The Chicago Cheese War

Forum rules

Post a reply

Confirmation code
Enter the code exactly as it appears. All letters are case insensitive.
BBCode is OFF
Smilies are OFF
Topic review
   

Expand view Topic review: The Chicago Cheese War

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Fri Jan 29, 2021 4:25 am

Another interesting thing to note is that we all know that in 1947 Nick DeJohn was allegedly the last victim of the conflict between the Northsiders and the rest of the Outfit, but theres a possibility that there was one more victim the following year in 1948.

Peter Granata was associated with the Sicilian Mafia from the old 19th Ward since the days before Prohibition, and used to work as precinct captain for Mafia boss Tony D'Andrea. So it is possible that during the 30s and 40s Granata was still closely associated to remnants from the old Mafia like O'Neglia, DeJohn etc and remained influential in Chicago politics.

In October 1948, the election for the 2nd district began and so Granatas brother William, the Republican candidate, was running against State Representative James Adduci. Previously Adduci was with Dago Mangano who in turn was killed back in 1944, and so it seems Adduci completely gave his loyalty to Ricca, Campagna, Accardo and Giancana.

Story goes that the Granata bros also refused to trade votes that they controlled on the West Side for the benefit of the Outfit but why? Were they mad or disappointed from all of the previous eliminations of their former buddies and also from Adducis alleged betrayal? Were they also part of the rebelion?

William Granata’s attempt to unseat Adduci proved to be fatal because that same year (1948) while returning home, armed assassin with a meat cleaver crept from behind on Granata as he entered his building. Later Granata was found with his skull split wide open.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Sat Oct 17, 2020 10:51 pm

B. wrote: ↑Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:58 pm
Frank wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:49 am I forgot, do we know if Mike Merlo is related to the New Jersey. Merlos
It's possible there is some distant relation, but probably not. Merlo was from Sambuca di Sicilia which is about an hour drive from Ribera today. In that part of Agrigento you see many of the same last names in different villages and sometimes intermarriage between villages, though it's not that common to find direct relation in available records.

However, we have found that Phil Bacino had relatives from Burgio / Lucca Sicula and Pasquale Lolordo's wife was from Caltabellotta. Both Burgio / Caltabelotta are closer to Merlo's hometown Sambuca than Ribera. This could lend itself to the idea that the Riberesi had ties to other towns, too, like Sambuca, but I haven't seen anything.

The Merlos were one of the first Riberese families established in Elizabeth and I have no doubt Pasquale Lolordo and Phil Bacino knew of them when they lived in NYC. If there was a connection to Mike Merlo, they would have known it. Either way, these guys were all part of the tight-knit Agrigento network.
Thanks for this. It adds a lot to the information that after Merlo's death, same as Lombardo, the Lolordos and Bacino were just another "delegation" sent to Chicago to keep the peace but obviously failed. I think later Salvatore Loverde belonged to some type of "national peace commission" but in the end he was killed also

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by B. » Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:58 pm

Frank wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:49 am I forgot, do we know if Mike Merlo is related to the New Jersey. Merlos
It's possible there is some distant relation, but probably not. Merlo was from Sambuca di Sicilia which is about an hour drive from Ribera today. In that part of Agrigento you see many of the same last names in different villages and sometimes intermarriage between villages, though it's not that common to find direct relation in available records.

However, we have found that Phil Bacino had relatives from Burgio / Lucca Sicula and Pasquale Lolordo's wife was from Caltabellotta. Both Burgio / Caltabelotta are closer to Merlo's hometown Sambuca than Ribera. This could lend itself to the idea that the Riberesi had ties to other towns, too, like Sambuca, but I haven't seen anything.

The Merlos were one of the first Riberese families established in Elizabeth and I have no doubt Pasquale Lolordo and Phil Bacino knew of them when they lived in NYC. If there was a connection to Mike Merlo, they would have known it. Either way, these guys were all part of the tight-knit Agrigento network.
Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 11:24 pm I think you make a good point, and like I wrote I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made. I still want to put his information out there because he is still a knowledgeable source. While we don't always agree, we still ought to carefully consider what he says.
This is a wise approach to research that I enjoy seeing. It's what I call "part of the discussion" -- it might not be the truth, but it deserves to be mentioned if it comes from a reputable source.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Antiliar » Tue Sep 29, 2020 11:24 pm

Villain wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:15 pm
Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:01 pm
Villain wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:20 am
Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made and have them in my list, but on the other hand Joe Fosco believes none of the union leaders were made guys until after Ricca died. Aiuppa replaced the non-made guys with made guys, which is why Senese was forced out. So according to him, not even Glimco was made.
:lol: Damn i didnt expect this and thats why i laughed ...i thought Glimco was Riccas long time friend and the last one who visited him before his death right?...werent Foscos people too low level or young at the time to know about these stuff? The list I gave you was regarding 50s and early 60s.
Fosco has connections going back to the 1920s: Armando Fosco, Tony Iorii, and others. Willie Messino also told him a lot, including things Accardo and Cerone told him.
None of the union guys were made huh? What about Pilotto, Circella or Lardino? Solano was probably made before Ricca died...Ask him that the next time you talk to him....Thats cool but i have to be honest that i will never accept Foscos claim that Glimco was never made, same as Juniors claims that Accardo personally blew off Giancanas head... and so i really dont want so start posting docs and stuff so we will leave it like that. Its almost bedtime over here, cheers
I think you make a good point, and like I wrote I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made. I still want to put his information out there because he is still a knowledgeable source. While we don't always agree, we still ought to carefully consider what he says.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:15 pm

Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:01 pm
Villain wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:20 am
Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made and have them in my list, but on the other hand Joe Fosco believes none of the union leaders were made guys until after Ricca died. Aiuppa replaced the non-made guys with made guys, which is why Senese was forced out. So according to him, not even Glimco was made.
:lol: Damn i didnt expect this and thats why i laughed ...i thought Glimco was Riccas long time friend and the last one who visited him before his death right?...werent Foscos people too low level or young at the time to know about these stuff? The list I gave you was regarding 50s and early 60s.
Fosco has connections going back to the 1920s: Armando Fosco, Tony Iorii, and others. Willie Messino also told him a lot, including things Accardo and Cerone told him.
None of the union guys were made huh? What about Pilotto, Circella or Lardino? Solano was probably made before Ricca died...Ask him that the next time you talk to him....Thats cool but i have to be honest that i will never accept Foscos claim that Glimco was never made, same as Juniors claims that Accardo personally blew off Giancanas head... and so i really dont want so start posting docs and stuff so we will leave it like that. Its almost bedtime over here, cheers

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Antiliar » Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:01 pm

Villain wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:20 am
Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made and have them in my list, but on the other hand Joe Fosco believes none of the union leaders were made guys until after Ricca died. Aiuppa replaced the non-made guys with made guys, which is why Senese was forced out. So according to him, not even Glimco was made.
:lol: Damn i didnt expect this and thats why i laughed ...i thought Glimco was Riccas long time friend and the last one who visited him before his death right?...werent Foscos people too low level or young at the time to know about these stuff? The list I gave you was regarding 50s and early 60s.
Fosco has connections going back to the 1920s: Armando Fosco, Tony Iorii, and others. Willie Messino also told him a lot, including things Accardo and Cerone told him.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:33 am

Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am I have hundreds of FBI files and more, went to the National Archives in Chicago, Maryland, Washington DC, and Southern California. I know made guys and many families of made guys. I've eaten with the grandson of Tom Neglia and others. I've been doing this research for over 30 years, and there's still plenty I don't know.
And thats why i truly love/respect you bud and call you "coach" aka Phil Jackson :D 8-)

If it wasnt for you, ppl still were going to say that Capone was the real boss until his death....remember those lunatics from the past? :lol: also you was the first board member with the info regarding the Fischettis not being related to Capone and numerous other stuff....so i learned a lot from you and pls dont get offended if im trying to prove certain matters which you mightve missed through the years....too much info and as I see it, two heads are better than one 8-)

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:20 am

Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made and have them in my list, but on the other hand Joe Fosco believes none of the union leaders were made guys until after Ricca died. Aiuppa replaced the non-made guys with made guys, which is why Senese was forced out. So according to him, not even Glimco was made.
:lol: Damn i didnt expect this and thats why i laughed ...i thought Glimco was Riccas long time friend and the last one who visited him before his death right?...werent Foscos people too low level or young at the time to know about these stuff? The list I gave you was regarding 50s and early 60s.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Antiliar » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:15 am

I personally think that Glimco and Coli were made and have them in my list, but on the other hand Joe Fosco believes none of the union leaders were made guys until after Ricca died. Aiuppa replaced the non-made guys with made guys, which is why Senese was forced out. So according to him, not even Glimco was made.

BTW, yes, I've seen the Sam Louis material. I have hundreds of FBI files and more, went to the National Archives in Chicago, Maryland, Washington DC, and Southern California. I know made guys and many families of made guys. I've eaten with the grandson of Tom Neglia and others. I've been doing this research for over 30 years, and there's still plenty I don't know.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:01 am

Anti whats your opinion on this...

Joey Glimco (im not going to label him as capo but instead as crew boss)

Jack Perno, Daniel Considine, Dominic Senese, Max Podolsky, Victor Comforte, Eco Coli (and possibly Frank Esposito and Fred Smith)

All of these guys were involved in the union racketeering business and all of them used to have some type of connection to Glimco, either it was long time connection or created during Glimcos rise.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Frank » Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:49 am

B. wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 2:14 am Great post, Antliar.

I still see the Chicago family as one continuous entity from its inception that was heavily influenced by Americanization and its local environment, and these interactions between the "Sicilian" and the "Americanized" factions (to use Magaddino's ~1931 terms for them) are very interesting, especially when they become violent and involve multiple mafia families like the conflict(s) you wrote about here.

- Filippo Candela was a member of the Madison family and from Montelepre, like John DiBella. They were apparently related as well.

- Dominick DiBella's family was from Alimena, so unlikely they were connected to John DiBella. Were there really two brothers named Giovanni DiBella in the same blood family? I have always believed that John DiBella of Grande Cheese, who is believed to have been made in Sicily then transferred to the Bonanno family, is the same one that was part of the Schiro-Bonanno family in Brooklyn. If there are two Giovanni/John DiBellas who were mafiosi and brothers, they were both members of the Bonanno family.

- John DiBella was also influential in getting Saputo Cheese started in Canada. Giuseppe Saputo was his compaesano from Montelepre who tried to immigrate to the US in the early 1950s but was not allowed, so he moved to Montreal and started Saputo. Interesting his immigration came on the heels of this cheese war and DiBella's acquisition of Grande. DiBella allegedly hooked Saputo up with Joe Bonanno, who invested in the Saputo company in Canada. While I can't prove it, I believe Giuseppe Saputo was a Sicilian mafia member who became part of the Montreal Bonanno decina.

- Not only was Nick DeJohn's mother's 1923 naturalization witnessed by Michele Merlo (who was boss at the time), but Nick DeJohn's father Giovanni was business agent for the Chicago International Hod Carriers Union prior to his death, a position previously held by Chicago mafia boss Antonino D'Andrea. Seems likely Giovanni DeJohn DiGiovanni was a member of the Chicago mafia, especially given his son's dedication to the old Sicilian faction years later.

- Jim DiGeorge came from the old Riberesi element that included the Lolordos, Bacino, and possibly other early figures. Giuseppe Cocchiaro lived in Chicago before moving to Elizabeth and becoming part of the local NJ family, same with Vincenzo DiMaria. DiMaria was an in-law of DeCavalcante member Salvatore Caterinicchia, who may have had his own ties to Chicago. DiMaria's marriage was witnessed by Joseph Lolordo. DeCavalcante member Pietro Galletta was married to a DiGiorgi from Ribera who appears to have ties to Chicago. Phil Bacino's son later married a girl from Elizabeth. Many, many connections. I suspect this group was close with Mike Merlo given they were from a nearby part of Agrigento and the Lolordos and Bacino moved to Chicago when Merlo was boss.

^ What I'm curious about is whether the Riberesi were all originally under one crew in Chicago. It seems likely given how tightknit they were, but from your research it seems like DiGeorge and Bacino for example ended up with crews based on their location. I suspect that was the result of Americanization in Chicago.
I forgot, do we know if Mike Merlo is related to the New Jersey. Merlos

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:39 am

Antiliar wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:22 am How are you figuring out these crews? I haven't seen any North Side sub crew lists. Galiano operated in the North Side but was under Battaglia and Alderisio. So was Butch Loverde. Sammy Louis might have been direct to Ricca. Hot Dog Lisciandrello was a North Side guy, and his brother Ruffy.
Ive also seen investigator records regarding Galiano being an independent operator? So are we going to believe that? Ive seen numerous connections to Prio and his gang and who knows, maybe ive missed some regarding he being connected to Battaglia and Alderisio..ill see if i can find something on that. Ive left out Louis on purpose since I dont know where to place him until this day and if you look at my old charts, i dont have him listed. Have you ever seen the file regarding Louis being allegedly one of the Outfits "board of directors"? I have no doubt that you didnt...also I dont have Loverde listed in the north side crews since i already listed him under Battaglia..as for me figuring out these crews... it comes from a long time and constant research on only one family and thats the Chicago Outfit :D Im not perfect but Im not doing this because of cash or out of egoistic purposes, im doing this because its my deep passion. I cannot change my opinion unless i see at least 5 or 6 files or at least some news reports (if theres no fbi files) regarding the opposite claims and thats how i function.

So...we have Battaglia as top west side rep, Alex as top south side rep with Ferraros assistance and DiBella/Solano as prime rep for the North Side and it seems that all of these guys had capos beneath them. So should we continue with the Chicago Heights group?!

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Antiliar » Tue Sep 29, 2020 8:22 am

How are you figuring out these crews? I haven't seen any North Side sub crew lists. Galiano operated in the North Side but was under Battaglia and Alderisio. So was Butch Loverde. Sammy Louis might have been direct to Ricca. Hot Dog Lisciandrello was a North Side guy, and his brother Ruffy.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by Villain » Tue Sep 29, 2020 3:25 am

Since I already showed you some nice examples regarding capos under top reps from both the west and south factions, its time to also show you some evidence about the north side mob regarding the same matter....all of these numerous files regarding top reps cannot be any kind of misinterpretation since theres too many of them...

In 1976, Dom DiBella (died July) was succeeded by Vincent Solano as top rep of the whole North Side and DiVarco was labelled as capo who in this specific file (August 76) talks to one future member, and also DiVarco was seen having meetings with the rest of the membership, probably under Solanos jurisdiction. Glitta became DiVarcos top lieutenant.

Image

Image

Back in the days, Jimmy Allegretti also controlled a large crew under Prio and until Allegrettis imprisonment, same as Dom Nuccios crew who in turn by the mid 60s retired in Florida. Also it seems that by the mid 50s Allegretti was one of the most powerful non-made guys but in 56/57 he was made and by the early 60s was a capo/crew boss under Prio.

Allegrettis early 60s (Policheri) crew: Ben Policheri, Joe Arnold, John Liberto, Mike Glitta, Victor Musso, Carl Pio, Henry Kushner, Louis Pretzie, Luois Darlak, Lenny Franzone, Phil Fiore

Nuccios early 60s crew: Dom Dibella, Dom Brancato, Joey DiVarco, Tony DeMonte, Dom Galiano, Augie Giovenco, Lawrence Buonaguidi, Eddie Sturch, Aaron Oberlander, the Lisciandrellos, Ken Eto, Joe LaBarbera

Later Allegrettis crew was inherited by Joe Alrond who in turn was in direct contact with Prio, while Nuccios crew was inherited by DiBella with close assistance by DiVarco.

When Prio died, there was some talk that DiVarco was going to take Prios place, but in the end it was DiBella. Same story was when DiBella got sick, some thought that it was going to be DiVarco but the throne fell on Solano. Although it seems later DiVarco abosrbed what was left from both former Allegretti/Arnold and Nuccio crews, under Solano.

Theres one chart regarding the North Side crew made according to Etos confessions, in which Solano was labelled as top boss of the group.

Re: The Chicago Cheese War

by B. » Tue Sep 29, 2020 2:14 am

Great post, Antliar.

I still see the Chicago family as one continuous entity from its inception that was heavily influenced by Americanization and its local environment, and these interactions between the "Sicilian" and the "Americanized" factions (to use Magaddino's ~1931 terms for them) are very interesting, especially when they become violent and involve multiple mafia families like the conflict(s) you wrote about here.

- Filippo Candela was a member of the Madison family and from Montelepre, like John DiBella. They were apparently related as well.

- Dominick DiBella's family was from Alimena, so unlikely they were connected to John DiBella. Were there really two brothers named Giovanni DiBella in the same blood family? I have always believed that John DiBella of Grande Cheese, who is believed to have been made in Sicily then transferred to the Bonanno family, is the same one that was part of the Schiro-Bonanno family in Brooklyn. If there are two Giovanni/John DiBellas who were mafiosi and brothers, they were both members of the Bonanno family.

- John DiBella was also influential in getting Saputo Cheese started in Canada. Giuseppe Saputo was his compaesano from Montelepre who tried to immigrate to the US in the early 1950s but was not allowed, so he moved to Montreal and started Saputo. Interesting his immigration came on the heels of this cheese war and DiBella's acquisition of Grande. DiBella allegedly hooked Saputo up with Joe Bonanno, who invested in the Saputo company in Canada. While I can't prove it, I believe Giuseppe Saputo was a Sicilian mafia member who became part of the Montreal Bonanno decina.

- Not only was Nick DeJohn's mother's 1923 naturalization witnessed by Michele Merlo (who was boss at the time), but Nick DeJohn's father Giovanni was business agent for the Chicago International Hod Carriers Union prior to his death, a position previously held by Chicago mafia boss Antonino D'Andrea. Seems likely Giovanni DeJohn DiGiovanni was a member of the Chicago mafia, especially given his son's dedication to the old Sicilian faction years later.

- Jim DiGeorge came from the old Riberesi element that included the Lolordos, Bacino, and possibly other early figures. Giuseppe Cocchiaro lived in Chicago before moving to Elizabeth and becoming part of the local NJ family, same with Vincenzo DiMaria. DiMaria was an in-law of DeCavalcante member Salvatore Caterinicchia, who may have had his own ties to Chicago. DiMaria's marriage was witnessed by Joseph Lolordo. DeCavalcante member Pietro Galletta was married to a DiGiorgi from Ribera who appears to have ties to Chicago. Phil Bacino's son later married a girl from Elizabeth. Many, many connections. I suspect this group was close with Mike Merlo given they were from a nearby part of Agrigento and the Lolordos and Bacino moved to Chicago when Merlo was boss.

^ What I'm curious about is whether the Riberesi were all originally under one crew in Chicago. It seems likely given how tightknit they were, but from your research it seems like DiGeorge and Bacino for example ended up with crews based on their location. I suspect that was the result of Americanization in Chicago.

Top