Maxie's Genovese Profiles

[Frank]

Sources for Alo were much info on NARA/MF, Mafia Book, old periodicals and previous info

Didn't know Alo made it to 2001. I guess he could be all of these in one. A partner of Lanskey, muscle and protector of Lanskey and also read where he kept on eye on Lanskey, watching out for Luciano's and Costello's interests. Very interesting guy and a successful mob career.

[Super]

.... Benjamin (Benny the Bum) DeMartino, with his brothers Anthony and Theodore constituted the notorious “Bum Brothers” of East Harlem. Complete profile to follow. Stay tuned!

Think i read they had vending machines and at one point one was up to actin capo i think.

[MichaelGiovanni]

.... Benjamin (Benny the Bum) DeMartino, with his brothers Anthony and Theodore constituted the notorious “Bum Brothers” of East Harlem. Complete profile to follow. Stay tuned!

Think i read they had vending machines and at one point one was up to actin capo i think.

I’ve seen Benny’s nickname listed as ‘Jukebox Benny’ before too so he probably was in the vending machine/jukebox business.

[maxiestern11]

JOSEPH (JOE TOBIN) SCARPINITO - born 1903. raised and active in the Williamsburg-Downtown Brooklyn section of Kings County. Longtime member (soldier) in the Luciano/Genovese Family. Scarpinito was part of the “Neapolitan” faction of the Family, serving under Generoso (Todo Del) Del Duca (an original family power) for many years. He was very close to others in that faction including Michele Miranda, Antonio (Tony the Sheik) Carillo, etc., and John (Sonny) Franzese, who although a Profaci member was close to Scarpinito because of their shared Neapolitan ancestry. He boxed in his youth under the ring name of “Joe Tobin”, this is where he acquired his nickname. Owned a bar off Myrtle Avenue with his brother Sam (Sammy Tobin) for many years. Also held ownership in a coveted “parking lot” next to the Belmont Racetrack in Elmont. A very profitable business because of its proximity to the racetrack. By the 1940’s had moved from his Brooklyn neighborhood to 222-24 141 Road, Laurelton, Queens. He was said to be active in gambling and labor rackets. A very low profile hood, about which little is known. He had several arrests over the years. One was an arson for profit (insurance scam). A more high profiled arrest was in 1952, he was indicted for a labor extortion and bribery scheme aimed at a major electronics firm doing business in his old neighborhood. E.A. Laboratories, of Spencer Street (a block from Scarpinito’s bar) was under strike by the United Auto Workers Union (AFL-CIO). 800 employees were refusing to return to work until a better labor contract was negotiated. The strike lasted for five weeks, during which it was alleged Scarpinito had offered to three members of a five man union negotiating committee $10.00 per man to each worker who returned to work. (Scarpinito was representing the company interests). It is not known what became of this indictment. But Scarpinito is not believed to have been jailed. (Judge Hyman Barshay was presiding - who was known as a friendly Justice). By the late 1970’s, “Joe Tobin” was already in his late seventies. He naturally had slowed down activities and in 1983 he passed away.
Scarpinito was another typical example of a nearly invisible member, active by not well known publically. Until the Joseph Valachi hearings, many members like Scarpinito operated with near virtual impunity from the law.

[maxiestern11]

ANGELO (CHARLIE FOUR CENTS) SALERNO - born 1902 in NYC. Life long resident of the Bronx, but frequented the area around E. 107 St. and First Avenue in E. Harlem. Arrest record from 1924 for assault and robbery, disorderly conduct, robbery, narcotics. Identified as a “made member” of the Genovese Family. Held ownership of Ciccone’s Bar on 107h Street, a major mob hangout. Believed to also have been active in jukebox machine rackets. Identified by FBN as a local and interstate trafficker of heroin. Closely associated with (Big John) Ormento - considered a source of supply, Salvatore (Tom Mix) Santoro, Charles (Charlie Bullets) Albero - his in-law, (Cockeyed Freddy) Salerno - his son, Anthony Ciccone, Pasquale Erra and (Trigger Mike) Coppola - possibly his capo. He was named by Joe Valachi as a member, who was familiar with Salerno from Harlem. A well known and active member of the Harlem crew (Coppola regime) of the Genovese Family. No dod is known.

[maxiestern11]

JOSEPH (JOE SHEP) SCHIPANI - born in 1912. Raised and active in the Brooklyn area, specifically the Bay Ridge and Red Hook sections and the LES of Manhattan. Also owned a summer home in Atlantic Beach. FBI #571946, NYPD # B-102663. Arrest record from 1932 for robbery, vagrancy, narcotics conspiracy and income tax evasion (twice). Convicted of robbery (2-4 years), tax evasion (3 years on one, 3 years on the second-later reversed for federal bugging), heroin sale (2 years). Reputed to be active in policy, bookmaking, shylocking, narcotics, garbage rackets. Long identified as the “representative” of deported capo Giuseppe (Joe Adonis) Doto. An intimate of capo Gaetano (Toto) Marino. Also associated with Michael Clemente, (Tough Tony) Anastasio, Frank Caruso. Hidden owner of a popular Brooklyn restaurant. Schipani became the power behind a Manhattan Cartmen’s Assn., controlling the NYC garbage industry for many years. Known as a top hoodlum for over 65 years. A very well respected mafioso. No dod available, but believed deceased by the early 1990’s.

[maxiestern11]

Note: the father-in-law of George Cervone, on who’s porch he was shot was Daniel (Danny Hogans) Scarglato, an veteran member of the Genovese Family.

[maxiestern11]

JOSEPH (JOE BECK) LAPI - born 1910 in NYC (Lower Manhattan). FBI #846239, NYPD #B-110003. Resided many years in downtown NYC (4th Ward). Also resided in Jackson Heights (78th Street) and Bayside (50-39 Francis Lewis Blvd), both Queens, and Woodmere, LI. A highly respected elder statesman of the Vito Genovese Family. A senior “capo de decina” for many years. His father Angelo before him (murdered when Lapi was a child), and his son Angelo J. (04/22/32) both were members (3 generations). Over the years, Lapi held ownership interests in many businesses including; Pygmalion Restaurant (1605 Second Ave, NYC), Latona Undertaker (236 Mulberry St. NYC), Jomar Associates Construction Co., Wilton, CT., Chemical Control Corp.(NJ), and various real estate holdings. He was a close associate of Rosario (Saro) Mogavero, Anthony (Ducks) Corallo, Michael Clemente, Frank (The Bug) Caruso, Joseph (Socks) Lanza, Carmine (Gribbs) Tramunti,
Ignazio (Joe Curly) Agone, Frank (Funzi) Tieri, Frank Lapi (brother), Angelo Lapi (Son), among many other mob luminaries. Frequented the Alto Knights Social Club (Mulberry St) 19 Monroe St (his social club/headquarters), Gotham Health Club on E.54 St., and Pygmalion Rest., all NYC, and the Sheepshead Bay and Bay Ridge sections of Brooklyn. Arrest record dates to 1932 for; homicide (vehicle), violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Laws, assault and robbery (twice), violation of parole, vagrancy, possession and sale of heroin, narcotics conspiracy. Served a 9-18 year term for robbery, 6-months anti-trust violations, 7 years for narcotics conspiracy. Reputedly active in policy, bookmaking, shylocking, extortion, narcotics and waterfront rackets (Fulton Fish Market). He is reputed to have been the “Capo” of the fourth ward in lower Manhattan, controlling racket activity from a social club on Monroe Street where he was raised. A very low key, influential soldier for many years, rising to Capo status by the late 1960-early 1970’s. It is said that toward the end of his life, Lapi had been promoted to possible consigliere. Whatever his “official” position, Lapi enjoyed an “elder statesman” status reserved for few. He was felled early by cancer, and died in 1980 (age 70). Shortly after his death, a huge investigation in New Jersey started after a major chemical explosion and fire engulfed the Chemical Control Corp., (a toxic waster handler). It was discovered by authorities that the company had been infiltrated by the Genovese Family, who had illegally dumped tons of toxic waste into the area, or illegally stored it on their property. Mob member John Albert was indicted among several others. But it was established that “Joe Beck” Lapi had been a hidden partner and leader in the scheme. Lapi beat the case in passing away! ..... a fitting end for a little known top mafioso!

[maxiestern11]

IGNAZIO (JOE CURLY) AGONE - born 1916 in Lower Manhattan. Lifelong resident of downtown NYC (475 FDR Drive, Manhattan), and later Canaan Lake (summer home). He was an incorrigible labor racketeer, and venerable gunman. He was the assistant to the president and special coordinator of the 12,000 member - Local #11 of the Hotel, Restaurant and Bartenders Union (AFL-CIO). But also very active in many other “paper locals” and various unions he infiltrated over the years. He was a top labor extortionist for the family. He utilized the likes of Benny (The Bug) Ross as a devoted minion, among others, who would raid a business, threatening them or picketing them until either a “shakedown” was paid or a “sweetheart” contract signed. In the mid 1970’s, he “sold” a security guard union for $60,000. cash to a aspiring labor racketeer named Dan Cunningham, who would years later be convicted of looting the union and jailed for 5 years. “Joe Curly” was a well known mobster, and reveled in his reputation. Agone was also very active as a shylock, using usurious loans as another tool to extort money and hidden interests in bars and nightclubs all through Manhattan. He had an arrest record for grand larceny (6 times), assault and robbery (6 times), possession of a gun, malicious mischief, vagrancy, disorderly conduct (3 times), parole violation. Convicted of grand larceny, assault and robbery (9-18 years)...... as a side note: lifelong friend and associate of Joseph Lapi (they were arrested for robbery together as young men and sentenced to 9-18 years in prison). Served in the same regime under Joseph (Joe Socks) Lanza, later Rocco Pellegrino, Saro Mogavero, until Lapi became a capo himself!..... no known dod.

[Raven]

Philip (Philly Katz) Albanese - born 1907 on the LES. Had a brother Anthony (Tony Katz), also a Genovese Soldier. Active as Boss of the 4th Ward in lower Manhattan for his regime. He was a major waterfront racketeer and power on the North River, piers 27 & 28 where he held a hidden ownership of a dock-loading firm. Utilized this stevedoring firm to “shakedown” companies on the docks. Active in labor extortion, narcotics, shylocking, strong-arm work. Close associate of Joseph (Joe Socks) Lanza, Rosario (Saro) Mogavero, Ottilio (Frankie the Bug) Caruso, Ignazio (Joe Curly) Agone - his brother in law, Joseph (Joe Beck) Lapi, George (Georgie Hooks) Nobile, among others. Arrest record commences 1925 for robbery (15 years), Heroin Sales (9 months), Tax evasion (5 years), forgery, disorderly conduct. Ran dice games on the North River Piers...... a power and highly respected hoodlum for many years!

So Albanese and Agone were brother in laws?

[maxiestern11]

Yes

[maxiestern11]

LAWRENCE (LARRY) QUARTIERO - born 1923 on New York’s West Side. Resided for many years at 410 W.54 St., NYC. In later years relocated to Jackson Heights, Queens area. Frequented the waterfront dock area, around 9th and 10th Ave. FBI # 2117032, NYCPD # 194107. Arrest record dates to 1940 includes petty larceny, unlawful entry, felony assault, gambling, burglary and narcotics law violation (sentenced to 5 years in 1956). His activities were alleged to include narcotics, burglary, cargo (pier) theft, fencing stolen goods, race-fixing. Member of the International Longshoremen Assn. (ILA), which gave Quartiero access to the docks, helping him to facilitate heroin smuggling by merchant seamen he would hire to carry packages of narcotics through customs. He numbered among his associates Anthony (Tony Bender) Strollo, Vincent (Bruno) Mauro, Steve Armone, Pasquale Pagano, John Malizia. Suspected of being associated with the Genovese mob. He was said to also be active as a jewelry and fur thief. In 1983, he was one of several men indicted for a race-fixing conspiracy at Yonkers and Roosevelt Raceways. The men were accused of drugging horses in a betting scheme at the harness tracks. Alleged ring leader was John Malizia of Westbury, LI, a previously convicted race fixer, having been convicted in a mob-connected race fix scheme in 1967. They were convicted and sentenced to three years, but the convictions were reversed on appeal. No dod available.

[Super]

Hey maxie any info on vincent mauro the pagnos the milos nick ratenni larry black centore mario and ralph gigante great write ups as always.

[maxiestern11]

Thanks super.... I’ll see what I have ok

[maxiestern11]

I’ll try and do a few more westchester guys when I can ok Super.