among others Joseph LaNovara

Pizzitelli, Anthony -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $300 in April 1972

Pizzitelli, Beatrice -

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Pizzo, John -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Pizzo, Marvin -

*born approx. 1918

*associate

*linked to C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

Pizzo, Samuel -

*arrested on bootlegging charges in August 1944 with Michael Amico, Sam Piazza and Angelo Cometa

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Pizzoli, Orazio “Jimmy” -

*arrested in gambling raid in January 1971

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1976

Poleto, Joe -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Poleto, Louis -

*arrested on gambling charges in July 1948

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Polidori, Quinto Leo –

*born approx. 1937

*charged with attempted grand larceny in August 1975, charges dismissed in February 1976

*moved to Arizona, employed by Frederico Jr.

*named by reporters working on “Arizona Project” as being a former Rochester Mafia figure

Polino, John –

*born approx. 1911

*former Rochester boxing figure

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*testified during 1988 racketeering trial to obtaining betting sheets form Joseph Geniola

Porcello, John -

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $300 in April 1972

Primerano, Samuel Joseph -

*born approx. 1958

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Prinzi, Philip -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Prizzi, Anthony -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

Provenzano, Pasquale –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Quaminia, Alfred -

*Rochester gambling figure

*various gambling arrests

*car bombed in November 1969

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

*arrested in May 1975 on charges of bribery

Quinn, John R. -

*born approx. 1940

*figured in counterfeiting case with Charles Indovino in 1986

*linked to car bombing of Joseph DiBattisto in  July 1985 and shooting of Robert Barone in March 1985

*cooperated with authorities, claimed to have been paid by Indovino for DiBattistoo bombing, as well as handling loansharking operation on behalf of Indovino

*sentenced to five years on counterfeiting charges in October 1987, after having testified in the bombing case against Indoovino and Pelitera

Ragusa, Sam “Oxie”” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

*numerous gambling arrests since 1936

Rallo, Jerome -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Rallo, Vincent -

*associate

*owned insurance company

*unsuccessful Republican candidate for 18th Ward supervisor in 1961

*figured in 1973/1975 union corruption case, in which Vincent Rallo, his two nephews Frank and Joseph Rallo and Vincent Verrone, former president of barber’s union, were accused of dividing 3.2 million from a barber’s union apartment project in Greece, NY

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

Randazzo, Joseph -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Frank Dimino and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Ranieri, Albert –

*born approx. 1964

*involved in 10,800,000 armored truck heist in June 1990

*arrested in July 1992 with his father, but no charges were brought and both were released

*teamed up with Anthony Leonardo Jr. in late 1990s, involved in variety of crimes with him, including narcotics distributioon and the plot to murder Anthony Vaccaro

*shoots to death Anthony Vaccaro on May 5, 2000

*sentenced to 30 years in prison in April 2003 on charges relating to both Leonardo and the 1990 truck heist

Ranieri, Anthony –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Ranieri, Larry –

*arrested in May 1926 for liquor smuggling with Joseph Lodato, Anthony Misseri, Patsy Amico, Joseph Micheluso and Dominic Gattalaro

Refermat, Josephine -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Reitano, Rocco D. -

*born approx. 1936

*indicted on gambling charges in August 1987, alleged to be operator of 44 Club, sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison in May 1988

Remmel, John J. -

*arrested in August 1971 on gambling charges together with Louis Mancuso, George Rosenberg and Richard Mayer

Reynolds, Virgil Earl -

*arrested for murder of Tony Massaro in December 1938, confessed and implicated Louis Tantalo, also confessed to participating in Agnello slaying nine months earlier

Ribellino, Pietro -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Greco gang

*murdered Joseph Capello in April 1923

*put on trial for Capello murder, sentenced to 8 years in prison in January 1924

*during trial, one of Piccaretto brothers testified on behalf of defense

Ricchueto, Andrew -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Richmond, George Allen -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

*operator of Young Boxer’s Club, a gambling joint

Rickless, Leo -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Rinaldo, Joseph “Potato Sack” -

*Rochester gambling figure

Riso, Harry -

*charged with variety of charges, including extortion, in May 1972 with Gene DeFrancesco, Frank Valenti and Joseph Zito, a self proclaimed Bufalino Family member who eventually started cooperating with the FBI

Rivoli, Alfred -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested in March 1971 gambling bust, fined $300 in April 1972

Rivoli, Jack B. Jr. -

*born approx. 1948

*arrested on gambling charges on July 1985

*arrested in November 1985 gambling raid, charged with selling liquor without a license

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Rivoli, Michael B. -

*born approx 1948

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

Rivoli, Salvatore Jr. -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Roman, George Joseph -

*chaged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Romeo, Carmen -

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, only one to escape indictment

Romognolo, James F. -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Rosenberg, George -

Rochester gambling figure

*numerous gambling related arrests, many with his partner Louis Mancuso

*arrested in December 1970 on gambling charges with Louis Mancuso and Michael Marzurchak

*arrested with Mancuso and Norman Cordaro in February 1971 on gambling charges

*arrested in August 1971 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in July 1977

Rosenheck, Martin -

*convicted for misuse of funds of Muffin Realty in 1969, sentenced to 1 to 5 years. Also convicted in this case was former county Democratic chairman William Posner

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, while arrested on parole from Muffin Realty case

Rossi, Augustino -

*Canandaigua Black Hand figure

*met Charles Lodato at alleged Black Hand banquet thrown at Angelo mark residence in July 1907

*arrested for slashing the face of Charles Lodato on July 26, 1907

Rossi, Joseph “The Hop” -

*member

*arrested in July 1969 on gambling charges with among others Salvatore Gingello

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime in August 1977

*target of assassination in 1978, when attempt was made by B-Team to bomb his car

*arrested in January 1982 on weapon charges, together with Donald Paone, sentenced to 1 year in September 1983

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 40 years in prison in December 1984

Ruggieri, Dominic P. -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and George Rosenberg

Rund, Louis V. -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Ruscio, Anthony “Soap Box” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*brother of Vern

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Ruscio, Frank –

*bootlegging partner of Joe Lodato

*arrested in connection with Lodato slaying in May 1927

Ruscio, Vern -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Russello, Michael -

*alleged Black Hand figure connected with Rafaele Greco

*claimed to have been the intended victim of Ribellino, when Capello and Russello were fighting, Capello was turned around by Russello and accidentally shot in the back by Ribellino

*held as a material witness in Capello shooting

Russo, Charles (Real name Charles Russolesi) -

*brother of Gondolfo and Jake

*arrested in 1960 on gambling charges

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*operator of Veterans of Northeast Rochester, a gambling joint

*arrested on gambling charges in January 1972 with several others

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito, received an 18 month sentence in March 1977

*arrested on gambling charges in May 1974

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*arrested in February 1983 on charges of illegal possession of a firearm

*held when refusing to testify before May 1987 Grand Jury investigating gambling, fined $10,000 for contempt in March 1988

Russo, Donald -

*son of Gondolfo

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

Russo, Gondolfo “Murphy Russo” (real name Gondolfo Russolesi)

*brother of Jake and Charles Russo

*mysteriously suffered two broken ankles at time of brother Jake’s disappearance

*arrested in October 1970 gambling raid with 26 others

*operator of Northway Social Club, a gambling joint

*arrested on gambling charges in May 1974

Russo, Jack -

*born approx. 1952

*associate

*implicated with Thomas Marotta in stolen car ring in 1999/2000, confessed in 2004 to have helped steal cars from parking lot of car sale company Russo was employed by.

Russo, James -

*son of Gondolfo

**arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*arrested in July 1985 on gambling charges, fined and oordered to Monroe County Sheriff’s Department work program in April 1986

Russo, Jake “Jakey Russo, Jack Russo, John Russo” (real name: Jacomini Russolesi” -

*arrested in Rochester in January 1938, in connection with a Pennsylvania robbery in September the year before

*sentenced to four years in prison on Pennsylvania robbery charge in May 1938

*plead guilty to gambling charges in August 1948, in case involving among others Rene Piccaretto

*believed too have been involved in torture slaying of Alberto Agueci

Russo, Salvatore M. -

*born approox. 1927

arrested with his wife Mary on gambling charges in September 1985

Russotti, Samuel “Red” -

*member

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*sought in connection with 1970 Grand Jury investigations, but could not be served a subpoena because he could not be located

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito. Eventually acquitted

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, found guilty in November 1976 and sentenced to prison

*freed in January 1977, after it became known evidence in the Massaro case was fabricated, a revelation which eventually resulted in a major scandal and civil rights violation lawsuits by several of the mobsters

*one of leaders of so called A-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982, sentenced to 40 years in prison in December 1984

*bomb like device found on lawn in April 1984

*died in prison on June 25, 1993

Ryan, Albert Jr. -

*born approx. 1962

*arrested in November 1985 on gambling charges

Ryan, Tim -

*aligned with B-Team during late 1970s underworld war, eventually cooperated with authorities

Salemi, Giuseppe -

*one of suspects in murder of Angelina Spitale

*sentenced to prison for possession of opium under the name of Joseph Salamone, and was recognized as being one of Angelina Spitale’s slayers in October 1935, but Spitale himself failed to identify him positively

Salimano, Salvatore -

*sought in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons, turned himself in a few days after massive arrests

Sallerson, Jack -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and Geroge Rosenberg

Salone, Angelo -

*brother of Sam

*arrested in October 1932 on fraud charges, together with his brother

Salone, Sam -

*arrested in October 1932 on fraud charges, together with his brother

*Democratic leader of 7^th Ward in 1940s

*arrested in connection with 2 million dollar lottery operation in September 1950, in which, among others, Joseph Corbi, Baltimore Mafia figure and John Melito, ranking Utica mobster, figured

Salvaggio, Michael –

*arrested for bootlegging with Joseph Baldo in February 1927

Salvato, Pasquale “Patsy” -

*slashed with knife in an argument by one Bruno Reilo in April 1927

*arrested for liquor law violations as bartender in saloon in 1927

*arrested July 12, 1931, as inmate of gambling house

Sampson, Raymond –

*associate

*aligned with C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

*arrested in March 1982 on weapon charges with Raymond Sampson

Santogiacomo, Joseph -

*bootlegging figure aligned with Boscarino

*related to Boscarino’s wife

*arrested in September 1922, after a still was discovered after a fire in the cellar of a meat market conducted by Boscarino

*figured in August 1926 Boscarino bootlegging ring

Santonato, Louis –

*born approx. 1929

*Rochester gambling figure

*owner of gambling stamp

*alleged owner of gambling joint raided in September 1970

*operator of Yamaha Social Club, firebombed in December 1977

*arrested on gambling charges in August 1978, together with Jimmy Gingello

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted in 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charges dismissed in October 1990

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Sardi, James J. -

*sought in connection with investigation into Columbus Day bombings in July/August 1975

*dynamite used in bombings stored at Sardi home, although Sardi himself was more or less unaware of storage, and totally unaware of purpose for dynamite

*refused to testify eventually sentenced to four years in prison for contempt

Sardisco, Jean -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Sarfaty, Jack -

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, as operator of gambling establishment on behalf of Salvatore Gingello

*arrested in June 1970 gambling raid

*arrested in August 1970 gambling raid

*arrested in January 1979 on gambling charges

Scarfia, John –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Scarfia, Joseph -

*involved in gambling operations with Ira Solomon

*arrested with Ira Solomon in 1969 on gambling charges, sentenced to one year in prison and fined 1,000

Scarlotta, Luigi -

*member of arson gang dubbed a Black Hand operation by police

*sentenced to seventy years in prison on arson charge in Canandaigua in later part of 1922

Scharnney, Michael -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Scherzi, Dominick -

*at one point a Rochester policeman (before being identified as associating with OC figures)

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

Scherzi, Ralph -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Schiano, Dominick -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Schrier, Andrew “Horn” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Schwasman, Wayne -

*born approx. 1948

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, together with Dominic Taddeo

Sciano, Charles P -

*born approx. 1949

*operator of 1455 Club, a Russotti linked gambling joined bombed in May 1978

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

*arrested with sixteen others on gambling charges in September 1978

*arrested in gambling bust netting 32 persons in November 1979

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1985

Sciolino, Joseph Vincent -

*born approx. 1938

*charged with attempted grand larceny in August 1975, charges dismissed in February 1976

*moved to Arizona, employed by Frederico Jr.

*named by reporters working on “Arizona Project” as being a former Rochester Mafia figure in 1977

*at that time was serving a three year sentence on a forgery charge

Sciortino, Gabriel “The Pig” -

*Early Mafia/Black Hand figure

*leader of Wolves, a notorious gang aligned with John Mollica

*arrested in October 1924 on suspicion of having aided the kidnapper of Josephine Gugliuzza, taken by a rejected suitor. The kidnapper drove Sciortino’s car

*shot to death by Mollica on November 23, 1924, in alleged dispute over spoils

Seide, Carl -

*Rochester gambling figure

*sued Democrat and Chronicle in December 1964 in order to stop the newspaper from publishing profiles on Rochester gambling figures with Sam Accorso. They lost.

Sereno, Joseph -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid on place of Louis Mancuso and Geroge Rosenberg

Serpe, Samuel -

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Shapiro, Jack A. -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

Sigalow, Norman -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Silveri, Robert -

*alleged member

*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime in August 1977

*arrested in January 1931 on charges of assault

*owner of The Fernwood, a gambling joint

*building seized in May 1987

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Simonetti, Raymond -

*born approox. 1941

*indicted in 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation

Sinare, Louis -

*born approx. 1914

*arrested in October 1931 on robbery charges with Joseph Imburgia and James Gingello

Siracuse, Joseph -

*alleged Rochester bootlegging figure

*moved to Buffalo, were he was shot to death June 25, 1929

*murder believed to have been linked to murder of Rose Resso and turning in of Granata and LaPlaca

Smith, Gerald J. -

*arrested in Gingello linked gambling operation in June 1970

Smith, Raymond -

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

Solomon, Ira “Muggsy” –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*found guilty of gambling charges in December 1964

Sorbello, Russell S. -

*arrested in June 1970 gambling raid

Spagnola, Joseph -

*arrested in March 1925 in what police described as a raid on a Black Hand headquarter with Frank Granata, John Didio, Lorenzo Didio, John Lanzalaco, Vincenzo Lanzaldia, Frank Dongiovanni, Frank LaPlaca and Salvatore Calrome

Spallina, Salvatore -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Specksgoor, Gerald F. “Jerry” -

*Rochester gambling figure

*holder of gambling stamp

Spinelli, Michele -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

Spinnachia, Richard S. -

*born approx. 1955

*arrested in August 1978 on gambling charges

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1985

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

Spitale, Charles -

*brother of Sam

*arrested in February 1927 on narcotics charges

*denied citizenship in April 1939 due to his narcotic conviction

*died in Rochester in February 1948

Spitale, Louis -

*arrested in December 1938 on counterfeiting charges with among others Anthony Oliveri

Spitale, Sam -

*brother of Charles Spitale, Rochester narcotics dealer arrested in 1927

*son-in-law of Antonio Merlo

*bootlegging figure, feuding with Morreale mob

*wife murdered in failed attempt on his life in 1928, for which Morreales were responsible

*failed attempt on his life made in May 1932, allegedly by Morreale mob, by ways of a car bombing

*arrested in September 1935 after shooting (but missing) one Benjamin Peprowski during an argument over traffic

Staccone, Massino -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Stagnito, Salvatore -

*early Mafia figure

*Involved in murder of James H. Upton in March 1919. Arrested and charged. Brother Vincenzo, born approx. 1900, also arrested, but later released.

*had gun permit when arrested for Upton murder

Starkweather, Rodney -

*born approx 1947

*associate

*aligned with B-Team during late 19770s underworld war

*arrested in June 1978 with Anthony Chirico, having explosives in their possession

*named as a suspect in Gingello murder by police after his June 1978 arrest

*wounded on July 30, 1978, when shot by members of B-Team

*indicted in November 1978 in connection with ongoing mob war

*started cooperating with authorities in February 1979

*indicted in connection with mob war in April 1979

Staufer, Arthur J. -

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

Stebbins, Leonard -

*born approx. 1941

*associate

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

Arrested in February 1981 on arson charges with his brother Arthur

*arrested in February 1983 on charges of illegal liquor sales

*arrested in November 1985 on gambling charges

*subpoenaed by prosecution in 1988 racketeering trial of Loren Piccarreto, fined $1,000 after coming too late to court on November 16, 1988

*charged in February 1990 with selling gun silencers

Steed, Frances -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Steed, Raymond -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

 *indicted on gambling charges in February 1972 with Andrew Blanda and Chester Palozzi

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1985

Succi, Robert -

*arrested with among others Orlando Paone and Ignatzio Castellano in December 1970 gambling raid

Surace, Dominic “Mickey” -

*son of Ferdinando Surace, Calabrian gang boss of Newcastle, operating within Rochester at on point

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Taddeo, Dominic -

*assoociate

*indicted in February 1987 on weapon charges and slayings of Nick Mastrodonato, Gerald Pelosio and Dino Tortarice, left Rochester and remained a fugitive until he was arrested in Cleveland in March 1989

*sentenced to 17 years in prison on weapon and bail jumping charges in June 1990

*tied to plot to spring from prison a Columbian with ties to the Medelin drug cartel in July 1990

*indicted on narcotics charges in February 1991, sentenced to additional 15

years in January 1992

*receives another 24 years in April 1992, after having plead guilty to the three mob hits he was accused oof

Taddeo, Nicholas –

*born approx. 1886

*Rochester bootlegging figure

*saloon raided in February 1929

*arrested in July 1948 on gambling charges

Tantalo, Abe -

*arrested in January 1975 in connection with large gambling operation, fined $750 in July 1977

Tantalo, Louis “Louis the Carpenter” -

*Pennsylvania counterfeiting and bootlegging figure associated with Agnello

*according to Virgil Reynolds, ordered Agnello slaying, and acted as triggerman in Tony Massaro slaying

*arrested in December 1938 for involvement in Agnello and Massaro slayings

Tantalo, Patrick -

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Tarricone, Frank -

*arrested in connection with large scale bookmaking operation in July 1974

Tascione, Daniel C. –

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

Taylor, Thomas E. -

*associate

*convicted of assault charges in 1961

*arrested on extortion charges in March 1964, with Al Mancuso and Benny Morganti of Utica

*convicted of assault in 1976, sentenced to one year in prison, served two months, then out due to appeal. Case dropped in July 1979

*survived the attack that cost Salvatore Gingello his life, being only slightly wounded, in April 1978

*arrested in May 1979 for threatening a detective, convicted in August 1979, fined $250

*in early 1980s, among leading figures of so-called C-Team, a group of non-member associates trying to obtain control over the local rackets from the established Mafia

*arrested in January 1982 on weapon charges, together with Thomas Pelusio

*charged with assault in March 1982, after having beat Sam Accorso inside the 44 Club as a warning to established Mafia, sentenced to 2,5 to 5 years in priosn in August 1984

*arrested in June 1982, in connection with shotgun murder of John Fiorino, indicted and put in trial, no verdict reached in January 1984

*sentenced to 25 to life in August 1985, after having been found guilty as charged in second Fiorino murder trial

*plead guilty to narcotics charges in October 1985, sentenced to three years in November 1985

Terrana, Joseph A. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Terrigno, Nicholas J. –

*born approx. 1936

*arrested in March 1982 on charges of selling liquor without a license

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Terzo, Charles -

*figured in 1937 bootlegging case with Dimino brothers

Thompson, John –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Tisa, Stefano -

*arrested July 7, 1922, for blackmailing, in scheme allegedly set up to raise money for Luigi Guadagnino

Tiraborelli, Joseph -

*alleged soldier

*stepson of Samuel Russotti

*questioned in 1970 Lupo slaying

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings, eventually receiving a six year sentence, conviction set aside in November 1978

*charged with the 1973 Massaro murder in June 1975, eventually dropped from case

*filed intent to sue after false arrest after having been discharged from Massaro case in August 1975

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*charged with assault after hitting journalist photographing his mother leaving the racketeering trial of Russotti in December 1984, found innocent in March 1985

Tobacco, Vincent -

*associate

loanshark debt collector for Rosario Chiricio

*charged with loansharking with Chiricio, plead guilty in July 1979 and gave testimony on behalf of prosecution, receives probation in August 1979 in return for his cooperation

Tolbert, James -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Tolbert, Patricia -

*wife of James Tolbert

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Tolliver, Robert Lee -

*arrested in May 1975 on charges of bribery

Tomasso, Peter -

*boorn approx. 1947

*related to Chester Palozzi

*gambling figure

*testified in 1988 racketeering trial, in which it was alleged he threatened a collegaue of his who distributed betting sheets concurring with the sheets Tomasso distributed

Torella, Dominic -

*born approx. 1947

*indicted on gambling charges in November 1987

*arrested in connection with gambling operation in which Tony Gingello Jr., among others, figured, in December 1993

Torella, Donald -

*born approx. 1942

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*arrested in gambling raid in December 1984

Torpey, Thomas M. -

*associate

*bodyguard for Gingello

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

*with several others arrested in August 1974 and charged with a variety of charges, including robberies and beatings

*survived the attack that cost Salvatore Gingello his life, being only slightly wounded, in April 1978

*operator of “Torpey’s Joint”, a gambling place linked to Russotti faction

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*arrested in April 1980 for assault

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar

*arrested in June 1982, in connection with shotgun murder of John Fiorino, indicted and put in trial, no verdict reached in January 1984

*sentenced to 25 to life in August 1985, after having been found guilty as charged in second Fiorino murder trial

*files libel suit against Democrat and Chronicle and Times Union, Rochester newspapers, in September 1986, suit dismissed in October that same year because it was not filed properly, new suit filed in February 1987, dismissed that same month

Tortarice, Dino –

*linked to C-Team during early 1980s mob struggle

*investigated in coonnection with April 1983 shooting of Thomas Marotta

*shot to death by Dominick Taddeo on August 2, 1983

Trakosis, Vasilios “Billy the Greek” -

*born approx. 1958

*arrested on gambling charges in March 1986

*ordered too testify on behalf oof prosecution in 1988 racketeering trial, but was relucant to do so, as were many

Triantafilou, Steve –

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

*indicted on gambling charges in July 1987

Tribunella, Mario J. -

*son of Richard

*linked to C-Team in early 1980s mob struggle

*indicted in June 1983 oon weapon charges

*under investigation for Marotta shooting in April 1983

Tribunella, Richard -

*alleged member

*father of Mario

**arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*arrested on gambling charges in May 1974

*indicted in September 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charged with bribery, charges dismissed in October 1990

*died on April 6, 1996

Trieste, George -

*arrested in gambling bust in May 1970, together with nine others

Trieste, Joseph J -

*alleged member

*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime in August 1977

*arrested in June 1978 with Robert Palmiere Trivigno and John Trivigno on weapon charges

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982

*at the time of indictment, business agent for Local 435

*indicted on assault charges in December 1982, after having slapped, chocked and threatened a union member who spoke out against mob involvement in the union, acquited on one charge, no verdict reached on another in March 1983

Trimaldi, Pat R. -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Tripoli, Gary -

*arrested in June 1970 gambling raid

Trivigno, John “Flap” -

*member

*aligned with A-Team during late 1970s mob war

*arrested in June 1978 with Robert Palmieri and Joseph Trieste on weapon charges

*indicted in new Massaro murder case and slaying of Thomas Didio in November 1982

*at the time of indictment, stewart of Local 435

*found guilty of attempted assault charges in April 1983, after having punched a cameraman covering the 1982 racketeering trial of Trivigno and his confederates

Troisi, Michael -

*arrested in March 1962 on gambling charges after series of raids staged by Rochester city police and Treasury agents

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating gambling

*arrested in September 1973 on gambling charges

Tubiolo, Anthony J. -

*indicted in connection with credit card fraud case in October 1971

Tubiolo, Angeline -

*wife of Peter Tubiolo

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Tubiolo, Peter –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

*arrested in June 1970 on bookmaking charges

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

*arrested on gambling charges in September 1973

Turri, Joseph -

*stored dynamite used in Columbus Day bombings

Uttaro, Carleen -

*wife of Frank

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Uttaro, Frank -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Vaccarella, John -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

*arrested in December 1979 on gambling charges in bust netting more then 40 people

Vaccarella, Leon T. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Vaccaro, Angelo -

*arrested in January 1970 on gambling charges, involving junkets to Las Vegas, found not guilty in September 1971

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970

*at time of arrest guns found in his possession, resulting in indictment, for which he was charged. Resulted in no verdict in April 1979, second trial resulted in acquittal of Vaccaro

*indicted as B-Team member, sentenced to 30 years in March 1980

*aligned with so called B-Team in underworld struggle of late 1970s

Vaccaro, Anthony -

*born approx. 1956

*Greece gambling and nightclub figure

*partner of Leonardo in nightclub

*business raided in March 2000, cash and gambling papers seized

*shot to death on May 5, 2000, in Greece

Valenti, Alphonse -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Frank Dimino and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Valenti, Costenza Peter “Stanley” -

*born February 8, 1926, in Rochester

*brother of Frank J.

*married daughter of Pittsburgh capo Antonio Ripepi

*involved in produce business with brothers Paul, Anthony, Salvatore and John

*attended November 1957 Apalachin meeting

*presence at Apalachin resulted in various subpoenas for Grand Jury hearings, both brothers served short jail terms in connection with these hearings

*named as member of Bonanno Family by Joseph Valachi in October 1963

*subpoenaed before Grand Jury investigating Rochester organized crime in August 1977

*indicted in connection with mob war in April 1979, severed from trial due to ill health

*died on February 2001, in Victor, New York

Valenti, Frank -

Valenti, Frank Joseph “The Sphinx” -

*born September 14, 1911, in Rochester

*brother of Stanley

*moved to Pittsburgh in 1920s

*initiated into Pittsburgh family, sponsored by Tony Ripepi

*indicted on murder charges in June 1946 involving double slaying of Frank Evans and Fred Garrow

*attended Apalachin meeting in November 1957, at the time again residing in Rochester

*presence at Apalachin resulted in various subpoenas for Grand Jury hearings, both brothers served short jail terms in connection with these hearings

*surrendered in January 1961 when sought on charges of false registration and illegal voting, eventually sentenced to three years banishment from New York state

*named as member of Bonanno Family by Joseph Valachi in October 1963

*again went to Pittsburgh

*returned to Rochester halfway 1964

*subpoenaed before April 1966 Grand Jury investigating organized crime in Rochester

*arrested on loitering charges in June 1970, with among others Joseph Fino and Roy Carlisi, Buffalo Mafia members

*subpoenaed before 1970 Grand Jury investigating organized gambling and possible police corruption

*indicted by Grand Jury in October 1970 on charges of contempt

*collapsed on sidewalk on September 23, 1971, carried away and driven home by Rene Piccaretto

*charged with variety of charges, including extortion, in May 1972 with Gene DeFrancesco, Harry Riso and Joseph Zito, a self proclaimed Bufalino Family member who eventually started cooperating with the FBI, sentenced to 20 years in prison

*retired to Phoenix, Arizona, after June 1972 murder of Dominick Chirico, a message of the Russotti faction to do so

*pled guilty to charges of transporting guns across state lines in March 1973

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

*indicted in connection with Constable murder in April 1975

*indicted in July 1975 for Columbus Day bombings of 1970

*indicted in April 1976 on arson charges

*paroled from extortion sentence in June 1980

Valenti, Joseph -

*arrested in July 1940 on bootlegging charges with among others Frank Dimino and Joseph Conti of Jamestown

Valenti, Joseph -

Valenti, Paul –

*apparent cousin of Valenti brothers

*arrested in July 1918, having figured in case involving stolen money

*arrested for robbery in October 1926

*arrested with Joseph Ollis in minor extortion scam in October 1929

Valle, Salvatore C. –

*arrested in massive gambling crackdown in October 1959

Vallery, James S. -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Veale, Carl -

*indicted for burglary in June 1926 with Sam Piazza and John Lanzalaco

Venniro, Michael -

*arrested on gambling charges in October 1972

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Vinci, Michael -

*together with several others, including Pittston mob boss Russell Bufalino, charged with a variety of crimes in April 1973, charges based on information provided by Joseph Zito.

Virgo, Frank -

*early Mafia figure

*arrested for maintaining a gambling place in September 1922, together with John Mollica

*arrested for bootlegging in 1926

Viscardi, Michael -

*charged in November 1982 in connection with gambling ring

Visconte, Enrico -

*convicted of petit larceny acquitted of third degree burglary in November 1947, sentenced to one year in prison

*arrested in August 1951 in a cause involving the defrauding of the Veterans Administration

*found shot to death on March 20, 1969

Vitale, Anthony –

*arrested in April 1928 on charges of operating a lottery

Vitrano, Joseph J. -

*arrested on gambling charges in November 1972

Waghorn, Ronald -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Wagner, Fred W. -

*arrested in October 1970 on gambling charges with 26 others

Walsh, William G. -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Wamser, Norman -

*arrested in September 1974 in massive major bust

Waters, Jake Alfred -

*arrested for operating a lottery in December 1970

*arrested in May 1975 on charges of bribery

Weiner, Samuel -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

White, Agnes -

*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

White, Ernest D. Jr. -

*associate of Monachinos and DeCanzio

*involved in various robberies in late 1960s

*shot to death by Albert DeCanzio in 1973

White, Stanley C. -

*arrested in September 1970 gambling raid

Winder, James -

*indicted in Indovino linked counterfeiting case in May 1987

Wisner, Donald J. –

*charged in December 1981 for smashing up a bar, with among others Thomas Torpey

Woods, Edward -

*arrested in March 1977 after a 15 month investigation into gambling

Yanello, Charles -

*born approx. 1936

*indicted in September 1989 on gambling charges, in what authorities described as a highly organized operation, charges dismissed in October 1990

*at time of arrest, was a self-employed contractor and former city police officer (nothing indicated he committed any wrongdoing while employed by police department)

Zeppetella, Paul -

*arrested in December 1964 in massive gambling bust resulting from the D&C series on local gamblers

Zimmerman, William “Zeke” -

*born approx. 1944

*Rochester fence, sometimes associate of Rochester Mafia figures

*arrested on fencing charges in 1974, which eventually resulted in the Monachino brothers cooperating with authorities

Zizzo, Vincent -

*arrested in February 1970 gambling raid netting a total of 16 Rochester gambling figures