To Be Under The Outfit’s Thumb

Logic

Joe what was the relationship between your father, uncle and DiFronzo or Aiuppa before him? Also, is Paul Fosco, who I believe is a cousin, still involved?

Finally, can you comment on Joe Belli and his son? Would you guess Joe Belli to be made, given his close ties directly with John DiFronzo?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Logic,
My Uncle Romie had a good relationship with DiFronzo and Aiuppa. My father did with Aiuppa. However, my families clout centered around Teets, Mooney and Paul. However, Joe B served as a good friend after Teets, Mooney and Paul died.
Paul A. Fosco and I have reached an agreement to deny that we are related whatsoever. In my opinion, Paul A. Fosco is very much a willing participant to perform for the Chicago Outfit.
At this time I know very little of Joe Belli and/or his son. I will look in to it.
Joseph Fosco

Dear Logic,
If the Joe Belli you are asking about pronounces his name as b-e-l-l, then I could confirm my opinion is that he is definitely not a ‘made’ guy. I know nothing of a son.
- Logic
  
  The Stier Anderson report is probably the most up-to-date overview of the Chicago Outfit there is. The reason I ask is that Joseph Belli Sr. & Jr. are both identified as union officers with extremely close relations with DiFronzo. I know they frequent Armand’s and that Belli Sr. at one point was DiFronzo’s driver.
  
  Also, based on your knoweldge, would you assume DiFronzo and other high-level Outfit heavies will be attending the wedding of Frank Caruso Jr. next week? Curious as to the relationship between Elmwood Park and Bridgeport, as the 26th Street crew are always viewed as the “hitters” and Elmwood Park as the “earners.”
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Logic,
    I would be very surprised if DiFronzo attends the Caruso wedding. I am sure you will find Jackie Cerone, Esq. there. The Caruso’s have maintained a relationship with Jackie, which tells me they are not well versed on the ‘who is who’ and the ‘who has been’.
    In my opinion, the Caruso’s are truly a primitive bunch. Look at what was done to the Clark boy on the bicycle a number of years ago. And another incident where a senior citizen was attacked a few years back.
    
    Why would anyone want to be at that wedding?
    - Logic
      
      True primitive in action, but not in the way those actions were dealt with. Caruso Jr. served an extremely light setnence, given the crime. One witness refused to cooperate against Caruso after another was killed while being “robbed” under extremely suspicious circumstances. This tells me that the Caruso’s have enough clout on 26th Sreet to order killings at the behest of their kids and that as a mafia crew, they are actually rather effective. Each Caruso brother ran unions for decades before eventually being forced out and according to the 2004 Stier Anderson report…they still run unions through various associates. You no longer find soldiers driving the neighborhood doling out public beatings as they did when LaPietra and Cerone Sr. were around. To be an effective gangster in this era and serve little to no prison time as Caruso, Matassa, Andriacchi, Cullotta, Spina, Magnafichi, Fratto and other Outfit heavyweights have…well that shows they are doing much better than their east coast cousins and also shows the success of the Chicago Outfit. Many up and coming leaders do not have criminal convictions on their records. In 2010, that is actually rather impressive. I’m not lauding them and consider cosa nostra a plague on Italian culture, but I give credence where due.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Logic,
      
      Like most charities, their first number of concerns is commissions, expenses and salaries. Whatever is leftover goes to the cause. The Chicago Crime Commission, in my opinion, is not much different from most charities/501C3. The fact that the Chicago Crime Commission is wrong in a great number of instances is consistent with my theory that a charities cause is usually not its first/top priority ($).

gene petard

joe,

is there any buzz about made outfit guys fearing that fratto or sarno may flip? i’m not asking you for your personal opinion. i’m asking if, according to your sources, any gangsters are expecting them to flip in order to receive leniency or some type of deal.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Gene,

There is most definitely a great deal of buzz about ‘made’ guys fearing that Fratto may flip (I have not heard any buzz regarding Sarno). These gangsters are not incredibly smart people, but it does not take a rocket scientist to realize that something is out of place when the U.S. Attorneys Office no longer objects to defense motions, such as Fratto’s motion to be removed from house arrest and his surrender date continued indefinitely.

Another sign that Rudy is cooperating is that John Kass (who in my opinion is the unofficial public relations department for the U.S. Attorneys Office) has not said a word about Fratto lately. Kass is the media – why is he not asking the U.S. Attorney about their weak response (which is no response) to Fratto’s motions that have helped him remain free.

For the U.S. Attorneys Office to sit back quietly while Fratto motions for whatever he wants in court either means he is cooperating with the government, or he successfully corrupted the U.S. Attorneys Office to serve the Chicago Outfit.

It will be interesting to see if Fratto escapes going to prison on his next surrender date, which is (tentatively) set for September 7, 2010.

gene petard

is it true that marco damico isn’t made? to the CCC this would sound incorrect. how do you know?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Gene,
Marco is not ‘made’. Trust me!
- Logic
  
  Joe–Marco was noted meeting with DiFronzo in River Forest by Chuck Goudie. Marco, John Matassa, all DiFronzo brothers and Andriacchi were also attendants. If he were in fact not made, then what would his purpose be for attendance? The FBI has him listed as made and the level and connections of his schemes with other made members definitely prove that as well.
  
  Please don’t take that the wrong way–I very much respect your commentary/background and knowledge of the Outfit.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Logic,
    The status of being ‘made’ is overrated. There have been men that were not ‘made’ who were ten times the size of some ‘made’ men. Old man Cerone did not care for Marco a lot. However, Marco was a huge earner, which is why Cerone kept him around. Cerone likely kept Marco from being ‘made’.
    The information that you have about Goudie catching all those guys somewhere in River Forest – are you sure that you are not thinking about the footage on DiFronzo at the old Loon Cafe in River Grove? If so, Andriacchi was not there. And, by the way, Andriacchi does not care for Marco one bit – never did.
    These Outfit heavyweights are not reluctant to mingle with people that are not ‘made’. Do not read in to the status of being ‘made’ so much – again, it is overrated.
    - Logic
      
      You are correct on the situation I’m describing–Loon Cafe lunch. Though Goudie doesn’t call out his presence (he only notes D’Amico and DiFronzo bros attending) you can clearly see Matassa enter and I took a guess at a mystery guy with brown/grey hair–Andriacchi.
      
      Regardless, Cerone would have been locked up since the 1980s and given Marco’s rise seemed to peak around the early 90s, I’m sure DiFronzo would have given the “OK” to have him made. We do know that DiFronzo and D’Amico are close. Cerone’s influence is long-gone and given D’Amico kept his mouth shut and did his time, in addition to overseeing the largest bookmaking operation of the Outfit, you would have to assume he was straightened out. Would you agree?
      
      Of course being “made” in the Outfit is not the same as the east coast, but I would be hard pressed to find an example of non-made members having leverage over those that are in fact made. I believe the Outfit only “makes” those they plan to have lead crews and territories. We know from Nick Calabrese that the ceremony with the finger prick and saint still exists. Thus the Outfit is still la cosa nostra.
      
      On another note, do you know the current status of Salvatore “Solly D” DeLaurentis or Michael Zitello? Also, did you know Jimmy Cozzo?
      
      Rudy Fratto’s cousin Gill Vallerio was pinched back in the early 90s with Carlisi. Has he since moved on from the Outfit? He’s doing a reality TV show with a few other wannabe wiseguys from around the country. Its quite entertaining.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Logic,
      I appreciate your points. However, Marco is not ‘made’. It has been a while since I watched Goudie’s footage on DiFronzo; however, I do not recall seeing Matassa in the clip. DiFronzo hardly ‘made’ anyone after taking over when Cerone went away – maybe no one. Solly is ‘made’. I do not know anything about Zitello. I did not know Jimmy Cozzo.
      I would not be surprised if Ruddy Fratto starts making reality TV shows at some point in the future. Since he cannot be a successful gangster in real life, he might as well play one on TV.

Nick

Is Peter DiFronzo “made”? Is he considered a heavy or an enforcer who is capable of violence (or worse) and who uses foul language to intimidate other gangsters and victims?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Nick,
Peter plays the part of a gentleman. However, he can handle himself physically. He has been known to intimidate. He is definitely ‘made’. He is as powerful as one would be with a brother like John DiFronzo. Word on the street is that once his brother Johnny passes away, a great deal of people will have a lot less use for him.

Nick

It would be cool if you wrote a whole article about Peter DiFronzo. Have you had any encounters with him? Maybe consider doing an article about Large Guy Sarno or John Matassa (another leader) also.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Nick,
Of course, I had encounters with Peter; despite the fact that he denies that he has ever met me. It is a DiFronzo trait to tell ridiculous lies. Remember when John told Chuck Goudie that he does not know Marco – Chuck had footage of the two eating lunch together minutes earlier. I might do a piece on Peter for you. I will have to think about fat Sarno and really fat Matassa. If you have not read my piece naming Matassa, please do so here: http://americannewspost.com/?s=senese&submit=

Wojnowska

Glad to see that the Outfit talk and analysis is picking up on here again. This used to be the most current resource out there. What are the Jimmy the Man wins his appeal? What do you think his brother Mickey will be up to when he’s released? Boss?

Tom J.

Hello Joe
Just wondering what appeal does Jimmy Marcello has going on ? Also there be nothing better if that scumbag Rudy is beefing

Joseph Fosco

Dear Tom,
I am not sure what is going on with Marcello’s appeal. I will look in to it for you.
I agree with you about the scumbag (Rudy Fratto), if he were beefing there would be nothing better. However, I am afraid that Rudy will not be truthful in his cooperation with the government (if he is beefing and I believe that to be the case), which means innocent people that Rudy does not like could possibly pay the price.

Logic

Joe-

Alphonse Tournabene, the Bastone brothers, Joe Beli and others were all infamous “sleepers” and powerhouses in the Outfit that had very little to no public or law enforcement notoriety. Given Tournabene didn’t come out until 2007, one might assume there are others like him. Are you aware of any these “sleepers?”

Joseph Fosco

Dear Logic,
Yes, I am aware of sleepers both dead and alive. Perhaps I will touch on the subject in an article.

Bonzo B.

Please provide details about one of your run-in’s with Greedy.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Bonzo,
I am not at liberty to discuss such details, not at this time. I am currently in process of taking legal action against him. Therefore, I should not discuss any matter related to the two of us. Not now. Sorry.

Bonzo B.

Are you referring to the RICO case?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Bonzo,
The RICO case that I filed last year is a done deal. I elected not to petition the court of appeals to examine my argument on the defenses use of their statute of limitations claim. I am looking at an entirely different situation right now. Thanks.

ElMozote

Is there any way that you could write an article about Peter without compromising your current legal situation?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Elmozote,
I will consider it. May I ask, what is your reason for asking me to cover Pete in an article?

ElMozote

He’s the only one from your RICO case that you never focused on specifically in an article. You blew the lid off of everyone else–not Peter.

If writing an article about him will hurt your situation, then please don’t.

–ElMozote

Joseph Fosco

Dear Elmozote,

I have not expanded on Peter because he is the dullest star of the bunch. It would take a lot of work to make his story worth reading, because I only print the truth. However, I will consider doing something for you on the subject.

Leonard

Do you think if DiFronzo could do it all over again do you think he’d have tried his hands being a legitimate business man with no criminal activity in his life, or do you think he enjoys being a criminal and being in the mafia?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Len,
My guess is that DiFronzo would (if he could do it over again) keep his ‘nose’ clean.

larry on a dime

joe do you know anything about all those guys in marco island greco,grieco,borsellinos,olivirri.no one ever mentions them this is in reference to (logics)comment about sleepers

Joseph Fosco

Dear Larry,
I know very little – too little to make a comment worthwhile.
- larry on a dime
  
  joe those are the people you should be lookin at do some investigative work and you will find out alot where the big money is at and how they started
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Larry,
    It is an interest.
    - larry on a dime
      
      also joe can u post the new outfit chart that was on your post a couple months ago the one with all the picture
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Larry,
      If I can locate the chart I will post it.

I love Mel Gibson BECAUSE of his rant.

Joe,

Here is the link, which I found on the Donald Trump thread:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7034/outfit.gif

In my opinion, it’s a good thing that Burstein never published this thing to the open web. There seem to be numerous errors in it.

Joe, would you agree? Also, what are your thoughts on the claim that “Logic” could possibly BE Burstein?

Joseph Fosco

Dear I Love,
I have no opinion of whther logic could be Burnstein.

Ugotz472

How is Joey “the Clown” Lombardo fairing in prison?? Also what, if any, is the current situation with the “Grand Ave.” crew, if you don’t mind me asking and happen to have any current information?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Ugotz,
I do not know Lombardo’s health status. I will find out.
According to my old friend from Richard’s Bar, Grand Avenue seems to have had a new kid on the block by the name Albert. It could very well be that Albert is the new guy. At least that is the way my old friend makes it seem.
- http://AmericanNewsPost Ugotz472
  
  Thanks much Mr.Fosco, it’s been about a year since I’ve been to Richards, can’t beat the place for a nice cold one on a hot day!! I’ll be looking forward to any new info you post.
  - http://AmericanNewsPost Ugotz472
    
    Mr.Fosco, any word on Spina, Lombardo’s driver, does he still have that restaurant/bar thing going on??
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Ugotz,
      I thought he sold/closed it a while ago. I believe he sold his home as well, or was trying to sell it. I am not up to date on Christie.
- father guido
  
  Would Albert be with Difronzo or Sarno?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Father,
    What are you talking about?
    - father guido
      
      I was reading this thread and you mentioned on aug 13 comment to ugotz that your freind at richards bar said that someone named Albert was running grand ave. I was wondering if grand avenue gangsters are with difronzo or sarno?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Father,
      Sarno.

pasquale

A guy discussing organized crime on Charlie Rose said that proper application of the RICO statute & emergent surveillance technologies have set the American mafia back 60-70 years. In Chicago and New York, it’s been reduced to bunch fractured, turn-of-the-century Black Hand operations; i.e., smaller-scale juice operations, extortion, gambling, etc.

Narcotics activities breeds informants like nothing else. And, to its credit, the Outfit has done a good job of basically steering clear of it. The Outfit had actually maintained a pretty good reputation for not associating with too many squealers—unlike New York. But now that Nick Calabrese has blazed the trail of being a “made” informant, I suspect that others will follow. Actually, the government is supposedly working with 2 high-ranking Outfit members right now. And I know that everyone thinks Fratto is a joke as a gangster, and maybe he is. But if he rolls over, it’s “good night, Irene!” for traditional organized crime in Chicago. This is a good thing, Logic.

Joe, what was that you were saying about John Kass “being” the media, as well as the unofficial public relations department for the U.S. Attorney’s Office? Well, as some of us surely know, Kass has more than once alluded to an impending “tsunami” of indictments for the Chicago Outfit in the near future. (Family Secrets II?) This whole conversation is going to be moot in about three years because all of the folks are going to be in prison.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Pasquale,
Yes, I believe that Kass is the unofficial media relations department for Pat Fitzgerald’s office.

Further proof is evident in his article today:

Kass: Wall Street Journal wrong to rip Patrick Fitzgerald over Blago

Wall Street Journal editorial page is still extremely upset over Fitzgerald’s prosecution of Scooter Libby

With political corruption swallowing the heart of Illinois, and The Wall Street Journal doing the Illinois Combine’s work in demanding the head of independent corruption fighter U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald why not let readers get their writes?

Hey Mr. Kass, read Thursday’s editorial in The Wall Street Journal. Then you really will know what an incompetent Patrick Fitzgerald is. Wake up and smell the coffee. Jerome L.

Dear Jerome – I respect the Journal’s Editorial Page, but I’m extremely disappointed that they’d carry the Combine’s flag and try to plant it in Fitzgerald’s chest for the Blagojevich trial. It’s obvious to me they’re still extremely upset over Fitzgerald’s prosecution of Scooter Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. Scooter was convicted of lying in an investigation into the outing of a CIA officer. He ran interference for others. They were Republicans. And that, the Journal does not forgive. To lay all the problems of the Justice Department on Fitzgerald, including bad prosecutions in other states, is ridiculous. Tribune reporting shows that the jury voted 11-1 to convict former Gov. Rod Blagojevich on 13 corruption counts, including charges he tried to sell President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat. Fitzgerald was forced to pull the trigger early on the investigation when on Dec. 5, 2008, the Tribune published a story reporting that Blagojevich had been secretly recorded by the feds. He had no choice but to wrap up the investigation. Consider how the big dogs ran wild in the corrupt state of Illinois before Fitzgerald arrived. If he leaves, there will be little hope. Who would the Journal want to help pick our new federal prosecutor? Indicted Republican Combine boss Bill Cellini? Democratic Machine bosses Mayor Richard Daley or House Speaker Michael Madigan? Karl Rove?

Dear John: We know that Blagojevich’s jury was deadlocked 11-1 in favor of conviction on many counts. They were not even close to acquitting him. He was spared conviction by the refusal of one juror to see what all the others could see. Will Blagojevich be that lucky next time? Paul L., Esq.

Dear Squire: Of course not, unless Bill Cellini gets to pick the next U.S. attorney. I think Blago will try to cut a deal, plead to other counts and spend a few years perfecting that Big House Tamale recipe. It reminds me of the movie “Dirty Harry.” Picture Blago knotting a $500 silk tie, looking in the mirror and saying “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?” Well, do ya, Dead Meat?

Hi John. As I read the Chicago Trib each morning over coffee, I often wonder how far back Illinois corruption occurs. Is there some general period in which political scientists can say, “This is where it began to go downhill”? Is it solely the citizenry and its refusal to “vote the rascals out”? Or does corruption become so embedded that its citizens can do nothing? Elizabeth P.

Dear Elizabeth: Yes, it all began when we started selling cheap whiskey to the Indians for pelts. And though voters have a responsibility, the warlords have so wired the state that we need a corruption-fighting federal prosecutor. Remember that when Fitzgerald was installed over the objections of the Combine, they ran the man who selected him, former Republican U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (no relation), out of politics. We also need men and women of integrity to run for high office. One name that comes to mind is former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins. With his connections, if he ran for mayor of Chicago, I bet lightning would strike.

John, The “Adam Family” would have us all believe that if the Cubs lost 11-1, the Cubs actually won because they scored one run!!! The height of their continuing theatrics once again insults the intelligence of us screwed Illinois citizens. They are vying with Blago for the award for Most Delusional. John W.

Dear John: The Adam Family is crafty, and most definitely not delusional. They did not immediately volunteer to represent Blago in his retrial, which demonstrated they are quite sane.

John, Loved your Rosty article; very educational. I would like to hear more about Tubbo Gilbert. Are the 1938 murders of Joe Rostenkowski’s precinct captains still cold cases? Anybody working on it? Like O’Leary’s cow? Wasn’t Tubbo slated to run in the 1950 election? What happened to him? Bill N.

Dear Bill: The infamous Tubbo Gilbert, dubbed by the newspapers of the day as “The World’s Richest Cop” — for the $360,000 found in just one of his treasure chests — was the Democratic Machine’s candidate for Cook County sheriff in 1950. The Gilbert scandal did not help the ticket, but there was one survivor. His name? Richard J. Daley, who became the county clerk. You know what happened to him. And Tubbo? He never did catch the killers of Joe Rosty’s precinct captains. He was trounced in the 1950 elections but did get a job at a racetrack where his brother was security boss. Then it was learned the brother had been on sick leave from the Chicago Police Department for years, drawing his police paycheck all that time. I’m sure the Wall Street Journal was upset when they heard it. Tubbo departed this life in 1970, a rich man.

jskass@tribune.com

Dorsey Shart

Joe,
Did you hear about this:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/maywood/news/2951222,franklin-park-fire-120710-s1.article

Joseph Fosco

Dear Dorsey,
Yes, I did hear about it. In fact, I drove by to see it recently. Whoever started that fire really knew what he was doing. I am awaiting the official results before I decide if I am going to write anything about it.
I wonder if Holy Name Cathedral will continue to receive financial support now that John’s cash cow is dead.

Xmas gift for Ghost of f*rt on a horseys b*ner

Dear Joe and Ghost,
You might find the following piece a little interesting. Pay special attention to the part at around 5:00. The part where he says that it is about the guys from 12th and wolf.

Xmas gift for Ghost of f*rt on a horseys b*ner

Oops, almost forgot, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayJ32BOO1ic
Joe, Ghost . . . what are your feelings on this?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Xmas,
I have no feelings about it. Sorry.
- Johnny “coffeecake”
  
  Dear Joe,
  
  In all honesty, do you consider ‘skinny joey’ to be a good looking guy?
  
  I know it sounds like an odd question, but the topic of looks has come up on here before.
  
  So would you say that he is a good looking guy or not?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Johnny,
    I suppose he is a nice looking person, especially if one likes the Italian look. lol
    - Don “the jeweler”
      
      Dear Joe,
      I love your sense of humor!!!

Joseph Fosco

Today, I will not be wishing Johnny DiFronzo a Happy Birth Day (he turned 82-years old).

ie or y

i heard senator little dick turbin will not be seeking re-election in 14′.

Long haired hippy

Dear Joe,

I do not know if you are following the ‘large guy’ trial at all, but if you are, I have a quick question for you.

A lot of times when there is someone who goes against the mob in court, they end up joing the witness protection program mainly due to fear of some type of retribution.

Do you think that someone like Vincent Dublino (who testified for the government and who is the owner of the store that was bombed) will join the witness protection program? Or do you think that it is simply a thing of the past due to the mob’s weakened status.

Thanks.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Long,
I am not following the Sarno trial. I do not watch the Mob as Kass and Goudie and others like them do. I simply write about my bad experiences with the gangsters to whom I was affiliated (socially). I was not affiliated with Sarno. However, I am somewhat conscious of the Sarno trial because I read newspapers and watch the news on television. To answer your question, I do not know if the witness that you mentioned will join the protection program or not. The witness would have to make that call and I do not know what kind of person he is – he is a stranger to me. I wish to clarify; I do not believe that the witness protection program is outdated, not at all. And, the Outfit might be weaker today than it was 40-years ago; however, it is strong enough to exterminate human beings at anytime – definitely.

(Thanks to the anonymous email pointing out my incorrectly spelled word – all fixed)

the ghost of f*** on a horsey…

3 Things

1. You know, I miss the old days of KTF Media Group when Joe wrote about the Outfit, and readers could post any old crap in threads. Joe, any chance you’ll go back to the old format, as I’ve just described? That was the Golden Age of the blog.

2. Joe, I’m not familiar with WordPress, and I’m wondering if there’s something you can do with the settings, so that when people read my comments, they can click on a little audio icon so they can hear the sound of a horse galloping? Thanks.

3. Harlem, thanks for the Christmas present.

Joseph Fosco

Dear The Ghost,
I miss the open comment thread too. I do not like the extra job of moderating. However, I refuse to post threatening comments and other inappropriate things.
I will check with my IT person to see about the horse sounds. LOL
- The Don
  
  Joe, I’d like to discuss with you five popular false beliefs that the media & idiots like Bill Roemer promote and would like your excellent feedback. False belief #1) Tony Accardo from 1957 through 1966 was above Sam Giancana and that Mooney took orders from him. I believe this to absolutely false. Paul Ricca was the Top Boss/Advisor and only He could/would give Mooney an order. Mooney and Accardo were basically on the same level. The Capos, made guys, and soldiers who worked for the made guys were either Mooney guys or Accardo guys as far as their first loyalty was concerned. It was basically Taylor St. versus Grand Ave. Giancana was pure Taylor St. and Accardo was pure Grand Ave. False belief #2) Phil Alderisio became the Top Boss of the Outfit after Teets Battaglia died. I seriously doubt it. Maybe he became a Capo but not the Top Boss. False belief #3) Joe Ferriola became the Top Boss Of the Outfit in 1986. Absolutely false. It was Sam Carlisi & The Underboss was John Difronzo. False belief #4) Tony Zizzo was the Underboss of the entire Outfit. Absolutely false. Zizzo was a personal Underboss to Marcello but not of the entire Outfit. False belief #5) During the 1960′s, 1970′s & 1980′s the outfit had about 250 to 300 made guys. Absolutely false. The Outfit never had more than 70 or 75 active made guys on the street at any time. the only way to come up with a large number like 300 which is what Roemer said in his bullshit book is if you want to count all the soldiers who work for the made guys and even then I doubt it would have been 300.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    I certainly agree with you on items 1-4. As to item five, I am confident that you are accurate, however, I simply cannot say for sure the amount of ‘made’ guys that existed years ago or today.
    - father guido
      
      Jimmy Marcello was Carlisi’s right arm and Zizzo worked under Carlisi and Marcello. Obviously Zizzo and Chiaramonti had different idea’s about the pecking order after Black Sam died, but we know how that turned out. Jimmy Marcello linked with Cicero / 26th abandoning the old crew. He needed muscle and a base of operations which Cicero / 26th provided.

Father Guido

Don and or JF,

Who would these guys have been with 1957-62? Accardo or Giancana?
Frank LaPorte
Bruno Roti or Skids Caruso
Auippa

Was Turk Torello from Taylor Street or Grand Ave?

Would you consider Auippa just below Accardo and Giancana?

Thank you,
Father Guido

The Don

Father Guido, Joe would know better than me because he is the expert. However, I would venture to say that Laporte was with Mooney, Caruso I believe would have been with Mooney, Torello was born in Cicero and was the Underboss to Capo Bucciere. I believe Torello would have been more with Mooney because Bucciere came from Taylor st. I’m not sure if Auippa was more with Mooney or Accardo. During the 1957 to 1966 period, Auippa was definitly under Mooney & Accardo.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear The Don,
  Turk was Aiuppa’s man. And we know that Aiuppa was Accardo’s man.
  - The Don
    
    Thanks Joe, I had a feeling I could have been wrong about Torello. Did Torello come up under Bucciere? I know Bucciere came from Taylor St.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, following up on this particular discussion, was Ross Prio a Mooney man or an Accardo man?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      I do not know.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Turk was a kid next to Fif. Turk came up under Fif.
    - Father Guido
      
      thanks. We discussed Turk in another thread. It was rumored that Turk was noticed and brought in because he murdered someone at a very young age perhaps a relative, most likely by Joe O. He may have been transfered to Fif because of his speciality, killing. Ferriola and most likely Infelice would never have been anything but soldiers had Turk lived.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Father,
      I agree.
DOM

I believe Campagna was an advocate of LaPorte. Then again, Campagna was deceased by 1957. I know in 1955 LaPorte and Accardo ran into some tax troubles involving the ownership of the Owl Club in Calumet City, which caught the attention of the press. Also, Al Pilotto and a number of Chicago Hts. businessmen testified in Accardo’s defense at his tax trial in the early 60′s. I would say Accardo and LaPorte were tight.

Father Guido

I ment from 1957-1966. Does anyone think the Johnny Torrio or someone else planted Ricca in Chicago? His Mafia pedigree doesn’t sound like he would have just come to chicago and worked at a restaurant.

The Don

Dom & Father Guido, Upon further thought and brief clarification on one point with Joe Fosco, I would say the first loyalty of the Capos during the 1957 to 1966 period was like this: Prio & LaPorte (Ricca), Battaglia & Bucciere (Giancana), Auippa & Cerone (Accardo). ‘Skids’ Caruso was born & raised in the ‘Patch’ which was Taylor St. He ran with the 42′s. He was a strong made man who was direct with Giancana.
- The Don
  
  Dom & Father Guido, By 1973, Ricca had died, Battaglia had died, Prio had died, LaPorte had died, Bucciere had died, Alderisio had died etc. and Giancana was long out of power. When Torello became a Capo after the death of Bucciere, his first loyalty was with Auippa. In the legitimate Corporate world, when there is a big transitional shift of power, some of the management executives who were obviously loyal to the previous regime are fired. In the Outfit, they are systematically knocked down. Sam DeStefano, Chuckie Nicoletti & Chuckie English are examples. The one strong made guy who was direct with Giancana that survived was Dominic Blasi. I think you know why.
- Father Guido
  
  Don, great take. I would add that Skids survived and his crew transfered to an Auippa Protege’ Angelo LaPietra, perhaps a deal?
  - The Don
    
    Father Guido, The deal was succession based upon attrition. The way my uncle explained it to me was that Skids Caruso and the soldiers working under him were actually part of the ‘extended’ Taylor St. Crew and operated around 26th Street. As the men from Taylor St. slowly died and Giancana was long gone, Torello succeeded Bucciere as the Capo of the crew. However, The power base of the crew was now CENTERED around 26th Street. After Torello died, then Angelo LaPietra became the Capo. Yes, Skids Caruso survived and was with Torello and then LaPietra. So, if the Capo of the crew is an Auippa loyalist, then the made guys with him are also Auippa loyalists. In the same way, when Giancana was in power, his men followed his example. Mooney didn’t like Cerone. So, none of the guys with Mooney were very friendly to Cerone. My uncle used to tell me that when guys like Willie Daddano would see Cerone somewhere, they would barely nod their head to say hello and just keep on going. In the old days, loyalty to your crew and to your Capo who was many times your ‘Guardian Angel’ was everything.
- Father Guido
  
  Don, great take. I would add that Skids survived and his crew transfered to an Auippa Protege’ Angelo LaPietra, perhaps a deal?

GUCCI MANE

Joe,

Are you still going to do that Nick Gio article? I’m still defintely looking forward to it!

Joseph Fosco

Dear GUCCI,
I will get to it.
- The Don
  
  Joe, I remember reading back in some of your older threads about someone who was fascinated with Nick Gio. Is Gucci the same person as before? Nick Gio was a soldier/collector and was no big deal at all. I wonder why anyone would be so fascinated with him? Is it a running joke that I’m not aware of?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    I would not call Gio a soldier/collector. He was obviously a hustler of some sort, but not a gangster by any means. He hung with some grandsons of a late gangster and possibly thought he was a gangster because of it.
    - The Don
      
      I See. Well, either a couple of people on these threads are pulling a joke or they think Nick Gio was bigger than Al Capone.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      LOL
    - DOM
      
      What does the term “shelved” mean? Out of favor?
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    The Don,
    
    I’ve been reading the old comments, too. The guy that was at the center of the “Nick Gio” stuff goes by “Harlem Playboy,” but it is hard to tell if there’s more than one person posting under that same name.
    
    It seems like he started of being legitimately interested in Gio, but for some reason (maybe his tone) other readers kind of ganged up on him. The whole thing escalated from there. So, no offense to the family of Mr. Gio (if they are reading this), but, yes, “Nick Gio” is some kind of running joke in the threads, apparently.
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      In addition to Harlem Playboy,”Vin” and “Teets” are other readers who, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have introduced obscure ideas into the threads, much to the amusement of Joe’s other readers.
      
      “Erik” was hostile, and I believe Joe actually had to contact law enforcement due to concerns about the tenor of his comments, most of which went unpublished.
    - f@rt on a horsey b*ner
      
      Merlin and The Don,
      
      The Nick Gio thing is running joke to everyone except Harlem Playboy who has a dissociative mind.
      
      To Harlem Playboy, Nick Gio and his brother Harry represent the framework of ideas and beliefs through which he interprets the world and interacts with it. He needs our prayers.
    - The Don
      
      Gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to clarify the Nick Gio obsession. I figured it had to be an old joke because there is no logic in it. One of my favorite television characters of all time is Mr. Spock from the original Star Trek. So, as Mr. Spock would say “Fascinating”.
    - Bob T
      
      Joe, please remove Merlin’s comments, he is a windbag!
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Bob,
      Let us try to get along.

Logic

Joe–

Given your father’s associates in the Outfit and the area he grew up, were he and his brothers connected to the 42 gang? Was Angelo Fosco a 42?

Finally, what happened to Rocco DeGrazia to make him fall out of favor? He was a rising star, yet towards the end of his life he didn’t have much beyond the Casa Madrid, which basically belonged to Teets. Was your father close with Rocco and did he report to Teets at the Casa Madrid?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Logic,
My father’s brother Vito was in the 42 Gang. My father and Angelo were a little on the young side for the 42. And Angelo was never considered a tough guy by the tough guys.
I will get back to you on the Rocky DeGrazia question. He was a very dear friend of my father.
My father was very familiar with the basement of the Casa Madrid.
- Logic
  
  Joe-Great information. Was Angelo an uncle to you then? Sorry if that is common knowledge. Rocco’s brother Andy was very close with my own grandfather and died by choking to death on dinner, so I would be interested to learn more about Rocco and why he fell out of favor.
  
  Was the Casa Madrid basement used for large meetings for the Outfit?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Logic,
    As to Angelo’s relation to me, all I will say publically on the matter can be found here: http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/joefosco/family.html
    I have no information that would indicate that Rocky fell out of favor. He associated with top Outfit bosses until the day he died. I met him several times. He and his wife once lived above the Casa Madrid and his wife was not allowed to go downstairs. And his mistress Etta worked at the Casa Madrid. I know that Rocky hated Slicker Sam (I do not know why – Slicker was a nice guy). He once told Slicker that he never wanted Slicker to be in the same establishment with him at the same time and that Slicker had better leave immediately if Rocky walked into a place or he would punch out Rocky. Sure enough, every time Rocky saw Slicker in a place before Slicker could leave, Rocky punched him out.
    Yes, the basement of the Casa Madrid was used for various Outfit meetings.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, correct me if I’m wrong, but I heard in the old days the basement of the Casa Madrid was also used to ‘convince’ debtors of delinquent juice loans the error in their ways of being behind on payments. I never heard of Rocky DeGrazia being in disfavor with his Capo Teets Battaglia or anyone else. Also, being the overseer of the Casa Madrid was a fairly big resposibility and from what I heard it was a good money maker.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      I have heard the same rumors about the basement of the Casa Madrid.

gimme gimme gimme some Erik Zalkus

Joe,

I submitted a question about Slicker Sam but then got an error message, so I’ll ask it again. Sorry for any duplicates.

I though “Slicker Sam’s” was the name of a tavern where the Calabrese brothers hung out. Does this sound familiar?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Gimme…,
Slicker Sam was a man named Sam DeRosa. He owned a restaurant and bar in Melrose Park named after him. Many people frequented the place. He had great baked clams. He was a great golfer and he had a great deal of class. However, Rocky hated him.

Exotic Bird Lover

Joe,

Who are some of the new made guys under Fat Mike?

(This article is unfair, by the way: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/rebecca-cozzi-charged-retail-theft-exotic-birds-recovered-20100902)

Joseph Fosco

Dear Exotic,
Rumor has it that Fat Ass ‘made’ a number of guys in recent years. I would think Solly Cataudella would be among those ‘made’. I would not be surprised if he ‘made’ Steve Panzarella. Steve is a wealthy businessperson that gave Fat Ass and his crew a great deal of money over the years. Its amazing what some guys will do to be a gangster. When I was a young man (over 10-years ago), I was a wannabe too, so I know the feeling, unfortunately – pathetic. I am glad I snapped out of it. Other than those fellows, I have no idea who was ‘made’ recently, sorry.
- f@rt on a horsey b*ner
  
  Dear Joe,
  
  Can you give us more on Steve Panzarella? I’m not familiar with him.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear f@…,
    Steve purportedly married the widow of one of his relatives, the infamous and late Michael Oliver (Outfit related murder victim). And he is the son of the now late Dr. Stephen J. Panzarella, who had an office in Elmwood Park, Illinois, for many years. The late doctor was an enormous pusher of Fen-phen. Steve made his money in shipping. Apparently, he handled a great deal of the shipping for Motorola for many years. According to sources, Steve has been extremely generous to Fat Ass and the guys around him.
    - Mr. Rubbishbeard
      
      Joe,
      
      Interesting that S. Panzarella should suck up to Sarno & Cataudella, since both were implicated in the crime that resulted in Michael Oliver’s murder.
      
      Perhaps Mr. Panzarella should reconsider his loyalties.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Mr. Rubb…,
      Both might have been implicated, but false implications do occur. The fact is that neither of them was ever charged in Oliver’s death.
- The Don
  
  Exotic, I think Joe Fosco would back me up on this statement. All the numerous guys that Fat Ass Sarno ‘made’ have nothing to do with The extended Elmwood Park Mafia group. In the same manner, DiFronzo, had nothing to do with any of it and probably doesn’t want to even hear about it. All the men recently ‘made’ belong to the extended South Side Mafia Group.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    I would agree.
    - Logic
      
      Steve Panzarella was involved in a bid to get control of an Indian Casino a few years ago: http://www.ipsn.org/gambling/indian_casino/tribe_partner_crapshoot.htm
      
      Others in on that scheme were Mark Montana, a real estate guy who is mobbed up and Alex Salerno. Salerno is actually a good guy who is used by his father’s friends for too many favors. Frankly, I’m surprised he’s not disbarred yet.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Logic,
      I like Alex as well. I had the chance to get to know him when he was defending my friend Buddy Ciotti.
    - Logic
      
      His father is a bad guy, but Alex is alright, though he’s made a fortune defending his father’s friends, like Ciotti. However as Alex knows, when you lay down with pigs…your business opportunities are limited.
      
      Is Alex close with Jack Cerone Esq? Would you consider Alex to be out of the rackets or does he have a connection?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Logic,
      Alex is not close to Cerone whatsoever. I have no reason to think that Alex is a criminal.

Logic

Joe-

Another question…did you know Louie Tenuta? His niece married Nick Calabrese, whom I assume resides in witness protection. I believe Tenuta was linked up with Marco Damico.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Logic,
Yes, and Louie was well liked by my friend Willie Messino.

Teets

Joe,

I guess some of the readers think that I make stupid comments in the threads. Well, you and I both know that it isn’t true, I’m happy to say. Yes, I know more about the Outfit than The Don–but that’s not to say that The Don isn’t a very capable mob watcher himself. He has impressed me at times. But he doesn’t know as much as me, unfortunately for him.

Just to show you how much I know, I’m going to go ahead and drop 2 major bombshells.

Bombshell #1 — I’m going to name some sleepers and old-timers who were extremely heavy but very VERY shadowy:

(YOUR COMMENT WAS MODIFIED – stupid comments are prohibited from the message threads. Thank you, American News Post)

The Don

Teets, thank you for the compliment. However, I didn’t realize that you were competing with me. Anyways, thanks again for the compliment.
Merlin Tenderpony

Why were Teets’ comments censored? If he was going to drop bombshells, I’d be interested to know what they are.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Merlin,
  His comments were silly, in my opinion.
Merlin Tenderpony

It would be interesting to know the identity of sleepers.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Merlin,
  His comments were silly; in my opinion.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Joe,
    
    I don’t want to push the issue, but if he submitted any names is there a way you can just list those and edit out the stupidity? There’s been plenty of questions in these threads about sleepers and unknowns, but no one provides names, usually.
    
    Thanks, Joe.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Merlin,
      A lot of the names appear as stupid, in addition to the other stuff. Thank you.

Mr. Rubbishbeard

Joe,

Black Angelo’s ban is ending soon. Tuesday, to be precise. Do you think he’ll return?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Mr. Rubb…,
I have a feeling he never left.
- The Don
  
  Joe, why did Johnny turn on Mikey Castaldo? Was it because of what happened in 1993?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    Yes. Someone told Johnny something false about Mike and Johnny foolishly believed it. However, Willie fixed it very fast. In the end, Johnny decided to take Willie’s word over the other person that initially made the bogus accusation. Willie was good like that – he hated to see someone get a bad rap. I remember about 15-years ago someone passed a bad rumor about me and Willie went looking for the guy. When he found him, Willie slapped him around in the middle of a crowded establishment on a Saturday night. Yes, as recent as 15-years ago. Willie had to be nearly 80 at the time. Obviously, Willie’s slaps did not have the power they once did; however, I think the person sustained more of a psychological beating than a physical one. The thought of Willie being that mad was enough to make the person worry about what else could happen.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, Willie seemed to have that fierce Taylor St. loyalty that was truly unique among men who were born and raised there. The toughest, roughest men in the Outfit came from Taylor St. However, the interesting dichotomy that I observed was that they had a definite good side to them that was generally overlooked. They could be brutal, yet they had little tolerance for injustice or unfairness. They were out to make money and were really tough about it, yet they could be very generous at times that would truly amaze you. Willie was no exception. I met him one time in the summer of 1981. I literally walked across the street on 77th and went down about six houses. I rang the doorbell and he answered. I identified myself and told him to whom I was related. He let me in the house and we talked a short while. The purpose of my visit was to ask him for a small favor which my uncle refused to do. He was very polite and actually gave me the name of someone to try and honor my small request. When my uncle found out I had gone to Willie’s house on my own, he was infuriated but I really didn’t give a damn because my intentions were honorable and I showed no fear. Later, Willie even asked my uncle how I was doing. Men like Willie were the perfect kind of loyal made men who any Boss would want in his crew. It’s too bad Willie was brought into Elmwood Park under Jack. He would have been more valued under Battaglia, Bucciere or direct with Mooney. However, as you know, once you get ‘married’ there is no divorce
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Good points.
    - Bucci35
      
      Don,
      How much do you know about Bucciere? I was trying to find some more info on him as I believe I am related.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, I believe your father, another good Taylor St. man, happened to be close to Al Pilotto, the Capo of the Chicago Heights Group. Now, in Chicago, it was very rare for a Capo or one of the Top Two Bosses to ever be knocked down. They were just too strong to be touched. In fact the only Boss or Capo to ever be killed from 1940 forward was Mooney and that only happened because he had been out of power for a long time and lost his power base of Taylor St. men. He got knocked down before he had a chance for a comeback. However, in 1981, Al Pilotto was shot and wounded on a golf course. I never did get a good explanation why or how that happened. Do you have an insight into that story?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      From what I was told, it was more of a warning than a murder attempt. I am confident the warning was union related. No one ever made an attempt on Al’s life after that incident. He did go to prison for a while. I connected with him after he was released from prison. In fact, I used to see him at Jackie’s annual Christmas parties for the old-timers (Jackie the lawyer). Every year Jackie would contact the old-timers that he could reach and invite them to come for a Christmas brunch. In some cases, he would invite younger people that were close with some of the old-timers, which is why I was among those invited. Al Pilotto was usually there. Tony Jr, Marshal, Willie Messino Milk Wagon Joe, Ray Neri and a number of others. Years prior to my attendance at the annual event, I believe Joe B would attend, but I am not sure. Michael Magnafichi was also an attendee. In fact, I remember one year witnessing Michael asking Jackie why Johnny DiFronzo was not invited. Jackie answered, “Because he is not an old-timer.” In my opinion, it meant that Johnny turned down the invitation.
      The only time that I ever saw Johnny visit Jackie’s restaurant (II Jack’s), was to attend two different birthday parties for Willie Messino. Jackie’s adopted son John “Jack” C. Cerone insulted Al Sarno over something stupid at Willie’s last party at II Jack’s. When Johnny heard about it later, he decided never to return to II Jack’s. And he never did. This reminds me about Willie. One afternoon Willie and I were having lunch at II Jack’s Restaurant when John “Jack” C. Cerone decided to insult me in front of Willie. Willie ignored it and placed his hand on my arm while looking at me winking, which gave me the hint that he did not want me to say anything to Jack in response to the insult. We paid our lunch check and left. In the car ride, Willie told me that he is never going back to that restaurant ever again. And true to his word, he never returned. And sometime later, it was closed down by the City of Chicago.
    - Dom
      
      Joe: the Milk Wagon Joe you are referring to, was his last name Walen? If not who are you referring to? Thanks
    - The Don
      
      Did somebody named Dauber try and kill Pilotto? Was Pilotto alone when he was wounded? I doubt it would have been sanctioned by Auippa or Cerone.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      I believe my previous answer on this matter is the best I have to offer. I have no idea who the shooter was.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

Can you do an IP check on Teets & Rubbishbeard?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
They each have a different IP address.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe & The Don,

Al Pilotto was actually meant to have been murdered in the golf course shooting incident, but the hit was botched, which worked just as well. SO, yes, in the end it was just a warning.

In the 80′s, Pilotto & JB & a dozen or so other gangsters were co-defendents in some multi-million dollar union kickback RICO matter in the southern District of Florida, and some Outfit people were concerned Pilotto was going to roll over on JB because of his age and health.

After the botched hit, Pilotto kept his mouth shut (which he probably would have done anyway) and went to prison, while JB was acquitted.

There were never any hard feelings or animosity between JB and Pilotto despite the incident.

I believe one of the Guzzino brothers was murdered years later because of the sloppiness of the whole thing. Whoever it was, was later found somewhere in the Near West Suburbs, knifed to death.

I believe it was RICO #:

United States v. Accardo, No. 81-230-CR-ALH (S.D. [**5] Fla. June 3, 1981). n6

…if you want to fact-check me.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
I believe that included the involvement of the Angelo Fosco indictment. Again, I am under the impression that Al was to be warned. No one was charged in the shooting.
Joe B was totally innocent. He never stood a chance of going to prison. The government had nothing on him. I do not truly believe that Joe B was worried about Al.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Joe,
  
  Granted. Techinically, I think you’re correct to say that no one was charged in the Pilotto shooting.
  
  THIS case, however, makes for an interesting supplement at the very least:
  
  http://www.thelaborers.net/lexisnexis/810_f2d_687-us_v_guzzino.htm and provides at least some insight into the incident.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Joe, I might add that Sam Giancana “Jr.” (Mooney’s nephew) and Scott M. Burnstein basically paraphrased that entire court document and somehow managed to pass it off as en entire chapter in their book, Family Affair, which received mixed reviews. The name of the chapter is “Terror at the Tee.” Seriously. (If that’s all it takes to get a book deal, maybe I’ll write a book.)
    
    At first, I’m not sure why the Pilotto golf course incident was included in the book—especially since the motive behind Nick D’Andrea’s murder at Calabrese and Marcello’s hands was never entirely clear to me. On second thought, Nick Calabrese’s cooperation helped the feds “clear” the Guzzino murder, which supposedly stemmed from the Pilotto incident. Which reminds me, I believe the murdered Guzzino brother was found on Johnny DiFronzo’s old stomping grounds.
  - The Don
    
    Merlin, thanks for the info. That whole incident was even more convoluted than I thought.
- DOM
  
  I find it hard to believe that the Pilotto shooting served as a warning. There would’ve been no way Mr. Pilotto would’ve turned on the Outfit. Two
  people were convicted in that murder conspiracy. I don’t believe Sam Guzzino was killed for the “botched” murder attempt, but because he did it on his own. His body was found in a ditch outside of Beecher, IL.
- DOM
  
  Joe, are any relation to the late Angelo Fosco?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear DOM,
    The only comments that I state publically regarding a connection between Angelo Fosco and me could be found here: http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/joefosco/family.html
    Thank you.
father guido

Dear Joe and other readers, this is pure speculation on my part, but I think Tocco may have had something to do with the attempt on Pilotto in order to get away with getting heavily into financing the soon to be booming cocaine business, and because he saw the opportunity to blame the pilotto involvement in the Accardo case as cover. I have heard Tocco’s crew was involved in financing and protecting John Cappas and Otis Moore notorious dealers down south.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Interesting.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Father,
  Interesting.

Merlin Tenderpony

I believe James Marcello, Hatch Chiaramonti, Black Sam, and Nick Calabrese ended up murdering Nick D’Andrea of Chicago Hts., in connection with the Pilotto shooting, as well. Though, I’m not sure if D’Andrea played any role in it whatsoever.

In fact, D’Andrea’s murder was one of the predicates for the Family Secrets indictment of some of those individuals.

The Don

Joe, Frank LaPorte was a very strong Capo of the Heights for a long time. After he died around 1972 or so, his Underboss Pilotto took over. After Pilotto went away, his Underboss Al Tocco took over. By the way, Tocco was full Italian, not half Greek like some people think. After Tocco went away for eternity, I believe Dominic Palermo took over as the Capo. I believe Palermo went to prison and after that I lost track of the further succession of leadership. Also, is there a Boss of the Chicago Heights group now in 2011?
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear The Don,
  I have no clue about the Heights after Tocco.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, I’m with you about Chicago Heights. To me the Heights being so far down in the South Suburbs, was like going to another planet. I read your thread about John Cerone. Seems like all the Cerone’s are ill mannered. Must be a family trait.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Ill mannered indeed.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Palermo was in a position to sponsor some guys to be made in the early 1980′s, so, if the Heights is still an Outfit town, could be one of his proteges. Also, I understand he has/had a brother, Michael, who at one time was believed to be active–though I’m not sure to what extent…or even if he is still alive.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, Willow Springs, down in the southwest, used to be a hotbed of Outfit activity. I believe the Chicago Heights Crew had a lot to do with it. However, I remember my uncle telling me that maybe a least one or two of the other crews were involved with Willow Springs. The Outfit literally owned that town. I’m not sure about now. An informant named Corbitt talked about it, but like other wannabe associates, he exaggerated his importance and some of what he said was inaccurate. I remember my uncle getting upset when I was telling him about it.
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      The Don, I’ve read that book, actually.
      
      True, Corbitt seems to have had an overweening sense of pride in his own role in the Outfit. And I certainly have trouble accepting that he was as close to Mooney as he had his readers believe. But, I have to say that much of what he wrote in that book about the Bastones and Hy Larner has been cooberated by Joe in the threads, here. I doubt Joe has read the book.
      
      I believe you’re correct about Willow Springs. You probably know better than I, but the Outfit was known to have run many small Illinois towns. Rockford is rumored to have been a base of operations (to some degree) right up until Family Secrets. The Marcellos mentioned it a few times on those prison tapes. Al Tornabene had some guys out there, too, but probably old-timers.
      
      It would be interesting to know to what extent such places are still mobbed-up.
      
      Joe, on an old thread you said that the Heights is still booming for the Outfit. Now you seemed to be not so sure. What made you think that it was still going strong before?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Merlin,
      You are correct, I never read Corbitt’s book. However, I did look at a page that had a photo of Carmie Bastone and Buddy Ciotti.
      If I used the word “booming” to describe the Outfit activity in the Heights, I was surely referring to poker machines and strip joints, which I still stand by. And, I stand by my recent assertion that I have not been able to follow who is in control of the Heights on behalf of the Outfit since Tocco left.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, it’s quite possible that some of the made guys that were left from the Chicago Heights Crew are now extended members of 26th Street or Cicero, especially, since Cicero supplies the poker machines. They are all part of what I would call the South Side Mafia Group.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe or anyone,

Here’s something I’ve never quite understood about the Pilotto incident, which maybe shows a lack of centralization even as far back as the early 80′s.

Regardless of whether or not Al Pilotto was supposed to have been warned or actually knocked down, the fact is that an order was given and that order was carried out on the golf course where Pilotto was shot but not killed.

Why would Black Sam and his guys Marcello & Chiaramonti, plus a Chinatown guy (Nick Calabrese) have been sent to beat information out of Nick D’Andrea about who was behind the Pilotto thing? (D’Andrea, by the way, was only ever a peripheral figure in Chicago Heights and was not known to have been involved in the Pilotto thing at all.)

Was Black Sam close with JB and the other top guys? I assume that he was. But, it just doesn’t make sense that there was an order to warn/kill Pilotto, but then after it’s done, for Black Sam to go out and try to track down the guys responsible for the Pilotto shooting.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
Black Sam was tight with Aiuppa. Aiuppa was Black Sam’s way to the top. However, Black Sam was not at the top in 1981. Informants are not to be trusted for many reasons.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Joe, I definitely see your point and agree with you.
  
  But think about it this way:
  
  Regardless of what comes out of the mouths of snitches, why would top Outfit guys issue an order against Pilotto, and then after the deed is done, dispatch some rough guys to find out who was behind it?
  
  Black Sam may not have been at the top, but if he was under Aiuppa, he would have known why Pilotto was “warned” in the first place. There would have been no reason for the follow-up investigation in which he enlisted the assistance of Marcello, Hatch, and Nick C.
  
  There seems to be a major contradiction in first issuing an order and then investigating it. It seems to speak to a lack of communication or centralization.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Merlin,
    What is the source supporting that “some rough guys” were dispatched to “find out who is behind it?” There was no lack of centralization with the Outfit in the early 1980′s. In the center was Aiuppa-Cerone.
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      Joe,
      
      For this information, the source is Nick Calabrese’s testimony in the Familty Secrets trial.
      
      D’Andrea was lured to a garage in the Heights and subdued by Calabrese and Marcello. He was beaten to death by Carlisi, personally, with the butt of a shotgun. Carlisi was trying to force him to talk about the Pilotto golf course shooting.
      
      Marcello and Chiaramonti handled the disposal of his body. Marcello was acquitted of this murder in Family Secrets.
      
      So, what I’m saying is that there’s something contradictory about Cerone-Aiuppa issuing a warning, and then Black Sam and his guys doing what they did.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Merlin,
      Thank you for citing the source. Again, an informant is not a trustworthy person on any level, not when they are manipulating their way out of prison.
      Did I say that Cerone-Aiuppa issued the purported warning to Al?
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      Joe,
      
      No, you didn’t. But, presumably, that is who ordered it. Otherwise, you’re left with the scenario in which some renegade Heights gangsters moved against Pilotto without permission from Aiuppa-Cerone, which would have been suicide, of course.
      I suppose you can say that this is why D’Andrea was killed, but the Pilotto shooting was said to have been “blessed” (from above) in the court documents.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Merlin,
      Those court documents are not always reliable.
- The Don
  
  Merlin, I agree with Joe. Auippa, being the Top Boss of the Outfit, had to check out what really happened because that whole Pilotto incident was very convoluted. So, it would be perfectly normal for the Top Boss, Auippa, to send HIS GUYS to get an accurate read on the situation.

Merlin Tenderpony

I totally and completely disagree that when Mooney was deported from Mexico that he was ever primed to make a comeback in the U.S. I don’t think that a return to Chicago rackets was anywhere on his to-do list—not even at the very bottom.

At that point in this life, Mooney was very sick with stomach cancer and had been quietly and peacefully making many millions of dollars for years in his gambling interests abroad. It was all on the legit, too. The feds said that at the height of his power in Chicago, before Mexico, he had amassed a 20-mil fortune. Plus, the jewels. Plus the property. (John DiFronzo is probably a lot like Mooney in that if he can do it quietly, legitimately, and without any headaches from street guys, then go ahead and let the hoodlums kill each other over the rackets.)

Another thing about Mooney was that he loved the idea of the Outfit and National Syndicate but only from the perspective of a businessman. He had absolutely no use for LCN beyond that. He thought that being a full-time street hoodlum and being “made” was for kids.

As much as his guys would have loved it and would’ve had rallied around him, there’s no way that sick, tired, elderly old Mooney had any interest in shoring up whatever power and influence he had left in Chicago and taking back his spot. He was out of it.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
You make a great deal of sense. However, I think part of what caused Mooney to be knocked down was fear. In other words, Accardo, Aiuppa and Cerone feared Mooney and his power, coupled with their desire to takeover of whatever projects that were earning him money. I do not believe that the CIA had anything to do with killing Mooney. The CIA could have and would have killed him in Mexico a long time earlier if that were what they wanted to do.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Dear Joe,
  
  Thank you very saying that I “make a great deal of sense” in comments about Mooney. I appreciate it.
  
  And I agree with you about the “fear” motive in his murder. Please take note that I didn’t say anything about CIA involvement or any such nonsense, but I understand why you would want to preemptively dispel that notion, as it is a popular theory for some reason.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Merlin,
    Do keep in mind that one could make ‘a great deal of sense’ and still be wrong. I am not suggesting that you are wrong.
The Don

Merlin, Mooney and John DiFronzo were not alike in any way. How do you know why Mooney came back to Chicago? Mooney had balls bigger than the Sears building. He was not as sick as you stated. Auippa & Cerone FEARED HIM.

The Don

Joe, after reading the thread concerning Giancana from Merlin once again, I realized I’ve read all this once before almost word for word. He got all his information from Roemer’s book. Roemer hated Giancana, DeStefano & Spilotro because they all wanted to kill him and had absolutely no fear of him. F.B.I. AGENT OR NOT. Mooney did not take orders from Accardo. Mooney was not an old sick dying man like Roemer wanted everyone to believe when he returned to Chicago in 1974. He had gall bladder problems and had an operation performed in Texas during 1974. Mooney did not think being ‘made’ was for grade school kids. Chicago has had the traditional making ceremony since at least 1940. Mooney was responsible for making a hell of a lot of men from Taylor St. and it wasn’t done with a handshake like Roemer said in his bullshit book. Roemer was an irresponsible prejudiced Journalist who made up more than half of all the stuff he wrote in his book including the special secret mutual admiration that he and Saint Tony Accardo had for each other. Roemer was a fraud pretending to present everything he said as the gospel truth under the guise of being an F.B.I. agent. In reality, it almost seemed like he had some sort of weird obsession about Accardo like a groupie would have for their favorite Rock Band.

Joseph Fosco

Dear The Don,
Great insight.
- The [har]Don
  
  Wow! “the Don” sure is one to talk. Accusing another reader of plagiarism when he lifted another reader’s comments from the “Is Village of River Grove Corporate Counsel Bart A. Smith On The Payroll Of Chicago Mob Boss John DiFronzo?
  ” thread? Everything he has said on here has already been stated by Joe Fosco or other readers. “the Don” why are you trying to recreate old conversations on this thread? I think that’s a fair criticism.
  - The Don
    
    I never accused anyone of plagiarism. I merely stated that Merlin was basically repeating Roemer’s false opinions. You need to look up the meaning of the word plagiarism in the dictionary. As far as the article you mentioned, I never even read it until you mentioned it. If I repeated something similar to what another person may have said a long time ago, then good for me and good for the other person. On all of these numerous threads attached to all the different articles, some people in the present might say something similar to someone in the past. Maybe you should monitor Joe Fosco and every person new & old to make sure nothing is ever repeated.
Merlin Tenderpony

The Don, I don’t want to get into an argument in the threads, but also I want to assert that my ideas aren’t informed by the information in Bill Roemer’s books. Also, as inaccurate as Roemer was, it isn’t necessarily the case that the exact opposite of everything he ever wrote is true. Roemer was very wrong a lot–but not 100%–of the time, and he clearly embellished his own experiences for the sake of a good story. Roemer isn’t worth talking about, let alone reading. And again, I’m not getting my ideas from his >17-year old fairy tales.

I actually know some of Mooney’s relatives. Based on our conversations over the years, it’s clear that he was out of it when he returned to the United States. His loyalists, of course, wanted him to launch a comeback of sorts, but he didn’t have any interest. (I’m not saying he wasn’t capable.) And Mooney’s illness was only part of it. I don’t know anyone living who had criminal ties to Mooney, and I’m wouldn’t be surprised if they had a different take.

Joe, isn’t one of the reasons Chuck English was shot because he was constantly complaining about the “powers that be” and always saying how much better things would have been under Mooney?
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Merlin,
  I know several of Mooney’s family members as well. In fact, most people that live in the Elmwood Park area know a number of Mooney’s family members. In my experience with Mooney’s family members, I have realized that they are not aware of a great deal of the important business matters pertaining to Mooney. They are in denial that the Outfit killed him. However, some of these relatives would appear as experts on Mooney, which is not the case. Recently, I received an email from someone purported to be a close source of the Giancana family, requesting that I not partake in exploiting Mooney in the comment threads on ANP because it is hurtful to the family. All I could think of at the time was his daughter Annett running the Sam Giancana exhibit in a Museum in Nevada, when I laughed and deleted the email.
  I am not sure why English was murdered. The killers never sent me a letter explaining it.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Joe,
    
    I have met “Antoinette” but am not acquainted with her. She is not one of my contacts to the family. On your point, her involvement in the Las Vegas Mob Experience is embarrassing, disappointing and perhaps desperate, but, as I understand it, she does not have a great of money. Her Mafia Princess book was published almost 30-years ago and wasn’t exactly a huge success. I don’t believe her other impermanent enterprises earned her a great deal of cash either. Again I am not acquainted with her, but she comes across as being concerned, first and foremost, with garnering attention and looking for pay days.
    
    Other members of the family aren’t involved in the Las Vegas Mob Experience that I’m aware of. Supposedly there is going to be a Mooney TV series of some kind, but I’m not sure about the details, and last I heard “Antoinette” isn’t involved.
    
    I know what you’re saying about the family not knowing the details of Mooney’s business activities, which is why I said I wouldn’t be surprised if those who know the details of his business activities might have a different perspective on his intentions prior to being murdered. I just know what I’ve been told, and contributed comments, accordingly.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear Merlin,
      I know Annett well. She is a very nice woman. I knew her late husband Bob and I know her children. They are all very nice people.
      I am all for making money, perhaps the people involved in that Outfit/crime museum should open a foundation advocating against gang activity and use their media power to help diminish gangs in America. Perhaps showing the world that crime does not pay (at least for family members of gangsters/gangbangers) would serve as a deterrent.
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      That’s a good suggestion.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, That’s fair enough. You are a gentleman and deserve to be treated with respect. Let’s say that I have a different take on Mooney’s intentions and we’ll call it a gentleman’s disagreement. Roemer did hate Giancana and was a very prejudiced & fraudulant Jounalist. Anyway, in Las Vegas there are two different things that will be happenning. One is the Mob Museum which is being funded by the City of Las Vegas. Mayor Goodman, Spilotro’s former attorney, is behind it. The second is what’s called the Mob Experience which is show business entertainment and will be opening at the Tropicana Hotel. Antionette Giancana has sued the Mob Experience over some money disagreement, and I believe she jumped ship to work with the mayor for the Mob Museum which is a lot different and will be located in downtown Las Vegas in some old refurbished building. However, her son Carlo, is replacing her to work with the Mob Experience at the Tropicana. The Mob Experience, which will be much more popular, now has James Caan, a couple guys from the Sopranos, and some other show business actors involved. As far as Chicago is concerned, they have the grandson of Giancana, the nephew of Joey Auippa and the son of Tony Spilotro. They are scheduled to open March 1 and their grand opening will be March 29 at the Tropicana Hotel on the strip.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, you’re right about Mooney’s relatives being in denial about the Outfit killing him. Antionette Giancana, from my encounters recently, is a very angry, rude, hard edged person. She is not well liked and is very delusional about her importance.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, to clarify a bit more. My experience with any relatives of Giancana is that they knew very little about Mooney’s business matters and they get upset, and rightfully so, when it’s suggested that Giancana was knocked down because the Outfit Bosses thought he would cooperate with the Feds about various things. However, when some of his relatives are told the truth, which is that the Outfit Bosses knocked him down because they feared him, then they are more accepting of it.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Annett and I discussed it once. I told her that the bosses feared him. She did not want to listen to it and admittedly stated that the CIA did it.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, I may have the name of Antionette’s son wrong. But her son, whatever his name is, is replacing her. I understand the son does not talk to his mother.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      
      The names of Annett’s five sons are as follows:
      
      Carmen
      Sam
      Zach
      Scott
      Phil
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      I believe her legal name was originally Annette, but later on in life she started calling herself “Antoinette” as if to incorporate some kind of European glamour into her life. She was an aspiring model at one point. Annette may have actually changed her name to “Antoinette,” but Mooney and the family call(ed) her “Annette.” Others call her “Toni.”
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      I see. lol

Mr. Jingledonkey

Salvatore “Sam” “Mo Mo” “Mooney” Giancana. LOL. You guys are acting like little girls in here.

The Don

It’s Momo, not MoMo. Yours truly, the little girls club of Chicago.
- Mr. Jingledonkey
  
  LOL>>>LOL

Teets

Obviously, what I’ll call the “format” of my recently modified comment was too stupid for Joe. Here’s the list again, without the extraneous information that Joe probably thought was stupid:

Babe Demonte
Dom Basso
Mike Carioscia
Jimmy D’Antonio
Tommy Forliano
Mike Malmenato
Joe Spa (“Spadavecchio”)
Carmen Migliore
Frank Panno
Mike Biancofiore
Joe Pascucci
Ray Tominello
Joe Grieco
Frank DeRosa

Mr. Jingledonkey

Joe “Spa” was older than dirt in the 1980′s.
Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

I was pretty underwhelmed when I finally read Teets’ list. Is there anything you have to say about any of these names?

I believe Basso was reported to have been at the center of some of the Pete Rose gambling drama way back when. There was also a Forliano involved in Mario’s burgluray hijinks up in Lincolnshire a few years ago. But I don’t think any of these guys are sleepers, really.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Merlin,
  I was not moved by the list; despite that some of the people on the list are serious criminals.
  - The Don
    
    Merin & Joe, what’s wrong with you! that list from Teets was amazing!
    - Logic
      
      Babe Demonte has been dead for about 20 years…so has Joe Spa. Carmen Migliore is probably also dead. Passuci was/is just a bookmaker and Frank Panno and Joe Grieco are serious guys.
    - Mr. Rubbishbeard
      
      Are any of these guys active anymore? The ones who are not dead, that is.
f@rt on a horsey b*ner

Joe,

Is this a put-on?

Are any of the guys on Teets’ list still active? Some of those guys are deceased. Can you tell us anything about any of them?

P.S., Teets is an idiot, Joe.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear f@…,
  As I said, some of them are serious criminals. And, yes, some are dead.
  - The Don
    
    Joe & all other Readers, don’t any of you get it. What Teets, the top expert of the Outfit, is trying to tell you is that the guys on his list who are dead are the ‘SLEEPERS’.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Haha

Teets

Joe,

Remember before when I said that the Don was a troublemaker and on my list? Someone accused me of acting like an owner of this site once but I even admitted that I am not officially affiliated with this site. Suddenly, Don has been acting like he is the owner/operator of this site. Please warn him once and for all. The Don is ruining this website!

The Don

Teets, I think your list is great. I think you know more about the Outfit than Joe Fosco & I combined. I’m sorry I said you were competing with me or that you were jealous of me. I think you’re the greatest and you should have your own blog. Please forward me your email and before I make any comment about anything, I’ll make sure it meets with your approval. Peace & Love Brother!

Teets

Ha-ha. Very funny, but these guys are sleepers except for the ones who are dead. These guys are sleepers so bad that anyone who knows what he’s talking about can taste it. Laugh if you want, “The Don.” (lol)

It occurred to me, Joe, that you might have modified my original comment because of my remarks about Gio and Gussie. It was just a suggestion, not a statement of fact. I only suggested that it was possible that at some point Gio might have been considered for a higher position in the Outfit than Gussie because Gussie was not Italian. However, Gio was Italian. Furthermore, it was Sam Alex that held the real influence–not Gus. People make to big of a deal about Gus. Sam was a rough guy who committed suicide, unfortunately. (Be advised that these comments have nothing to do with previous Gio distractions.)

As for the nicknames that I included in my original list of names, I got those from a friend of mine who was an untouchable in Melrose Park. He is no longer active.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Teets,
Yes, the Gio and Gus bit was too much. My family loved Gus and Sam, and yes, Sam was the man. Nevertheless, Gio was a zero. How could you put Gio in the same sentence as Gus or Sam? And Gus was well loved by JB; despite his brother Sam was the man. Mentioning Gio with the others is equivalent to mentioning a no name alter boy from Cicero in the same sentence as the Pope.
As I said once, Gio’s claim to fame was that he hung around a few grandsons of a late outfit boss. Big deal. Please get over him.

Mr. Rubbishbeard

What is “untouchable” supposed to mean?

Mr. Rubbishbeard

Dear Black Angelo,

Your ban was lifted as of 12:01 am this morning. Please practice some self-restraint if you decide to return to the threads.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe, would you consider Teets to be “on the know?”

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
I do not know. I do not recall a great deal of the data that he has provided without looking it up.
- Logic
  
  Joe is Joe Grieco still around? He and his brother Donald were definitely a few of the “serious criminals” you noted. Also, any interaction with Frank Panno the pimp?
  
  Lastly, I believe your interaction with Ciotti, Magnafichi and others was about the time that Mike Talerico was removed as boss of Chinatown. Any run-ins with Talerico or insight you can provide? Always wonder why he was taken out of a leadership role.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Logic,
    I have no recent status on Grieco. No interaction with Panno. No run-ins Talerico. Sorry.
- Horsey F@rt
  
  In my opinion Teets is not on the know, and he isn’t the man. Teets is a baby.

Merlin Tenderpony

Hey Logic,

Are you sure Talerico was #1 in Chinatown?

I remember during FS that Talerico was roughed up by some guys on the orders of Frank C., Sr.

I can definitely see why he would have been boss, as he was Angelo LaPietra’s nephew or godson or something. But I don’t remember ever hearing that he was in charge down there.

The Don

Merlin, you are correct. Talerico was never the Boss of the 26th Street Crew.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Talerico admitted during his FS testimony that he was still involved in gambling crimes. What happens to a guy like that?
  
  I’m also wondering if he is still active.
  - Horsey F@rt
    
    Here is a picture of Michael Talarico from the Department of Justice (NDIL) website.
    
    http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/hot/familySecrets/2007_07_24/photo_74.pdf
    
    As you’ll see, Mr. Talarico appears to be sporting what I consider to be a poofed-back hairstyle in this photo. To what extent this hairdo speaks to his current status in the Outfit is open to discussion.
    
    Incidentally, the trial exhibits are pretty interesting.
    
    http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/hot/familySecrets.html
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  The Don,
  
  I found an interesting article by Steve Warmbir that shows that Frank Sr. taxed Michael Talarico. Talarico testified against Frank during FS, and his brother, Al Talarico (who is some kind of attorney, apparently) sided with Frank, Sr. Crazy
  
  ***********************
  
  “Talarico Brothers Choose Sides at Mob Trial” –Steve Warmbir
  
  “In the Family Secrets mob trial in Chicago, a brother has testified against a brother, and a son has testified against a father. But in recent days, the trial has revealed another family twist.
  
  Bookmaker Michael Talarico took the stand against Frank Calabrese Sr., who ran the street crew that made Talarico pay a “street tax.”
  
  Days later, another Talarico family member — civil attorney Al Talarico, Michael’s brother — entered the courtroom and promptly sat a few feet away from Calabrese Sr. He sat on a courtroom bench and started taking notes, whispering comments to Calabrese Sr.
  
  Al Talarico even wanted to enter the case officially on Calabrese Sr.’s behalf, but Judge James Zagel denied his request. Calabrese Sr. already has one lawyer, defense attorney Joseph “The Shark” Lopez.
  
  Lopez, normally a font of quotes for inquiring reporters, declined to comment on Al Talarico’s appearance. Lopez cited a gag order the judge has imposed. Lopez, though, appears to have grown increasingly irritated by Talarico’s presence. Lopez now has his client and Talarico whispering advice to him at trial.
  
  Calabrese Sr. may need all the help he can get. He is accused of murdering 13 people for the mob. His brother, alleged Outfit killer Nicholas Calabrese, and his eldest son have testified against him.
  
  Michael and Al Talarico are nephews of the late mob boss Angelo “The Hook” LaPietra, a brutal killer who ran the 26th Street/Chinatown crew to which Calabrese Sr. belonged.
  
  Al Talarico could not be reached for comment Friday. He has done civil work for the Calabrese family involving real estate, records show. One deal involved a home that the feds contended Calabrese Sr. stole from a man who owed him thousands of dollars in juice loans.”
  
  Joe, do you know any of the Talaricos?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Merlin,
    I do not know the Talarico’s.
  - The Don
    
    Merlin, thanks for the articles. Every crew in the Outfit was structured the same way. Capo, Right arm/underboss, made men & soldiers. Then, you had all the associates both high level and street level who were under the control of the crew and did ‘business’ with the crew. Talarico was an associate who did ‘business’ with the 26th St. Crew as an independant bookmaker that paid a ‘street tax’ for permission to operate. Other bookmakers worked for a crew as ‘agents’ and had their players call their bets directly into the crew to soldiers who worked the phones. Talarico was ‘spoken for’ by the Calabrese brothers who were made guys that had the right to ‘tax’ people.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, another thing to remember, when the media or whoever mentions Frank Calabrese as a ‘Boss’ of a street crew, what that really means is that he was a made guy who operated a ‘franchise’ of the 26th Street Crew in partnership with his brother, Nick Calabrese. There were other made guys in the crew like Johnny ‘Apes’ Monteleone and Caruso, for example, who were also running franchises. All the made men in the crew were partners with the Capo, Angelo LaPietra. Angelo’s right arm/underboss was his brother Jimmy LaPietra.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Do you recall that Apes was the day-to-day boss in the mid and late 1990s.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, yes I do. I believe it was in the late 1990′s after Angelo & Jimmy LaPietra had died.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      The Don,
      Right.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

I’ve been reading this transcript, and Frank Sr. seems like he could be talking about Michael M. He mention’s “that fellow Lee that died” and his “relation” who talks while he’s drinking (page 3). They seem to think he’s a solid guy, otherwise. He also mentions “the Builder West” and “the Builder East,” “Rush Street,” and “Joey.”

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/hot/familySecrets/2007_07_11/fcj_3_5_2001_clips_1_7.pdf

The Don

Merlin, Frank Calabrese is talking about Joey Lombardo and Joe Andriacchi. Those are the two builders.

Merlin Tenderpony

Whichever one of them is “builder East” is supposed to have been “shelved” according to Frank C., Sr.

Merlin Tenderpony

Did anyone see the Frank Calabrese Jr. segment on Nightline last night? It was interesting. He came back to Chicago from Arizona and visited Elmwood Park and Chinatown with a camera crew. Someone approached him warmly in Elmwood Park, but he then noted that he was not likely to be as well received in Chinatown.

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/

Mr. Jingledonkey

Did you ever hear the story about Turk smoking pot? When he was sick with cancer his doc told him to smoke it if he could get it! LOL LOL

Joseph Fosco

Dear Mr. Jing…,
No. Funny. Thanks for sharing.

father guido

Dear Joe, this is in addition to my question above about Grand Ave and “Albert” being with Sarno. I am from Cicero, so I know a bit about Sarno and he never stuck me or anyone else as boss material, or Mickey Marcello for that matter. I’ve always suspected that he was pure “front boss” and that the mainstream media and the G overstepped declaring him boss of the outfit. With that being said I wonder who really is running things if not Difronzo? I believe your assertion that he is out, but someone control’s the contacts within local law enforcement, cook county sheriff, etc? I suspect in the late 90′s and early 2000 it was pizza al and mickey marcello on behalf of Jimmy, but the Sarno thing was overblown. The fact that Jimmy used Mickey and not someone else, in my opinion, shows he has not mentored anyone the way Carlisi mentored him, he relied on Pizza Al to communicate with made guys from other crews. Pizza Al, Little Tony, the Hatch are gone, Mickey and Jimmy are tied up. Sarno is gone. The only known guys left as far as the mainstream media are the Caruso’s, but as you’ve said they seem out of the loop. The Caruso’s were in regular contact with Pizza Al, so there was a tie in with Marcello and Sarno. I know that Marcello?Sarno etc. rely on a group of lawyers to handle a bunch of stuff for them. The Cerone esq. misrepresentation to Sarno and Sarno buying it, boggles my mind. I would think that the sarno/marcello lawyers would know the Jackie esq. is not a gangster? Jimmy Marcello goes back, and for him to allow Cerone esq. to represent himself as outfit seems strange. I would have to speculate that Jackie esq. like Fratto is deceiving people that he has Difronzo’s blessings? I feel like I am rambling but if anyone has an informed opinion on these matter’s, I for one would like to hear them.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Father,
I am not sure who is calling the shots in Cicero right now. I will let you know as soon as I know. Yes, Cerone is deceiving people by claiming to be a gangster the same way Fratto has deceived people by claiming to be an Outfit boss. However, the problem that Cerone could have is his connection to Fratto. You see, Fratto is a gangster (not a boss), and when Cerone conspires with gangsters to commit crimes, Cerone becomes an Outfit conspirator, which would expose him to RICO.
- father guido
  
  Joe,
  thanks, I would appreciate the information on Cicero. I hope Jackie esq goes down, he sounds like he is well deserving. Too bad about Billy D, he had no logical reason to get into fraud as his business’ where successful. You play with fire and you can get burned…

Merlin Tenderpony

You did it again, Joe!

According to the threads, you called this one over a year ago:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4189303-417/new-fbi-document-details-rise-of-mutt-and-jeff-inside-the-mob.html

Sarno & Cataudella (aka “Mutt” & “Jeff”) at the top of the Outfit. Above Toots, apparently.

If you read the article, I’m sure you’ll be interested in what is reported about John DiFronzo, as well.

Apparently, James Marcello is not very happy with Sarno these days.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
I hate to sound conceited, but I am the best news source on organized crime in Chicago. Tell your friends about me.
The statement that Jimmy is not happy about Fat Ass is quite generic. Most Outfit guys are not happy with Fat Ass or his right arm Sol/Sal.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe, how did James Marcello hang onto power while he was in prison? If the answer is through Mickey, then what did Mickey have behind him that managed to keep guys like Sarno, Cataudella, the Hatch, and Zizzo under his control?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
Who said those guys are under Jimmy’s control?
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Joe,
  
  If you read the transcript, Marcello is curious about what Mutt (Sarno) and Jeff (Sol) are bring in and kicking up to him through Mickey. He also refers to them as “good kids” and being among Mickey’s best guys. Given all that, I extrapolated that they were his guys. The Suntimes article also talks about an enraged James Marcello sending Zizzo out to fix something Sarno f’d up. (…but we know what happened to Zizzo.)
  
  The article also talks about Toots kicking up to Sarno, and, believe it or not, Sarno kicking up to Johnny DiFronzo.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Merlin,
    I have never ruled out the possibility that DiFronzo receives a piece of the action. I have merely pointed out several times that he is uninvolved in street business in Chicago. I will give you an example. I know from a close source to DiFronzo that he collected a one time annual payment regarding Buddy Ciotti’s poker machines. The payment was usually near $150,000.00, which is nothing compared to the amount of money those machines brought in.
    If Jackie and Joey O were in charge (and alive), Buddy’s guys would have been splitting 150-grand.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, I think $150,000 for the year was a good deal for the Bastone brothers to give DiFronzo. Those machines brought in an average of at least $1,600 per week gross profit with 50% going to the bar operaters who did ‘business’ with the Outfit. So, if you take $800 Hundred a week, conservatively, and multiply that by anywhere from 50 to 100 machines in a particular area, you’re talking $40,000 to $80,000 PER WEEK coming into one franchise among many being run by the Outfit. At least that’s the way it used to be. I don’t think it’s as successful now.
    - The Don
      
      Meaning, the Bastone Brothers got off cheap!

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

What’s your take on Mickey Marcello? At times, it seems like he was running Cicero, and at other times, it seems like he was just a conduit between Jimmy and his guys on the street. Is Mickey made?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
I am not sure if he is ‘made’. I will look into it. He is a coke head.
- The Don
  
  Merlin, Mickey was the personal underboss to his brother. I heard my uncle say he was ‘made’ because his brother insisted upon it and sponsored him. Remember, a lot of these guys were ‘made’ by the Cicero Group and not by DiFronzo.

Merlin Tenderpony

And this was an interesting quote about one of the dry snitches:

“Another informant associated with two Outfit crews said the motive to provide information was ‘because many individuals, including a member of the Chicago Outfit, had abandoned’ the informant.”

I wonder if it’s someone associated with Elmwood Park.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

I’m reading Frank Calabrese Jr.’s book, ‘Operation Family Secrets: How a Mobster’s Son and the FBI Brought Down Chicago’s Murderous Crime Family.’ And, much to my surprise, it’s good. (I believe there were 2 professional journalists who did the actual writing.)

I recommend it, actually.

I think you would find a lot of it interesting and some of it all-too-familiar. (He makes good use of that Outfit idiom that your readers get a taste of in the threads: “knock down,” “whistle in,” and so on.)

He grew up on 75th Ct. in what I presume was your neck of the woods. I have a good idea of your age, and I think Frank Jr. is about 10-years older than you. Did you ever hang out with him?

There are plenty of minutiae in the book, which some might find interesting. One time, Frank Sr. hung freshly slaughtered lambs from his garage rafters, and Angelo LaPietra supposedly went to his house to barbecue them for the Calabrese family. Jimmy Marcello sent a mobbed-up veterinarian over to a Chinatown hideout to remove bone fragments from Nick Calabrese’s arm after he shot himself during the botched Fecarotta murder. Frank Jr. was a cook at Armand’s when Jackie Cerone had it on the arm.

Anyway, I figured I’d tell you about the book. Have you considered writing one?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
Nominate me for Charlie Sheen’s new social media intern, rather than ask me to write a book. lol. I have considered writing a book. I have actually started it. I know the Calabrese family from 75th Court. I have been in their home a number of times, while they owned it and after the new owners bought it, who are friends of mine as well.

father guido

Dear Joe,
What was Jimmy Marcello’s position/rank in the outfit in 1999?

Joseph Fosco

Dear Father,
Johnny Apes was boss in 1999. Little Al after him. I believe Jimmy was on hiatus in 1999.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Did Marcello take it after Monteleone died, then?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear Merlin,
    Jimmy definitely assumed a role of importance for a brief time during the early 2000s.

father guido

Joe or other readers, can you describe the Auippa / Buccieri relationship it, johnny apes, turk and joe negal among others can be tied to both.

Joseph Fosco

Fif came from Teets. Aiuppa collaborated with Teets on various matters and sometimes used his men. Aiuppa was with Bobby Taylor, they came from Lefty Campagna. Turk came from Fif, but Joey O took him over after Fif died. Joe Nick was Aiuppa’s guy.
- The Don
  
  Joe, I agree with your assessment. I would say Fifi came up together with Teets from Taylor St. and eventually became a Capo. However, I believe Teets was a Capo before Fifi. Teets was the Capo of the West Suburbs in the old days with his power base being in Melrose Park. Fifi was directly with Mooney and became a Capo when Mooney became the Top Boss in the Outfit around 1957. They were all part of the extended Taylor St. Group which formed the nucleus of the Outfit and made Chicago the strongest Mafia Group in the Country. Nothing has ever equaled it.
- father guido
  
  did little al come from Auippa? good guy little al, killer or not..little al? who’s bobby taylor? that’s a new one to me?
  - The Don
    
    Joe, I agree with Father Guido’s question, who was Bobby Taylor??
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Bobby Taylor, aka, Bobby Ansani.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Bobby Taylor, aka, Bobby Ansani.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Apes came from the LaPietras; however, Joey A used him as his successor and front-man.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

What do you know about the Wild Bunch, aside from who was in it? I was just reading that they were not very well liked and hardly ever “won” sit-downs with the traditional street crews.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
I do not know a lot about the Wild Bunch. I will check with a couple of sources.
- The Don
  
  Joe, It’s really difficult for me to say the word ‘Boss’ in the same sentence with Sarno.In the 1980′s, Sarno was a soldier working under the supervision of higher ranking soldiers like Delaurentis & Marino.(Delaurentis did not get made until 1989 when Ferriola died and Infelice became the Capo of the the Cicero Group). I can imagine Sarno being a made guy and having soldiers working under him as collectors, but that’s about as high as I can go without laughing at least a little bit. This Guy was not Capo material and certainly not Boss material in anyway. In the same way I can’t imagine Junior Gotti being some kind of Boss in New York. Boy, has the talent, class & business smarts of the Mafia degenerated! Sarno compared to Giancana, Prio, Battaglia, and other Capos & Bosses of the past is like comparing the Black Eyed Peas to the Beatles in the music world.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, some of the questions about who is ‘made’ that have been on your threads from some very good readers like Merlin or Horsey or Father Guido are sometimes tough to answer for one main reason. In the past 10 years or so, Marcello & Sarno have made a lot of guys and DiFronzo had nothing to do with it. For example, Mickey Marcello. I firmly believe from observation of actions and from a very reliable source(you know who) that he was made by his brother. So, in conclusion, it has to be clarified WHEN a guy was made and if he was made in the PAST by the Outfit or in the last 10 years by Marcello or Sarno.
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      Interesting.
      
      James Marcello was in prison from 1995 to 2003, I think. Then, in April of 2005, he was taken into custody again after being indicted in FS. I wonder if Mickey was made sometime between 2003 and his indictment. It would be hard to imagine that Mickey being made before 1995.
    - Horsey F@rt
      
      James Marcello is an intersting guy. When he went away in ’95 he was under Carlisi and all the other old-timers (but, granted, maybe a shoulder above Zizzo and Chiaramonti). Then, he gets out of prison 9 or 10 years later, is almost immediately indicted, and is also identified as being the then-current boss.
      
      Very little is known about his background other than his dad was a collector, and he was Carlisi’s driver. I think he was also a close associate of John Matassa.
      
      Joe, do you know anything about him?
    - Merlin Tenderpony
      
      the Don,
      
      Do you have any background on the Marcellos?
    - The Don
      
      Merlin, I do not have a lot of background on the Marcello Brothers. I know more about Jimmy than Mickey. Jimmy started out as a soldier like most other Outfit guys and worked under Carlisi. When Auippa became the Top Boss in the Outfit, Carlisi remained direct with Auippa and Ferriola then became the Capo of the Cicero Crew. Carlisi sponsored Marcello to become made so Jimmy could run a ‘franchise’ and have his own soldiers working under him. This happened around 1983. Obviously, this was a good thing for Auippa, Carlisi & Marcello since this would generate more income. When Auippa went away, Carlisi became the Top Boss in the Outfit and Marcello became his personal underboss. This put Marcello in a powerful position. When Marcello would talk to other Capos & made guys it was like Carlisi talking. As you know, Marcello, under the orders of Carlisi & DiFronzo, set up the Spilotro Brothers murders. Around 1995 or so, Zizzo & Chiarmonte and their crew who were direct with Carlisi & Marcello all went away for awhile. I do know that Marcello and DiFronzo didn’t care for each other. Marcello didn’t like DiFronzo and Andriacchi’s attitude that Elmwood Park was a little too good or a little too elite for Cicero. It was told directly to me from my relative who worked in the Elmwood Park crew for years and also did business with the Cicero crew that “Elmwood Park didn’t want to eat with Cicero anymore”. However, the good part of that scenerio, is that Jimmy had no interference in running the Outfit the way he wanted. At least that was the expectation when he got out of prison before Family Secrets. This also caused some distrust between Marcello & DiFronzo. Sarno came up under Ferriola & Infelice. So, Marcello and Sarno are really all part of what they would say is the ‘extended’ Cicero crew. The division within the Outfit today is truly between Elmwood Park & Cicero. However, when John DiFronzo & Andriacchi are gone, the Outfit may become unified again like it used to be.
    - The Don
      
      Merlin & Horsey, I would like to make one small correction ( before Joe corrects me ). The Spilotro Brothers murders were ordered by Auippa & Cerone before they went away. Their successors, Carlisi & DiFronzo made sure the orders were carried out. I honestly don’t know anymore about Marcello except that he was half Irish ( which didn’t prevent him from being made because it was on his mother’s side ) and that Mickey is his half brother.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Yes, the Carlisi-DiFronzo faction carried out the orders of their predecessors by executing the Spilotros. Based on DiFronzo’s position in the criminal enterprise, regardless if he were on the Moon the day the Spilotros were murdered, Fitzgerald should have indicted him under RICO, which would have made the Family Secrets case the best time to do it.
    - The Don
      
      Amen, brother.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe and readers, this is interesting:

http://www.wgnradio.com/shows/gregjarrett/wgnam-john-kass-frank-calabrese-jr-mob-greg-jarrett-031611,0,3503890.mp3file

Kass really seems to want to get into the nuts and bolts of what’s going on with the Outfit today, but Jr. evades direct questions.

Kass mentions two leaders of the Outfit: one who’s pretending to be a mental deficient who hangs around construction sites like he has Alzheimer’s disease; the other hangs out on a rural farm. I took this to mean Andriacchi and DiFronzo, respectively.

Also, he says that there are only about 4 or 5 guys in the Outfit who are capable of heavy work nowadays. He said that they are small, unassuming characters. With respect to Kass, I realize that he is not privvy to what you know, but I can’t help but wonder who the 4 or 5 guys he was referring to are.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Merlin,
First, thank you for the audio feed. I found it interesting. I am going to respond by writing an article about it sometime this evening. Unfortunately, I have a busy afternoon. My editor should be able to get it by late night tonight or early morning tomorrow, which means it should be published sometime tomorrow. Be advised that I will be divulging something very interesting. Thank you.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  I can’t wait to read it, Joe.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Joe, is the aforementioned article still in the works for ANP?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      forgive me, i am about to write it now. it could be published tonight. i have been delayed.

Horsey F@rt

I thought the part when Frank Jr. stopped short of naming Toots was interesting.

When a guys like Toots assumes the role of leader / Capo, is it by default or is there a meeting of some kind where it is formally decreed that he’s been upped?

The Don

Horsey, traditionally in the past, the two Top Bosses of the Outfit and perhaps the advice of the Consigliere determine who the Capos are and who gets made. Some of the reasons are because the Top Bosses want a Capo who is trustworthy and dependable for murder and also obviously for money making purposes. For example, when Auippa & Cerone went down around 1986 or so, they determined who would be the next Two Top Bosses. Auippa decided that Carlisi, who was his personal underboss, would be the Top Boss. Cerone, decided that DiFronzo, the Capo of Elmwood Park would be the Underboss of the entire Outfit. Cerone also decided that Lee Magnafichi would be the new Capo of Elmwood Park.

Merlin Tenderpony

This is another interesting piece that features a cast of characters you’re acquainted with, Joe:

‘Wee’ Willie Messino, Joe Gagliano, Chris Cardi, Albert Sarno, John DiFronzo, and Joey Lombardo [Lombardi].

http://www.newcriminologist.com/article.asp?nid=2229

I wonder if Albert Sarno is related to Mike Sarno.

Joseph Fosco

I do not believe that Mike and Al are related.
- The Don
  
  Merlin, there was another soldier working under Messino whose real name was Joe Lombardi. Messino went to prison for 7 years. Most of the $800,000 juice money obviously came from Capo Cerone. However, I do believe from what I heard in the past, abouy 25% of it was Gagliano’s money because he was the underboss & junior partner to Cerone of the Elmwood Park crew. I believe Al Sarno left Chicago and went to Los Angeles to open a resaurant called Sarno’s in Hollywood.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    I would not dispute the Sarno comment that he opened a restaurant in Cali. However, I never heard of that. I know Al. Willie and I used to meet him to go on his yacht up north on Lake Michigan. All I am aware of is the company that Al owns right here in the Chicago area. I believe it is called Elmwood Plumbing or something like that. I think his company installs pipe, water/sewer. It might not be Elmwood Plumbing, but it is Elmwood something.
    Joe Gags loved Al. One day in the late 60s, perhaps the early 70s, Al was out on Lake Michigan over night. He woke up covered with leaches and found himself stricken with Polio. As a side note, he was once a Chicago Police Officer. Al is a strong person, or was. I have not seen him since Willie died in 2002. He almost overcame Polio completely, but it took him years of hard work.
    A couple of years ago some Rosemont cop tried telling me that Al Sarno walked with a limp because he had both of his legs broken. I could not sit still for that one. It could not be further from the truth. He limps because of Polio. I corrected the cop that told a falsehood. I remember Al’s mother Rose, sister Carol and brother Jimmy. I believe Al has one daughter.

Joseph Fosco

I was sponsored to be ‘made’ in 1998, but a few things went wrong and it never happened – I am not a ‘made’ man. However, I will share my story. Willie sponsored me. Johnny began burning the St. Joseph holy card in my hand, as everyone in the room watched me to see if I would flinch from the pain of the flame burning down the card into my hand. All of a sudden out of nowhere, I began to yell bloodcurdling screams before running around the room fanning my hand as if I were trying to fly away. I finally stuck my hand in something very soothing, which turned out to be Johnny’s Vodka and water. I will never forget Johnny’s words, “Willie turn off the lights and let’s go home. Do not bother me with this bullshit anymore.”

Joseph Fosco

For the record, the story in my previous comment is not real. I was merely trying to be humorous. I am sorry if it did not work.
- The Don
  
  Joe, you had me going for the first few sentences, until you got to the blood curdling screams, then I knew you were being ‘Joe the Clown Fosco’.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, when was the last time you saw Al Sarno, the soldier from Willie’s crew? The Al Sarno in Los Angeles who had the restaurant was killed in 1987. Maybe they were two different men with the same name? A relative in Los Ageles told me years ago that the Sarno’s Restaurant in Hollywood was owned and operated by a gangster from Chicago which would have fit the description of your Al Sarno. Maybe that was wrong information. Let me know what you think.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, concerning that deal that went down in 1993, the 7 men indicted were Mike Castaldo, Joe Lombardi, John Spizzirri, Mike Sarno, Sal Cataudella, John Rainone & Robert Ruscitti. The first three are obviously Elmwood Park, the next two are obviously Cicero, Rainone floated between 26th street & Cicero, but I have no idea of Robert Ruscitti. Have you ever heard of him? It was never completely made clear to me, but I got the idea that Elmwood Park guys bought a delinquent loan from the Cicero guys. That’s why men from two crews were involved.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      
      John Rainone? What? John is just a kid (a very young man). And he never ran with any of those guys. He was not indicted with any of them. Floated? Ha-ha.
      John does his own thing, not Outfit stuff. However, he has associated himself with some Outfit guys over the years, such as Rudy Fratto. In fact, I heard from a semi-reliable source that Rainone jumped Joe Annecca (grandson of Dom Cortina) two or three nights ago at Tavern on Rush. Apparently, he was in there with another small-timer, Gino Casano. According to the source, the FBI heard about it already. I cannot imagine why they would care. I know the FBI has monitored a number of things that Rainone has done over the years however, nothing ever happens.
      
      Bobby Ruscitti was one of Mike Castaldo’s collectors – a juice man. I do not recall the details of the scheme.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, I belive you are talking about another John Rainone. The John Rainone I’m talking about was 59 years old in 1993.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      I am sorry. I think the Rainones that we are talking about might be an uncle/nephew deal.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      The last time I saw Al Sarno was probably at Willie’s wake in November of 2002. I knew a different Al Sarno who I believe is related to the Borsellinos. He was in the restaurant business briefly in Elmwood Park. However, he moved on to be a car salesperson in the western suburbs last time I checked.

Merlin Tenderpony

Marion Rainone’s real first name is John; Mario is his middle name. He goes by his middle name, obviously.

on the sidelines

Joe,
what do you know about Mr Castaldo? was he made? why was he not on the favorite list of John Di ? Thanks

Joseph Fosco

Dear On the side…,
In earlier years, Johnny liked Mike very much. However, after they both had experiences with prison in the early 1990s, Johnny heard something from someone that was false and negative about Mike. However, Johnny believed it and turned on Mike. I am truly uncertain as to what it entailed. Although, I do know that Willie Messino intervened on behalf of Mike. Willie despised seeing someone falsely accused of something. He confronted Johnny assuring him that Johnny had heard wrong about Mike. Johnny pretended to accept Willie’s information, however, maintained his true feelings, negative feelings, about Mike until Mike’s death. Someone well connected introduced me to Mike in 2000 and the conversation came up about Johnny’s attitude. It was obvious to me that Mike was hurt by it – unlike a person guilty of something. I am not sure if Mike was ‘made’. I will get back to you on it.
- The Don
  
  Dear On the Side, Thank you for your compliment. I am almost positive Mikey Castaldo was made. My uncle worked as a soldier directly under him. The feds wanted Mikey badly in 1993 because he ran one of the ‘Franchises’ of the extended Elmwood Park Street crew which is generally what made guys do. He was either under Capo Joe Andriacchi or he was directly with the Boss, DiFronzo. The franchise was a loan sharking or ‘juice’ crew. His men were loyal and I always heard good things about him. Willie Messino was a typical Italian male from Taylor St. He had a fierce loyalty to his friends and I agree with Joe, as usual, that he hated injustice and false accusations and would be ready to hurt somebody over it. Joe Fosco lost a good friend in Willie and I believe on a special level, Willie was truly Joe’s ‘Guardian Angel’ in the same way Sonny, in the movie ‘A Bronx Tale’ was to the kid from the neighborhood.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    Interesting comparison, Willie and Sonny, I like it, although, in the interest of fairness, I would add my late and dear friend, Buddy Ciotti to the list of guardian angels on Earth who watched over me. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
    When I was a young bachelor meeting lovely women in the community, I happened to stumble across some that were already spoken for. Keep in mind that I always behaved as a gentleman and never pursued anyone that did not welcome my advances, or in some cases, I would be the recipient of romantic advances. However, in one case in particular, former Police Chief Vito Scavo was also romancing the same young woman that I was romancing. This situation positioned Vito against me. From that time (1998), he stopped at nothing to harass me with the help of his police officers. Buddy Ciotti always took care of whatever problem Vito would attempt to cause for me. In fact, a few times the now late Lt. Tony Caliendo intervened on my behalf (going against his chief), which almost caused Vito to fire Tony (wrongfully). At that point, Buddy stepped in to help Tony as well as saving me from Vito many times. Vito was truly a tyrant. I can honestly say that I do not miss Vito. When Rudy Fratto discovered that Vito Scavo was not a fan of mine (2000), the two began to work together against me. I realize that my story makes me sound paranoid. Trust me I am not. Rudy did not like me because he detested my closeness and loyalty to both Willie and Buddy. Apparently, Rudy was jealous of both men for different reasons. Rudy was in constant competition with Willie’s tough guy/gangster reputation and Buddy’s lucrative video poker business. I was the kid that was close with both of these men, which automatically caused Rudy to dislike me for no good reason. The year 2001 was a year that made me very vulnerable. Willie’s health began declining and Buddy went off to prison. By November of 2002, Willie passed away. Four months later Buddy passed away as well. And 8-years later, here I am writing about the people that hurt my family (by hurting me). These people are truly bad. They have committed countless crimes. It is interesting how both Rudy and Vito are both in prison today. I was compelled to appear at both of their sentencing dates so I could see with my own eyes both of them stand before the court and face their fate. Several other cohorts of theirs helped them come after me over the years and I am here to say, “I endeavor to right the various wrongs committed by these people.” However, I am not executing an inappropriate vendetta; I am simply reporting news, real news, truthful and accurate information concerning the public. What does it matter today that I was once an associate of some of the subjects that I now report on? I have been away from them for many years, I do not violate laws and I report the news, even if it pertains to my former acquaintances. I am not reporting incorrect information, obviously, as I am not facing libel suits. Thank you.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, it was a good comparison I must admit. ‘A Bronx Tale’ is one my favorite movies of all time. My uncle recommended it to me a long time ago. He said it was very realistic and was a great story. He used to also say that the title could be changed to ‘ A Taylor St. Tale ‘ and it would be the same thing. On another subject, I remember going into Danny’s in Melrose Park a few years ago with a couple of my paisans, and fatso Scavo was in there and someone told me he was the new owner. Was that true? Did he own a piece of Danny’s? Also, you are not overly paranoid when you’re talking about Fratto or Scavo. Donald Trump always says a little paranoia is good. You probably should have had MORE paranoia around 2001. You were too trusting of the wrong people and you didn’t have anyone to help you. I understand completely.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Scavo’s wife is still the listed owner of Danny’s Deli as far as I know. The Scavos and super fatso Carl Dote (and Paula) collaborated shortly after Vito “retired” from the police department. A short time later a series of complications caused the Scavos to scale back their interests in the place. Truly, I have no idea what is going on with their portion of Danny’s these days. Rumors suggest that they are completely out of it, although the liquor license might still be in Mrs. Scavo’s name. Perhaps the Dote’s are fronting a portion of equity for the Scavos. I would imagine that it would be financially beneficial for Vito to hide his income from the government, as he faces a stiff IRS bill relating to his case (or maybe its restitution?). As long as whoever owns Danny’s Deli pays their rent on time, I am happy. I happen to think the owner of the building is one of the nicest people that I have ever known.
  - on the sidelines
    
    Love the Bronx Tale… 2-2 on the hard 4! one of the greatest lines ever! actually, i am laughing here thinking about the time when they pushed the ugly guy in the bathrooom and then the big over weight guy, the over weight guy reminds of a person that use to work for us when i worked for the Castaldos. fat, ugly,smelly and just out right disgusting who thought he was a juice guy. but then again hafl the people that are from melrose thought they were connected becaues so in so’s uncle’s daughter knew a waiter who served so in so a baked tater at Tom’s Steak House. which by the way has some good food!
- on the sidelines
  
  Joe and Don
  Thank you for your responsse. Mr C was always great to me, during and after i worked for the Castaldos. From my first day, they treated me like family. I went a couple of times to see him while he was at UIC fighting his cancer. The man was generous and friendly, ALWAYS. Funny story. Mind you I am in my mid 30′s. We use to hit Maywood and watch the horeses on Friday nights. Before we would hit the track, we would visit one of their establishments on lake and 17th. one night, we had a little too much(well i did). MR C hands me either a fifty or hundred and rambles off some numbers to place a bet for him. i hit the window, pllace bets for both of us. i switched his plays with mine. we are sitting around, all of a sudden i get a lil love tap on the back of the head. he tells me theese are not his numbers. my jaw dropped. i did not know what to say. half jokingly i offered to split if i win. i also offered his money back. he was not hearing of it. short of the long, his tickets won, which were my numbers. at the end of the nigh, we are saying our good byes, MR C calls me oover to say good bye and sticks a sum of money in my hand..i refused, but obviosuly you can not refuse the man. he gave me the winnings from the tickets. all of it. that is the kind of person he was. always a smile. always a hello.

Joseph Fosco

Attention readers (Giacchino update):

I recently inquired about the Outfit’s doctor, Dr. Joseph Giacchino, by contacting one of my sources. I learned that Giacchino testified in his own defense back in November 2010, before the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations, regarding his suspended medical license. Apparently, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations is still deliberating. However, my source believes the State of Illinois will affirm the suspension whenever they get around to making a decision, which would likely cause Giacchino to file a lawsuit in state court (Cook County) to appeal the decision. An appeal would wind up taking Giacchino a number of years to conclude. In the meantime, he would remain suspended. And a different source told me that Giacchino would likely be indicted on a federal matter in the months ahead. Therefore, whichever way you slice it or dice it, Giacchino is done (in my opinion).

The Don

Good riddance
- Joseph Fosco
  
  lol

on the sidelines

Joe or Don
what do you know about a guy named Mike”dumdum” Biancofiore ? When i lived in the city, i remember with his son, Nick.

Joseph Fosco

I think he was murdered. Was he not? I know Nick as well.
- on the sidelines
  
  i believe you are correct. i was not sure. i belive it was around 84 or some where around there. i was only nine then, so i do not remember. lucky if i rememebr what i did an hour ago! however, i do remmeber Horwaths bliowing up. maybe i am wrong about that.

on the sidelines

sorry for the mistakes in my question. was typing to fast for my own good! shows i need to double check before clicking!!

Black Angelo

Dum Dum Biancofiore died of natural causes in the mid 1990s .. he was an Elmwood Park guy. Extortionist and Juice Collector. Real rough guy.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
All I did was raise the question and ask if he was murdered. I never stated it as fact. Please do not be crude.
Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
Perhaps there are two different Biancofiore’s. I’m confident that my friend Nick’s father passed away in the ’80s.
- on the sidelines
  
  Joe, I believe you are correct. I checked with a friend. It was the early 80′s and also it might of been a car explosion that claimed his life. Not 100 percent sure,

Black Angelo

Dum Dum died in the mid 1990s. He does not have a son named Nick at all. He used to hang around Elmwood Park alot throughout his life. But actually belonged to Obrien out of Cicero. Obrien grew up with his father and uncles in Melrose Park in the 1910s and 20s.

Dum Dum had a real tough kid die of a drug overdose in the mid 1980s I believe ? Kids name was David.. May be wrong on how he died. I know he died in the 1980s (maybe he was in the explosion ?) I apologize to the Biancofiore family if in fact wrong on his cause of death. Dont recall Dave being blown up though.

But Dum Dum had 2 other sons named.. Rich, & Mike jr., (postive of that) and one daughter (forget her name).

He also had a brother Peter who was married to the Dioguardi family of Melrose Park. Had another brother named Anthony on the fringes of the Outfit.

Anthony to had a son named Mike (Anthony’s Mike has got to be in his 40s now). That Mike is still alive. But this Nick your talking about must be from another brother or a grandkid. And Mike aka Dum Dum died of natural causes.. Trust me. He was a real tough guy. Sorry if I sounded crude earlier JF.

The Don

Black Angelo, who is the eldest among Frank, Leo & Bruno Caruso? I believe Bruno & Leo are first cousins to Frank (Tootsie). Frank is the Capo of the 26th St. Group and I believe is the son of Skids Caruso who originally came from Taylor St.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear The Don,
  Unless someone else here knows, I will have to check with a source later. I do not know details about the Carusos.
Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
You were not crude. Sorry about the mix-up. Now I understand the Dum Dum was the mans nickname. I thought you were calling one of us that name (LOL). Again, sorry.

Black Angelo

Not a problem JF. Yeah Dum Dum was the fellas nickname lol. Sorry if their was a mix up. As for the Caruso’s. Bruno and Tootsie are brothers obviously. Bruno is older than Frank. And Leo is the 1st cousin. Leo and Bruno though are the same age.

Tootsie and Bruno also have another brother Pete I believe his name is. I believe Pete is the oldest.. and he was really never involved in politics, unions or Outfit stuff. Tootsie and Bruno are Roti’s. Leo is not.

And yes Skids Caruso was from Taylor Street. He was very close to Sam Giancana and Teets.. as well as his father in Law Bruno Roti who was a disciple of the old Capone Syndicate.

You know Skids was Capo down in Chinatown/26th street for a long time. It seemed right around the time Giancana got whacked.. Obrien replaced Skids “politely” by sending a Cicero guy Angelo LaPietra to take over down in that area.

Because Skids went real behind the scenes in later years (like 1975 till his death in 1983). But Angelo was good to Skids kids and nephews (the Roti’s, Barbara’s etc).. They controled alot of gambling and juice loans in the 26th st. area after Skids died.

It also helped Skids Caruso had a very close relationship with Gus and Sam Alex. They built a 1st ward power structure. And Angelo was not about to mess up his relationship with the Caruso/Roti/Alex family.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
My Uncle Romie had a close relationship with the Rotis and Carusos. I have shed light on Romie Nappi in the article that I wrote about my father recently. I will pen something exclusively on Romie in the future. Romie was the quietest boss behind the 1st Ward that ever existed. If you do not know of him, it is because you do not know enough about the Outfit.
- The Don
  
  Romie Nappi was a powerhouse sleeper. I believe, according to what my uncle told me from before, that he was a made man who was direct with the Top Bosses of the Outfit.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Dear The Don,
    I believe that too.
The Don

Black Angelo, Thanks for the details about the 3 Carusos. I was told very specificly that Skids Caruso belonged to the 42′s years ago and was a strong made guy who ran a ‘Franchise’ in the 26th street area, but was actually part of the Extended Taylor St.Crew. In other words, he was direct with Mooney. You are correct in saying that in the later years, after Mooney and most of the Taylor St. men were gone, Caruso served under Capo Angelo LaPietra and the entire 26th street area became more of a power center.

Black Angelo

The Don.. No Problem. And its my guess that Romie Nappi in his hey day had to be the 2nd most powerful person in the Outfit. 2nd to only Paul Ricca. Because from what I knew, was told and understood.. Pat Marcy was a Mob Boss.

He was from Taylor street and a hoodlum in his younger years. But as he got older and more polished became more powerful than Obrien and Accardo.. because Marcy controled Politics (Giancana put him their and Made him). And if you dont control politics.. your not true OC. Obrien and Accardo never dared to remove him from his spot.

Plus Pat could have people whacked. But if Pat was insulating Nappi. Then Nappi was up their with Ricca in that stratosphere. I honestly dont know much about Nappi (maybe that is a good thing in some aspects).. so would love to read a story on him. But it certainly would not shock me if he was sleep behind the scenes.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
Romie was Pat’s boss since the late 1960s. However, I would not go as far to say that he was the second most powerful person in the Outfit; not at all would I say that.
Paul Jr would verify today that his father Paul (The Waiter) loved Romie, really loved Romie, as a baby brother.
I wrote that Romie worked under Paul (in the article on my father), but Paul’s housemaid worked under him as well. And I know that Paul’s housemaid had no power in the Outfit whatsoever (get my point?).
- The Don
  
  To put it in proper prospective, I would say Romie Nappi was in the upper echelon of the Outfit putting him up there in the top 10 with the Top Bosses and Capos. I think that would be fair without going overboard. He was a very important man who dealt with top people across the board.

Joseph Fosco

Mooney’s immediate family members, especially Annette, are not only self-proclaimed experts on Mooney’s Outfit experiences (which is not correct – not even close), but also are possessive of him in the way they discriminate against outsiders who analyze him. He was a public figure because of his major position in crime, which is why the family is able to facilitate an exhibit on him in a museum for the public to see. In addition, the family thinks that people that did not know him do not have a right to refer to him as Mooney or claim to have knowledge about him. It is as ridiculous as saying that we cannot refer to JFK as Jack because we did not know him personally, nor should we be able to speak about him. I admit that I did not know Mooney, however, I learned a great deal about him through some of his colleagues who were also his contemporaries. And the people that I learned from did not teach me things about his family life, such as what hand he used when he carved the turkey on Thanksgiving, which are some of the things his family can teach us.

The Don

Joe, Thank you for spelling it out to all of your readers about some of Mooney’s relatives and their attitude towards outsiders. Antoinette is the worst offender. I also learned things about him in the same way as you.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear The Don,
  Please understand that her legal name might very well be Antoinette, however, most of her immediate relatives and friends (in my experience) call her Annette, including me.
  I recognize that Annette is sometimes offensive and arrogant. On a number of occasions, I have felt that she had been mildly offensive to me; however, on one occasion she insisted that I eat half of her hamburger that she had cooked at home (I was visiting her son and husband several years ago). Nonetheless, I do like her as a person. She had a tough life, whether she knows it or not, or will admit.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, she’s not my relative or my friend, so what difference does it make if I address her by her name Antoinette?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Address her however you wish.
      Now you know why I address her differently.
    - The Don
      
      I understand.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, after Ross Prio died in 1972, his underboss, Dominic DiBella, became the Capo of the North Side Crew. DiBella was the Capo until about 1976 and then retired and died soon after because of terminal cancer. He was succeeded by his underboss, Vince Solano, who was a strong Capo and ruled the North Side Crew up until his death in 1992. Do you believe that Matassa then succeeded Solano and became the Capo of the North Side Crew from 1992 forward?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      F*** no.

Black Angelo

LOL JF. Why you so hard on the Park Ridge Pudgemaster. I actually have a photo you might find intriguing.. what is your personal email JF.

Hell alot of people on the threads including the Don would probably find it intriguing as well.

By the way its just a hunch that once Solano died Johnny DiFronzo laid the hammer down hard on that North Side crew and swallowed it in with EP and D’amico (in other words not giving Pudgy his bump to Cap).

The Don

Black Angelo, you’re right. I did find it intriguing. Especially, when in the past, Matassa had an arguement with Marco about Machines on the North side, and Matassa won the arguement. Also, like Merlin said, Matassa was a direct conduit between the Outfit & John Ambrose. Like him or dislike him, I see no reason why he would not have succeeded Solano unless he and a couple other left over made guys and their soldiers became part of the extended Elmwood Park Crew. If that were true, then Matassa would be deactivated.
- Black Angelo
  
  I’m not so sure Pudgy won that arguement. If Marco wanted something removed all he would have to do is go through his good friend Tootsie or go through Johnny and said machines would be gone so fast Pudgy would of lost his appetite.
  
  You must understand Pudgy is a well liked guy. But if provoked can become scary. He was even involved in a “heated” arguement w/ Al Tornabene at the old Andrea’s Restaurant.
  
  When Johnny DiFronzo swallowed in the Northside crew. Pudgy never became a capo because of this. He actually around 1992 became Marco’s driver and drinking buddy. I think Joe Palumbo was a tag along also.
  
  As of 2011 Pudgy is a underboss and mouthpiece to a known made guy who takes very good care of himself and did alot of time in prison and is his dining partner and driver on occasion.
  
  As of 2011 Marco is retired.. in that he no longer frequents social clubs like he once did during the day time working hours.. therefore when he goes somewhere in the daytime he drives himself in his Lexus.
  
  Marco is getting up in age but still in relatively good shape for a man his age. But he is losing his hearing (trust me on this).. So Johnny sometimes likes him to have a driver (especially at night if he’s been drinking).
  
  Marco owns alot of buildings/condos and hotels in the Gold Coast and in River North and sometimes doesn’t even go back home (Western Suburbs) if he’s in the city to late.
  
  But at night when Marco does go out he has 3 guys that are at his services to escort him around the city.
  
  One guy that does hang out with him and chauffeurs him is a very very capable guy and from what I hear a made guy (just recently). (and NO the guy is not Tony Dote or Bobby Abbinanti)
  
  And this guy that is Marco’s gofer has a very close relationship with Pudgy and the guy Pudgy is very close to now.
  
  But yes Pudgy is actually well respected (he was a union guy for Christ Sakes for many years), and is made.
  
  I was told a long time ago all union guys with Outfit connections are made. (Yes I heard Joey Lombardo Jr. is a made guy a long time ago).
  
  The Don what is your personal email I have a photo you may find very intriguing and some of the aforementioned things mentioned by me will start to make sense.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    I have The Don’s email address and would gladly forward him the photo if you would entrust it with me at jfosco@americannewspost.com. Thanks.
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    Joe Lumps kid is not ‘made’. lol
    - The Don
      
      Black Angelo, You can see from the threads that JF & I sometimes argue or get a little irritated with each other over some minor thing, but we do respect each other. I have to agree with Joe, that Joe Jr. Lombardo is not made and I believe Rocky is a soldier, but not made. Jack Cerone used to treat Rocky somewhat disrespectfully when he had Rocky’s in Melrose Park. The information about Matassa & Marco was from 1989 and came from some confidential informant who said Matassa won the arguement over machine placement somewhere on the North side. It could be inaccurate information. Traditionally, there have always been 6 different street crews in the Outfit along with the Two Top Bosses & a Consigliere ( Accardo being the famous one for years). This was all verified by Nick Calabrese in 2007 who specifically said the same thing that I always heard from my uncle for years. ( He had some entertaining stories about each one). Forgive me Joe, but I was testing you to see if you would acknowlegde Matassa becoming the Capo in 1992. The North Side/ Rush St. Crew was one of the six named by Calabrese and one of the ones I always heard about for years. I respectfully disagree with Joe Fosco and anyone else who says that The North/ Side Rush St. Crew got swallowed up by Elmwood Park in 1992. I say Pudgy Matassa became the Capo of this group and had made guys & soldiers under him just like any other Capo. The loyalty of him and his men were with DiFronzo. If anything is different, it changed within the last 5 years because in 1992, Matassa became the Capo. Like it or not.

Merlin Tenderpony

Why does everyone treat Matassa like a joke? Because of his weight?

If he really was involved in the Senese shooting, then Matassa is a pretty serious criminal. He’s a made guy, too. He was the main conduit between the Outfit and John Ambrose, too. He was also very close with Mike Glitta and Vincent Solano.

The Don

Joe, Then who became the Capo of the North Side Crew in 1992, if it was not Matassa?
- Joseph Fosco
  
  What do you consider as north side?
  - The Don
    
    Joe, In your opinion, who became the Capo of the North Side/ Rush St. Crew after Vince Solano? How else do you want me to ask the question?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      I understand English fairly well and use the dictionary for the words that I do not understand. I realize that various Outfit charts have indicated North Side / Rush Street, etc. However, I do not understand what those geographical locations mean in terms of Outfit crews. In other words, I do not believe that things are split up that way any longer.
- Lardly
  
  John “Pudge” Matassa is no joke. His old man was Mo’s right arm.
  - Lardly
    
    Matassa is under DiFronzo now–you can be sure of THAT!
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    His old man was Mo’s stooge and Mo browbeat him as if he were a redheaded stepchild (pardon my silly and insensitive expression).
The Don

Merlin, I believe Matassa was the nephew of Mike Glitta. I don’t consider Matassa a joke. I don’t think Joe Fosco likes him for some reason so he’s portraying him as a nobody. I’m sure Dominic Senese didn’t think Matassa was a joke. Also, Rudy Fratto is basically an idiot like he’s been discussed on these threads, but I wouldn’t consider him a joke either. Both of these guys are potentially dangerous made men.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear The Don,
  I do not appreciate your inference that I am misleading.
  - The Don
    
    Joe, I don’t think you are intentionally misleading. It’s quite possible Matassa became the Capo of Vince Solano’s crew in 1992. I think you have a hard time accepting that possibility for some reason. I’m not the only one who questioned your answer. Black Angelo & Merlin & somebody named Lardly also questioned it. The only other logical explanation to my question would be that after Vince Solano died in 1992, since DiVarco was dead along with a couple of the other guys, maybe the remaining made guys became part of the Elmwood Park Crew. Also, don’t you think your answer at 7:57 a.m. ( f*** no ) was a little unprofessional?
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      F*** no! Comments in the message threads could be somewhat unvarnished, as apposed to the professional article itself. Thanks for caring.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, So, putting all the dramatics aside, I take it that you agree that Matassa is at least a made guy but you don’t think he is the Capo of Vince Solano’s North Side Crew.
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Correct.
- Lardly
  
  There’s a lot out there about Matassa. However he fits into the Outfit these days, know that he is powerful.
  - Lardly
    
    Matassa is an extremely close friend of Vince Innocence’s son who is now a respected attorney.

Lardly

Marcello thought highly of Matassa.

Mr. Jingledonkey

Do you know anything about Pudge’s cousin Tommy Matassa? He’s always come across as a shady character.

Joseph Fosco

No. I will check into him.
- The Don
  
  Black Angelo or Joe, We’ve all talked alot in the past about the extended Elmwood Park Crew, extended Cicero Crew, 26th St Crew & recently Chicago Heights Crew. However, we haven’t talked much about the North Side/ Rush St. Crew or the Grand Ave. Crew. All the guys that I heard about from the North Side/ Rush St. Crew are dead except Pudgy Matassa. I never really knew which guys belonged to the Grand Ave. Crew during the 1970′s and forward except of course Joey Lombardo and the German and maybe Vincent Cozzo. There was even speculation that Tony Spilotro didn’t belong to the Grand Ave. Crew but instead was direct with the Top Bosses in the Outfit, being Auippa & Cerone. There has also been speculation about Mooch Eboli and whether he belonged to the Grand Ave. Crew or was direct with the Top Boss Auippa. In the Family Secrets Trial, they made it sound like Eboli was with Lombardo. However, Joe has said Eboli was direct with Auippa which I would tend to agree. There was also specualtion about Centracchio. Was he with Auippa or was he with that famous Grand Ave. Crew that several ghost members. My opinion was that Centracchio was with to Auippa/ Carlisi etc. So, my real question is: Who in the hell really belonged to the Grand Ave. Crew under Lombardo? My uncle even said on a couple of occasions that Lombardo lives in the old neighborhood which is his power base. Well, who were some of the made guys that were with Lombardo? I can rattle off a whole bunch of names from the other Crews mentioned, but I really can’t when it comes to the most talked about Crew in the Family Secrets trial, the famous Grand Ave. Crew. Every time they mentioned Lombardo’s name, they said he was the Capo of the Grand Ave. Crew. Your thoughts anyone?
  - The Don
    
    Joe, please insert the word ‘has’ right before the word several. I also misspelled speculation the third time i used it. Remove the word ‘to’ in front of Auippa. Sorry!
    - Joseph Fosco
      
      Dear The Don,
      Here is my motto on typos, evreryone makes them and no one cares about them.
    - The Don
      
      Joe, too funny.
  - Merlin Tenderpony
    
    Wasn’t there a Cozzo–maybe Jimmy Cozzo–who was an important figure with Grand Ave? Is he dead now?

Black Angelo

I never really believed a lot of those guys was direct with Obrien. I only say that because a lot of those real top echelon bosses liked sufficient insulation.

And Lombardo, DiFronzo, and Andriaachi was that. So guys like Tony C, Eboli, Spilotro, Angelo Bastone, The German and Cozzo more than likely belonged to Lombardo.

And Lombardo in turn was direct with Obrien. I know for years after Lombardo’s imprisonment his driver was Christy Nose Spina.

And before Lumpys imprisonment and a lil after it was Legs DiAntonio. In a eerie story Legs actually was on his way to pick up Lombardo one day and did not get their because he died in a car accident on the Kennedy. (I’ll never forget it was a Friday in the fall of 1993).

Legs used to run a big social club for Joey and in the summer (especially on Fridays) you would see like 1,000 guys outside smoking cigars and playing loud Frank Sinatra music.

Some guys was Grand Ave tough guys, some just their to play Gin Rummy and have good food and good time (it reminded you of how John Gotti used to run his Ravenite Social Clubs)except you never saw Joey L lol.

The social club was right their on Grand right off Noble and Ada (in the area the Bella Notte is now).

Joey stayed far away from their when he got out in 1992, but everybody “in the know” knew that was his joint.

As for the North side / Rush Street Crew. I believe Johnny DiFronzo swallowed them in. Some territory/men went to Marco. And Pudgy went with Joe Andriaachi.

Joey A is a top echelon boss.. So Pudgy Matassa would be his capo and direct with him (sort of like Lumpy being direct with Obrien and insulating him).

Pudgy by the way pals around with a well groomed big dog in the Cicero crew (a guy that carries more weight than Solly C and Fat Mike.. Metaphorically more weight, not literally lol).

Pudgy also pals around with a big guy that does things for Marco. But shit Michael Spano and Jimmy I carried more juice than Solly C or Fat Mike.

I know the media says Fat Mike Sarno was the street boss of the Outfit but he was just a puppit if you ask me for Jimmy I. And Pudgy Matassa and the one well dressed guy he pals around with is the real boss of that regime And those guys are more than likely protecting another echelon boss (like a Joey A).

I know their was guy who did heavy work for Joey A by the name of Albert Vena. If you saw him you wouldn’t look twice at him. But then you’d be dead already.

Joseph Fosco

Dear Black,
What makes you think Vena does heavy work for Joey A?
Merlin Tenderpony

Sal DeLaurentis was overheard on a wiretap one time saying that in the Outfit, when two made guys’ kids get married to each other, the groom’s father gains more power in the organization.

Now, I don’t really have an understanding of the context in which these remarks were made, but I’ve always wondered about Sarno’s daughter marrying Inendino’s son. If we apply Solly D’s logic to that nuptial, then Jimmy Inendino is a pretty powerful guy these days.
The Don

Black Angelo, What you said does make a lot of sense concerning Grand Ave. Is Angelo Bastone related to Sal & Carmine Bastone? I don’t believe I ever heard of him. I obviously heard about all the rest. If all those guys were/all with Lombardo, then his Grand Ave. Crew would have been on par with the other crews. I wonder who is the Capo of the Grand Ave. Crew right now in 2011?
- Black Angelo
  
  Dear JF, You know and I know that Albert Vena is one of Joey A’s deadly sleepers lol. I have a good source years ago in Melrose Park (before he died) who told me in so many words but never naming names that Joey A has access to Vena (I figured it out after about a day).
  
  Vena is prolific and a professional at what he does best HEAVY WORK. I’ve just heard Joey A has access to him and has used him for a long time to handle things.
  
  Lets just put it this way if Frank Calabrese jr. would of testified against Joey A. Frank Calabrese jr. would be in the witness protection program and would never be roaming around Chicago doing book tours. Not with Albert Vena types lurking around in the shadows.
  
  The Don… Angelo Bastone is Sal & Carmen Bastone’s older brother. Angelo was a sleeper and eyes and ears for Lumpy and other bosses in Vegas. He handled the skim too.
  
  Angelo had a son “Judge” Robert who was a tenured Cook County Judge. I believe Angelo too could of led the Spilotro brothers to their death trap in 1986. They trusted him that much. Angelo died in 1989.
  
  And Merlin T, As for Jimmy I his nephew Sammy (not his son) is married to Fat Sarno’s niece. Fat Sarno does have a daughter but she is not married.
  - The Don
    
    Joe & Black Angelo, I’ve done a little research on my own and I would like to say that I stand corrected about the North Side/ Rush St. Crew. It basically does not exist anymore like the past. It is not a full and complete functioning Crew anymore. All the men that were part of it like Vince Solano, Joey DiVarco, Mike Glitta, Babe Demonte are dead and the crew was left with Matassa & Joe Arnold and some soldiers working under them through the late 1990′s to present. Arnold died in 2002. Matassa is a made guy who belongs to Elmwood Park. The traditional 6 Street Crews have been reduced to 5. After the Family Secrets Trial was over, the Feds were saying that the Outfit had been reduced to 4 Street Crews; Elmwood Park, Cicero, 26th Street & Grand Ave. However, they are not completely correct as usual. They left out Chicago Heights. But, they are correct about Rush St. Any activity there would be covered by Grand Ave. which is right next to it or Elmwood Park which is a powerhouse even somewhat deactivated.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

Wasn’t “N*gg*r” Joe Amato a capo from up North? There’s not a whole lot of information available about him.

One of the more interesting crimes–a crime that showed major multilateral cooperation between the street crews–included in Family Secrets was the bombing of Nick Sarillo.

Joe Amato was friends with Sarillo but fell out with him when Sarillo refused to be armed for his gambling activites. Amato, Carlisi, Marcello, and Frank C. and some other made guys from Chinatown conspired to blow him up. They succeeded in obliterating his car, but Sarillo wasn’t killed.

Joseph Fosco

I will talk more about Nigger Joe soon.
- Joseph Fosco
  
  Dear Merlin,
  Yes, Nigger Joe, aka, Black Joe, was a Capo in Lake County.
  - http://www.facebook.com/gavin6942 Gavin Schmitt
    
    I thought he was the capo in McHenry County.

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

I’m sure you’re aware of the famous “Last Supper” photo, picturing Joey O, Dom DiBella, Solano, Pilotto, Cerone, Lombardo, Turk, DiVarco, Amato, and JB together at dinner. Am I missing something, or is there no representative from Chinatown in this photo? It is believed to have been taken in 1976. Do you have any idea why Skid Caruso, or the even Hook weren’t included in this soirée? Obviously, it was an important event.

Joseph Fosco

I have no idea.
Personally, I would not read into it too much. Maybe one of the two people you mentioned is taking the picture.
Joseph Fosco

Not being exactly sure of the year the photo was taken, I always wondered if it were taken the night Mooney was murdered, in case an alibi was needed for those men.
- Merlin Tenderpony
  
  Now that’s what I call a theory.
  
  I guess the individual who took the photo was the owner of the Sicily restaurant on North Harlem Avenue.
  
  The photo was taken around 1976, and since Mooney was killed in June of ’75, I think it’s possible that you are correct.
  
  It was Turk and Cerone’s crews who were assigned to Mooney’s murder, correct?
  - Joseph Fosco
    
    right

Merlin Tenderpony

Joe,

What do you know about DiFronzo’s relationship with Mooney and/or JB. It’s been said that JB was particularly fond of him. Did DiFronzo know Mooney, or was he still a low-level guy during Mooney’s reign? Any information you have would be appreciated.

Joseph Fosco

Joe B liked Difronzo because his lackey, Jackie, always boasted to Joe about how good of a killer Johnny was. In my opinion, Johnny never had a reason to know Mooney. Gags and Willie were the guys that Jackie and Mooney used for message delivery between the two bosses (Capo & Boss).

Brettwalterreed

Any more information on the heights crew? Does anyone have any names of crew members other than capos or bosses. How about street crew members or collectors? There was so many people connected in this area, I have lived here my whole life and have family connected. The threads on this article raise great questions and shed some light on some true characters.

Dom

Joe: you have mentioned Milk Wagon Joe. Are referring to Milk wagon Joe Walen? If not who are you referring to? Thanks

http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco

I do not recall Mill Wagon’s last name. He was Polish. I could get the name for you and I will. He lived way out southwest. He had a huge office (BM). He used to have his pockets made deeper because of the large amounts of cash he kept with him. He was tight with Joe B, Joey O and Jack. I remember him as if I saw him yesterday. In his latter years, his daughter used to drive him into the city when he would come to meet us. He was suffering from an illness that caused him to go to the bathroom frequently. In order to make his routine trips to Chicago, which was about a 90-minute drive for him, he bought a small mobile-home truck so he could use the bathroom, while his daughter drove. He was the best! I miss him.
- Dom
  
  Joe, Thanks for the reply. The Milk Wagon Joe I was referring to was also Polish. I believe Walan was a shorter version of his real name. I never met him but heard his name before. I knew someone who attended one of his wedding anniversaries which was held at a restaurant called Surma’s in Homewood, Il. This party must of taken place half a century ago (way before my time). It is amazing you were able to meet him, wow.
  - http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco
    
    Meet him? I had dinner with him several times. Jackie (Esq.) remained connected to a great deal of his father’s elderly contacts, which benefitted ANP and me. Aside from Jack, I had Willie, George Colucci, Buddy Ciotti, Michael Magnafichi and Bill Daddono to rely on for Outfit related social networking. The aforementioned people are people that I knew well, spent enormous amounts of time with, therefore had many unique opportunities to meet their contacts and learn a great deal of information.
    
    I know the Daddonos looked at Joe B as a beefer, specifically because of his meetings with Roemer. Personally, I am no big fan of Joe B, but I do not know if I would flat out call the man a beefer. Regardless of whether he was ever truly the top boss of the Outfit or not, despite the fact that he played a role in the hit on Giancana, there are certainly many good reasons to credit him for being a brilliant mind (unfortunately, a criminal mind).
    
    I was so close to the Daddono family that when Billy (the third) remarried, he had the judge who officiated his wedding include one last vow (after the conventional vows) that his wife had to agree to in order for the marriage to commence, which included me. The vow was something like, “Do you promise to prepare dinner and provide slippers and a spare bedroom whenever Joe Fosco comes over?” She said, “I do.” I should go over there tonight to see if she meant it. Lol
    
    There are a number of experiences between Billy and I that I will truly miss for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, because of complicated reasons, our friendship deteriorated, which caused him to victimize me as he does with so many others. Overall, the unfortunate loss of our friendship was truly a blessing in disguise.
    - Dom
      
      I think I was just surprised to see Milk Wagon Joe’s name in the thread. Like I said I have heard his name before but assumed he was just a local Outfit associate. Not one book on the Outfit mentions his name. I know that he knew Frank LaPorte. I did not know that he knew Joe B and the others. Who was he to the Outfit?
    - http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco
      
      Joe was in charge of bookmaking for all the southwest, far southwest, for many years. he cracked into the top bosses. he was the real deal, way before dom and donald.

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