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More Of Behind The Scenes With Gangster Magnafichi

Posted on 24. Apr, 2011 by in Organized Crime

For those of you who enjoyed reading the first segment of “Behind The Scenes” with Chicago Outfit Lieutenant Emeritus Michael Magnafichi, I present you with additional behind the scenes moments. This segment solely pertains to the post interview conversation of the recently published interview with Michael Magnafichi.

As most of my readers are already aware, this is not a typical style for American News Post, we do not like entertaining conjecture as solid fact. However, I felt that expanding the “Behind The Scenes” piece would illustrate more of the risks Michael knows he is taking by speaking about the activities of the Outfit. The fact that organized crime is still very much alive in the Chicagoland area is obvious after speaking to Michael.

Please understand that all the declarations, accusations and insinuations made against others in this article are merely allegations and should not be considered as facts until proven in a court of law. Thank you.

JosephAndriacchi More Of Behind The Scenes With Gangster Magnafichi

Joseph Andriacchi

JF: What did your deals pertain to with Chicago Outfit boss Joe Andriacchi?

MM: I cannot say.

JF: With all of his connections, did you ever aspire to do something else besides being a gangster?

MM: He offered to put me with Alex Dana in the restaurant business. But, I used to tell him that I could not understand how he could deal with such a creep. Alex is a major creep. I guess I got this from Jack, the old man, who despised Alex. I remember one time Jack told him to go shave his beard. The goof went in the bathroom of his restaurant and shaved it immediately.

JF: Really? I was under the impression that Alex was a heavyweight, being connected to Joe Andriacchi.

MM: (Laughter) Why are you asking me questions when you already know the answers? You know Alex is nothing but Joe’s stooge. The only thing heavy about him is his head.

I remember Alex’s daughter’s wedding, I deliberately put nothing in the envelope. We don’t give goofs money. And, I have told Joe plenty of times over the years that Alex is robbing him in those restaurants. He buys his clothes by issuing credit to the managers in the clothes stores so they eat free in his restaurants in exchange for free clothes. He does the same thing for several other luxury items. And all of this goes under the table. I guess Joe does not care that much.

JF: I remember once asking Willie Messino if he would join me for dinner at Rosebud on Taylor. Willie responded by saying, “I will only go if someone else buys dinner. I won’t give that goof my money.” In fact, Willie mentioned that one time when he was at the Rosebud several years ago, he got mad at Alex and chased him through the place  – Alex hid in the kitchen. (Laughter)

MM: (Laughter) No one liked Alex. He married well. His wife’s family has a ton of money. Jack used to bring his dog with him when he would eat in Alex’s restaurant – that’s what he thought of Alex.

JF: Oh, that is right.

MM: I know some women that Alex had been with. According to them, he has an appreciation for having various objects shoved where the sun does not shine.

JF: Oh boy, ouch. As they say, different strokes for different folks.

MM: Yes.

JF: One thing that I did not care for was hearing stories that Alex would tell about old man Jack Cerone after he died. He told my late friend Buddy Ciotti that Alex went to Florida with Jack once and Alex made fun of how small Jack’s condominium was and how cheap he was. I mean, come on, the guy is dead. All the years he was alive, Alex never told those stories. Alex is obviously not as brave as we are. We talk about gangsters that are alive as well as dead. (Laughter)

MM: (Laughter) You do a better job than me.

JF: Not true. I love what you say about Johnny DiFronzo’s parenting skills.

Image22 More Of Behind The Scenes With Gangster Magnafichi

John DiFronzo

MM: Oh, because he once told me that my father was dumb for bringing me into this business. With my current problems being what they are, Johnny felt that my dad made a mistake putting me in a position too powerful too early in life. I almost told Johnny to his face that he was right, maybe my father was not the smartest parent, but at least my dad’s son did not die of a drug overdose as his son did. What does that say about Johnny’s parenting? My father was an ingenious parent next to that horse face f***ing maniac.

JF: Touché.

MM: Please don’t get me going on those DiFronzos.

JF: Michael, it really does not take a lot to get you going on them. (Laughter)

MM: (Laughter)

Readers, this article is designed in part to help you understand that gangsters are only human beings. The fear factor that exists, which places a spell of intimidation over their victims, would evaporate if others would simply understand that we are all humans. No one is better or more important than the other, especially gangsters. The victim empowers this type of criminal by feeling intimidated. A victim must stand strong, stand tall and stick up for him or herself. Do not give the criminal the power of intimidating you. If more people told gangsters to f*** off, we would not have any gangsters.

If anyone out there is a victim of extortion and/or blackmail by a gangster, contact me directly, at jfosco@americannewspost.com. I would be very happy to offer some advice.

Thank you.

Postscript

The cast of characters:

Joe Andriacchi is a Chicago Outfit boss.

Alex Diakakis, also known as Alex Dana, is purported to be a primary owner of the Rosebud Restaurants in the Chicagoland area.

Old man Jack Cerone is the late Chicago Outfit boss.

Willie Messino is a late Chicago Outfit member.

Buddy Ciotti, a.k.a. Nick Ciotti, is the late Melrose Park based Outfit gaming kingpin, specifically associated with video poker.

Johnny DiFronzo is a current Chicago Outfit boss.

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  • Horsey F@rt

    I almost hate to ask, but how old was DiFronzo’s son when he died?

  • Horsey F@rt

    Also, has Michael received much more grief since the initial backlash from Outfit guys and those that defend them?

  • Joseph Fosco

    The date of John Jr’s death escapes me. I believe it was in the early to mid ’90s. He was born in September of 1951, which would put him in his early 40s at the time of his death.

  • Joseph Fosco

    Yes, Michael has received additional grief, as more people have shunned him. However, he is fully capable of enduring such sophomoric treatment. I have helped Michael deal with these circumstances by pointing out that anyone who would take the side of a bunch of killers and other criminals are certainly not worth knowing in the first place.

  • Joseph Fosco

    Yes, Michael has received additional grief, as more people have shunned him. However, he is fully capable of enduring such sophomoric treatment. I have helped Michael cope with these circumstances by pointing out that anyone who would take the side of a bunch of killers and other criminals are certainly not worth knowing in the first place.

  • Black Angelo

    JF and Horsey……….

    Johnny DiFronzo jr died in either May or June of 1994. He was 42 years old. I know for a fact It was in the early summer of that year (just cant remember the exact date). He left behind a son Johnny DiFronzo III. Mob Boss Johnny DiFronzo was in prison at the time of his sons death.

    Johnny’s wife Rosemary and Johnny jr’s widow Mary (Johnny III mom) helped raise the young Johnny DiFronzo (who was 9 or 10 at the time of his dads death in 1994).

    When Mob Boss Johnny DiFronzo got out of prison in July 1994 he was the central father figure in that child’s life. As you well know that is important in the Italian culture.

    For the record Johnny, Rosemary and Mary did a good job of raising Johnny DiFronzo III. He’s law obeying, hard worker and a good father in his own right.

    I can only imagine it must have been a very TOUGH time for that kid (Johnny D III) in 1994. His dad died suddenly and his grandfather was in prison and he was at a young impressionable age. I do know Mob Boss Johnny DiFronzo has 2 great grandkids he adores.

    Ps I maybe have one more post left in me LOL

  • Horsey F@rt

    Thanks for the response.

    42-years old? He was a young man. What a shame, especially since he had family.

    Whenever I am in a situation in which I have the opportunity to experiment with drugs, I like to recall something my grandfather used to say:

    “Don’t do drugs because you’ll go to prison, and drugs are very, very expensive in prison.”

    It’s kept me out of trouble all these years.

  • Joseph Fosco

    “I can only imagine it must have been a very TOUGH time for” the kids of all of Johnny’s victims who were beaten, butchered and tortured to death by DiFronzo over the years.
    On a different matter, John Jr basically killed himself, unlike his father’s victims.

  • Black Angelo

    I was talking about Johnny DiFronzo III having a rough time dealing with the death of his father. He was 9 or 10 when he died. And John jr. WAS NOT a gangster and neither is Johnny III. Johnny DiFronzo III did not choose who his Grandpa and or Great Uncles where going to be. So I find your statement to be VERY confusing to say the least.

    ps Horsey I believe you asked some questions about the Caruso’s in relation to some Outfit murders and the Sarno/Inendino family connection (alot of which is not factual) but I will respond to you later and that will be my final posting on here. Thank You

  • Joseph Fosco

    I understood you loud and clear the first time. Again, “I can only imagine it must have been a very TOUGH time for” the kids of all of Johnny’s victims who were beaten, butchered and tortured to death by DiFronzo over the years.

  • Horsey F@rt

    Black Angelo,

    Remind me again why it is necessary that you stop commenting. Your comments are as good or bad as mine or anyone else’s on ANP. I don’t really see the problem.

    If you think someone is “onto you” then switch usernames or something.

  • whostooknow

    Doesn’t he have another son? Is he in the family business at all?

  • Joseph Fosco

    Dear Who…,

    I authored a piece in March of 2010, which sheds a little light on Johnny’s other son. You may access the article here: http://americannewspost.com/?p=757
    I wrote the article because of a rumor that needed to be cleared up.

    The other son, Mike, is Johnny’s stepson. It is rumored that he has a drug problem too. Last time I saw him, approximately 8-years ago, I believe that he gave me his business card, which explained that he sold cars for Joe Perillo.

  • Geek899273

    Seems like everyone is a little sensitive. I understand what Joe is saying about why he feels bad for the victims families that John DiFronzo killed. The wifes and kids of the victims didn’t do anything to deserve having a loved one killed. I also understand what Black Angelo is saying that John DiFronzo III doesn’t really have a choice about who is dad or grandfather is. If John DiFronzo III has his shit together and stays out of trouble then more power to him.

  • Horsey F@rt

    Joe, I enjoy these anecdotes about “goofs.”

    How would you define the term “goof” as it is used by Chicago gangsters, anyway? Someone they don’t respect? There has to be more to it than that, as most gangsters have a general disrespect for humanity.

    How about “someone who the Oufit does not respect, who is easily manipulated, and has a misplaced sense of his (her) self-regard?”

  • Joseph Fosco

    I will ask Michael tomorrow and tell you his definition. I am sure that I once qualified as a goof, with the money I allowed the Outfit to force from me; I was a quintessential Outfit goof.

  • hotdogking

    u really need a definition of a goof? youre a goof for askin.

  • Joseph Fosco

    LOL

  • jc

    I for one would say the anonymous ones with pseudonyms who come out here and drop names trying to impress us all with who and what they know and then potentially get themselves into trouble on the street for blogging here would qualify as “goofs” no??? We vowels have another name for such people — “spacones” lol

  • Machinery

    What a bunch of Grifters!
    GRIFT–Money made dishonestly,as in a swindle.
    A swindle or confidence game.
    To engage in swindling or cheating.
    To obtain by swindling or cheating.
    Keep up the Grift busting joe&co
    Knowhere to run Knowhere to hide for the mafia Fools.

  • Joseph Fosco

    Dear Readers,

    Below, you will find a copy of an email that I cut and pasted, which I sent to an anonymous smear job artist that has threatened my family with a subtle threat that we should “drive carful.” Among the threats made to me, I am told that various friends and acquaintances of mine will be receiving libelous information about me. This attacker has been threatening me from IP address 174.128.217.31.

    My email to the bad person:

    Your subtle threats are not scary (relating to carful driving & smearing me).

    You are on a mission to smear me. Below are some addresses that you would like to have, as you have named these individuals in your threatening email and messages to me.

    Lord Black
    1930 S. Ocean Blvd.
    Palm Beach, FL 33480
    (Hurry up he is moving, however, his mail will be forwarded to New York)

    Joe Konen, Bishop Lyne and Fr. Dan Mayall
    730 N. Wabash
    Chicago, IL 60611
    (Might as well address the Cardinal while you are at it. Be advised, Konen retired, however, Holy Name will forward his mail)

    FBI Agent Holt
    2111 W. Roosevelt
    Chicago, IL 60608
    (Might as well address Agent Chris Mackey too)

    Please let me know if I could help you with any other addresses. And, please do not take this note as sign that I am condoning your harassment and smear campaign against me – I am not. Thank you.

    /s/ Joseph Fosco

    PS,

    Extremely smart people like the ones named above know a smear job when they see one.

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    Wow, Joe Fosco, people are so mean and desrespectful. I wish you only good tidings.

    Hey,Joe I feel compeled to share with you smething I picked up on MIchael De Phillips. This hear say news came through a gruop of kids in the neighborhood age 29-30. Class of 1998 Defo/ Elmwood Park.

    Well here it is, I am considering the Philosophy in it. According to this group, Mike De phillips was ambashed be a group from an African country. This group, the rummor is saying Haitian.

    NOw, hear me out, before every shots the messenger. THey say that Organized crime does’nt kill that way. Thier thought is that if a “Made Man” did it it would have come down from the top, Via Defronzo.

    They say, The “Chicago Outfit” just shts the guy and just leaves.

    I believe this Philosophy, “Remember The Rules.”

    The crime scene was too, blloddy and the “OutFit” would be too, greedy. They say that thousands were left behind.

    I think that this may be a Homeland Security case. It makes sense that Micheal was dealing in the hundreds of thousands and he would be doing this kind of thing with an over seas gang.

    Oh, they also said, that Michael had many enimies, because he ripped a lot of people off as a Dope Dealer.

    Does anyone see, why this Philosophy can be believable?

    Also, if there are any 29-30 yr olds reading this and know this rumor,can you acknowledge it on here?

  • hotdogking

    does this post make any sense to anybody? it looks like someone translated something from chinese with google translator and posted it on here.

    and by the way.whatever your trying to figure out obviously has nothing to do with you so why exactly are you so concerned?

    this blog has alot of fans on it.cheerleaders.lol

    hey fosco, u know anyone with the initials LL from elmwood? they moved tho somewhere else in chicago dont mention the name if you do.

  • Joseph Fosco

    Not off hand, sorry. I will think about it some more. I will let you know if I figure out LL. Thanks.

  • Joseph Fosco

    Dear SQE,
    Thanks for the info; however, I understand that the Outfits doctor (Giacchino) enlisted Billy Messino, Jr and his son Joe Messino to kill Mike D. In addition, I know from personal knowledge that Bill Jr’s preferred style of killing is with a knife. Unfortunately, I was subjected to this despicable information on one of the many evenings that I was forced to spend time with him (several years ago).

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    Yes Joe Fosco, of course I beleive you. Also, someone emailed me this message; Michael Defillips Jr. Gay. So, who ever did that, can you email me your true meaning. Thanks sweetie. This people are so mean. Elmwood Park speakingwise, of course.

    So, someones trying to BS me about this case. I guess. Hope to hear who ever sent me that Defo message. I am confused, Are you his friend or foul of Defo? SQE

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    One other thing I would like to mention is that, the reason for a conflict of a question is other stories is that, I think Joe Messino had a “Crew.” To further this option he of had that day is that this crew member may be from Dephilpps high school, which is Elmwood Park High.Same age group.

    Personally, even a pshic descibed Messino to me. However, this psychic that’s known to work with the police is case, says that there were 3 men. Italian, with a leader. She said is a little stocky. They had hoodies. Well, it was about Tony Catalano that I asked.
    However, the point is that I am making is that Joe Messino worked with a crew from Elmwood Park. This would explaine why Mike Dephillips let him in. So, for a cover story, the rumor of Hations from Africa, is what they say.
    I will tell you one thing, that how do they that there was blood all over.
    Know this, that Joe Messino can hang with others with Grandsons of the Chicago Outfit! So, they are the future of the Chicago Outfit rising again! They got to start somewhere. Why not as “The Crew” of killer Joe Messino as their ring leader?

  • Alouicious Rottenpecker

    “To further this option he of had that day is that this crew member may be from Dephilpps high school, which is Elmwood Park High.Same age group.”

    If I recall, this is a line from Shakespeare, isn’t it? “Troilus and Cressida” right?

  • Joseph Fosco

    Yes, Shakespeare.

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    A crew can be many things! And they can be from, as well as born and raised in EP. Let’s take Joe Messino for an example. That’s a perfect one. Oh yeah, Tony Catalano went to Main West high, Leydon ect. But, the one with conections is part of the crew. Joe Messino will always be the leader of it.
    Yeah, Shakespere in the CPD in Chicago! That’s if they have records. I wish I knew the “Score!”

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    I’m just wondering Joe Fosco, are you deliberatley being sarcastic by saying that about Shakesphere or what? Explain? Where is Private Detective friend at of yours? Howcome, we don’t hear much from him. Please do explain Joe Fosco? After all that wasn’t your friend or friend’s of that got killed and murdered Horseshoe Inn! That’s 4 people dead. To me that is a serial killer. Explain to me with all your experience that who Joe Messino didn’t have a crew? I’m just wondering is a joke to aluios? And why? How do you feel it’s funny to watch your friend’s murdered? I knew every single person that was murdered in this neighborhood. Alouious, do tell, why is murder a joke to you?

  • Joseph Fosco

    I do not believe that I said anything about Shakespeare. Joe Myles has been very busy running his business. He will visit us when he can.

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    Hotdogking, I beg to diffwer but, regarding your comment, this has nothing to do with you. I had a freindship with everyone of these peopel Joe Fosco did a story on. I watched Micheal D. grow up. Tony Catalano , was someone I hgung around with. And as far as the Horse Inn Murder, everyone of Tony’s friends hang at. These were all people that I was close to. Why do you care if it had nothing to do with you? Did you ever talk to Mario Gonzelez about what you know on these murders? If not where do you come in at? I am frustrated, when people have no feelings for the dead and the friend’s and families of the articles are here,that are read by people with no compassion, really sickens me! Especially, when even more people are being victimized by the vary killer being written about in here! Hotdogking, please acknowlege your answer in here.

  • Alouicious Rottenpecker

    I don’t think anyone is lacking feeling for the dead. I think people are responding to how unclear some of your posts are.

  • Machinery

    Actually SQE is getting better with the replys.
    At times I think people recycle gossip,and throw it out there to see if it sticks.
    SQE if we didn’t care,WE would not be on here.

  • tony

    Dear SQE,
    Please keep your comments on the appropriate threads please. I’m sure I can speak for everyone here by saying they dont want you to spoil this thread with your jiBberish if it doesn’t pertain to the mags article. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

  • http://MissingPersonAnthonyCatalanopleaseletkathyfrombarzoneknowyouarealiveandsafe. Special Quest Explorer

    To Tony, regarding your obnoxious comment about me keeping my post on the right mag article; just let me say this, this if it has to do with Organized Crime doesn’t it belong on all posts, and pages. And also, Machinery wishes to add something back or come forward, isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t the whole reason, for any of Joe Fosco’s articles is to get witnesses to come forward or be honest by creating AMP ! Don’t you consider it a good thing? Does it really matter what article that they comply in? The point is that they are doing a good thing!
    When Joe Fosco had answered my back about the rumor, do you not think that is my business? The fact, that hotdoking answers me back, don’t you think that is only my concern, and none of yours?
    Any way, what’s it to you? These people came up with a rumor, about an alternative group or method that did the Defillipps murder. Why do you care? What’s it to you? If you are not a friend or relative FOR ANY OF THE VICTIMS CONCERNED, THEN WHY DO YOU CARE ANYWAY?
    Elmwood Park is mentioned, because I wanted to see if a certain person would come forward! Unless, you are involved what’s it to you?
    Here was Joe Fosco’s point ; that the way that Joe Messino killed, is his ”specialty is with a knife!” I am convinced that there were 2 KILLERS, with the second using a blatant instrument! So, Joe Messino had a crew! How hard could that be to understand? The point is that “you know by their actions,” seems to be the understatement of the year when they try to make it look like a separate group outside the United States did it! Anyway, what’s it to you? Unless, you are part of the situation. I only know one thing, and that is that Tony Catalano was going into a catatonic state the last time I saw him. It was at a bar, he was seated at a table. It was for 3 hours, and that’s what scares me about him of all people who disappeared! Like I said why does this bother you that I care what happened to him? The fact, Because, Joe answered me back about the rumors and the person’s disposition on the subject, of the Defillips case; shows that I did they right decision making, by inquiring about what was being said on here, regardless, of where! I hope the point is clear that I was trying to get Elmwood Park past high friends of Defillipps to answer in hear! I mean how can you laugh at these deaths? Unless, you have something that you are trying to hide!

    SQE

  • Horsey F.

     I’m wondering about the current status of fallout from the Magnafichi series on ANP. As you stated, it ended up being an extremely inflammatory succession of pieces, ruffling the feathers of a lot people. What has Michael been up to since? Are you currently on good terms with him? Are there plans for another Magnafichi article, or is he firmly committed to keeping his mouth shut going forward? Do tell.

  • http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco

    Dear Horse…,
    I believe the excitement is over. Michael is up to the same old stuff. I am on good terms with him. I should have a related piece up in the next day or two. Thank you for your interest.

  • http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco

    Dear Horse…,
    I believe the excitement is over. Michael is up to the same old stuff. I am on good terms with him. I should have a related piece up in the next day or two. Thank you for your interest.

  • http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco

    Yes, Magnafichi has a healthy fear of DiFronzo. Truly, Magnafichi’s direct boss is Andriacchi; however, DiFronzo is one of his bosses as well, as you know. DiFronzo cannot control Magnafichi’s comments because of me. I published our interview while Magnafichi was undecided about publishing it. One of the reasons that I went ahead on my own with publishing it was to protect Magnafichi. Rumors were already swirling that he was one of my sources, which put his life in danger. Publishing the interview has caused Magnafichi’s bosses to turn around and run away, which is the opposite of how things would have been handled 30-years ago. Initially, Magnafichi was upset that I published his interview. However, he now understands that I was protecting him in my own way. He has doubts about my style of protection, but he is no longer upset with me.
    The interview with Magnafichi was actually done for a future book. However, I thought that using pieces of it on ANP would serve as an interesting test (in addition to a protection mechanism).
    When Lee Magnafichi was made Capo, one of the first things he did was take care of Willie. Jack had Willie shelved since Willie’s release from prison in the 70s.

  • http://www.americannewspost.com Joseph Fosco

    Update:

    It has been reported to ANP by a credible source that Alex Dana, owner of Rose
    Bud Restaurants of the Chicagoland area almost died while in Florida recently from complications related to a ruptured colon.