Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

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Expand view Topic review: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by B. » Fri May 30, 2025 3:36 pm

Camo wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 1:22 pm
Charlie wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 12:32 pm I thought I read somewhere he (Russo) was hit by a Bronx crew led by Rudolph Santobello. Can’t remember where I read it.
This thread? - viewtopic.php?t=4257&hilit=Santobello

- Within days of the Russo murder, on April 30th, 1979, the FBI learned from a source that the murder had been carried out by Genovese soldier Rudy Santobello, Daniel Cilenta aka "Vito DiSalvo", and a Louis LNU, said to be a good-looking, dapper man approximately 50-years-old. All three men had been in Atlantic City the day prior to the murder in a light gray Thunderbird driven by Louis LNU, where they met with an attorney.

From B.
It's what a source told the FBI shortly after the murder but as we know sources don't always know the whole story or draw incorrect conclusions. Possible those three participated in some capacity or happened to be passing through the area around that time. Hard to say sometimes what leads sources to certain conclusions.

I'm not sure who the source was in the 90s newspaper article identifying the Boiardo crew members as his killers nor am I sure who the 1979 FBI source was.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Blunts » Fri May 30, 2025 3:30 pm

He doesn’t seem to have been a sadist; the burning of bodies was a forensic countermeasure. However, he was an extreme paranoiac. He was seeing betrayals where there was none. Over the years, he killed several people based on the fear that they wouldn’t “stand up” if they were caught even though they had done time previously.
Having to deal with Richie at all was a death risk. Everything I have read about him casts him as a very dark and dangerous person. He had charisma too which made him even more dangerous. Being summoned to his mansion must have been terrifying. That probably didn't help Richie's suspicions if they were anxious about being there too.

I remember a poster way back on Real Deal that was close to his crew and used to post a lot of interesting stuff. Always seemed like one of the crazier crews to be around.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Camo » Fri May 30, 2025 1:22 pm

Charlie wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 12:32 pm I thought I read somewhere he (Russo) was hit by a Bronx crew led by Rudolph Santobello. Can’t remember where I read it.
This thread? - viewtopic.php?t=4257&hilit=Santobello

- Within days of the Russo murder, on April 30th, 1979, the FBI learned from a source that the murder had been carried out by Genovese soldier Rudy Santobello, Daniel Cilenta aka "Vito DiSalvo", and a Louis LNU, said to be a good-looking, dapper man approximately 50-years-old. All three men had been in Atlantic City the day prior to the murder in a light gray Thunderbird driven by Louis LNU, where they met with an attorney.

From B.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Camo » Fri May 30, 2025 1:12 pm

B. wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 1:10 pm DiLeonardo mentioned once how Gravano had a bad reputation because he killed people from his own crew while Gotti was known for protecting members of his crew even when they screwed up.

There were similar discussions on the DeCarlo tapes given Boiardo was known for killing so many of his own people. DeCarlo mentioned Moretti coming down on Boiardo about it, joking he should get everyone together and kill them all at once.
In the book i read about the Corleonesi it was said that Riina came across very humble and unassuming at first around Bosses, almost grateful to be there. This led to everyone dropping their guards and indulging him without even realizing they were doing it, he really pulled off the humble peasant routine to a tee seemingly. Once he had gained their trust he did nothing but ask questions about their Families, where they operated, who their soldiers were, who was related to who, etc. However whenever they asked Riina about the Corleonesi he refused to answer their questions so by the time they were at War with them it was like it was against an invisible Army because they knew barely anyone but the Bosses or their Palermo Allies. I think that was probably a similar thing and it extended beyond Corleone eventually where if you were one of Riina's guys you were protected, it inspired loyalty. At the very least on his way to the top. That and spreading out money he got from kidnappings to struggling smaller families to gain allies after the Mafia was terrorized following the car bombing.

I'm not sure how accurate all that is it comes from The Last Godfathers book. I suspect Calderone is the main source for most of it i'm reading his book next.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Charlie » Fri May 30, 2025 12:32 pm

I thought I read somewhere he (Russo) was hit by a Bronx crew led by Rudolph Santobello. Can’t remember where I read it.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by sdeitche » Thu May 29, 2025 8:48 am

JoelTurner wrote: ↑Wed May 28, 2025 8:04 pm
Luca wrote: ↑Wed May 28, 2025 6:29 pm So is it safe to say the Little Pussy Russo was killed by his own crew? Why would they do that? He was a loyal soldier his whole life.
Yep, in the ‘90s, his killers were named: Thomas “PeeWee” DePhilipps, Anthony DeVingo, and Joseph “Joe Z” Zarra.
They were a part of the Boiardo group.

He was ostensibly killed for mishandling the Boiardo group’s share of the Las Vegas skim. His chauffeur, Patrick Pizzuto, flipping likely played a part too.

The main thing was that anyone who could have protected him, namely Vito Genovese - Angelo DeCarlo - John “Big Pussy” Russo, was dead. His brother passing away in December 1978 basically started a countdown; he was hit in April 1979.
Russo's issues with the Jolley Trolley casino also played a part.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by JoelTurner » Wed May 28, 2025 8:04 pm

Luca wrote: ↑Wed May 28, 2025 6:29 pm So is it safe to say the Little Pussy Russo was killed by his own crew? Why would they do that? He was a loyal soldier his whole life.
Yep, in the ‘90s, his killers were named: Thomas “PeeWee” DePhilipps, Anthony DeVingo, and Joseph “Joe Z” Zarra.
They were a part of the Boiardo group.

He was ostensibly killed for mishandling the Boiardo group’s share of the Las Vegas skim. His chauffeur, Patrick Pizzuto, flipping likely played a part too.

The main thing was that anyone who could have protected him, namely Vito Genovese - Angelo DeCarlo - John “Big Pussy” Russo, was dead. His brother passing away in December 1978 basically started a countdown; he was hit in April 1979.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Luca » Wed May 28, 2025 6:29 pm

JoelTurner wrote: ↑Wed May 28, 2025 6:30 am
Camo wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 12:02 pm
JoelTurner wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 8:05 am
Luca wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 6:20 pm They talk about how many people Richie the Boot and others, including his son had murdered at his own home, his mansion in New Jersey. And he actually disposed of the bodies on his property in an incinerator. This would make him one of the most sadistic killers in the history of the mafia. You could put him up there with Casso, Demeo, and the like.
In terms of numbers, Boiardo & his crew killed at least 40 people. As you mentioned, with the incinerator, there’s definitely some disappearances that we haven’t connected to him.

He was a lot more affable than guys like Casso or Demeo which is probably why he lasted so long and had a good ending. I guess he could compartmentalize or turn off the crazy. The general public seemed to like him. I’ve spoken to people who have fond memories of pool parties at his estate or getting free food from him.



What is the latest we can connect a disappearance with him if you know? I assumed he stopped way before 1984 but that could be wrong.
Gene Farina in ~1969 is the last disappearance that I know off; the last hit overall was Anthony Russo in ‘79. Andy Gerardo was largely running the show from that point and was a lot less kill-crazy
So is it safe to say the Little Pussy Russo was killed by his own crew? Why would they do that? He was a loyal soldier his whole life.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by JoelTurner » Wed May 28, 2025 6:30 am

Camo wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 12:02 pm
JoelTurner wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 8:05 am
Luca wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 6:20 pm They talk about how many people Richie the Boot and others, including his son had murdered at his own home, his mansion in New Jersey. And he actually disposed of the bodies on his property in an incinerator. This would make him one of the most sadistic killers in the history of the mafia. You could put him up there with Casso, Demeo, and the like.
In terms of numbers, Boiardo & his crew killed at least 40 people. As you mentioned, with the incinerator, there’s definitely some disappearances that we haven’t connected to him.

He was a lot more affable than guys like Casso or Demeo which is probably why he lasted so long and had a good ending. I guess he could compartmentalize or turn off the crazy. The general public seemed to like him. I’ve spoken to people who have fond memories of pool parties at his estate or getting free food from him.

He doesn’t seem to have been a sadist; the burning of bodies was a forensic countermeasure. However, he was an extreme paranoiac. He was seeing betrayals where there was none. Over the years, he killed several people based on the fear that they wouldn’t “stand up” if they were caught even though they had done time previously.
What is the latest we can connect a disappearance with him if you know? I assumed he stopped way before 1984 but that could be wrong.
Gene Farina in ~1969 is the last disappearance that I know off; the last hit overall was Anthony Russo in ‘79. Andy Gerardo was largely running the show from that point and was a lot less kill-crazy

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by JoelTurner » Tue May 27, 2025 10:49 pm

The Greek wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 6:34 pm
B. wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 7:59 pm
Camo wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 7:40 pm Wasn't Boiardo a major bootlegger who fought against people who would later be fellow NJ Genovese?
He was a Camorrista who did fight against NJ mafia members. Willie Moretti, who was a former Camorrista himself but already a mafia member, attempted to mediate but Boiardo resisted. He wasn't made into the Genovese until the 1940s and by then many of his former underlings had been recruited by the Genovese Family.

Here's an old thread I made dealing with Pussy Russo that also goes into a lot of historic detail about Boiardo:

viewtopic.php?p=100254

I also recommend Joel Turner's posts as he's shared good stuff on Boiardo and that cluster of guys.
It always fascinated me how he was able to operate how he did for decades before officially joining the Genovese. Was this because he was being protected by someone or that people were just terrified of him? I thought the Richard Linett book was really good.
Until 1937, the Newark family was the only LCN group in Essex County. Boiardo didn’t have a great relationship with them. Even once they were no longer at war, he wouldn’t have been a prospect.

The Genovese family didn’t have any members in Newark until they brought in Boiardo & Jerry Catena simultaneously in December 1943. He was an associate by the mid 1930s and was a part of the first group in the area inducted when the books opened.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by The Greek » Tue May 27, 2025 6:34 pm

B. wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 7:59 pm
Camo wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 7:40 pm Wasn't Boiardo a major bootlegger who fought against people who would later be fellow NJ Genovese?
He was a Camorrista who did fight against NJ mafia members. Willie Moretti, who was a former Camorrista himself but already a mafia member, attempted to mediate but Boiardo resisted. He wasn't made into the Genovese until the 1940s and by then many of his former underlings had been recruited by the Genovese Family.

Here's an old thread I made dealing with Pussy Russo that also goes into a lot of historic detail about Boiardo:

viewtopic.php?p=100254

I also recommend Joel Turner's posts as he's shared good stuff on Boiardo and that cluster of guys.
It always fascinated me how he was able to operate how he did for decades before officially joining the Genovese. Was this because he was being protected by someone or that people were just terrified of him? I thought the Richard Linett book was really good.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by B. » Tue May 27, 2025 1:10 pm

DiLeonardo mentioned once how Gravano had a bad reputation because he killed people from his own crew while Gotti was known for protecting members of his crew even when they screwed up.

There were similar discussions on the DeCarlo tapes given Boiardo was known for killing so many of his own people. DeCarlo mentioned Moretti coming down on Boiardo about it, joking he should get everyone together and kill them all at once.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by chin_gigante » Tue May 27, 2025 1:00 pm

Camo wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 11:57 am
quadtree wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 7:39 am
Camo wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 6:28 am
quadtree wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 6:13 am
Pogo has him as 57-84:
Boiardo became captain in 1947.
Who did he succeed in 1947 or was he given a new crew?
It is not known exactly when Boiardo's crew was created, but we do know that his crew included Anthony Russo, John Russo, Charles Tourine and William Cardinale. Considering that Boiardo was originally in Moretti's crew and the others were also associated with him, it is likely that this crew split from Moretti's crew.

Boiardo became captain sometime between 1943 and 1950, probably by 1947-1948. Around the same time, Jerry Catena received his crew. Moretti was still captain at the time of his murder.

John De Noia is also mentioned as being a captain in New Jersey during this time period, but he may have been acting for Moretti.
Interesting, thanks. Do you know what happened with the succession of those three Crews then assuming De Noia didn't have his own? As you can see above Pogo has the Crew being split between Boiardo, Gyp DeCarlo and Gene Catena in the 60s. Obviously Gene most likely succeeded Gerry. Is DeCarlo on the line of succession from Morretti then with probably someone inbetween (possibly De Noia)? Or were these Crews combined and broken up so there's no clean succession?
There's a DeCarlo tape that implies Moretti, Boiardo and Jerry Catena were all captains at the same time. DeCarlo recalls an incident over whether Moretti would help transfer Billy Cardinale from Boiardo to Jerry Catena. Moretti and Cardinale were both killed in 1951, so we know at least by that point both Boiardo and Jerry Catena had their own decine.

https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.htm ... y_jenks%22

In 1963 the bug in Gene Catena's office picked up information that he took over 'Willie's old crew'.

https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.htm ... %22crew%22

Another report from 1964 states Gene Catena was unhappy with individuals he 'inherited' from Moretti.

https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.htm ... lPageId=12

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Camo » Tue May 27, 2025 12:02 pm

JoelTurner wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 8:05 am
Luca wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 6:20 pm They talk about how many people Richie the Boot and others, including his son had murdered at his own home, his mansion in New Jersey. And he actually disposed of the bodies on his property in an incinerator. This would make him one of the most sadistic killers in the history of the mafia. You could put him up there with Casso, Demeo, and the like.
In terms of numbers, Boiardo & his crew killed at least 40 people. As you mentioned, with the incinerator, there’s definitely some disappearances that we haven’t connected to him.

He was a lot more affable than guys like Casso or Demeo which is probably why he lasted so long and had a good ending. I guess he could compartmentalize or turn off the crazy. The general public seemed to like him. I’ve spoken to people who have fond memories of pool parties at his estate or getting free food from him.

He doesn’t seem to have been a sadist; the burning of bodies was a forensic countermeasure. However, he was an extreme paranoiac. He was seeing betrayals where there was none. Over the years, he killed several people based on the fear that they wouldn’t “stand up” if they were caught even though they had done time previously.
What is the latest we can connect a disappearance with him if you know? I assumed he stopped way before 1984 but that could be wrong.

I agree while it was gruesome it was about disposal and avoiding loads of bodies showing up most likely. Same happened in Sicily, Giovanni Brusca was using very expensive diggers to bury the bodies very deep at one point and he was constantly on the hunt for acid. Brusca is one of the worst people in Mafia history but i don't actually think he was a sadist, Filippo Marchese was the sadist.

Re: Can we talk about ‘Richie the Boot’?

by Camo » Tue May 27, 2025 11:57 am

quadtree wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 7:39 am
Camo wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 6:28 am
quadtree wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 6:13 am
Pogo has him as 57-84:
Boiardo became captain in 1947.
Who did he succeed in 1947 or was he given a new crew?
It is not known exactly when Boiardo's crew was created, but we do know that his crew included Anthony Russo, John Russo, Charles Tourine and William Cardinale. Considering that Boiardo was originally in Moretti's crew and the others were also associated with him, it is likely that this crew split from Moretti's crew.

Boiardo became captain sometime between 1943 and 1950, probably by 1947-1948. Around the same time, Jerry Catena received his crew. Moretti was still captain at the time of his murder.

John De Noia is also mentioned as being a captain in New Jersey during this time period, but he may have been acting for Moretti.
Interesting, thanks. Do you know what happened with the succession of those three Crews then assuming De Noia didn't have his own? As you can see above Pogo has the Crew being split between Boiardo, Gyp DeCarlo and Gene Catena in the 60s. Obviously Gene most likely succeeded Gerry. Is DeCarlo on the line of succession from Morretti then with probably someone inbetween (possibly De Noia)? Or were these Crews combined and broken up so there's no clean succession?

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