ENRICO (HARRY) FONTANA - born 1899 in Palermo, Sicily. A major Brooklyn mob power and Joe Profaci confidant for over 40 years. Ranked as a senior “Capo di decina” with a large following including several brothers Philip and John.
Resided for decades in the Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn where he controlled a large-scale numbers lottery (policy) operation. He was also a major shylock. He actually was indicted back in appx 1938 on usury and
extortion charges stemming from a large loan shark ring he ran with his brothers. But because in those years usury was a misdemeanor, Fontana only paid a small fine. He was a very aggressive Capo in his younger years, with a very active crew of men many of whom would become major members themselves in future years. During the Gallo-Profaci war Fontana was a major target for the Gallo gang. It is said that the Gallo brothers originally got their start with Fontana. James (Jimmy Bats) Cardello, his brother (Joe Bats) Cardello, Carmine Persico, Joe Magnasco, and Fontana’s brothers, among others were in
his crew. Fontana maintained the “pad” for Profaci in this section of Brooklyn, paying off the local police to avoid arrests and interference with their operations. Fontana’s brother shot a killed Joseph (Joe Mags) Magnasco after Magnasco approached and became aggressive to Harry on a Brooklyn street corner at the height of tensions during the war. Fontana held interests in several businesses over the years including an auto sales firm in Huntington, and a large stevedoring firm down in Tampa, Florida named Southport Terminals (Fontana was Vice President), where he was an intimate of Trafficante Family members. The Tampa Family and the Profaci’s had many familial and business ties dating back to the 1920-30’s. During Joe Colombo’s rein Fontana was a daily visitor and associate of Colombo. Despite his long tenure as a family leader, Fontana avoided any serious legal problems over the years. In later years, Fontana relocated to Tampa, running his stevedoring company, real estate holdings and maintained association with Trafficante, and old line Colombo Capo’s John Misuraca and Nicoline Sorrentino, who had also relocated to Florida. Fontana had very few arrests over his mob career; assault and robbery, extortion related usury and conspiracy, coercion. I do not believe he ever served a jail term...... Fontana died in 1979.
Maxie's Colombo Profiles
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maxiestern11
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
ENRICO (HARRY) FONTANA - born 1899 in Palermo, Sicily. A major Brooklyn mob power and Joe Profaci confidant for over 40 years. Ranked as a senior “Capo di decina” with a large following including several brothers Philip and John.
Resided for decades in the Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn where he controlled a large-scale numbers lottery (policy) operation. He was also a major shylock. He actually was indicted back in appx 1938 on usury and
extortion charges stemming from a large loan shark ring he ran with his brothers. But because in those years usury was a misdemeanor, Fontana only paid a small fine. He was a very aggressive Capo in his younger years, with a very active crew of men many of whom would become major members themselves in future years. During the Gallo-Profaci war Fontana was a major target for the Gallo gang. It is said that the Gallo brothers originally got their start with Fontana. James (Jimmy Bats) Cardello, his brother (Joe Bats) Cardello, Carmine Persico, Joe Magnasco, and Fontana’s brothers, among others were in
his crew. Fontana maintained the “pad” for Profaci in this section of Brooklyn, paying off the local police to avoid arrests and interference with their operations. Fontana’s brother shot a killed Joseph (Joe Mags) Magnasco after Magnasco approached and became aggressive to Harry on a Brooklyn street corner at the height of tensions during the war. Fontana held interests in several businesses over the years including an auto sales firm in Huntington, and a large stevedoring firm down in Tampa, Florida named Southport Terminals (Fontana was Vice President), where he was an intimate of Trafficante Family members. The Tampa Family and the Profaci’s had many familial and business ties dating back to the 1920-30’s. During Joe Colombo’s rein Fontana was a daily visitor and associate of Colombo. Despite his long tenure as a family leader, Fontana avoided any serious legal problems over the years. In later years, Fontana relocated to Tampa, running his stevedoring company, real estate holdings and maintained association with Trafficante, and old line Colombo Capo’s John Misuraca and Nicoline Sorrentino, who had also relocated to Florida. Fontana had very few arrests over his mob career; assault and robbery, extortion related usury and conspiracy, coercion. I do not believe he ever served a jail term...... Fontana died in 1979.
Resided for decades in the Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn where he controlled a large-scale numbers lottery (policy) operation. He was also a major shylock. He actually was indicted back in appx 1938 on usury and
extortion charges stemming from a large loan shark ring he ran with his brothers. But because in those years usury was a misdemeanor, Fontana only paid a small fine. He was a very aggressive Capo in his younger years, with a very active crew of men many of whom would become major members themselves in future years. During the Gallo-Profaci war Fontana was a major target for the Gallo gang. It is said that the Gallo brothers originally got their start with Fontana. James (Jimmy Bats) Cardello, his brother (Joe Bats) Cardello, Carmine Persico, Joe Magnasco, and Fontana’s brothers, among others were in
his crew. Fontana maintained the “pad” for Profaci in this section of Brooklyn, paying off the local police to avoid arrests and interference with their operations. Fontana’s brother shot a killed Joseph (Joe Mags) Magnasco after Magnasco approached and became aggressive to Harry on a Brooklyn street corner at the height of tensions during the war. Fontana held interests in several businesses over the years including an auto sales firm in Huntington, and a large stevedoring firm down in Tampa, Florida named Southport Terminals (Fontana was Vice President), where he was an intimate of Trafficante Family members. The Tampa Family and the Profaci’s had many familial and business ties dating back to the 1920-30’s. During Joe Colombo’s rein Fontana was a daily visitor and associate of Colombo. Despite his long tenure as a family leader, Fontana avoided any serious legal problems over the years. In later years, Fontana relocated to Tampa, running his stevedoring company, real estate holdings and maintained association with Trafficante, and old line Colombo Capo’s John Misuraca and Nicoline Sorrentino, who had also relocated to Florida. Fontana had very few arrests over his mob career; assault and robbery, extortion related usury and conspiracy, coercion. I do not believe he ever served a jail term...... Fontana died in 1979.
Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
What periodicals? I have to add that not everything ever printed in a book or periodical is automatically true, especially on a topic like the Mafia. If you know of periodical stat have this info why not mention them?maxiestern11 wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2019 4:47 pm MF documents of Profaci/Colombo membership lists I believe from maybe Santantonio or another CI. It’s in there besides other periodicals over the years
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
CHARLES (RUBY) STEIN - born 1915 in NYC. Described by both local and federal LE as the biggest shylock in NYC.
A “Loan Shark’s Loan Shark” extraordinaire. Arguably the single biggest shylock during the 1950-1970’s era, at one point reputed to have over $5,000,000. “on the street” on
any given day. May have been a semi-professional boxer in his youth. Stein started out as an independent until the early 1950’s when approached by Nicholas (Jiggs) Forlano,
a soldier and later a Capo in the what was then the Profaci Family of Brooklyn. They became partners, as no independent could operate at such a high level without mob connections. “Ruby and Jiggs” as they became known, handled mob funds generated not only by the Profaci Family but several other families who contributed to their “bankroll”. Stein also utilized money invested by otherwise legitimate business people as a source of funds.
Ruby lived for many years in the Jackson Heights, Queens area. Forlano lived in neighboring Astoria, Queens. The dynamic duo also were very heavily engaged in gambling operations, controlling several large-scale bookmaking combines (horses and sports). Stein was said to have a near mathematical memory, able to retain all numbers, figures and related interest, outstanding balances, etc., in his head. This eliminated the need for usury and gambling records, helping him to avoid prosecution. During the 1960’s they also operated a race-wire service through several Jewish associates. Charging area bookmakers a weekly fee for this service. With the advent of tensions and the ensuing violence during the “Gallo-Profaci war”, Forlano became a central figure and interim leader of the breakaway Gallo faction. Several attempts were made by the Profaci’s to win Forlano and ultimately Stein back into the family fold. (and the millions they controlled). Once Forlano went back into the family, he and Stein became major murder targets by the Gallo’s. Several murder attempts were made against Forlano, shooting at him near his Astoria home. The Gallo gang also attempted to kidnap Stein off a Manhattan street corner, and only Stein’s screaming, punching and kicking at his assailants prevented his kidnap/murder. Stein, Forlano and 14 others were arrested at the White Turkey Restaurant on 57th Street and 2nd Ave., in 1961 on consorting charges, breaking up what authorities at the time referred to as a “mob powwow” of top gamblers across the city. Stein also served a term on an income-tax evasion conviction related to his gambling profits in 1954.
By all accounts Ruby and Jiggs were riding high during this period, Ruby considered the “brains”, Jiggs the “muscle” in their partnership. But Jiggs was a bad, degenerate gambler, spending large sums of money at area racetracks and on betting himself with other bookmaking offices. Always in need of money, Forlano eventually turned on his partner Ruby. In the late 1960’s-early 70’s period, Stein was once again indicted for tax evasion. He was convicted and sent to federal prison. During this period Forlano was supposed to oversee their operation and bankroll. But by this time, Ruby’s relationship with Jiggs had taken a turn for the worst. Ruby no longer fully trusted his long time partner....and for good reason. Jiggs had approached his boss Joe Colombo and they schemed to burglarize and/or otherwise “set up” Ruby to rob a suitcase said to house a huge cash reserve of money Ruby owned. Subsequently Ruby got wind of this scheme, took proper precautions to safeguard his funds, and intimately broke up the partnership. In the following years Ruby would affilate himself with Fat Tony Salerno and the Genovese mob. He allegedly partnered with Carmine (Little Eli) Zeccardi, a Genovese power. Despite this transfer to the powerful Genovese mob, Ruby Stein also befriended an Irish mob figure by the name of Jimmy Coonan, alleged boss of the westside gang known as “The Westies”. Stein utilized Coonan as a young protege, loaning him money to run his own loan shark business and using him on collections. But Stein miscalculated this time....badly! Rather than pay the shy money due Stein, Coonan chose instead to shoot him in the head one afternoon and thereafter “behead” him, severing Ruby’s head from his torso. Several weeks later Steins remains washed up on Jamaica Bay. This was 1977, Stein was 62 years of age........ THE END! So much for the saga that was “Ruby and Jiggs”.
Note: Jiggs Forlano relocated by the mid-60’s to south Florida. He had a massive heart attack and died one afternoon doing what he enjoyed doing best. He was felled at the local racetrack! He was also in his early 60’s.
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Re: CHARLES (RUBY) STEIN - a “Loan Shark’s Loan Shark”
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Post Mon May 27, 2019 11:40 am
A “Loan Shark’s Loan Shark” extraordinaire. Arguably the single biggest shylock during the 1950-1970’s era, at one point reputed to have over $5,000,000. “on the street” on
any given day. May have been a semi-professional boxer in his youth. Stein started out as an independent until the early 1950’s when approached by Nicholas (Jiggs) Forlano,
a soldier and later a Capo in the what was then the Profaci Family of Brooklyn. They became partners, as no independent could operate at such a high level without mob connections. “Ruby and Jiggs” as they became known, handled mob funds generated not only by the Profaci Family but several other families who contributed to their “bankroll”. Stein also utilized money invested by otherwise legitimate business people as a source of funds.
Ruby lived for many years in the Jackson Heights, Queens area. Forlano lived in neighboring Astoria, Queens. The dynamic duo also were very heavily engaged in gambling operations, controlling several large-scale bookmaking combines (horses and sports). Stein was said to have a near mathematical memory, able to retain all numbers, figures and related interest, outstanding balances, etc., in his head. This eliminated the need for usury and gambling records, helping him to avoid prosecution. During the 1960’s they also operated a race-wire service through several Jewish associates. Charging area bookmakers a weekly fee for this service. With the advent of tensions and the ensuing violence during the “Gallo-Profaci war”, Forlano became a central figure and interim leader of the breakaway Gallo faction. Several attempts were made by the Profaci’s to win Forlano and ultimately Stein back into the family fold. (and the millions they controlled). Once Forlano went back into the family, he and Stein became major murder targets by the Gallo’s. Several murder attempts were made against Forlano, shooting at him near his Astoria home. The Gallo gang also attempted to kidnap Stein off a Manhattan street corner, and only Stein’s screaming, punching and kicking at his assailants prevented his kidnap/murder. Stein, Forlano and 14 others were arrested at the White Turkey Restaurant on 57th Street and 2nd Ave., in 1961 on consorting charges, breaking up what authorities at the time referred to as a “mob powwow” of top gamblers across the city. Stein also served a term on an income-tax evasion conviction related to his gambling profits in 1954.
By all accounts Ruby and Jiggs were riding high during this period, Ruby considered the “brains”, Jiggs the “muscle” in their partnership. But Jiggs was a bad, degenerate gambler, spending large sums of money at area racetracks and on betting himself with other bookmaking offices. Always in need of money, Forlano eventually turned on his partner Ruby. In the late 1960’s-early 70’s period, Stein was once again indicted for tax evasion. He was convicted and sent to federal prison. During this period Forlano was supposed to oversee their operation and bankroll. But by this time, Ruby’s relationship with Jiggs had taken a turn for the worst. Ruby no longer fully trusted his long time partner....and for good reason. Jiggs had approached his boss Joe Colombo and they schemed to burglarize and/or otherwise “set up” Ruby to rob a suitcase said to house a huge cash reserve of money Ruby owned. Subsequently Ruby got wind of this scheme, took proper precautions to safeguard his funds, and intimately broke up the partnership. In the following years Ruby would affilate himself with Fat Tony Salerno and the Genovese mob. He allegedly partnered with Carmine (Little Eli) Zeccardi, a Genovese power. Despite this transfer to the powerful Genovese mob, Ruby Stein also befriended an Irish mob figure by the name of Jimmy Coonan, alleged boss of the westside gang known as “The Westies”. Stein utilized Coonan as a young protege, loaning him money to run his own loan shark business and using him on collections. But Stein miscalculated this time....badly! Rather than pay the shy money due Stein, Coonan chose instead to shoot him in the head one afternoon and thereafter “behead” him, severing Ruby’s head from his torso. Several weeks later Steins remains washed up on Jamaica Bay. This was 1977, Stein was 62 years of age........ THE END! So much for the saga that was “Ruby and Jiggs”.
Note: Jiggs Forlano relocated by the mid-60’s to south Florida. He had a massive heart attack and died one afternoon doing what he enjoyed doing best. He was felled at the local racetrack! He was also in his early 60’s.
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Re: CHARLES (RUBY) STEIN - a “Loan Shark’s Loan Shark”
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Post Mon May 27, 2019 11:40 am
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
Preview: PROFACI/COLOMBO FAMILY - PROFILES
1939...Bayridge-Bensonhurst section, Brooklyn. After one of the most invasive police investigations in recent times,
a major “Loan Shark” operation was broken with the indictment of 5 hoodlums, 2 of whom are among the most notorious mobsters in Kings county. Antonio (Tony the Chief) Bonasera and Giovanni (Johnny Bath Beach) Oddo,
underworld kingpins and reputed top loan sharks were named along with three henchmen; Frank (Bo Peep) Tummello, Freddy Amerosa, and Joseph (Joe Beck) Beckowski. Named in a secret indictment handed down and after a eight-state alarm was called, Authorities layed out the details of the charges. Ten counts of extortion and attempted extortion, felonious assaults, and coercion in regard to a long term usury operation that beat, intimidated and actually forced loans victims to flee and hide out while their friends and family tried to negotiate payments with the mobsters. After several weeks missing,
Oddo returned from a Florida vacation only to be arrested by detective and placed under $100,000. bail (a huge amount in 1939). Oddo was sent to The Tombs to await bond. Bonasera (undisputed kingpin) is still “on the lam”.
Bonasera is top man since the murder of Nino Colombo (Joe Colombo’s father) and a girlfriend were found trussed up in an automobile - strangled in 1938. Oddo has a record of 15 arrests (2 for murder) but no convictions, Bonasera has 26 arrests (3 for murder), 3 convictions but only for misdemeanors. They were henchmen of mob boss
Francesco (Frankie Yale) Ioele before his death by gunman of Al Capone. Both were questioned about his murder, as well as, that of Giuseppe (Joe the Boss) Masseria....... ultimately the charges were reduced and all defendents pled out to several misdemeanors, serving no prison time.
The loan racketeers charged
From 3 to a whopping 10 % interest weekly and regularly dished out threats, beatings and worse if payment was not paid timely. [In 1939 of course, authorities did not understand about LCN or the Prodaci’s or Bonasera’s and
Oddo’s high rank within it]. ...... different times, that in today’s world could never be duplicated!
*** I thought this Newspaper article-story would be interesting to review and recreate.
1939...Bayridge-Bensonhurst section, Brooklyn. After one of the most invasive police investigations in recent times,
a major “Loan Shark” operation was broken with the indictment of 5 hoodlums, 2 of whom are among the most notorious mobsters in Kings county. Antonio (Tony the Chief) Bonasera and Giovanni (Johnny Bath Beach) Oddo,
underworld kingpins and reputed top loan sharks were named along with three henchmen; Frank (Bo Peep) Tummello, Freddy Amerosa, and Joseph (Joe Beck) Beckowski. Named in a secret indictment handed down and after a eight-state alarm was called, Authorities layed out the details of the charges. Ten counts of extortion and attempted extortion, felonious assaults, and coercion in regard to a long term usury operation that beat, intimidated and actually forced loans victims to flee and hide out while their friends and family tried to negotiate payments with the mobsters. After several weeks missing,
Oddo returned from a Florida vacation only to be arrested by detective and placed under $100,000. bail (a huge amount in 1939). Oddo was sent to The Tombs to await bond. Bonasera (undisputed kingpin) is still “on the lam”.
Bonasera is top man since the murder of Nino Colombo (Joe Colombo’s father) and a girlfriend were found trussed up in an automobile - strangled in 1938. Oddo has a record of 15 arrests (2 for murder) but no convictions, Bonasera has 26 arrests (3 for murder), 3 convictions but only for misdemeanors. They were henchmen of mob boss
Francesco (Frankie Yale) Ioele before his death by gunman of Al Capone. Both were questioned about his murder, as well as, that of Giuseppe (Joe the Boss) Masseria....... ultimately the charges were reduced and all defendents pled out to several misdemeanors, serving no prison time.
The loan racketeers charged
From 3 to a whopping 10 % interest weekly and regularly dished out threats, beatings and worse if payment was not paid timely. [In 1939 of course, authorities did not understand about LCN or the Prodaci’s or Bonasera’s and
Oddo’s high rank within it]. ...... different times, that in today’s world could never be duplicated!
*** I thought this Newspaper article-story would be interesting to review and recreate.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
Sebastiano (Buster) Aloi..... original member of the Profaci/Colombo Family of Brooklyn. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
ANTHONY (TONY THE GAWK) AUGELLO - born 1923 in Brooklyn, (Williamsburg section). Longtime Colombo soldier, serving under Caporegime John (Sonny) Franzese. Augello was a character straight from central casting, a huge fellow appx. 6’-2”. He had hands like baseball mitts.
An intimidating figure utilized for strong arm work as needed. By the mid-1960’s Augello had moved to Valley Stream LI, living at 294 Hendrickson Avenue. Maintained a mob social club in Brooklyn as his base. Tony the Gawk was active in shylocking, extortion, bookmaking,
strong arm tactics, hijacking, labor racketeering. For a time Augello headed a mob controlled union, Local #88 -Amalgamated Production Workers Union (Independent), serving as the president (a Franzese controlled union). With Joe Colombo’s rise to power in the family, became close to Colombo. During the years that the Italian-American Civil Rights Union was active, Colombo made Augello a “precinct” captain. Augello was once arrested while picketing the Staten Island Advance newspaper.
During the 1960’s Nassau D.A. Cahn hounded mobsters in the County, starting several grand juries and arresting mobsters for the smallest infractions. Augello was constantly hounded by detectives. And by 1965 Augello was arrested with several others on several truck hijackings of clothes and other merchandise. The case dragged on for several years, eventually Augello was convicted on the testimony of Angelo (Fat Angelo) Garofalo, one of Augello’s codefendents and witnesses who turned “Rat”. Also, during the era, Augello found himself with an extortion case born out of a “shakedown” Augello was so adapt at. He and an associate named Julius (Spike) Bernstein (a hoodlum who in later years would ally with Matty the Horse Ianiello in pilfering a Bus Union Local they infiltrated), approached the owner of the “Big Bow Wow”, a hotdog fast-food place in Howard Beach, Queens. Soon they were strong-arming the owner for money every week. The FBI was called in, and Augello and Bernstein were charged with extortion. Over the years he amassed an arrest record for: grand larceny, extortion, receiving stolen property (the hijacked load), assault, disorderly conduct, contempt of court, narcotics conspiracy. Convicted on grand larceny, receiving of stolen goods (3 1/2-5 years), conspiracy, extortion, contempt (30 days). By the late 1970’s Augello got himself involved with an former prison buddy in a drug scheme. NYC mob members were not officially allowed to participate in narcotics. Colombo members in particular shunned such activity. But when you have the boss’s ear it’s different..... before long the DEA arrested everyone involved on conspiracy charges, Augello included. That was a big problem. But a bigger problem was the fact that Augello had pulled Alphonse (Little Allie) Persico in on the conspiracy, with Persico getting indicted as well. You do not get the boss’s son arrested for such things. Not if you want to live a long life! And this was Carmine (The Snake) Persico’s son. Considered one of the most cunning and vicious mob bosses of all time. Augello knew how this ends, and it was not going to be a happy ending! ..... Day after day. Week after week. Constantly looking over his shoulder. Afraid to make meeting with his associates for fear of being set up for the slaughter. He soon couldn’t take the pressure any more. Augello left his home early one morning, and stopped off at the local McDonalds for a cup of coffee. He walked into the phone booth on the property, and proceeded to make several calls to his family members to say goodbye. Tony then promptly pulled out a handgun (a .357 or 38 caliber I believe) and proceeded to shoot himself in the head. A quick and decisive ending to a lingering problem! Augello had filled his own murder contract....... and so ends the saga of Anthony “Tony the Gawk” Augello!
An intimidating figure utilized for strong arm work as needed. By the mid-1960’s Augello had moved to Valley Stream LI, living at 294 Hendrickson Avenue. Maintained a mob social club in Brooklyn as his base. Tony the Gawk was active in shylocking, extortion, bookmaking,
strong arm tactics, hijacking, labor racketeering. For a time Augello headed a mob controlled union, Local #88 -Amalgamated Production Workers Union (Independent), serving as the president (a Franzese controlled union). With Joe Colombo’s rise to power in the family, became close to Colombo. During the years that the Italian-American Civil Rights Union was active, Colombo made Augello a “precinct” captain. Augello was once arrested while picketing the Staten Island Advance newspaper.
During the 1960’s Nassau D.A. Cahn hounded mobsters in the County, starting several grand juries and arresting mobsters for the smallest infractions. Augello was constantly hounded by detectives. And by 1965 Augello was arrested with several others on several truck hijackings of clothes and other merchandise. The case dragged on for several years, eventually Augello was convicted on the testimony of Angelo (Fat Angelo) Garofalo, one of Augello’s codefendents and witnesses who turned “Rat”. Also, during the era, Augello found himself with an extortion case born out of a “shakedown” Augello was so adapt at. He and an associate named Julius (Spike) Bernstein (a hoodlum who in later years would ally with Matty the Horse Ianiello in pilfering a Bus Union Local they infiltrated), approached the owner of the “Big Bow Wow”, a hotdog fast-food place in Howard Beach, Queens. Soon they were strong-arming the owner for money every week. The FBI was called in, and Augello and Bernstein were charged with extortion. Over the years he amassed an arrest record for: grand larceny, extortion, receiving stolen property (the hijacked load), assault, disorderly conduct, contempt of court, narcotics conspiracy. Convicted on grand larceny, receiving of stolen goods (3 1/2-5 years), conspiracy, extortion, contempt (30 days). By the late 1970’s Augello got himself involved with an former prison buddy in a drug scheme. NYC mob members were not officially allowed to participate in narcotics. Colombo members in particular shunned such activity. But when you have the boss’s ear it’s different..... before long the DEA arrested everyone involved on conspiracy charges, Augello included. That was a big problem. But a bigger problem was the fact that Augello had pulled Alphonse (Little Allie) Persico in on the conspiracy, with Persico getting indicted as well. You do not get the boss’s son arrested for such things. Not if you want to live a long life! And this was Carmine (The Snake) Persico’s son. Considered one of the most cunning and vicious mob bosses of all time. Augello knew how this ends, and it was not going to be a happy ending! ..... Day after day. Week after week. Constantly looking over his shoulder. Afraid to make meeting with his associates for fear of being set up for the slaughter. He soon couldn’t take the pressure any more. Augello left his home early one morning, and stopped off at the local McDonalds for a cup of coffee. He walked into the phone booth on the property, and proceeded to make several calls to his family members to say goodbye. Tony then promptly pulled out a handgun (a .357 or 38 caliber I believe) and proceeded to shoot himself in the head. A quick and decisive ending to a lingering problem! Augello had filled his own murder contract....... and so ends the saga of Anthony “Tony the Gawk” Augello!
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
HK, on MF as I had mentioned earlier, there is informant NY T-52, on page 69 on 4/9/1962 who identified both Mussachio and Giordano as members, “Button men” with Profaci. Interesting reading if you get a chance. Giordano is also mentioned at length in the article by several other sources as well.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
DOMINICK SANTORO - born 1919. Believed raised in the E.Harlem/Bronx sections of NYC. Resided for many years at 451 Fulton Street, Hempstead, LI. Described by local and federal law enforcement authorities as a long time Colombo family associate active in shylocking, fraud, prostitution, and race-fixing. Closely associated with John (Sonny) Franzese, Robert (Bobby Green) Falvo, John Malizia, Ralph (Ronnie) Esposito, John (Johnny Irish) Matera, Rocco Lauria and Frederick Di Gregorio. He had arrests for soliciting for prostitution, liquor law violations, attempting to dope a horse, criminal solicitation, and disorderly conduct. Santoro operated as a manager and maitre d’ at several top Nassau County restaurants and nightclubs over the years and was closely associated with the Franzese regime of the Joe Colombo family. In 1959, he was involved in a $650,000. bank fraud case in Suffern, NY. In 1964, Santoro was indicted along with 39 others in a huge organized prostitution ring active in nightclubs along the Old Country Road sector of Carle Place by the Nassau Rackets Bureau. In 1966, U.S. Treasury agents arrested Santoro on liquor law violations as manager during a raid on The Tivoli Accent Room, a posh unlicensed after-hours nightclub controlled by Colombo soldier Robert (Bobby Green) Falvo. In 1967, Santoro again figured into a major race-fixing probe at Roosevelt Raceway. He was one of several mob figures (the others being John Malizia and Robert Falvo) alleged by authorities of attempting to bribe and then strong arm leading sulky drivers William (Buddy) Gilmour and Robert A. Shuttleworth to throw several harness races. Although no immediate arrests came, the NYS Racing Commission denied a 1967 racing license to Gilmour and Shuttleworth, and issued notices of expulsion to Malizia, Falvo and Santoro, banning them from all racetracks in the state, citing them as “undesirables, gamblers and underworld figures”. By 1968, Santoro was finally indicted in Nassau County on attempted race-fixing for attempting to drug a horse.
His frequent arrests, newspaper exposure and underworld associations brought Santoro constant surveillance. Santoro was again arrested during 1968 during the raid and arrest of 17 mob figures on vagrancy and disorderly conduct charges at the Casbah Lounge in East Meadow (a mob hangout). A associate of his, (Fat Freddie) Di Gregorio had his parole violated for this incident based on association with Santoro. Santoro died suddenly of a heart attack in early 1972 at the age of 52. A quick, short ending to a seemingly promising mob career!
His frequent arrests, newspaper exposure and underworld associations brought Santoro constant surveillance. Santoro was again arrested during 1968 during the raid and arrest of 17 mob figures on vagrancy and disorderly conduct charges at the Casbah Lounge in East Meadow (a mob hangout). A associate of his, (Fat Freddie) Di Gregorio had his parole violated for this incident based on association with Santoro. Santoro died suddenly of a heart attack in early 1972 at the age of 52. A quick, short ending to a seemingly promising mob career!
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
ROCCO (ROCKY THE RUG) LAURIA - born 1931 in Brooklyn, NY. ....aka “Rocky the Shoemaker”. Resided for many years in the East Meadow and Levittown sections of Long Island. Reputed to have been active in bookmaking and loansharking. Lauria was a reputed associate of both the Colombo and Genovese families. In 1965, the Nassau DA described Lauria as “the coordinator of loan shark activity in Nassau for Franzese”. He operated a shoe repair store for many years that doubled as his gambling base. Associates included Joseph (Joe Shep) Schipani, John (Sonny) Franzese, Jesse Smith - a DeCavalcante Family associate, Frederick (Fat Freddy) Di Gregorio, Dominick Santoro, Vincent Carvelli. He had arrests for bookmaking (thrice), possession of bookmaking records (twice), being absent without leave, contempt, extortion, usury and conspiracy. Convicted on bookmaking (twice), AWOL (5 years), contempt of court (30 days), extortion (5 years). A known gambler (KG) on LI for many years for which he had several arrests, Lauria was also indicted on loan shark and extortion charges in 1971 for terrorizing a Centereach, Long Island couple in a loan shark transaction that became a vicious extortion with Lauria and two associates (Smith and Carvelli) making threats and strong arming their victims. The couple ran to the FBI, who subsequently indicted the hoodlum trio. Believed to have lived well into his early eighties. No exact dod is available.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
ALBERT MUGNOLO - born 1933 in Brooklyn. LE carried him as a Colombo Family associate (who may have attained soldier status). A documented (KG) known gambler,
he was active in bookmaking, strong arm, counterfeiting. He was once a driver/bodyguard for Family Boss Joseph Colombo. During the mid-1960’s, Mugnolo and an accomplice hijacked counterfeiters and stole $100,000. in counterfeit money. In 1972, he was one of fifteen people nabbed in 13 early morning raids against a gambling combine in Brooklyn said to be one of the largest in Kong’s County, grossing up to an estimated $50,000,000. a year. The ring was alleged to be supervised by Joseph (Joe Lane) Gentile, a top Colombo associate, and point man for the LaPonzina brothers (Anthony, Ernest and Ralph), soldiers in the Colombo mob, and Richard Fusco, alleged “captain” in that group. At Gentile’s home raiders found $115,000. cash and bank books, diamonds, and loan shark and gambling records of the operation. Close associates included; Joseph Colombo, the LaPonzina brothers,
Joseph Gentile, Richard Fusco, Thomas Amato and Edward Lederkramer. Mugnolo had arrests for; bookmaking (5 times), disorderly conduct (twice), assault with a car, possession of counterfeit money. He had convictions for bookmaking (4 times), disorderly conduct,counterfeiting (8 years in prison). Mugnolo is not heard from again, and seems to have fallen out of public view. No dod is available.
he was active in bookmaking, strong arm, counterfeiting. He was once a driver/bodyguard for Family Boss Joseph Colombo. During the mid-1960’s, Mugnolo and an accomplice hijacked counterfeiters and stole $100,000. in counterfeit money. In 1972, he was one of fifteen people nabbed in 13 early morning raids against a gambling combine in Brooklyn said to be one of the largest in Kong’s County, grossing up to an estimated $50,000,000. a year. The ring was alleged to be supervised by Joseph (Joe Lane) Gentile, a top Colombo associate, and point man for the LaPonzina brothers (Anthony, Ernest and Ralph), soldiers in the Colombo mob, and Richard Fusco, alleged “captain” in that group. At Gentile’s home raiders found $115,000. cash and bank books, diamonds, and loan shark and gambling records of the operation. Close associates included; Joseph Colombo, the LaPonzina brothers,
Joseph Gentile, Richard Fusco, Thomas Amato and Edward Lederkramer. Mugnolo had arrests for; bookmaking (5 times), disorderly conduct (twice), assault with a car, possession of counterfeit money. He had convictions for bookmaking (4 times), disorderly conduct,counterfeiting (8 years in prison). Mugnolo is not heard from again, and seems to have fallen out of public view. No dod is available.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
MICHAEL (MIDGE) BELVEDERE - born 1929 in NYC. aka “The Silk Gloved Kid”. He resided for many years in the Glendale/Ridgewood area of Queens, later relocating out to LI. Belvedere was a long time Colombo family associate (who was regarded as proposed for formal induction). He was active as a thief-robbery (trickster), who over the years planned and participated in several high-profile robberies. In the early 1960’s he was one of several men accused of a series of payroll robberies. Also active in the 1960-70’s in thefts from JFK airport, hijacking trucks carrying high-end loads. Associates have included Federico (Fritzy) Giovanelli - Genovese Capo, Dominick (Little Dom) Cataldo, Joseph (Joe Dogs) Iannuzzi - a Federal informant, and Anthony (Fat Andy) Ruggiano. Also active in Florida, Belvedere was a long time gambler who operated as a bookmaker for many years. During the 1970’s Belvedere was reputed to hold hidden interests in three bars and restaurants, and operated a home improvement firm. Arrests for; rape, assault and robbery, forgery, attempted grand larceny, gambling records, bookmaking (twice) and truck hijacking. Convictions for
assault and robbery, forgery, larceny (1.5-2 years), possession of gambling records, hijacking (3 years in prison ?)...... by 1980, Belvedere was again under investigation. He had also fallen into disfavor with his mob associates. “Midge” was shot and killed in the driveway of his LI home..... the murder has never been solved.
assault and robbery, forgery, larceny (1.5-2 years), possession of gambling records, hijacking (3 years in prison ?)...... by 1980, Belvedere was again under investigation. He had also fallen into disfavor with his mob associates. “Midge” was shot and killed in the driveway of his LI home..... the murder has never been solved.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
Correction, Belvedere was killed in 1990, not 1980.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
BENEDETTO (BENNY) ALOI - born 1936 in Brooklyn. Son of Sebastiano (Buster) Aloi, younger brother of Vincent Aloi, both major members of the Colombo family for decades. Aloi operated a florist shop in Brooklyn for many years. Also, owned a limousine service and a “parking lot” attendants service for restaurants, nightclubs, etc. Lived in the Ozone Park section of Queens before relocating to the Floral Park area in the 1960’s. Aloi was active in the numbers racket (policy) with his father for many years. He was also a prominent loan shark, and was cited during the 1970’s senate hearings as one of two men behind the beating of a shylock victim (the other man was identified as Ralph Lombardo - a longtime minion of his father). In the early 1980’s Aloi was one of several indicted in a huge usury ring operated under the cover of a legitimate mortgage-loan company in Lake Success. Co-defendants included Anthony (Tony Nap) Napoli, Michael Franzese, Vincent (Jimmy) Rotondo, and several businessmen. The case was weak and in a flip-flop of the usual, all mob defendants were acquitted while the businessmen got convicted....By the mid-1970’s, with the so-called membership “books” opened, Aloi was officially inducted into the family. He rose to Capo status quickly, and by the late 1980’s became consigliere beside Victor Orena who was named acting boss, helping to run the family for the imprisoned Carmine Persico. This was a precursor to the third Colombo war. He had arrests over the years for policy, forgery, possessing stolen goods, contempt. Aloi was one of several major mob figures charged in the famed “Windows Case” on racketeering charges. Prosecutors alleged this group dominated the NYC window replacement industry at major apartment house buildings over many years, ripping off millions of dollars from the city coffers. Aloi was convicted and sentenced to 17 years (serving appx 15+ yrs in jail). Being released in 2010. He passed away the next year in 2011 at home with his wife and family.
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maxiestern11
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Re: Maxie's Colombo Profiles
ANTHONY (TONY LONG) RICCIARDI - born 1916 in Brooklyn. aka “Kid Chocolate”. By the 1960’s lived in Woodmere, LI (340 Howard Ave). Reputed to be a “soldier” in the Colombo Family, active in the Red Hook, Prospect Park, Bay Ridge sections of Brooklyn (Colombo strongholds). Activities: extortion, bookmaking, policy. Operated in the “Persico faction” of the family and ran numbers. Associates included Carmine Persico, Thomas Spero, Salvatore (Sonny) Pepitone. He owned the Air, Ship and Shore Travel Agency in Nassau County (Cedarhurst), where he arranged gambling “junkets” to Las Vegas for high-rolling gamblers. Had an arrest record on assault and robbery (three times) and vagrancy (twice). He served (15-30 years) prison term on a assault and robbery conviction. Seems to have either fallen out of favor or got caught up in a Colombo Family power struggle. He was shot to death in 1974.