Hi All, Please only post info about ancestry. This thread isn't a discussion unless there are ancestry questions or something related to the ancestry of the individuals such as relationships around the country through roots from the same towns and villages.
Michael James Genovese
Descendants of Felice Genovese
Generation No. 1
1. Felice1 Genovese died in? Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy.
Notes for Felice Genovese:
From Orsola's ship manifest.
Child of Felice Genovese is:
+ 2 i. Antonio2 Genovese, born September 06, 1888 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy; died June 07, 1966 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. Antonio2 Genovese (Felice1) was born September 06, 1888 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy, and died June 07, 1966 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Ursula DeAngelis Abt. 1908 in Italy. She was born October 10, 1887 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy, and died December 14, 1986 in ?Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Antonio Genovese:
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 63914, December 10, 1925
Antoni Genovese, 321 Omega Street, Pittsburgh East End.
Born September 6, 1888 at Caserta, Italy.
Arrived in New York May 21, 1913, on the "Taormina" out of Naples.
Arrived in Pennsylvania May 22, 1913.
Declared intention to become a citizen August 1, 1923 at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Married, wife Orsola, born October 10, 1888 in Italy.
7 children: Vincenza, Apr. 9, 1911 in Italy; Felicella, Dec. 30, 1913; Felice, Sept. 13, 1915; Michele, Apr. 9, 1918; Fiorevento, Dec. 17, 1920; Angeline, Nov. 17, 1922; Antonio, Nov. 22, 1924.
Witnesses were Antonio Tommarelli, driver, and Joe Sunda, confectioner, both of Pittsburgh.
Hunt reports the family emigrated from Fisciano.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 509 Family 12 411 Larimer Ave
Tony Genovese, 31, IT IT IT, arr 1913, laborer cement work
Angela, 31, IT IT IT, arr 1913; Virginia, 10, IT; Felix, 6; Joe, 4; Mike 8/12
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 190 Family 172, 125 Shetland St.
Tony Genovese, 42, m at 20, IT IT IT, arr 1912 na, street construction laborer
Orsla, 42, m at 20, IT IT IT, arr 1913 na; Virginia, 19, IT; Frances, 16; Felix, 15; Mike, 12; Fiore, 11; Angeline, 6; Tony, 5
WWII Draft Registration Card 1942
Serial # U341
Antonio Genovese, 6325 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 53, Born September 6, 1888 in Roccarainola, Italy
Employed by Antonio Genovese, 117 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Orsola Genovese, wife, same add.
1943 Genovese, Anthony (Orsola) confr 117 Shetland av h6325 Shetland av
Philip r6325 Shetland av
1958 residence, 6715 Stanton Ave.
Finda-a-Grave Memorial 19532966, created by James Grassi, added May 26, 2007
Birth: 1888, Campania, Italy; Death: Jun. 6, 1965, East Liberty, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery
Mr Genovese came to the USA in approx. 1910. He worked in the coal mines in Meadville Pa. to save enough money to send for his wife and daughter. She came over in 1912. He, in his lifetime had, a store on Shetland Ave in E.Liberty, Landscaping Co.,and a bar/ restaurant. He had 8 children, James, Antonio Jr., Felix, Michael, Fiore, Virgina[Sundy], Felecia[Pucciarelli], Angeline [Grassi]. _
GENOVESE
On Tuesday, June 7, 1966, Antonio, beloved husband of Ursula DeAngelus; father of Virginia Sundy, Frances Pucciarelli, Felix, Michael, Fiore and Angeline Grassi; also 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Michael F. DeRosa Mortuary, Paulson Ave. at Winslow St., until Saturday at 9 a.m. Slemn requiem high mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, at 9:45 a.m. [The Pittsburgh Press, June 8, 1966]
More About Antonio Genovese:
Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Ursula DeAngelis:
Ship Manifest, SS San Guglielmo, out of Naples, arrived in NYC 9/12/13, says she previously resided in Roccarainola, where father-in-law Arnello Genovese still resided. Says she and daugther, Vincenza were both born in Roccarainola
The Pittsburgh Press, December 16, 1986
Genovese, Sun., Dec. 14, 1986, Ursula, beloved wife of the late Antonio; mother of Virginia Sundy, Frances Pucciarelli, Angeline Grassi and Michael Genovese; also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Morasco Knee Soxman Ltd. Funeral Home, 9406 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills, Mon and Tues., 2-4 & 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Peter and Paul Church on Wed. at 10 a.m.
More About Ursula DeAngelis:
Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Antonio Genovese and Ursula DeAngelis are:
+ 3 i. Virginia (Vincenza)3 Genovese, born April 09, 1911 in Italy; died June 19, 1990 in ?Verona, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 4 ii. Frances M. (Felicia) Genovese, born December 30, 1913 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died June 07, 2014.
+ 5 iii. Felix James "Phil" (Felice) Genovese, born September 13, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died Bet. 1971 - 1986.
6 iv. Joseph Genovese, born Abt. 1917 in Pennsylvania; died Bef. 1971.
+ 7 v. Michael James (Michele) Genovese, born April 06, 1919 in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died October 31, 2006 in West Deer Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 8 vi. Fiorio "Fio" (Fiorevento) Genovese, born December 17, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 28, 1971 in East Liberty, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 9 vii. Angeline Ursula Genovese, born November 12, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died January 29, 2000 in Verona, Allegheny Co., Pa..
10 viii. Anthony Genovese, born November 27, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died December 11, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Anthony Genovese:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
11 ix. Gennero Genovese, born August 18, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died January 27, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Gennero Genovese:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Generation No. 3
3. Virginia (Vincenza)3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born April 09, 1911 in Italy, and died June 19, 1990 in ?Verona, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Joseph Sundy. He was born February 28, 1894 in Naples, Italy, and died March 1971.
Notes for Joseph Sundy:
WWII Draft Registration 1942
Joseph Sundy, 6310 Everett St., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 48, born February 28, 1894 in Naples, Italy
Virginia Genovesa Sundy, same address
Steel Casting - Blaw Knox Co., 62 Butler St., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Virginia Genovese and Joseph Sundy are:
12 i. Ursula4 Sundy.
+ 13 ii. Joseph M. Sundy, born February 14, 1940; died Bet. 1987 - 2006.
+ 14 iii. Geraldine Sundy, born Abt. 1938.
4. Frances M. (Felicia)3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born December 30, 1913 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died June 07, 2014. She married Michael Pucciarelli, son of Frank Pucciarelli and Rose Pascaretta. He was born October 11, 1910, and died May 1977.
Children of Frances Genovese and Michael Pucciarelli are:
15 i. Michael Feliz4 Pucciarelli. He married Linda Marie (Pucciarelli).
16 ii. Michele Pucciarelli.
5. Felix James "Phil" (Felice)3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born September 13, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died Bet. 1971 - 1986. He married (1) Jane Elizabeth Dlugopolski, daughter of John Dlugopolski and Katherine Siute. She was born February 26, 1925 in Russellton, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died January 19, 2004. He married (2) Bertlin L. (Genovese). He married (3) Evelyn Cappellano, daughter of Joseph Cappellano and Rosa Bonavuto. She was born October 21, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Felix James "Phil" (Felice) Genovese:
Ran the Red Eagle Club, formerly the Genovese Cocktail Lounge, 412 Larimer Ave. Married to a sister of John Dlugopolski.
In 1962, Four Seasons West, 5741 Ellsworth Ave.
In 1964, partner with Frank Rosa and John Fontana in the Bargain House, 1304 East Carson St., South Side.
Notes for Jane Elizabeth Dlugopolski:
GENOVESE WIEGAND
JANE E. (DLUGOPOLSKI)
Age 78, of Middlesex Twp., on Monday, January 19, 2004. Mother of Kathy J. Barthel and husband Tom of Middlesex; grandmother of Shawn Bowman of Middlesex, Dana Towne (Scott) of Emsworth; great-grandma of Mitchell and Taylor Towne and Lavona Bowman. Friends received Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Rd., Russellton, West Deer Twp. where service will be conducted on Thursday at 10 am. Burial will follow in Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar.
More About Jane Elizabeth Dlugopolski:
Burial: Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Bertlin L. (Genovese):
Divorced in 1939.
Notes for Evelyn Cappellano:
aka "Pepper", aka Dora Foster, girlfriend of Felix Genovese, December, 1961. [L61]
Evelyn Cappelano, a waitress-prostitute whom Felix Genovese set up at the Centre-Negley Apartments in Pittsburgh. [M61]
Child of Felix Genovese and Jane Dlugopolski is:
17 i. Kathy J. "Kassie"4 Genovese, born September 28, 1951 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 19, 2009 in Middlesex Twp., Butler Co., Pa.. She married Thomas C. Barthel Abt. 1994.
Notes for Kathy J. "Kassie" Genovese:
Kathy J. "Kassie" (Genovese) Barthel, 57, of Middlesex Township, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at her residence. Born Sept. 28, 1951, in Pittsburgh, she lived in Middlesex for the past 22 years and in the Valencia area prior to that. A 1969 graduate of West Deer High School, she was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping and spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 15 years, Thomas C. Barthel; a daughter, Dana (Scott) Towne, of Ross; a son, Shawn Bowman, of Middlesex; and five grandchildren, Mitchell, Taylor, Jeremy and Alex Towne and Lavona Bowman. She was preceded in death by her father, Felix Genovese; her mother, Jane E. (Dlugopolski) Wiegand; and her stepfather, James Wiegand. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the SIWICKI YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Township, where a blessing service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Robert Coyne officiating. Burial in Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VNA of Western PA, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.
More About Kathy J. "Kassie" Genovese:
Burial: Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
7. Michael James (Michele)3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born April 06, 1919 in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died October 31, 2006 in West Deer Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (1) Carmella Delores Napolitano/Naples September 1939, daughter of Onofrio Napolitano and Rosalie (Napolitano). She was born July 19, 1919 in Pennsylvania, and died February 26, 2010 in Orange Co., California. He married (2) Alice Wilma Rohrbacher February 09, 1956 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., daughter of Clarence Rohrbacher and Emma Fischer. She was born September 21, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died November 14, 1998. He married (3) Jennie Lee (Genovese) 2004. She was born Abt. 1953.
Notes for Michael James (Michele) Genovese:
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 14 Family 54, 26 Carver Street (same house as Carmelo and Jerome Carrabba)
Michael Genovese, 21, no occupation listed
Carmella, 20, bakery helper
Social Security Number was issued in New York state, before 1951.
1947, listed as a booking agent, 6034 St. Marie St.
In the 1950s and 60s, partner of LaRocca in the L&G Amusement Co.
In 1974, when a federal grand jury was probing organized crime in the Pittsburgh, Genovese was subpoenaed to testify under a grand of immunity. Genovese refused to testify anyway, and served six month in jail.
John LaRocca died of cancer in 1984 and the Pittsburgh Family came under the leadership of Michael Genovese who was already in his 70's.(He attended the Apalachin Conference with LaRocca and Kelly Mannarino. Prior to 1984, Genovese served as a capo and controlled the numbers racket in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. Genovese often met with LCN members and associates at L.A. Motors, a used car lot in Verona, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a salesman.) Genovese aggressively pursued the narcotics trade despite his violation of the Commission rules. During the 1980's the Pittsburgh Family was given permission from the Genovese Family in New York to initiate new members. They would only make new members when old members died. In 1986 Charles "Chucky" Porter and Thomas "Sonny" Ciancutti became members of the Pittsburgh Family. In 1987 Joseph Naples and Lenine "Lenny" Strollo who controlled the Youngstown rackets for Pittsburgh were made official members of the Family. The FBI began attacking the cocaine networks leading to Pittsburgh in the 1980's and were charging key associates in drug cases like Gary Golden, Joe Rosa, Marvin Droznek, Eugene Gesuale and Paul "No Legs" Hankish.
The drug investigations eventually led to Charles Porter and Louis Raucci Sr. They were both convicted of racketeering along with 7 others in 1990 and began serving time. Raucci died in 1995 while in prison and Charles Porter turned informant shortly after. In 1991 Joseph Naples was shot and killed in Youngstown, his killer and ex partner Lenny Strollo turned government witness in 1999 and testified at a major trial in Cleveland.
LaRocca was succeeded by Michael James Genovese. Genovese is a cousin [wrong] of Vito Genovese, the famed New York crime boss of the forties and fifties. Genovese brought a little more prestige to the Pittsburgh family during his first few years.
Genovese is the head of an old organization in Pittsburgh. He was in his seventies when he took over, and his underboss, Joe Pecora, died in 1987 at the age of 68. The LCN commission was only approving replacement members for the Pittsburgh family, so those members who died were replaced, but no new members were made. The FBI has had a few different opinions on the family, though. One FBI report in 1985 said that the Pittsburgh family ranked in the lower echelon of the Mafia families across the country. However, a 1995 FBI report stated that the top families had been sharply hit with prosecutions during the 1990's, including the families in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Buffalo, Boston, and Pittsburgh. This would imply that the Pittsburgh family is still pretty strong. The latest news on the Pittsburgh family is that Genovese is still in control. The family is said to be moving into the Youngstown and Cleveland areas that were vacated by the dissolving of the Cleveland family. This would be the Pittsburgh family's first major move outside of their immediate area.
4348 Clendenning Road, Gibsonia, Pa.
GENOVESE
MICHAEL J.
Age 87, of West Deer, on Tuesday, October 31, 2006. Beloved husband of Jennie; father of Michael A. Genovese and Alice Sikovsek; brother of Frances Puccurelli and the late Virginia Sundy, Angeline Grassi, Felix and Fio Genovese. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends received at the William F. Gross Funeral Home Ltd., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 7-9. Funeral Prayers Friday 9:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bartholomew Church 10am.
June 2, 1951 Margaret Drazdik married a Michael J. Genovese in Westmoreland County.
February 9, 1956, Alice Rohrbacker married a Michael Genovese in Westmoreland County.
More About Michael James (Michele) Genovese:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pa.
Notes for Carmella Delores Napolitano/Naples:
Williams, Carmella D., 90, a homemaker and resident of North Tustin, died February 26th, 2010. Carmella was a volunteer in the St. Joseph Hospital gift shop for over 30 years. Besides her husband, Ray Williams, she leaves grandsons, Mike, Ray, Morgan and Sal; granddaughters, Veronica, Lori, Vikki and Eden; 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5th, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. with a vigil at 7 p.m., Saddleback Chapel - Tustin. Funeral Mass, Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 9 a.m., St. Cecilia Church, Tustin. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange. [Orange County Register, March 2, 2010]
More About Carmella Delores Napolitano/Naples:
Burial: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange Co., California
Notes for Alice Wilma Rohrbacher:
In 1972 she was vice-president of the Bairford Elementary PTA.
Alice W. Genovese, on Sat., Nov. 14, 1998; beloved mother of Alice Sikovsek and Michael A. Genovese; sister of Peggy Bukovac; also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren. Friends received William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd., 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills where a Blessing Service will be held Wed. 11 am. Visitation Tues. 2-4 & 7-9 pm.
Children of Michael Genovese and Carmella Napolitano/Naples are:
18 i. Yvonne Ann4 Genovese, born December 17, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 19, 1992 in Orange Co., California. She married (1) Peter Francis Guarrasi February 11, 1961 in San Pedro, California; born November 16, 1939. She married (2) Ronald Mills November 10, 1963 in Los Angeles Co., California; born Abt. 1940. She married (3) Merlin J. Smith February 15, 1970 in San Bernardino Co., California; born Abt. 1940.
Notes for Yvonne Ann Genovese:
FBI-HSCA Subject File: Sebastian John LaRocca
RIF#: 124-90104-10339 (1/04/62) FBI#: 92-2940-315
Teletype Urgent 1/4/62
To: Director, FBI
From: SAC, Pittsburgh
Sebastian John LaRocca
Investigation by Los Angeles Office has reflected that Yvonne Guarassi, oldest daughter of Mike Genovese, protégé of subject, was closest associate of John Daniel Carr, convicted of robbing three Calif. Banks during 1960 and 1961. Yvonne and Carr rented apartment in Hermosa Beach, Calif., during Oct., last, at which apartment Carr was apprehended by Bureau Agents after daughter of Genovese refused to cooperate during interview. Carr convicted by Federal Jury on Dec. 8, last. Both daughters of Genovese were present during entire trial. Yvonne and husband planning divorce. She did not want father to know of divorce or association with Carr.
Teletype Urgent 3-28-62
To: Director, FBI
From: SAC, Pittsburgh
Sebastian John LaRocca
During conversation today with Mike Genovese, close business and personal associate of LaRocca, he was advised of activities of daughter, Yvonne, with Sam Locigno, West Coast associate of Mickey Cohen. He advised efforts to hold marriage of daughter together appear fruitless and that he has no connection with either Cohen or Locigno although he admitted knowing Cohen.
California Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Yvonne Ann Smith
[Yvonne Ann Genovese]
Social Security #: 568541442
Sex: FEMALE
Birth Date: 17 Dec 1940
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 19 Feb 1992
Death Place: Orange
Mother's Maiden Name: Naples
FATHER'S SURNAME: Genovese
19 ii. Kathleen Jean Genovese, born January 29, 1943 in Pennsylvania; died May 03, 1992 in Orange Co., California. She married (Husband) Magdelano.
Notes for Kathleen Jean Genovese:
California Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Kathleen Jean Magdelano
[Kathleen Jean Genovese]
Social Security #: 567605974
Sex: FEMALE
Birth Date: 26 Jan 1943
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 3 May 1992
Death Place: Orange
Mother's Maiden Name: Naples
FATHER'S SURNAME: Genovese
Child of Michael Genovese and Alice Rohrbacher is:
20 i. Michael Antonio4 Genovese, born April 06, 1965.
Notes for Michael Antonio Genovese:
Adopted in 1965.
8. Fiorio "Fio" (Fiorevento)3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born December 17, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 28, 1971 in East Liberty, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Margaret White August 25, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Thomas White and Ann McDonald. She was born March 30, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died Bef. 1971.
Notes for Fiorio "Fio" (Fiorevento) Genovese:
March 31, 1971, News Record, McCandless Twp., Pa
Fiore "Fio" Genovese, brother of Michael Genovese of West Deer, identified by the FBI as a crime syndicate chieftain, was shot to death on an East Liberty street Wednesday afternoon. Genovese, 57, younger brother of Michael, was dead on arrival at Pittsburgh Hospital. Police had arrested Nicholas Gelormini, 27, of East Liberty, a small time numbers writer, for murder. Funeral services were held this morning, Saturday. He was the husband of the late Margaret White. He leaves a son, Anthony; his mother, Mrs. Ursula Genovese; three sisters, Virginia Sundy, Frances Pucciarelli and Angeline Grassi, and two brothers, Michael of Clendenning Road and Felix Genovese.
...Yet when his brother was killed in1971, Mr. Genovese took no action. Fiore and another man had left the office of a Larimer magistrate to buy jars for spaghetti sauce the men were cooking in a back room when a retarded man named Nicholas Gelormini opened fire on them. Mr. Genovese initially wanted to order a hit on Mr. Gelormini, informants said, but Mr. LaRocca flew home from Florida to calm him. It turned out that Mr. Gelormini wanted revenge for being teased by mobsters at the Red Eagle where he worked. He went to the house of Eugene Gesuale, his chief tormenter, to shoot him. Mr. Gesuale refused to come out, so Mr. Gelormini shot Fiore instead. "Genovese hold no grudge," the FBI wrote, "because he thinks the killer is insane." [Genovese, Ove, 2009]
The Pittsburgh Press, April 2, 1971.
Genovese, suddenly on Wednesday, March 31, 1971, Fiore (Fio), beloved husband of the late Margaret White; father of Anthony; son of Ursula and the late Antonio; brother of Virginia Sundy, Frances Pucciarelli, Michael, Angeline Grassi and Felix. Friends will be received at the Michael F. DeRosa Mortuary, Paulson Ave. at Winslow St, until Saturday at 10 a.m. Requiem high mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Church at 11 a.m. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Kindly make contributions to the Heart Fund.
Child of Fiorio Genovese and Margaret White is:
21 i. Anthony4 Genovese, born Abt. 1949.
9. Angeline Ursula3 Genovese (Antonio2, Felice1) was born November 12, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died January 29, 2000 in Verona, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Chester W. I. Grassi June 30, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of William Grassi and Eleanor Mascione. He was born January 07, 1913 in Altoona, Blair Co., Pa., and died May 18, 1959 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Angeline Ursula Genovese:
Angeline U. (Genovese) Grassi, on Saturday, January 29, 2000; beloved wife of the late Chester W. Grassi; mother of Chester A., James J., and the late Michael J.; mother-in-law of Louise and Kristina; sister of Michael, Felicia Puciarelli,and the late Felix, Fiore, Anthony Jr., Jimmy and Virginia Sundy; also survived by two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Friends received Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home, INc., 11311 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. Funeral Mass Wednesday 10 AM, St. Joseph Church, Verona.
More About Angeline Ursula Genovese:
Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About Chester W. I. Grassi:
Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Angeline Genovese and Chester Grassi are:
22 i. Michael J.4 Grassi, born August 18, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died December 30, 1999 in Verona, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Kristina Lane.
Notes for Michael J. Grassi:
An accountant for Mellon Bank.
More About Michael J. Grassi:
Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
23 ii. Chester A. Grassi. He married Louise Wise.
Notes for Chester A. Grassi:
In 1971, fired fro his job as water plant operator by the City of Pittsburgh due to violation of residency requirements. City said he actually lived in Penn Hills.
24 iii. James J. Grassi.
Generation No. 4
13. Joseph M.4 Sundy (Virginia (Vincenza)3 Genovese, Antonio2, Felice1) was born February 14, 1940, and died Bet. 1987 - 2006. He married Dolores Jean Lampenfield, daughter of Zell Lampenfeld and Elizabeth Christmas. She was born Abt. 1943, and died June 25, 2006.
Notes for Dolores Jean Lampenfield:
ROBINSON
DOLORES LAMPENFIELD(SUNDY)
On Sunday, June 25, 2006, age 63, of Shadyside, after a courageous battle with cancer, with her daughter Lisa Sundy by her side, has gone home to be in the palm of God's loving hand. Preceded in death by her son Joseph Sundy, and her parents, Zell and Betty Lampenfield; surrounded in love by her family, sister of Richard (Marlene) Lampenfield, Rose Marie (Charles) Manning, Robert (Margaret) Lampenfield, Jo Ann (Norman) Azinger. Aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and loved by all. Fiends received at McCABE BROS. INC. FUNERAL HOME, 6214 Walnut St., Shadyside. on Tuesday 2-9 pm, where services will be held on Wednesday at 11AM.
Children of Joseph Sundy and Dolores Lampenfield are:
25 i. Joseph5 Sundy, died January 04, 1987.
Notes for Joseph Sundy:
SUNDY, suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 4, 1987, Joseph Jr., beloved son of Joseph and Dolores Lampenfield; brother of Lisa Sundy. Friends received at Morasco Knee Soxman, Ltd., Funeral Home, Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills, Mon. & Tues. 2-4 & 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Wed. at 10 a.m.
26 ii. Lisa Sundy.
14. Geraldine4 Sundy (Virginia (Vincenza)3 Genovese, Antonio2, Felice1) was born Abt. 1938. She married Lawrence John Itri July 23, 1960 in Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of Alexander Itri and Amelia Sascara. He was born December 16, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died December 29, 1987 in Richland Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Geraldine Sundy:
MISS SUNDY MARRIED, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 3, 1960
Geraldine Sundy became the bride of Lawrence John Itri on July 23 in Our Lady Help of Christians Church. The new Mrs. Itri is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sundy of Hamilton Avenue, and her husband is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Itri of Cherrywood Drive, Glenshaw. Attending as maid of honor was Phyllis Palumbo and as bridesmaids, Lela Sundy, patricia Scuteri and Lucy Scampone. Henry Itri, Jr., served the bridegroom as best man.
Notes for Lawrence John Itri:
LAWRENCE ITRI, POLICE OFFICIAL IN HAMPTON TWP., Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 31, 1987
Lawrence J. Itri, a Hampton police lieutenant, died of a heart attack Tuesday in his Richland home. Mr. Itri, 49, was with the Hampton Police Department for 21 years. He was a marksman with the police shooting team. He owned Itri Guard Service and Itri's Auto Center, both in Richland.
He is survived by two daughters, Linda Itri Hughes and Kathleen Itri, both of McCandless; a son, Lawrence Jr. of Richland; his parents, Alex and Amelia Itri of Florida; and a brother, Alex Itri III of Richland. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in King Funeral HOme Inc., Route 8 at Woodland Circle, Hampton, where a blessing service will be held at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be private.
Children of Geraldine Sundy and Lawrence Itri are:
27 i. Linda5 Itri.
28 ii. Kathleen Itri.
29 iii. Lawrence Itri.
Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Moderator: Capos
Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Last edited by JCB1977 on Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Gianni Bazzano Sr. aka John Bazzano Sr
Descendants of Stefano Bazzano
Generation No. 1
1. STEFANO1 BAZZANO was born Bet. 1854 - 1873. He married CARMELLA BERTONE. She was born Bet. 1854 - 1873, and died Aft. 1946.
Children of STEFANO BAZZANO and CARMELLA BERTONE are:
2. i. SANTO2 BAZZANO, b. October 08, 1904, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy; d. October 17, 2002, Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa..
ii. FILIPPO BAZZANO.
iii. CARLO BAZZANO.
iv. PAOLO BAZZANO.
v. STEFANO BAZZANO.
3. vi. GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO, b. May 22, 1889, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy; d. August 07, 1932, Brooklyn, New York.
vii. FRANCESCA BAZZANO.
viii. CARMELLA BAZZANO.
Generation No. 2
2. SANTO2 BAZZANO (STEFANO1) was born October 08, 1904 in Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died October 17, 2002 in Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa.. He married VERA R. FERA Abt. 1937, daughter of JOSEPH FERA and IMMACULATE TALOTTA. She was born September 18, 1914 in Grove City, Mercer Co., Pa., and died September 10, 2005 in Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa..
Notes for SANTO BAZZANO:
His obituary says he arrived in the US in 1925.
Salesman for Vigoro Yeast Company.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. Arnold ED 65-6 Family 112, 1815 Woodmont Avenue
Santo Bazzano, 35, IT, poolroom proprietor
Vera, 25; Emma C., 2; Stephen J., 1
1940 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano Santo (Vera) billiards 724 5th av h1813 Woodmont av (A)
Manifest, Port of [Pittsburgh, Pa. crossed out] Niagara Falls, N.Y. November 4, 1947 [12/23/47 crossed out] Permanent
Santo Bazzano. CIV No. 300. 11/4/47, Niagara Falls, Canada. Section 6(a)(I)(A). Quota country charged - Italian.
Born Palizzi Marina, Italy. Age 43. Male. Married. Bar Tender. Can read and write.
Speaks Italian and English. Italian race. Nationality, Italy. Last permanent residence, Palizzi Marina, Italy [Springdale, Pa. crossed out]
Nearest relative in country of origin -- Mrs. Carmella Bazzano, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy (mother)
Previously in U.S from November 1921 to present time, in New Kensington, Arnold, Springdale and Midland, Pa. Passage paid by self.
Destination is to resume residence at Springdale, Pa. Never arrested and deported. Intends to become permanent resident.
5'6" tall, medium complexion, black hair, brown eyes, two small scars on forehead.
Arrived in the US at New York, NY November 16, 1921 aboard the Taorminia.
Arrived by Rainbow Bridge. Admitted.
Arrived in US February 26, 1948 on a flight from Rome, Italy, landing in New York. Italian passport issued 1/19/48.
Santo Bazzano, 98, of Springdale, died Thursday (Oct. 17, 2002) at his home. He was born Oct. 8, 1904, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, and came to the United States in 1925. From New York, he moved to the Pittsburgh area before arriving in Springdale, where he lived the past 60 years. A veteran, he served with the Italian Army in Ethiopia. Self-employed, he owned and operated many diverse businesses. From 1933 to 1935, he was a bakery owner. He also owned and operated the Havana Inn, Arnold, and pool halls in Arnold and New Kensington. From 1942 to the 1980's, he was the owner/operator of the Colfax Inn in Springdale. Mr. Bazzano was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Springdale; Sons of Italy in New Kensington; and the Italian American Education Society (IAES) in Arnold. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking "great food," making his own wine, working in his garden, and playing cards. His homemade spaghetti sauce was well-known throughout the Springdale area. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Vera Fera Bazzano; four sons, Dr. Stephen Bazzano of Joplin, Mo., Robert Bazzano of Lower Burrell, Donovan Bazzano of Springdale, and David Bazzano of Butler; two daughters, Mrs. Virginia (Frederick) Chesaro of Cheswick and Mrs. Ave Maria (Frank) Dlubak of Freeport; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Bazzano was preceded in death by a daughter, Emma Bazzano; his parents, Stefano and Carmella Bertone Bazzano; five brothers, Filippo, Carlo, Paolo, Stefano and Giovanni Bazzano; and two sisters, Francesca and Carmella Bazzano.
Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. today in Springdale at the Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home Inc., 801 Pittsburgh Street. Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. George Saladna officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 243 Moorewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Notes for VERA R. FERA:
Vera R. Bazzano, 90, of Springdale, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at her home. She was born Sept. 18, 1914, in Grove City, to the late Joseph and Immaculate Talotta Fera, and had resided in Springdale the past 63 years. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, and among her interests were reading, cooking, her flowers and spending time with her family and grandchildren. Surviving are four sons, Dr. Stephen (Madalyn) Bazzano, of Joplin, Mo., Robert (Nancy) Bazzano, of Lower Burrell, Donovan (Donna) Bazzano, of Springdale, and David (Kathy) Bazzano, of Butler; two daughters, Virginia (Fred) Chesaro, of Cheswick, and Ave Marie (Frank) Dlubak, of Freeport; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Santo Bazzano; daughter, Emma Bazzano; two brothers, Dr. John Fera and Frank Fera; and a sister, Emma Janies. At Mrs. Bazzano's request, there will be no public visitation and services and interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Suite 203, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Arrangements by the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., Springdale.
Children of SANTO BAZZANO and VERA FERA are:
4. i. VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO.
ii. EMMA BAZZANO, b. September 07, 1937, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. November 14, 1941, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
More About EMMA BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
iii. STEPHEN J. BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1939; m. MADALYN GUSTAFSON, November 03, 1962, Jasper Co., Missouri.
Notes for STEPHEN J. BAZZANO:
D.O., family practioner, with the Bazzano Clinic, Galena, Missouri.
A graduate of the University of Health Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, 1969.
iv. AVE MARIA BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1943; m. FRANK C. DLUBAK; b. January 29, 1942.
Notes for FRANK C. DLUBAK:
Owner of Dlubak Studios of Natrona, later Slate Lick. Established around 1941. Specialty stained glass windows, aluminum fabrication, and custom bending of Aluminum frames for store fronts, church windows, and other specialty items.
5. v. ROBERT J. BAZZANO, b. May 1945.
vi. DONOVAN C. BAZZANO, b. June 1950; m. DARYL LYNN; b. 1953.
Notes for DONOVAN C. BAZZANO:
439 Butler Logan Rd., Springdale, Pa.
vii. DAVID S. BAZZANO, b. May 1954; m. KATHLEEN S. (BAZZANO); b. May 1952.
Notes for DAVID S. BAZZANO:
253 E. Fulton St., Butler, Pa.
3. GIOVANNI (JOHN)2 BAZZANO (STEFANO1) was born May 22, 1889 in Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died August 07, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. He married ROSINA ZAPPALA February 09, 1924 in New York, daughter of JOSEPH ZAPPALA/ZAPPOLA and CARMELA PENNA. She was born January 23, 1896 in Santo Stefano, Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died December 16, 1977 in ?New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO:
?Arrived in US around 1909.
At some point, lived in Wevaco, West Virginia (Kanawha Co.), named for the West Virginia Collier Co., south of Charleston, near Powellton. In 1917, a Joseph Cuzzola was in Wevaco.
Petition for Naturalization documents dated Feb. 22, 1915.
Naturalized Ebensburg, Cambria Co., January 4, 1916. ?P.P. 137902
WWI Draft Registration Card
John Bazzano, 1272 4th Ave.,New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Born May 22, 1889 in Polizzi, Reggio Calabria
Naturalized. Single, no dependents. Clerk for William Ahorn, Johnstown, Pa.
Right eye in bad shape. Occupation unreadable.
Registered in New Kensington, Pa., June 5, 1917.
The employer listed above may be William Ahren, 57, of Johnstown, born in Ireland about 1863, a wholesale liquor agent for a liquor company, in 1920. In 1910, William was a brewery manager.
John served in the military during WWI. He was inducted in the army on July 24, 1918 at New Kensington. He served as a private in Company D. 2nd Development Battalion, Replacement Training Center, Camp Lee, Virginia, and was discharged there December 21, 1918. Apparently, at the time of induction he gave his address as 611 Arch St., Carnegie, Pa., and name may have been recorded as Bozzono. He received a military funeral.
July 15, 1921, John Bazzano purchased property in Vandergrift from Ganoinetta & Domenico Grande & Giovannini Varrata, witnessed by Antonio Calabro. April 21, 1923 he sold the property to Antonio Calabro, witnessed by Joseph Bonidy. December 17, 1923 John Bazzano bought property in New Kensington from George W. & Mary M. Johnson, witnessed by Joseph Bonidy. Did they hold a mortgage, or somehow get the property back, only to sell it subsequenty to Andrew Zappala in 1933, and Andrew to Rose Bazzano later?
In 1921, Bazzano was living in New Kensington. In 1923, he was living in Parnassus.
In 1923 John Bazzano was involved in an auto accident in Pittsburgh while driving an auto owned by N. Catanzaro of 214 Pike St. His address was given as 1121 Fifth Ave., New Kensington.
Indicted November 1925 in connection with the theft of liquor from the Guckenheimer Distillery on October 16, 1924. At the time of indictment, supposedly incarcerated in Cleveland on a murder charge, and a theater owner.
Made a trip to Italy in 1926. Married. Residing at 916 North St., New Kensington. Returned Feb. 17, 1926
May have been traveling alone. Returned from Cherbourg, France. (May have been the trip that Gentile says he made to ask for advice.)
In 1927, Paolo “Paul” Romeo, of Youngstown, was reported to have been John, Jr.'s, godfather. Dominic Mallamo of Youngstown was godfather to John Bazzano Jr’s sister.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano, John (Rosa) h. 916 North St.
New Kensington Sugar Co. 1249 4th av [perhaps owned by Bazzano]
1930 Bazzano John (Rome Coffee & Pastry) r 704 Wylie Ave.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Mt. Lebanon ED 907 Family 12 1287 Washington Road
John Bazzano, 40, m at 34, IT IT IT, arr 1909, retail merchant confectioner
Rose, 33, m at 27, IT IT IT, arr 1909; Stephen F., 4; Carmilla A., 3; John, 1; Joseph Zappala, 70, fil, widower, IT IT IT, arr 1901
Associated with Vigoro Yeast Company.
John Bazzano assumed command of the Pittsburgh Family in September of 1931, upon the death of Siragusa, and was allied with Charlie Luciano of Manhattan. He came to the US in the 1890's and worked as a theater manager before building an empire in Pittsburgh through his control of the yeast and sugar markets. Bazzano lived with his wife and five children at their home in Mt. Lebanon. In 1932 Bazzano consolidated his power by ordering the most infamous gangland slaying in the history of Pittsburgh in what became known at the Volpe killings. The 8 Volpe Brothers were a gang of racketeers in Turtle Creek Valley with claims of royal Italian blood. James Volpe served as a member of the Wilmerding Council and the gang literally owned police and politicians in Wilmerding. The Volpe's made no effort to hide the fact that they were "connected" and were known for their "gaudy display of showmanship." John Volpe drove a 16-cylinder Cadillac with bulletproof windows and a license plate that read J.V.8. He also wore a watch studded with 25 diamonds forming his initials. Bazzano initially agreed to take on the Volpe's as business partners with their Pittsburgh headquarters at the Bazzano-owned Roma Coffee Shop on [704] Wylie Avenue. Bazzano soon ordered the murder of the Volpe's when the ambitious brothers began moving into East Liberty and the North Side. On the morning of July 20, 1932 gunmen drove up to the coffee shop and opened fire on the Volpe's. John was shot 4 times on the sidewalk, James was killed inside while hiding behind the counter and Arthur Volpe was hit with machine gun fire as he ate a bowl of cornflakes. On the weekend of the funeral over 50,000 people visited the Volpe home to pay respect including judges, politicians, prosecutors, police and scores of Mafiosi. Two of the surving Volpe brothers, Louis and Joseph, complained to the La Cosa Nostra Commission in New York, which had been recently formed to oversee Mafia disputes. The New York Commission was made up of Luciano, Bonanno, Gagliano, Profaci, Mangano and Magadddino. Because the hit had not been sanctioned, the hierarchy decided to make an example of Bazzano. In August of 1932, in an often-used mob trick, John Bazzano was invited to a dinner in New York City where he was set upon by almost everyone in attendance, including Albert Anastasia and an elite crew of New York Mafiosi, as a lesson to the rest of Cosa Nostra Bosses. On August 8, 1932 the body of John Bazzano turned up in the middle of a street in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, wrapped in a burlap sack. He had been stabbed in the chest with ice picks 22 times, strangled with a rope, his tongue had been cut out and his lips were sealed with tape. A few days later police arrested 14 members of various NYC Families including Albert Anastasia. They were being held on charges of loitering and were later released because no evidence could be gathered to prosecute for the murder of Bazzano. The Pittsburgh Family came under the command of Vincenzo Capizzi.
More About GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Purchased 916 North St., New Kensington, Pa. from Andrew Zappala June 1, 1936.
1940 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano Rose (wid John) h916 North
Social Security Death Index:
Name: Rose Bazzano
SSN: 168-38-9572
Last Residence: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 23 Jan 1896
Died: Dec 1977
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1963-1964
BAZZANO, Rosina, 81, of 916 North St., New Kensington, on Friday, Dec. 16, 1977; mother of Stephen Bazzano, John Bazzano, Paul Bazzano, Mrs. Dominic (Carmella) Oliverio and mrs. Josephine Parry; sister of Frank J. Zappala; seven grandchilden. Friends will be received at the Manzella Giunta Funeral Home, 11509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, Pa. from 2-4 and 7-9 Saturday & Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial on Minday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, New Kensington. Burial in Union Cemetery, Arnold.
More About ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Marriage Notes for GIOVANNI BAZZANO and ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Certificate and Record of Marriage, Giovanni Bazzano and Rosina Zappala, State of New York, Feb. 9, 1924.
Children of GIOVANNI BAZZANO and ROSINA ZAPPALA are:
6. i. STEPHEN FRANK3 BAZZANO, b. July 17, 1925, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. January 04, 1987, Dade Co., Florida.
7. ii. CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO, b. July 11, 1926, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. June 08, 2002, Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
8. iii. JOHN P. BAZZANO, b. June 28, 1927, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. July 25, 2008.
iv. JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1930, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. July 17, 2014, Of McLean, Fairfax Co., Virginia; m. THOMAS C. PARRY, July 07, 1948, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; b. April 14, 1926; d. January 19, 1977.
Notes for JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO:
PARRY
JO R.
Of McLean, Virginia, and formerly of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2014. She was born in Pittsburgh to the late John and Rose Zappala Bazzano, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Parry; and her siblings, Carmella Oliverio, Steve, John and Paul Bazzano. Mrs. Parry was an office manager for a credit investigation company. Survivors include a niece, Paula (Carmen) Pedicone of Jeannette; and nephews, John, Anthony, Frank and Paul Bazzano. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 100 Freeport Road, New Kensington. ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME, 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, is entrusted with the arrangements. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold.
More About JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for THOMAS C. PARRY:
1949 Perry Thos C (Josephine R) student r916 North
1954 Parry Thos C (Josephine R) tchr r916 North
1959 Parry Thos C (Josephine R) tchr r916 North
More About THOMAS C. PARRY:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
v. PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO, b. June 20, 1931, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. January 21, 2013.
Notes for PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO:
Paul Bazzano, became an associate professor at the Westmoreland County Community College in 1984. At the time, he had been teaching real estate and business management courses at WCCC since 1971. He developed the Real Estate Sales and Management associate degree program and has continued to update the durriculum. In addition, Bazzano was involved in the development of non-credit business management courses for the Continuing Education Division. He served on a number of college governing and advisory committees and has participated in professional and civic organizations throughout his tenure. Bazzano earned a bachelor of science degree from the Duquesne University School of Business and a master of letters from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. He is a licensed real estate broker, holds numerous insurance licenses, and is certified by the state to each real estate.
Paul Anthony Bazzano, 81, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, surrounded by his family. Born June 20, 1931, in Pittsburgh, to the late John and Rosina (Zappala) Bazzano, he was a 1950 graduate of Ken-Hi (New Kensington High School), received his bachelor's degree from Duquesne University in 1954 and his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was one of the most prominent real estate brokers in the New Kensington area for 62 years and became a professor at Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood Campus, in 1970. He received many real estate accolades and had recently received emeritus status in the Howard Hanna Association. He was a member of the board of directors of the Westmoreland County Blind Association. He was a member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington, the Holy Name Society and Father Hertzog Council of the Knights of Columbus in New Kensington where he was a Fourth Degree Knight. He was president of the Former Jaycees of New Kensington. Uncle Paul, as he was called by many, was known for his love of family and friends and his countless acts of kindness and generosity. He was a trusted member of the community and will be missed by all whose lives he touched over the years. He is survived by his loving sister, Josephine "Jo" Parry, of McLean, Va.; sister-in-law, Frances Bazzano, of McMurray; his niece, Paula Pedicone, of Jeannette; nephews, John, Anthony, Frank and Paul; great-nieces, Leah, Joanna, Christina, Kati, Francesca, Caroline, Rosina and Lidia; and great-nephew, Giovanni. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carmella Oliverio; and two brothers, Stephen and John Bazzano. Viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold. Members of Father Hertzog Council of the Knights of Columbus will assemble in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
More About PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Generation No. 3
4. VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO (SANTO2, STEFANO1) She married FREDERICK P. CHESARO, son of FRANK CHESARO and PHILOMENA DIRENNA. He was born February 17, 1937 in Natrona Heights, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died May 26, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for FREDERICK P. CHESARO:
Appointed postmaster of Warrendale in 1974. Was assigned to Pittsburgh at the time, with 16 years of service. Graduated from Har-Brack High School in 1955 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1960.
Frederick P. "Fred" Chesaro, 72, of Cheswick, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, with his family by his side. He was born Feb. 17, 1937, in Natrona Heights, son of the late Frank A. and Minnie (Direnna) Chesaro, and resided in this area all his life. Fred was a Postal Employee for 40 years, retiring as Postmaster at the Creighton Office. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, in Springdale, Integrity Lodge of the ISDA, in Brackenridge, several Postmaster Associations and was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the ROTC program. He enjoyed walking, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Virginia (Bazzano) Chesaro; daughters, Renee Mattone, of Cheswick, Maria (Randy) Wood, of Wexford, and Nicole (Michael) Mayer, of Oak Hill, Va.; grandchildren, Antonio, Cara Mia, Olivia, Lauren, Addison and Cameron. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his in-laws, Santo and Vera Bazzano; and son-in-law, Ron Mattone. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., 801 Pittsburgh St., Springdale. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be private.
Children of VIRGINIA BAZZANO and FREDERICK CHESARO are:
9. i. RENEE4 CHESARO.
ii. MARIA ROSE CHESARO, m. RANDY WOOD.
iii. NICOLE IMMACULATE CHESARO, m. MICHAEL DAVID MAYER, 2005.
5. ROBERT J.3 BAZZANO (SANTO2, STEFANO1) was born May 1945. He married NANCY J. (BAZZANO). She was born August 1950.
Notes for ROBERT J. BAZZANO:
101 Elk Run Rd., Lower Burrell, Pa.
Possible owner, Trader's Path Mobile Home Park.
Child of ROBERT BAZZANO and NANCY (BAZZANO) is:
i. TRACI L.4 BAZZANO, b. June 1971.
6. STEPHEN FRANK3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born July 17, 1925 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died January 04, 1987 in Dade Co., Florida. He married ELIZABETH (BETTY) JEAN WHALTON 1955 in Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for STEPHEN FRANK BAZZANO:
Traveled to Cuba Feb. 1955, June 1957, Nov. 1960, and Dec. 1960.
In the 1950s, represented gamblers and bolito (numbers) suspects.
In 1955, Assistant Solicitor of Dade County.
Headstone at Union Cemetey reads "Stephen Frank Bazzano, Esq." May have been an attorney, but not in Pennsylvania? (not listed with the PA Bar) May have been licensed to practice law in Forida, from 6/11/51. Coral Gables, Miami-Dade Co., Florida. In 1958, practicing criminal law.
More About STEPHEN FRANK BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for ELIZABETH (BETTY) JEAN WHALTON:
Divorced December 9, 1964, Dade Co., Florida. On March 30, 1965, Elizabeth filed a petition to modify the final divorce decree to add a provision which restrained her former husband from assaulting, harassing, annoying or berating his former wife.
The final decree specified: "The wife shall have permanent care, custody and control of the minor children of the parties, with liberal rights of visitation in the husband. Said right of visitation shall include the right to overnight privileges with said children, privided in every case, the party seeking this arrangement shall give reasonable notice of their intention to do so." The petiton for modification alleged: "Petitioner would show that as a result of the Defendan't right of visitation, and his obligation for the support of the minor children, he has come to the home of your petitioner at various and sundry times, often late at night, and on other occasions without any prior notice, when your petitioner had no reason to expect the respondent. That he would force entry into the home, has threatened and abused your petitioner and struck her; has made cruel and false accusations against her and has otherwise intimidated, harassed, assaulted and berated your petitioner, all in the pretext that he has the right of visitation and that he is making support payments and further, that he can sit in moral judgment of your petitioner as to the company she keeps, the places she goes, and the hours in which she travels."
The Florida courts allowed the restraining order to be added to the final decree.
Children of STEPHEN BAZZANO and ELIZABETH WHALTON are:
i. STEPHANIE JEAN4 BAZZANO, b. November 29, 1955, Miami, Dade Co., Florida; d. June 20, 2008; m. (1) GENE LESLIE TERRY, June 20, 1975, Dade Co., Florida; m. (2) ANTHONY CARL TUCCI, April 24, 1992, Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for STEPHANIE JEAN BAZZANO:
Stephanie Bazzano Tucci
Born in Miami, Florida on Nov. 29, 1955
Departed on Jul. 20, 2008 and resided in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Tucci, Stephanie Bazzano, 52, of Fort Lauderdale passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008. She is survived by her husband Anthony Tucci, 1 sister, Lisa M. Bazzano, Esq. Friends may visit from 6-9 PM, Thursday at Boyd's Hollywood Blvd. Chapel. There will be a Tributes of a Lifetime 7:30 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be 7:30 PM, Thursday, Jul. 24, at Boyd's Hollywood Blvd. Chapel.
ii. LISA MARIE BAZZANO, b. May 12, 1958.
Notes for LISA MARIE BAZZANO:
Last name may be Polizzi, of Enid, Oklahoma.
7. CARMELLA ANN3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born July 11, 1926 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died June 08, 2002 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. She married (1) VINCENT F. ZANNETTI July 16, 1947 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of SILVIO ZANNETTI and NINA (ZANNETTI). He was born January 26, 1924 in Pennsylvania, and died July 15, 1989. She married (2) DOMINIC OLIVERIO November 17, 1969 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of SAMUEL OLIVERIO. He was born January 28, 1918 in Homer City, Indiana Co., Pa., and died March 14, 1993 in Latrobe Area Hospital, Westmoreland County, Pa..
Notes for CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO:
Carmella A. Oliverio, 75, of Greensburg, died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Greensburg. She was born July 11, 1926, in New Kensington, a daughter of the late John and Rose Zappala Bazzano. Prior to retirement, she had been employed as a tax technician by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, where she worked for 25 years. Carmella was a member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and a former member of the Italian Women's Club. She was an avid bridge player and a volunteer at the Westmoreland County Blind Association. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dominic Oliverio, on March 14, 1993; and a brother, Stephen Bazzano. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Pedicone and husband, Carmen, of Jeannette; two brothers, John Bazzano and wife, Frances, of McMurray and Paul A. Bazzano of New Kensington; a sister, Jo Parry of McLean, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Carmella in the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, 724-837-0020, Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. Prayers will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Home, 685 Angela Drive, Greensburg, or Westmoreland County Blind Association, 911 S. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601.
More About CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for VINCENT F. ZANNETTI:
1940 Zannetti Vincent F mgr Sam's Toggery r1732 5th av (A)
1946 Zannetti Vincent F r1732 5th av (A)
1949 Zannetti, Vincent (Carmella) ofc mgr B & B Mfg r 1914 Constitution blvd. B & B Mfg Co. Ralph Buffone genl mgr cabt mker 912 Constitution blvd.
Notes for DOMINIC OLIVERIO:
Dominic Oliverio, 75, of Greensburg, died Sunday, March 14, 1993, in the Latrobe Area Hospital. He was born Jan. 28, 1918, in Homer City, a son of the late Peter Samuel and Mary Lettizia Morrone Oliverio. Mr. Oliverio was employed as a payroll auditor and chief clerk with General Motors, Fisher Body Division, research and engineering departments at Detroit, Mich. He was the district administrator of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax office, Greensburg, which covered Westmoreland, Indiana and Fayette counties, and most recently the Westmoreland County Tax Assessment Office. Dom was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, where he was an usher and past president of the Ushers Club. He was president of the Sons of Italy Lodge 735, past president of the Dante Alighieri Chapter 244, 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus Council 1480, all of Greensburg, the Westmoreland County Law Enforcement Association and Elks BPOE Lodge 2313 of Norwin. He had served as Republican state committeeman for the 35th senatorial district. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony and Joseph Oliverio. Dom is survived by his loving wife, Carmella Bazzano Oliverio; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Carmen (Paula) Pedicone of Greensburg; two brothers, Jesse Oliverio of Derry and Samuel Oliverio of Irwin; four sisters, Mrs. Thomas (Gilda) Dunlap of Derry, and Teresa, Evelyn and Norma Oliverio, all of Johnstown; and several nieces and nephews. Dom's family will be receiving relatives and friends at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, with the Rev. Dominick Oliveri as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, New Kensington. The Sons of Italy will hold services Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home followed by 7:30 p.m. services by the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation or Diabetes Association.
More About DOMINIC OLIVERIO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Child of CARMELLA BAZZANO and VINCENT ZANNETTI is:
i. PAULA T.4 ZANNETTI, b. December 29, 1948; m. CARMEN PEDICONE, March 03, 1973, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for PAULA T. ZANNETTI:
Retired Westmoreland County Elections Bureau director, and board member of the Westmoreland County Blind Association.
8. JOHN P.3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born June 28, 1927 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 25, 2008. He married FRANCES M. RIPEPI Abt. 1953, daughter of ANTONIO RIPEPI and URSOLA QUATTRONE. She was born August 07, 1932.
Notes for JOHN P. BAZZANO:
He quit school after the 10th grade, served in the Army as a military policeman. [PG 1976]
John Bazzano Jr. , born 1927, enlisted in the service during WWII, August 31, 1945, in Pittsburgh, single, without dependants Discharged March 2, 1946. His PA Vetarans Compensation application indicates only 3 days of active service during the eligibility period, and his application was denied.
In 1950 and 1954, living with mother at 916 North St., occupation machine installer. In 1952 worked for Keystone Music Co., Ripepi's business.
In 1975, convicted as head of a gambling operation. In a federal prison until 1981.
John Bazzano Jr. (Bazzano Jr.) is the son of Western Pennsylvania’s former crime leader and son-in law of Antonio Ripepi.[13] See id. Bazzano Jr. was released from federal prison early in 1981 [Feb. 20] after serving a sentence for a 1975 conviction on chargers of running a large-scale gambling operation. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report at 119). Upon his release [Feb. 20, 1981], Bazzano Jr. was elevated from soldier to capo, filling the vacancy created by Kelly Mannarino’s death. See GEB Ex. 89 (1983 PA Crime Report).
Son of the original founder, John Bazzano Sr., Bazzano Jr. would come to age in the Pittsburgh Syndicate. Bazzano Jr. was also the son-in-law to Antonio Ripepi. Bazzano oversaw Ripepi's numbers racket in Washington and Fayette Counties. In 1975 he was convicted for operating a large-scale bookmaking operation, he served time from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. In late 2003 he passed away from natural causes. (no evidence) (geocities.com/OrganizedCrimeSyndicates)
John Bazzano in March, 1978, began serving a seven-year sentence at Danbury for the operation of an unlawful gambling business and the obstruction of law enforcement. Two months later he was tentatively designated a CMC because of his involvement in a "sophisticated criminal activity." After he refused to sign the notification or to indicate grounds for objection the designation was approved and a final notice of designation advised him that it was based on "involvement in criminal activities of a sophisticated nature as evidence by (his) conviction and current seven year sentence for Operating an Illegal Gambling Business which was a large scale operation covering several communities in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area." His administrative appeal, also grounded on failure of the Bureau to follow the due process procedures prescribed in Catalano was denied. He then filed his habeas petition in the district court. [Central Monitoring Cases". The classification as a CMC could hinder or preclude a prisoner in obtaining social furloughs, work releases, participation in community activities, release to halfway houses and transfers to other correctional institutions. These obstacles may not be encountered by prisoners who are not so classified.]
JOHN BAZZANO JR. - MEMBER OF THE DWINDLING PITTSBURGH MOB
June 28, 1927-July 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
By Torsten Ove, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The doddering Pittsburgh mob lost another elderly member last week with the death of John Bazzano Jr., a convicted gambling kingpin, former underboss and son of a Pittsburgh crime lord who was ice-picked to death in an infamous 1932 ambush in New York. Mr. Bazzano, who for years ran numbers in the Monongahela Valley for his father-in-law, the late capo Antonio Ripepi, died Friday. He was 81 and lived in Peters.
In the late 1980s, after he'd served time in federal prison for running a huge gambling ring that paid protection money to Mon Valley police and public officials, Mr. Bazzano moved up in the Mafia hierarchy. According to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, he took over the role of underboss to Michael Genovese in 1987 following the death of Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora of Chester, W.Va. Mr. Genovese, who died in 2006, was identified by the FBI and the crime commission as the reclusive leader of the Pittsburgh mob, succeeding Sebastian John LaRocca in 1985.
Details of Mr. Bazzano's personal life are murky, and his family did not return a message yesterday left at the funeral home. During his federal trial in 1976, he presented himself as a law-abiding family man who served honorably in the Army in World War II and always paid his taxes.
But the FBI said he was the leader of a gambling operation that stretched from southern Allegheny County and Washington County into Fayette County to the West Virginia line. The ring brought in $2 million to $3 million a year. The case against him and his associates first became public in 1974 with FBI raids on a McKeesport numbers bank and the residence of a Clairton man who kept the book for the ring. Agents seized records indicating the mob was paying "ice," or protection money, to seven officials.
In grand jury testimony, one witness said, "If John Bazzano tells me to hit you, I'm going to have to do it." Mr. Bazzano denied he was ever in the numbers business and later denied any links to organized crime. But he was convicted along with Clairton Mayor John Matz, Clairton Magistrate John R. Ward, former Elizabeth Police Chief Thomas Poljak, Clairton Constable Peter Orsini and Clairton Police Chief David Guffey. Mr. Bazzano was sentenced to seven years in a federal prison in Connecticut and fined $40,000, but was paroled in 1981. He completed his parole term in 1983 -- parole has since been abolished in the federal system.
After his release, Mr. Bazzano ostensibly worked at Keystone Music Co., a vending machine business in Pleasant Hills owned by Mr. Ripepi, and Bologna Coal Co. in Burgettstown. But his true job was right-hand man to Mr. Genovese, according to the crime commission, although a Justice Department lawyer said at the time of Mr. Pecora's death that Mr. Bazzano didn't exhibit the same leadership qualities as his famous father.
He was the son of Pittsburgh's first mafia boss, John Bazzano Sr., who consolidated area bootleggers during Prohibition. The elder Bazzano played a central role in one of the most notorious bloodbaths in mob history. In 1929, three Volpe brothers, Wilmerding bootleggers who had been business partners of Mr. Bazzano, were killed in a hit at Mr. Bazzano's Wylie Avenue coffee shop in the Hill District. Two surviving brothers, Louis and Joseph Volpe, complained to the newly formed Cosa Nostra Commission in New York that Mr. Bazzano Sr. had ordered the attack. In 1932, Mr. Bazzano was lured to a testimonial dinner in his honor in Brooklyn. After the dinner, crime leaders from across the country stabbed him to death with ice picks. His mutilated body was found a few days later in a burlap sack. John Bazzano Jr. was 5 at the time.
Mr. Bazzano is survived by his wife, Frances, and sons John, Anthony, Frank and Stephen. Visitation was yesterday.
BAZZANO JOHN
Age 81, of Peters Twp., on Friday, July 25, 2008. Beloved husband of Frances; father of John Philip, Anthony Paul (Leslie), Frank Michael (Nicki) and Paul Stephen (Deann) Bazzano; grand father of Leah, Katerina, Francesca, Joanna, Caroline, Christina, Giovanni, Rosina and Lidia; brother of Josephine Parry, Paul and the late Stephen, & Carmella Oliverio. John was an Army veteran of WWII. He will be sorely missed by the many family and friends whose lives he touched with his love and whose hearts he gladdened with his renowned sense of humor. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. His legacy will be carried on by his children and grandchildren whom he loved and cherished with all of his heart. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211, on Sunday 6-9 pm and Monday 2-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict the Abbot Church, Tuesday 11:30 am with Fr. John Harvey officiating. Entombment Jefferson Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Western PA, 555 Grant St., Suite 380, Pgh., PA 15219. (Post-Gazette, July 28, 2008)
More About JOHN P. BAZZANO:
Burial: Jefferson Memorial Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for FRANCES M. RIPEPI:
FRANCES RIPEPI ENGAGED TO NEW KENSINGTON MAN, The Daily Republican, Monongahela, Pa., April 15, 1952
Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Ripepi, former residents now of 4720 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, announe the engagement of their daughter Frances to John Bazzano, son of Mrs. Rose Bazzano of 916 North Street, New Kensington. Frances was graduated from Monongahela High, Class of 1950, and also from Robert Morrris Business College with the Class of 1951. She is employed by A.S.T. Appliance, Inc. John is employed by Keystone Music Company.
John and Frances were honored at an engagement party at her home recently. She wore a pink net ballerina formal with a corsage of three white orchids. At the affair were about 150 guests - relatives and close friends from Gallatin, Pittsburgh, New Kensington and New York. No definite plans have been made for the wedding.
107 Lynbrook Dr., McMurray, Pa.
Children of JOHN BAZZANO and FRANCES RIPEPI are:
i. JOHN PHILIP4 BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1955.
ii. ANTHONY PAUL BAZZANO, b. May 01, 1956; m. LESLIE A. (BAZZANO); b. Abt. 1965.
iii. FRANK MICHAEL BAZZANO, b. June 1958; m. NICHOLA A. (BAZZANO); b. June 1958.
Notes for FRANK MICHAEL BAZZANO:
5847 Heberton Dr., Verona, Pa.
iv. PAUL STEPHEN BAZZANO, b. September 18, 1964; m. DEANN (BAZZANO).
Notes for PAUL STEPHEN BAZZANO:
Regional director of operations of the Gateway Hospitality Group and general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe - Nov. 7, 2005.
Generation No. 4
9. RENEE4 CHESARO (VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO, SANTO2, STEFANO1) She married RONALD R. MATTONE, son of ANDREW MATTONE and MARIE MILLER. He was born September 03, 1938 in Springdale Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 08, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for RONALD R. MATTONE:
Ronald R. Mattone, 64, of Springdale Township died Saturday (March 8, 2003) in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born Sept. 3, 1938, in Springdale Township, he lived there all of his life. He served in the Korean War with the Navy. Mr. Mattone was a plant manager at Pittsburgh Metals in Saxonburg. He was a member of Walter Chapel United Methodist Church, Indiana Township. Survivors include his wife, Renee Chesaro Mattone; a son, Antonio Mattone of Springdale Township; a daughter, Cara Mia Mattone of Springdale Township; and a brother, Andrew L. Mattone of Frazer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew J. and Marie Miller Mattone. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in CHESWICK at CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1607 Pittsburgh St. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Walter Chapel United Methodist Church by the Rev. Darlene Ryniec. Burial will be in Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar.
Children of RENEE CHESARO and RONALD MATTONE are:
i. ANTONIO5 MATTONE.
ii. CARA MIA MATTONE.
Descendants of Stefano Bazzano
Generation No. 1
1. STEFANO1 BAZZANO was born Bet. 1854 - 1873. He married CARMELLA BERTONE. She was born Bet. 1854 - 1873, and died Aft. 1946.
Children of STEFANO BAZZANO and CARMELLA BERTONE are:
2. i. SANTO2 BAZZANO, b. October 08, 1904, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy; d. October 17, 2002, Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa..
ii. FILIPPO BAZZANO.
iii. CARLO BAZZANO.
iv. PAOLO BAZZANO.
v. STEFANO BAZZANO.
3. vi. GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO, b. May 22, 1889, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy; d. August 07, 1932, Brooklyn, New York.
vii. FRANCESCA BAZZANO.
viii. CARMELLA BAZZANO.
Generation No. 2
2. SANTO2 BAZZANO (STEFANO1) was born October 08, 1904 in Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died October 17, 2002 in Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa.. He married VERA R. FERA Abt. 1937, daughter of JOSEPH FERA and IMMACULATE TALOTTA. She was born September 18, 1914 in Grove City, Mercer Co., Pa., and died September 10, 2005 in Springdale, Allegheny County, Pa..
Notes for SANTO BAZZANO:
His obituary says he arrived in the US in 1925.
Salesman for Vigoro Yeast Company.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. Arnold ED 65-6 Family 112, 1815 Woodmont Avenue
Santo Bazzano, 35, IT, poolroom proprietor
Vera, 25; Emma C., 2; Stephen J., 1
1940 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano Santo (Vera) billiards 724 5th av h1813 Woodmont av (A)
Manifest, Port of [Pittsburgh, Pa. crossed out] Niagara Falls, N.Y. November 4, 1947 [12/23/47 crossed out] Permanent
Santo Bazzano. CIV No. 300. 11/4/47, Niagara Falls, Canada. Section 6(a)(I)(A). Quota country charged - Italian.
Born Palizzi Marina, Italy. Age 43. Male. Married. Bar Tender. Can read and write.
Speaks Italian and English. Italian race. Nationality, Italy. Last permanent residence, Palizzi Marina, Italy [Springdale, Pa. crossed out]
Nearest relative in country of origin -- Mrs. Carmella Bazzano, Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy (mother)
Previously in U.S from November 1921 to present time, in New Kensington, Arnold, Springdale and Midland, Pa. Passage paid by self.
Destination is to resume residence at Springdale, Pa. Never arrested and deported. Intends to become permanent resident.
5'6" tall, medium complexion, black hair, brown eyes, two small scars on forehead.
Arrived in the US at New York, NY November 16, 1921 aboard the Taorminia.
Arrived by Rainbow Bridge. Admitted.
Arrived in US February 26, 1948 on a flight from Rome, Italy, landing in New York. Italian passport issued 1/19/48.
Santo Bazzano, 98, of Springdale, died Thursday (Oct. 17, 2002) at his home. He was born Oct. 8, 1904, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, and came to the United States in 1925. From New York, he moved to the Pittsburgh area before arriving in Springdale, where he lived the past 60 years. A veteran, he served with the Italian Army in Ethiopia. Self-employed, he owned and operated many diverse businesses. From 1933 to 1935, he was a bakery owner. He also owned and operated the Havana Inn, Arnold, and pool halls in Arnold and New Kensington. From 1942 to the 1980's, he was the owner/operator of the Colfax Inn in Springdale. Mr. Bazzano was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Springdale; Sons of Italy in New Kensington; and the Italian American Education Society (IAES) in Arnold. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking "great food," making his own wine, working in his garden, and playing cards. His homemade spaghetti sauce was well-known throughout the Springdale area. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Vera Fera Bazzano; four sons, Dr. Stephen Bazzano of Joplin, Mo., Robert Bazzano of Lower Burrell, Donovan Bazzano of Springdale, and David Bazzano of Butler; two daughters, Mrs. Virginia (Frederick) Chesaro of Cheswick and Mrs. Ave Maria (Frank) Dlubak of Freeport; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Bazzano was preceded in death by a daughter, Emma Bazzano; his parents, Stefano and Carmella Bertone Bazzano; five brothers, Filippo, Carlo, Paolo, Stefano and Giovanni Bazzano; and two sisters, Francesca and Carmella Bazzano.
Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. today in Springdale at the Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home Inc., 801 Pittsburgh Street. Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. George Saladna officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 243 Moorewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Notes for VERA R. FERA:
Vera R. Bazzano, 90, of Springdale, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at her home. She was born Sept. 18, 1914, in Grove City, to the late Joseph and Immaculate Talotta Fera, and had resided in Springdale the past 63 years. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, and among her interests were reading, cooking, her flowers and spending time with her family and grandchildren. Surviving are four sons, Dr. Stephen (Madalyn) Bazzano, of Joplin, Mo., Robert (Nancy) Bazzano, of Lower Burrell, Donovan (Donna) Bazzano, of Springdale, and David (Kathy) Bazzano, of Butler; two daughters, Virginia (Fred) Chesaro, of Cheswick, and Ave Marie (Frank) Dlubak, of Freeport; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Santo Bazzano; daughter, Emma Bazzano; two brothers, Dr. John Fera and Frank Fera; and a sister, Emma Janies. At Mrs. Bazzano's request, there will be no public visitation and services and interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Suite 203, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Arrangements by the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., Springdale.
Children of SANTO BAZZANO and VERA FERA are:
4. i. VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO.
ii. EMMA BAZZANO, b. September 07, 1937, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. November 14, 1941, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
More About EMMA BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
iii. STEPHEN J. BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1939; m. MADALYN GUSTAFSON, November 03, 1962, Jasper Co., Missouri.
Notes for STEPHEN J. BAZZANO:
D.O., family practioner, with the Bazzano Clinic, Galena, Missouri.
A graduate of the University of Health Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, 1969.
iv. AVE MARIA BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1943; m. FRANK C. DLUBAK; b. January 29, 1942.
Notes for FRANK C. DLUBAK:
Owner of Dlubak Studios of Natrona, later Slate Lick. Established around 1941. Specialty stained glass windows, aluminum fabrication, and custom bending of Aluminum frames for store fronts, church windows, and other specialty items.
5. v. ROBERT J. BAZZANO, b. May 1945.
vi. DONOVAN C. BAZZANO, b. June 1950; m. DARYL LYNN; b. 1953.
Notes for DONOVAN C. BAZZANO:
439 Butler Logan Rd., Springdale, Pa.
vii. DAVID S. BAZZANO, b. May 1954; m. KATHLEEN S. (BAZZANO); b. May 1952.
Notes for DAVID S. BAZZANO:
253 E. Fulton St., Butler, Pa.
3. GIOVANNI (JOHN)2 BAZZANO (STEFANO1) was born May 22, 1889 in Palizzi Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died August 07, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. He married ROSINA ZAPPALA February 09, 1924 in New York, daughter of JOSEPH ZAPPALA/ZAPPOLA and CARMELA PENNA. She was born January 23, 1896 in Santo Stefano, Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and died December 16, 1977 in ?New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO:
?Arrived in US around 1909.
At some point, lived in Wevaco, West Virginia (Kanawha Co.), named for the West Virginia Collier Co., south of Charleston, near Powellton. In 1917, a Joseph Cuzzola was in Wevaco.
Petition for Naturalization documents dated Feb. 22, 1915.
Naturalized Ebensburg, Cambria Co., January 4, 1916. ?P.P. 137902
WWI Draft Registration Card
John Bazzano, 1272 4th Ave.,New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Born May 22, 1889 in Polizzi, Reggio Calabria
Naturalized. Single, no dependents. Clerk for William Ahorn, Johnstown, Pa.
Right eye in bad shape. Occupation unreadable.
Registered in New Kensington, Pa., June 5, 1917.
The employer listed above may be William Ahren, 57, of Johnstown, born in Ireland about 1863, a wholesale liquor agent for a liquor company, in 1920. In 1910, William was a brewery manager.
John served in the military during WWI. He was inducted in the army on July 24, 1918 at New Kensington. He served as a private in Company D. 2nd Development Battalion, Replacement Training Center, Camp Lee, Virginia, and was discharged there December 21, 1918. Apparently, at the time of induction he gave his address as 611 Arch St., Carnegie, Pa., and name may have been recorded as Bozzono. He received a military funeral.
July 15, 1921, John Bazzano purchased property in Vandergrift from Ganoinetta & Domenico Grande & Giovannini Varrata, witnessed by Antonio Calabro. April 21, 1923 he sold the property to Antonio Calabro, witnessed by Joseph Bonidy. December 17, 1923 John Bazzano bought property in New Kensington from George W. & Mary M. Johnson, witnessed by Joseph Bonidy. Did they hold a mortgage, or somehow get the property back, only to sell it subsequenty to Andrew Zappala in 1933, and Andrew to Rose Bazzano later?
In 1921, Bazzano was living in New Kensington. In 1923, he was living in Parnassus.
In 1923 John Bazzano was involved in an auto accident in Pittsburgh while driving an auto owned by N. Catanzaro of 214 Pike St. His address was given as 1121 Fifth Ave., New Kensington.
Indicted November 1925 in connection with the theft of liquor from the Guckenheimer Distillery on October 16, 1924. At the time of indictment, supposedly incarcerated in Cleveland on a murder charge, and a theater owner.
Made a trip to Italy in 1926. Married. Residing at 916 North St., New Kensington. Returned Feb. 17, 1926
May have been traveling alone. Returned from Cherbourg, France. (May have been the trip that Gentile says he made to ask for advice.)
In 1927, Paolo “Paul” Romeo, of Youngstown, was reported to have been John, Jr.'s, godfather. Dominic Mallamo of Youngstown was godfather to John Bazzano Jr’s sister.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano, John (Rosa) h. 916 North St.
New Kensington Sugar Co. 1249 4th av [perhaps owned by Bazzano]
1930 Bazzano John (Rome Coffee & Pastry) r 704 Wylie Ave.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Mt. Lebanon ED 907 Family 12 1287 Washington Road
John Bazzano, 40, m at 34, IT IT IT, arr 1909, retail merchant confectioner
Rose, 33, m at 27, IT IT IT, arr 1909; Stephen F., 4; Carmilla A., 3; John, 1; Joseph Zappala, 70, fil, widower, IT IT IT, arr 1901
Associated with Vigoro Yeast Company.
John Bazzano assumed command of the Pittsburgh Family in September of 1931, upon the death of Siragusa, and was allied with Charlie Luciano of Manhattan. He came to the US in the 1890's and worked as a theater manager before building an empire in Pittsburgh through his control of the yeast and sugar markets. Bazzano lived with his wife and five children at their home in Mt. Lebanon. In 1932 Bazzano consolidated his power by ordering the most infamous gangland slaying in the history of Pittsburgh in what became known at the Volpe killings. The 8 Volpe Brothers were a gang of racketeers in Turtle Creek Valley with claims of royal Italian blood. James Volpe served as a member of the Wilmerding Council and the gang literally owned police and politicians in Wilmerding. The Volpe's made no effort to hide the fact that they were "connected" and were known for their "gaudy display of showmanship." John Volpe drove a 16-cylinder Cadillac with bulletproof windows and a license plate that read J.V.8. He also wore a watch studded with 25 diamonds forming his initials. Bazzano initially agreed to take on the Volpe's as business partners with their Pittsburgh headquarters at the Bazzano-owned Roma Coffee Shop on [704] Wylie Avenue. Bazzano soon ordered the murder of the Volpe's when the ambitious brothers began moving into East Liberty and the North Side. On the morning of July 20, 1932 gunmen drove up to the coffee shop and opened fire on the Volpe's. John was shot 4 times on the sidewalk, James was killed inside while hiding behind the counter and Arthur Volpe was hit with machine gun fire as he ate a bowl of cornflakes. On the weekend of the funeral over 50,000 people visited the Volpe home to pay respect including judges, politicians, prosecutors, police and scores of Mafiosi. Two of the surving Volpe brothers, Louis and Joseph, complained to the La Cosa Nostra Commission in New York, which had been recently formed to oversee Mafia disputes. The New York Commission was made up of Luciano, Bonanno, Gagliano, Profaci, Mangano and Magadddino. Because the hit had not been sanctioned, the hierarchy decided to make an example of Bazzano. In August of 1932, in an often-used mob trick, John Bazzano was invited to a dinner in New York City where he was set upon by almost everyone in attendance, including Albert Anastasia and an elite crew of New York Mafiosi, as a lesson to the rest of Cosa Nostra Bosses. On August 8, 1932 the body of John Bazzano turned up in the middle of a street in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, wrapped in a burlap sack. He had been stabbed in the chest with ice picks 22 times, strangled with a rope, his tongue had been cut out and his lips were sealed with tape. A few days later police arrested 14 members of various NYC Families including Albert Anastasia. They were being held on charges of loitering and were later released because no evidence could be gathered to prosecute for the murder of Bazzano. The Pittsburgh Family came under the command of Vincenzo Capizzi.
More About GIOVANNI (JOHN) BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Purchased 916 North St., New Kensington, Pa. from Andrew Zappala June 1, 1936.
1940 NK City Directory (Polk)
Bazzano Rose (wid John) h916 North
Social Security Death Index:
Name: Rose Bazzano
SSN: 168-38-9572
Last Residence: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 23 Jan 1896
Died: Dec 1977
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1963-1964
BAZZANO, Rosina, 81, of 916 North St., New Kensington, on Friday, Dec. 16, 1977; mother of Stephen Bazzano, John Bazzano, Paul Bazzano, Mrs. Dominic (Carmella) Oliverio and mrs. Josephine Parry; sister of Frank J. Zappala; seven grandchilden. Friends will be received at the Manzella Giunta Funeral Home, 11509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, Pa. from 2-4 and 7-9 Saturday & Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial on Minday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, New Kensington. Burial in Union Cemetery, Arnold.
More About ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Marriage Notes for GIOVANNI BAZZANO and ROSINA ZAPPALA:
Certificate and Record of Marriage, Giovanni Bazzano and Rosina Zappala, State of New York, Feb. 9, 1924.
Children of GIOVANNI BAZZANO and ROSINA ZAPPALA are:
6. i. STEPHEN FRANK3 BAZZANO, b. July 17, 1925, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. January 04, 1987, Dade Co., Florida.
7. ii. CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO, b. July 11, 1926, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. June 08, 2002, Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
8. iii. JOHN P. BAZZANO, b. June 28, 1927, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; d. July 25, 2008.
iv. JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1930, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. July 17, 2014, Of McLean, Fairfax Co., Virginia; m. THOMAS C. PARRY, July 07, 1948, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; b. April 14, 1926; d. January 19, 1977.
Notes for JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO:
PARRY
JO R.
Of McLean, Virginia, and formerly of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2014. She was born in Pittsburgh to the late John and Rose Zappala Bazzano, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Parry; and her siblings, Carmella Oliverio, Steve, John and Paul Bazzano. Mrs. Parry was an office manager for a credit investigation company. Survivors include a niece, Paula (Carmen) Pedicone of Jeannette; and nephews, John, Anthony, Frank and Paul Bazzano. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 100 Freeport Road, New Kensington. ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME, 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, is entrusted with the arrangements. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold.
More About JOSEPHINE K. BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for THOMAS C. PARRY:
1949 Perry Thos C (Josephine R) student r916 North
1954 Parry Thos C (Josephine R) tchr r916 North
1959 Parry Thos C (Josephine R) tchr r916 North
More About THOMAS C. PARRY:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
v. PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO, b. June 20, 1931, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. January 21, 2013.
Notes for PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO:
Paul Bazzano, became an associate professor at the Westmoreland County Community College in 1984. At the time, he had been teaching real estate and business management courses at WCCC since 1971. He developed the Real Estate Sales and Management associate degree program and has continued to update the durriculum. In addition, Bazzano was involved in the development of non-credit business management courses for the Continuing Education Division. He served on a number of college governing and advisory committees and has participated in professional and civic organizations throughout his tenure. Bazzano earned a bachelor of science degree from the Duquesne University School of Business and a master of letters from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. He is a licensed real estate broker, holds numerous insurance licenses, and is certified by the state to each real estate.
Paul Anthony Bazzano, 81, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, surrounded by his family. Born June 20, 1931, in Pittsburgh, to the late John and Rosina (Zappala) Bazzano, he was a 1950 graduate of Ken-Hi (New Kensington High School), received his bachelor's degree from Duquesne University in 1954 and his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was one of the most prominent real estate brokers in the New Kensington area for 62 years and became a professor at Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood Campus, in 1970. He received many real estate accolades and had recently received emeritus status in the Howard Hanna Association. He was a member of the board of directors of the Westmoreland County Blind Association. He was a member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington, the Holy Name Society and Father Hertzog Council of the Knights of Columbus in New Kensington where he was a Fourth Degree Knight. He was president of the Former Jaycees of New Kensington. Uncle Paul, as he was called by many, was known for his love of family and friends and his countless acts of kindness and generosity. He was a trusted member of the community and will be missed by all whose lives he touched over the years. He is survived by his loving sister, Josephine "Jo" Parry, of McLean, Va.; sister-in-law, Frances Bazzano, of McMurray; his niece, Paula Pedicone, of Jeannette; nephews, John, Anthony, Frank and Paul; great-nieces, Leah, Joanna, Christina, Kati, Francesca, Caroline, Rosina and Lidia; and great-nephew, Giovanni. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carmella Oliverio; and two brothers, Stephen and John Bazzano. Viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold. Members of Father Hertzog Council of the Knights of Columbus will assemble in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
More About PAUL ANTHONY BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Generation No. 3
4. VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO (SANTO2, STEFANO1) She married FREDERICK P. CHESARO, son of FRANK CHESARO and PHILOMENA DIRENNA. He was born February 17, 1937 in Natrona Heights, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died May 26, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for FREDERICK P. CHESARO:
Appointed postmaster of Warrendale in 1974. Was assigned to Pittsburgh at the time, with 16 years of service. Graduated from Har-Brack High School in 1955 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1960.
Frederick P. "Fred" Chesaro, 72, of Cheswick, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, with his family by his side. He was born Feb. 17, 1937, in Natrona Heights, son of the late Frank A. and Minnie (Direnna) Chesaro, and resided in this area all his life. Fred was a Postal Employee for 40 years, retiring as Postmaster at the Creighton Office. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, in Springdale, Integrity Lodge of the ISDA, in Brackenridge, several Postmaster Associations and was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the ROTC program. He enjoyed walking, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Virginia (Bazzano) Chesaro; daughters, Renee Mattone, of Cheswick, Maria (Randy) Wood, of Wexford, and Nicole (Michael) Mayer, of Oak Hill, Va.; grandchildren, Antonio, Cara Mia, Olivia, Lauren, Addison and Cameron. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his in-laws, Santo and Vera Bazzano; and son-in-law, Ron Mattone. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., 801 Pittsburgh St., Springdale. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be private.
Children of VIRGINIA BAZZANO and FREDERICK CHESARO are:
9. i. RENEE4 CHESARO.
ii. MARIA ROSE CHESARO, m. RANDY WOOD.
iii. NICOLE IMMACULATE CHESARO, m. MICHAEL DAVID MAYER, 2005.
5. ROBERT J.3 BAZZANO (SANTO2, STEFANO1) was born May 1945. He married NANCY J. (BAZZANO). She was born August 1950.
Notes for ROBERT J. BAZZANO:
101 Elk Run Rd., Lower Burrell, Pa.
Possible owner, Trader's Path Mobile Home Park.
Child of ROBERT BAZZANO and NANCY (BAZZANO) is:
i. TRACI L.4 BAZZANO, b. June 1971.
6. STEPHEN FRANK3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born July 17, 1925 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died January 04, 1987 in Dade Co., Florida. He married ELIZABETH (BETTY) JEAN WHALTON 1955 in Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for STEPHEN FRANK BAZZANO:
Traveled to Cuba Feb. 1955, June 1957, Nov. 1960, and Dec. 1960.
In the 1950s, represented gamblers and bolito (numbers) suspects.
In 1955, Assistant Solicitor of Dade County.
Headstone at Union Cemetey reads "Stephen Frank Bazzano, Esq." May have been an attorney, but not in Pennsylvania? (not listed with the PA Bar) May have been licensed to practice law in Forida, from 6/11/51. Coral Gables, Miami-Dade Co., Florida. In 1958, practicing criminal law.
More About STEPHEN FRANK BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for ELIZABETH (BETTY) JEAN WHALTON:
Divorced December 9, 1964, Dade Co., Florida. On March 30, 1965, Elizabeth filed a petition to modify the final divorce decree to add a provision which restrained her former husband from assaulting, harassing, annoying or berating his former wife.
The final decree specified: "The wife shall have permanent care, custody and control of the minor children of the parties, with liberal rights of visitation in the husband. Said right of visitation shall include the right to overnight privileges with said children, privided in every case, the party seeking this arrangement shall give reasonable notice of their intention to do so." The petiton for modification alleged: "Petitioner would show that as a result of the Defendan't right of visitation, and his obligation for the support of the minor children, he has come to the home of your petitioner at various and sundry times, often late at night, and on other occasions without any prior notice, when your petitioner had no reason to expect the respondent. That he would force entry into the home, has threatened and abused your petitioner and struck her; has made cruel and false accusations against her and has otherwise intimidated, harassed, assaulted and berated your petitioner, all in the pretext that he has the right of visitation and that he is making support payments and further, that he can sit in moral judgment of your petitioner as to the company she keeps, the places she goes, and the hours in which she travels."
The Florida courts allowed the restraining order to be added to the final decree.
Children of STEPHEN BAZZANO and ELIZABETH WHALTON are:
i. STEPHANIE JEAN4 BAZZANO, b. November 29, 1955, Miami, Dade Co., Florida; d. June 20, 2008; m. (1) GENE LESLIE TERRY, June 20, 1975, Dade Co., Florida; m. (2) ANTHONY CARL TUCCI, April 24, 1992, Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for STEPHANIE JEAN BAZZANO:
Stephanie Bazzano Tucci
Born in Miami, Florida on Nov. 29, 1955
Departed on Jul. 20, 2008 and resided in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Tucci, Stephanie Bazzano, 52, of Fort Lauderdale passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008. She is survived by her husband Anthony Tucci, 1 sister, Lisa M. Bazzano, Esq. Friends may visit from 6-9 PM, Thursday at Boyd's Hollywood Blvd. Chapel. There will be a Tributes of a Lifetime 7:30 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be 7:30 PM, Thursday, Jul. 24, at Boyd's Hollywood Blvd. Chapel.
ii. LISA MARIE BAZZANO, b. May 12, 1958.
Notes for LISA MARIE BAZZANO:
Last name may be Polizzi, of Enid, Oklahoma.
7. CARMELLA ANN3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born July 11, 1926 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died June 08, 2002 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. She married (1) VINCENT F. ZANNETTI July 16, 1947 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of SILVIO ZANNETTI and NINA (ZANNETTI). He was born January 26, 1924 in Pennsylvania, and died July 15, 1989. She married (2) DOMINIC OLIVERIO November 17, 1969 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of SAMUEL OLIVERIO. He was born January 28, 1918 in Homer City, Indiana Co., Pa., and died March 14, 1993 in Latrobe Area Hospital, Westmoreland County, Pa..
Notes for CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO:
Carmella A. Oliverio, 75, of Greensburg, died Saturday, June 8, 2002, in Greensburg. She was born July 11, 1926, in New Kensington, a daughter of the late John and Rose Zappala Bazzano. Prior to retirement, she had been employed as a tax technician by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, where she worked for 25 years. Carmella was a member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and a former member of the Italian Women's Club. She was an avid bridge player and a volunteer at the Westmoreland County Blind Association. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dominic Oliverio, on March 14, 1993; and a brother, Stephen Bazzano. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Pedicone and husband, Carmen, of Jeannette; two brothers, John Bazzano and wife, Frances, of McMurray and Paul A. Bazzano of New Kensington; a sister, Jo Parry of McLean, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Carmella in the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, 724-837-0020, Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. Prayers will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Home, 685 Angela Drive, Greensburg, or Westmoreland County Blind Association, 911 S. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601.
More About CARMELLA ANN BAZZANO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for VINCENT F. ZANNETTI:
1940 Zannetti Vincent F mgr Sam's Toggery r1732 5th av (A)
1946 Zannetti Vincent F r1732 5th av (A)
1949 Zannetti, Vincent (Carmella) ofc mgr B & B Mfg r 1914 Constitution blvd. B & B Mfg Co. Ralph Buffone genl mgr cabt mker 912 Constitution blvd.
Notes for DOMINIC OLIVERIO:
Dominic Oliverio, 75, of Greensburg, died Sunday, March 14, 1993, in the Latrobe Area Hospital. He was born Jan. 28, 1918, in Homer City, a son of the late Peter Samuel and Mary Lettizia Morrone Oliverio. Mr. Oliverio was employed as a payroll auditor and chief clerk with General Motors, Fisher Body Division, research and engineering departments at Detroit, Mich. He was the district administrator of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax office, Greensburg, which covered Westmoreland, Indiana and Fayette counties, and most recently the Westmoreland County Tax Assessment Office. Dom was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, where he was an usher and past president of the Ushers Club. He was president of the Sons of Italy Lodge 735, past president of the Dante Alighieri Chapter 244, 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus Council 1480, all of Greensburg, the Westmoreland County Law Enforcement Association and Elks BPOE Lodge 2313 of Norwin. He had served as Republican state committeeman for the 35th senatorial district. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony and Joseph Oliverio. Dom is survived by his loving wife, Carmella Bazzano Oliverio; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Carmen (Paula) Pedicone of Greensburg; two brothers, Jesse Oliverio of Derry and Samuel Oliverio of Irwin; four sisters, Mrs. Thomas (Gilda) Dunlap of Derry, and Teresa, Evelyn and Norma Oliverio, all of Johnstown; and several nieces and nephews. Dom's family will be receiving relatives and friends at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, with the Rev. Dominick Oliveri as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, New Kensington. The Sons of Italy will hold services Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home followed by 7:30 p.m. services by the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation or Diabetes Association.
More About DOMINIC OLIVERIO:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Child of CARMELLA BAZZANO and VINCENT ZANNETTI is:
i. PAULA T.4 ZANNETTI, b. December 29, 1948; m. CARMEN PEDICONE, March 03, 1973, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for PAULA T. ZANNETTI:
Retired Westmoreland County Elections Bureau director, and board member of the Westmoreland County Blind Association.
8. JOHN P.3 BAZZANO (GIOVANNI (JOHN)2, STEFANO1) was born June 28, 1927 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 25, 2008. He married FRANCES M. RIPEPI Abt. 1953, daughter of ANTONIO RIPEPI and URSOLA QUATTRONE. She was born August 07, 1932.
Notes for JOHN P. BAZZANO:
He quit school after the 10th grade, served in the Army as a military policeman. [PG 1976]
John Bazzano Jr. , born 1927, enlisted in the service during WWII, August 31, 1945, in Pittsburgh, single, without dependants Discharged March 2, 1946. His PA Vetarans Compensation application indicates only 3 days of active service during the eligibility period, and his application was denied.
In 1950 and 1954, living with mother at 916 North St., occupation machine installer. In 1952 worked for Keystone Music Co., Ripepi's business.
In 1975, convicted as head of a gambling operation. In a federal prison until 1981.
John Bazzano Jr. (Bazzano Jr.) is the son of Western Pennsylvania’s former crime leader and son-in law of Antonio Ripepi.[13] See id. Bazzano Jr. was released from federal prison early in 1981 [Feb. 20] after serving a sentence for a 1975 conviction on chargers of running a large-scale gambling operation. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report at 119). Upon his release [Feb. 20, 1981], Bazzano Jr. was elevated from soldier to capo, filling the vacancy created by Kelly Mannarino’s death. See GEB Ex. 89 (1983 PA Crime Report).
Son of the original founder, John Bazzano Sr., Bazzano Jr. would come to age in the Pittsburgh Syndicate. Bazzano Jr. was also the son-in-law to Antonio Ripepi. Bazzano oversaw Ripepi's numbers racket in Washington and Fayette Counties. In 1975 he was convicted for operating a large-scale bookmaking operation, he served time from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. In late 2003 he passed away from natural causes. (no evidence) (geocities.com/OrganizedCrimeSyndicates)
John Bazzano in March, 1978, began serving a seven-year sentence at Danbury for the operation of an unlawful gambling business and the obstruction of law enforcement. Two months later he was tentatively designated a CMC because of his involvement in a "sophisticated criminal activity." After he refused to sign the notification or to indicate grounds for objection the designation was approved and a final notice of designation advised him that it was based on "involvement in criminal activities of a sophisticated nature as evidence by (his) conviction and current seven year sentence for Operating an Illegal Gambling Business which was a large scale operation covering several communities in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area." His administrative appeal, also grounded on failure of the Bureau to follow the due process procedures prescribed in Catalano was denied. He then filed his habeas petition in the district court. [Central Monitoring Cases". The classification as a CMC could hinder or preclude a prisoner in obtaining social furloughs, work releases, participation in community activities, release to halfway houses and transfers to other correctional institutions. These obstacles may not be encountered by prisoners who are not so classified.]
JOHN BAZZANO JR. - MEMBER OF THE DWINDLING PITTSBURGH MOB
June 28, 1927-July 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
By Torsten Ove, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The doddering Pittsburgh mob lost another elderly member last week with the death of John Bazzano Jr., a convicted gambling kingpin, former underboss and son of a Pittsburgh crime lord who was ice-picked to death in an infamous 1932 ambush in New York. Mr. Bazzano, who for years ran numbers in the Monongahela Valley for his father-in-law, the late capo Antonio Ripepi, died Friday. He was 81 and lived in Peters.
In the late 1980s, after he'd served time in federal prison for running a huge gambling ring that paid protection money to Mon Valley police and public officials, Mr. Bazzano moved up in the Mafia hierarchy. According to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, he took over the role of underboss to Michael Genovese in 1987 following the death of Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora of Chester, W.Va. Mr. Genovese, who died in 2006, was identified by the FBI and the crime commission as the reclusive leader of the Pittsburgh mob, succeeding Sebastian John LaRocca in 1985.
Details of Mr. Bazzano's personal life are murky, and his family did not return a message yesterday left at the funeral home. During his federal trial in 1976, he presented himself as a law-abiding family man who served honorably in the Army in World War II and always paid his taxes.
But the FBI said he was the leader of a gambling operation that stretched from southern Allegheny County and Washington County into Fayette County to the West Virginia line. The ring brought in $2 million to $3 million a year. The case against him and his associates first became public in 1974 with FBI raids on a McKeesport numbers bank and the residence of a Clairton man who kept the book for the ring. Agents seized records indicating the mob was paying "ice," or protection money, to seven officials.
In grand jury testimony, one witness said, "If John Bazzano tells me to hit you, I'm going to have to do it." Mr. Bazzano denied he was ever in the numbers business and later denied any links to organized crime. But he was convicted along with Clairton Mayor John Matz, Clairton Magistrate John R. Ward, former Elizabeth Police Chief Thomas Poljak, Clairton Constable Peter Orsini and Clairton Police Chief David Guffey. Mr. Bazzano was sentenced to seven years in a federal prison in Connecticut and fined $40,000, but was paroled in 1981. He completed his parole term in 1983 -- parole has since been abolished in the federal system.
After his release, Mr. Bazzano ostensibly worked at Keystone Music Co., a vending machine business in Pleasant Hills owned by Mr. Ripepi, and Bologna Coal Co. in Burgettstown. But his true job was right-hand man to Mr. Genovese, according to the crime commission, although a Justice Department lawyer said at the time of Mr. Pecora's death that Mr. Bazzano didn't exhibit the same leadership qualities as his famous father.
He was the son of Pittsburgh's first mafia boss, John Bazzano Sr., who consolidated area bootleggers during Prohibition. The elder Bazzano played a central role in one of the most notorious bloodbaths in mob history. In 1929, three Volpe brothers, Wilmerding bootleggers who had been business partners of Mr. Bazzano, were killed in a hit at Mr. Bazzano's Wylie Avenue coffee shop in the Hill District. Two surviving brothers, Louis and Joseph Volpe, complained to the newly formed Cosa Nostra Commission in New York that Mr. Bazzano Sr. had ordered the attack. In 1932, Mr. Bazzano was lured to a testimonial dinner in his honor in Brooklyn. After the dinner, crime leaders from across the country stabbed him to death with ice picks. His mutilated body was found a few days later in a burlap sack. John Bazzano Jr. was 5 at the time.
Mr. Bazzano is survived by his wife, Frances, and sons John, Anthony, Frank and Stephen. Visitation was yesterday.
BAZZANO JOHN
Age 81, of Peters Twp., on Friday, July 25, 2008. Beloved husband of Frances; father of John Philip, Anthony Paul (Leslie), Frank Michael (Nicki) and Paul Stephen (Deann) Bazzano; grand father of Leah, Katerina, Francesca, Joanna, Caroline, Christina, Giovanni, Rosina and Lidia; brother of Josephine Parry, Paul and the late Stephen, & Carmella Oliverio. John was an Army veteran of WWII. He will be sorely missed by the many family and friends whose lives he touched with his love and whose hearts he gladdened with his renowned sense of humor. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. His legacy will be carried on by his children and grandchildren whom he loved and cherished with all of his heart. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211, on Sunday 6-9 pm and Monday 2-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict the Abbot Church, Tuesday 11:30 am with Fr. John Harvey officiating. Entombment Jefferson Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Western PA, 555 Grant St., Suite 380, Pgh., PA 15219. (Post-Gazette, July 28, 2008)
More About JOHN P. BAZZANO:
Burial: Jefferson Memorial Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for FRANCES M. RIPEPI:
FRANCES RIPEPI ENGAGED TO NEW KENSINGTON MAN, The Daily Republican, Monongahela, Pa., April 15, 1952
Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Ripepi, former residents now of 4720 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, announe the engagement of their daughter Frances to John Bazzano, son of Mrs. Rose Bazzano of 916 North Street, New Kensington. Frances was graduated from Monongahela High, Class of 1950, and also from Robert Morrris Business College with the Class of 1951. She is employed by A.S.T. Appliance, Inc. John is employed by Keystone Music Company.
John and Frances were honored at an engagement party at her home recently. She wore a pink net ballerina formal with a corsage of three white orchids. At the affair were about 150 guests - relatives and close friends from Gallatin, Pittsburgh, New Kensington and New York. No definite plans have been made for the wedding.
107 Lynbrook Dr., McMurray, Pa.
Children of JOHN BAZZANO and FRANCES RIPEPI are:
i. JOHN PHILIP4 BAZZANO, b. Abt. 1955.
ii. ANTHONY PAUL BAZZANO, b. May 01, 1956; m. LESLIE A. (BAZZANO); b. Abt. 1965.
iii. FRANK MICHAEL BAZZANO, b. June 1958; m. NICHOLA A. (BAZZANO); b. June 1958.
Notes for FRANK MICHAEL BAZZANO:
5847 Heberton Dr., Verona, Pa.
iv. PAUL STEPHEN BAZZANO, b. September 18, 1964; m. DEANN (BAZZANO).
Notes for PAUL STEPHEN BAZZANO:
Regional director of operations of the Gateway Hospitality Group and general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe - Nov. 7, 2005.
Generation No. 4
9. RENEE4 CHESARO (VIRGINIA3 BAZZANO, SANTO2, STEFANO1) She married RONALD R. MATTONE, son of ANDREW MATTONE and MARIE MILLER. He was born September 03, 1938 in Springdale Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 08, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for RONALD R. MATTONE:
Ronald R. Mattone, 64, of Springdale Township died Saturday (March 8, 2003) in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born Sept. 3, 1938, in Springdale Township, he lived there all of his life. He served in the Korean War with the Navy. Mr. Mattone was a plant manager at Pittsburgh Metals in Saxonburg. He was a member of Walter Chapel United Methodist Church, Indiana Township. Survivors include his wife, Renee Chesaro Mattone; a son, Antonio Mattone of Springdale Township; a daughter, Cara Mia Mattone of Springdale Township; and a brother, Andrew L. Mattone of Frazer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew J. and Marie Miller Mattone. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in CHESWICK at CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1607 Pittsburgh St. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Walter Chapel United Methodist Church by the Rev. Darlene Ryniec. Burial will be in Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar.
Children of RENEE CHESARO and RONALD MATTONE are:
i. ANTONIO5 MATTONE.
ii. CARA MIA MATTONE.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Francesco Amato aka Frank Amato Sr.
Descendants of Domenico Amato
Generation No. 1
1. Domenico1 Amato
Child of Domenico Amato is:
+ 2 i. Frank Dominick2 Amato, born February 15, 1893 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy; died February 18, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. Frank Dominick2 Amato (Domenico1) was born February 15, 1893 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy, and died February 18, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver September 1914, daughter of Carlo Bevilacqua/Beaver and Philomena Torcaso. She was born April 14, 1900 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died December 07, 1982 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Frank Dominick Amato:
Arrived in US around 1911.
FOREIGNERS IN TROUBLE, The Gazette Times, June 23, 1913
Frank Amato and Joe Vittelo, foreigners, of North Braddock, were arrested in Larimer avenue last night, accused of having attempted the life of Jim Ivvo of 304 Larimer avenue. According to the police the North Braddock men flourished revolvers and threatened to kill Ivvo unless he returned to them a revolver said to have been left at the Ivvo home by a friend of the prisoners.
FEARS "BLACK HAND", The Pittsburgh Press, June 23, 1913
That he is in constant fear of the "Black Hand" society was the defense of Frank Amato, of Braddock, at a hearing before Magistrate Justus Schroeder, at the Eastend police station today. Amato and Joe Vitello were arrested last evening after it was alleged they had gone to the home of Jim Izio, 304 Larimer ave., and demanded a revolver from him. Vitello could not give a satisfactory explanation of why he was carrying a revolver, and the magistrate gave him the alternative of a $10 fine or a jail sentence of 10 days. He paid the fine.
1913 Braddock Directory
Amato Frank, barber, bds, 621 Margaretta.
WWI Draft Registration Card
Frank Amato, 572 Hawkins, Braddock, Pa.
Age 24, Born February 15, 1893, in Roccarainola, Caserta, Italy
Barber for Frank Sauto, Braddock, Pa.
Married, 1 child
Medium height, heavy build, gray eyes, light brown hair
Registered June 5, 1917 at Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Amato's barber shop at 322 Sixth Ave., along with several other buildings in Braddock, was destroyed in a fire in January 1918.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Ward 3 ED 35 Family 99
Frank Amato, 26, IT, arr 1911, laborer ?
Ernestine, 18; Odelo, 4; Minnie, 2; Gene, 4/12
In June, 1921, Frank Amato identified the body of Joseph French (Parisa or Barisa), aged 30, of Braddock, whose body was found in a field in Patton Twp. near Turtle Creek.
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 41635, March 20, 1922
Francesco Amato, 630 Margaretta St., Braddock, Pa. Barber.
Born February 15, 1893 at Roccarainola, Italy.
Arrived in New York February 10, 1911, on the "Florida" out of Naples. [Came to join his cousin, Dominico Avella, in Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y.]
Arrived in Pennsylvania February 11, 1911.
Declared intention to become a citizen Sept 18, 1919 at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Married, wife Ernestina, born about 1901at Pittsburgh, living with him.
3 children: Attilia, Mar. 31, 1916; Minnie, July 26, 1917; Gina, July 29, 1918, all born Braddock.
Witnesses were Rosario Feronia, barber, and Edward Goldstein garage owner, both of Pittsburgh.
May have been a suspect, under the name Frank Annata, in the murder of James Buono, 1929. In 1929, Amato was arrested with Vincent Zarra for the murder of James Buono. Zarra pleaded guilty, but the case against Amato was dropped at a coroner's hearing, allegedly because of an alibi provided by Edward Goldstein.
That Frank Amato was acquainted with some of the prominent Italians in the area can be shown by his service on a testimonial dinner committee, in December, 1928, which included John J. Verona, John Fugasi, John Volpe, j. Lovula and Frank Zappala.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Ward 2 ED 520 441 Oak St. Family 408
Frank Amato, 35, m at 21, IT, retail confectionary merchant
Ernestine, 29, m at 14; Odelia, 14; Minnie, 12; Jean, 10; Frances, 7; Peggy, 5; Frank, 2
Arrived back from a visit to Italy, along with his family, Sept. 23, 1930.
FREE SHAVES FOR BRADDOCK MEN, The Pittsburgh Press, December 13, 1931
Free shaves will be given Braddock's male population for Christmas. Frank Amato and Jimmy Nugaro, proprietors of a barber shop on Braddock Avenue have set aside Dec. 14 for shearing locks of every unemployed man, and his children, in the borough. The shop will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. A written statement from his minister, rabbi or priest, testifying to th fact of his unemployment, will be the ticket of admission.
VOLPE GANG'S PISTOL PERMITS TO BE TAKEN, The Pittsburgh Press, May 5, 1933
Two Braddock politicians, the chief of police and a justice of peace today were declared responsible for issuance of a pistol-carrying permit to Frank Amato, arrested in 1929 as a murder suspect. The permit was issued through office of Sheriff Frank I. Gollmar.
A second permit was found on Michael Bua, of 208 Atlantic Avenue, arrested in Brooklyn last year as a suspect in the killing of John Bazzano, former partner of the three slain Volpe brothers, Wilmerding racket czars. It was dated 1932. Although ordered revoked Aug. 18, 1932, by Police Superintendent Peter P. Walsh, it had not been "lifted". ...
Arrested 1933 at Penn-Shady Hotel, East Liberty, at a supposed alcohol ring meeting with James Capizzi and Victor Bonacci, among others.
After the 1932 murder of John Bazzano, Vincenzo Capizzi became the boss of the Pittsburgh family, and remained in power until 1937, when he voluntarily stepped down from the spot. Frank Amato of Braddock became the new head of the Family. Pittsburgh was the fastest growing city in the country. In a census released in 1940 Pittsburgh ranked third behind Chicago and NYC in terms of Italian-American population. Amato had the Family concentrate on gambling and loansharking which was a staple of the Pittsburgh Family. He tried desperately to infiltrate the Steelworkers Union over the years but with no success. In 1956 Amato retired from Boss due to a kidney ailment. He was suceeded by John Sebastian LaRocca.
"Frank Adrano's name and his address prove to be dead ends in Pittsburgh records. However, one local Mafioso of the period had a somewhat similar name. Through the years, Frank Amato, a Neapolitan confectioner and bootlegger from the Pittsburgh borough of Braddock, made use of several spelling variations of his surname. When arrested in connection with the murder of bootlegger James Bruno, his surname was written "Annata."253 In census documents for 1930, the name became "Amata."254 In the 1950s, when he made the newspapers for shooting a holdup man at his Braddock home255 and for placing pay-off pinball games in area businesses,256 the name was "Amato." That Amato adjusted his name to "Adrano" during processing on [Bazzano] murder charges is not an unreasonable suggestion. " [Hung & Tona]
In 1935 there was an ad in the Post-Gazette for a dining establishment called The Brandywine, 737 Braddock Ave., operated by Frank Amato.
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Borough ED 2-46 Family 217, 416 Oak Street
Frank Amato, 45, IT, tavern operator
Ernestine, 40; Jean, 20; Francis, 18; Peggy, 15; Frank Jr., 12
WWII Draft Registration Card, 1942
Serial # U1065
Frank Amato, 416 Oak St., Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 48, Born Feb. 15, 1893 in Italy
Self employed, Braddock Ave., Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Mrs. Ernestine Amato, same address
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 26, 1943
The other day, Frank Amato, a restaurant owner on North Braddock aveue, telephoned Squire Jake Goldstein. He told our Braddock colonel he had 200 pounds of grease and the Junior Commandos were welcome to it. Mr. Goldstein got busy on his telephone - contacted Henry Dabrowsky, Donald Buzzard and Tom Kozubal, three of his Commandos, and in no time the boys had gathered up the grease. Because of a couple telephone calls, the army will have enough glycerine for 500 shells of destruction.
By 1943, involved in the Coin Machine Distributing Co., along with LaRocca, Sam Mannarino, and others.
In 1946, a large number of coin machines considered gambling devices, owned by the Coin Machine Distributing Co., 5746 Baum Blvd., were confiscated Nov. 17. Amato was listed as a partner in the company.
Some sort of a shooting at the Amato residence in 1950.
Frank and Frank Jr. joined the Dapper Dans in 1952.
In August, 1952, cited by the IRS with a tax lein.
On August 8, 1966, Frank Amato was interviewed at his home at 430 Second Street, Braddock, Pa. Amato said that he was born in Naples, Italy, and spent the first 17 years of his life there. During his early youth, he was employed as a barber from the time he was approximately 14 years of age. He came to this country alone in 1910, and spent six or seven months in New York City working as a barber. In 1911, an uncle from Braddock, Pa., sent him a train ticket and money to come to Pittsburgh, and he moved to Braddock and has lived there since that time.
Amato said he was employed as a barber in Braddock at first and that eventually he bought a bar known as "The Brandywine." He said that his employees were all Italians, and one of them was one of the Andolina brothers. He said that he finally quit the saloon business because his employees were robbing him.[M67]
Amato may have had some family relationship with John LaRocca, but hard to see how.
In July of 1969, Amato was arrested along with LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Rosa Jr. and Joseph Sica in connection with charges of kickbacks from Teamster pension funds in the Southern District of New York. They later were acquitted.
AMATO DEATH BLUNTS U.S. BRADDOCK PROBE, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 21, 1973, Wednesday
The death Sunday of Frank Amato, believed to have been the dominant underworld power in Braddock since the 1930s, has apparently taken the edge off a federal grand jury investigation into organized crime there. U.S. Atty. Richard L. Thornburgh would say only that the investigation into alleged collusion between organized crime figures and Braddock officials will continue. The grand jury last week subpoenaed all available records of borough purchases over the past six years.
Amato, 83, was listed by the state Crime Commission as an underboss in the Western Pennsylvania organized crime syndicate - third in succession behind Sebastian John LaRocca. Amato, who has been ill several years, apparently died of natural causes.
In July of 1969, Amato was arrested along with LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Rosa Jr. and Joseph Sica in connection with charges of kickbacks from Teamster pension funds in the Southern District of New York. They later were acquitted.
In 1929, Amato was arrested with Vincent Zarra for the murder of James Buono. Zarra pleaded guilty, but the case against Amato was dropped at a coroner's hearing, allegedly because of an alibi provided by Edward Goldstein. Goldstein became police chief in Braddock in 1951 and served until his forced retirement three years ago.
Born in Italy, Amato came to Braddock in 1911 and was employed as a barber until the early 1930s. He entered the coin-operated vending machine business in 1933 with LaRocca, Samuel and Gabriel Mannarino, Bernard L. McGinley and George Messer as partners. This company went out of business two years later but was succeeded by Braddock Coin Amusement Co. - a pinball and jukebox business - which Amato controlled until the early 1960s when it was transferred to Pete Maragos.
During the 1930s and early 1940s, he ran or controlled all of the gambling in Braddock, informed sources said. Braddock Mayor Vincent Valicenti, Council President Peter Zablocki and Rankin councilman Samuel Roy were associates of Amato during this time, the source said.
Amato is survived by his wife, Earnestine Beaver Amato; five daughters, Mrs. Joseph Nugara, Mrs. Gabriel Mannarino, Mrs. Louis Pirozzi, Mrs. Michael Scherbanic, and Mrs. Philomena Muralda; and a son, Frank D. (Sonny) Amato.
AMATO, on February 18, 1973, Frank of Braddock, Pa., beloved husband of Ernestine Beaver; father of Odelia Nugara, Philomena Muralda, Jean Mannarino, Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic and Frank Amato; also seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. Friends received at the Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Ave., N. Braddock. Requiem High Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Thursday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.
More About Frank Dominick Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver:
AMATO, on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1982, Ernestine Beaver, beloved wife of late Frank; mother of Odelia Nugara, philomena Murarda, Jean Mannarino, Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic & Frank Amato; sister of Mary Ali, James & Frank Beaver; also seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends received at Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Aves., N. Braddock. Mass of Christian Burial, St. Brendan Church, Friday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
More About Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Frank Amato and Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver are:
+ 3 i. Odelia R.3 Amato, born March 31, 1916 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 09, 1997 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa..
4 ii. Philomena Amato, born July 27, 1917; died March 11, 2000. She married Joseph Murajda; born September 06, 1923; died January 1976.
Notes for Philomena Amato:
MURAJDA, PHILOMENA "MINNIE" (AMATO)
On Saturday, March 11, 2000, of Monroeville, formerly of Braddock; wife of the late Joseph Murajda; sister of Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic, Frank Amato & the late Jean Mannarino & Odelia Nugara; also survived by several nieces & nephews; great nieces & nephews. Friends will be received Sunday 1-9 p.m., at the RONALD V. LUCAS FUNERAL HOME, corner of Bell & Jones Ave., North Braddock (412) 271-1361 , where a service will be held Monday, 11:00 a.m.
More About Philomena Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 5 iii. Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato, born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida.
+ 6 iv. Frances Amato, born August 03, 1922 in Pennsylvania; died September 08, 2006.
+ 7 v. Margaret Amato, born Abt. 1925.
+ 8 vi. Frank Dominick "Sonny" Amato, born November 11, 1927 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died November 04, 2003.
Generation No. 3
3. Odelia R.3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born March 31, 1916 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died August 09, 1997 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married James Nugara October 20, 1938 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of Joseph Nugara and Mary (Nugara). He was born January 17, 1903 in Italy, and died March 20, 1999.
Notes for Odelia R. Amato:
Odelia R. (Amato) Nugara, 81, of Turtle Creek, formerly of East Pittsburgh, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 1997. She is survived by her husband, James Nugara; a daughter; a brother; three sisters; and two grandchildren. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the ALBERT G. LESKO FUNERAL HOME, corner of Bell and Jones avenues, North Braddock. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Good Shepherd Church. Interment in Braddock Catholic Cemetery.
(Tribune-Review, August 11, 1997)
More About Odelia R. Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for James Nugara:
James Nugara, age 95, of East Pittsburgh, formerly of Braddock, on Saturday, March 20, 1999. He was a barber and hair styling artist for over 60 years at the corner of Main and Center Sts., East Pittsburgh. Husband of the late Odelia Amato Nugara; father of Jean Stefancis; brother of Joseph Nugara, Jr., and the late Milio Nugara; grandfather of John and wife Carol and Janine Stefancis; also one great-grandaughter, Haley. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Aves., N. Braddock. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at Good Shepherd Church, 10 a.m.
More About James Nugara:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Odelia Amato and James Nugara is:
+ 9 i. Jean M.4 Nugara, born July 29, 1939.
5. Jean (Gina Dolores)3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida. She married Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino April 16, 1941 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of George Mannarino and Dominica Politano. He was born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Name: Jean Mannarino
SSN: 183-54-4777
Born: 29 Jul 1919
Died: 22 Mar 1996
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1975)
More About Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
1916 birth date from father's naturalization papers.
Name: Gabriel Mannarino
SSN: 198-22-0688
Born: 31 Oct 1915
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: Jul 1980
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
1949 Mannnarino Gabriel (Jean) h540 Charles av
1957 Mannarino Gabriel (Jean; New KenNovelty Co) h540 Charles av
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 3/31/33 gaming fine and costs
PD, Pittsburgh Kelly Gabriel Mannarino, #30307 11/18/34 viol Liq Laws not guilty
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 4/30/36 S.P., robb discharged
PD New Kensington Gabriel Mannarino, #1678 4/27/43 Unif Fire Arms Act
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 9/12/45 Lottery 11/30/45 $25 f & c
USM Pittsburgh Gabriel Mannarino, #14901 5/22/56 obs of justice acqt'ed by jury 1/17/57
(from a 1957 FBI report)
In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects.
Home destroyed by explosion, April 3, 1976.
MANNARINO DIES AT 64 OF CANCER, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Susan Mannella, July 12, 1980
Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, reputed head of far-flung gambling operations that extended from New Kensington to Cuba and a lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania's organized crime, died yesterday in Mercy Hospital. Mannarino, 64, of 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, was admitted to the hospital on June 23 for treatment of cancer.
The New Kensington native was never convicted of a federal crime, but he and his late brother Samuel reportedly controlled Westmoreland County gambling operations for three decades. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1970 Report on Organized Crime identified Mannarino as a captain for John Sebastian LaRocca of McCandless, reputed to be the head of organized crime in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In 1957, Mannarino was one of 63 racket figures arrested by state police at a meeting in Apalachin, N.Y., that became the best-known gathering of underworld leaders in American history. Only 20 of those arrested at the meeting - which federal authorities alleged was called to plan underworld domination of illicit drug traffic and other activities - were convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice. Their convictions later were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mannarino was not indicted.
His name did not break into the news again until November 1958 when government agents seized 121 stolen U.S. Army rifles that allegedly were being shipped to Cuba during the height of the Castro-Batista struggle for control of the island. A plane carrying the weapons took off from the Allegheny Valley Airport near Tarentum. A panel truck owned by a vending machine company that Mannarino owned was seen at the site. Samuel Mannarino's son-in-law, Victor Carlucci, was one of two men convicted in the gun-running scheme.
Mannarino and his brother held an interest in the Sans Souci Gambling Casino in Havana until the late 1950s. Mannarino also operated three New Kensington businesses - the Catoris Candy Co., S&S Distributing Co. and Nu-Ken Novelty Co.
Although Mannarino was arrested numerous times, prosecutors could not convict him of a federal crime. In 1957, he was cleared of charges that he tried to bribe a witness in a New Kensington vote-fraud trial. In 1963, he was acquitted of income tax fraud and in 1970 he and 10 others were cleared of conspiracy and racketeering in kickbacks from a Teamsters Union pension fund.
Mannarino's last public appearance here was on Jan. 30, when he testified for 30 minutes before a federal investigative grand jury looking into fraudulent loans made by the Monroeville office of Citizens National Bank.
Mannarino is survived by his wife, Jean Amato Mannarino, and two daughters, Georgienne Bufalino and Delores Feola. Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday at Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.
More About Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of Jean Amato and Gabriel Mannarino are:
10 i. Georgienne4 Mannarino, born July 03, 1943 in Braddock Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Russell Samuel Bufalino November 05, 1966 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; born September 27, 1938 in Scranton, Pa..
Notes for Georgienne Mannarino:
The November 7, 1966 issue of the "Daily Dispatch"
"...Miss Patricia Erra was maid of honor and Mrs. John Stephancis, Miss Toni Bufalino, Miss Jamey Carlucci and Miss Dolores Mannarino were bridesmaids. Joseph Bufalino was best man and Michael Allegretti, James Bird, Donald Cipolla and John Furno ushered. After a reception in Holiday House, Monroeville, the couple honeymooned in the Bahamas. They will reside in Meadville. The new Mrs. Bufalino was graduated by New Kensington High School and Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr. Her husband was graduated by Meadville High School, John Carroll University, Cleveland, and Temple University, Philadelphia. He is a doctor practicing in Pymatuning Medical Center, Linesville."
Notes for Russell Samuel Bufalino:
Internship at Mercy Hospital, sponsored by Dr. John Regis Miller. Miller was formerly a patrolman on the Braddock, Pa., Police Department, whose medical education expenses were paid by La Cosa Nostra member Frank Amato. Since that time, Miller has been obligated to Amato and as chief surgeon at Mercy Hospital, Miller has handled such patients as Amato, Sebastian John LaRocca and Samuel Mannarino.
Father may be Charles T. Bufalino, per FBI files.
11 ii. Dolores Y. Mannarino, born March 12, 1951 in Coral Gables, Dade Co., Florida. She married Albert J. Feola July 05, 1974 in 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., by William Demao, mayor of Arnold; born March 08, 1947.
Notes for Dolores Y. Mannarino:
Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1971.
Sold 540 Charles Ave. in 2013.
6. Frances3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born August 03, 1922 in Pennsylvania, and died September 08, 2006. She married Louis A. Pirozzi June 05, 1943 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He was born September 12, 1919 in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, and died August 16, 2006.
Notes for Frances Amato:
Frances (Amato) Pirozzi
On Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, of Penn Hills, formerly of Braddock, age 84. Wife of the late Louis A. Pirozzi, who preceded her death 23 days ago; mother of Joseph F. (Rita) Pirozzi; sister of Margaret Scherbanic, the late Odella Nugara, Philomena Muraida, Jean Mannarino and Frank Amato; also three grandchildren, Amy Wolf, Louis J. Pirozzi and Michael Larson Edwards; four great-grandchildren, Adam, Daniel, Andrew and Joey; also several nieces and nephews. Friends received 2-4 & 7-9 pm Monday at Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home, 543 Jones Ave. at Belle Ave., N. Braddock, where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, at 10 am.
More About Frances Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Louis A. Pirozzi:
Louis A. Porozzi
On Wednesday, August 16, 2006, age 86 of Penn Hills, formerly of Braddock. Coming to the end of an era of the Pirozzi Family owned barber shops on Braddock Ave, Braddock. Lou cut the hair of countless patrons, friends and relatives for over 75 years. Also served in WWII Army Air Force veteran. Husband of Frances Amato Pirozzi for 62 years. Father of Joseph F. (Rita) Pirozzi; brother of the late John L., Salvatore "Tom" and Philomena "Mena" Pirozzi; also two grandchildren Amy Wolf and Louis J. Pirozzi; also five great-grandchildren Adam, Daniel, Andrew, Joey and Michael. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday and Friday at RONAL V. LUCAS FUNERAL HOME, 534 Jones Ave at Bell Ave., N. Braddock where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday at 10am, followed by interment with Military Honors at Braddock Catholic Cemetery.
More About Louis A. Pirozzi:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Frances Amato and Louis Pirozzi is:
12 i. Joseph F.4 Pirozzi. He married Rita (Pirozzi).
7. Margaret3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born Abt. 1925. She married Michael Scherbanic. He was born October 23, 1923, and died May 30, 1994.
Notes for Michael Scherbanic:
Allegheny Co. Deputy Sheriff, in 1965 residing with his wife in Frank D. Amato's home in Braddock.
Child of Margaret Amato and Michael Scherbanic is:
13 i. Michael J.4 Scherbanic, born July 24, 1961.
8. Frank Dominick "Sonny"3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born November 11, 1927 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died November 04, 2003. He married Elizabeth L. "Betty" Burdell, daughter of Fred Burdell and Catherine Cambruzzi. She was born March 09, 1926.
Notes for Frank Dominick "Sonny" Amato:
Frank D. "Sonny" Amato Jr. (Amato Jr.), whose father was the Pittsburgh LCN boss until 1956, gained control of his father’s East Pittsburgh illegal gambling operation. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report). Kelly Mannarino was Amato Jr.’s brother-in-law.
In February 1985, Tom Pecora attended a meeting of organized crime members at Sonken’s Gold Coast Restaurant in Florida; Paul "No Legs" Hankish (Hankish)[20] and Amato Jr. were also present. See GEB Ex. 49 (Report of Investigative Activity (Pennsylvania Crime Commission) 2/14/85).
Supposedly a made soldier in Chuckie Porter's crew.
FRANK D. AMATO JR.: ALTHOUGH IDENTIFIED AS MAFIA FIGURE, HE WAS NEVER CHARGED WITH CRIME, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Torsten Ove
His friends who went to federal prison must have been jealous of Frank D. "Sonny" Amato Jr. The son of a Pittsburgh Mafia godfather, he ran his own lucrative gambling empire in North Braddock for years, managing to avoid the lockup and, for the most part, staying out of the media spotlight. And shortly after the 1990 Pittsburgh mob trial that sent away La Cosa Nostra lieutenants Charles "Chucky" Porter and Louis Raucci Sr., Mr. Amato even won the lottery. On July 31, 1991, his wife, Betty Amato, hit the Pennsylvania Lottery's Super 7 jackpot and raked in $12.6 million, according to lottery records. That raised some eyebrows among federal agents, especially because the mother of a fellow mobster, Thomas Ciancutti, had also recently won the lottery. "We always wondered about that," said Roger Greenbank, a retired FBI agent who investigated the mob in Pittsburgh. "It just seemed too good to be true." None of it ever made the papers, of course. "It's not something we made public," Betty Amato said yesterday.
Mr. Amato, identified by the FBI as a Mafia member who reported to Porter, died Tuesday [Nov. 4, 2003] of congestive heart failure. He was 75. "He was the best guy you could ever know," said Betty Amato, who lived with her husband on Broadway Street in East McKeesport. "There will never be anybody like him. He was honest and a true friend. There was no one like Sonny Amato."
Mr. Amato's past is entangled with the history of La Cosa Nostra in Western Pennsylvania, one of 24 original Mafia families in the United States and once among the biggest money-makers. According to Greenbank, court testimony and reports by the defunct Pennsylvania Crime Commission, Mr. Amato was a major income-producer for the mob in the eastern suburbs of Braddock, Turtle Creek and East Pittsburgh. But he was an old-school gangster, not given to attracting attention. "He was very quiet," said Greenbank, who conducted surveillance on the Mafia throughout the 1980s. "He was like the old mustaches. Dressed up, with a necktie. He was always well-dressed. He looked like a businessman."
Greenbank remembers spying on Mr. Amato at his newsstand, Braddock News, and later at Catoris Candies in New Kensington. "He held court," Greenbank said. "He was older; he was almost like a consigliere (counselor). You had to get approval to do something in his territory. But there was no violence. He stayed behind the scenes." Mr. Amato was never charged with a crime. But he was identified in federal court papers as an "unindicted co-conspirator," and his name came up in the testimony of Marvin "Babe" Droznek, an enforcer and drug dealer who said Mr. Amato was an underling to Porter, who himself reported to current mob boss Michael Genovese of West Deer. In the early 1980s, Mr. Amato personally directed Droznek's activities as a sports bookmaker, using inside information on football games that Mr. Amato provided from a contact in Las Vegas.
Fred Burdell Jr., the former police chief of North Braddock, also played a leadership role in the illegal gambling business. Burdell, who died in 1990 of cancer at 61, had denied involvement in organized crime, but the Crime Commission said Mr. Amato relied on Burdell and other crooked public officials to maintain dominance of his gambling territory.
Droznek said he once attended a meeting between Mr. Amato and Ciancutti when the two men had a dispute over control of gambling in Braddock in the early 1980s. The Crime Commission and the FBI identified Ciancutti as a member of La Cosa Nostra. Droznek, who carried a gun to the meeting, testified that the dispute was settled when Mr. Amato gave Ciancutti $20,000 to stay out of his territory. Mr. Amato liked Droznek so much that he promised him membership in La Cosa Nostra "if the books ever open up."
Born on Nov. 11, 1927 in Braddock, Mr. Amato was the son of Frank Amato Sr., who ran the Pittsburgh mob from 1937 until his resignation because of a kidney ailment in 1956. Control of the family passed to Sebastian John LaRocca, and Amato Sr. became the family's underboss and consigliere until his death in 1973. Under LaRocca, who died in 1984, the mob had strict gambling territories. LaRocca operated in Pittsburgh; Ciancutti had New Kensington; Louis Raucci had Penn Hills; and Mr. Amato had Braddock. Mr. Amato continued to control gambling and the fencing of stolen property in Braddock throughout the 1980s.
Besides his wife, Mr. Amato is survived by two sons, Frank F. Amato and Fred Amato; sisters Frances Pirozzi and Peggy Scherbanic; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home in North Braddock. The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at the funeral home.
AMATO, Frank D. "Sonny", on Tues. Nov. 4, 2003, age 75, of East McKeesport, formerly of Braddock; husband of Betty Amato; father of Frank F. and Fred Amato; brother of Frances Pirozzi and Peggy Scherbanic; also survived by four grandchildren, Frank, Gabe, Jim and Tara, and one great-granddaughter, Teah, and several nieces an nephews. Friends will be received Thurs. & Fri. 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home, corner of Bell and Jones Avenues, North Braddock, where Funeral Services will be held Sat. at 12 noon.
Frank "Sonny" Amato Jr., son of legendary Pittsburgh Boss Frank Amato Sr. inherited his father's territory in the suburbs of East Braddock and McKeesport. He owned Braddock News Stand and his sister was married to the late underboss, Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. Sonny Amato was never charged with a crime. _jcb
Children of Frank Amato and Elizabeth Burdell are:
14 i. Frank F.4 Amato, born September 20, 1950. He married Tara (Amato).
15 ii. Frederick Amato, born Abt. 1952. He married (Wife) Bufalino August 11, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Frederick Amato:
EAST MCKEESPORT MAN CLEARED IN MARIJUANA SMUGGLING, The Pittsburgh Press, January 14, 1984
Virginia authorities have dropped their request for the extradition of an East McKeesport man, who had been suspected of helping to smuggle $10 million worth of marijuana on a jetliner. On Dec. 8, Pennsylvania police arrested Frederick Amato, 31, at his home at 704 Broadway St., after receiving a fugitive-from-justice warrant from Virginia authorities. Amato had been accused of being one of 23 persons who helped bring in a DC-10 jetliner carrying 22,500 pounds of marijuana. The plane was stopped at a Virginia airport in December 1981 after arriving in this country from Colombia, South America.
Virginia authorities told Allegheny County officials they no longer suspect Amato in the case and have determined they are looking for a different man with the same name who is believed to be living in Florida. Their decision came after witnesses who have been cooperating with a grand jury probe of the case failed to identify Amato's photograph.
After Amato was arrested, Common Pleas Judge Robert E. Dauer set a $500,000 straight cash bond for his release. The bond was posted within 24 hours by several individuals, including the widow of the late Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. Until his death, Mannarino had been identified by the state Crime Commission as a ranking member of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Cosa Nostra. Court records show Mrs. Mannarino posted her house in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, to make a large portion of Amato's bond. The house and a 49-acre tract of land, valued at $299,000, was used to cover $264,000 of the total bond.
In addition, Michael Martorella and Orphia Esposta [Esposto] put up their business, the Braddock News, to cover $37,800 of Amato's bond. Both owners have records of convictions for running gambling operations out of their business.
Generation No. 4
9. Jean M.4 Nugara (Odelia R.3 Amato, Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born July 29, 1939. She married John R. Stefancis. He was born June 01, 1932, and died January 15, 1992.
Child of Jean Nugara and John Stefancis is:
16 i. John R.5 Stefancis, born January 26, 1963.
Descendants of Domenico Amato
Generation No. 1
1. Domenico1 Amato
Child of Domenico Amato is:
+ 2 i. Frank Dominick2 Amato, born February 15, 1893 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy; died February 18, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. Frank Dominick2 Amato (Domenico1) was born February 15, 1893 in Roccarainola, Caserta, Campania, Italy, and died February 18, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver September 1914, daughter of Carlo Bevilacqua/Beaver and Philomena Torcaso. She was born April 14, 1900 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died December 07, 1982 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Frank Dominick Amato:
Arrived in US around 1911.
FOREIGNERS IN TROUBLE, The Gazette Times, June 23, 1913
Frank Amato and Joe Vittelo, foreigners, of North Braddock, were arrested in Larimer avenue last night, accused of having attempted the life of Jim Ivvo of 304 Larimer avenue. According to the police the North Braddock men flourished revolvers and threatened to kill Ivvo unless he returned to them a revolver said to have been left at the Ivvo home by a friend of the prisoners.
FEARS "BLACK HAND", The Pittsburgh Press, June 23, 1913
That he is in constant fear of the "Black Hand" society was the defense of Frank Amato, of Braddock, at a hearing before Magistrate Justus Schroeder, at the Eastend police station today. Amato and Joe Vitello were arrested last evening after it was alleged they had gone to the home of Jim Izio, 304 Larimer ave., and demanded a revolver from him. Vitello could not give a satisfactory explanation of why he was carrying a revolver, and the magistrate gave him the alternative of a $10 fine or a jail sentence of 10 days. He paid the fine.
1913 Braddock Directory
Amato Frank, barber, bds, 621 Margaretta.
WWI Draft Registration Card
Frank Amato, 572 Hawkins, Braddock, Pa.
Age 24, Born February 15, 1893, in Roccarainola, Caserta, Italy
Barber for Frank Sauto, Braddock, Pa.
Married, 1 child
Medium height, heavy build, gray eyes, light brown hair
Registered June 5, 1917 at Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Amato's barber shop at 322 Sixth Ave., along with several other buildings in Braddock, was destroyed in a fire in January 1918.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Ward 3 ED 35 Family 99
Frank Amato, 26, IT, arr 1911, laborer ?
Ernestine, 18; Odelo, 4; Minnie, 2; Gene, 4/12
In June, 1921, Frank Amato identified the body of Joseph French (Parisa or Barisa), aged 30, of Braddock, whose body was found in a field in Patton Twp. near Turtle Creek.
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 41635, March 20, 1922
Francesco Amato, 630 Margaretta St., Braddock, Pa. Barber.
Born February 15, 1893 at Roccarainola, Italy.
Arrived in New York February 10, 1911, on the "Florida" out of Naples. [Came to join his cousin, Dominico Avella, in Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y.]
Arrived in Pennsylvania February 11, 1911.
Declared intention to become a citizen Sept 18, 1919 at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Married, wife Ernestina, born about 1901at Pittsburgh, living with him.
3 children: Attilia, Mar. 31, 1916; Minnie, July 26, 1917; Gina, July 29, 1918, all born Braddock.
Witnesses were Rosario Feronia, barber, and Edward Goldstein garage owner, both of Pittsburgh.
May have been a suspect, under the name Frank Annata, in the murder of James Buono, 1929. In 1929, Amato was arrested with Vincent Zarra for the murder of James Buono. Zarra pleaded guilty, but the case against Amato was dropped at a coroner's hearing, allegedly because of an alibi provided by Edward Goldstein.
That Frank Amato was acquainted with some of the prominent Italians in the area can be shown by his service on a testimonial dinner committee, in December, 1928, which included John J. Verona, John Fugasi, John Volpe, j. Lovula and Frank Zappala.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Ward 2 ED 520 441 Oak St. Family 408
Frank Amato, 35, m at 21, IT, retail confectionary merchant
Ernestine, 29, m at 14; Odelia, 14; Minnie, 12; Jean, 10; Frances, 7; Peggy, 5; Frank, 2
Arrived back from a visit to Italy, along with his family, Sept. 23, 1930.
FREE SHAVES FOR BRADDOCK MEN, The Pittsburgh Press, December 13, 1931
Free shaves will be given Braddock's male population for Christmas. Frank Amato and Jimmy Nugaro, proprietors of a barber shop on Braddock Avenue have set aside Dec. 14 for shearing locks of every unemployed man, and his children, in the borough. The shop will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. A written statement from his minister, rabbi or priest, testifying to th fact of his unemployment, will be the ticket of admission.
VOLPE GANG'S PISTOL PERMITS TO BE TAKEN, The Pittsburgh Press, May 5, 1933
Two Braddock politicians, the chief of police and a justice of peace today were declared responsible for issuance of a pistol-carrying permit to Frank Amato, arrested in 1929 as a murder suspect. The permit was issued through office of Sheriff Frank I. Gollmar.
A second permit was found on Michael Bua, of 208 Atlantic Avenue, arrested in Brooklyn last year as a suspect in the killing of John Bazzano, former partner of the three slain Volpe brothers, Wilmerding racket czars. It was dated 1932. Although ordered revoked Aug. 18, 1932, by Police Superintendent Peter P. Walsh, it had not been "lifted". ...
Arrested 1933 at Penn-Shady Hotel, East Liberty, at a supposed alcohol ring meeting with James Capizzi and Victor Bonacci, among others.
After the 1932 murder of John Bazzano, Vincenzo Capizzi became the boss of the Pittsburgh family, and remained in power until 1937, when he voluntarily stepped down from the spot. Frank Amato of Braddock became the new head of the Family. Pittsburgh was the fastest growing city in the country. In a census released in 1940 Pittsburgh ranked third behind Chicago and NYC in terms of Italian-American population. Amato had the Family concentrate on gambling and loansharking which was a staple of the Pittsburgh Family. He tried desperately to infiltrate the Steelworkers Union over the years but with no success. In 1956 Amato retired from Boss due to a kidney ailment. He was suceeded by John Sebastian LaRocca.
"Frank Adrano's name and his address prove to be dead ends in Pittsburgh records. However, one local Mafioso of the period had a somewhat similar name. Through the years, Frank Amato, a Neapolitan confectioner and bootlegger from the Pittsburgh borough of Braddock, made use of several spelling variations of his surname. When arrested in connection with the murder of bootlegger James Bruno, his surname was written "Annata."253 In census documents for 1930, the name became "Amata."254 In the 1950s, when he made the newspapers for shooting a holdup man at his Braddock home255 and for placing pay-off pinball games in area businesses,256 the name was "Amato." That Amato adjusted his name to "Adrano" during processing on [Bazzano] murder charges is not an unreasonable suggestion. " [Hung & Tona]
In 1935 there was an ad in the Post-Gazette for a dining establishment called The Brandywine, 737 Braddock Ave., operated by Frank Amato.
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Braddock Borough ED 2-46 Family 217, 416 Oak Street
Frank Amato, 45, IT, tavern operator
Ernestine, 40; Jean, 20; Francis, 18; Peggy, 15; Frank Jr., 12
WWII Draft Registration Card, 1942
Serial # U1065
Frank Amato, 416 Oak St., Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 48, Born Feb. 15, 1893 in Italy
Self employed, Braddock Ave., Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Mrs. Ernestine Amato, same address
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 26, 1943
The other day, Frank Amato, a restaurant owner on North Braddock aveue, telephoned Squire Jake Goldstein. He told our Braddock colonel he had 200 pounds of grease and the Junior Commandos were welcome to it. Mr. Goldstein got busy on his telephone - contacted Henry Dabrowsky, Donald Buzzard and Tom Kozubal, three of his Commandos, and in no time the boys had gathered up the grease. Because of a couple telephone calls, the army will have enough glycerine for 500 shells of destruction.
By 1943, involved in the Coin Machine Distributing Co., along with LaRocca, Sam Mannarino, and others.
In 1946, a large number of coin machines considered gambling devices, owned by the Coin Machine Distributing Co., 5746 Baum Blvd., were confiscated Nov. 17. Amato was listed as a partner in the company.
Some sort of a shooting at the Amato residence in 1950.
Frank and Frank Jr. joined the Dapper Dans in 1952.
In August, 1952, cited by the IRS with a tax lein.
On August 8, 1966, Frank Amato was interviewed at his home at 430 Second Street, Braddock, Pa. Amato said that he was born in Naples, Italy, and spent the first 17 years of his life there. During his early youth, he was employed as a barber from the time he was approximately 14 years of age. He came to this country alone in 1910, and spent six or seven months in New York City working as a barber. In 1911, an uncle from Braddock, Pa., sent him a train ticket and money to come to Pittsburgh, and he moved to Braddock and has lived there since that time.
Amato said he was employed as a barber in Braddock at first and that eventually he bought a bar known as "The Brandywine." He said that his employees were all Italians, and one of them was one of the Andolina brothers. He said that he finally quit the saloon business because his employees were robbing him.[M67]
Amato may have had some family relationship with John LaRocca, but hard to see how.
In July of 1969, Amato was arrested along with LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Rosa Jr. and Joseph Sica in connection with charges of kickbacks from Teamster pension funds in the Southern District of New York. They later were acquitted.
AMATO DEATH BLUNTS U.S. BRADDOCK PROBE, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 21, 1973, Wednesday
The death Sunday of Frank Amato, believed to have been the dominant underworld power in Braddock since the 1930s, has apparently taken the edge off a federal grand jury investigation into organized crime there. U.S. Atty. Richard L. Thornburgh would say only that the investigation into alleged collusion between organized crime figures and Braddock officials will continue. The grand jury last week subpoenaed all available records of borough purchases over the past six years.
Amato, 83, was listed by the state Crime Commission as an underboss in the Western Pennsylvania organized crime syndicate - third in succession behind Sebastian John LaRocca. Amato, who has been ill several years, apparently died of natural causes.
In July of 1969, Amato was arrested along with LaRocca, Gabriel Mannarino, Frank Rosa Jr. and Joseph Sica in connection with charges of kickbacks from Teamster pension funds in the Southern District of New York. They later were acquitted.
In 1929, Amato was arrested with Vincent Zarra for the murder of James Buono. Zarra pleaded guilty, but the case against Amato was dropped at a coroner's hearing, allegedly because of an alibi provided by Edward Goldstein. Goldstein became police chief in Braddock in 1951 and served until his forced retirement three years ago.
Born in Italy, Amato came to Braddock in 1911 and was employed as a barber until the early 1930s. He entered the coin-operated vending machine business in 1933 with LaRocca, Samuel and Gabriel Mannarino, Bernard L. McGinley and George Messer as partners. This company went out of business two years later but was succeeded by Braddock Coin Amusement Co. - a pinball and jukebox business - which Amato controlled until the early 1960s when it was transferred to Pete Maragos.
During the 1930s and early 1940s, he ran or controlled all of the gambling in Braddock, informed sources said. Braddock Mayor Vincent Valicenti, Council President Peter Zablocki and Rankin councilman Samuel Roy were associates of Amato during this time, the source said.
Amato is survived by his wife, Earnestine Beaver Amato; five daughters, Mrs. Joseph Nugara, Mrs. Gabriel Mannarino, Mrs. Louis Pirozzi, Mrs. Michael Scherbanic, and Mrs. Philomena Muralda; and a son, Frank D. (Sonny) Amato.
AMATO, on February 18, 1973, Frank of Braddock, Pa., beloved husband of Ernestine Beaver; father of Odelia Nugara, Philomena Muralda, Jean Mannarino, Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic and Frank Amato; also seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. Friends received at the Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Ave., N. Braddock. Requiem High Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Thursday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.
More About Frank Dominick Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver:
AMATO, on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1982, Ernestine Beaver, beloved wife of late Frank; mother of Odelia Nugara, philomena Murarda, Jean Mannarino, Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic & Frank Amato; sister of Mary Ali, James & Frank Beaver; also seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends received at Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Aves., N. Braddock. Mass of Christian Burial, St. Brendan Church, Friday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
More About Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Frank Amato and Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver are:
+ 3 i. Odelia R.3 Amato, born March 31, 1916 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 09, 1997 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa..
4 ii. Philomena Amato, born July 27, 1917; died March 11, 2000. She married Joseph Murajda; born September 06, 1923; died January 1976.
Notes for Philomena Amato:
MURAJDA, PHILOMENA "MINNIE" (AMATO)
On Saturday, March 11, 2000, of Monroeville, formerly of Braddock; wife of the late Joseph Murajda; sister of Frances Pirozzi, Margaret Scherbanic, Frank Amato & the late Jean Mannarino & Odelia Nugara; also survived by several nieces & nephews; great nieces & nephews. Friends will be received Sunday 1-9 p.m., at the RONALD V. LUCAS FUNERAL HOME, corner of Bell & Jones Ave., North Braddock (412) 271-1361 , where a service will be held Monday, 11:00 a.m.
More About Philomena Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 5 iii. Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato, born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida.
+ 6 iv. Frances Amato, born August 03, 1922 in Pennsylvania; died September 08, 2006.
+ 7 v. Margaret Amato, born Abt. 1925.
+ 8 vi. Frank Dominick "Sonny" Amato, born November 11, 1927 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died November 04, 2003.
Generation No. 3
3. Odelia R.3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born March 31, 1916 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died August 09, 1997 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married James Nugara October 20, 1938 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of Joseph Nugara and Mary (Nugara). He was born January 17, 1903 in Italy, and died March 20, 1999.
Notes for Odelia R. Amato:
Odelia R. (Amato) Nugara, 81, of Turtle Creek, formerly of East Pittsburgh, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 1997. She is survived by her husband, James Nugara; a daughter; a brother; three sisters; and two grandchildren. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the ALBERT G. LESKO FUNERAL HOME, corner of Bell and Jones avenues, North Braddock. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Good Shepherd Church. Interment in Braddock Catholic Cemetery.
(Tribune-Review, August 11, 1997)
More About Odelia R. Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for James Nugara:
James Nugara, age 95, of East Pittsburgh, formerly of Braddock, on Saturday, March 20, 1999. He was a barber and hair styling artist for over 60 years at the corner of Main and Center Sts., East Pittsburgh. Husband of the late Odelia Amato Nugara; father of Jean Stefancis; brother of Joseph Nugara, Jr., and the late Milio Nugara; grandfather of John and wife Carol and Janine Stefancis; also one great-grandaughter, Haley. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Albert G. Lesko Funeral Home, Bell & Jones Aves., N. Braddock. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at Good Shepherd Church, 10 a.m.
More About James Nugara:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Odelia Amato and James Nugara is:
+ 9 i. Jean M.4 Nugara, born July 29, 1939.
5. Jean (Gina Dolores)3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida. She married Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino April 16, 1941 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., son of George Mannarino and Dominica Politano. He was born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Name: Jean Mannarino
SSN: 183-54-4777
Born: 29 Jul 1919
Died: 22 Mar 1996
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1975)
More About Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
1916 birth date from father's naturalization papers.
Name: Gabriel Mannarino
SSN: 198-22-0688
Born: 31 Oct 1915
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: Jul 1980
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
1949 Mannnarino Gabriel (Jean) h540 Charles av
1957 Mannarino Gabriel (Jean; New KenNovelty Co) h540 Charles av
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 3/31/33 gaming fine and costs
PD, Pittsburgh Kelly Gabriel Mannarino, #30307 11/18/34 viol Liq Laws not guilty
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 4/30/36 S.P., robb discharged
PD New Kensington Gabriel Mannarino, #1678 4/27/43 Unif Fire Arms Act
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 9/12/45 Lottery 11/30/45 $25 f & c
USM Pittsburgh Gabriel Mannarino, #14901 5/22/56 obs of justice acqt'ed by jury 1/17/57
(from a 1957 FBI report)
In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects.
Home destroyed by explosion, April 3, 1976.
MANNARINO DIES AT 64 OF CANCER, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Susan Mannella, July 12, 1980
Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, reputed head of far-flung gambling operations that extended from New Kensington to Cuba and a lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania's organized crime, died yesterday in Mercy Hospital. Mannarino, 64, of 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, was admitted to the hospital on June 23 for treatment of cancer.
The New Kensington native was never convicted of a federal crime, but he and his late brother Samuel reportedly controlled Westmoreland County gambling operations for three decades. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1970 Report on Organized Crime identified Mannarino as a captain for John Sebastian LaRocca of McCandless, reputed to be the head of organized crime in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In 1957, Mannarino was one of 63 racket figures arrested by state police at a meeting in Apalachin, N.Y., that became the best-known gathering of underworld leaders in American history. Only 20 of those arrested at the meeting - which federal authorities alleged was called to plan underworld domination of illicit drug traffic and other activities - were convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice. Their convictions later were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mannarino was not indicted.
His name did not break into the news again until November 1958 when government agents seized 121 stolen U.S. Army rifles that allegedly were being shipped to Cuba during the height of the Castro-Batista struggle for control of the island. A plane carrying the weapons took off from the Allegheny Valley Airport near Tarentum. A panel truck owned by a vending machine company that Mannarino owned was seen at the site. Samuel Mannarino's son-in-law, Victor Carlucci, was one of two men convicted in the gun-running scheme.
Mannarino and his brother held an interest in the Sans Souci Gambling Casino in Havana until the late 1950s. Mannarino also operated three New Kensington businesses - the Catoris Candy Co., S&S Distributing Co. and Nu-Ken Novelty Co.
Although Mannarino was arrested numerous times, prosecutors could not convict him of a federal crime. In 1957, he was cleared of charges that he tried to bribe a witness in a New Kensington vote-fraud trial. In 1963, he was acquitted of income tax fraud and in 1970 he and 10 others were cleared of conspiracy and racketeering in kickbacks from a Teamsters Union pension fund.
Mannarino's last public appearance here was on Jan. 30, when he testified for 30 minutes before a federal investigative grand jury looking into fraudulent loans made by the Monroeville office of Citizens National Bank.
Mannarino is survived by his wife, Jean Amato Mannarino, and two daughters, Georgienne Bufalino and Delores Feola. Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday at Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.
More About Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of Jean Amato and Gabriel Mannarino are:
10 i. Georgienne4 Mannarino, born July 03, 1943 in Braddock Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Russell Samuel Bufalino November 05, 1966 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; born September 27, 1938 in Scranton, Pa..
Notes for Georgienne Mannarino:
The November 7, 1966 issue of the "Daily Dispatch"
"...Miss Patricia Erra was maid of honor and Mrs. John Stephancis, Miss Toni Bufalino, Miss Jamey Carlucci and Miss Dolores Mannarino were bridesmaids. Joseph Bufalino was best man and Michael Allegretti, James Bird, Donald Cipolla and John Furno ushered. After a reception in Holiday House, Monroeville, the couple honeymooned in the Bahamas. They will reside in Meadville. The new Mrs. Bufalino was graduated by New Kensington High School and Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr. Her husband was graduated by Meadville High School, John Carroll University, Cleveland, and Temple University, Philadelphia. He is a doctor practicing in Pymatuning Medical Center, Linesville."
Notes for Russell Samuel Bufalino:
Internship at Mercy Hospital, sponsored by Dr. John Regis Miller. Miller was formerly a patrolman on the Braddock, Pa., Police Department, whose medical education expenses were paid by La Cosa Nostra member Frank Amato. Since that time, Miller has been obligated to Amato and as chief surgeon at Mercy Hospital, Miller has handled such patients as Amato, Sebastian John LaRocca and Samuel Mannarino.
Father may be Charles T. Bufalino, per FBI files.
11 ii. Dolores Y. Mannarino, born March 12, 1951 in Coral Gables, Dade Co., Florida. She married Albert J. Feola July 05, 1974 in 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., by William Demao, mayor of Arnold; born March 08, 1947.
Notes for Dolores Y. Mannarino:
Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1971.
Sold 540 Charles Ave. in 2013.
6. Frances3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born August 03, 1922 in Pennsylvania, and died September 08, 2006. She married Louis A. Pirozzi June 05, 1943 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He was born September 12, 1919 in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, and died August 16, 2006.
Notes for Frances Amato:
Frances (Amato) Pirozzi
On Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, of Penn Hills, formerly of Braddock, age 84. Wife of the late Louis A. Pirozzi, who preceded her death 23 days ago; mother of Joseph F. (Rita) Pirozzi; sister of Margaret Scherbanic, the late Odella Nugara, Philomena Muraida, Jean Mannarino and Frank Amato; also three grandchildren, Amy Wolf, Louis J. Pirozzi and Michael Larson Edwards; four great-grandchildren, Adam, Daniel, Andrew and Joey; also several nieces and nephews. Friends received 2-4 & 7-9 pm Monday at Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home, 543 Jones Ave. at Belle Ave., N. Braddock, where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, at 10 am.
More About Frances Amato:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Louis A. Pirozzi:
Louis A. Porozzi
On Wednesday, August 16, 2006, age 86 of Penn Hills, formerly of Braddock. Coming to the end of an era of the Pirozzi Family owned barber shops on Braddock Ave, Braddock. Lou cut the hair of countless patrons, friends and relatives for over 75 years. Also served in WWII Army Air Force veteran. Husband of Frances Amato Pirozzi for 62 years. Father of Joseph F. (Rita) Pirozzi; brother of the late John L., Salvatore "Tom" and Philomena "Mena" Pirozzi; also two grandchildren Amy Wolf and Louis J. Pirozzi; also five great-grandchildren Adam, Daniel, Andrew, Joey and Michael. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday and Friday at RONAL V. LUCAS FUNERAL HOME, 534 Jones Ave at Bell Ave., N. Braddock where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday at 10am, followed by interment with Military Honors at Braddock Catholic Cemetery.
More About Louis A. Pirozzi:
Burial: All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Frances Amato and Louis Pirozzi is:
12 i. Joseph F.4 Pirozzi. He married Rita (Pirozzi).
7. Margaret3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born Abt. 1925. She married Michael Scherbanic. He was born October 23, 1923, and died May 30, 1994.
Notes for Michael Scherbanic:
Allegheny Co. Deputy Sheriff, in 1965 residing with his wife in Frank D. Amato's home in Braddock.
Child of Margaret Amato and Michael Scherbanic is:
13 i. Michael J.4 Scherbanic, born July 24, 1961.
8. Frank Dominick "Sonny"3 Amato (Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born November 11, 1927 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died November 04, 2003. He married Elizabeth L. "Betty" Burdell, daughter of Fred Burdell and Catherine Cambruzzi. She was born March 09, 1926.
Notes for Frank Dominick "Sonny" Amato:
Frank D. "Sonny" Amato Jr. (Amato Jr.), whose father was the Pittsburgh LCN boss until 1956, gained control of his father’s East Pittsburgh illegal gambling operation. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report). Kelly Mannarino was Amato Jr.’s brother-in-law.
In February 1985, Tom Pecora attended a meeting of organized crime members at Sonken’s Gold Coast Restaurant in Florida; Paul "No Legs" Hankish (Hankish)[20] and Amato Jr. were also present. See GEB Ex. 49 (Report of Investigative Activity (Pennsylvania Crime Commission) 2/14/85).
Supposedly a made soldier in Chuckie Porter's crew.
FRANK D. AMATO JR.: ALTHOUGH IDENTIFIED AS MAFIA FIGURE, HE WAS NEVER CHARGED WITH CRIME, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Torsten Ove
His friends who went to federal prison must have been jealous of Frank D. "Sonny" Amato Jr. The son of a Pittsburgh Mafia godfather, he ran his own lucrative gambling empire in North Braddock for years, managing to avoid the lockup and, for the most part, staying out of the media spotlight. And shortly after the 1990 Pittsburgh mob trial that sent away La Cosa Nostra lieutenants Charles "Chucky" Porter and Louis Raucci Sr., Mr. Amato even won the lottery. On July 31, 1991, his wife, Betty Amato, hit the Pennsylvania Lottery's Super 7 jackpot and raked in $12.6 million, according to lottery records. That raised some eyebrows among federal agents, especially because the mother of a fellow mobster, Thomas Ciancutti, had also recently won the lottery. "We always wondered about that," said Roger Greenbank, a retired FBI agent who investigated the mob in Pittsburgh. "It just seemed too good to be true." None of it ever made the papers, of course. "It's not something we made public," Betty Amato said yesterday.
Mr. Amato, identified by the FBI as a Mafia member who reported to Porter, died Tuesday [Nov. 4, 2003] of congestive heart failure. He was 75. "He was the best guy you could ever know," said Betty Amato, who lived with her husband on Broadway Street in East McKeesport. "There will never be anybody like him. He was honest and a true friend. There was no one like Sonny Amato."
Mr. Amato's past is entangled with the history of La Cosa Nostra in Western Pennsylvania, one of 24 original Mafia families in the United States and once among the biggest money-makers. According to Greenbank, court testimony and reports by the defunct Pennsylvania Crime Commission, Mr. Amato was a major income-producer for the mob in the eastern suburbs of Braddock, Turtle Creek and East Pittsburgh. But he was an old-school gangster, not given to attracting attention. "He was very quiet," said Greenbank, who conducted surveillance on the Mafia throughout the 1980s. "He was like the old mustaches. Dressed up, with a necktie. He was always well-dressed. He looked like a businessman."
Greenbank remembers spying on Mr. Amato at his newsstand, Braddock News, and later at Catoris Candies in New Kensington. "He held court," Greenbank said. "He was older; he was almost like a consigliere (counselor). You had to get approval to do something in his territory. But there was no violence. He stayed behind the scenes." Mr. Amato was never charged with a crime. But he was identified in federal court papers as an "unindicted co-conspirator," and his name came up in the testimony of Marvin "Babe" Droznek, an enforcer and drug dealer who said Mr. Amato was an underling to Porter, who himself reported to current mob boss Michael Genovese of West Deer. In the early 1980s, Mr. Amato personally directed Droznek's activities as a sports bookmaker, using inside information on football games that Mr. Amato provided from a contact in Las Vegas.
Fred Burdell Jr., the former police chief of North Braddock, also played a leadership role in the illegal gambling business. Burdell, who died in 1990 of cancer at 61, had denied involvement in organized crime, but the Crime Commission said Mr. Amato relied on Burdell and other crooked public officials to maintain dominance of his gambling territory.
Droznek said he once attended a meeting between Mr. Amato and Ciancutti when the two men had a dispute over control of gambling in Braddock in the early 1980s. The Crime Commission and the FBI identified Ciancutti as a member of La Cosa Nostra. Droznek, who carried a gun to the meeting, testified that the dispute was settled when Mr. Amato gave Ciancutti $20,000 to stay out of his territory. Mr. Amato liked Droznek so much that he promised him membership in La Cosa Nostra "if the books ever open up."
Born on Nov. 11, 1927 in Braddock, Mr. Amato was the son of Frank Amato Sr., who ran the Pittsburgh mob from 1937 until his resignation because of a kidney ailment in 1956. Control of the family passed to Sebastian John LaRocca, and Amato Sr. became the family's underboss and consigliere until his death in 1973. Under LaRocca, who died in 1984, the mob had strict gambling territories. LaRocca operated in Pittsburgh; Ciancutti had New Kensington; Louis Raucci had Penn Hills; and Mr. Amato had Braddock. Mr. Amato continued to control gambling and the fencing of stolen property in Braddock throughout the 1980s.
Besides his wife, Mr. Amato is survived by two sons, Frank F. Amato and Fred Amato; sisters Frances Pirozzi and Peggy Scherbanic; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home in North Braddock. The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at the funeral home.
AMATO, Frank D. "Sonny", on Tues. Nov. 4, 2003, age 75, of East McKeesport, formerly of Braddock; husband of Betty Amato; father of Frank F. and Fred Amato; brother of Frances Pirozzi and Peggy Scherbanic; also survived by four grandchildren, Frank, Gabe, Jim and Tara, and one great-granddaughter, Teah, and several nieces an nephews. Friends will be received Thurs. & Fri. 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Ronald V. Lucas Funeral Home, corner of Bell and Jones Avenues, North Braddock, where Funeral Services will be held Sat. at 12 noon.
Frank "Sonny" Amato Jr., son of legendary Pittsburgh Boss Frank Amato Sr. inherited his father's territory in the suburbs of East Braddock and McKeesport. He owned Braddock News Stand and his sister was married to the late underboss, Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. Sonny Amato was never charged with a crime. _jcb
Children of Frank Amato and Elizabeth Burdell are:
14 i. Frank F.4 Amato, born September 20, 1950. He married Tara (Amato).
15 ii. Frederick Amato, born Abt. 1952. He married (Wife) Bufalino August 11, 1973 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Frederick Amato:
EAST MCKEESPORT MAN CLEARED IN MARIJUANA SMUGGLING, The Pittsburgh Press, January 14, 1984
Virginia authorities have dropped their request for the extradition of an East McKeesport man, who had been suspected of helping to smuggle $10 million worth of marijuana on a jetliner. On Dec. 8, Pennsylvania police arrested Frederick Amato, 31, at his home at 704 Broadway St., after receiving a fugitive-from-justice warrant from Virginia authorities. Amato had been accused of being one of 23 persons who helped bring in a DC-10 jetliner carrying 22,500 pounds of marijuana. The plane was stopped at a Virginia airport in December 1981 after arriving in this country from Colombia, South America.
Virginia authorities told Allegheny County officials they no longer suspect Amato in the case and have determined they are looking for a different man with the same name who is believed to be living in Florida. Their decision came after witnesses who have been cooperating with a grand jury probe of the case failed to identify Amato's photograph.
After Amato was arrested, Common Pleas Judge Robert E. Dauer set a $500,000 straight cash bond for his release. The bond was posted within 24 hours by several individuals, including the widow of the late Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. Until his death, Mannarino had been identified by the state Crime Commission as a ranking member of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Cosa Nostra. Court records show Mrs. Mannarino posted her house in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, to make a large portion of Amato's bond. The house and a 49-acre tract of land, valued at $299,000, was used to cover $264,000 of the total bond.
In addition, Michael Martorella and Orphia Esposta [Esposto] put up their business, the Braddock News, to cover $37,800 of Amato's bond. Both owners have records of convictions for running gambling operations out of their business.
Generation No. 4
9. Jean M.4 Nugara (Odelia R.3 Amato, Frank Dominick2, Domenico1) was born July 29, 1939. She married John R. Stefancis. He was born June 01, 1932, and died January 15, 1992.
Child of Jean Nugara and John Stefancis is:
16 i. John R.5 Stefancis, born January 26, 1963.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
The Volpe Brothers
Descendants of Ignazio Volpe
Generation No. 1
1. Ignazio1 Volpe was born September 08, 1871 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died August 18, 1936 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy. He married Rosa Principe, daughter of Guy Principe and Josephine Porcelle. She was born Abt. 1874 in Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died June 08, 1928 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Ignazio Volpe:
Ship Manifest, SS Werra, out of Naples, arrived NYC February 21, 1901
#8 Ignazio Volpe, 29, married. Resident of Agropoli. Destination, NYC. Occupation farmer. Joining Camillo Verta, cousin, Davis Ave. Never in US before.
Ship Manifest, SS Prinz Oskar, out of Naples, arrived NYC June 21, 1905
#12 Ignazio Volpe, 34, merchant. From Agropoli. Destination, Wilmerding, Pa. In US from 1899-1904. Joining Dr. Camillo Verta, cousin, Wilmerding, Pa. (Possibly traveling with Pietro Sarnicola, 26)
Naturalized September 10, 1906, at Pittsburgh. James Marciano, merchant from Wilmerding, vouched for him.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding B ED 873 Family 241 302 State St.
Ignazio Volpe, 48, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na, machine hand in machine shop
Rose, 45, IT IT IT, arr 1915; John, 26, machine hand in forge shop; James, 20, machine hand in forge shop; Arthur, 16, car
repairman for railroad; Amleto, 15; Ceasar, 11; Joseph, 9; Clara, 2; Wilma, dil, 20; Rose, gdau, 2 (all sons IT, arr 1908)
Notes for Rosa Principe:
Manifest, SS Hamburg, out of Naples, 10 June 1914, arriving in NY, 24 June 1914, List G 98, Passengers 25-30
Rosa Principe Volpe, 40, proprietor, married, Italian. Last permanent residence, Agropoli. Nearest relative, Davide Pecora, cousin, Agropoli. Traveling to Wilmerding, Pa., to join her husband, Ignasio Volpe, Wilmerding, Pa. 5'5", brown hair and eyes, born Salerno.
Traveling with her: Luigi, 12; Arturo, 8; Amidato, 6; Cesere, 4; Giuseppe, 2, all born Agropoli.
More About Rosa Principe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Ignazio Volpe and Rosa Principe are:
+ 2 i. Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2 Volpe, born August 25, 1892 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
3 ii. Gaetano (Guy) Volpe, born October 15, 1894 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died April 08, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Carmel (Volpe) November 13, 1923 in Connellsville, Fayette Co., Pa..
Notes for Gaetano (Guy) Volpe:
Arrived in US in April 1910.
In 1930, with brother, James.
Cause of death listed as chronic alcoholism.
GUY VOLPE'S DEATH UPSETS PREDICTIONS, by James R. George
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 1934, Monday
Guy Volpe, the only surviving prominent member of the Wilmerding business interests that formerly did so much to advance homicide in Allegheny County, died yesterday in bed, upsetting all police predictions. The coroner, somewhat taken aback at finding that no inquest was necessary, put down the death as due to a paralytic stroke. The stroke, in turn was reported due to alcoholism, a product in which the Volpe interests dealt for many years.
Guy is the fifth of the Volpe brothers to pass away in less than two years, but, the first to meet death in so quiet a manner. His brothers, "Prince Johnny," Arthur and Jimmy, it will be recalled, became inmates of the morgue by prearrangement two summers ago, due to a tiff with certain of the more irritable members of the third-rail liquor trade, and another brother, Chester, died after a New Year's eve party in an automobile wreck.
Guy Volpe, who was usually rated by police as plus-nothing in the liquor trade compared to his eminent late brothers, died in St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by his wife and the remaining members of his family. He had been sent there Saturday afternoon from his home at 132 Middle street, Wilmerding, when his physician found he was not responding to treatment for alcoholism, according to morgue reports. Volpe sank into a coma shortly after his arrival and never rallied. He died at noon. He will be buried from his home, probably in the same cemetery near Wilmerding where the others are interred...
More About Gaetano (Guy) Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Carmel (Volpe):
Morning Herald, Uniontown, Pa., June 13, 1930
Mrs. Carmel Volpeof 219 Water street, Connellsville, filed a divorce libel against her husband, Guy Volpe, formerly of Uniontown and Wilmerding. They were married in Connellsville November 13, 1923, says mrs. Volpe, and went to Wilmerding to live. About six years ago her husband strangely disappeared, avers the complainant, and he has not been heard of nor seen since. Neither has she been able to find anyone who has heard of him or seen him.
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS," SAYS HUBBY AND LEAVES, Daily News Standard, Uniontown, Pa., June 13, 1930
Her husband had told her to be good, explained it was none of her business where he was going, and then left forever, Mrs. Carmel Volpe of Connellsville, declared in a preliminary divorce proceeding filed Thursday against Guy Volpe, address unknown. They were married at Connellsville, November 13, 1923, with Guy deserting her at Wilmerding, February 11, 1924, says Mrs. Volpe.
+ 4 iii. Vincenzo (James) Volpe, born Abt. 1900 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 5 iv. Louis Volpe, born July 27, 1901 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died June 03, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
6 v. Arturo (Arthur) Volpe, born Abt. 1905 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Elizabeth Kessler Abt. 1929; born Abt. 1905 in Pennsylvania; died Aft. 1932.
Notes for Arturo (Arthur) Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 387 Bridge St
Arthur Volpe, 24, m at 24, IT IT IT, arr 1916, owner wholesale grocery
Elizabeth, 24, m at 24,
In 1930, may have been a boxing manager.
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Arturo (Arthur) Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 7 vi. Amaleto "Malley" Volpe, born Abt. 1908 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died December 31, 1949 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa..
8 vii. Chester (Ceasar) Volpe, born Abt. 1909 in Pennsylvania; died January 01, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Patsy (Volpe).
Notes for Chester (Ceasar) Volpe:
Arrived in US 1914.
THREE KILLED, 14 INJURED IN AUTO MISHAPS
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa.
January 2, 1932
...Chester C. Volpe, 24, a member of the former ruling political faction of Wilmerding, was killed early yesterday morning when an automobile collided with another at Ninth street and Penn avenue. The force of the collision threw Volpe through the door of his car into the street. His neck was broken. James Guffey, 26, of 2717 Jenny Lind Street, McKeesport, driver of the other car, was held on a reckless driving charge. Alton Morton of 1437 Lincoln avenue, a passenger in Volpe's machine, was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where six stitches were required to close a wound in his head. Two other passengers in Volpe's machine were uninjured. Arthur Volpe, who identified the body of his younger brother at the morgue, told Superintendent John Black that he had had a premonition of danger on New Year's Eve and had locked all the cars in the garage so his brothers could not get them. Chester borrowed the car in which he was killed, it was said.
CHESTER VOLPE DIES IN DOWNTOWN CRASH
The Pittsburgh Press
January 2, 1932
Four persons were killed, two died from injuries and 13 other persons are in hospitals, many in a serious condition, as a result of auto accidents New Year's Eve and New Year's. Scores of minor accidents were reported.
Chester Volpe, 24, of 106 Bridge Street, Wilmerding, was killed yesterday when an auto he was driving colllided with another machine at Ninth Street and Penn Avenue. Police said the Volpe's auto, owned by Anthony Yerace, of 308 State Street, Wilmerding, collided with a car driven by James Guffey, 26, of Jenny Lind Street, McKeesport. Peter Felia, 213 BElla Street; Joseph Crotazza, 211 Patton Street, and Alton Morton, 1437 Lincoln Avenue, were riding with Volpe. Morton suffered a laceration on the face.
9 viii. Joseph N. Volpe, born December 08, 1911 in Pennsylvania; died February 20, 1971 in Hollywood, Broward Co., Florida. He married Thelma Fedon; born October 07, 1914 in Pennsylvania; died June 05, 2006 in ?Plum Borough, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Joseph N. Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
In 1940, living with inlaws, Harry Fontana.
The final edition of the "Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph," on September 14, 1958, carried an article on page 1 entitled, "Volpe Held in 'Fix'." The article stated that a Turtle Creek, Pa., tavern owner, Thomas Nelis, age 52, of 530 Jane Street, and Joseph Volpe, "one of the famous brothers," were held under bond on September 14, 1958, in a plot to fix the Stupak-Katz trial jury. The article described Volpe as the owner of Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak, Pa., who was feted in McKeesport, Pa., during 1956 for humanitarian aid to crippled children and orphans. The article said that Nelis admitted trying to brige a juror for $300 and stated that he did it as a favor to Volpe.
Volpe, a very close associate of LaRocca, voluntarily gave himself up on September 14, 1958, posted $5,000 bond and made no statement. The article further described Volpe as the youngest of the Volpe brothers, "boss-rulers of the Wilmerding-Turtle Creek Valley in the Prohibition Era," and stated that it was ironic that the jury acquitted both Charles Stupak and Henry Katz, local Pittsburgh numbers men, of all charges in a police bribery scandal.
The newspaper article stated that the attempt was made to fix the jury by contacting a Wilmerding, Pa., juror who was said to be a distant cousin of Nelis. It said that the warrant sworn out for Volpe (now a Pittsburgh top hoodlum) charged him with solicitation to commit embracery - the bribing of a juror. The article further described Volpe's arrest record and told how the three older Volpe brothers were shot and killed in gangland fashion during the Prohibition Era.
T-3, who has furnished reliable information in the past, advised that the Volpe family has an unsavory reputation and that Louis and Joseph Volpe are very close associates of both Sebastian John LaRocca and his protégé, Mike Genovese. He stated that he became familiar with the Volpe brothers during the latter 1920s and early 1930s when Louis and Joseph were still very young. He stated that he was well acquainted with Johnny, Arthur and Jimmy, the three older brothers, and recalled that Johnny was known as "Prince Johnny" and was a councilman at Wilmerding at that time. He stated that "Big Mike" Spinelli "sort of forced himself into" a moonshine establishment located at 1007 Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, and that Spinelli was feared by most of the other moonshiners and gamblers in the Pittsburgh area. He stated that Spinelli had been hired as a bodyguard for the Volpe brothers and was eventually to kill all three older brothers. He recalled that during that period Joe Gigillotti ran the moonshine concession in Pittsburgh's 13th Ward and LaRocca was known only a whiskey runner from Jamestown, New York.
The informant recalled that Spinelli was a non-drinker who had been born and raised in Italy and still had a wife and two children living there. He described Spinelli as about 6'4" in height and said that he was known in the area as a professional killer who hired out on out-of-town jobs. He stated that when Spinelli was crossed up in some manner by the Volpe brothers in connection with some stills he owned personally, he became so enraged that he vowed he would kill all three. The informant stated he was xxx when Spinelli obtained the weapon with which he killed the Volpes and left a moonshine joint without saying where he was going. He said he later heard the details of the shooting from by-standers who told him that Spinelli had encountered the three Volpe brothers eating breakfast at Bazzano's Restaurant on Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, at which time he gunned them to death.
The informant recalled that Spinelli gathered his few personal belongings together and immediately fled to New York where he encountered the brother of the Bazzano who ran the Pittsburgh restaurant. He stated that Spinelli killed this individual and that the newspapers related that Bazzano was discovered with more than 150 ice pick holes in him and various sections of his body cut off. He recalled that Spinelli then fled to Italy and had nerve enough to settle with his family in the same town in which the elder Volpe was an official. He recalled that the elder Volpe was then responsible for having Spinelli sentenced to 25 years in prison in Italy because he could not be extradited to the United States.
The informant advised that following the murder of his brothers, Louis Volpe was incarcerated by the Pittsburgh Police Department who thought he had something to do with the Spinelli-Volpe feud. He recalled laughingly that when Louis, now a close associate of Sebastian John LaRocca, was released from jail, there were a great many newspapermen on hand and when a flash bulb went off unexpectedly, Louis fainted, believing he was shot. He recalled that during the early 1920s, numbers operations in the Pittsburgh vicinity were incidental to moonshine operations and that most moonshiners carried numbers cards in their back pockets. He suggested that the Pittsburgh Police Department became interested in numbers only when moonshine became no longer profitable for them. He advised that he still sees both Louis and Joseph Volpe on occasion and has seen both of them with Mike Genovese and John LaRocca. [L58]
Social Security Death Index:
Name: Joseph Volpe SSN: 209-09-7854 Born: 8 Dec 1911 Died: Feb 1971 State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
VOLPE, suddenly in Hollwood Memorial Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., Joseph of 2700 Henderson Dr., Whiteoak, beloved husband of Thelma Fedon Volpe; brother of Louis of East Mckeesport. Friends are being received at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek, Pa., after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. High mass of requiem at St. Angela Merici R.C. Church on Thursday at 11 a.m. _Pittsburgh Press, February 23, 1971
Notes for Thelma Fedon:
VOLPE
THELMA (FEDON)
Age 91, formerly of McKeesport, on June 5, 2006. Beloved sister of Esther Bonacci of Plum Boro; also nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Joseph; brother Guido Fedon; sisters Eleanor Hornbake, Alice Taylor, Florence Fontana. Friends are being received Wed. 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the STEPHEN P. DOLENCE JR. FUNERAL HOME, INC. , 1519 Renton Rd., (Plum Boro). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:30 am in St. Januarius by Rev. Peter Pilarski. Burial Plum Creek Cemetery.
More About Thelma Fedon:
Burial: Plum Creek Cemetery, Allegheny Co., Pa.
10 ix. Clara Volpe, born Abt. 1918 in Pennsylvania; died Bef. 1949.
+ 11 x. Raymond Volpe, born June 09, 1920 in Pennsylvania; died July 19, 1983.
Generation No. 2
2. Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born August 25, 1892 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Amelia Corteal Abt. 1915, daughter of Frank Corteal and Louisa Nigelo. She was born August 01, 1899 in Pennsylvania, and died November 1978.
Notes for Giovanni "Prince Johnnie" Volpe:
Arrived in US in January 1910.
WWI Draft Registration Card 1917
John Volpe, 209 Bridge St, Wilmerding, Pa.
Age 25, born August 25, 1892 in Italy
Laborer for W. M. ?Coy, East Pittsburgh. Wife and one child
In 1920, he and family with his parents.
May have been a boxing manager in 1927.
A business in Coney Island, New York?
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 392 116 Bridge St
John Volpe, 37, m at 22, IT IT IT, arr 1908, owner wholesale grocery
Emile, 32, m at 17, PA IT IT; Rosa, 14; Clare, 10; Josephine, 8; Ignats, 6; James, 4; Arthur, 1
The 8 Volpe Brothers were a gang of racketeers in Turtle Creek Valley with claims of royal Italian blood. James Volpe served as a member of the Wilmerding Council, and the gang literally owned police and politicians in Wilmerding. The Volpe's made no effort to hide the fact that they were "connected" and were known for their "gaudy display of showmanship." John Volpe drove 16-cylinder Cadillac with bulletproof windows and a license plate that read J.V.8. He also wore a watch studded with 25 diamonds forming his initials. Bazzano initially agreed to take on the Volpe's as business partners with their Pittsburgh headquarters at the Bazzano owned Roma Coffee Shop on Wylie Avenue. Bazzano soon ordered the murder of the Volpe's when the ambitious brothers began moving into East Liberty and the North Side. On the morning of July 20, 1932 gunmen drove up to the coffee shop (704 Wylie Ave.) and opened fire on the Volpe's. John was shot 4 times on the sidewalk, James was killed inside while hiding behind the counter, and Arthur Volpe was hit with machine gun fire as he ate a bowl of cornflakes. On the weekend of the funeral over 50,000 people visited the Volpe home to pay respect including judges, politicians, prosecutors, police and scores of Mafiosi. Two of the surving Volpe brothers, Louis and Joseph went to see the New York Commission made up of Luciano, Bonanno, Gagliano, Profaci, Mangano and Magadino about what was happening in Pittsburgh. In August of 1932 John Bazzano was invited to a dinner in New York City where he was killed by Albert Anastasia and an elite crew of New York Mafiosi who made an example of Bazzano for the rest of Cosa Nostra Bosses. On August 8, 1932 the body of John Bazzano turned up in the middle of a Brooklyn street wrapped in a burlap sack. He had been stabbed in the chest with ice picks 22 times, strangled with a rope, his tongue had been cut out and his lips were sealed with tape.
[704 Wylie Ave. was the site of a bombing in May, 1929.]
SIX ARE HURT IN HILL BLAST
The Pittsburgh Press
May 3, 1929
The bombing of an alleged speakeasy at 704 Wylie ave. last night, which caused injuries to six persons and several thousand dollars damage, probably was the result of a political feud among Hill district residents, according to police and members of the homicide squad, who were investigating today. The establishment, once known as "Deuce's Place," and more recently as "The Pekin," was operated by William Scarpino and Harry Martorella, 37, one of the men injured.
The building was badly damaged by the explosion. It is believed that the bomb was thrown into the doorway from a passing auto. Windows in many nearby buildings were blown out by the blast and the buildings on each side of the bombed structure were badly damaged.
When police arrived at the scene of the explosion, John Ennis, 35, of 58 Marion st., was lying near the doorway. He was taken to the Mercy Hospital with Martorella, who lives at 1216 ½ Webster ave.; John Talamo, 28, of 76 Magee st., and James Nugent, 53, of 1001 Webster ave., who also were in the place when the blast occurred. Talamo and Ennis were reported in serious conditions today at the hospital. Talamo suffered severe lacerations of the chin and left arm, and Ennis suffered a fractured left leg and internal injuries, hospital attaches said. Nugent and Martorella were attended for lacerations of the legs. Mrs. Irene Sofianos, 32, and her daughter, Marie Sofianos, 5, who were in their home at 710 Wylie ave., when the bomb exploded, suffered lacerations of their faces. They were treated by a physician.
According to police, customers gained entrance to "The Pekin" through a hallway at the side of the building. The interior was equipped with a bar, several tables and a brass rail, it was said. The front of the establishment was disguised police say to give it the appearance of being vacant. Although no liquor was seized in the place after the explosion, Police Captain John Schnurr said that evidence was found of it having been poured away before the officers arrived.
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Giovanni "Prince Johnnie" Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Giovanni Volpe and Amelia Corteal are:
12 i. Rosa Johanna3 Volpe, born February 24, 1917; died December 09, 1998. She married Joseph "Sikes" Talarico; born September 14, 1916; died August 1986.
Notes for Rosa Johanna Volpe:
Rose J. Volpe Talarico, 81, of North Versailles, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998. She was a former receptionist for Red Carpet Beauty Salon, Eastland Mall. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph ``Sikes'' Talarico. She is survived by a daughter; a son; three grandchildren; and two sisters. Friends will be received at the FORGIE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Entombment in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
More About Rosa Johanna Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 13 ii. Clara Louise Volpe, born July 09, 1920; died August 28, 2012.
+ 14 iii. Josephine Irene Volpe, born September 27, 1921 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died November 24, 2007.
15 iv. Robert Ignazio Volpe, born Abt. 1924; died Bet. 1967 - 2007.
Notes for Robert Ignazio Volpe:
Arrested on numbers charge in 1967.
+ 16 v. James (Vincent) George Volpe, born September 09, 1927; died January 10, 2014 in White Oak, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 17 vi. Arthur John Volpe, born Abt. 1928.
4. Vincenzo (James)2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1900 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Angeline Salatine Abt. 1924, daughter of Pasquale Salatino and Maria Falvo. She was born 1901 in Pennsylvania, and died November 03, 1969.
Notes for Vincenzo (James) Volpe:
Arrived in US in October 25,1913, aboard the SS Stampalia.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 391 116 Bridge St
James Volpe, 31, m at 25, IT IT IT, arr 1913, owner wholesale grocery
Angeline, 26, m at 20, PA IT IT; Guy, brother, 35, IT IT IT, arr 1911, owner wholesale grocery; Raymond, brother, 10
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Vincenzo (James) Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Angeline Salatine:
VOLPE, on Monday, Nov. 3, 1969, Angela Salatine Volpe, 810 Cherry Way, Braddock, Pa., beloved wife of the late James; mother of Richard; sister of Francis, Vera Salatine and Mrs. Mary Zachosky of Braddock. Friends are being received at the Edward T. Perrone Mortuary, 7455 church St., Swissvale, Pa. High mass of requiem in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. Family visitation 2 to 5 and 7 to 9.
More About Angeline Salatine:
Burial: All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Vincenzo Volpe and Angeline Salatine are:
18 i. Amadeto (Malley) "Sonny"3 Volpe, born 1931.
19 ii. Richard Volpe, born Abt. 1932.
5. Louis2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born July 27, 1901 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died June 03, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (1) Erma Maria (Gloria) Hunter, daughter of John Hunter and Anna Schmidt. She was born June 18, 1917, and died May 14, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (2) Leona Ciongoli, daughter of Costable Ciongoli and Antoinette Torre. She was born September 11, 1922, and died September 06, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (3) Katherine Allshouse April 23, 1923 in Wellsburg, Brooke Co., West Virginia. She was born November 29, 1906 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died April 26, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Louis Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 241
Louis Volpe, 28, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1910, fruit merchant
Catherine, 22, m at 15; John, 6; Guy, 5; Gloria, 3
Supposedly the only one of the Volpes ever to be sent to prison. After being fined on a federal Liquor law violation in 1930, he was convicted in June 1932 of a second offense and sentenced to a half year behind bars.
In 1947, listed as a music store proprietor on son John's marriage license application.
Was mentioned by Phil Leonetti of Philadelphia in the 1990 Porter trial as having been present when the Philadelphia boys met with Porter in September 1986 to settle a dispute. Leonetti said Volpe was introduced as a "made" man.
LOUIS VOLPE, 85, REPUTED CRIME FIGURE, DIES, The Pittsburgh Press, by Tom Kukucka, June 4, 1987
Another reputed member of the aging leadership of the Western Pennsylvania La Cosa Nostra crime organization is dead. Louis Volpe, 85, believed to be a "soldier member" of the local La Cosa Nostra and once considered a possible candidate to lead the crime family, died yesterday at Shadyside Hospital of kidney failure.
The death of Volpe, of East McKeesport, follows the death in March of Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, identified in the 1986 annual report of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as second in command to the reputed La Cosa Nostra boss, Michael J. Genovese of Gibsonia. Pecora, 67, died of a heart ailment at his winter home in Boca Raton, Fla.
The once-powerful crime organization has seen its influence and strength decline in recent years because of the age of its leadership, the generally poor economic conditions of the area and the influx of free-lance drug dealers, law enforcement officials have said.
Genovese, 67, reportedly is in poor health and, with Pecora's death, law enforcement officials are unsure who is running the local La Cosa Nostra. "The Pittsburgh family is kind of in a disarray," said Thomas Crawford, a member of the Justice Department Strike Force that investigated organized crime in the early 1970s. "He (Volpe) was one of the people recognized by the Crime Commission as being one of the last of the organized crime family in Pittsburgh," said Crawford, now an attorney in Pittsburgh.
Volpe was the last of eight brothers who reportedly ran a rackets and bootleg operation out of the Turtle Creek Valley in the 1930s. Three of the brothers, John, James and Arthur, were gunned down, execution-style, in one of Pittsburgh's most famous crimes. On July 29, 1932, the three were killed as they sat in their headquarters in the Roma Coffee Shop in the Hill District.
Volpe was born in Italy and lived on Taylor Street, East McKeesport. He formerly lived in Wilmerding. He was president of the Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak, which went out of business in the late 1960s.
He is survived by his wife, Leona "Lee" Ciongoli Volpe; a daughter, Gloria Bower of Hollywood, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Avenues, Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1313 Fifth Ave., East McKeesport. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles.
LOUIS VOLPE, SAID TO BE OF CRIME FAMILY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 5, 1987
Louis Volpe, 86, named by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as a member of the Western Pennsylvania La Cosa Nostra crime family, died of kidney failure Wednesday in Shadyside Hospital. Originally from Wilmerding, Mr. Volpe lived in East McKeesport and was among several men the state Crime Commission once considered as a possible successor to Joseph N. "Jo Jo" Pecora. The commission identified Pecora as second in command to Michael J. Genovese, head of the crime family here. Mr. Volpe was once president of the Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak. The park, which had been owned by his late brother, Joseph N., was closed in the 1960. A Marine Corps veteran of World War I, Mr. Volpe had been a member of Variety Club International, a charter member of the Optimist Club in Wilmerding and an honorary member of the Italian Social Club in Wilmerding. He was a member of the Order of the Moose Lodge 5419, East McKeesport, and the Legion of the Moose Lodge, 7811, Verona. Mr. Volpe is survived by his wife Leona "Lee" Ciongoli Volpe; a daughter, Gloria Bower of Hollywood, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm today in the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Avenues, Turtle Creek. A Mass will be said at 10 am tomorrow in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Burial will be in New St. Joseph's Cemetery, North Versailles
Louis Volpe, one of the surviving members of the infamous Volpe Brothers who controlled the suburbs of Wilmerding and Turtle Creek. Louis' three brothers were murdered in 1931 at the coffee shop owned by then Pittsburgh Boss John Bazzano Sr.'s brother. Louis and his surviving brothers went to the newly formed national mafia commission to complain about the unsanctioned hit when Lucky Luciano summoned Gianni "John" Bazzano Sr. to Brooklyn, NY where he was ice picked to death and left in a burlap sack out in the street. Louis ran gambling for many years under Frank Amato Sr. And John LaRocca._ jcb 2014
More About Louis Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About Erma Maria (Gloria) Hunter:
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Leona Ciongoli:
VOLPE LEONA "LEE" (CIONGOLI)
Of North Versailles Twp. and Pompano Beach, FL, died on Sun. Sept. 6, 2009. She will fondly be remembered for her elegance, class, epicurean talents and world travels. A daughter of the late Costable & Antoinette (Torre) Ciongoli; wife of the late Louis "Lou" Volpe; beloved mother of Gloria Volpe Bower; step-mother of the late John & Guy Volpe; dear grandmother of Michael (Tere) Bower Jr., Monica (Freddy) Shihadeh, Natalie Diggs, Kathryn (Martin) DeRoy, Louis (Peggy) Volpe, Guy Volpe & John Volpe; sister of Frank Ciongoli, the late Michael, Andrew, Ralph, James & Mike Ciongoli, Rose LaGorga, Angela Aiello & Mildred Duga; also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Friends received ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave. Wilmerding, PA 15148. (412-824-4332) on Thursday 6-9 p.m. & Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Service in Funeral Home on Sat. at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will follow in New St. Joseph Cemetery.
More About Leona Ciongoli:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Katherine Allshouse:
Died of cancer, around 1930.
More About Katherine Allshouse:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Louis Volpe and Leona Ciongoli is:
20 i. Gloria3 Volpe. She married (Husband) Bower.
Children of Louis Volpe and Katherine Allshouse are:
+ 21 i. John Louis3 Volpe, born August 03, 1923 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died December 21, 1970 in Allegheny Co., Pa..
22 ii. Guy Joseph Volpe, born October 04, 1924 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 09, 1951 in North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Camille Ferraro May 04, 1950 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born May 13, 1931 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Guy Joseph Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.
23 iii. Gloria Volpe, born December 12, 1925 in Pennsylvania; died April 24, 1937 in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Gloria Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.
7. Amaleto "Malley"2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1908 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died December 31, 1949 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Vera Frances (Volpe) Abt. 1927. She was born Abt. 1908 in Pennsylvania, and died Aft. 1949.
Notes for Amaleto "Malley" Volpe:
Arrived in US 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 282
Amadeto Volpe, 21, m at 18, IT IT IT, arr 1910, owner confectionary store
Frances, 22, m at 19; Lois, 2
BROTHER OF SLAIN VOLPES DIES IN WILMERDING
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 2, 1950, Monday
Requiem high mass will be sung at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Aloysius Church, Wilmerding for Amelato (Malley) Volpe, 42, who died Saturday at his Wilmerding home following a heart attack. Volpe was a brother of John, Arthur and James Volpe who were shot in a racket war here on July 29, 1932. He is survived by his wife, Vera; a son, Louis; two daughters, Shirley and Edwardine; two brothers, Louis and Joseph. Friends are being received at the Leonardo Funeral Home, Watkins Avenue, Wilmerding.
Children of Amaleto Volpe and Vera (Volpe) are:
24 i. Louis3 Volpe, born Abt. 1928.
25 ii. Shirley Volpe.
26 iii. Edwardine Volpe.
11. Raymond2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born June 09, 1920 in Pennsylvania, and died July 19, 1983. He married G. Evelyn Coover. She was born October 19, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas, and died April 27, 2014.
Notes for Raymond Volpe:
In 1930, with brother, James. At home, mourning the death of his brothers in 1932.
VOLPE, on Tues. July 19, 1983, Raymond, of White Oak, beloved husband of Evelyn; father of Chester, Joseph, Amleto (Mallay) & Evelyn Turner; also two grandchildren; brother of Louis Volpe. Friends will be received John L. Quinlan Funeral HOme, 11th & Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian burial in St. Angela Merici Church, Wite Oak., Sat. at 10 a.m. Visitation with family 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.
Notes for G. Evelyn Coover:
VOLPE, G. EVELYN, 94
G. Evelyn Volpe, 94, died Sunday, April 27, 2014. She was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Wichita, Kan., a daughter of the late Oakey Dye and Inez Belle (Dezell) Coover and wife of the late Raymond Volpe. She was a volunteer at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and was a graduate of Wichita University. She is survived by her children, Chester (Nancy) Volpe, of Superior, Colo., Joseph (Claudia) Volpe, of Milwaukee, Wis., Mallay (Dee) Volpe, of White Oak, and Evie (Ivan Judd) Kee, of Whitby, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Christopher (Kathy) Volpe, Cassandra (Masaki) Volpe Horii, Mallay, Joshua and Tyler Volpe and Hilary Kee; great-grandchildren, Sophia Volpe and Maya Horii; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at STRIFFLERS OF WHITE OAK CREMATION AND MORTUARY SERVICES, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow.
Children of Raymond Volpe and G. Coover are:
27 i. Chester3 Volpe. He married Nancy (Volpe).
Notes for Chester Volpe:
Of Superior, Colorado.
28 ii. Joseph Volpe. He married Claudia (Volpe).
Notes for Joseph Volpe:
Of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
29 iii. Mallay (Amleto) Volpe. He married Diana "Dee" Ponsonby.
30 iv. Evelyn Volpe. She married Ivan Judd Kee.
Notes for Evelyn Volpe:
Of Ontario, Canada.
Generation No. 3
13. Clara Louise3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born July 09, 1920, and died August 28, 2012. She married Arthur Louis Bacco 1940, son of Joseph Bacco and Clara Pecora. He was born March 09, 1915 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 28, 1992.
Notes for Clara Louise Volpe:
BACCO
CLARA L. (VOLPE)
92, of East McKeesport, on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Wife of the late Arthur Bacco; mother of the late Arturo Bacco; mother-in-law of Lynda Bacco; grandmother of Deana (Bill) Fry; great-grandmother of Nicholas and Dominic Fry; sister of James Volpe and the late Rose Talarico, Josephine Leonardo, and Robert Volpe; also nieces and nephews. Visitation 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
More About Clara Louise Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemeter, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Arthur Louis Bacco:
BACCO, on Sat., March 28, 1992, Arthur L. of N. Versailles. Beloved husband of Clara (Volpe) Bacco. Father of ARturo Bacco; father-in-law of Lynda Bacco; grandfather of Deana Bacco, all of N. Versailles; brother of Flora Regdon of Rankin, Rose Hyse of N. Huntingdon, Angeline Cuccara of N. Huntingdon, Lewis of Wilmerding, Samuel of Monroeville, Gabriel of Monroeville, Joseph of Level Green & John Bacco of W. Newton. Friends will be received Mon. 7-9 & Tues 2-4 & 7-9 at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, Inc., 11th & Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church of E. McKeesport, Wed., 10 a.m.
Child of Clara Volpe and Arthur Bacco is:
+ 31 i. Arturo V.4 Bacco, born August 09, 1942; died May 19, 2010.
14. Josephine Irene3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born September 27, 1921 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died November 24, 2007. She married Joseph A. Leonardo 1945, son of Joseph Leonardo and Catherine Grillo. He was born Abt. 1918, and died October 16, 1990 in Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Josephine Irene Volpe:
LEONARDO
JOSEPHINE I. (VOLPE)
On Saturday, November 24, 2007, of Wilmerding. Wife of the late Joseph A. Leonardo; mother of Frank J. (Maureen) Leonardo; Noni of Joseph Leonardo; daughter of the late John and Amelia Corteal Volpe; sister of Clara Bacco, James Volpe, Arthur Volpe, the late Rose Talarico and Robert Volpe. Friends received at JAMES F. FILIA FUNERAL HOME, 354 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, on Monday 7-9 pm and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wednesday, at 10 am. Mrs. Leonardo along with her late husband owned and operated the former Leonardo Funeral Home in Wilmerding and also the Leonardo Floral Shop in East McKeesport. She was also an active member of the St. Jude Rosary Society and the Women's Auxiliary of the Italian Club in Wilmerding. (PG 11/26/07)
Notes for Joseph A. Leonardo:
J.A. LEONARDO, FUNERAL DIRECTOR IN WILMERDING, October 18, 1990, Thursday, PPG
Joseph A. Leonardo, a Wilmerding funeral director, died of a heart attack Tuesday in Forbes Regional Health Center after he collapse d while working in his funeral home on Monday. Mr. Leonardo, 72, who opened the funeral home in 1947, was chosen Wilmerding's Man of the Year in 1988 for his work with civic organizations. In 1988, he also was awarded a certificate for 52 years of service in the Wimerding business community by the George Westinghouse Days Committee. He was a founder of the Wilmerding Optimists Club in 1949 and served as its second president. During his term, he instituted the Boy of the Year Award, the Wilmerding Junior Optimists Club, Bicycle Inspection Week, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Halloween parade for Wilmerding.
A graduate of the former Turtle Creek Union High School, Mr. Leonardo in 1936 was hired by the old Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph as manager of its Wilmerding agency, where he directed the newspaper's circulation for the Turtle Creek Valley and Monroeville. He worked until April 1960 with the Sun-Telegraph, when it was merged with the Post-Gazette.
A member of the first graduting class of the Pittsburgh School of Mortuary Science in 1940, Mr. Leonardo became a licensed funeral director in 1942. He was a charter member of the Wilmerding Italian Social Club and the Italian Sons & Daughters of America Heritage Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Volpe Leonardo; a son, Frank of Pitcairn; a grandchild; and a sister, Josephine Balana of North Versailles. Friends may call from noon until 9 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Joseph A. Leonardo Funeral Home, 320 Airbrake Ave., Wilmerding. A Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Aloysius Church, Wilmerding. Burial will be in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
More About Joseph A. Leonardo:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Josephine Volpe and Joseph Leonardo is:
32 i. Frank4 Leonardo. He married Maureen (Leonardo).
16. James (Vincent) George3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born September 09, 1927, and died January 10, 2014 in White Oak, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Virginia Cerganic. She died December 18, 2005.
Notes for James (Vincent) George Volpe:
VOLPE JAMES G.
86, of Monroeville, passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Palms at O'Neil in White Oak. James was born September 9, 1927, a son of the late John and Amelia (Corteal) Volpe. He was the president and owner of James G. Volpe Builder, Inc., of Monroeville, and a member and past president of the Allegheny County Builders Association. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Jamie Volpe; siblings, Rose Talarico, Clara Bacco, Josephine Leonardo, and Robert Volpe. He is survived by his brother, Arthur Volpe of Trafford; nephew, Dr. John Talarico and wife Gina of North Huntingdon; and niece, Lynda Bacco and late husband Arturo of North Versailles; and several other nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the FORGIE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, PA 15035, 412-823-8083, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Interment will follow in Crossroads Cemetery, Monroeville. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Palms at O'Neil as well as the staff at Bridges Hospice for the care given to James.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2014
More About James (Vincent) George Volpe:
Burial: Cross Roads Cemetery, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Virginia Cerganic:
VOLPE
VIRGINIA "GINY" (DOBS)
Of Monroeville, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2005; beloved wife of James Volpe; loving mother of the late Jamie A. Volpe; daughter of the late Virginia and Joe Cerganic; sister-in-law of Arthur and Shirley Volpe, Josephine Leanardo and Clara Bacco; niece of Joseph Medven of Tarrs, PA. Friends will be received Wed. 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the JOHN L. QUINLAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 975 Airbrake Ave., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael's Church, Pitcairn, Thurs. 10 am. (PG 12/19/05)
Child of James Volpe and Virginia Cerganic is:
33 i. Jamie A.4 Volpe, born in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died May 17, 1993 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Jamie A. Volpe:
Burial: Cross Roads Cemetery, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
17. Arthur John3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1928. He married Shirley Armstrong.
Children of Arthur Volpe and Shirley Armstrong are:
34 i. Arthur John4 Volpe, born September 23, 1970 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 02, 1993.
Notes for Arthur John Volpe:
Arthur John Volpe Jr., 22, of Trafford, died Tuesday, March 2, 1993, due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. He was born Sept. 23, 1970, in Pittsburgh, a son of Arthur J. and Shirley Armstrong Volpe. He was a graduate of Penn-Trafford High School, class of 1989. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Michelle Greene of Kennedy Township and Melanie Heuston of Shadyside; a niece, Mallory Greene; and a friend, Danny Todd. Friends will be received at the JOHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME, 429 Duquesne Ave., Trafford, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Regis Church, Trafford. Entombment will follow in the New St. Joseph Mausoleum, North Versailles.
More About Arthur John Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph Mausoleum, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
35 ii. Michelle Louise Volpe. She married William J. Greene May 1982.
36 iii. Melanie Volpe. She married Ted R. Heuston July 13, 1991 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born August 01, 1963 in Altoona, Blair Co., Pa.; died November 04, 2000 in Martinsburg, Pa..
Notes for Ted R. Heuston:
HEUSTON TED R. Age 37, of Pgh., formerly of Roaring Spring, PA, died Saturday, November 4, 2000, at Homewood Retirement Center, Martinsburg, PA, following an extended illness. He was born August 1, 1963 in Altoona, the son of Ronald and Linda (Dutrow) Heuston. He married Melanie Volpe, July 13, 1991, in Pgh. They had two children Madison, 6 and Harrison, 2. Mr. Heuston was a 1981 graduate of Central High School, Martinsburg, PA. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1985 and in 1988, graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was employed as an attorney by Reed, Smith, Shaw and McClay of Pittsburgh having worked in both their Pgh. and New York City offices. Among other interests, he was an avid runner who ran in the New York City, Pgh. and Chicago marathons. He is survived by his wife and children of Pgh.; his parents; two brothers, Wade, of Roaring Spring, PA and Brad, of Martinsburg, PA; and one sister, Suzann Burk, of Bethesda, MD. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9pm on Mon., Nov. 6, 2000 at THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME, Roaring Spring, PA. The funeral will be held on Tues., Nov. 7, 2000 at 11am at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Roaring Spring, PA by Rev. Charles Baughman. Interment will be at Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, PA. A scholarship is being set up in Mr. Heuston's memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Blair County Community Endowment, 1216 11th Avenue, Suite 315, Altoona, PA 16601. Donations should be directed to the Heuston Scholarship Fund.
More About Ted R. Heuston:
Burial: Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, Pa.
21. John Louis3 Volpe (Louis2, Ignazio1) was born August 03, 1923 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died December 21, 1970 in Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Dorothy Hardin 1947. She was born January 09, 1925 in Monessen, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for John Louis Volpe:
In 1947, a hotel proprietor.
Child of John Volpe and Dorothy Hardin is:
37 i. Katherine Ann4 Volpe. She married (Husband) DeRoy June 1970.
Generation No. 4
31. Arturo V.4 Bacco (Clara Louise3 Volpe, Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born August 09, 1942, and died May 19, 2010. He married Lynda J. Rosgone Abt. 1966.
Notes for Arturo V. Bacco:
BACCO
ARTURO V.
67, of North Versailles, on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Son of Clara (Volpe) Bacco and the late Arthur; devoted husband of 44 years to Lynda J. (Rosgone) Bacco; loving father of Deana (William) Fry; beloved grandfather of Nicholas Fry; also aunts and uncles including Uncle James Volpe; and cousins. The family will gather to celebrate his life 7-9pm Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9pm Friday at the FORGIE - SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, 412-823-8083. Mass Saturday 1pm St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Because of his love for animals the family has requested contributions to Pet Friends, PO Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642.
Child of Arturo Bacco and Lynda Rosgone is:
38 i. Deana5 Bacco.
Descendants of Ignazio Volpe
Generation No. 1
1. Ignazio1 Volpe was born September 08, 1871 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died August 18, 1936 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy. He married Rosa Principe, daughter of Guy Principe and Josephine Porcelle. She was born Abt. 1874 in Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died June 08, 1928 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Ignazio Volpe:
Ship Manifest, SS Werra, out of Naples, arrived NYC February 21, 1901
#8 Ignazio Volpe, 29, married. Resident of Agropoli. Destination, NYC. Occupation farmer. Joining Camillo Verta, cousin, Davis Ave. Never in US before.
Ship Manifest, SS Prinz Oskar, out of Naples, arrived NYC June 21, 1905
#12 Ignazio Volpe, 34, merchant. From Agropoli. Destination, Wilmerding, Pa. In US from 1899-1904. Joining Dr. Camillo Verta, cousin, Wilmerding, Pa. (Possibly traveling with Pietro Sarnicola, 26)
Naturalized September 10, 1906, at Pittsburgh. James Marciano, merchant from Wilmerding, vouched for him.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding B ED 873 Family 241 302 State St.
Ignazio Volpe, 48, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na, machine hand in machine shop
Rose, 45, IT IT IT, arr 1915; John, 26, machine hand in forge shop; James, 20, machine hand in forge shop; Arthur, 16, car
repairman for railroad; Amleto, 15; Ceasar, 11; Joseph, 9; Clara, 2; Wilma, dil, 20; Rose, gdau, 2 (all sons IT, arr 1908)
Notes for Rosa Principe:
Manifest, SS Hamburg, out of Naples, 10 June 1914, arriving in NY, 24 June 1914, List G 98, Passengers 25-30
Rosa Principe Volpe, 40, proprietor, married, Italian. Last permanent residence, Agropoli. Nearest relative, Davide Pecora, cousin, Agropoli. Traveling to Wilmerding, Pa., to join her husband, Ignasio Volpe, Wilmerding, Pa. 5'5", brown hair and eyes, born Salerno.
Traveling with her: Luigi, 12; Arturo, 8; Amidato, 6; Cesere, 4; Giuseppe, 2, all born Agropoli.
More About Rosa Principe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Ignazio Volpe and Rosa Principe are:
+ 2 i. Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2 Volpe, born August 25, 1892 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
3 ii. Gaetano (Guy) Volpe, born October 15, 1894 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died April 08, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Carmel (Volpe) November 13, 1923 in Connellsville, Fayette Co., Pa..
Notes for Gaetano (Guy) Volpe:
Arrived in US in April 1910.
In 1930, with brother, James.
Cause of death listed as chronic alcoholism.
GUY VOLPE'S DEATH UPSETS PREDICTIONS, by James R. George
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 1934, Monday
Guy Volpe, the only surviving prominent member of the Wilmerding business interests that formerly did so much to advance homicide in Allegheny County, died yesterday in bed, upsetting all police predictions. The coroner, somewhat taken aback at finding that no inquest was necessary, put down the death as due to a paralytic stroke. The stroke, in turn was reported due to alcoholism, a product in which the Volpe interests dealt for many years.
Guy is the fifth of the Volpe brothers to pass away in less than two years, but, the first to meet death in so quiet a manner. His brothers, "Prince Johnny," Arthur and Jimmy, it will be recalled, became inmates of the morgue by prearrangement two summers ago, due to a tiff with certain of the more irritable members of the third-rail liquor trade, and another brother, Chester, died after a New Year's eve party in an automobile wreck.
Guy Volpe, who was usually rated by police as plus-nothing in the liquor trade compared to his eminent late brothers, died in St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by his wife and the remaining members of his family. He had been sent there Saturday afternoon from his home at 132 Middle street, Wilmerding, when his physician found he was not responding to treatment for alcoholism, according to morgue reports. Volpe sank into a coma shortly after his arrival and never rallied. He died at noon. He will be buried from his home, probably in the same cemetery near Wilmerding where the others are interred...
More About Gaetano (Guy) Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Carmel (Volpe):
Morning Herald, Uniontown, Pa., June 13, 1930
Mrs. Carmel Volpeof 219 Water street, Connellsville, filed a divorce libel against her husband, Guy Volpe, formerly of Uniontown and Wilmerding. They were married in Connellsville November 13, 1923, says mrs. Volpe, and went to Wilmerding to live. About six years ago her husband strangely disappeared, avers the complainant, and he has not been heard of nor seen since. Neither has she been able to find anyone who has heard of him or seen him.
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS," SAYS HUBBY AND LEAVES, Daily News Standard, Uniontown, Pa., June 13, 1930
Her husband had told her to be good, explained it was none of her business where he was going, and then left forever, Mrs. Carmel Volpe of Connellsville, declared in a preliminary divorce proceeding filed Thursday against Guy Volpe, address unknown. They were married at Connellsville, November 13, 1923, with Guy deserting her at Wilmerding, February 11, 1924, says Mrs. Volpe.
+ 4 iii. Vincenzo (James) Volpe, born Abt. 1900 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 5 iv. Louis Volpe, born July 27, 1901 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died June 03, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
6 v. Arturo (Arthur) Volpe, born Abt. 1905 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Elizabeth Kessler Abt. 1929; born Abt. 1905 in Pennsylvania; died Aft. 1932.
Notes for Arturo (Arthur) Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 387 Bridge St
Arthur Volpe, 24, m at 24, IT IT IT, arr 1916, owner wholesale grocery
Elizabeth, 24, m at 24,
In 1930, may have been a boxing manager.
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Arturo (Arthur) Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 7 vi. Amaleto "Malley" Volpe, born Abt. 1908 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy; died December 31, 1949 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa..
8 vii. Chester (Ceasar) Volpe, born Abt. 1909 in Pennsylvania; died January 01, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Patsy (Volpe).
Notes for Chester (Ceasar) Volpe:
Arrived in US 1914.
THREE KILLED, 14 INJURED IN AUTO MISHAPS
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa.
January 2, 1932
...Chester C. Volpe, 24, a member of the former ruling political faction of Wilmerding, was killed early yesterday morning when an automobile collided with another at Ninth street and Penn avenue. The force of the collision threw Volpe through the door of his car into the street. His neck was broken. James Guffey, 26, of 2717 Jenny Lind Street, McKeesport, driver of the other car, was held on a reckless driving charge. Alton Morton of 1437 Lincoln avenue, a passenger in Volpe's machine, was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where six stitches were required to close a wound in his head. Two other passengers in Volpe's machine were uninjured. Arthur Volpe, who identified the body of his younger brother at the morgue, told Superintendent John Black that he had had a premonition of danger on New Year's Eve and had locked all the cars in the garage so his brothers could not get them. Chester borrowed the car in which he was killed, it was said.
CHESTER VOLPE DIES IN DOWNTOWN CRASH
The Pittsburgh Press
January 2, 1932
Four persons were killed, two died from injuries and 13 other persons are in hospitals, many in a serious condition, as a result of auto accidents New Year's Eve and New Year's. Scores of minor accidents were reported.
Chester Volpe, 24, of 106 Bridge Street, Wilmerding, was killed yesterday when an auto he was driving colllided with another machine at Ninth Street and Penn Avenue. Police said the Volpe's auto, owned by Anthony Yerace, of 308 State Street, Wilmerding, collided with a car driven by James Guffey, 26, of Jenny Lind Street, McKeesport. Peter Felia, 213 BElla Street; Joseph Crotazza, 211 Patton Street, and Alton Morton, 1437 Lincoln Avenue, were riding with Volpe. Morton suffered a laceration on the face.
9 viii. Joseph N. Volpe, born December 08, 1911 in Pennsylvania; died February 20, 1971 in Hollywood, Broward Co., Florida. He married Thelma Fedon; born October 07, 1914 in Pennsylvania; died June 05, 2006 in ?Plum Borough, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Joseph N. Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
In 1940, living with inlaws, Harry Fontana.
The final edition of the "Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph," on September 14, 1958, carried an article on page 1 entitled, "Volpe Held in 'Fix'." The article stated that a Turtle Creek, Pa., tavern owner, Thomas Nelis, age 52, of 530 Jane Street, and Joseph Volpe, "one of the famous brothers," were held under bond on September 14, 1958, in a plot to fix the Stupak-Katz trial jury. The article described Volpe as the owner of Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak, Pa., who was feted in McKeesport, Pa., during 1956 for humanitarian aid to crippled children and orphans. The article said that Nelis admitted trying to brige a juror for $300 and stated that he did it as a favor to Volpe.
Volpe, a very close associate of LaRocca, voluntarily gave himself up on September 14, 1958, posted $5,000 bond and made no statement. The article further described Volpe as the youngest of the Volpe brothers, "boss-rulers of the Wilmerding-Turtle Creek Valley in the Prohibition Era," and stated that it was ironic that the jury acquitted both Charles Stupak and Henry Katz, local Pittsburgh numbers men, of all charges in a police bribery scandal.
The newspaper article stated that the attempt was made to fix the jury by contacting a Wilmerding, Pa., juror who was said to be a distant cousin of Nelis. It said that the warrant sworn out for Volpe (now a Pittsburgh top hoodlum) charged him with solicitation to commit embracery - the bribing of a juror. The article further described Volpe's arrest record and told how the three older Volpe brothers were shot and killed in gangland fashion during the Prohibition Era.
T-3, who has furnished reliable information in the past, advised that the Volpe family has an unsavory reputation and that Louis and Joseph Volpe are very close associates of both Sebastian John LaRocca and his protégé, Mike Genovese. He stated that he became familiar with the Volpe brothers during the latter 1920s and early 1930s when Louis and Joseph were still very young. He stated that he was well acquainted with Johnny, Arthur and Jimmy, the three older brothers, and recalled that Johnny was known as "Prince Johnny" and was a councilman at Wilmerding at that time. He stated that "Big Mike" Spinelli "sort of forced himself into" a moonshine establishment located at 1007 Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, and that Spinelli was feared by most of the other moonshiners and gamblers in the Pittsburgh area. He stated that Spinelli had been hired as a bodyguard for the Volpe brothers and was eventually to kill all three older brothers. He recalled that during that period Joe Gigillotti ran the moonshine concession in Pittsburgh's 13th Ward and LaRocca was known only a whiskey runner from Jamestown, New York.
The informant recalled that Spinelli was a non-drinker who had been born and raised in Italy and still had a wife and two children living there. He described Spinelli as about 6'4" in height and said that he was known in the area as a professional killer who hired out on out-of-town jobs. He stated that when Spinelli was crossed up in some manner by the Volpe brothers in connection with some stills he owned personally, he became so enraged that he vowed he would kill all three. The informant stated he was xxx when Spinelli obtained the weapon with which he killed the Volpes and left a moonshine joint without saying where he was going. He said he later heard the details of the shooting from by-standers who told him that Spinelli had encountered the three Volpe brothers eating breakfast at Bazzano's Restaurant on Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, at which time he gunned them to death.
The informant recalled that Spinelli gathered his few personal belongings together and immediately fled to New York where he encountered the brother of the Bazzano who ran the Pittsburgh restaurant. He stated that Spinelli killed this individual and that the newspapers related that Bazzano was discovered with more than 150 ice pick holes in him and various sections of his body cut off. He recalled that Spinelli then fled to Italy and had nerve enough to settle with his family in the same town in which the elder Volpe was an official. He recalled that the elder Volpe was then responsible for having Spinelli sentenced to 25 years in prison in Italy because he could not be extradited to the United States.
The informant advised that following the murder of his brothers, Louis Volpe was incarcerated by the Pittsburgh Police Department who thought he had something to do with the Spinelli-Volpe feud. He recalled laughingly that when Louis, now a close associate of Sebastian John LaRocca, was released from jail, there were a great many newspapermen on hand and when a flash bulb went off unexpectedly, Louis fainted, believing he was shot. He recalled that during the early 1920s, numbers operations in the Pittsburgh vicinity were incidental to moonshine operations and that most moonshiners carried numbers cards in their back pockets. He suggested that the Pittsburgh Police Department became interested in numbers only when moonshine became no longer profitable for them. He advised that he still sees both Louis and Joseph Volpe on occasion and has seen both of them with Mike Genovese and John LaRocca. [L58]
Social Security Death Index:
Name: Joseph Volpe SSN: 209-09-7854 Born: 8 Dec 1911 Died: Feb 1971 State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
VOLPE, suddenly in Hollwood Memorial Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., Joseph of 2700 Henderson Dr., Whiteoak, beloved husband of Thelma Fedon Volpe; brother of Louis of East Mckeesport. Friends are being received at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek, Pa., after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. High mass of requiem at St. Angela Merici R.C. Church on Thursday at 11 a.m. _Pittsburgh Press, February 23, 1971
Notes for Thelma Fedon:
VOLPE
THELMA (FEDON)
Age 91, formerly of McKeesport, on June 5, 2006. Beloved sister of Esther Bonacci of Plum Boro; also nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Joseph; brother Guido Fedon; sisters Eleanor Hornbake, Alice Taylor, Florence Fontana. Friends are being received Wed. 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the STEPHEN P. DOLENCE JR. FUNERAL HOME, INC. , 1519 Renton Rd., (Plum Boro). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:30 am in St. Januarius by Rev. Peter Pilarski. Burial Plum Creek Cemetery.
More About Thelma Fedon:
Burial: Plum Creek Cemetery, Allegheny Co., Pa.
10 ix. Clara Volpe, born Abt. 1918 in Pennsylvania; died Bef. 1949.
+ 11 x. Raymond Volpe, born June 09, 1920 in Pennsylvania; died July 19, 1983.
Generation No. 2
2. Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born August 25, 1892 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Amelia Corteal Abt. 1915, daughter of Frank Corteal and Louisa Nigelo. She was born August 01, 1899 in Pennsylvania, and died November 1978.
Notes for Giovanni "Prince Johnnie" Volpe:
Arrived in US in January 1910.
WWI Draft Registration Card 1917
John Volpe, 209 Bridge St, Wilmerding, Pa.
Age 25, born August 25, 1892 in Italy
Laborer for W. M. ?Coy, East Pittsburgh. Wife and one child
In 1920, he and family with his parents.
May have been a boxing manager in 1927.
A business in Coney Island, New York?
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 392 116 Bridge St
John Volpe, 37, m at 22, IT IT IT, arr 1908, owner wholesale grocery
Emile, 32, m at 17, PA IT IT; Rosa, 14; Clare, 10; Josephine, 8; Ignats, 6; James, 4; Arthur, 1
The 8 Volpe Brothers were a gang of racketeers in Turtle Creek Valley with claims of royal Italian blood. James Volpe served as a member of the Wilmerding Council, and the gang literally owned police and politicians in Wilmerding. The Volpe's made no effort to hide the fact that they were "connected" and were known for their "gaudy display of showmanship." John Volpe drove 16-cylinder Cadillac with bulletproof windows and a license plate that read J.V.8. He also wore a watch studded with 25 diamonds forming his initials. Bazzano initially agreed to take on the Volpe's as business partners with their Pittsburgh headquarters at the Bazzano owned Roma Coffee Shop on Wylie Avenue. Bazzano soon ordered the murder of the Volpe's when the ambitious brothers began moving into East Liberty and the North Side. On the morning of July 20, 1932 gunmen drove up to the coffee shop (704 Wylie Ave.) and opened fire on the Volpe's. John was shot 4 times on the sidewalk, James was killed inside while hiding behind the counter, and Arthur Volpe was hit with machine gun fire as he ate a bowl of cornflakes. On the weekend of the funeral over 50,000 people visited the Volpe home to pay respect including judges, politicians, prosecutors, police and scores of Mafiosi. Two of the surving Volpe brothers, Louis and Joseph went to see the New York Commission made up of Luciano, Bonanno, Gagliano, Profaci, Mangano and Magadino about what was happening in Pittsburgh. In August of 1932 John Bazzano was invited to a dinner in New York City where he was killed by Albert Anastasia and an elite crew of New York Mafiosi who made an example of Bazzano for the rest of Cosa Nostra Bosses. On August 8, 1932 the body of John Bazzano turned up in the middle of a Brooklyn street wrapped in a burlap sack. He had been stabbed in the chest with ice picks 22 times, strangled with a rope, his tongue had been cut out and his lips were sealed with tape.
[704 Wylie Ave. was the site of a bombing in May, 1929.]
SIX ARE HURT IN HILL BLAST
The Pittsburgh Press
May 3, 1929
The bombing of an alleged speakeasy at 704 Wylie ave. last night, which caused injuries to six persons and several thousand dollars damage, probably was the result of a political feud among Hill district residents, according to police and members of the homicide squad, who were investigating today. The establishment, once known as "Deuce's Place," and more recently as "The Pekin," was operated by William Scarpino and Harry Martorella, 37, one of the men injured.
The building was badly damaged by the explosion. It is believed that the bomb was thrown into the doorway from a passing auto. Windows in many nearby buildings were blown out by the blast and the buildings on each side of the bombed structure were badly damaged.
When police arrived at the scene of the explosion, John Ennis, 35, of 58 Marion st., was lying near the doorway. He was taken to the Mercy Hospital with Martorella, who lives at 1216 ½ Webster ave.; John Talamo, 28, of 76 Magee st., and James Nugent, 53, of 1001 Webster ave., who also were in the place when the blast occurred. Talamo and Ennis were reported in serious conditions today at the hospital. Talamo suffered severe lacerations of the chin and left arm, and Ennis suffered a fractured left leg and internal injuries, hospital attaches said. Nugent and Martorella were attended for lacerations of the legs. Mrs. Irene Sofianos, 32, and her daughter, Marie Sofianos, 5, who were in their home at 710 Wylie ave., when the bomb exploded, suffered lacerations of their faces. They were treated by a physician.
According to police, customers gained entrance to "The Pekin" through a hallway at the side of the building. The interior was equipped with a bar, several tables and a brass rail, it was said. The front of the establishment was disguised police say to give it the appearance of being vacant. Although no liquor was seized in the place after the explosion, Police Captain John Schnurr said that evidence was found of it having been poured away before the officers arrived.
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Giovanni "Prince Johnnie" Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Giovanni Volpe and Amelia Corteal are:
12 i. Rosa Johanna3 Volpe, born February 24, 1917; died December 09, 1998. She married Joseph "Sikes" Talarico; born September 14, 1916; died August 1986.
Notes for Rosa Johanna Volpe:
Rose J. Volpe Talarico, 81, of North Versailles, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998. She was a former receptionist for Red Carpet Beauty Salon, Eastland Mall. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph ``Sikes'' Talarico. She is survived by a daughter; a son; three grandchildren; and two sisters. Friends will be received at the FORGIE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Entombment in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
More About Rosa Johanna Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 13 ii. Clara Louise Volpe, born July 09, 1920; died August 28, 2012.
+ 14 iii. Josephine Irene Volpe, born September 27, 1921 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died November 24, 2007.
15 iv. Robert Ignazio Volpe, born Abt. 1924; died Bet. 1967 - 2007.
Notes for Robert Ignazio Volpe:
Arrested on numbers charge in 1967.
+ 16 v. James (Vincent) George Volpe, born September 09, 1927; died January 10, 2014 in White Oak, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 17 vi. Arthur John Volpe, born Abt. 1928.
4. Vincenzo (James)2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1900 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died July 29, 1932 in Roma Coffee Shop, Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Angeline Salatine Abt. 1924, daughter of Pasquale Salatino and Maria Falvo. She was born 1901 in Pennsylvania, and died November 03, 1969.
Notes for Vincenzo (James) Volpe:
Arrived in US in October 25,1913, aboard the SS Stampalia.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 391 116 Bridge St
James Volpe, 31, m at 25, IT IT IT, arr 1913, owner wholesale grocery
Angeline, 26, m at 20, PA IT IT; Guy, brother, 35, IT IT IT, arr 1911, owner wholesale grocery; Raymond, brother, 10
Undertaker for the brothers, George C. Jones, Wilmerding, Pa.
More About Vincenzo (James) Volpe:
Burial: Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Angeline Salatine:
VOLPE, on Monday, Nov. 3, 1969, Angela Salatine Volpe, 810 Cherry Way, Braddock, Pa., beloved wife of the late James; mother of Richard; sister of Francis, Vera Salatine and Mrs. Mary Zachosky of Braddock. Friends are being received at the Edward T. Perrone Mortuary, 7455 church St., Swissvale, Pa. High mass of requiem in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. Family visitation 2 to 5 and 7 to 9.
More About Angeline Salatine:
Burial: All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Vincenzo Volpe and Angeline Salatine are:
18 i. Amadeto (Malley) "Sonny"3 Volpe, born 1931.
19 ii. Richard Volpe, born Abt. 1932.
5. Louis2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born July 27, 1901 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died June 03, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (1) Erma Maria (Gloria) Hunter, daughter of John Hunter and Anna Schmidt. She was born June 18, 1917, and died May 14, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (2) Leona Ciongoli, daughter of Costable Ciongoli and Antoinette Torre. She was born September 11, 1922, and died September 06, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (3) Katherine Allshouse April 23, 1923 in Wellsburg, Brooke Co., West Virginia. She was born November 29, 1906 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died April 26, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Louis Volpe:
Arrived in US in 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 241
Louis Volpe, 28, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1910, fruit merchant
Catherine, 22, m at 15; John, 6; Guy, 5; Gloria, 3
Supposedly the only one of the Volpes ever to be sent to prison. After being fined on a federal Liquor law violation in 1930, he was convicted in June 1932 of a second offense and sentenced to a half year behind bars.
In 1947, listed as a music store proprietor on son John's marriage license application.
Was mentioned by Phil Leonetti of Philadelphia in the 1990 Porter trial as having been present when the Philadelphia boys met with Porter in September 1986 to settle a dispute. Leonetti said Volpe was introduced as a "made" man.
LOUIS VOLPE, 85, REPUTED CRIME FIGURE, DIES, The Pittsburgh Press, by Tom Kukucka, June 4, 1987
Another reputed member of the aging leadership of the Western Pennsylvania La Cosa Nostra crime organization is dead. Louis Volpe, 85, believed to be a "soldier member" of the local La Cosa Nostra and once considered a possible candidate to lead the crime family, died yesterday at Shadyside Hospital of kidney failure.
The death of Volpe, of East McKeesport, follows the death in March of Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, identified in the 1986 annual report of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as second in command to the reputed La Cosa Nostra boss, Michael J. Genovese of Gibsonia. Pecora, 67, died of a heart ailment at his winter home in Boca Raton, Fla.
The once-powerful crime organization has seen its influence and strength decline in recent years because of the age of its leadership, the generally poor economic conditions of the area and the influx of free-lance drug dealers, law enforcement officials have said.
Genovese, 67, reportedly is in poor health and, with Pecora's death, law enforcement officials are unsure who is running the local La Cosa Nostra. "The Pittsburgh family is kind of in a disarray," said Thomas Crawford, a member of the Justice Department Strike Force that investigated organized crime in the early 1970s. "He (Volpe) was one of the people recognized by the Crime Commission as being one of the last of the organized crime family in Pittsburgh," said Crawford, now an attorney in Pittsburgh.
Volpe was the last of eight brothers who reportedly ran a rackets and bootleg operation out of the Turtle Creek Valley in the 1930s. Three of the brothers, John, James and Arthur, were gunned down, execution-style, in one of Pittsburgh's most famous crimes. On July 29, 1932, the three were killed as they sat in their headquarters in the Roma Coffee Shop in the Hill District.
Volpe was born in Italy and lived on Taylor Street, East McKeesport. He formerly lived in Wilmerding. He was president of the Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak, which went out of business in the late 1960s.
He is survived by his wife, Leona "Lee" Ciongoli Volpe; a daughter, Gloria Bower of Hollywood, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Avenues, Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1313 Fifth Ave., East McKeesport. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles.
LOUIS VOLPE, SAID TO BE OF CRIME FAMILY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 5, 1987
Louis Volpe, 86, named by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as a member of the Western Pennsylvania La Cosa Nostra crime family, died of kidney failure Wednesday in Shadyside Hospital. Originally from Wilmerding, Mr. Volpe lived in East McKeesport and was among several men the state Crime Commission once considered as a possible successor to Joseph N. "Jo Jo" Pecora. The commission identified Pecora as second in command to Michael J. Genovese, head of the crime family here. Mr. Volpe was once president of the Rainbow Gardens Amusement Park in White Oak. The park, which had been owned by his late brother, Joseph N., was closed in the 1960. A Marine Corps veteran of World War I, Mr. Volpe had been a member of Variety Club International, a charter member of the Optimist Club in Wilmerding and an honorary member of the Italian Social Club in Wilmerding. He was a member of the Order of the Moose Lodge 5419, East McKeesport, and the Legion of the Moose Lodge, 7811, Verona. Mr. Volpe is survived by his wife Leona "Lee" Ciongoli Volpe; a daughter, Gloria Bower of Hollywood, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm today in the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, 11th and Airbrake Avenues, Turtle Creek. A Mass will be said at 10 am tomorrow in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Burial will be in New St. Joseph's Cemetery, North Versailles
Louis Volpe, one of the surviving members of the infamous Volpe Brothers who controlled the suburbs of Wilmerding and Turtle Creek. Louis' three brothers were murdered in 1931 at the coffee shop owned by then Pittsburgh Boss John Bazzano Sr.'s brother. Louis and his surviving brothers went to the newly formed national mafia commission to complain about the unsanctioned hit when Lucky Luciano summoned Gianni "John" Bazzano Sr. to Brooklyn, NY where he was ice picked to death and left in a burlap sack out in the street. Louis ran gambling for many years under Frank Amato Sr. And John LaRocca._ jcb 2014
More About Louis Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About Erma Maria (Gloria) Hunter:
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Leona Ciongoli:
VOLPE LEONA "LEE" (CIONGOLI)
Of North Versailles Twp. and Pompano Beach, FL, died on Sun. Sept. 6, 2009. She will fondly be remembered for her elegance, class, epicurean talents and world travels. A daughter of the late Costable & Antoinette (Torre) Ciongoli; wife of the late Louis "Lou" Volpe; beloved mother of Gloria Volpe Bower; step-mother of the late John & Guy Volpe; dear grandmother of Michael (Tere) Bower Jr., Monica (Freddy) Shihadeh, Natalie Diggs, Kathryn (Martin) DeRoy, Louis (Peggy) Volpe, Guy Volpe & John Volpe; sister of Frank Ciongoli, the late Michael, Andrew, Ralph, James & Mike Ciongoli, Rose LaGorga, Angela Aiello & Mildred Duga; also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Friends received ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave. Wilmerding, PA 15148. (412-824-4332) on Thursday 6-9 p.m. & Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Service in Funeral Home on Sat. at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will follow in New St. Joseph Cemetery.
More About Leona Ciongoli:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Katherine Allshouse:
Died of cancer, around 1930.
More About Katherine Allshouse:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Louis Volpe and Leona Ciongoli is:
20 i. Gloria3 Volpe. She married (Husband) Bower.
Children of Louis Volpe and Katherine Allshouse are:
+ 21 i. John Louis3 Volpe, born August 03, 1923 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died December 21, 1970 in Allegheny Co., Pa..
22 ii. Guy Joseph Volpe, born October 04, 1924 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 09, 1951 in North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Camille Ferraro May 04, 1950 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born May 13, 1931 in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Guy Joseph Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.
23 iii. Gloria Volpe, born December 12, 1925 in Pennsylvania; died April 24, 1937 in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Gloria Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, East McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.
7. Amaleto "Malley"2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1908 in Agropoli, Salerno, Campania, Italy, and died December 31, 1949 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Vera Frances (Volpe) Abt. 1927. She was born Abt. 1908 in Pennsylvania, and died Aft. 1949.
Notes for Amaleto "Malley" Volpe:
Arrived in US 1914.
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Wilmerding ED 876 Family 282
Amadeto Volpe, 21, m at 18, IT IT IT, arr 1910, owner confectionary store
Frances, 22, m at 19; Lois, 2
BROTHER OF SLAIN VOLPES DIES IN WILMERDING
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 2, 1950, Monday
Requiem high mass will be sung at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Aloysius Church, Wilmerding for Amelato (Malley) Volpe, 42, who died Saturday at his Wilmerding home following a heart attack. Volpe was a brother of John, Arthur and James Volpe who were shot in a racket war here on July 29, 1932. He is survived by his wife, Vera; a son, Louis; two daughters, Shirley and Edwardine; two brothers, Louis and Joseph. Friends are being received at the Leonardo Funeral Home, Watkins Avenue, Wilmerding.
Children of Amaleto Volpe and Vera (Volpe) are:
24 i. Louis3 Volpe, born Abt. 1928.
25 ii. Shirley Volpe.
26 iii. Edwardine Volpe.
11. Raymond2 Volpe (Ignazio1) was born June 09, 1920 in Pennsylvania, and died July 19, 1983. He married G. Evelyn Coover. She was born October 19, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas, and died April 27, 2014.
Notes for Raymond Volpe:
In 1930, with brother, James. At home, mourning the death of his brothers in 1932.
VOLPE, on Tues. July 19, 1983, Raymond, of White Oak, beloved husband of Evelyn; father of Chester, Joseph, Amleto (Mallay) & Evelyn Turner; also two grandchildren; brother of Louis Volpe. Friends will be received John L. Quinlan Funeral HOme, 11th & Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian burial in St. Angela Merici Church, Wite Oak., Sat. at 10 a.m. Visitation with family 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.
Notes for G. Evelyn Coover:
VOLPE, G. EVELYN, 94
G. Evelyn Volpe, 94, died Sunday, April 27, 2014. She was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Wichita, Kan., a daughter of the late Oakey Dye and Inez Belle (Dezell) Coover and wife of the late Raymond Volpe. She was a volunteer at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and was a graduate of Wichita University. She is survived by her children, Chester (Nancy) Volpe, of Superior, Colo., Joseph (Claudia) Volpe, of Milwaukee, Wis., Mallay (Dee) Volpe, of White Oak, and Evie (Ivan Judd) Kee, of Whitby, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Christopher (Kathy) Volpe, Cassandra (Masaki) Volpe Horii, Mallay, Joshua and Tyler Volpe and Hilary Kee; great-grandchildren, Sophia Volpe and Maya Horii; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at STRIFFLERS OF WHITE OAK CREMATION AND MORTUARY SERVICES, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow.
Children of Raymond Volpe and G. Coover are:
27 i. Chester3 Volpe. He married Nancy (Volpe).
Notes for Chester Volpe:
Of Superior, Colorado.
28 ii. Joseph Volpe. He married Claudia (Volpe).
Notes for Joseph Volpe:
Of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
29 iii. Mallay (Amleto) Volpe. He married Diana "Dee" Ponsonby.
30 iv. Evelyn Volpe. She married Ivan Judd Kee.
Notes for Evelyn Volpe:
Of Ontario, Canada.
Generation No. 3
13. Clara Louise3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born July 09, 1920, and died August 28, 2012. She married Arthur Louis Bacco 1940, son of Joseph Bacco and Clara Pecora. He was born March 09, 1915 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 28, 1992.
Notes for Clara Louise Volpe:
BACCO
CLARA L. (VOLPE)
92, of East McKeesport, on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Wife of the late Arthur Bacco; mother of the late Arturo Bacco; mother-in-law of Lynda Bacco; grandmother of Deana (Bill) Fry; great-grandmother of Nicholas and Dominic Fry; sister of James Volpe and the late Rose Talarico, Josephine Leonardo, and Robert Volpe; also nieces and nephews. Visitation 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
More About Clara Louise Volpe:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemeter, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Arthur Louis Bacco:
BACCO, on Sat., March 28, 1992, Arthur L. of N. Versailles. Beloved husband of Clara (Volpe) Bacco. Father of ARturo Bacco; father-in-law of Lynda Bacco; grandfather of Deana Bacco, all of N. Versailles; brother of Flora Regdon of Rankin, Rose Hyse of N. Huntingdon, Angeline Cuccara of N. Huntingdon, Lewis of Wilmerding, Samuel of Monroeville, Gabriel of Monroeville, Joseph of Level Green & John Bacco of W. Newton. Friends will be received Mon. 7-9 & Tues 2-4 & 7-9 at the John L. Quinlan Funeral Home, Inc., 11th & Airbrake Aves., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church of E. McKeesport, Wed., 10 a.m.
Child of Clara Volpe and Arthur Bacco is:
+ 31 i. Arturo V.4 Bacco, born August 09, 1942; died May 19, 2010.
14. Josephine Irene3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born September 27, 1921 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died November 24, 2007. She married Joseph A. Leonardo 1945, son of Joseph Leonardo and Catherine Grillo. He was born Abt. 1918, and died October 16, 1990 in Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Josephine Irene Volpe:
LEONARDO
JOSEPHINE I. (VOLPE)
On Saturday, November 24, 2007, of Wilmerding. Wife of the late Joseph A. Leonardo; mother of Frank J. (Maureen) Leonardo; Noni of Joseph Leonardo; daughter of the late John and Amelia Corteal Volpe; sister of Clara Bacco, James Volpe, Arthur Volpe, the late Rose Talarico and Robert Volpe. Friends received at JAMES F. FILIA FUNERAL HOME, 354 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, on Monday 7-9 pm and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wednesday, at 10 am. Mrs. Leonardo along with her late husband owned and operated the former Leonardo Funeral Home in Wilmerding and also the Leonardo Floral Shop in East McKeesport. She was also an active member of the St. Jude Rosary Society and the Women's Auxiliary of the Italian Club in Wilmerding. (PG 11/26/07)
Notes for Joseph A. Leonardo:
J.A. LEONARDO, FUNERAL DIRECTOR IN WILMERDING, October 18, 1990, Thursday, PPG
Joseph A. Leonardo, a Wilmerding funeral director, died of a heart attack Tuesday in Forbes Regional Health Center after he collapse d while working in his funeral home on Monday. Mr. Leonardo, 72, who opened the funeral home in 1947, was chosen Wilmerding's Man of the Year in 1988 for his work with civic organizations. In 1988, he also was awarded a certificate for 52 years of service in the Wimerding business community by the George Westinghouse Days Committee. He was a founder of the Wilmerding Optimists Club in 1949 and served as its second president. During his term, he instituted the Boy of the Year Award, the Wilmerding Junior Optimists Club, Bicycle Inspection Week, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Halloween parade for Wilmerding.
A graduate of the former Turtle Creek Union High School, Mr. Leonardo in 1936 was hired by the old Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph as manager of its Wilmerding agency, where he directed the newspaper's circulation for the Turtle Creek Valley and Monroeville. He worked until April 1960 with the Sun-Telegraph, when it was merged with the Post-Gazette.
A member of the first graduting class of the Pittsburgh School of Mortuary Science in 1940, Mr. Leonardo became a licensed funeral director in 1942. He was a charter member of the Wilmerding Italian Social Club and the Italian Sons & Daughters of America Heritage Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Volpe Leonardo; a son, Frank of Pitcairn; a grandchild; and a sister, Josephine Balana of North Versailles. Friends may call from noon until 9 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Joseph A. Leonardo Funeral Home, 320 Airbrake Ave., Wilmerding. A Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Aloysius Church, Wilmerding. Burial will be in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
More About Joseph A. Leonardo:
Burial: New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Child of Josephine Volpe and Joseph Leonardo is:
32 i. Frank4 Leonardo. He married Maureen (Leonardo).
16. James (Vincent) George3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born September 09, 1927, and died January 10, 2014 in White Oak, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Virginia Cerganic. She died December 18, 2005.
Notes for James (Vincent) George Volpe:
VOLPE JAMES G.
86, of Monroeville, passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Palms at O'Neil in White Oak. James was born September 9, 1927, a son of the late John and Amelia (Corteal) Volpe. He was the president and owner of James G. Volpe Builder, Inc., of Monroeville, and a member and past president of the Allegheny County Builders Association. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Jamie Volpe; siblings, Rose Talarico, Clara Bacco, Josephine Leonardo, and Robert Volpe. He is survived by his brother, Arthur Volpe of Trafford; nephew, Dr. John Talarico and wife Gina of North Huntingdon; and niece, Lynda Bacco and late husband Arturo of North Versailles; and several other nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the FORGIE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, PA 15035, 412-823-8083, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Interment will follow in Crossroads Cemetery, Monroeville. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Palms at O'Neil as well as the staff at Bridges Hospice for the care given to James.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2014
More About James (Vincent) George Volpe:
Burial: Cross Roads Cemetery, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Virginia Cerganic:
VOLPE
VIRGINIA "GINY" (DOBS)
Of Monroeville, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2005; beloved wife of James Volpe; loving mother of the late Jamie A. Volpe; daughter of the late Virginia and Joe Cerganic; sister-in-law of Arthur and Shirley Volpe, Josephine Leanardo and Clara Bacco; niece of Joseph Medven of Tarrs, PA. Friends will be received Wed. 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the JOHN L. QUINLAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 975 Airbrake Ave., Turtle Creek. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael's Church, Pitcairn, Thurs. 10 am. (PG 12/19/05)
Child of James Volpe and Virginia Cerganic is:
33 i. Jamie A.4 Volpe, born in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died May 17, 1993 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Jamie A. Volpe:
Burial: Cross Roads Cemetery, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
17. Arthur John3 Volpe (Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born Abt. 1928. He married Shirley Armstrong.
Children of Arthur Volpe and Shirley Armstrong are:
34 i. Arthur John4 Volpe, born September 23, 1970 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 02, 1993.
Notes for Arthur John Volpe:
Arthur John Volpe Jr., 22, of Trafford, died Tuesday, March 2, 1993, due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. He was born Sept. 23, 1970, in Pittsburgh, a son of Arthur J. and Shirley Armstrong Volpe. He was a graduate of Penn-Trafford High School, class of 1989. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Michelle Greene of Kennedy Township and Melanie Heuston of Shadyside; a niece, Mallory Greene; and a friend, Danny Todd. Friends will be received at the JOHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME, 429 Duquesne Ave., Trafford, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Regis Church, Trafford. Entombment will follow in the New St. Joseph Mausoleum, North Versailles.
More About Arthur John Volpe:
Burial: St. Joseph Mausoleum, North Versailles, Allegheny Co., Pa.
35 ii. Michelle Louise Volpe. She married William J. Greene May 1982.
36 iii. Melanie Volpe. She married Ted R. Heuston July 13, 1991 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born August 01, 1963 in Altoona, Blair Co., Pa.; died November 04, 2000 in Martinsburg, Pa..
Notes for Ted R. Heuston:
HEUSTON TED R. Age 37, of Pgh., formerly of Roaring Spring, PA, died Saturday, November 4, 2000, at Homewood Retirement Center, Martinsburg, PA, following an extended illness. He was born August 1, 1963 in Altoona, the son of Ronald and Linda (Dutrow) Heuston. He married Melanie Volpe, July 13, 1991, in Pgh. They had two children Madison, 6 and Harrison, 2. Mr. Heuston was a 1981 graduate of Central High School, Martinsburg, PA. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1985 and in 1988, graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was employed as an attorney by Reed, Smith, Shaw and McClay of Pittsburgh having worked in both their Pgh. and New York City offices. Among other interests, he was an avid runner who ran in the New York City, Pgh. and Chicago marathons. He is survived by his wife and children of Pgh.; his parents; two brothers, Wade, of Roaring Spring, PA and Brad, of Martinsburg, PA; and one sister, Suzann Burk, of Bethesda, MD. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9pm on Mon., Nov. 6, 2000 at THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME, Roaring Spring, PA. The funeral will be held on Tues., Nov. 7, 2000 at 11am at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Roaring Spring, PA by Rev. Charles Baughman. Interment will be at Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, PA. A scholarship is being set up in Mr. Heuston's memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Blair County Community Endowment, 1216 11th Avenue, Suite 315, Altoona, PA 16601. Donations should be directed to the Heuston Scholarship Fund.
More About Ted R. Heuston:
Burial: Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, Pa.
21. John Louis3 Volpe (Louis2, Ignazio1) was born August 03, 1923 in Wilmerding, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died December 21, 1970 in Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Dorothy Hardin 1947. She was born January 09, 1925 in Monessen, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for John Louis Volpe:
In 1947, a hotel proprietor.
Child of John Volpe and Dorothy Hardin is:
37 i. Katherine Ann4 Volpe. She married (Husband) DeRoy June 1970.
Generation No. 4
31. Arturo V.4 Bacco (Clara Louise3 Volpe, Giovanni "Prince Johnnie"2, Ignazio1) was born August 09, 1942, and died May 19, 2010. He married Lynda J. Rosgone Abt. 1966.
Notes for Arturo V. Bacco:
BACCO
ARTURO V.
67, of North Versailles, on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Son of Clara (Volpe) Bacco and the late Arthur; devoted husband of 44 years to Lynda J. (Rosgone) Bacco; loving father of Deana (William) Fry; beloved grandfather of Nicholas Fry; also aunts and uncles including Uncle James Volpe; and cousins. The family will gather to celebrate his life 7-9pm Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9pm Friday at the FORGIE - SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, 412-823-8083. Mass Saturday 1pm St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Because of his love for animals the family has requested contributions to Pet Friends, PO Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642.
Child of Arturo Bacco and Lynda Rosgone is:
38 i. Deana5 Bacco.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia
Descendants of Salvatore Imburgia
Generation No. 1
1. SALVATORE1 IMBURGIA He married BENEDETTA SACCONE.
Child of SALVATORE IMBURGIA and BENEDETTA SACCONE is:
2. i. FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, b. August 20, 1865, Campofelice di Roccella,Sicily, Italy; d. January 15, 1927, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA (SALVATORE1) was born August 20, 1865 in Campo Felice Roccella, Sicily, Italy, and died January 15, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA Abt. 1887. She was born 1872 in Italy, and died January 10, 1954 in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
Notes for FILIPPE IMBURGIA:
In 1906, at time of birth of Benedetta, residing at 2023 Ann St., Pittsburgh Ward 6.
Accused in November 1910 of having participated in a Black Hand extortion.
1910 CENSUS PA Allegheny Pittsburgh Ward 1 ED 292 Family 22
Phillip Murche, 45, m1 23y, IT IT IT, arr 1899, driver own wagon
Margaret, 38, m1 23y, 9 children 9 living, IT IT IT, arr 1909; Thomas, 22, IT, arr 1909; Tony, 19, IT, arr 1908; Frank, 17, IT, arr
1903; Joseph, 15, IT, arr 1903; James, 12, IT, arr 1909; Bennie, 7, IT; Michael, 5; Lucy, 4; Charles, 2
Petition for Naturalization #11827, filed in District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Filed May 4, 1914.
Filippe Imburgia, 9 Van Braam St., Pittburgh. An expressman.
Born August 15, 1865, at Campo Felise, Italy.
Sailed from Naple, Italy aboard the SS Priness Helena, arrived in NYC November 15, 1898.
Married to Domenica, who was born in Italy and resides with petitioner.
Has 10 children, all now residing in Pittsburgh. The first five were born in Italy, the remainder in Pittsburgh.
Salvatore, Jan. 28, 1885; Antonio, Oct. 12, 1891; Francesco, oct. 10, 1893; Giuseppe, Jan. 25, 1895; Vincenzo, Nov. 29, 1898; Benedettee, Sept. 5, 1901; Domenico, July 20, 1903; Benedetta, March 17, 1906; Egidio, Jan. 20, 1908' Domenica, Oct. 28, 1911.
Arrived in Pittsburgh the day after his arrival.
Witnesses: Filippe Badali, a merchant of Wilkinsburg, and Nunzie Martine, a stone mason of Pittsburgh.
Naturalized November 10, 1914, Naturalization Certificate #529254.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Pittsburgh Ward 1 ED 328 Family 140
Philip Murgie, 55, IT, arr 1900, laborer for city
Minnie, 48, IT, arr 1900; Mike, 16; Louise, 13; Charles, 12; Minnie, 8;
Frank, 26, IT arr 1902, Antoinette, 18
At time of death, residing at 59 Marion St., Pittsburgh Ward 1. Witness on death certificate, Joseph Imburgia.
More About FILIPPE IMBURGIA:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA:
MURGIE (Imburgia), at Warren, Ohio, on Sunday, Jan. 10, 1954, Minnie, mother of Mrs. Minnie Bellows, Mrs. Charles Imburgia, Charles, Michael and Benjamin, of Warren, Ohio; James, of Phila., Pa.; Joseph and Thomas of Pittsburgh, Pa.; also survived by 1 brother, Thomas Manna, and 1 sister, Mary; nine grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Friends received at the McAvoy Funeral HOme, 1700 Forbes St. Funeral on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. Requiem high mass at St. Peter the Apostle Church, Fernando St., at 9:30.
More About MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of FILIPPE IMBURGIA and MARGARET MANNA are:
i. THOMAS (SALVATORE)3 MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. January 29, 1889, Italy; d. January 30, 1964, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; m. MARGARET (MARIA) BUTLER; b. May 10, 1894; d. December 15, 1975.
Notes for THOMAS (SALVATORE) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
TWO BROTHERS ACCUSED OF ATTACK ON COBBLER
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 1936
Charged with beating Tony Anderson in his cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth avenue because he spoke disparagingly of their brothers in the Western Penitentiary, Charles and Thomas Murgie of Marion street, were held at Center avenue station yesterday, according to police. Anderson told Patrolman Robert Wagner that he inquired about Ben amd Mike Murgie who are serving live sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway.
At time of death, residing at 7117 Frankstown Ave.
More About THOMAS (SALVATORE) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About MARGARET (MARIA) BUTLER:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
3. ii. ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE, b. October 11, 1890, Italy; d. February 04, 1939, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
iii. FRANK (FRANCESCO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. October 10, 1893, Italy; d. Bet. 1920 - 1954; m. ANTOINETTE (MURGIE); b. Abt. 1902, Pennsylvania; d. Aft. 1920.
iv. JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE, b. January 25, 1895, Italy; d. January 15, 1967; m. JOSEPHINE CAPODANNO; b. Abt. 1905; d. Aft. July 1959.
Notes for JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE:
IMBURGIA (Murgi), on Sunday, Jan. 15, 1967, Joseph Imburgia, beloved husband of Josephine Capodanno, brother of Mrs. Lucy Imburgia, of Warren, Ohio, Mrs. Minnie Bellas, of Warren, Ohio, james, of Philadelphia, Benjamin of Warren, Ohio, and Charles Imburgia, of Warren, Ohio. Friends received at the Edward J. McAvoy Funeral Home, 1700 Forbes Ave. Funeral on Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock. Solemn requiem high mass in the Church of the Epiphany at 10 a.m.
JOSEPH IMBURGIA, The Pittsburgh Press, January 19, 1967
Requiem mass will be sung at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Church of the Epiphany, Uptown, for Joseph Imburgia, who was employed by the City's Department of Recreation for 26 years. Mr. Imburgia, of 1325 Fifth Ave., Uptown, died Sunday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Aspinwall. During most of his service with the Department of Recreation Mr. Imburgia was assigned to the Oliver pool in South Park.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Josephine Capanno [sic] Imburgia; three brothers, James, of Philadelphia; and Benjamin and Charles, both of Warren, Ohio; and two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Imburgia and Mrs. Minnie Bellas, both of Warren.
Friends are being received at the Edward J McAvoy Funeral Home, 1700 Forbes Ave., Uptown, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
More About JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
v. JAMES (VINCENZO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. November 28, 1897; d. February 1972.
Notes for JAMES (VINCENZO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
By 1940, in Philadelphia.
vi. BENJAMIN A. (BENEDETTO) MURGIE, b. September 14, 1902, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. July 28, 1986, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
Notes for BENJAMIN A. (BENEDETTO) MURGIE:
Incarcerated June 15, 1923, Western State Penitentiary, 3-5 years in connection with a gang rape.
Incarcerated February 21, 1928, Western State Penitentiary, No. 644, life imprisonment for murder, 1st degree, for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. In 1928, was transferred to a Philadelphia penitentiary after being involved in prison riots at Western Penitentiary. In 1931, Benjamin was involved in a knife fight at Eastern Pen.
Received a commutation of his sentence in December 1938.
Released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh in late 30s/early 1940s after conviction on a first degree murder charge. Relocated to Warren, Ohio.
Ohio Deaths, 1908-1944 and 1958-2002
Name: Benjamin A Imburgia
Birth Date: Est. 1903, Pennsylvania
Male, white
Residence: Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Death Date: 28 Jul 1986, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Certificate: 088602
Age at Death: 83
Social Security Number: 288-14-6805
Marital Status: Married
Occupation of Decedent: Operating engineers
vii. MICHAEL (DOMENICO) MURGIE, b. July 20, 1904, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. April 03, 1960, Warren, Ohio; m. RUTH (MURGIE/IMBURGIA).
Notes for MICHAEL (DOMENICO) MURGIE:
Incarcerated February 21, 1928, Western State Penitentiary, No. 645, life imprisonment for murder, 1st degree, for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. His sentence was commuted by the governor in December 1941.
Released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh in early 1940s after conviction on a first degree murder charge. Relocated to Warren, Ohio.
IMBURGIA (Murgie) - Mike, on Sunday, April 3, 1960, in Warren, O., survived by his wife Ruth, one son, Edward, brothers Thomas and Joseph, both of Pittsburgh, also three other brothers, two sisters. Friends received Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Roberts Memorial Home, Warren, O. Services at Warren, O., Thursday morning. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 5, 1960.
viii. LUCY (BENEDETTA) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. March 17, 1906, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. Aft. January 1967.
4. ix. CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE, b. January 20, 1908, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. March 07, 2002, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
x. DOMENICA MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. October 28, 1911, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. Aft. January 1967; m. (HUSBAND) BELLAS.
Generation No. 3
3. ANTHONY (ANTONIO)3 MURGIE (FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born October 11, 1890 in Italy, and died February 04, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married MARY PRINCE. She was born 1898, and died August 08, 1968 in Fort Charlotte, Florida.
Notes for ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE:
In 1918, residing at 1630 Watson St., Pittsburgh Ward 1.At time of death, residing at 69 Marion St., Pittsburgh. Was divorced.
More About ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About MARY PRINCE:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of ANTHONY MURGIE and MARY PRINCE are:
5. i. PHILIP4 MURGIE, b. February 17, 1918, Ambridge, Beaver Co., Pa.; d. April 13, 1988, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
ii. MINNIE MURGIE, b. January 07, 1917, Ohio; d. December 11, 1918, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About MINNIE MURGIE:
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Lawrenceville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
iii. JOSEPH A. MURGIE, b. August 05, 1925, Oakmont, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. February 25, 1949, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for JOSEPH A. MURGIE:
At time of death, resident of 10834 Massi Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
More About JOSEPH A. MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
iv. MINNIE MURGIE, m. JOHN LOGIODICE.
4. CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO)3 MURGIE (FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born January 20, 1908 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 07, 2002 in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio. He married LAURA DELVECCHIO May 08, 1936, daughter of ALFREDO DELVECCHIO and GIOVANNINA PELINO. She was born November 16, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died July 18, 2013.
Notes for CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE:
Probably the Charles Murgie who was indicted in March 1934, along with Frank Valenti and others, in connection with the Winer Style Shop robbery.
TWO BROTHERS ACCUSED OF ATTACK ON COBBLER
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 1936
Charged with beating Tony Anderson in his cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth avenue because he spoke disparagingly of their brothers in the Western Penitentiary, Charles and Thomas Murgie of Marion street, were held at Center avenue station yesterday, according to police. Anderson told Patrolman Robert Wagner that he inquired about Ben amd Mike Murgie who are serving life sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway.
Also indicted with the rum ring tried in federal court May 1937.
Charles Imburgia, also known as "Charles Murgie", has been a Pittsburgh LCN consigliere since at least 1989. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report at 120). Like Sica, he is not active in the day-to-day activities of the Pittsburgh LCN, but is called in to mediate disputes. See id. His nephew, Anthony Murgie, is an LCN associate who is known to have met with Genovese at L.A. Motors. See id.
Pittsburgh LCN member Charles Imburgia, 84, of Warren, Ohio, and Deerfield Beach, Fla. (1992)
Ohio Deaths, 1908-1944 and 1958-2002
Name: Charles Murgie
Birth Date: 20 Jan 1908, Pennsylvania, United States
Male, White, Not Hispanic
Residence City: Niles, Trumbull Co., Ohio 44446
Death Date: 7 Mar 2002, Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Certificate: 025436, Registrar's Certificate Number: 00382
Social Security Number: 200-14-5171
Father's Surname: Imburgia Mother's Maiden Name: Manna
Marital Status: Married Education: 8 Armed Forces Indicator: Yes Branch of Service: Army
It should be noted that the Sunrise Inn located on 510 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio, is owned by Charles Imburgia, also known as Charles Murgie and "Little Charlie." The Murgies have been in the Warren, Ohio, vicinity for approximately 17 or 18 years, having settled there after Benjamin and Mike Imburgia were released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh, following sentences for first degree murder. Charles Imburgia is a brother of Mike and Benjamin and both are related to D. G. Imburgia, known as "Big Charlie", who has a business located at 2416 Youngstown Road, S.E., Warren, Ohio. [FBI - 1958]
Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia who took over in 1973 after the death of Frank Amato Sr. until his death in 2002. Charlie lived in Warren, OH just outside of Youngstown and his son in law owns the largest bingo supply distributor in the country called Nannicola Inc., in which Charlie had a piece and basically every church, ITAM post and social hall ordered their supplies from ther company. Chharlie was also skimming millions of dollars per year between Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia Bingo games. jcb
The recent file I ordered that is being processed is of longtime Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia, originally from Pittsburgh (his brothers Mike and Ben were convicted of murder) but a longtime resident of the Youngstown/Warren, OH area and owned a legitimate business for over 50 years called the Sunrise Inn, one of the best pizza joints in the area. Charlie died back in 2002 at 92 and was never convicted of any serious crime. Charlie was arguably one of the most powerful OC figures in Pittsburgh's history and kingpin of the Trumbull County, OH rackets for over 50 years. Anyway, his file dates back to the late 1930's and is over 30,000 pages. I had to go over the whole file with my case agent to try and eliminate a lot of duplicates, elsur reports, airtel reports etc. When it's all said and done, I'll get about 11,000 pages over a 60 year period. I pay $15 per disc and I pay directly to a website called pay.gov.
CHARLES MURGIE
Niles - Charles "Charlie" Murgie, 94, 1155 Shadowridge Drive, died at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2002, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 20, 1908, in Pittsburgh, a son of Philip and Minnie Manna Imburgia, and moved to Warren in 1942 and to Niles in 1990. Mr. Murgie retired in 1979 as owner and operator of Sunrise Inn in downtown Warren after working 50 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and a charter member of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Mahoning Valley Chapter. Mr. Murgie enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Laura DelVecchio Murgie, whom he married May 8, 1936; two daughters, Phyllis Coviello of Chesterland and Janet Nannicola of Warren; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Seven brothers, Benny, Mike, Joe, Tom, Frank, Jim and Tony Imburgia, and two sisters, Domenica "Minnie" Bellas and Lucy Imburgia, are deceased. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel. The funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Church, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna. Material tributes can be made to John F. Kennedy High School, 2550 Central Parkway S.E., Warren 44484.
Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia who took over in 1973 after the death of Frank Amato Sr. until his death in 2002. Charlie lived in Warren, OH just outside of Youngstown and his son in law owns the largest bingo supply distributor in the country called Nannicola Inc., in which Charlie had a piece and basically every church, ITAM post and social hall ordered their supplies from ther company. Chharlie was also skimming millions of dollars per year between Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia Bingo games. He gifted Nannicola, Inc. to his son-in-law, Frank, as a wedding present. Charlie very quietly owned the majority of Nannicola due to his ability and bankroll to provide the huge amount of bingo accounts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Buffalo, NY. This very guarded reception, a sit-down dinner for 1,500, was held at the Mural Room, downtown Youngstown, in 1965. Jo Jo gifted the bride and groom his and her Ford Thunderbirds. Michael's gift was a simple black brief case carried by two rather large gentlemen. _jcb
More About CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE:
Burial: Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna, Ohio
Children of CHARLES MURGIE and LAURA DELVECCHIO are:
6. i. JANET4 MURGIE.
ii. PHYLLIS MURGIE, m. (HUSBAND) COVIELLO.
Generation No. 4
5. PHILIP4 MURGIE (ANTHONY (ANTONIO)3, FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born February 17, 1918 in Ambridge, Beaver Co., Pa., and died April 13, 1988 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (1) ROSE MARIE SPALINO, daughter of FRANK SPALINO and ANNIE (SPALINO). She was born July 18, 1916, and died September 04, 2009. He married (2) SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO May 07, 1974 in Winchester, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, daughter of ARTHUR PROVIANO and LOUISE IORIO. She was born February 02, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died May 22, 1993.
Notes for PHILIP MURGIE:
In 1937, charged with auto theft and firearms violations.
In 1940, Phil Murgie was an inmate in the Allegheny Co. Workhouse.
1948 arrested with pool tickets. He supposedly was working as a waiter at Spaghetti Village in Pittsburgh.
In 1949, residing at 3272 Arlington Ave., Pittsburgh.
In 1950, residing at 5 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh 15.
Implicated in 1952 in the robbery of the Homestead Police Chief's safe in 1949.
Tried along with Sam Tedesco in 1953 for the robbery of a safe at the home of Homestead Police Chief Thomas Conlin.
Questioned along with Sam Tedesco and Louis Raucci in connection with 1957 bombings.
Involved with untaxed whisky in 1960s.
1958, residing 8147 Chaske Street, Penn Twp., Pa., and owned Phil's Pizzeria, location unknown. Reported by a neighbor that he formerly worked as a numbers writer in the Hill District. Arrested a few years before by PPD for numbers writing. It was alleged that he came to Pgh from Warren or Youngstown Ohio.
May have been indicted in the Turkish whisky conspiracy in 1963-64. Samuel Tedesco of Fairlawn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, reputed head of the whisky ring; his son, Louis S. Tedesco of Mayflower Street, East Liberty; Mario Anzelone, Prince Street, East Liberty; Philip Murgie, Chaske Street, Verona, and Eugene Perrone of Locust Street.
In 1974, residing at 1126 Oakmont Ave.
Divorce July 1979. Remarried Sue Proviano Tedesco in Winchester, Va., February 20, 1980. In 1980, residing at 225 Alcoma Blvd., Pittsburgh.
Philip Murgie, 70, a retired Pittsburgh Press truck driver, died of a heart attack yesterday in Shadyside Hospital. Mr. Murgie of Wildwood Avenue, Verona, retired in 1985 after 15 years with the Press. He was a member of the Verona Eagles and The Oakmont italian American Civic Club. Arrangements are by the Thomas D. English Funeral Home, 378 Maryland Avenue, Oakmont.
Murgie, on Mon. April 18, 1988, Phillip, of Verona; father of Anthony Murgie of New Kensington and Rose Anne Caruso of Oakmont; brother of Minnie ?Golgh of Fla.; also four grandchildren.
[PG April 19, 1988]
More About PHILIP MURGIE:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for ROSE MARIE SPALINO:
Rose Marie Murgie-Spalino, 93, of Oakmont, died Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Dear mother of Anthony (Marlene) Murgie and Roseanne (Bill) Beebe, all of Plum. Grandmother of four; and great-grandmother of eight. Sister of the late John and Nicholas Spalino. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ireneaus Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital.
Notes for SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO:
Tedesco was first marriage, according to 1974 marriage certificate. She was a widow.
Married Murgie May 7, 1974, in Winchester, Virginia.
Divorced and married someone else?
Divorced July 1979.
Remarried Murgie in 1980?
TEDESCO Sue (Proviano), on Saturday, May 22, 1993. Beloved wife of the late Samuel Tedesco; mother of Louis Tedesco, Louise Meising and Linda Scatena; sister of Lou Proviano. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Friends received Monday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home, 11311 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills. Funeral mass Tuesday 10 a.m St. Gerard Majella Church.
More About SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of PHILIP MURGIE and ROSE SPALINO are:
i. ANTHONY PHILIP5 MURGIE, b. March 14, 1942, Of New Kensington; m. MARLENE FERRANTE, October 17, 1988, Winchester, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia; b. April 12, 1940, Pennsylvania.
Notes for ANTHONY PHILIP MURGIE:
Marriage to Marlene was his fourth. His third marriage ended in divorce in 1983. At the time of the 1988 marriage, he was residing at 1044 McAllister Drive, New Kensington.
Charles Imburgia (Imburgia), also known as "Charles Murgie," has been a Pittsburgh LCN consigliere since at least 1989. (1990 PA Crime Report at 120). Like Sica, he is not active in the day-to-day activities of the Pittsburgh LCN, but is called in to mediate disputes. See id. His nephew, Anthony Murgie, is an LCN associate who is known to have met with Genovese at L.A. Motors. See id.
In 1992, the Verona Auto Sales on Allegheny River Boulevard in Verona was used by Michael Genovese to meet business associates. Pittsburgh LCN associate Anthony Murgie, 50, of New Kensington, owned the dealership.
In 2006, owner of 901 Allegheny River Blvd.
Tony P. Murgie, 1044 McAllister Dr., New Kensington, Pa.
Anthony Murgie, 48, 1044 McAllister Drive, New Kensington, is the nephew of Family member Charles Imburgia and is associated with Family leaders Charles Porter and Michael Genovese. Murgie, who is involved in gambling and extortion activities, is the owner/operator of Verona Auto Sales, Verona. (PCC 90)
Notes for MARLENE FERRANTE:
Marriage to Maturo was her second. Ended in divorce, Sept. 19, 1986
ii. ROSE ANNE MURGIE, m. (1) (HUSBAND) CARUSO; m. (2) WILLIAM BEEBE.
6. JANET4 MURGIE (CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO)3, FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) She married FRANK NANNICOLA June 04, 1966 in Warren, Ohio.
Notes for FRANK NANNICOLA:
Pacar Center, on or before 1992, bought nearly all of its bingo supplies and most of its strip tickets from Nannicola Wholesale Co. of Warren, Ohio, owned by Frank Nannicola and managed by his son, Charles.
Child of JANET MURGIE and FRANK NANNICOLA is:
i. CHARLES5 NANNICOLA.
Descendants of Salvatore Imburgia
Generation No. 1
1. SALVATORE1 IMBURGIA He married BENEDETTA SACCONE.
Child of SALVATORE IMBURGIA and BENEDETTA SACCONE is:
2. i. FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, b. August 20, 1865, Campofelice di Roccella,Sicily, Italy; d. January 15, 1927, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA (SALVATORE1) was born August 20, 1865 in Campo Felice Roccella, Sicily, Italy, and died January 15, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA Abt. 1887. She was born 1872 in Italy, and died January 10, 1954 in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
Notes for FILIPPE IMBURGIA:
In 1906, at time of birth of Benedetta, residing at 2023 Ann St., Pittsburgh Ward 6.
Accused in November 1910 of having participated in a Black Hand extortion.
1910 CENSUS PA Allegheny Pittsburgh Ward 1 ED 292 Family 22
Phillip Murche, 45, m1 23y, IT IT IT, arr 1899, driver own wagon
Margaret, 38, m1 23y, 9 children 9 living, IT IT IT, arr 1909; Thomas, 22, IT, arr 1909; Tony, 19, IT, arr 1908; Frank, 17, IT, arr
1903; Joseph, 15, IT, arr 1903; James, 12, IT, arr 1909; Bennie, 7, IT; Michael, 5; Lucy, 4; Charles, 2
Petition for Naturalization #11827, filed in District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Filed May 4, 1914.
Filippe Imburgia, 9 Van Braam St., Pittburgh. An expressman.
Born August 15, 1865, at Campo Felise, Italy.
Sailed from Naple, Italy aboard the SS Priness Helena, arrived in NYC November 15, 1898.
Married to Domenica, who was born in Italy and resides with petitioner.
Has 10 children, all now residing in Pittsburgh. The first five were born in Italy, the remainder in Pittsburgh.
Salvatore, Jan. 28, 1885; Antonio, Oct. 12, 1891; Francesco, oct. 10, 1893; Giuseppe, Jan. 25, 1895; Vincenzo, Nov. 29, 1898; Benedettee, Sept. 5, 1901; Domenico, July 20, 1903; Benedetta, March 17, 1906; Egidio, Jan. 20, 1908' Domenica, Oct. 28, 1911.
Arrived in Pittsburgh the day after his arrival.
Witnesses: Filippe Badali, a merchant of Wilkinsburg, and Nunzie Martine, a stone mason of Pittsburgh.
Naturalized November 10, 1914, Naturalization Certificate #529254.
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny C Pittsburgh Ward 1 ED 328 Family 140
Philip Murgie, 55, IT, arr 1900, laborer for city
Minnie, 48, IT, arr 1900; Mike, 16; Louise, 13; Charles, 12; Minnie, 8;
Frank, 26, IT arr 1902, Antoinette, 18
At time of death, residing at 59 Marion St., Pittsburgh Ward 1. Witness on death certificate, Joseph Imburgia.
More About FILIPPE IMBURGIA:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA:
MURGIE (Imburgia), at Warren, Ohio, on Sunday, Jan. 10, 1954, Minnie, mother of Mrs. Minnie Bellows, Mrs. Charles Imburgia, Charles, Michael and Benjamin, of Warren, Ohio; James, of Phila., Pa.; Joseph and Thomas of Pittsburgh, Pa.; also survived by 1 brother, Thomas Manna, and 1 sister, Mary; nine grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Friends received at the McAvoy Funeral HOme, 1700 Forbes St. Funeral on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. Requiem high mass at St. Peter the Apostle Church, Fernando St., at 9:30.
More About MARGARET "MINNIE" MANNA:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of FILIPPE IMBURGIA and MARGARET MANNA are:
i. THOMAS (SALVATORE)3 MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. January 29, 1889, Italy; d. January 30, 1964, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; m. MARGARET (MARIA) BUTLER; b. May 10, 1894; d. December 15, 1975.
Notes for THOMAS (SALVATORE) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
TWO BROTHERS ACCUSED OF ATTACK ON COBBLER
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 1936
Charged with beating Tony Anderson in his cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth avenue because he spoke disparagingly of their brothers in the Western Penitentiary, Charles and Thomas Murgie of Marion street, were held at Center avenue station yesterday, according to police. Anderson told Patrolman Robert Wagner that he inquired about Ben amd Mike Murgie who are serving live sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway.
At time of death, residing at 7117 Frankstown Ave.
More About THOMAS (SALVATORE) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About MARGARET (MARIA) BUTLER:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
3. ii. ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE, b. October 11, 1890, Italy; d. February 04, 1939, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
iii. FRANK (FRANCESCO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. October 10, 1893, Italy; d. Bet. 1920 - 1954; m. ANTOINETTE (MURGIE); b. Abt. 1902, Pennsylvania; d. Aft. 1920.
iv. JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE, b. January 25, 1895, Italy; d. January 15, 1967; m. JOSEPHINE CAPODANNO; b. Abt. 1905; d. Aft. July 1959.
Notes for JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE:
IMBURGIA (Murgi), on Sunday, Jan. 15, 1967, Joseph Imburgia, beloved husband of Josephine Capodanno, brother of Mrs. Lucy Imburgia, of Warren, Ohio, Mrs. Minnie Bellas, of Warren, Ohio, james, of Philadelphia, Benjamin of Warren, Ohio, and Charles Imburgia, of Warren, Ohio. Friends received at the Edward J. McAvoy Funeral Home, 1700 Forbes Ave. Funeral on Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock. Solemn requiem high mass in the Church of the Epiphany at 10 a.m.
JOSEPH IMBURGIA, The Pittsburgh Press, January 19, 1967
Requiem mass will be sung at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Church of the Epiphany, Uptown, for Joseph Imburgia, who was employed by the City's Department of Recreation for 26 years. Mr. Imburgia, of 1325 Fifth Ave., Uptown, died Sunday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Aspinwall. During most of his service with the Department of Recreation Mr. Imburgia was assigned to the Oliver pool in South Park.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Josephine Capanno [sic] Imburgia; three brothers, James, of Philadelphia; and Benjamin and Charles, both of Warren, Ohio; and two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Imburgia and Mrs. Minnie Bellas, both of Warren.
Friends are being received at the Edward J McAvoy Funeral Home, 1700 Forbes Ave., Uptown, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
More About JOSEPH (GIUSEPPE) MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
v. JAMES (VINCENZO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. November 28, 1897; d. February 1972.
Notes for JAMES (VINCENZO) MURGIE/IMBURGIA:
By 1940, in Philadelphia.
vi. BENJAMIN A. (BENEDETTO) MURGIE, b. September 14, 1902, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. July 28, 1986, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
Notes for BENJAMIN A. (BENEDETTO) MURGIE:
Incarcerated June 15, 1923, Western State Penitentiary, 3-5 years in connection with a gang rape.
Incarcerated February 21, 1928, Western State Penitentiary, No. 644, life imprisonment for murder, 1st degree, for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. In 1928, was transferred to a Philadelphia penitentiary after being involved in prison riots at Western Penitentiary. In 1931, Benjamin was involved in a knife fight at Eastern Pen.
Received a commutation of his sentence in December 1938.
Released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh in late 30s/early 1940s after conviction on a first degree murder charge. Relocated to Warren, Ohio.
Ohio Deaths, 1908-1944 and 1958-2002
Name: Benjamin A Imburgia
Birth Date: Est. 1903, Pennsylvania
Male, white
Residence: Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Death Date: 28 Jul 1986, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Certificate: 088602
Age at Death: 83
Social Security Number: 288-14-6805
Marital Status: Married
Occupation of Decedent: Operating engineers
vii. MICHAEL (DOMENICO) MURGIE, b. July 20, 1904, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. April 03, 1960, Warren, Ohio; m. RUTH (MURGIE/IMBURGIA).
Notes for MICHAEL (DOMENICO) MURGIE:
Incarcerated February 21, 1928, Western State Penitentiary, No. 645, life imprisonment for murder, 1st degree, for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. His sentence was commuted by the governor in December 1941.
Released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh in early 1940s after conviction on a first degree murder charge. Relocated to Warren, Ohio.
IMBURGIA (Murgie) - Mike, on Sunday, April 3, 1960, in Warren, O., survived by his wife Ruth, one son, Edward, brothers Thomas and Joseph, both of Pittsburgh, also three other brothers, two sisters. Friends received Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Roberts Memorial Home, Warren, O. Services at Warren, O., Thursday morning. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 5, 1960.
viii. LUCY (BENEDETTA) MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. March 17, 1906, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. Aft. January 1967.
4. ix. CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE, b. January 20, 1908, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. March 07, 2002, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.
x. DOMENICA MURGIE/IMBURGIA, b. October 28, 1911, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. Aft. January 1967; m. (HUSBAND) BELLAS.
Generation No. 3
3. ANTHONY (ANTONIO)3 MURGIE (FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born October 11, 1890 in Italy, and died February 04, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married MARY PRINCE. She was born 1898, and died August 08, 1968 in Fort Charlotte, Florida.
Notes for ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE:
In 1918, residing at 1630 Watson St., Pittsburgh Ward 1.At time of death, residing at 69 Marion St., Pittsburgh. Was divorced.
More About ANTHONY (ANTONIO) MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About MARY PRINCE:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of ANTHONY MURGIE and MARY PRINCE are:
5. i. PHILIP4 MURGIE, b. February 17, 1918, Ambridge, Beaver Co., Pa.; d. April 13, 1988, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
ii. MINNIE MURGIE, b. January 07, 1917, Ohio; d. December 11, 1918, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About MINNIE MURGIE:
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Lawrenceville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
iii. JOSEPH A. MURGIE, b. August 05, 1925, Oakmont, Allegheny Co., Pa.; d. February 25, 1949, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for JOSEPH A. MURGIE:
At time of death, resident of 10834 Massi Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
More About JOSEPH A. MURGIE:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
iv. MINNIE MURGIE, m. JOHN LOGIODICE.
4. CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO)3 MURGIE (FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born January 20, 1908 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 07, 2002 in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio. He married LAURA DELVECCHIO May 08, 1936, daughter of ALFREDO DELVECCHIO and GIOVANNINA PELINO. She was born November 16, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died July 18, 2013.
Notes for CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE:
Probably the Charles Murgie who was indicted in March 1934, along with Frank Valenti and others, in connection with the Winer Style Shop robbery.
TWO BROTHERS ACCUSED OF ATTACK ON COBBLER
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 1936
Charged with beating Tony Anderson in his cobbler shop at 1700 Fifth avenue because he spoke disparagingly of their brothers in the Western Penitentiary, Charles and Thomas Murgie of Marion street, were held at Center avenue station yesterday, according to police. Anderson told Patrolman Robert Wagner that he inquired about Ben amd Mike Murgie who are serving life sentences for killing Thomas Clynes in a Fifth Avenue gambling joint in 1926. He said that he intended no offense but that the men beat him anyway.
Also indicted with the rum ring tried in federal court May 1937.
Charles Imburgia, also known as "Charles Murgie", has been a Pittsburgh LCN consigliere since at least 1989. See GEB Ex. 92 (1990 PA Crime Report at 120). Like Sica, he is not active in the day-to-day activities of the Pittsburgh LCN, but is called in to mediate disputes. See id. His nephew, Anthony Murgie, is an LCN associate who is known to have met with Genovese at L.A. Motors. See id.
Pittsburgh LCN member Charles Imburgia, 84, of Warren, Ohio, and Deerfield Beach, Fla. (1992)
Ohio Deaths, 1908-1944 and 1958-2002
Name: Charles Murgie
Birth Date: 20 Jan 1908, Pennsylvania, United States
Male, White, Not Hispanic
Residence City: Niles, Trumbull Co., Ohio 44446
Death Date: 7 Mar 2002, Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio
Certificate: 025436, Registrar's Certificate Number: 00382
Social Security Number: 200-14-5171
Father's Surname: Imburgia Mother's Maiden Name: Manna
Marital Status: Married Education: 8 Armed Forces Indicator: Yes Branch of Service: Army
It should be noted that the Sunrise Inn located on 510 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio, is owned by Charles Imburgia, also known as Charles Murgie and "Little Charlie." The Murgies have been in the Warren, Ohio, vicinity for approximately 17 or 18 years, having settled there after Benjamin and Mike Imburgia were released from Western State Penitentiary, Pittsburgh, following sentences for first degree murder. Charles Imburgia is a brother of Mike and Benjamin and both are related to D. G. Imburgia, known as "Big Charlie", who has a business located at 2416 Youngstown Road, S.E., Warren, Ohio. [FBI - 1958]
Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia who took over in 1973 after the death of Frank Amato Sr. until his death in 2002. Charlie lived in Warren, OH just outside of Youngstown and his son in law owns the largest bingo supply distributor in the country called Nannicola Inc., in which Charlie had a piece and basically every church, ITAM post and social hall ordered their supplies from ther company. Chharlie was also skimming millions of dollars per year between Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia Bingo games. jcb
The recent file I ordered that is being processed is of longtime Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia, originally from Pittsburgh (his brothers Mike and Ben were convicted of murder) but a longtime resident of the Youngstown/Warren, OH area and owned a legitimate business for over 50 years called the Sunrise Inn, one of the best pizza joints in the area. Charlie died back in 2002 at 92 and was never convicted of any serious crime. Charlie was arguably one of the most powerful OC figures in Pittsburgh's history and kingpin of the Trumbull County, OH rackets for over 50 years. Anyway, his file dates back to the late 1930's and is over 30,000 pages. I had to go over the whole file with my case agent to try and eliminate a lot of duplicates, elsur reports, airtel reports etc. When it's all said and done, I'll get about 11,000 pages over a 60 year period. I pay $15 per disc and I pay directly to a website called pay.gov.
CHARLES MURGIE
Niles - Charles "Charlie" Murgie, 94, 1155 Shadowridge Drive, died at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2002, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 20, 1908, in Pittsburgh, a son of Philip and Minnie Manna Imburgia, and moved to Warren in 1942 and to Niles in 1990. Mr. Murgie retired in 1979 as owner and operator of Sunrise Inn in downtown Warren after working 50 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and a charter member of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Mahoning Valley Chapter. Mr. Murgie enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Laura DelVecchio Murgie, whom he married May 8, 1936; two daughters, Phyllis Coviello of Chesterland and Janet Nannicola of Warren; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Seven brothers, Benny, Mike, Joe, Tom, Frank, Jim and Tony Imburgia, and two sisters, Domenica "Minnie" Bellas and Lucy Imburgia, are deceased. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel. The funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Church, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna. Material tributes can be made to John F. Kennedy High School, 2550 Central Parkway S.E., Warren 44484.
Consigliere Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia who took over in 1973 after the death of Frank Amato Sr. until his death in 2002. Charlie lived in Warren, OH just outside of Youngstown and his son in law owns the largest bingo supply distributor in the country called Nannicola Inc., in which Charlie had a piece and basically every church, ITAM post and social hall ordered their supplies from ther company. Chharlie was also skimming millions of dollars per year between Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia Bingo games. He gifted Nannicola, Inc. to his son-in-law, Frank, as a wedding present. Charlie very quietly owned the majority of Nannicola due to his ability and bankroll to provide the huge amount of bingo accounts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Buffalo, NY. This very guarded reception, a sit-down dinner for 1,500, was held at the Mural Room, downtown Youngstown, in 1965. Jo Jo gifted the bride and groom his and her Ford Thunderbirds. Michael's gift was a simple black brief case carried by two rather large gentlemen. _jcb
More About CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO) MURGIE:
Burial: Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna, Ohio
Children of CHARLES MURGIE and LAURA DELVECCHIO are:
6. i. JANET4 MURGIE.
ii. PHYLLIS MURGIE, m. (HUSBAND) COVIELLO.
Generation No. 4
5. PHILIP4 MURGIE (ANTHONY (ANTONIO)3, FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) was born February 17, 1918 in Ambridge, Beaver Co., Pa., and died April 13, 1988 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (1) ROSE MARIE SPALINO, daughter of FRANK SPALINO and ANNIE (SPALINO). She was born July 18, 1916, and died September 04, 2009. He married (2) SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO May 07, 1974 in Winchester, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, daughter of ARTHUR PROVIANO and LOUISE IORIO. She was born February 02, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died May 22, 1993.
Notes for PHILIP MURGIE:
In 1937, charged with auto theft and firearms violations.
In 1940, Phil Murgie was an inmate in the Allegheny Co. Workhouse.
1948 arrested with pool tickets. He supposedly was working as a waiter at Spaghetti Village in Pittsburgh.
In 1949, residing at 3272 Arlington Ave., Pittsburgh.
In 1950, residing at 5 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh 15.
Implicated in 1952 in the robbery of the Homestead Police Chief's safe in 1949.
Tried along with Sam Tedesco in 1953 for the robbery of a safe at the home of Homestead Police Chief Thomas Conlin.
Questioned along with Sam Tedesco and Louis Raucci in connection with 1957 bombings.
Involved with untaxed whisky in 1960s.
1958, residing 8147 Chaske Street, Penn Twp., Pa., and owned Phil's Pizzeria, location unknown. Reported by a neighbor that he formerly worked as a numbers writer in the Hill District. Arrested a few years before by PPD for numbers writing. It was alleged that he came to Pgh from Warren or Youngstown Ohio.
May have been indicted in the Turkish whisky conspiracy in 1963-64. Samuel Tedesco of Fairlawn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, reputed head of the whisky ring; his son, Louis S. Tedesco of Mayflower Street, East Liberty; Mario Anzelone, Prince Street, East Liberty; Philip Murgie, Chaske Street, Verona, and Eugene Perrone of Locust Street.
In 1974, residing at 1126 Oakmont Ave.
Divorce July 1979. Remarried Sue Proviano Tedesco in Winchester, Va., February 20, 1980. In 1980, residing at 225 Alcoma Blvd., Pittsburgh.
Philip Murgie, 70, a retired Pittsburgh Press truck driver, died of a heart attack yesterday in Shadyside Hospital. Mr. Murgie of Wildwood Avenue, Verona, retired in 1985 after 15 years with the Press. He was a member of the Verona Eagles and The Oakmont italian American Civic Club. Arrangements are by the Thomas D. English Funeral Home, 378 Maryland Avenue, Oakmont.
Murgie, on Mon. April 18, 1988, Phillip, of Verona; father of Anthony Murgie of New Kensington and Rose Anne Caruso of Oakmont; brother of Minnie ?Golgh of Fla.; also four grandchildren.
[PG April 19, 1988]
More About PHILIP MURGIE:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for ROSE MARIE SPALINO:
Rose Marie Murgie-Spalino, 93, of Oakmont, died Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Dear mother of Anthony (Marlene) Murgie and Roseanne (Bill) Beebe, all of Plum. Grandmother of four; and great-grandmother of eight. Sister of the late John and Nicholas Spalino. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ireneaus Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital.
Notes for SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO:
Tedesco was first marriage, according to 1974 marriage certificate. She was a widow.
Married Murgie May 7, 1974, in Winchester, Virginia.
Divorced and married someone else?
Divorced July 1979.
Remarried Murgie in 1980?
TEDESCO Sue (Proviano), on Saturday, May 22, 1993. Beloved wife of the late Samuel Tedesco; mother of Louis Tedesco, Louise Meising and Linda Scatena; sister of Lou Proviano. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Friends received Monday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home, 11311 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills. Funeral mass Tuesday 10 a.m St. Gerard Majella Church.
More About SUE (ASSUNTA CARMELLA) PROVIANO:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of PHILIP MURGIE and ROSE SPALINO are:
i. ANTHONY PHILIP5 MURGIE, b. March 14, 1942, Of New Kensington; m. MARLENE FERRANTE, October 17, 1988, Winchester, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia; b. April 12, 1940, Pennsylvania.
Notes for ANTHONY PHILIP MURGIE:
Marriage to Marlene was his fourth. His third marriage ended in divorce in 1983. At the time of the 1988 marriage, he was residing at 1044 McAllister Drive, New Kensington.
Charles Imburgia (Imburgia), also known as "Charles Murgie," has been a Pittsburgh LCN consigliere since at least 1989. (1990 PA Crime Report at 120). Like Sica, he is not active in the day-to-day activities of the Pittsburgh LCN, but is called in to mediate disputes. See id. His nephew, Anthony Murgie, is an LCN associate who is known to have met with Genovese at L.A. Motors. See id.
In 1992, the Verona Auto Sales on Allegheny River Boulevard in Verona was used by Michael Genovese to meet business associates. Pittsburgh LCN associate Anthony Murgie, 50, of New Kensington, owned the dealership.
In 2006, owner of 901 Allegheny River Blvd.
Tony P. Murgie, 1044 McAllister Dr., New Kensington, Pa.
Anthony Murgie, 48, 1044 McAllister Drive, New Kensington, is the nephew of Family member Charles Imburgia and is associated with Family leaders Charles Porter and Michael Genovese. Murgie, who is involved in gambling and extortion activities, is the owner/operator of Verona Auto Sales, Verona. (PCC 90)
Notes for MARLENE FERRANTE:
Marriage to Maturo was her second. Ended in divorce, Sept. 19, 1986
ii. ROSE ANNE MURGIE, m. (1) (HUSBAND) CARUSO; m. (2) WILLIAM BEEBE.
6. JANET4 MURGIE (CHARLES "LITTLE CHARLIE" (EGIDIO)3, FILIPPE2 IMBURGIA, SALVATORE1) She married FRANK NANNICOLA June 04, 1966 in Warren, Ohio.
Notes for FRANK NANNICOLA:
Pacar Center, on or before 1992, bought nearly all of its bingo supplies and most of its strip tickets from Nannicola Wholesale Co. of Warren, Ohio, owned by Frank Nannicola and managed by his son, Charles.
Child of JANET MURGIE and FRANK NANNICOLA is:
i. CHARLES5 NANNICOLA.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Great stuff, my friend.
With Murgie's father and brothers being involved in the life early on and his first cousin being Chicago member Joe "Bulger" Imburgia, I suspect they come from an older mafia clan.
Pittsburgh is one of the most interesting Families in terms of genealogy and you've helped shed a lot of light.
With Murgie's father and brothers being involved in the life early on and his first cousin being Chicago member Joe "Bulger" Imburgia, I suspect they come from an older mafia clan.
Pittsburgh is one of the most interesting Families in terms of genealogy and you've helped shed a lot of light.
-
FriendofHenry
- Full Patched
- Posts: 1908
- Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 6:34 am
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
It's no secret, I knew Charlie and I also know he was the only Sicilian and who often reminded Michael and Jo Jo. I agree, definitely an older mafia clan.B. wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:57 pm Great stuff, my friend.
With Murgie's father and brothers being involved in the life early on and his first cousin being Chicago member Joe "Bulger" Imburgia, I suspect they come from an older mafia clan.
Pittsburgh is one of the most interesting Families in terms of genealogy and you've helped shed a lot of light.
"Never walk in a room unless you know your way out" - Henry Zottola
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
I appreciate the info, FOH.FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:20 pmIt's no secret, I knew Charlie and I also know he was the only Sicilian and who often reminded Michael and Jo Jo. I agree, definitely an older mafia clan.B. wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:57 pm Great stuff, my friend.
With Murgie's father and brothers being involved in the life early on and his first cousin being Chicago member Joe "Bulger" Imburgia, I suspect they come from an older mafia clan.
Pittsburgh is one of the most interesting Families in terms of genealogy and you've helped shed a lot of light.
-
coldshoulder
- On Record
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:56 pm
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Holy shit, JCB, that's some super impressive and exhaustingly extensive research work. Do you have any idea of how many hours (or days, weeks, months, years...) all that you posted here today took you?
Much respect and appreciation.
Much respect and appreciation.
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Didn't know Bazzano's wife was from Santo Stefano in Aspromonte. That's the Zoccolis' hometown.
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Bazzano's wife came from one of the strongest legal families in Pennsylvania. See below:
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Gabriel & Sam Mannarino Roots/Ancestry
Descendants of George (Rugiero) Mannarino
Generation No. 1
1. George (Rugiero)2 Mannarino (Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born February 02, 1876 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died February 19, 1962 in Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married Dominica "Minnie" Politano February 28, 1897 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, daughter of Giuseppe Politano and Francesca Pati. She was born February 20, 1879 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died February 12, 1955 in Surfside, Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for George (Rugiero) Mannarino:
Family name was originally Ruggieri or Ruggiero, used in both Sam, JoJo & Kelly's birth records, according to the FBI. By the 1907 Pittsburgh Directory, the family was using the name Mannarino. At at least one site, I read that Mannarino translates as werewolf. And Ruggiero harkens back to a royal family. Hard to say which name, if either, was the true name, but since Minnie listed Ruggiero on her ship manifest, that is most likely the original name.
There is a listing in the 1900 CENSUS, Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., for Jiacinto Mannarino, aged 22, born 1878 in Italy, arrived in the US 1899, a coal miner, living with Ralph Tizzo's family on Marin Street.
According to a deposition made in connection with his wife's Sons of Italy death benefit, George and Minnie arrived in the US in 1899 and settled on the Northside of Pittsburgh. In 1911 they relocated to New Kensington. During this deposition, George reported that all their papers, including marriage license, had been lost in a fire at his residence, 1129 Sixth Avenue, New Kensington, on March 18, 1939. The family lost everything in the fire.
While in Pittsburgh, the Mannarino family lived in the Woods Run section of Allegheny, very close to the Woods Run Station and just a few blocks from the Western Penitentiary. They rented the property. Both the Shady (later Eckert) Ave. and McClure Ave. addresses are very close to each other, if not the same, as McClure and Shady (Eckert) meet at the spot occupied at one point by the Mannarinos. The neighborhood appears to have been of mixed ethnicity, with eastern Europeans predominating and only a few italian families residing there. There were many factories and businesses in the immediate vicinity.
1907 Mannarino George grocer 315 Shady av A h same [Allegheny]
1908 Mannarino Geo grocer 315 Shady av A [Allegheny]
1910 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 27 (?Woods Run) ED 657 Family 31, 102 McClure Ave.
George Manoring, 35, m1 14y, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na, retail grocery merchant
Minnie, 29, m1 14y, 5 children 1 living, IT IT IT, arr 1901; Samuel, 4
1909, 1910, 1912 Pittsburgh Directory (Allegheny, Ward 11)
Mannarino Geo grocer 102 McClure av (not in 1913 directory)
Nephew, J.S. Pati, when entering the country in 1913, says he's coming to join his uncle, George Mannarino, in New Kensington, so some time between December 1911, when Joseph was born in Pgh, and June 1913, when his nephew came from Italy, George moved his family to New Kensington.
It seems that the Mannarino residences in both Pittsburgh and New Kensington were quite close to railroad tracks. Wonder why.
Records of the United States Clerk of Courts, Naturalization Bureau, Western District of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Volume 146, page 8, indicates that Giacinto Rugiero, occupation grocer with residence at 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, born February 6, 1876, at Amantea, Italy, filed his Declaration of Intention with the Division of Naturalization (No. 6763) on July 29, 1908. Rugiero emigrated to the United States from Naples, Italy, on April 16, 1897, aboard the vessel "Nevist" and arrived at the Port of New York on April 23, 1897. Records further disclose that Rugiero on October 14, 1914, filed a Petition for Naturalization (No. 12708) listing his occupation as a grocer with residence at 1023 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, Pa. On this petition Rugiero indicated that he had two children, Salvatore, born December 23, 1905, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Giuseppe, born December 8, 1911, Pittsburgh, Pa. Rugiero identified his wife on the Petition for Naturalization as Domenica Rugiero, born in Amantea, Italy, date of birth not recorded. He said he arrived in NYC April 23, 1897 and in Pennsylvania April 20, 1899. Witnesses were Fedele Sacco, laborer, and Domenico Trozzo, a grocer, both of Pittsburgh.
Rugiero was naturalized and admitted to citizenship in United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, on December 21, 1915, under Certificate No. 624096. The naturalization papers contained a notation that since the filing of his Petition for Naturalization an additional child was born to the family on October 28, 1915, at New Kensington, Pa. The child was named Gabriele Rugiero. [Name was changed to Mannarino in 1925.]
Attached to Rugiero's Certificate of Naturalization is a letter dated September 13, 1935, from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Washington, D.C., to the United States District Court for the Western district of Pennsylvania, stating that a new Certificate of Citizenship had been issued to Giacinto Rugiero in the name of George Mannarino for the reason that Rugiero changed his name to George Mannarino in the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pa., after his original admission to citizenship. The letter stated that the change of name was authorized by the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County by Decree dated May 2, 1935. [M58]
Polk's 1915 NK Directory
Mannarino George (Minnie), grocer 1023 5th av, h same.
WWI Draft Registration Card
Giacinto Rugiero, 1023 Fifth Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Age 42, born February 6, 1878
Self-employed merchant, same address
Domenica Rugiero, same address.
Registered at New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., September 12, 1918
1920 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 173 1023 Fifth Ave. Family 339
George Manarino, 44, IT IT IT, arr 1898 na 1916, grocery storekeeper
Minnie, 40, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na; Sam, 14; Joseph, 9; Gabriel, 4
In 1923 Sam gave his address as 1016 Fifth Ave. to the Pgh police.
Name changed by order of Allegheny Co. Common Pleas Court, May 2, 1925.
The Dattola Theater was located at 1021 Fifth Avenue, at least by 1942. The Paramount, owned by Dattola, was located at 1028 Fifth Ave.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Mannarino Geo (Minnie) fruits 1156 5th av h1129 6th av (across the alley from A. Zappala's bakery at 1124 5th Ave.)
Mannarino Philip clk Geo Mannarino r1129 6th av
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 116 Family 149 1129 Barnes St.
George Mannarino, father, 53, m at 23, IT IT IT, arr 1897 na, fruit dealer
?Meradis, 50, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1898, na; Kelley, 15
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensngton Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 46, 1129 Sixth Avenue
George Mannerino, 60, IT, owner of chicken business; Minnie, 58, IT
[Remainder has little information: Sam, ?46; Rose, 45; Daughter, 9; Kelly, 34 (ages may have been added later, 10 years off).
Sam and family are also listed at Family 424, with Sam listed as the proprietor of a cleaning business.]
1940 Mannarino Geo (Mamie) h1129 6th av (no other Mannarino listed)
1949 Mannerino Geo (Minnie) h1129 6th av
Funeral handled by Manzella's.
More About George (Rugiero) Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Dominica "Minnie" Politano:
Ship Manifest, SS Lahn, out of Naples, arriving in NYC January 21, 1902, Pg#169
#16 Domenica Politano, 22, married, farmer. Last residence, Amantea, Italy. Traveling to Pittsburgh, Pa., to join her husband, Giac? Ruggiero.
(The address 80 Webster is written faintly above her husband's name. There was a Webster St. in Allegheny.)
Funeral arrangements supposedly handled by Krupa Funeral Home.
More About Dominica "Minnie" Politano:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of George Mannarino and Dominica Politano are:
+ 2 i. Salvatore "Sam"3 Mannarino, born December 24, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died June 05, 1967 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
3 ii. Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino, born December 07, 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 11, 1974 in San Bernadino Co., California. He married (1) Gertrude Enolia Bridges March 15, 1949 in Miami, Dade Co., Florida; born Abt. 1900; died May 27, 1963 in Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. He married (2) Hazel Elizabeth Woof November 1957 in La Jolla, California; born February 10, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois; died March 06, 1988 in Clark Co., Nevada.
Notes for Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino:
Arrived back in the US from a trip to Havana, Cuba, in March of 1932. In June of 1932, returned from a trip to visit his cousin, Thomas Delicato, in Montreal, Canada. He traveled with Joseph DePeso, age 21, of Chicago, who was also a cousin of Thomas.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 424, 1129 Sixth Ave.
Samuel Mannerio, 34, proprietor - cleaner [This family also was listed next to George, same ED, same address at Family 47.]
Rose, 39; Minnie, 14; Joseph, bro, 28; Gabel, 24, bro
In 1940, 5'3", 140 lb.
In 1951, was listed as an associate of Silvio Domenico and Julio Petro in connection with the Garrow-Evans murder.
In 1959, residing at 6769 Neptune Place, La Jolla, California, with his wife, Hazel S.
JOSEPH PETER "JOJO" MANNARINO
Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino, brother of Sam and Kelly, was born December 7, 1911, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, to Giacinto and Dominica (Politano) Rugiero. The couple already had one son, Sam, also born in Pittsburgh. By 1907 the family was using the name "Mannarino", because they are listed under that name in a 1907 city directory, living and conducting a grocery business on the North Side of Pittsburgh (at that time known as Allegheny).
Some time after JoJo's birth, between 1911 and 1913, the family moved to New Kensington.
Even though they had been using the name "Mannarino" for several years, the father, Giacinto Rugiero, had his name officially changed to George Mannarino, in Allegheny County court, in 1935. It's not clear whether the kids officially changed their names as well.
It is not clear when he acquired his afflictions, but JoJo suffered from palsy in his right arm and had difficulty speaking because of a speech impediment. When he registered for the WWII draft, it was noted that he stuttered, but no metion of palsy.
Most likely, JoJo dropped out of school before graduating, as did his brothers.
JoJo is not listed with the family in the 1930 census. He may have taken to the road. He arrived back in the US at Key West, Florida, March 16, 1932, from Cuba. In June, 1932 at the age of 22 he and an associate, Joseph DePeso, 21, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, entered Canada, on their second try. The day before they had attempted to enter Canada via the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario, listing themselves as cousins and students, with no address for their destination. They were rejected. The following day they were admitted at Niagara Falls, after reporting their occupations as "clerk" and "laborer", and giving the address of someone in Montreal whom they said was their cousin. (JoJo was listed with Sam's family in the 1940 census.)
Joseph had the nickname "JoJo the Jockey", and the aliases Tony Romano and Joseph Peter Romano. He was picked up in Palm Springs, Fla. (date unknown), under section 488 of the Florida penal code relating to unwelcome visitors. He paid a $25 fine and then was hustled to the state border and pushed across by the Florida police. In 1946 he was welcomed out of Mexico after being pinched in a confidence game.
At some point, Joseph Peter Mannarino was assigned FBI #4387400. During the period 1940-1957, the FBI was able to discover eight arrests for JoJo, with charges ranging from reckless driving in Miami Beach, Florida, to suspicion of burglary in San Diego, California, and homicide fugitive in New York City. He was never, however, incarcerated for any of these offenses, and paid fines and court costs on a number of occasions. However, JoJo told the FBI that he had been arrested in 1941 in Mexico City for passing worthless checks, and spent three days in jail there. At some point in his career he was an exercise boy in the stables of millionairess Liz Whitney.
The "homicide fugitive" charge relates to an arrest in New York City in 1946 during the investigation of the Garrow-Evans murder in Pittsburgh, an infamous case which was never solved. He was arrested along with Silvio Domenico, of Pittsburgh. He was released after it was determined that he had been in New York at the time of the murder.
In 1949 he married a woman named Gertrude Bridges at the courthouse in Miami, Florida. They lived in Miami for a few months and then went to visit his family in New Kensington, where they stayed for approximately two or three months. The couple then moved to Montgomery, Alabama, around the beginning of 1951, and lived for a month or two on property that she owned at Jackson Lake. They traveled considerably between Miami, Florida, New Kensington and Montgomery. JoJo also made several trips to Cuba, South America, Mexico and Las Vegas, possibly on business for his brothers, although it is unknown what he was actually doing.
By September 1951, on some document he listed his occupation as "plantation owner" in Elmo, Alabama with a net worth estimated at $175,000 and an annual income of $50,000. This information was not verified, however.
JoJo never stayed in Montgomery for more than two months at a time. During this period, he never did any work, but played the horses and gambled away any money his wife gave him. His wife was under the impression that JoJo owned the Lu Collins Nightclub on Collins Ave., Miami, Florida, but the FBI was unable to find any information on this nightclub. He may have been associated with the Albion Hotel, on the same street.
Gertrude left Joseph in 1952, and their divorce became final, according to records in Montgomery County, Alabama, in August, 1954.
In 1955 JoJo's mother, Dominica "Minnie" (Politano) Mannarino died. Flew to Cuba in December, 1956. In March 1957, JoJo returned to the US from a trip to Cuba.
In 1957, Kelly was interviewed in connection with an investigation which was instituted to determine whether JoJo was the person responsible for transporting a fraudulent check in interstate commerce. Kelly claimed that he didn't know JoJo's address, but believed he was living somewhere in Reno, Nevada, where he was keeping company with the widow of actor Lewis Stone. During this interview, Kelly identified the signature of his brother Joseph appearing on the check in question and described his brother as a person who for the past twenty years has been issuing worthless checks for which he and his brother, Sam, had to make good. Kelly described his brother JoJo as a man of slight intelligence who was a complete race track and gambling addict. He said JoJo would bet his last dollar on a horse race, even if he had not had a decent meal in two days. Kelly characterize JoJo as a "goof ball and race track tout." Kelly said that he and Sam felt compelled to keep JoJo out of New Kensington as much as possible so as not to be embarrassed by his escapades.
November 1957, JoJo married Hazel Stone, the widow of movie actor Lewis Stone, in La Jolla, California. They had become acquainted in Las Vegas. Mrs. Stone reported that her late husband's estate was worth about $6,000,000. She was fully aware of JoJo's weaknesses, but she was content to support him. She reported to the FBI that she was sure he received no income from his brothers. At some point she flew back to Pittsburgh to speak with Sam and Kelly about JoJo's condition, but the brothers were in Havana, Cuba at the time and she never did see them.
In 1958, Mrs. Robert Garland, of La Jolla, California, advised an FBI agent that JoJo was a friend of her late husband and also a friend of hers. She said that Mannarino was a near alcoholic and a sponger who spent all of his money on horses and liquor for his friends. She explained that he suffers from a very severe spastic disorder and that he did not want for money due to his marriage to Hazel Stone.
JoJo was interviewed by the FBI in 1958, at his residence in Del Mar, California. He said that he was suffering from a severe spastic disorder, that he had severe palsy of his right arm, and that his gait and speech were affected. He said that he hadn't received any funds from his brothers for over five years. He had had two brain operations, and his brothers did not contribute towards his relief. He was not on speaking terms with them because they accused him of stealing money from his mother's estate. JoJo also reported that he suffered from diabetes.
JoJo described himself as a gambler, horse player and tout. He said he had a real job in his life and had spent most of his time in Pittsburgh, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He claimed that the 1941 Mexico City incident was his only arrest.
In 1958 the Los Angeles, California, Police Department reported that Michael Giorano, aka Nick Jerome, had been observed visiting JoJo in La Jolla, California. Giorano was a hoodlum with a long relationship with the Mannarino family, and apparently others in the national outfit. The LA police reported that Joseph was known as "JoJo the Jockey", supposedly because of his fondness for the track.
In another interview in 1958, JoJo claimed that he hadn't seen Giorano in about three years, although he had communicated with him around 1958 to renew his driver's license, since he felt his physical condition would preclude him from successfully passing a California Driver's test. JoJo reported that he had talked to his brothers and father on the phone within the year, but reiterated that he has no personal contact with them. JoJo said that since his marriage to Hazel Stone, he has not been in contact with any of his old associates and that he is associating with an entirely different group of people. Although JoJo expressed a willingness to cooperate, he said that through the past few years he had little contact with the hoodlum element and he did not feel qualified to furnish information concerning the activities of such men. When asked about his brothers, JoJo advised that he would not discuss their activities with any law enforcement officer.
The interviewing agents reported that Mannarino was extremely difficult to interview because of his spastic condition and the fact that he stuttered. They also noticed that he was extremely nervous and was unable to intelligently follow a conversation. They reported that when they questioned JoJo on pertinent points it was almost impossible for JoJo to talk because of nervousness, and when asked about his brothers' activities, his hand shook extremely and it was impossible for him to stop shaking. The interviewing agents noted that even when not excited, Mannarino's right arm shook considerably and he stuttered at all times.
JoJo readily admitted that he was living on his wife's money and that he spent his time doing errands for her when not drinking in some cocktail lounge.
The interviewing agents noted that on both occasions when JoJo was interviewed, he was to some extent under the influence of liquor. They also had the impression that he had received instructions from his brothers not to talk to any law enforcement officer.
During this time period, one FBI informant reported that he saw JoJo at the Stardust Hotel Gambling Casino in Las Vegas, practically every day. An FBI agent observed JoJo in a drunken condition at the Rosarita Beach Hotel, Baja, California, Mexico.
In 1961, JoJo was back in New Kensington. He claimed he was in town to obtain money, because he was "broke" because of a large, expensive party he had given recently at the Shamrock Hotel, Houston, Texas, under the name Joseph Manners. The FBI investigated this, but records at the Shamrock Hotel failed to produce any information regarding Manners or the alleged party.
The informant reported that rumors were circulating that JoJo had married a middle-aged woman who had large lumber interests in either Georgia or Alabama. (This rumor might relate to his marriage to Gertrude, and not to a more recent marriage.)
George Mannarino, JoJo's father, died in February, 1962.
In 1962 JoJo, for some reason, reported to an FBI agent in San Diego about an accountant from San Antonio, Texas, who had done work for Billie Sol Estes, saying that this accountant had information concerning Estes' illegal manipulations. By this time the FBI realized that JoJo was not a particularly reliable informant, that he frequently exaggerated and made statements which could not be substantiated, especially concerning his associations with influential people and underworld characters.
By this time, the FBI reported that JoJo had no fixed place of residence, that he moved frequently and was indebted to several expensive motels and bars in the San Diego area.
During a 1963 interview, actor George Raft said that he had met JoJo, although he never met his brothers. Raft described JoJo as "the drunken clown" who married the wealthy Hazel Stone. As far as Raft knew, they were still married and living in California.
In June of 1964, JoJo was in the Riverside County Jail, Indio, California on check charges filed by the Palm Springs Police Department. He apparently contacted the FBI to pass on some information relating to Las Vegas couriers, which he thought would be helpful to them, but the FBI felt that his information was superficial, at best. This information apparently related to "skimming" at the Las Vegas casinos. Much of this report was not released, but it does appear that he gave rather detailed accounts of several incidents.
By July of 1964, a judge of the Superior Court, Indio, having JoJo before him in connection with a felony check charge, committed JoJo to the Patton State Mental Hospital, San Bernadino, California, on recommendation of the court psychiatrist, as being insane.
Sam Mannarino, JoJo's older brother, died in June, 1967.
In July 1969, Kelly reported that JoJo was currently in a mental hospital in California. Kelly was concerned as to whether his brother was receiving adequate care, and he said he was going to send New Kensington attorney, Irving Green, to the hospital in California to check up on the situation
According to the California Death Index, Joseph Mannarino died in 1974, in San Bernadino, California. It seems probable that he died in the mental hospital there.
Notes for Gertrude Enolia Bridges:
MANNARINO-MCDONALD MARRIAGE IS ANNOUNCED, The Montgomery Advertiser, April 2, 1949
William W. Bridges announces the marriage of his sister - Mrs. Gertrude McDonald, to Joseph Mannarino, of Pittsburgh, Pa. The wedding took place on March 15 at the El Morroco Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Mannarino are making their home in Montgomery.
Gertrude left Joseph in 1952, and their divorce became final, according to records in Montgomery County, Alabama, in August, 1954 [M58]
Notes for Hazel Elizabeth Woof:
Hazel met JoJo in Las Vegas. At the time, she was worth over $6 million, inherited from her husband, Lewis Stone.
In her will, Hazel left $760,000 to the University of Nevada School of Mediciine. She had relocated to Las Vegas around 1964.
+ 4 iii. Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. Salvatore "Sam"3 Mannarino (George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born December 24, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died June 05, 1967 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married Rosina Carino April 16, 1925 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Raffaele Carino and Annina Sargente. She was born July 24, 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died October 1986 in ?Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino:
Involved in a fatal auto accident in Pgh in 1923. Address given as 1016 Fifth Ave. Struck and killed a woman at Liberty Ave. and Smithfield St. in Pittsburgh. Others were in the auto with him.
According to marriage license, was living at 1176 Fourth Ave. at the time of his marriage on April 16, 1925.
Sam Mannarino was indicted in November, 1926, upon impersonation of a Federal prohibition officer and sentenced on May 6, 1927, to 1 ½ years in the Atlanta Penitentiary after he had entered a plea of guilty to the charge. The evidence in this case disclosed that the subject with four others extorted the sum of $615 from certain individuals while impersonating a Federal prohibition agent. (JFK FBI)
(Calabro went to Atlanta January 1926.)
From: RIF#: 124-10216-10409 (09/15/60) FBI#: 92-2918-91
On May 15, 1926, an Information was filed by H. C. Taylor, constable, before a justice of the peace in Parnassus, Pa., charging Samuel Mannarino, George Mannarino (subject's father) and Abe Lilli with violation of the Pennsylvania liquor laws for operating a still in the rear of the Mannarino home at the end of Barnes Street in New Kensington, Pa. Samuel Mannarino was arrested on July 13, 1926, brought before a Justice of the Peace and held for court. On December 31, 1926, he was admitted to bail in the amount of $1,000 and on May 7, 1927, bond was forfeited. It is noted that subject was committed to the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia, on May 6, 1926, [wrong date] for impersonating a Federal officer. On February 10,1928, a Grand Jury, sitting at Westmoreland County, Pa., dismissed charges against defendant Lilli but returned a True Bill as to Samuel Mannarino. Charges against subject's father, George Mannarino, who was also arrested as an operator of the still, were dismissed in Westmoreland County Court.
On September 19, 1928, following his release from the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Mannarino entered a plea of guilty to the liquor law charges and was sentenced by Judge E. Whitten to serve five months in the Westmoreland County Jail and to pay a fine of $1 plus court costs. On October 24, 1928, Mannarino was released on parole for a period of three years.
Records of the Allegheny County Detective Bureau, Pittsburgh, reviewed (by the FBI) on December 16, 1957, disclosed no disposition or details for subject's arrest on April 20, 1927, as a suspicious person.
Records of the United States Clerk of Court's Office, US District Court, Western District of PA, Pittsburgh, Criminal Case #2251...disclose that Samuel Mannarino, Lloyd J. Sobolak, John W. Sobolak, Adolph A. Lilli and Claire P. Leon Cederborg were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on November 27, 1926, for impersonating Federal officers. The defendants were sentenced to the custody of the Attorney General for one year and six months and were confined to the United States Penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia, on May 6, 1927. The evidence in this case indicated that the defendants extorted the sum of $615 from certain individuals while impersonating Federal agents.
Records of the Pittsburgh Police Department, Identification Division, reviewed December 18, 1957, indicate that Sam Mannarino, #23542, was arrested February 6, 1931, as a suspicious person and for investigation for carrying a concealed weapon. Mannarino, on February 7, 1931, paid a $10 fine in lieu of a sixty-day sentence in jail. While reviewing these records, Lt. Thomas McQuaide, Chief Identification of the Pittsburgh Police Department, commented that Mannarino's arrest record was transferred to the so-called "dead" files of the Identification Division because of a report received from Capt. J. Bordinaro of the New Kensington Police Department on October 27, 1954, that Mannarino had died in an automobile accident.
Records of the Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg, Pa., reviewed by SA Myron H. Treter on December 17, 1957, indicate that Mannarino was arrested on March 31, 1933, with twenty-five other persons on a charge of operating a lottery. The only disposition for this arrest concerned a fine and costs but the amounts were not recorded.
Sgt. William L. Smith, Crime Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg, Pa., on December 17, 1957, advised SA Treter that subject's arrest on July 27, 1934, pertained to his involvement in a gambling operation at the Jockey Club in New Kensington, Pa. Sgt. Smith pointed out that Mannarino entered a plea of guilty to charges of gambling on December 29, 1934, before Judge Charles D. Copeland in Westmoreland County Court (Case #102).
Records of the Clerk of Courts, Westmoreland County, Greensburg, Pa., Case #03, August term, 1934, for the Court of Quarter Sessions, reviewed by SA Klebe on January 8, 1958, indicated that on July 27, 1934, an Information was filed by Sgt. Jackson R. Dodson, Pennsylvania State Police Greensburg, charging Mannarino and Rocco Buffone with maintaining a gambling establishment and permitting gambling. Charges in this case arose out of alleged gambling operations in the Jockey Club in New Kensington, Pa. Defendants were indicted on August 31, 1934, and entered pleas of guilty on December 29, 1934, before the Honorable Charles D. Copeland, President Judge of Westmoreland County, Pa. The court sentenced both defendants to pay the cost of prosecution and assessed a fine of $100. Defendants were sentenced to the Allegheny County Workhouse, Blawknox, Pa., for a period of confinement of no less than one year nor more than two years. P. K. Jones, Attorney at Law, with offices at 500 Jones Law Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., appeared as counsel for defendants.
Judge Copeland, mentioned above, approved an application for parole on the part of Sam Mannarino on September 6, 1935, and ordered him discharged from the Allegheny County Workhouse, in the custody of Harry W. Bisell, County Probation Officer, for a period of two years.
From: RIF#: 124-10277-10021 (04/04/58) FBI#: 92-2918-23, 24
The docket discloses a letter, dated September 28, 1927, addressed to the warden of the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Ga., by the District Attorney for Westmoreland County requesting that a detainer be filed in regard to Mannarino. The warden, in a letter to the District Attorney for Westmoreland County, dated October 1, 1927, assured the District Attorney that he would be notified prior to Mannarino's release from the Federal Penitentiary where he was serving an 18 month sentence for impersonation. The warden of the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Ga., in an additonal letter dated June 20, 1928, to the District Attorney of Greensburg, Pa., stated that Mannarino would be released on August 19, 1928, and requested information regarding the handling of the detainer. On this letter there is a notation "have released detainer," although the docket does not contain a copy of any letter to the Federal Penitentiary at Atlanta, Ga., officially releasing the detainer. The docket contains a notation that subject's father, George Mannarino, was also arrested as an operator of the illegal still, but that charges against him were nol prossed in Westmoreland County Court. Subject was represented by P. K. Shaner, Attorney at Law of Greensburg, Pa., now deceased.
Arrested in 1926 for operating a still in New Kensington. Sentenced to 5 months in Westmoreland County Jail.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Mannarino Saml lab r1129 6th av
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 116 Family 148 1129 Barnes St.
Sam Mannarino, 24, m at 20, PA IT IT, truck driver for fruit dealer, renter
Rose, 20, m at 16, PA IT IT; Minnie, 3
Sam claimed, in an FBI interview, to have been a driver for John Bazzano.
Arrested in numbers raid in 1933. Implicated in Arabia murder but never charged, 1934. Joe Rosa involved in both cases.
36 TRAPPED IN RAID ON GAMBLING JOINT. The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Pa., June 25, 1934
Greensburg, Pa., June 25 - A raid on the Jockey Club, alleged New Kensington gambling resort, netted 36 men for hearings here today. The prisoners were arrested Saturday when county detectives broke into the club in the rear of a Ninth Avenue, New Kensington, barber shop. Thirty-three visitors were released on small forfeits, but Rocco Buffone, 22, of 1018 Third Avenue; William Bettor, alias Dusty, 24, of 1136 Third Avenue, and Frank Marino, 33, of 1176 Third Avenue, all of New Kensington, posted $500 on charges of maintaining a gambling house. The visitors are to be arraigned before Alderman J. A. Walton here. The alleged proprietors waived a hearing before Alderman Jacob Sakulsky, of New Kensington. Detectives found dice and card games in progress, they said.
FOUR GAMBLERS SENTENCED, The Kane Republican, December 29, 1934
Greensburg, Pa., Dec. 29 (UP) - Four New Kensington men were sentenced to from six months to two years in Allegheny County workhouse today by Judge C. D. Copeland after pleading guilty to charges of operating a gambling house. The men were taken when detectives and state police raided the New Kensington Jockey Club last summer. The officers claimed the club was headquarters for horse race betting. The prisoners were Rocco Buffone, fined $200 and sentenced to serve from 1 to 2 years; Sam Mannarino, $100 fine and 1 to 2 year sentence, while William Bettor and Frank Marino were fined $100 each and ordered to serve from 6 months to 1 year.
Someone in the FBI files speculated that Sam started out as a muscle-man for Nick Stirone, labor organizer from New Jersey, who arrived in Western Pennsylvania in the early 1930s.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 424, 1129 Sixth Ave.
Samuel Mannerino, 34, proprietor - cleaner [This family also was listed next to George, same ED, same address at Family 47.]
Rose, 39; Minnie, 14; Joseph, bro, 28; Gabel, 24, bro
In 1940, 5'2" tall, 150 lb.
Purchased land at the corner of Manor Rd and Freeport Rd. around 1940.
1949 Mannarino Saml (Rose; Nu-Ken Novelty Co) h1001 Pine Manor rd
1949 Nu Ken Novelty Co (Saml Mannarino) vending machs 727 5th av
Resided at 201 Highland Ave. (Sam Paletta at 119 Highland Ave.)
In 1946, the National Grouse Champion, Laetus Jack, was owned by Sam. Competed in Marienville in 1946. In 1948, had a setter named Jay Rod competing.
In July, 1944, Sam was investigated for alleged violation of the Selective Service Act of 1942. It was alleged by Sergeant J. E. Hertzberger, Pennsylvania Railroad Police, that the subject had purchased the scrap iron business solely for the purpose of obtaining an essential industry draft deferment. Investigation of these charges disclosed that the subject had formed a partnership and bought a scrap iron business but there was no evidence of fraud in his draft classification. Sam's draft classification was 4F-H, and he was considered unfit for service because of his prior criminal conviction.
Around 1927, Sam was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in the Atlanta Penitentiary for impersonating a prohibition agent and extortion. In 1935, he served about 8 months in the Allegheny County Workhouse on gambling charges in connection with the operation of the New Kensington Jockey Club. Arrested July 2, 1959, in connection with the Canadian bond theft. And from Sept. 1964 to June 1965 he served at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary for income tax evasion.
Valley Independent, Monessen, Tuesday, June 6, 1967
Sam Mannarino Is Dead At Age 61
New Kensington, Pa. (UPI)
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church here for Samuel Mannarino, reputed gambling czar whose alleged underworld investments stretched to Cuba and Las Vegas. Mannarino, who at one time allegedly bossed a $2 million numbers and horse book operation in western Pennsylvania died at his home here Monday after a lingering illness. He was 61.
The convicted gambler, who reportedly headed a pinball combine in Westmoreland County, had been in failing health since his release from the federal penitentiary at Lewisburg in 1965 after serving part of a one-year and one-day sentence for income tax evasion.
He was convicted of income tax evasion in December, 1963, and sentenced by Federal Judge Herbert P. Sorg in August, 1964. During the trial, the Internal Revenue Service charged Mannarino and reputed gambler Willie Sams, partners in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co. of New Kensington, a pinball distributing firm, understated their 1957 -1958 personal income from Nu-Ken by $10,073 each. Mannarino's brother, Gabriel (Kelly), 51, a scrap metal dealer, also was a partner in the Nu-Ken firm. The brothers were co-owners of the Ken Iron and Steel Co., a salvage firm in New Kensington.
Mannarino, who allegedly attended the meeting of underworld leaders at Apalachin, N.Y., in November, 1957, last made news in October, when he was deported from Canada while on a fishing trip. Officials said he was ejected from the country "because of his previous criminal convictions in the United States."
Mannarino's arrests dated back to 1927 when he was convicted and sentenced to the federal penitentiary in Atlanta for 18 months on an extortion charge for posing as a federal liquor agent. He was arrested again in the early 30's in New Kensington for operating a gambling concession and served six months in the county jail. He was arrested again in that decade but not convicted on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon and operating a still.
A requiem mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County.
Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pa., June 7, 1967
New Kensington, Pa., (AP) - A man identified by the FBI as a rackets figure with wide-spread interests has died sick and in seclusion at his home here. He is "Shy Sam" Mannarino, 61, who, according to Federal authorities, was a kingpin in Western Pennsylvania numbers and horse race betting and at one time had interests in night clubs in Havana, Cuba and Las Vegas, Nev. Mannarino, who died Monday, had been ill and in seclusion at his home about 10 miles north-east of Pittsburgh since his release in 1965 from Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary where he had been sentenced to one year for income tax evasion. He was also one of four men indicted in 1962 on charges of dealing in $12 million worth of bonds taken during a 1962 Canadian robbery. He was acquitted by a Federal Grand Jury in Chicago. Mannarino was deported from Canada last October "because of previous criminal convictions in the United States." He contended he was on a hunting trip. He was a partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., a pinball machine firm, and a New Kensington beer distributing firm. Mannarino was a member of Mount St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society; Pittsburgh Moose Lodge 46, and Miami, Fla Elks Lodge 1601; and a board member of the Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington. He is survived by his widow, Rose, a daughter and two brothers. Requiem mass will be celebrated Thursday at his home.
MANNARINO, AREA RACKET FIGURE, DIES
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, June 7, 1967
Sam Mannarino, who once ? boasted a $2 million numbers and horse book in Western Pennsylvania, and had internation racket connections, died yesterday (June 6) at his home in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, following a linbering illness. Mannarino, 61, had reportedly been in ill health since his release from Federal Prison in Lewisburg, Union County, in 1965 after serving part of a year and a day sentence for income tax evasion.
A Federal Court jury convicted Mannarino of income tax evasion in December 1963, and he was sentenced by Judge Herbert P. Sorg in August 1964. According to the conviction, Mannarino and Willie Sams, his partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., defrauded the government of taxes by underestimating pinball machine income by $27,000 in 1957 and 1958. Mannarino and Sams received the same sentence and in addition were fined $10,000 each.
Mannarino, who picked up the name "Shy Sam" because of his hide-and-seek games with reporters and photographers at public hearings, called himself "a retired businessman" in recent years. Mannarino was a member of Mt. St. Peter's Church and its Holy Name Society; a life member of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 46, Pittsburgh; the Benevelent Protective order of Elks No. 1001, Miami, Fla.; and the board of directors of Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington [later deleted]. He also operated the Ken Iron and Steel, a salvage firm, until 1964.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Rose Mannarino; a daughter, Mrs. Minnie Carlucci, of New Kensington; two brothers, Gabriel (Kelly), of New Kensington; and Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif.; and one grandchild.
Requiem high mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church. Friends are being received at the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home, 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, Westmoreland County, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County.
Pittsburgh Press, June 6, 1967
MANNARINO, on Monday, June 5, 1967, Samuel, of New Kensington, husband of Rose; father of Mrs. Victor (Minnie) Carlucci, of New Kensngton; brother of Gabriel Mannarino, of New Kensington, Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif., and grandfather of Miss Jamey Rose Carlucci. Friends may call at the Manzella-Guinta Funeral Home, 1509 5th Ave., Arnold. Requiem High Mass 10 a.m. Thursday, Mt. St. Peter's RC Church, New Kensington. Family hours 2-4 and 7-10. Family reuest flowers be omitted. Donations may be made in his memory to Mt. St. Peter's Church.
MANNARINO IN DEATH STILL DRAWS A CROWD, by Robert Baird, Pittsburgh Press, June 8, 1967
New Kensington - Some stood around hoping to see a singing celebrity. Others came to see the beautiful flowers. But most were here because the name Sam Mannarino has a magical attraction in this area of Westmoreland County. About 70 solemn-faced curiosity-seekers gathered across the street from the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home in nearby Arnold today, where hundreds came to pay their last respects to the racket leader, listed as a mamber of the Mafia by several Government agencies.
A woman said she heard rumors a famous singer was here. But a man standing nearby set her straight: "Lady, you must have the wrong funeral. There are no singers here." People who came to see the flowers were informed that they were moved to Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington during the night.
A service was held at the funeral home at 9:0 a.m. Afterwards, 10 pallbearers placed the casket in a hearse, which led 30 cars - a majority of them Cadillacs and Lincoln Continentals - on the short trip to the church. On the way, the procession passed Citizens General Hospital, where Mannarino, who died Monday, was a member of the board of directors. After mass at the church, the procession moved on to Greenwood Memorial Park in nearby Lower Burrell.
Mannarino, 61, was released from the Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg in June, 1965, after serving almost eight months for conspiracy to cheat the Government on income taxes. Last year, he was deported from Canada because of previous criminal convictions in the United States.
MANNARINO FUNERAL CONTRASTS WITH LIFE, by Joseph P. Browne, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 9, 1967
New Kensington, June 8 - Samuel Mannarino, who insisted he was a retired businessman while law enforcement authorities termed him a leading Westmoreland County rackets figure, went to his grave after a simple funeral here today. Some 100 persons stood across the street from the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold as the funeral procession moved slowly to Mt. St. Peter's Catholic Church. If they had expected an elaborate, flower-laden cortege, they were disappointed. The funeral was quiet, dignified and unostentatious. There were 38 cars in the procession, none with out-of-state license plates. The Mannarino family had requested flowers be omitted and suggested memorial contributions be made to Mt. St. Peter's Church. After the mass, the procession made its way to Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell, for burial services.
Mr. Mannarino, 61, died Monday afternoon in his home here after a lingering illness. He had been ailing since his release from Federal Prison in Lewisburg in 1965 after serving part of a year's sentence for income tax evasion. Though his name had been identified with New Kensington for 30 years, he was born in Pittsburgh. His family moved to New Kensington when he was six years old.
While law enforcement authorities continually linked him with major gambling activities, he termed himself a businessman. He was co-owner of the Ken Iron and Steel Co., New Kensington, until the firm was razed for a redevelopment project. He was a partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., a vending machine firm. He and his partner, Willie Sams, were charged with income tax evasion in the firm's operation and each was given a year's jail term and $10,000 fine.
Mr. Mannarino was a member of Mt. St. Peter's Church Holy Name Society; a live member of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 46, Pittsburgh; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, No. 1601, Miami; and the board of directors of Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Rose Carino Mannarino; a daughter, Mrs. Victor Carlucci of New Kensington; two brothers, Gabriel, of New Kensington, and Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif; and a granddaughter.
Name: Sam Mannarino
SSN: 183-24-1122
Born: 24 Dec 1905
Died: Jun 1967
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
Just _me
Boynton Beach, FL
#5582 8/5/11
Sorry, have to respond to some posts waaaay back.
First of all, Sam's daughter's name is Minnie and she was married to Vic Carlucci - they had one daughter, Jamie who is deceased. Jamie has a son, who is pretty much in control of anything that is left of the Carlucci estate.
Kelly wasn't a pimple on his brother's ass. He is the reason that everything fell apart in New Ken. Kelly is the one that brought all of the drugs in to the city - hmmmmmmmmmm, where has that got New Ken??? His 2nd mistake was appointing Sonny Ciancutti as his right hand man - that was definitely the blind leading the blind.
I remember going to Sam's funeral with my father - I was in awe. There was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis,Jr.- helicopters in the air - FBI all over the place taking pictures - not to mention the people on the ground. I still have a picture of my Dad with Frank Sinatra on that day.
For you doubters of what New Ken nightlife used to be - I was personally escorted, on several occassions, in tunnels that ran from the Bachelor's Club to above ground parking lots at different locations - by both Sam Lanzino and his son-in-law,Tony Haddad. This would have been around 1975 and I was way too young too drink - just happened to be the daughter of a person with some clout.
You guys all blow smoke, but you really don't know anything unless you lived it!
Sam Mannarino, brother of Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino and his partner in all illegal casinos, Havana operations as well as gun running. Sam was very active but more volatile than his brother, thus why he did not reach to heights like Kelly. Nonetheless, he was as powerful as his brother and had a hand in rackets across the country. _jcb2
More About Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino:
Burial: June 08, 1967, Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Mission (LDS): 1934, Arabia Murder
Notes for Rosina Carino:
Pgh Post-Gazette, Nov. 17, 1937, a divorce suit was brough in Allegheny County by Rose Mannarino against Sam Mannarino.
Records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the County Office Building, Pittsburgh, reviewed on February 26, 1958, indicate that Rosina Carino, the daughter of Raffaele Carino and Amilia Carino, nee Sargenti, was born at the parent's home at 102 McClure Ave., in the 27th Ward, Pittsburgh, at 8:30 am, on July 24, 1909. [M58] (This is the same address at which the Mannarino family was listed in the 1910 census.)
Name: Rose Mannarino
SSN: 204-42-9882
Last Residence: 15601 Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 24 Jul 1909
Died: Oct 1986
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1967-1968 )
More About Rosina Carino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Child of Salvatore Mannarino and Rosina Carino is:
+ 5 i. Minnie Anita4 Mannarino, born April 12, 1926 in Pennsylvania; died June 05, 1998 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa..
4. Gabriel "Kelly"3 Mannarino (George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato April 16, 1941 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Frank Amato and Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver. She was born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida.
Notes for Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
1916 birth date from father's naturalization papers.
Name: Gabriel Mannarino
SSN: 198-22-0688
Born: 31 Oct 1915
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: Jul 1980
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
1949 Mannnarino Gabriel (Jean) h540 Charles av
1957 Mannarino Gabriel (Jean; New KenNovelty Co) h540 Charles av
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 3/31/33 gaming fine and costs
PD, Pittsburgh Kelly Gabriel Mannarino, #30307 11/18/34 viol Liq Laws not guilty
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 4/30/36 S.P., robb discharged
PD New Kensington Gabriel Mannarino, #1678 4/27/43 Unif Fire Arms Act
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 9/12/45 Lottery 11/30/45 $25 f & c
USM Pittsburgh Gabriel Mannarino, #14901 5/22/56 obs of justice acqt'ed by jury 1/17/57
(from a 1957 FBI report)
In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects.
Home destroyed by explosion, April 3, 1976.
MANNARINO DIES AT 64 OF CANCER, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Susan Mannella, July 12, 1980
Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, reputed head of far-flung gambling operations that extended from New Kensington to Cuba and a lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania's organized crime, died yesterday in Mercy Hospital. Mannarino, 64, of 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, was admitted to the hospital on June 23 for treatment of cancer.
The New Kensington native was never convicted of a federal crime, but he and his late brother Samuel reportedly controlled Westmoreland County gambling operations for three decades. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1970 Report on Organized Crime identified Mannarino as a captain for John Sebastian LaRocca of McCandless, reputed to be the head of organized crime in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In 1957, Mannarino was one of 63 racket figures arrested by state police at a meeting in Apalachin, N.Y., that became the best-known gathering of underworld leaders in American history. Only 20 of those arrested at the meeting - which federal authorities alleged was called to plan underworld domination of illicit drug traffic and other activities - were convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice. Their convictions later were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mannarino was not indicted.
His name did not break into the news again until November 1958 when government agents seized 121 stolen U.S. Army rifles that allegedly were being shipped to Cuba during the height of the Castro-Batista struggle for control of the island. A plane carrying the weapons took off from the Allegheny Valley Airport near Tarentum. A panel truck owned by a vending machine company that Mannarino owned was seen at the site. Samuel Mannarino's son-in-law, Victor Carlucci, was one of two men convicted in the gun-running scheme.
Mannarino and his brother held an interest in the Sans Souci Gambling Casino in Havana until the late 1950s. Mannarino also operated three New Kensington businesses - the Catoris Candy Co., S&S Distributing Co. and Nu-Ken Novelty Co.
Although Mannarino was arrested numerous times, prosecutors could not convict him of a federal crime. In 1957, he was cleared of charges that he tried to bribe a witness in a New Kensington vote-fraud trial. In 1963, he was acquitted of income tax fraud and in 1970 he and 10 others were cleared of conspiracy and racketeering in kickbacks from a Teamsters Union pension fund.
Mannarino's last public appearance here was on Jan. 30, when he testified for 30 minutes before a federal investigative grand jury looking into fraudulent loans made by the Monroeville office of Citizens National Bank.
Mannarino is survived by his wife, Jean Amato Mannarino, and two daughters, Georgienne Bufalino and Delores Feola. Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday at Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.
More About Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Name: Jean Mannarino
SSN: 183-54-4777
Born: 29 Jul 1919
Died: 22 Mar 1996
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1975)
More About Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of Gabriel Mannarino and Jean Amato are:
6 i. Georgienne4 Mannarino, born July 03, 1943 in Braddock Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Russell Samuel Bufalino November 05, 1966 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; born September 27, 1938 in Scranton, Pa..
Notes for Georgienne Mannarino:
The November 7, 1966 issue of the "Daily Dispatch"
"...Miss Patricia Erra was maid of honor and Mrs. John Stephancis, Miss Toni Bufalino, Miss Jamey Carlucci and Miss Dolores Mannarino were bridesmaids. Joseph Bufalino was best man and Michael Allegretti, James Bird, Donald Cipolla and John Furno ushered. After a reception in Holiday House, Monroeville, the couple honeymooned in the Bahamas. They will reside in Meadville. The new Mrs. Bufalino was graduated by New Kensington High School and Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr. Her husband was graduated by Meadville High School, John Carroll University, Cleveland, and Temple University, Philadelphia. He is a doctor practicing in Pymatuning Medical Center, Linesville."
Notes for Russell Samuel Bufalino:
Internship at Mercy Hospital, sponsored by Dr. John Regis Miller. Miller was formerly a patrolman on the Braddock, Pa., Police Department, whose medical education expenses were paid by La Cosa Nostra member Frank Amato. Since that time, Miller has been obligated to Amato and as chief surgeon at Mercy Hospital, Miller has handled such patients as Amato, Sebastian John LaRocca and Samuel Mannarino.
Father may be Charles T. Bufalino, per FBI files.
7 ii. Dolores Y. Mannarino, born March 12, 1951 in Coral Gables, Dade Co., Florida. She married Albert J. Feola July 05, 1974 in 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., by William Demao, mayor of Arnold; born March 08, 1947 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 19, 2021 in Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Dolores Y. Mannarino:
Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1971.
Sold 540 Charles Ave. in 2013.
Notes for Albert J. Feola:
Albert J. Feola, 73, of Plum Borough, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. He was born March 8, 1947, in Braddock, to the late Joseph and Louise DePante Feola, and has been a resident of Plum Borough for the past seven years, having previously residing in New Kensington. Mr. Feola was of the Catholic faith and worked as a driver for the Post-Gazette. He enjoyed golfing and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dolores Mannarino Feola; two sisters, Patricia Feola, of Monroeville, and Peggy Feola, of East McKeesport; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marty Lou Gibson. Private funeral services and interment in Greenwood Mausoleum are by THE RUSIEWICZ FAMILY OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS, ARNOLD & LOWER BURRELL.
More About Albert J. Feola:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Generation No. 3
5. Minnie Anita4 Mannarino (Salvatore "Sam"3, George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born April 12, 1926 in Pennsylvania, and died June 05, 1998 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa.. She married Victor Ernest Carlucci April 16, 1945 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of Vincenzo Carlucci and Rose Morelli. He was born March 26, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died August 02, 1984 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for Minnie Anita Mannarino:
Attended St. Joseph Academy, Seton Hill, Greensburg. Class of 1944?
CARLUCCI, Minnie (Mannarino), age 72, of New Kensington, on Friday, June 5, 1998, in her home, grandmother of Victor Jared Lorito; preceded in death by her husband Victor Carlucci, daughter Jamie Carlucci Lorito, parents Sam and Rose Carino Mannarino. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in the John B. Giunta Funeral Home, Inc., 1509 5th Ave., Arnold, PA. Mass of Christian burial Monday, 10 a.m. Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church, New Kensington.
Name: Minnie A. Carlucci
SSN: 160-34-4602
Last Residence: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 12 Apr 1926
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: 5 Jun 1998
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1958-1960 )
More About Minnie Anita Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Victor Ernest Carlucci:
Victor E. Carlucci, who is married to Sam Mannarino's daughter, Minnie, was never anything more than an orchestra leader [Talk of the Towners] in New Kensington and a beer distributorship proprietor in Arnold. But for many years he has wanted to be considered part of the Mannarino gang of racketeers. In 1958, Sam Mannarino permitted Vic to take part in the gun smuggling attempt so that Vic could "earn his stripes". Now that Carlucci has been convicted of his part in this case, he indicated that he is actually glad to serve some time in a penal institution as further evidence of his being accepted in the group of racketeers he so much admires. (FBI JFK)
Descendants of George (Rugiero) Mannarino
Generation No. 1
1. George (Rugiero)2 Mannarino (Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born February 02, 1876 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died February 19, 1962 in Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married Dominica "Minnie" Politano February 28, 1897 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, daughter of Giuseppe Politano and Francesca Pati. She was born February 20, 1879 in Amantea, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died February 12, 1955 in Surfside, Dade Co., Florida.
Notes for George (Rugiero) Mannarino:
Family name was originally Ruggieri or Ruggiero, used in both Sam, JoJo & Kelly's birth records, according to the FBI. By the 1907 Pittsburgh Directory, the family was using the name Mannarino. At at least one site, I read that Mannarino translates as werewolf. And Ruggiero harkens back to a royal family. Hard to say which name, if either, was the true name, but since Minnie listed Ruggiero on her ship manifest, that is most likely the original name.
There is a listing in the 1900 CENSUS, Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., for Jiacinto Mannarino, aged 22, born 1878 in Italy, arrived in the US 1899, a coal miner, living with Ralph Tizzo's family on Marin Street.
According to a deposition made in connection with his wife's Sons of Italy death benefit, George and Minnie arrived in the US in 1899 and settled on the Northside of Pittsburgh. In 1911 they relocated to New Kensington. During this deposition, George reported that all their papers, including marriage license, had been lost in a fire at his residence, 1129 Sixth Avenue, New Kensington, on March 18, 1939. The family lost everything in the fire.
While in Pittsburgh, the Mannarino family lived in the Woods Run section of Allegheny, very close to the Woods Run Station and just a few blocks from the Western Penitentiary. They rented the property. Both the Shady (later Eckert) Ave. and McClure Ave. addresses are very close to each other, if not the same, as McClure and Shady (Eckert) meet at the spot occupied at one point by the Mannarinos. The neighborhood appears to have been of mixed ethnicity, with eastern Europeans predominating and only a few italian families residing there. There were many factories and businesses in the immediate vicinity.
1907 Mannarino George grocer 315 Shady av A h same [Allegheny]
1908 Mannarino Geo grocer 315 Shady av A [Allegheny]
1910 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 27 (?Woods Run) ED 657 Family 31, 102 McClure Ave.
George Manoring, 35, m1 14y, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na, retail grocery merchant
Minnie, 29, m1 14y, 5 children 1 living, IT IT IT, arr 1901; Samuel, 4
1909, 1910, 1912 Pittsburgh Directory (Allegheny, Ward 11)
Mannarino Geo grocer 102 McClure av (not in 1913 directory)
Nephew, J.S. Pati, when entering the country in 1913, says he's coming to join his uncle, George Mannarino, in New Kensington, so some time between December 1911, when Joseph was born in Pgh, and June 1913, when his nephew came from Italy, George moved his family to New Kensington.
It seems that the Mannarino residences in both Pittsburgh and New Kensington were quite close to railroad tracks. Wonder why.
Records of the United States Clerk of Courts, Naturalization Bureau, Western District of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Volume 146, page 8, indicates that Giacinto Rugiero, occupation grocer with residence at 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, born February 6, 1876, at Amantea, Italy, filed his Declaration of Intention with the Division of Naturalization (No. 6763) on July 29, 1908. Rugiero emigrated to the United States from Naples, Italy, on April 16, 1897, aboard the vessel "Nevist" and arrived at the Port of New York on April 23, 1897. Records further disclose that Rugiero on October 14, 1914, filed a Petition for Naturalization (No. 12708) listing his occupation as a grocer with residence at 1023 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, Pa. On this petition Rugiero indicated that he had two children, Salvatore, born December 23, 1905, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Giuseppe, born December 8, 1911, Pittsburgh, Pa. Rugiero identified his wife on the Petition for Naturalization as Domenica Rugiero, born in Amantea, Italy, date of birth not recorded. He said he arrived in NYC April 23, 1897 and in Pennsylvania April 20, 1899. Witnesses were Fedele Sacco, laborer, and Domenico Trozzo, a grocer, both of Pittsburgh.
Rugiero was naturalized and admitted to citizenship in United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, on December 21, 1915, under Certificate No. 624096. The naturalization papers contained a notation that since the filing of his Petition for Naturalization an additional child was born to the family on October 28, 1915, at New Kensington, Pa. The child was named Gabriele Rugiero. [Name was changed to Mannarino in 1925.]
Attached to Rugiero's Certificate of Naturalization is a letter dated September 13, 1935, from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Washington, D.C., to the United States District Court for the Western district of Pennsylvania, stating that a new Certificate of Citizenship had been issued to Giacinto Rugiero in the name of George Mannarino for the reason that Rugiero changed his name to George Mannarino in the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pa., after his original admission to citizenship. The letter stated that the change of name was authorized by the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County by Decree dated May 2, 1935. [M58]
Polk's 1915 NK Directory
Mannarino George (Minnie), grocer 1023 5th av, h same.
WWI Draft Registration Card
Giacinto Rugiero, 1023 Fifth Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Age 42, born February 6, 1878
Self-employed merchant, same address
Domenica Rugiero, same address.
Registered at New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., September 12, 1918
1920 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 173 1023 Fifth Ave. Family 339
George Manarino, 44, IT IT IT, arr 1898 na 1916, grocery storekeeper
Minnie, 40, IT IT IT, arr 1900 na; Sam, 14; Joseph, 9; Gabriel, 4
In 1923 Sam gave his address as 1016 Fifth Ave. to the Pgh police.
Name changed by order of Allegheny Co. Common Pleas Court, May 2, 1925.
The Dattola Theater was located at 1021 Fifth Avenue, at least by 1942. The Paramount, owned by Dattola, was located at 1028 Fifth Ave.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Mannarino Geo (Minnie) fruits 1156 5th av h1129 6th av (across the alley from A. Zappala's bakery at 1124 5th Ave.)
Mannarino Philip clk Geo Mannarino r1129 6th av
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 116 Family 149 1129 Barnes St.
George Mannarino, father, 53, m at 23, IT IT IT, arr 1897 na, fruit dealer
?Meradis, 50, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1898, na; Kelley, 15
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensngton Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 46, 1129 Sixth Avenue
George Mannerino, 60, IT, owner of chicken business; Minnie, 58, IT
[Remainder has little information: Sam, ?46; Rose, 45; Daughter, 9; Kelly, 34 (ages may have been added later, 10 years off).
Sam and family are also listed at Family 424, with Sam listed as the proprietor of a cleaning business.]
1940 Mannarino Geo (Mamie) h1129 6th av (no other Mannarino listed)
1949 Mannerino Geo (Minnie) h1129 6th av
Funeral handled by Manzella's.
More About George (Rugiero) Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Dominica "Minnie" Politano:
Ship Manifest, SS Lahn, out of Naples, arriving in NYC January 21, 1902, Pg#169
#16 Domenica Politano, 22, married, farmer. Last residence, Amantea, Italy. Traveling to Pittsburgh, Pa., to join her husband, Giac? Ruggiero.
(The address 80 Webster is written faintly above her husband's name. There was a Webster St. in Allegheny.)
Funeral arrangements supposedly handled by Krupa Funeral Home.
More About Dominica "Minnie" Politano:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of George Mannarino and Dominica Politano are:
+ 2 i. Salvatore "Sam"3 Mannarino, born December 24, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died June 05, 1967 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
3 ii. Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino, born December 07, 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 11, 1974 in San Bernadino Co., California. He married (1) Gertrude Enolia Bridges March 15, 1949 in Miami, Dade Co., Florida; born Abt. 1900; died May 27, 1963 in Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. He married (2) Hazel Elizabeth Woof November 1957 in La Jolla, California; born February 10, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois; died March 06, 1988 in Clark Co., Nevada.
Notes for Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino:
Arrived back in the US from a trip to Havana, Cuba, in March of 1932. In June of 1932, returned from a trip to visit his cousin, Thomas Delicato, in Montreal, Canada. He traveled with Joseph DePeso, age 21, of Chicago, who was also a cousin of Thomas.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 424, 1129 Sixth Ave.
Samuel Mannerio, 34, proprietor - cleaner [This family also was listed next to George, same ED, same address at Family 47.]
Rose, 39; Minnie, 14; Joseph, bro, 28; Gabel, 24, bro
In 1940, 5'3", 140 lb.
In 1951, was listed as an associate of Silvio Domenico and Julio Petro in connection with the Garrow-Evans murder.
In 1959, residing at 6769 Neptune Place, La Jolla, California, with his wife, Hazel S.
JOSEPH PETER "JOJO" MANNARINO
Joseph Peter "JoJo" Mannarino, brother of Sam and Kelly, was born December 7, 1911, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, to Giacinto and Dominica (Politano) Rugiero. The couple already had one son, Sam, also born in Pittsburgh. By 1907 the family was using the name "Mannarino", because they are listed under that name in a 1907 city directory, living and conducting a grocery business on the North Side of Pittsburgh (at that time known as Allegheny).
Some time after JoJo's birth, between 1911 and 1913, the family moved to New Kensington.
Even though they had been using the name "Mannarino" for several years, the father, Giacinto Rugiero, had his name officially changed to George Mannarino, in Allegheny County court, in 1935. It's not clear whether the kids officially changed their names as well.
It is not clear when he acquired his afflictions, but JoJo suffered from palsy in his right arm and had difficulty speaking because of a speech impediment. When he registered for the WWII draft, it was noted that he stuttered, but no metion of palsy.
Most likely, JoJo dropped out of school before graduating, as did his brothers.
JoJo is not listed with the family in the 1930 census. He may have taken to the road. He arrived back in the US at Key West, Florida, March 16, 1932, from Cuba. In June, 1932 at the age of 22 he and an associate, Joseph DePeso, 21, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, entered Canada, on their second try. The day before they had attempted to enter Canada via the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario, listing themselves as cousins and students, with no address for their destination. They were rejected. The following day they were admitted at Niagara Falls, after reporting their occupations as "clerk" and "laborer", and giving the address of someone in Montreal whom they said was their cousin. (JoJo was listed with Sam's family in the 1940 census.)
Joseph had the nickname "JoJo the Jockey", and the aliases Tony Romano and Joseph Peter Romano. He was picked up in Palm Springs, Fla. (date unknown), under section 488 of the Florida penal code relating to unwelcome visitors. He paid a $25 fine and then was hustled to the state border and pushed across by the Florida police. In 1946 he was welcomed out of Mexico after being pinched in a confidence game.
At some point, Joseph Peter Mannarino was assigned FBI #4387400. During the period 1940-1957, the FBI was able to discover eight arrests for JoJo, with charges ranging from reckless driving in Miami Beach, Florida, to suspicion of burglary in San Diego, California, and homicide fugitive in New York City. He was never, however, incarcerated for any of these offenses, and paid fines and court costs on a number of occasions. However, JoJo told the FBI that he had been arrested in 1941 in Mexico City for passing worthless checks, and spent three days in jail there. At some point in his career he was an exercise boy in the stables of millionairess Liz Whitney.
The "homicide fugitive" charge relates to an arrest in New York City in 1946 during the investigation of the Garrow-Evans murder in Pittsburgh, an infamous case which was never solved. He was arrested along with Silvio Domenico, of Pittsburgh. He was released after it was determined that he had been in New York at the time of the murder.
In 1949 he married a woman named Gertrude Bridges at the courthouse in Miami, Florida. They lived in Miami for a few months and then went to visit his family in New Kensington, where they stayed for approximately two or three months. The couple then moved to Montgomery, Alabama, around the beginning of 1951, and lived for a month or two on property that she owned at Jackson Lake. They traveled considerably between Miami, Florida, New Kensington and Montgomery. JoJo also made several trips to Cuba, South America, Mexico and Las Vegas, possibly on business for his brothers, although it is unknown what he was actually doing.
By September 1951, on some document he listed his occupation as "plantation owner" in Elmo, Alabama with a net worth estimated at $175,000 and an annual income of $50,000. This information was not verified, however.
JoJo never stayed in Montgomery for more than two months at a time. During this period, he never did any work, but played the horses and gambled away any money his wife gave him. His wife was under the impression that JoJo owned the Lu Collins Nightclub on Collins Ave., Miami, Florida, but the FBI was unable to find any information on this nightclub. He may have been associated with the Albion Hotel, on the same street.
Gertrude left Joseph in 1952, and their divorce became final, according to records in Montgomery County, Alabama, in August, 1954.
In 1955 JoJo's mother, Dominica "Minnie" (Politano) Mannarino died. Flew to Cuba in December, 1956. In March 1957, JoJo returned to the US from a trip to Cuba.
In 1957, Kelly was interviewed in connection with an investigation which was instituted to determine whether JoJo was the person responsible for transporting a fraudulent check in interstate commerce. Kelly claimed that he didn't know JoJo's address, but believed he was living somewhere in Reno, Nevada, where he was keeping company with the widow of actor Lewis Stone. During this interview, Kelly identified the signature of his brother Joseph appearing on the check in question and described his brother as a person who for the past twenty years has been issuing worthless checks for which he and his brother, Sam, had to make good. Kelly described his brother JoJo as a man of slight intelligence who was a complete race track and gambling addict. He said JoJo would bet his last dollar on a horse race, even if he had not had a decent meal in two days. Kelly characterize JoJo as a "goof ball and race track tout." Kelly said that he and Sam felt compelled to keep JoJo out of New Kensington as much as possible so as not to be embarrassed by his escapades.
November 1957, JoJo married Hazel Stone, the widow of movie actor Lewis Stone, in La Jolla, California. They had become acquainted in Las Vegas. Mrs. Stone reported that her late husband's estate was worth about $6,000,000. She was fully aware of JoJo's weaknesses, but she was content to support him. She reported to the FBI that she was sure he received no income from his brothers. At some point she flew back to Pittsburgh to speak with Sam and Kelly about JoJo's condition, but the brothers were in Havana, Cuba at the time and she never did see them.
In 1958, Mrs. Robert Garland, of La Jolla, California, advised an FBI agent that JoJo was a friend of her late husband and also a friend of hers. She said that Mannarino was a near alcoholic and a sponger who spent all of his money on horses and liquor for his friends. She explained that he suffers from a very severe spastic disorder and that he did not want for money due to his marriage to Hazel Stone.
JoJo was interviewed by the FBI in 1958, at his residence in Del Mar, California. He said that he was suffering from a severe spastic disorder, that he had severe palsy of his right arm, and that his gait and speech were affected. He said that he hadn't received any funds from his brothers for over five years. He had had two brain operations, and his brothers did not contribute towards his relief. He was not on speaking terms with them because they accused him of stealing money from his mother's estate. JoJo also reported that he suffered from diabetes.
JoJo described himself as a gambler, horse player and tout. He said he had a real job in his life and had spent most of his time in Pittsburgh, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He claimed that the 1941 Mexico City incident was his only arrest.
In 1958 the Los Angeles, California, Police Department reported that Michael Giorano, aka Nick Jerome, had been observed visiting JoJo in La Jolla, California. Giorano was a hoodlum with a long relationship with the Mannarino family, and apparently others in the national outfit. The LA police reported that Joseph was known as "JoJo the Jockey", supposedly because of his fondness for the track.
In another interview in 1958, JoJo claimed that he hadn't seen Giorano in about three years, although he had communicated with him around 1958 to renew his driver's license, since he felt his physical condition would preclude him from successfully passing a California Driver's test. JoJo reported that he had talked to his brothers and father on the phone within the year, but reiterated that he has no personal contact with them. JoJo said that since his marriage to Hazel Stone, he has not been in contact with any of his old associates and that he is associating with an entirely different group of people. Although JoJo expressed a willingness to cooperate, he said that through the past few years he had little contact with the hoodlum element and he did not feel qualified to furnish information concerning the activities of such men. When asked about his brothers, JoJo advised that he would not discuss their activities with any law enforcement officer.
The interviewing agents reported that Mannarino was extremely difficult to interview because of his spastic condition and the fact that he stuttered. They also noticed that he was extremely nervous and was unable to intelligently follow a conversation. They reported that when they questioned JoJo on pertinent points it was almost impossible for JoJo to talk because of nervousness, and when asked about his brothers' activities, his hand shook extremely and it was impossible for him to stop shaking. The interviewing agents noted that even when not excited, Mannarino's right arm shook considerably and he stuttered at all times.
JoJo readily admitted that he was living on his wife's money and that he spent his time doing errands for her when not drinking in some cocktail lounge.
The interviewing agents noted that on both occasions when JoJo was interviewed, he was to some extent under the influence of liquor. They also had the impression that he had received instructions from his brothers not to talk to any law enforcement officer.
During this time period, one FBI informant reported that he saw JoJo at the Stardust Hotel Gambling Casino in Las Vegas, practically every day. An FBI agent observed JoJo in a drunken condition at the Rosarita Beach Hotel, Baja, California, Mexico.
In 1961, JoJo was back in New Kensington. He claimed he was in town to obtain money, because he was "broke" because of a large, expensive party he had given recently at the Shamrock Hotel, Houston, Texas, under the name Joseph Manners. The FBI investigated this, but records at the Shamrock Hotel failed to produce any information regarding Manners or the alleged party.
The informant reported that rumors were circulating that JoJo had married a middle-aged woman who had large lumber interests in either Georgia or Alabama. (This rumor might relate to his marriage to Gertrude, and not to a more recent marriage.)
George Mannarino, JoJo's father, died in February, 1962.
In 1962 JoJo, for some reason, reported to an FBI agent in San Diego about an accountant from San Antonio, Texas, who had done work for Billie Sol Estes, saying that this accountant had information concerning Estes' illegal manipulations. By this time the FBI realized that JoJo was not a particularly reliable informant, that he frequently exaggerated and made statements which could not be substantiated, especially concerning his associations with influential people and underworld characters.
By this time, the FBI reported that JoJo had no fixed place of residence, that he moved frequently and was indebted to several expensive motels and bars in the San Diego area.
During a 1963 interview, actor George Raft said that he had met JoJo, although he never met his brothers. Raft described JoJo as "the drunken clown" who married the wealthy Hazel Stone. As far as Raft knew, they were still married and living in California.
In June of 1964, JoJo was in the Riverside County Jail, Indio, California on check charges filed by the Palm Springs Police Department. He apparently contacted the FBI to pass on some information relating to Las Vegas couriers, which he thought would be helpful to them, but the FBI felt that his information was superficial, at best. This information apparently related to "skimming" at the Las Vegas casinos. Much of this report was not released, but it does appear that he gave rather detailed accounts of several incidents.
By July of 1964, a judge of the Superior Court, Indio, having JoJo before him in connection with a felony check charge, committed JoJo to the Patton State Mental Hospital, San Bernadino, California, on recommendation of the court psychiatrist, as being insane.
Sam Mannarino, JoJo's older brother, died in June, 1967.
In July 1969, Kelly reported that JoJo was currently in a mental hospital in California. Kelly was concerned as to whether his brother was receiving adequate care, and he said he was going to send New Kensington attorney, Irving Green, to the hospital in California to check up on the situation
According to the California Death Index, Joseph Mannarino died in 1974, in San Bernadino, California. It seems probable that he died in the mental hospital there.
Notes for Gertrude Enolia Bridges:
MANNARINO-MCDONALD MARRIAGE IS ANNOUNCED, The Montgomery Advertiser, April 2, 1949
William W. Bridges announces the marriage of his sister - Mrs. Gertrude McDonald, to Joseph Mannarino, of Pittsburgh, Pa. The wedding took place on March 15 at the El Morroco Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Mannarino are making their home in Montgomery.
Gertrude left Joseph in 1952, and their divorce became final, according to records in Montgomery County, Alabama, in August, 1954 [M58]
Notes for Hazel Elizabeth Woof:
Hazel met JoJo in Las Vegas. At the time, she was worth over $6 million, inherited from her husband, Lewis Stone.
In her will, Hazel left $760,000 to the University of Nevada School of Mediciine. She had relocated to Las Vegas around 1964.
+ 4 iii. Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Generation No. 2
2. Salvatore "Sam"3 Mannarino (George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born December 24, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died June 05, 1967 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married Rosina Carino April 16, 1925 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Raffaele Carino and Annina Sargente. She was born July 24, 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died October 1986 in ?Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino:
Involved in a fatal auto accident in Pgh in 1923. Address given as 1016 Fifth Ave. Struck and killed a woman at Liberty Ave. and Smithfield St. in Pittsburgh. Others were in the auto with him.
According to marriage license, was living at 1176 Fourth Ave. at the time of his marriage on April 16, 1925.
Sam Mannarino was indicted in November, 1926, upon impersonation of a Federal prohibition officer and sentenced on May 6, 1927, to 1 ½ years in the Atlanta Penitentiary after he had entered a plea of guilty to the charge. The evidence in this case disclosed that the subject with four others extorted the sum of $615 from certain individuals while impersonating a Federal prohibition agent. (JFK FBI)
(Calabro went to Atlanta January 1926.)
From: RIF#: 124-10216-10409 (09/15/60) FBI#: 92-2918-91
On May 15, 1926, an Information was filed by H. C. Taylor, constable, before a justice of the peace in Parnassus, Pa., charging Samuel Mannarino, George Mannarino (subject's father) and Abe Lilli with violation of the Pennsylvania liquor laws for operating a still in the rear of the Mannarino home at the end of Barnes Street in New Kensington, Pa. Samuel Mannarino was arrested on July 13, 1926, brought before a Justice of the Peace and held for court. On December 31, 1926, he was admitted to bail in the amount of $1,000 and on May 7, 1927, bond was forfeited. It is noted that subject was committed to the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia, on May 6, 1926, [wrong date] for impersonating a Federal officer. On February 10,1928, a Grand Jury, sitting at Westmoreland County, Pa., dismissed charges against defendant Lilli but returned a True Bill as to Samuel Mannarino. Charges against subject's father, George Mannarino, who was also arrested as an operator of the still, were dismissed in Westmoreland County Court.
On September 19, 1928, following his release from the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Mannarino entered a plea of guilty to the liquor law charges and was sentenced by Judge E. Whitten to serve five months in the Westmoreland County Jail and to pay a fine of $1 plus court costs. On October 24, 1928, Mannarino was released on parole for a period of three years.
Records of the Allegheny County Detective Bureau, Pittsburgh, reviewed (by the FBI) on December 16, 1957, disclosed no disposition or details for subject's arrest on April 20, 1927, as a suspicious person.
Records of the United States Clerk of Court's Office, US District Court, Western District of PA, Pittsburgh, Criminal Case #2251...disclose that Samuel Mannarino, Lloyd J. Sobolak, John W. Sobolak, Adolph A. Lilli and Claire P. Leon Cederborg were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on November 27, 1926, for impersonating Federal officers. The defendants were sentenced to the custody of the Attorney General for one year and six months and were confined to the United States Penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia, on May 6, 1927. The evidence in this case indicated that the defendants extorted the sum of $615 from certain individuals while impersonating Federal agents.
Records of the Pittsburgh Police Department, Identification Division, reviewed December 18, 1957, indicate that Sam Mannarino, #23542, was arrested February 6, 1931, as a suspicious person and for investigation for carrying a concealed weapon. Mannarino, on February 7, 1931, paid a $10 fine in lieu of a sixty-day sentence in jail. While reviewing these records, Lt. Thomas McQuaide, Chief Identification of the Pittsburgh Police Department, commented that Mannarino's arrest record was transferred to the so-called "dead" files of the Identification Division because of a report received from Capt. J. Bordinaro of the New Kensington Police Department on October 27, 1954, that Mannarino had died in an automobile accident.
Records of the Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg, Pa., reviewed by SA Myron H. Treter on December 17, 1957, indicate that Mannarino was arrested on March 31, 1933, with twenty-five other persons on a charge of operating a lottery. The only disposition for this arrest concerned a fine and costs but the amounts were not recorded.
Sgt. William L. Smith, Crime Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg, Pa., on December 17, 1957, advised SA Treter that subject's arrest on July 27, 1934, pertained to his involvement in a gambling operation at the Jockey Club in New Kensington, Pa. Sgt. Smith pointed out that Mannarino entered a plea of guilty to charges of gambling on December 29, 1934, before Judge Charles D. Copeland in Westmoreland County Court (Case #102).
Records of the Clerk of Courts, Westmoreland County, Greensburg, Pa., Case #03, August term, 1934, for the Court of Quarter Sessions, reviewed by SA Klebe on January 8, 1958, indicated that on July 27, 1934, an Information was filed by Sgt. Jackson R. Dodson, Pennsylvania State Police Greensburg, charging Mannarino and Rocco Buffone with maintaining a gambling establishment and permitting gambling. Charges in this case arose out of alleged gambling operations in the Jockey Club in New Kensington, Pa. Defendants were indicted on August 31, 1934, and entered pleas of guilty on December 29, 1934, before the Honorable Charles D. Copeland, President Judge of Westmoreland County, Pa. The court sentenced both defendants to pay the cost of prosecution and assessed a fine of $100. Defendants were sentenced to the Allegheny County Workhouse, Blawknox, Pa., for a period of confinement of no less than one year nor more than two years. P. K. Jones, Attorney at Law, with offices at 500 Jones Law Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., appeared as counsel for defendants.
Judge Copeland, mentioned above, approved an application for parole on the part of Sam Mannarino on September 6, 1935, and ordered him discharged from the Allegheny County Workhouse, in the custody of Harry W. Bisell, County Probation Officer, for a period of two years.
From: RIF#: 124-10277-10021 (04/04/58) FBI#: 92-2918-23, 24
The docket discloses a letter, dated September 28, 1927, addressed to the warden of the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Ga., by the District Attorney for Westmoreland County requesting that a detainer be filed in regard to Mannarino. The warden, in a letter to the District Attorney for Westmoreland County, dated October 1, 1927, assured the District Attorney that he would be notified prior to Mannarino's release from the Federal Penitentiary where he was serving an 18 month sentence for impersonation. The warden of the Federal Penitentiary, Atlanta, Ga., in an additonal letter dated June 20, 1928, to the District Attorney of Greensburg, Pa., stated that Mannarino would be released on August 19, 1928, and requested information regarding the handling of the detainer. On this letter there is a notation "have released detainer," although the docket does not contain a copy of any letter to the Federal Penitentiary at Atlanta, Ga., officially releasing the detainer. The docket contains a notation that subject's father, George Mannarino, was also arrested as an operator of the illegal still, but that charges against him were nol prossed in Westmoreland County Court. Subject was represented by P. K. Shaner, Attorney at Law of Greensburg, Pa., now deceased.
Arrested in 1926 for operating a still in New Kensington. Sentenced to 5 months in Westmoreland County Jail.
1927 NK City Directory (Polk)
Mannarino Saml lab r1129 6th av
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 116 Family 148 1129 Barnes St.
Sam Mannarino, 24, m at 20, PA IT IT, truck driver for fruit dealer, renter
Rose, 20, m at 16, PA IT IT; Minnie, 3
Sam claimed, in an FBI interview, to have been a driver for John Bazzano.
Arrested in numbers raid in 1933. Implicated in Arabia murder but never charged, 1934. Joe Rosa involved in both cases.
36 TRAPPED IN RAID ON GAMBLING JOINT. The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Pa., June 25, 1934
Greensburg, Pa., June 25 - A raid on the Jockey Club, alleged New Kensington gambling resort, netted 36 men for hearings here today. The prisoners were arrested Saturday when county detectives broke into the club in the rear of a Ninth Avenue, New Kensington, barber shop. Thirty-three visitors were released on small forfeits, but Rocco Buffone, 22, of 1018 Third Avenue; William Bettor, alias Dusty, 24, of 1136 Third Avenue, and Frank Marino, 33, of 1176 Third Avenue, all of New Kensington, posted $500 on charges of maintaining a gambling house. The visitors are to be arraigned before Alderman J. A. Walton here. The alleged proprietors waived a hearing before Alderman Jacob Sakulsky, of New Kensington. Detectives found dice and card games in progress, they said.
FOUR GAMBLERS SENTENCED, The Kane Republican, December 29, 1934
Greensburg, Pa., Dec. 29 (UP) - Four New Kensington men were sentenced to from six months to two years in Allegheny County workhouse today by Judge C. D. Copeland after pleading guilty to charges of operating a gambling house. The men were taken when detectives and state police raided the New Kensington Jockey Club last summer. The officers claimed the club was headquarters for horse race betting. The prisoners were Rocco Buffone, fined $200 and sentenced to serve from 1 to 2 years; Sam Mannarino, $100 fine and 1 to 2 year sentence, while William Bettor and Frank Marino were fined $100 each and ordered to serve from 6 months to 1 year.
Someone in the FBI files speculated that Sam started out as a muscle-man for Nick Stirone, labor organizer from New Jersey, who arrived in Western Pennsylvania in the early 1930s.
1940 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. New Kensington Ward 1 ED 65-146 Family 424, 1129 Sixth Ave.
Samuel Mannerino, 34, proprietor - cleaner [This family also was listed next to George, same ED, same address at Family 47.]
Rose, 39; Minnie, 14; Joseph, bro, 28; Gabel, 24, bro
In 1940, 5'2" tall, 150 lb.
Purchased land at the corner of Manor Rd and Freeport Rd. around 1940.
1949 Mannarino Saml (Rose; Nu-Ken Novelty Co) h1001 Pine Manor rd
1949 Nu Ken Novelty Co (Saml Mannarino) vending machs 727 5th av
Resided at 201 Highland Ave. (Sam Paletta at 119 Highland Ave.)
In 1946, the National Grouse Champion, Laetus Jack, was owned by Sam. Competed in Marienville in 1946. In 1948, had a setter named Jay Rod competing.
In July, 1944, Sam was investigated for alleged violation of the Selective Service Act of 1942. It was alleged by Sergeant J. E. Hertzberger, Pennsylvania Railroad Police, that the subject had purchased the scrap iron business solely for the purpose of obtaining an essential industry draft deferment. Investigation of these charges disclosed that the subject had formed a partnership and bought a scrap iron business but there was no evidence of fraud in his draft classification. Sam's draft classification was 4F-H, and he was considered unfit for service because of his prior criminal conviction.
Around 1927, Sam was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in the Atlanta Penitentiary for impersonating a prohibition agent and extortion. In 1935, he served about 8 months in the Allegheny County Workhouse on gambling charges in connection with the operation of the New Kensington Jockey Club. Arrested July 2, 1959, in connection with the Canadian bond theft. And from Sept. 1964 to June 1965 he served at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary for income tax evasion.
Valley Independent, Monessen, Tuesday, June 6, 1967
Sam Mannarino Is Dead At Age 61
New Kensington, Pa. (UPI)
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church here for Samuel Mannarino, reputed gambling czar whose alleged underworld investments stretched to Cuba and Las Vegas. Mannarino, who at one time allegedly bossed a $2 million numbers and horse book operation in western Pennsylvania died at his home here Monday after a lingering illness. He was 61.
The convicted gambler, who reportedly headed a pinball combine in Westmoreland County, had been in failing health since his release from the federal penitentiary at Lewisburg in 1965 after serving part of a one-year and one-day sentence for income tax evasion.
He was convicted of income tax evasion in December, 1963, and sentenced by Federal Judge Herbert P. Sorg in August, 1964. During the trial, the Internal Revenue Service charged Mannarino and reputed gambler Willie Sams, partners in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co. of New Kensington, a pinball distributing firm, understated their 1957 -1958 personal income from Nu-Ken by $10,073 each. Mannarino's brother, Gabriel (Kelly), 51, a scrap metal dealer, also was a partner in the Nu-Ken firm. The brothers were co-owners of the Ken Iron and Steel Co., a salvage firm in New Kensington.
Mannarino, who allegedly attended the meeting of underworld leaders at Apalachin, N.Y., in November, 1957, last made news in October, when he was deported from Canada while on a fishing trip. Officials said he was ejected from the country "because of his previous criminal convictions in the United States."
Mannarino's arrests dated back to 1927 when he was convicted and sentenced to the federal penitentiary in Atlanta for 18 months on an extortion charge for posing as a federal liquor agent. He was arrested again in the early 30's in New Kensington for operating a gambling concession and served six months in the county jail. He was arrested again in that decade but not convicted on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon and operating a still.
A requiem mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County.
Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pa., June 7, 1967
New Kensington, Pa., (AP) - A man identified by the FBI as a rackets figure with wide-spread interests has died sick and in seclusion at his home here. He is "Shy Sam" Mannarino, 61, who, according to Federal authorities, was a kingpin in Western Pennsylvania numbers and horse race betting and at one time had interests in night clubs in Havana, Cuba and Las Vegas, Nev. Mannarino, who died Monday, had been ill and in seclusion at his home about 10 miles north-east of Pittsburgh since his release in 1965 from Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary where he had been sentenced to one year for income tax evasion. He was also one of four men indicted in 1962 on charges of dealing in $12 million worth of bonds taken during a 1962 Canadian robbery. He was acquitted by a Federal Grand Jury in Chicago. Mannarino was deported from Canada last October "because of previous criminal convictions in the United States." He contended he was on a hunting trip. He was a partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., a pinball machine firm, and a New Kensington beer distributing firm. Mannarino was a member of Mount St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society; Pittsburgh Moose Lodge 46, and Miami, Fla Elks Lodge 1601; and a board member of the Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington. He is survived by his widow, Rose, a daughter and two brothers. Requiem mass will be celebrated Thursday at his home.
MANNARINO, AREA RACKET FIGURE, DIES
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, June 7, 1967
Sam Mannarino, who once ? boasted a $2 million numbers and horse book in Western Pennsylvania, and had internation racket connections, died yesterday (June 6) at his home in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, following a linbering illness. Mannarino, 61, had reportedly been in ill health since his release from Federal Prison in Lewisburg, Union County, in 1965 after serving part of a year and a day sentence for income tax evasion.
A Federal Court jury convicted Mannarino of income tax evasion in December 1963, and he was sentenced by Judge Herbert P. Sorg in August 1964. According to the conviction, Mannarino and Willie Sams, his partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., defrauded the government of taxes by underestimating pinball machine income by $27,000 in 1957 and 1958. Mannarino and Sams received the same sentence and in addition were fined $10,000 each.
Mannarino, who picked up the name "Shy Sam" because of his hide-and-seek games with reporters and photographers at public hearings, called himself "a retired businessman" in recent years. Mannarino was a member of Mt. St. Peter's Church and its Holy Name Society; a life member of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 46, Pittsburgh; the Benevelent Protective order of Elks No. 1001, Miami, Fla.; and the board of directors of Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington [later deleted]. He also operated the Ken Iron and Steel, a salvage firm, until 1964.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Rose Mannarino; a daughter, Mrs. Minnie Carlucci, of New Kensington; two brothers, Gabriel (Kelly), of New Kensington; and Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif.; and one grandchild.
Requiem high mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mt. St. Peter's Church. Friends are being received at the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home, 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, Westmoreland County, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County.
Pittsburgh Press, June 6, 1967
MANNARINO, on Monday, June 5, 1967, Samuel, of New Kensington, husband of Rose; father of Mrs. Victor (Minnie) Carlucci, of New Kensngton; brother of Gabriel Mannarino, of New Kensington, Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif., and grandfather of Miss Jamey Rose Carlucci. Friends may call at the Manzella-Guinta Funeral Home, 1509 5th Ave., Arnold. Requiem High Mass 10 a.m. Thursday, Mt. St. Peter's RC Church, New Kensington. Family hours 2-4 and 7-10. Family reuest flowers be omitted. Donations may be made in his memory to Mt. St. Peter's Church.
MANNARINO IN DEATH STILL DRAWS A CROWD, by Robert Baird, Pittsburgh Press, June 8, 1967
New Kensington - Some stood around hoping to see a singing celebrity. Others came to see the beautiful flowers. But most were here because the name Sam Mannarino has a magical attraction in this area of Westmoreland County. About 70 solemn-faced curiosity-seekers gathered across the street from the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home in nearby Arnold today, where hundreds came to pay their last respects to the racket leader, listed as a mamber of the Mafia by several Government agencies.
A woman said she heard rumors a famous singer was here. But a man standing nearby set her straight: "Lady, you must have the wrong funeral. There are no singers here." People who came to see the flowers were informed that they were moved to Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington during the night.
A service was held at the funeral home at 9:0 a.m. Afterwards, 10 pallbearers placed the casket in a hearse, which led 30 cars - a majority of them Cadillacs and Lincoln Continentals - on the short trip to the church. On the way, the procession passed Citizens General Hospital, where Mannarino, who died Monday, was a member of the board of directors. After mass at the church, the procession moved on to Greenwood Memorial Park in nearby Lower Burrell.
Mannarino, 61, was released from the Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg in June, 1965, after serving almost eight months for conspiracy to cheat the Government on income taxes. Last year, he was deported from Canada because of previous criminal convictions in the United States.
MANNARINO FUNERAL CONTRASTS WITH LIFE, by Joseph P. Browne, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 9, 1967
New Kensington, June 8 - Samuel Mannarino, who insisted he was a retired businessman while law enforcement authorities termed him a leading Westmoreland County rackets figure, went to his grave after a simple funeral here today. Some 100 persons stood across the street from the Manzella-Giunta Funeral Home in Arnold as the funeral procession moved slowly to Mt. St. Peter's Catholic Church. If they had expected an elaborate, flower-laden cortege, they were disappointed. The funeral was quiet, dignified and unostentatious. There were 38 cars in the procession, none with out-of-state license plates. The Mannarino family had requested flowers be omitted and suggested memorial contributions be made to Mt. St. Peter's Church. After the mass, the procession made its way to Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell, for burial services.
Mr. Mannarino, 61, died Monday afternoon in his home here after a lingering illness. He had been ailing since his release from Federal Prison in Lewisburg in 1965 after serving part of a year's sentence for income tax evasion. Though his name had been identified with New Kensington for 30 years, he was born in Pittsburgh. His family moved to New Kensington when he was six years old.
While law enforcement authorities continually linked him with major gambling activities, he termed himself a businessman. He was co-owner of the Ken Iron and Steel Co., New Kensington, until the firm was razed for a redevelopment project. He was a partner in the Nu-Ken Novelty Co., a vending machine firm. He and his partner, Willie Sams, were charged with income tax evasion in the firm's operation and each was given a year's jail term and $10,000 fine.
Mr. Mannarino was a member of Mt. St. Peter's Church Holy Name Society; a live member of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 46, Pittsburgh; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, No. 1601, Miami; and the board of directors of Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Rose Carino Mannarino; a daughter, Mrs. Victor Carlucci of New Kensington; two brothers, Gabriel, of New Kensington, and Joseph, of La Jolla, Calif; and a granddaughter.
Name: Sam Mannarino
SSN: 183-24-1122
Born: 24 Dec 1905
Died: Jun 1967
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
Just _me
Boynton Beach, FL
#5582 8/5/11
Sorry, have to respond to some posts waaaay back.
First of all, Sam's daughter's name is Minnie and she was married to Vic Carlucci - they had one daughter, Jamie who is deceased. Jamie has a son, who is pretty much in control of anything that is left of the Carlucci estate.
Kelly wasn't a pimple on his brother's ass. He is the reason that everything fell apart in New Ken. Kelly is the one that brought all of the drugs in to the city - hmmmmmmmmmm, where has that got New Ken??? His 2nd mistake was appointing Sonny Ciancutti as his right hand man - that was definitely the blind leading the blind.
I remember going to Sam's funeral with my father - I was in awe. There was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis,Jr.- helicopters in the air - FBI all over the place taking pictures - not to mention the people on the ground. I still have a picture of my Dad with Frank Sinatra on that day.
For you doubters of what New Ken nightlife used to be - I was personally escorted, on several occassions, in tunnels that ran from the Bachelor's Club to above ground parking lots at different locations - by both Sam Lanzino and his son-in-law,Tony Haddad. This would have been around 1975 and I was way too young too drink - just happened to be the daughter of a person with some clout.
You guys all blow smoke, but you really don't know anything unless you lived it!
Sam Mannarino, brother of Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino and his partner in all illegal casinos, Havana operations as well as gun running. Sam was very active but more volatile than his brother, thus why he did not reach to heights like Kelly. Nonetheless, he was as powerful as his brother and had a hand in rackets across the country. _jcb2
More About Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino:
Burial: June 08, 1967, Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Mission (LDS): 1934, Arabia Murder
Notes for Rosina Carino:
Pgh Post-Gazette, Nov. 17, 1937, a divorce suit was brough in Allegheny County by Rose Mannarino against Sam Mannarino.
Records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the County Office Building, Pittsburgh, reviewed on February 26, 1958, indicate that Rosina Carino, the daughter of Raffaele Carino and Amilia Carino, nee Sargenti, was born at the parent's home at 102 McClure Ave., in the 27th Ward, Pittsburgh, at 8:30 am, on July 24, 1909. [M58] (This is the same address at which the Mannarino family was listed in the 1910 census.)
Name: Rose Mannarino
SSN: 204-42-9882
Last Residence: 15601 Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 24 Jul 1909
Died: Oct 1986
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1967-1968 )
More About Rosina Carino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Child of Salvatore Mannarino and Rosina Carino is:
+ 5 i. Minnie Anita4 Mannarino, born April 12, 1926 in Pennsylvania; died June 05, 1998 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa..
4. Gabriel "Kelly"3 Mannarino (George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born October 31, 1915 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died July 11, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato April 16, 1941 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Frank Amato and Ernestine Bevilacqua/Beaver. She was born July 29, 1919 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 22, 1996 in Broward Co., Florida.
Notes for Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
1916 birth date from father's naturalization papers.
Name: Gabriel Mannarino
SSN: 198-22-0688
Born: 31 Oct 1915
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: Jul 1980
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
1949 Mannnarino Gabriel (Jean) h540 Charles av
1957 Mannarino Gabriel (Jean; New KenNovelty Co) h540 Charles av
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 3/31/33 gaming fine and costs
PD, Pittsburgh Kelly Gabriel Mannarino, #30307 11/18/34 viol Liq Laws not guilty
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 4/30/36 S.P., robb discharged
PD New Kensington Gabriel Mannarino, #1678 4/27/43 Unif Fire Arms Act
SPol Greensburg Gabriel Mannarino, #A-5137 9/12/45 Lottery 11/30/45 $25 f & c
USM Pittsburgh Gabriel Mannarino, #14901 5/22/56 obs of justice acqt'ed by jury 1/17/57
(from a 1957 FBI report)
In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects.
Home destroyed by explosion, April 3, 1976.
MANNARINO DIES AT 64 OF CANCER, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Susan Mannella, July 12, 1980
Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, reputed head of far-flung gambling operations that extended from New Kensington to Cuba and a lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania's organized crime, died yesterday in Mercy Hospital. Mannarino, 64, of 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, was admitted to the hospital on June 23 for treatment of cancer.
The New Kensington native was never convicted of a federal crime, but he and his late brother Samuel reportedly controlled Westmoreland County gambling operations for three decades. The Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1970 Report on Organized Crime identified Mannarino as a captain for John Sebastian LaRocca of McCandless, reputed to be the head of organized crime in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
In 1957, Mannarino was one of 63 racket figures arrested by state police at a meeting in Apalachin, N.Y., that became the best-known gathering of underworld leaders in American history. Only 20 of those arrested at the meeting - which federal authorities alleged was called to plan underworld domination of illicit drug traffic and other activities - were convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice. Their convictions later were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mannarino was not indicted.
His name did not break into the news again until November 1958 when government agents seized 121 stolen U.S. Army rifles that allegedly were being shipped to Cuba during the height of the Castro-Batista struggle for control of the island. A plane carrying the weapons took off from the Allegheny Valley Airport near Tarentum. A panel truck owned by a vending machine company that Mannarino owned was seen at the site. Samuel Mannarino's son-in-law, Victor Carlucci, was one of two men convicted in the gun-running scheme.
Mannarino and his brother held an interest in the Sans Souci Gambling Casino in Havana until the late 1950s. Mannarino also operated three New Kensington businesses - the Catoris Candy Co., S&S Distributing Co. and Nu-Ken Novelty Co.
Although Mannarino was arrested numerous times, prosecutors could not convict him of a federal crime. In 1957, he was cleared of charges that he tried to bribe a witness in a New Kensington vote-fraud trial. In 1963, he was acquitted of income tax fraud and in 1970 he and 10 others were cleared of conspiracy and racketeering in kickbacks from a Teamsters Union pension fund.
Mannarino's last public appearance here was on Jan. 30, when he testified for 30 minutes before a federal investigative grand jury looking into fraudulent loans made by the Monroeville office of Citizens National Bank.
Mannarino is survived by his wife, Jean Amato Mannarino, and two daughters, Georgienne Bufalino and Delores Feola. Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday at Mount St. Peter's Church in New Kensington. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.
More About Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Name: Jean Mannarino
SSN: 183-54-4777
Born: 29 Jul 1919
Died: 22 Mar 1996
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1975)
More About Jean (Gina Dolores) Amato:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Children of Gabriel Mannarino and Jean Amato are:
6 i. Georgienne4 Mannarino, born July 03, 1943 in Braddock Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Russell Samuel Bufalino November 05, 1966 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; born September 27, 1938 in Scranton, Pa..
Notes for Georgienne Mannarino:
The November 7, 1966 issue of the "Daily Dispatch"
"...Miss Patricia Erra was maid of honor and Mrs. John Stephancis, Miss Toni Bufalino, Miss Jamey Carlucci and Miss Dolores Mannarino were bridesmaids. Joseph Bufalino was best man and Michael Allegretti, James Bird, Donald Cipolla and John Furno ushered. After a reception in Holiday House, Monroeville, the couple honeymooned in the Bahamas. They will reside in Meadville. The new Mrs. Bufalino was graduated by New Kensington High School and Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr. Her husband was graduated by Meadville High School, John Carroll University, Cleveland, and Temple University, Philadelphia. He is a doctor practicing in Pymatuning Medical Center, Linesville."
Notes for Russell Samuel Bufalino:
Internship at Mercy Hospital, sponsored by Dr. John Regis Miller. Miller was formerly a patrolman on the Braddock, Pa., Police Department, whose medical education expenses were paid by La Cosa Nostra member Frank Amato. Since that time, Miller has been obligated to Amato and as chief surgeon at Mercy Hospital, Miller has handled such patients as Amato, Sebastian John LaRocca and Samuel Mannarino.
Father may be Charles T. Bufalino, per FBI files.
7 ii. Dolores Y. Mannarino, born March 12, 1951 in Coral Gables, Dade Co., Florida. She married Albert J. Feola July 05, 1974 in 540 Charles Ave., New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., by William Demao, mayor of Arnold; born March 08, 1947 in Braddock, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 19, 2021 in Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Dolores Y. Mannarino:
Harcum Junior College, Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1971.
Sold 540 Charles Ave. in 2013.
Notes for Albert J. Feola:
Albert J. Feola, 73, of Plum Borough, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. He was born March 8, 1947, in Braddock, to the late Joseph and Louise DePante Feola, and has been a resident of Plum Borough for the past seven years, having previously residing in New Kensington. Mr. Feola was of the Catholic faith and worked as a driver for the Post-Gazette. He enjoyed golfing and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dolores Mannarino Feola; two sisters, Patricia Feola, of Monroeville, and Peggy Feola, of East McKeesport; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marty Lou Gibson. Private funeral services and interment in Greenwood Mausoleum are by THE RUSIEWICZ FAMILY OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS, ARNOLD & LOWER BURRELL.
More About Albert J. Feola:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Generation No. 3
5. Minnie Anita4 Mannarino (Salvatore "Sam"3, George (Rugiero)2, Gabriele1 Rugiero) was born April 12, 1926 in Pennsylvania, and died June 05, 1998 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa.. She married Victor Ernest Carlucci April 16, 1945 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., son of Vincenzo Carlucci and Rose Morelli. He was born March 26, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died August 02, 1984 in ?Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for Minnie Anita Mannarino:
Attended St. Joseph Academy, Seton Hill, Greensburg. Class of 1944?
CARLUCCI, Minnie (Mannarino), age 72, of New Kensington, on Friday, June 5, 1998, in her home, grandmother of Victor Jared Lorito; preceded in death by her husband Victor Carlucci, daughter Jamie Carlucci Lorito, parents Sam and Rose Carino Mannarino. Friends received 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in the John B. Giunta Funeral Home, Inc., 1509 5th Ave., Arnold, PA. Mass of Christian burial Monday, 10 a.m. Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church, New Kensington.
Name: Minnie A. Carlucci
SSN: 160-34-4602
Last Residence: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 12 Apr 1926
Last Benefit: 15068 New Kensington, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: 5 Jun 1998
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1958-1960 )
More About Minnie Anita Mannarino:
Burial: Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Victor Ernest Carlucci:
Victor E. Carlucci, who is married to Sam Mannarino's daughter, Minnie, was never anything more than an orchestra leader [Talk of the Towners] in New Kensington and a beer distributorship proprietor in Arnold. But for many years he has wanted to be considered part of the Mannarino gang of racketeers. In 1958, Sam Mannarino permitted Vic to take part in the gun smuggling attempt so that Vic could "earn his stripes". Now that Carlucci has been convicted of his part in this case, he indicated that he is actually glad to serve some time in a penal institution as further evidence of his being accepted in the group of racketeers he so much admires. (FBI JFK)
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Sebastian John LaRocca
Descendants of Ignacio LaRocca
Generation No. 1
1. Ignacio1 LaRocca was born September 03, 1865 in Resuttano, Caltanessetta, Sicily, Italy, and died August 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pa.. He married Rosaria Scangarella Abt. 1891 in Italy, daughter of Sebastiano Scancarella and Arcangela Lavalle. She was born August 20, 1875 in Villa Rosa, Caltanessetta, Sicily, Italy, and died April 02, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Ignacio LaRocca:
1910 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Young Twp. ED 101 Family 143 (probably Iselin #3, Whiskey Run, Reed)
Ignots Lurocco, 44, m1 20y, IT arr 1907 coal miner (boarder with Vincent Blantino)
1920 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Center Twp. ED 99 Family 711 (perhaps near Homer City, maybe Luciusboro, SE of Homer City)
Nichte, Rock, 54, IT arr 1903, coal miner
Rosie, 46, IT arr 1910; Joseph, 26, IT, arr 1910; Lester, 18, IT arr 1910; Tony, 8; Angela, 6; John, 4
1930 CENSUS PA Philadelphia Co. Philadelphia Ward 39, ED 146 Family 166
Ignacious Larocco, 64, m at 25, IT arr 1904
Rosaria, 59, m at 20, IT, arr 1907; Anthony, 18; Angeline, 17; John, 15; Leona Rose, dau, 30, widow, IT arr 1905; Michael, 7; Rose, 12
At time of the death of Ignacio LaRocca, his address was given as 616 Morris St., Philadelphia, Pa.
More About Ignacio LaRocca:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Rosaria Scangarella:
Ship Manifest, SS Principe di Piemonte, sailed from Palermo August 19, 1910, arrived in NYC Sept. 3, 1910
Passenger #11, Rosaria Scancarella, 32, former resident of Villarosa, Sicily. Nearest relative at Villarosa was Lavalle Arcangela, mother. Traveling to Pennsylvania to join her husband, Ignazio LaRocca, at Box 111, Reid, Pa. 5' tall, fair, chestnut hair, blue eyes. Born in Villarosa. Traveling with her: Rosa LaRocca, 13; Glluminata LaRocca, 11; Sebastiano LaRocca, 8
In 1940, residing at 6519 Deary St.
More About Rosaria Scangarella:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Ignacio LaRocca and Rosaria Scangarella are:
+ 2 i. Joseph2 LaRocca, born August 04, 1893 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy; died February 1980 in ?Baltimore, Maryland.
+ 3 ii. Rosina LaRocca, born February 04, 1897 in Italy; died April 10, 1958 in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York.
+ 4 iii. Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca, born October 06, 1899 in Italy; died October 11, 1966 in Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 5 iv. John Sebastian LaRocca, born December 18, 1902 in Villa Rosa, Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy; died December 03, 1984 in McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 6 v. Anthony P. LaRocca, born May 15, 1912 in Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa.; died August 1980.
7 vi. Angelina LaRocca, born Abt. 1914; died Aft. 1958 in Of Baltimore. She married Pasquale Zito.
+ 8 vii. John Joseph LaRocca, born June 16, 1915 in Yatesboro, Armstrong Co., Pa.; died February 20, 2002.
Generation No. 2
2. Joseph2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born August 04, 1893 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy, and died February 1980 in ?Baltimore, Maryland. He married Rosalia Conti Abt. 1920, daughter of (Husband) Conti and Rosa (Conti). She was born June 19, 1903 in Italy, and died June 1989 in ?Baltimore, Maryland.
Notes for Joseph LaRocca:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Joseph Rock, Luciusboro, Pa.
Age 23, born August 4, 1894 in Vilarosa, ?, Italy
Miner for B R & P Coal Co., Luciousboro, Indiana Co., Pa.
Single. Signed with his mark.
1930 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Burrell Twp. Black Lick Village ED 10 Family 185
Joseph LaRocco, 36, m at 28, IT arr 1910, barber
Roslea, 27, m at 17, IT arr 1910; Ignazio, 8; Rosie, 5; John, 4
1939 Larocca Joseph (Rosa; Sanitary Barber Shop) h6523 Deary
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-294 Family 33, 6523 Deary St.
Joseph Larocca, 48, IT, barber
Rosalia, 37, IT; Rosalia, 15; John, 13; Rita, 9; Rosa Conti, mil, 67, wid, IT; Joseph, bil, 31, IT
WWII Draft Registration 1942
Joe LaRocca, 6528 Apple Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 48, born August 4, 1893 at Villarosa, Italy
Mrs. Rose LaRocca, same address.
Penn-Shady Barber Shop, 107 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh.
On February 10, 1958, Harold Lauver advised that Joseph LaRocca as of the time of interview on November 1, 1952, owned the Penn-Shady Barber Shop, Penn and Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, and in addition to that owned a grocery store at 3617 Penn Avenue, which was run by his wife Rosalia and an older daughter. Lauver said that Joseph LaRocca had advised he was born at Villa Rosa Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy on August 4, 1893. Lauver said that he had confirmed LaRocca's naturalization at the Court of Common Pleas, Indiana County, on March 5, 1924. Lauver said that Joseph LaRocca had advised him that his father, Ignazio, had died in 1937 in Philadelphia, Pa., and that his mother, Rosaria, died in 1942, in Pittsburgh, and that both parents are buried in Pittsburgh. A pretext telephone call to Mrs. Anthony LaRocca, 6323 Glenview Place, Pittsburgh on February 10, 1958, by SA Robert A Voege, reflected that Joseph LaRocca resides at 835 Farragut Street, Pittsburgh. LaRocca is self-employed as a barber at Penn and Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, and is married to the former Rosalia Conti, and has three children. [L57]
Children of Joseph LaRocca and Rosalia Conti are:
9 i. Ignazio3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1922.
10 ii. Rosie LaRocca, born Abt. 1924.
11 iii. John LaRocca, born Abt. 1926.
3. Rosina2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born February 04, 1897 in Italy, and died April 10, 1958 in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York. She married Catino Conti Bef. 1918, son of Charles Conte and Rosina Redona/Reddano. He was born March 19, 1887 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy, and died January 30, 1973 in ?Buffalo, Erie Co., New York.
Notes for Rosina LaRocca:
Resided in Buffalo, New York.
On May 22, 1958, a check of the April 11, 1958 obituary notices in the "Buffalo Evening News," a daily newspaper, indicated that Rosina Conti, nee LaRocca, wife of Catino, had died on April 10, 1958. Other relatives listed were: children - John, Joseph, Mrs. John Nowak, Mrs. Stephen Hart, Mrs. Anthony (Angeline) Vitrano, Mrs. Pasquale (Sarah) Barbalato, Mary Jean; brothers and sisters - Joseph, John, Sebastian, and Anthony LaRocca, Mrs. Lena Rose, all of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Pasquale Zito of Baltimore, Maryland.
Notes for Catino Conti:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Catino Conti, Yatesboro, Pa.
Age 30, born March 19, 1887 in Villarosa, Italy, naturalized citizen.
Miner for C. C. & C. Co., Yatesboro, Pa.
Married.
Served in WWI.
1940, Buffalo, Erie Co., New York
Children of Rosina LaRocca and Catino Conti are:
+ 12 i. John J.3 Conti, born November 05, 1920; died April 12, 1986 in McCandless, Allegheny Co., Pa..
13 ii. Rose Conti, born Abt. 1924. She married (Husband) Nowak.
14 iii. Rosaria Conti, born Abt. 1925. She married (Husband) Hart.
15 iv. Angeline Conti, born Abt. 1930. She married (Husband) Vitrano.
16 v. Joseph Conti, born Abt. 1933 in New York. He married JoAnn Panasci.
17 vi. Sarah Conti, born Abt. 1938 in New York. She married (Husband) Barbaiato.
18 vii. Mary Jean Conti.
4. Leona M. (Lummata)2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born October 06, 1899 in Italy, and died October 11, 1966 in Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Mike (Rosa) Rose 1916. He was born Abt. 1881 in Italy, and died Bet. 1923 - 1930 in Of Luciusboro, Indiana Co., Pa..
Notes for Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca:
In 1957, resided at RD3, Boc 351, Broadhead, Moon Twp., Coraopolis, Pa.
In 1958, she resided with her daughter, Mrs. Angelo Ricci, in Glenwillard, Pa.
More About Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Mike (Rosa) Rose:
1920 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Center Twp. Luciusboro, ED 99 Family 699
Mike Rose, 39, IT arr 1906 or 1914, coal miner
Lumna, 20, IT arr 1909; Mary, 2; Rosie, 1; Tony, brother, 25, IT arr 1913, coal miner
Children of Leona LaRocca and Mike Rose are:
19 i. Mary Lillian3 Rose, born September 01, 1917 in Luciusboro, Indiana Co., Pa.; died April 22, 1995 in Of Glenwillard, Pa.. She married Angelo Ricci; born 1905; died 1973.
More About Mary Lillian Rose:
Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co., Pa.
20 ii. Rosaria M. Rose, born December 20, 1918 in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania; died June 21, 1997. She married (1) (Husband) Baran. She married (2) Julian Meanor 1950; born October 18, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for (Husband) Baran:
Divorced from Rosaria Jan. 27, 1950.
21 iii. Michael Rose, born Abt. 1923.
22 iv. Helen Rose. She married (Husband) Arizzo.
5. John Sebastian2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born December 18, 1902 in Villa Rosa, Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy, and died December 03, 1984 in McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Mary Magdalena Smelik September 30, 1928 in Pittston, Luzerne Co., Pa., daughter of John Cmelik and Magdalena Gabris. She was born April 02, 1910 in Jessup, Lackawanna Co., Pa., and died February 08, 1998 in Ingomar, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for John Sebastian LaRocca:
Entered the US September 2, 1910, aboard the "Principe de Piemonte." [L57] and ship manifest for mother.
1902 Born Villa Rosa, Sicily.
1910 Arrived in US. Traveling to join father in Reed, Pa. (Iselin or Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa.).
1910 - 1916 Yatesboro, Pa, Armstrong Co., where he attended public schools until the 7th grade.
1916 - 6/21/22 Resided with parents and worked in the coal mines near Luciusboro, Pa. [Brushvalley Twp., Indiana Co.]
3/28/22 Cut Teressa Trunzo [Tronzo].
6/21/22 - 6/19/25 Confined to the Western State Penitentiary at Pittsburgh, Pa., convicted of cutting an Indiana Co. girl.
6/19/25 - early 1927Resided with sister Rose Conti at Philadelphia, Pa., where he worked in a linoleum factory.
Early 1927 - 1928 Resided with parents at Homer City, Pa., where he was unemployed.
1928 At Scranton, Pa., looking for work.
Sept. 30, 1928 Married in Pittston, Pa., under the name Lester LaRocca (John S. LaRocca in parentheses). Residing in Falconer, New York.
Late 1928 - 1933 Resided with uncle, John LaValli, at Jamestown, N.Y., where subject operated a filling station at Cassadaga, N.Y., and
during this period was transporting liquor.
1934 Arrest on Northside in connection with an alcohol ring.
Aug. 8, 1939 Raid on his house; number evidence and stolen license plates
April 2, 1940 Fined on lottery and stolen property charges.
September 1933 - Resided at 6426 Apple Avenue, Pittsburgh.
October, 1949
1940s Vending machine business.
Late 40s North Star Cement Block
February 25, 1944 Adopted a child (Howard Leslie Hoffman) at Greensburg, Pa. through the Westmoreland Co. Orphans Court. The
father of this child is Tony Terrigio (not further identified) and the child was born in Greensburg, Pa. The child was then
named John.
October, 1949 to
Death Resided at 900 West Ingomar Road, Ingomar, Pa.
1956 Became Boss of the Pittsburgh Family.
On December 20, 1926, a band of five members of a band suspected of involvement in the shooting of Joseph Renaldi, 59, of Olypyhant, are arrested by West Scranton and Scranton police. One of the members of the band was a John LaRocca, who described himself as the manager of the Sullivan Trail Inn near Pittston. He was fined $100 on a charge of carrying concealed weapons. _The Tribune, Scranton, Pa., Dec. 22, 1926
1930 CENSUS NY Chautauqua Co. Ellicott Twp. Celeron Village ED 38 Family 160
John LaRocca, 27, m at 25, PA IT IT, laborer
Mary M., 20, m at 17, PA SLO SLO
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-291 Family 291, 6426 Apple Ave.
J. Sebastino LaRocca, 37, IT, owner of towel service
Mary, 30; Agnes, 14; Mary, 3/12, John J. bro, 24, barber
Helen Malinak, 21, maid
In 1950, 6426 Apple St. was occupied by Anthony and Ursola Genovese and son, Michael.
According to records of a 1959 Senate hearing, was convicted in 1926 of carrying concealed weapons and in 1930 of conducting a lottery, locations not stated.
LaRocca was not in Pittsburgh at the time of the Volpe/Bazzano affair. He arrived in Pittsburgh some time in 1933, the year of the Ban Box bombing, and a year before the murder of Patsy Arabia, an alleged associate of the Volpes.
Arrested, along with James Capizzi, Nicola Gentile, and Walter Franz at a card game on West Diamond St., Northside, in 1934. They were accused of being part of a big liquor ring. LaRocca gave his address as 6414 Apple Ave.
1939 - arrested for numbers on Apple Ave., along with Thomas Pecora, among others.
Pittsburgh 1939 Larocca John (Mary) slsmn h6426 Apple (1937 at 6414 Apple, listed as grocer)
A report dated October 18, 1940, from the Pittsburgh Associated Credit Bureau, reflects John LaRocca, wife Mary, resided at 6414 or 6426 Apple Street, East Liberty Station, Pittsburgh.
...Messer [George] said that LaRocca had exclusive numbers rights in the 8th Ward and also rights in part of the 13th Ward of Pittsburgh. According to Messer, John LaRocca has a girlfriend, Anna Burglass [?Berglass], working for him as a bookkeeper in the Coin Machine Distributing Company. (Later, in 1957, an informant advised that Anna was the only girlfriend LaRocca had, and that she was deceased.) [FBI 58]
John Sebastian LaRocca became the Boss of Pittsburgh in 1956 after Frank Amato suffered a kidney ailment and stepped down to the position of underboss. (LaRocca may have had some kind of family relationship with Amato.) [Probably not - one was Sicilian, the other Calabrese]
John Sebastian LaRocca was born in 1901 in Sicily and came to the US in 1910 settling in Indiana County. He went to work in a coalmine in Yatesboro at the age of 14 and continued working until 1922 when he was sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a young woman.
After LaRocca was released he moved to Scranton (may at some point have been involved with the mob there) and got married, later settling in Jamestown, NY with his new wife. He ran a gas station with no success and soon began transporting alcohol between Jamestown and Buffalo. In 1933 he moved to Pittsburgh with his wife and set up a concrete block business (North Star Cement Block in ?Lawrenceville) and several beer making facilities [also a coin machine business with Ripepi and Mannarino].
By 1940 LaRocca controled the gambling and loansharking rackets in Homewood and other areas. He was arrested several times for crimes ranging from larceny, recieving stolen property and operating an illegal lottery. In ?1943 the IRS began investigating John LaRocca at the request of J. Edgar Hoover. The agent in charge was Andrew Susce, who was immediately fired after his 300 page report showed extensive corruption of politicians. (This report was used in the 1970's.)
In 1953 the Naturalization and Immigration Service tried to have LaRocca deported but several important people testified in his behalf, including Allegheny County Judge Premo J. Columbus who was the former attorney for LaRocca and Governor John S. Fine who gave LaRocca a back-dated pardon for a 1939 larceny conviction. John LaRocca was allowed to stay in the US and his stature among the Pittsburgh Family grew.
At some point LaRocca's center of operations became the Allegheny Car Wash, 100 Sandusky St. on the North Side. In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects [may not have been the mayor, but Davey Lawrence, a gambling operative from Pittsburgh]. John LaRocca appeared before the Senate Rackets Committee and pleaded the 5th Amendment when asked by Robert "Bobby" Kennedy about the Apalachin meeting. In 1966 the Local 1058 used union funds to buy an Uptown lot from John LaRocca but they paid him for twice the market value.
When John took control of the family in 1956, Pittsburgh was thrown into the spotlight. The long tradition of the secrecy about the Pittsburgh mob was over. The FBI kept closer tabs on the family under his reign. LaRocca had a very profitable gambling operation, but most of the vice, gambling, unlicensed saloons, and numbers rackets were under control of the ward political machines. LaRocca had influence over a wide area in Western Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia. LaRocca also made a lot of money in the Youngstown area. In 1970, there was only a estimated 32 members, but its members were well disciplined and LaRocca had the backing of the Genovese Family in New York. LaRocca was present at Apalachin meeting with his Underboss Mike Genovese.
Pittsburgh Press, August 25, 1963:
...Here is a thumbnail sketch of Pittsburgh's LaRocca. Nestled on several acres of woodland in a suburb 10 miles north of Pittsburgh is a rambling stone "show place' home. There lives a very wealthy man who never visits nightclubs but every Saturday without fail visits a steam bath at the Oakland YMHA.
It is no secret that he is very wealthy. But John Sebastian (Big John) LaRocca has risen from poverty. Born in Sicily, he came here and worked in a coal mine at the age of 14. Then he operated a gasoline station. Then he moved into bootlegging and eventually the numbers racket.
His acquaintances say he would like now to cut all ties with the rackets, but he is a board member of the syndicate and has been for many years. He operates a legitimate business, a concrete block supply firm.
He wears conservative tailored suits over his 5-9, 165-pound frame, uses fairly good grammar, only in lapses allows "youse guys" to sprinkle his conversation.
LaRocca served three years in the 1920s on conviction of assault with intent to kill, and has later beaten deportation and perjury cases brought against him. When asked in a 1959 Senate hearing if he hand't escaped state troopers at the Appalachian crime convention by running away through the woods, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment.
"I know LaRocca to see him," said a Downtown worker. "He reminds me of a tired old Italian laborer. If he's a big wheel, he doesn't look it."
That may be the way Big John likes it.
John LaRocca died of cancer in 1984, having a long reign, and like many other Pittsburgh boss's untouched by the law. The Pittsburgh Family came under the leadership of Michael Genovese.
LaRocca's under boss Joseph Pecora was convicted on gambling charges in 1979 and Gabriel Mannarino died of cancer in 1980. During his rule over Pittsburgh, John LaRocca managed to infiltrate the Construction, General Laborers & Material Handlers Union Local 1058. In 1979 his son John LaRocca Jr. became a business representitive despite having no active involvement in the Union. In 1983 he became vice president of Local 1058 along with Joseph Laquatra the Local 1058 business manager picked by LaRocca. The Pittsburgh Family was also believed to have infiltrated the Teamsters Local 211 for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette truck drivers.
LaRocca worked closely establishing gambling rackets with Kansas City boss Nick Civella.
CRIME BOSS JOHN LAROCCA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa., by Harry Tkach
December 4, 1984
John Sebastian Larocca, head of the organized crime family in southwestern Pennsylvania, died Monday in his McCandless home. Mr. Larocca, 82, who had been in ill health for some time, maintained houses in Pompano Beach, Fla., and at 900 W. Ingomar Road, where McCandless police said he was found dead in his bed.
The undisputed crime boss here since 1956, Mr. LaRocca's influence extended beyond the rackets into business and politics, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission said. According to the commission, he became crime boss here in 1956, when he succeeded the late Frank Amato Sr., of Braddock, who was ill.
Mr. Larocca, who became known in gambling circles in the 1930s and 1940s, was nationally prominent in the underworld, according to federal investigators. He had been seen at the famous Apalachin, N.Y., meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957, and at another major meeting of Mafia families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in ?1986, the commission reported.
Despite his underworld reputation nationwide, Mr. Larocca maintained a low profile here. He owned a car wash on the Northside.
In 192?, he was arrested for assault with intent to kill and maim and sentenced to three to five years in prison. In 19?, police said, he was fined $500 and given a year's probation for conducting a lottery. He was fined $? To $? For stealing auto license plates and in 19?2, he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and was fined $50.
In 1956, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings, charging Mr. Larocca was an undesirable alien. They based their claim on is larceny conviction as well as on operating a lottery. At the hearings conclusion, then-Gov. John S. Fine granted Mr. Larocca a backdated pardon and the deportation case was dropped.
In 19?9, Mr. Larocca was indicted by a federal grand jury in New York for refereeing a dispute over which of two organized crime families would have jurisdiction over the kickbacks from a Teamsters' pension fund. Also named in the indictment were Amato, Frank Rosa, Joseph Sica and the late Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, all members of Mr. LaRocca's "family." All were acquitted.
Since then, he maintained a low and there had been reports that he was in retirement. Police investigators added that Mr. LaRocca's power and reputation were enough to keep crime families from other parts of the country from coming into his territory, which extended from the West Virginia Panhandle to Blair County.
Mr. Larocca was born in Sicily on Dec. 19, 1902, and became involved in the rackets during the Great Depression. The Crime Commission said he financed and controlled several gambling casinos in West Virginia.
Mr. Larocca is survived by his wife, Mary Smelik Larocca; a son, John S. Larocca Jr., of 33 Oxford Court, McCandless; four grandchildren; a brother, John J. Larocca of Johnstown; and a sister, Angelina Zito of Baltimore, Md.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Thomas B. Devlin Funeral Home, 808 Perry Highway, Ross. A Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Alexis Church, Old Perry Highway, McCandless. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Alexis Church, Wexford.
MOB BOSS JOHN LAROCCA DIES
The Pittsburgh Press, by Janet Williams [pix]
December 4, 1984
John Sebastian LaRocca, 83, a former immigrant boy who climbed the mob ladder to become the district's undisputed La Cosa Nostra crime czar, has died of congestive heart failure at his McCandless home, several weeks after undergoing heart surgery. The man who defeated his rivals for power and repeated government attempts to deport him to his native Sicily died in bed in his home at 900 W. Ingomar Road. His body was found by his wife, Mary, shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday, McCandless police said.
Known as "Big John," the silver-haired, quietly businesslike man ran a crime empire that the Pennsylvania Crime Commission said covered Western Pennsylvania, southwestern New York, all of West Virginia and western Ohio. He reportedly had interests in politics and business as well as the multimillion-dollar illegal gambling, all of which were run from a North Side car wash. In 1969, the commission had estimated that the numbers racket in Allegheny County then annually yielded $40 million, of which 10 to 15 percent was peeled off for "bribery and corruption."
Mr. LaRocca's most notable victory over the government came during deportation proceedings in 1954, when it was learned that former Gov. John S. Fine had granted him a last-minute, pre-dated pardon on larceny and felony charges. The pardon was announced seven months after it was dated. The government later attempted to deport him again, charging that he lied during his first deportation hearing, but failed to prove its case.
Mr. LaRocca, who also had a home in Pompano Beach, Fla., came to the United Stated in 1910. In 1922, he had his first brush with the criminal justice system. That year, in Indiana County, he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill and was sentenced to three to five years in prison. He served three years in Western Penitentiary.
Mr. LaRocca became entrenched in East Liberty in the 1930s and wrote illegal numbers. He was arrested in an East Liberty numbers raid in 1939, and a year later, after being arrested on a charge of operating an illegal lottery, admitted in court to writing numbers.
By the 1950s, Mr. LaRocca was a leading organized crime figure in Southwestern Pennsylvania, running gambling activities in the Pittsburgh area and controlling casinos in West Virginia. Those casinos were operated by Cosa Nostra family member Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, who has been identified by the Crime Commission as a possible successor to Mr. LaRocca.
In his fight against being deported, Mr. LaRoca admitted he was guilty of racketeering early in his career but said he had since become a law-abiding citizen. The federal government's case against him crumbled after his pardon.
Two years later, however, Mr. LaRocca was in complete control of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Cosa Nostra family, according to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1980 report. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. LaRocca tightened his grip on organized crime in this region. The Crime Commission reported that he often held meetings with his top lieutenants at his North Side business - Allegheny Car Wash at 100 Sandusky Ave.
Until recently, Mr. LaRocca's organization has operated with little discord, unlike crime syndicates in Cleveland and Youngstown, which have had gangland-style slayings. Mr. LaRocca had begun expanding into the two Ohio cities because of the void left by the violence.
But Mr. LaRocca had problems with his own operation. Pecora was convicted of racketeering in 1971 and sentenced to five years at the Federal Correctional Institute at Lexington, Ky. In October, one of Mr. LaRocca's soldiers became the first area underworld member to be convicted of first-degree murder. Altoona crime boss John Verilla, 59, was convicted of ordering the execution of a disgruntled drug pusher.
Besides his wife, Mr. LaRocca is survived by a son, John S. Jr. of McCandless; a brother, John J. of Johnstown, Cambria County; a sister Angelina Zito of Baltimore; and four grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Ross. Mass of Christian burial will be said 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Alexis Church, Perry Highway, Ross.
JOHN LAROCCA REPUTED CRIME BOSS
The Valley Independent, Monessen, Pa., December 4, 1984
Pittsburgh (UPI) - John Sebastian LaRocca, reputed head of the organized crime family in southwestern Pennsylvania, died Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township. He was 82. LaRocca, who had been in ill health for some time, was found dead in his bed, police said.
The Pennsylvania Crime Commission said LaRocca became crime boss in the Pittsburgh area in 1956 when he succeeded the late Frank Amato Sr. of Braddock. The commission said LaRocca's influence extended beyond the rackets into business and politics. Federal investigators said LaRocca was nationally prominent in the underworld, being seen at the famous Apalachin, N.Y., meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957 and at another major meeting of Mafia families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in 1956. Despite his underworld reputation, LaRocca maintained a low profile in southwestern Pennsylvania.
LaRocca is survived by his widow, Mary, and a son, John S. LaRocca Jr., and a brother and sister. A Mass will be said Thursday at the St. Alexis Church in Wexford.
CRIME BOSS LAROCCA DIES IN BED
The Gettysburg Times, Gettysburg, Pa., December 4, 1984
Pittsburgh (AP) - John Sebastian LaRocca, identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as head of southwestern Pennsylvania's organized crime family, died in bed Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township, police said. LaRocca, 82, had been in ill health for some time.
The commission said he became crime boss in 1956, succeeding the late Frank Amato Sr. of Braddock. Amato retired because of an acute kidney ailment and became an underboss and counselor to the crime family. LaRocca was nationally prominent in the underworld, and attended a meeting in Miami in 1962 to discuss a successor to New York crime boss Vito Genovese, according to federal investigators. He was seen at the famous Apalachin, NY meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957 and at another major meeting of crime families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in 1956, the state commission reported. LaRocca owned a car wash in Pittsburgh and maintained homes in McCandless and in Pompano Beach, Fla.
His police record began in 1922, when he was sentenced to three to five years in prison for assault with intent to kill and maim. He was fined small amounts in later years for carrying a concealed weapon, operating a lottery and stealing auto license plates. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings against him in 1956, claiming his criminal record made him an undesirable alien. After a deportation hearing was concluded, however, LaRocca was granted a backdated pardon for his crimes by the Pennsylvania Gov. John S. Fine, causing the deportation proceeding to be dropped.
New York Times (AP), December 5, 1984:
John Sebastian Larocca, identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as head of southwestern Pennsylvania's organized crime group, died Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township. Mr. Larocca, 82 years old, had been in ill health for some time. He was found dead in his bed, according to township police. The commission said he became a crime leader in 1956, succeeding Frank Amato of Braddock. Mr. Larocca owned a car wash shop in Pittsburgh and maintained another home in Pompano Beach, Fla. His police record began in 1922, when he was sentenced to three to five years in prison for assault with intent to kill and maim.
More About John Sebastian LaRocca:
Burial: Allegheny County Mem. Park, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Mary Magdalena Smelik:
Mary S. Larocca, 87, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998 at her residence. Born April 2, 1910 in Jessup, she was the daughter of the late John and Madgaline Smelik. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, McCandless. Survivors include one son, John S. Larocca of McCandless; a sister, Veronica Turcotte of New York; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John S. Larocca. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday at T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Ross. Christian Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, McCandless. Entombment will be in Allegheny County Memorial Park Mausoleum, McCandless. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, Pa.15090 (February 10, 1998, North Hills News Record, North Hills, Pa.)
Mary Smelik LaRocca, of Ingomar, on Sun., Feb. 8, 1998; beloved wife of the late John S. Larocca; beloved mother of John S. Larocca; beloved grandmother of John S. Larocca III, Joyce Naughton, Mary Gilfoyle and Evelyn Feigel; adored great-grandmother of Frank, Loren, John, Karlee, Kourtney, Rory, and Brady; sister of Veronica Turcotte of NY; dear friend of Helen Malinak; sister-in-law of John J. Larocca of Johnstown; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends received Tues. & Wed. 2-4 & 7-0 at the T. B. Devlin Funeral HOme, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alexis Church Thurs. 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/10/98]
More About Mary Magdalena Smelik:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park Mausoleum, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of John LaRocca and Mary Smelik are:
23 i. Agnes3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1926 in Pennsylvania.
24 ii. Mary LaRocca, born Abt. 1940.
+ 25 iii. John Sebastian LaRocca, born October 01, 1943 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died December 23, 2021.
6. Anthony P.2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born May 15, 1912 in Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa., and died August 1980. He married Rose A. Cefalo October 28, 1936 in Wellsburg, Brooke Co., West Virginia. She was born September 20, 1914 in Steubenville, Ohio, and died December 22, 2008.
Notes for Anthony P. LaRocca:
1939 Larocca, Anthony (Rose: Larocca Barber Shop) h6523 Deary
Barber Shop (Anthony and John Larocca) 12 General Robinson W
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-294 Family 34, 6523 Deary St.
Anthony Larocca, 27, barber
Rose, 25, OH; Rosaria, 2; Ignazio, 1
Anthony LaRocca, was born May 14, 1912 at Whiskey Run, Indiana County. His current residence is 6323 Glenview Place, Pittsburgh. He is a barber at 8003 McKnight road, Pittsburgh. (FBI 1958)
Anthony LaRocca owns and operates his own barber shop in the McKnight Shopping Center in Pittsburgh's North Hills Section and that to his knowledge is not engaged in any racket activity. T-1 said that Anthony LaRocca regularly cuts his hair and that the shop is known as the McKnight Barber Shop, 8003 McKnight Road.
On February 10, 1958, INS Investigator Lauver advised SA Wall that he had contacted Anthony LaRocca some time previous and that LaRocca had advised him at this time he owned a barber shop at No. 12 General Robinson Street, Pittsburgh, and that he was born at Whiskey Run, Indiana County, May 14, 1912. Lauver said he had no information that Anthony LaRocca is engaged in any racket activities.
[L57]
Children of Anthony LaRocca and Rose Cefalo are:
+ 26 i. Rosalind C.3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1936.
+ 27 ii. Anthony Paul "Rocky" LaRocca, born February 17, 1938; died October 13, 1997 in State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
8. John Joseph2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born June 16, 1915 in Yatesboro, Armstrong Co., Pa., and died February 20, 2002. He married (1) Betty Jane Davis 1949. He married (2) Anna Marie Burns October 26, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She was born Abt. 1926.
Notes for John Joseph LaRocca:
1939 Larocca John (Larocca Barber Shop) r6523 Deary
Barber Shop (Anthony and John Larocca) 12 General Robinson W
In 1940, residing at 6579 Deary St.
In 1958, was the operator of the Keystone Vending Co., Johnstown, Pa., owned by J. S. and Regino.
According to Ingerviewing Agents in1963, John was effeminate and may have been a homosexual.
LAROCCA, JOHN J.
Formerly of Johnstown, on Wed., Feb. 20, 2002; brother of the late Joseph, John S. and Anthony Larocca, Rose Conti, Angela Ziti and Leona Rose; uncle of Rosalind and Nicholas Viola; brother-in-law of Rose Larocca; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends received Thur. 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alexis Church Fri. 10 am. Contributions may be made to St. Alexis Church.
More About John Joseph LaRocca:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Anna Marie Burns:
Records of the Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County, Pa., City County Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., were reviewed for the period from 1900 to April 26, 1961. During the course of this review, it was noted that there are entries pertaining to one John J. LaRocca in connection with divorce proceedings. It is believed that this individual is identical with the younger brother of Sebastian John LaRocca who now resides at Johnstown, Pa. These entries are as follows:
#629, April Session, 1951-A, is listed in case of Annie Marie LaRocca, John J. LaRocca, wherein Annie Marie Larocca requests divorce from John J. LaRocca by petition dated 1/15/51. The address of the female was shown as 7209 Lexington Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., and the address of John J. LaRocca was shown as 6323 Glenview, Pittsburgh 6, Pa. Date of marriage was indicated as 10/26/50.
#682, January Session, 1953, is listed in case of Anna LaRocca vs. John J. LaRocca, wherein a complaint indicating Anna LaRocca, 7209 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh 6, Pa., is listed as a complainant on 9/28/52. This record indicates that John J. LaRocca failed to appear and that a divorce was granted to Anna LaRocca on 1/14/53. At that time, according to this record, Anna LaRocca was residing at 337 Mt. Vernon Drive, Mt. Lebanon, Pa., and was 26 years of age. This record further indicates that she was married to LaRocca in Pittsburgh by Squire Alderson, nor further identified.
Child of John LaRocca and Anna Burns is:
28 i. (Daughter)3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1951.
Generation No. 3
12. John J.3 Conti (Rosina2 LaRocca, Ignacio1) was born November 05, 1920, and died April 12, 1986 in McCandless, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Angeline Ann Lopizzo June 25, 1945.
Notes for John J. Conti:
Business associate of his uncle, John LaRocca.
May have been the business agent for the slot machine workers union in early 1950s.
This individual claims he is a nephew of LaRocca and presently resides at 9576 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, Pa. He operates the North Star Cement Block Company at 12 McCandless Avenue in Pittsburgh for LaRocca and has taken an active interest in operating other legitimate enterprises owned by Larocca. JFK 61
JOHN CONTI, North Hills News Record, April 15, 1986
McCandless - A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this morning in St. Alexis Church, McCandless, for John J. Conti, 65, who died Saturday, April 12, 1986, in North Hills Passavant Hospital. He was the manager of Allegheny Car Wash, North Side. Mr. Conti is survived by his wife, Angeline Lopizzo Conti; two daughters, Sharon Boucek of New Cumberland, and Carol Geyer; one brother, Joseph Conti; five sisters, Rose Nowak, Rosaria Hart, Angeline Vitrano, Sarah Barbaiato and Mary Jean Conti; and three grandchildren. Burial was in Allegheny County Memorial Park, McCandless.
More About John J. Conti:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of John Conti and Angeline Lopizzo are:
29 i. Sharon4 Conti. She married (Husband) Bouchek.
30 ii. Karen Conti. She married (Husband) Geyer.
25. John Sebastian3 LaRocca (John Sebastian2, Ignacio1) was born October 01, 1943 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died December 23, 2021. He married (1) Bonnie Joyce. He married (2) Debbie Thomas. He married (3) (Wife) Cox, daughter of Joseph Cox. He married (4) Patricia Fessler May 05, 1961 in 900 West Ingomar Rd., McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Robert Fessler and Violet (Fessler). She was born Abt. 1943.
Notes for John Sebastian LaRocca:
John was born Howard Leslie Hoffman, at Greensburg, Pa., son of Tony Terrigio [or more likely Terriogo?). He was adopted through the Westmoreland Co. Orpans Court on February 25, 1944, by John LaRocca and his wife, and his name was changed to John. Godson of Joseph Regino.
Attended Valley Forge Military Academy.
From Local 1058 stuff:
Agent Greenbank testified that Source 13 reported that LaRocca Sr. directed Tom Pecora to make LaRocca Jr. a business agent for Local 1058 in 1976. Tr. 130. The IHO credits this conversation because LaRocca Jr., became a business agent for Local 1058 shortly thereafter
LaRocca Jr. is the son (adopted) of Pittsburgh LCN boss, LaRocca Sr. Neither the FBI nor the PA Crime Commission have ever listed LaRocca Jr. as having any role in the Pittsburgh LCN. While serving as a Local 1058 business agent, LaRocca Jr. was involved in a video arcade business with Raucci Jr. and Zottola. Tr. 710, 1346-1350. LaRocca Jr. began the business at his father’s behest, which closed within eight months of opening. Tr. 1346-1350.
If I'm not mistaken, John LaRocca Jr. was part of local 1058 for at least 20 years. In 1988, he had a salary of $146,850. That's 30 years ago! John Sr. was very close to Joe LaQuatra and actually sold the union a boatload of real estate that he owned for 3 times the worth of the property an secured a high paying union job for his son, John Jr. Same with Genovese, Ripepi, Pecora, etc. All sons were for all intensive purposes, legitimate and had well paying union positions. John Jr. lives in an $850k home at 2095 Grandeur Dr, Gibsonia, PA 15044. His pension is over $100k per year from local 1058. JCB 1/30/14
John S. Larocca passed away in peace at his home on December 23, 2021. He was the son of John S., Sr. and Mary S. Laroca. John was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He was the former Vice President of Local 1058 Laborer's Union of Pittsburgh. He also owned multiple businesses during his lifetime, including the Allegheny Car Wash, the Aquasheen Car Wash, the Gameroom and, his favorite pastime, the Northway Golf Center, a well-known local golf driving range that he operated for over 30 years. John will be sadly missed by his numerous friends and family. He helped many people during his lifetime and was known for his hard work ethic and extreme loyalty to his friends. Funeral services will be private.
Notes for Bonnie Joyce:
Filed for divorce in 1974.
Children of John LaRocca and Bonnie Joyce are:
31 i. Joyce4 LaRocca, born Abt. 1963. She married (Husband) Naughton.
32 ii. Evelyn LaRocca, born Abt. 1966. She married (Husband) Feigel.
33 iii. Mary LaRocca, born Abt. 1967. She married (Husband) Gilfoyle.
Child of John LaRocca and (Wife) Cox is:
34 i. Theresa Marie4 LaRocca, born Abt. May 01, 1960.
Notes for Theresa Marie LaRocca:
William F. Scherwin, MD, Church Drive, Wexford, Pa, advised SA Robert A. Voege on December 6, 1963, that his records indicate that he has been responsible for the physical well-being of one Theresa Marie LaRocca since she was six weeks old, and it is his understanding that this little girl, born at an unknown location on or about May 1, 1960, is the illegitimate daughter of John LaRocca, Jr., of Ingomar, Pa., and the present Mrs. Astroino, nee Cox, of Fernway, near Zelienople, Pa. He carries the address of Joseph Cox, father of the girl who was courted by LaRocca, as 449 Dover Drive, Zelienople, Pa., and understands that his daughter is separated and residing with her mother at the aforementioned address. Dr. Scherwin does not know if LaRocca was ever married to the Cox girl, but does recall that her illegitimate daughter has been known as Theresa Marie LaRocca and Theresa Marie Astroino. [L64]
Child of John LaRocca and Patricia Fessler is:
35 i. John Sebastian4 LaRocca, born January 10, 1962. He married Sharon Ann (LaRocca); born May 06, 1964.
26. Rosalind C.3 LaRocca (Anthony P.2, Ignacio1) was born Abt. 1936. She married Nicholas A. Viola, son of Frank Viola and Ida Chicillo. He was born April 30, 1935, and died January 23, 2006.
Notes for Nicholas A. Viola:
VIOLA, NICHOLAS A.
Age 70, of McCandless Twp., on Monday, January 23, 2006, beloved husband of Rosalind C. (Larocca) Viola; loving father of Nicholas F. (Maribeth) and Anthony J. (Kimberly); dear son-in-law of Rose Larocca; brother of Mary Tomasello, Michalina Magnotta, Louise Presto, Frank and Michael Viola. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gaetana Viola; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Nick was a retired Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Driver and a long-time barber at Wexford Plaza and Pines Plaza. Visitation Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the T. B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial St. Alexis Church, Wednesday 12 Noon.
Children of Rosalind LaRocca and Nicholas Viola are:
36 i. Nicholas F.4 Viola. He married Maribeth (Viola).
37 ii. Anthony J. Viola. He married Kimberly (Viola).
27. Anthony Paul "Rocky"3 LaRocca (Anthony P.2, Ignacio1) was born February 17, 1938, and died October 13, 1997 in State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Alice Jo "Binkie" Genovese July 05, 1961 in Wheeling, West Virginia, daughter of Elmer Gray and Alice Rohrbacher. She was born March 16, 1943.
Notes for Anthony Paul "Rocky" LaRocca:
ANTHONY P. LAROCCA JR. PAGANS GANG LEADER SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA), October 15, 1997, TIMOTHY MCNULTY, POST-GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
Anthony P. LaRocca Jr., the one-time leader of the Pagans motorcycle gang in Westmoreland County and the nephew of a reputed organized crime leader, died Monday at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh, where he was serving a life sentence for murder. Mr. LaRocca, of Rostraver, died of lung cancer, a spokesman for the Allegheny County coroner's office said. He was 59.
In a trial delayed for years by legal maneuvering, Mr. LaRocca was convicted in 1987 with Francis Ferri of Glassport in the murder of John Heatherington, who was shot seven times in the head outside a North Versailles motel in August 1982. Heatherington, who ran a drug-dealing operation with the two men that brought illegal drugs to the area from Florida, had been offered a plea bargain that day by federal authorities who guaranteed his freedom in exchange for information on his associates.
While at the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial, authorities said, Mr. LaRocca continued to run his drug business for two years by calling his connections on the outside. In 1987, he pleaded guilty to drug-selling charges and was sentenced to another 30 years.
He was the nephew of John S. LaRocca of Ross, who was named by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission in 1970 as the head of southwestern Pennsylvania's crime syndicate. John S. LaRocca died in 1984. In May 1983, during his preliminary hearing before the trial on Heatherington's slaying, Anthony P. LaRocca Jr. and attorney James Ecker met with reporters and denied his connections to organized crime. ``I'm just an unemployed guy looking for a job,'' he said. ``I don't belong to any organized crime or the Pagans,'' he said, though he acknowledged that he had been a member of the gang in the early 1970s. ``(John S. LaRocca is) my dad's brother. I can't help that.''
Mr. LaRocca had a history of drug and gun charges and assaults on law enforcement officers. Crime commission reports said Mr. LaRocca's run-ins with the law started in 1969 when he was charged with trafficking in machine guns. The case was dismissed, as was another gun-trafficking case the next year. In 1973, he and two other men were sentenced to three years in prison for pistol-whipping two federal agents in a North Huntingdon hotel parking lot who were investigating his role in the Pagans. He was released after serving half the term. In 1976, Mr. LaRocca and another man were arrested after a shootout with federal agents posing as drug buyers at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville, which shoppers watched while crouching behind cars. He was sentenced to 30 years in jail, but after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled he was sentenced improperly, he was paroled in April 1982. Heatherington was shot four months later.
Notes for Alice Jo "Binkie" Genovese:
Binky was separated from LaRocca before January, 1964. She had two children by then. She reconciled with LaRocca during the early part of 1964.
Children of Anthony LaRocca and Alice Genovese are:
38 i. Alice Jo4 LaRocca, born Abt. 1962.
Notes for Alice Jo LaRocca:
Of Napa, California.
39 ii. Kelly LaRocca, born Abt. 1963. She married Bernard Weber.
Descendants of Ignacio LaRocca
Generation No. 1
1. Ignacio1 LaRocca was born September 03, 1865 in Resuttano, Caltanessetta, Sicily, Italy, and died August 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pa.. He married Rosaria Scangarella Abt. 1891 in Italy, daughter of Sebastiano Scancarella and Arcangela Lavalle. She was born August 20, 1875 in Villa Rosa, Caltanessetta, Sicily, Italy, and died April 02, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Ignacio LaRocca:
1910 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Young Twp. ED 101 Family 143 (probably Iselin #3, Whiskey Run, Reed)
Ignots Lurocco, 44, m1 20y, IT arr 1907 coal miner (boarder with Vincent Blantino)
1920 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Center Twp. ED 99 Family 711 (perhaps near Homer City, maybe Luciusboro, SE of Homer City)
Nichte, Rock, 54, IT arr 1903, coal miner
Rosie, 46, IT arr 1910; Joseph, 26, IT, arr 1910; Lester, 18, IT arr 1910; Tony, 8; Angela, 6; John, 4
1930 CENSUS PA Philadelphia Co. Philadelphia Ward 39, ED 146 Family 166
Ignacious Larocco, 64, m at 25, IT arr 1904
Rosaria, 59, m at 20, IT, arr 1907; Anthony, 18; Angeline, 17; John, 15; Leona Rose, dau, 30, widow, IT arr 1905; Michael, 7; Rose, 12
At time of the death of Ignacio LaRocca, his address was given as 616 Morris St., Philadelphia, Pa.
More About Ignacio LaRocca:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Rosaria Scangarella:
Ship Manifest, SS Principe di Piemonte, sailed from Palermo August 19, 1910, arrived in NYC Sept. 3, 1910
Passenger #11, Rosaria Scancarella, 32, former resident of Villarosa, Sicily. Nearest relative at Villarosa was Lavalle Arcangela, mother. Traveling to Pennsylvania to join her husband, Ignazio LaRocca, at Box 111, Reid, Pa. 5' tall, fair, chestnut hair, blue eyes. Born in Villarosa. Traveling with her: Rosa LaRocca, 13; Glluminata LaRocca, 11; Sebastiano LaRocca, 8
In 1940, residing at 6519 Deary St.
More About Rosaria Scangarella:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Ignacio LaRocca and Rosaria Scangarella are:
+ 2 i. Joseph2 LaRocca, born August 04, 1893 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy; died February 1980 in ?Baltimore, Maryland.
+ 3 ii. Rosina LaRocca, born February 04, 1897 in Italy; died April 10, 1958 in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York.
+ 4 iii. Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca, born October 06, 1899 in Italy; died October 11, 1966 in Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 5 iv. John Sebastian LaRocca, born December 18, 1902 in Villa Rosa, Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy; died December 03, 1984 in McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 6 v. Anthony P. LaRocca, born May 15, 1912 in Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa.; died August 1980.
7 vi. Angelina LaRocca, born Abt. 1914; died Aft. 1958 in Of Baltimore. She married Pasquale Zito.
+ 8 vii. John Joseph LaRocca, born June 16, 1915 in Yatesboro, Armstrong Co., Pa.; died February 20, 2002.
Generation No. 2
2. Joseph2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born August 04, 1893 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy, and died February 1980 in ?Baltimore, Maryland. He married Rosalia Conti Abt. 1920, daughter of (Husband) Conti and Rosa (Conti). She was born June 19, 1903 in Italy, and died June 1989 in ?Baltimore, Maryland.
Notes for Joseph LaRocca:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Joseph Rock, Luciusboro, Pa.
Age 23, born August 4, 1894 in Vilarosa, ?, Italy
Miner for B R & P Coal Co., Luciousboro, Indiana Co., Pa.
Single. Signed with his mark.
1930 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Burrell Twp. Black Lick Village ED 10 Family 185
Joseph LaRocco, 36, m at 28, IT arr 1910, barber
Roslea, 27, m at 17, IT arr 1910; Ignazio, 8; Rosie, 5; John, 4
1939 Larocca Joseph (Rosa; Sanitary Barber Shop) h6523 Deary
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-294 Family 33, 6523 Deary St.
Joseph Larocca, 48, IT, barber
Rosalia, 37, IT; Rosalia, 15; John, 13; Rita, 9; Rosa Conti, mil, 67, wid, IT; Joseph, bil, 31, IT
WWII Draft Registration 1942
Joe LaRocca, 6528 Apple Ave., Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 48, born August 4, 1893 at Villarosa, Italy
Mrs. Rose LaRocca, same address.
Penn-Shady Barber Shop, 107 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh.
On February 10, 1958, Harold Lauver advised that Joseph LaRocca as of the time of interview on November 1, 1952, owned the Penn-Shady Barber Shop, Penn and Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, and in addition to that owned a grocery store at 3617 Penn Avenue, which was run by his wife Rosalia and an older daughter. Lauver said that Joseph LaRocca had advised he was born at Villa Rosa Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy on August 4, 1893. Lauver said that he had confirmed LaRocca's naturalization at the Court of Common Pleas, Indiana County, on March 5, 1924. Lauver said that Joseph LaRocca had advised him that his father, Ignazio, had died in 1937 in Philadelphia, Pa., and that his mother, Rosaria, died in 1942, in Pittsburgh, and that both parents are buried in Pittsburgh. A pretext telephone call to Mrs. Anthony LaRocca, 6323 Glenview Place, Pittsburgh on February 10, 1958, by SA Robert A Voege, reflected that Joseph LaRocca resides at 835 Farragut Street, Pittsburgh. LaRocca is self-employed as a barber at Penn and Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, and is married to the former Rosalia Conti, and has three children. [L57]
Children of Joseph LaRocca and Rosalia Conti are:
9 i. Ignazio3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1922.
10 ii. Rosie LaRocca, born Abt. 1924.
11 iii. John LaRocca, born Abt. 1926.
3. Rosina2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born February 04, 1897 in Italy, and died April 10, 1958 in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York. She married Catino Conti Bef. 1918, son of Charles Conte and Rosina Redona/Reddano. He was born March 19, 1887 in Villa Rosa, Caltanesetta, Sicily, Italy, and died January 30, 1973 in ?Buffalo, Erie Co., New York.
Notes for Rosina LaRocca:
Resided in Buffalo, New York.
On May 22, 1958, a check of the April 11, 1958 obituary notices in the "Buffalo Evening News," a daily newspaper, indicated that Rosina Conti, nee LaRocca, wife of Catino, had died on April 10, 1958. Other relatives listed were: children - John, Joseph, Mrs. John Nowak, Mrs. Stephen Hart, Mrs. Anthony (Angeline) Vitrano, Mrs. Pasquale (Sarah) Barbalato, Mary Jean; brothers and sisters - Joseph, John, Sebastian, and Anthony LaRocca, Mrs. Lena Rose, all of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Pasquale Zito of Baltimore, Maryland.
Notes for Catino Conti:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Catino Conti, Yatesboro, Pa.
Age 30, born March 19, 1887 in Villarosa, Italy, naturalized citizen.
Miner for C. C. & C. Co., Yatesboro, Pa.
Married.
Served in WWI.
1940, Buffalo, Erie Co., New York
Children of Rosina LaRocca and Catino Conti are:
+ 12 i. John J.3 Conti, born November 05, 1920; died April 12, 1986 in McCandless, Allegheny Co., Pa..
13 ii. Rose Conti, born Abt. 1924. She married (Husband) Nowak.
14 iii. Rosaria Conti, born Abt. 1925. She married (Husband) Hart.
15 iv. Angeline Conti, born Abt. 1930. She married (Husband) Vitrano.
16 v. Joseph Conti, born Abt. 1933 in New York. He married JoAnn Panasci.
17 vi. Sarah Conti, born Abt. 1938 in New York. She married (Husband) Barbaiato.
18 vii. Mary Jean Conti.
4. Leona M. (Lummata)2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born October 06, 1899 in Italy, and died October 11, 1966 in Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Mike (Rosa) Rose 1916. He was born Abt. 1881 in Italy, and died Bet. 1923 - 1930 in Of Luciusboro, Indiana Co., Pa..
Notes for Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca:
In 1957, resided at RD3, Boc 351, Broadhead, Moon Twp., Coraopolis, Pa.
In 1958, she resided with her daughter, Mrs. Angelo Ricci, in Glenwillard, Pa.
More About Leona M. (Lummata) LaRocca:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Mike (Rosa) Rose:
1920 CENSUS PA Indiana Co. Center Twp. Luciusboro, ED 99 Family 699
Mike Rose, 39, IT arr 1906 or 1914, coal miner
Lumna, 20, IT arr 1909; Mary, 2; Rosie, 1; Tony, brother, 25, IT arr 1913, coal miner
Children of Leona LaRocca and Mike Rose are:
19 i. Mary Lillian3 Rose, born September 01, 1917 in Luciusboro, Indiana Co., Pa.; died April 22, 1995 in Of Glenwillard, Pa.. She married Angelo Ricci; born 1905; died 1973.
More About Mary Lillian Rose:
Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co., Pa.
20 ii. Rosaria M. Rose, born December 20, 1918 in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania; died June 21, 1997. She married (1) (Husband) Baran. She married (2) Julian Meanor 1950; born October 18, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for (Husband) Baran:
Divorced from Rosaria Jan. 27, 1950.
21 iii. Michael Rose, born Abt. 1923.
22 iv. Helen Rose. She married (Husband) Arizzo.
5. John Sebastian2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born December 18, 1902 in Villa Rosa, Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy, and died December 03, 1984 in McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Mary Magdalena Smelik September 30, 1928 in Pittston, Luzerne Co., Pa., daughter of John Cmelik and Magdalena Gabris. She was born April 02, 1910 in Jessup, Lackawanna Co., Pa., and died February 08, 1998 in Ingomar, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for John Sebastian LaRocca:
Entered the US September 2, 1910, aboard the "Principe de Piemonte." [L57] and ship manifest for mother.
1902 Born Villa Rosa, Sicily.
1910 Arrived in US. Traveling to join father in Reed, Pa. (Iselin or Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa.).
1910 - 1916 Yatesboro, Pa, Armstrong Co., where he attended public schools until the 7th grade.
1916 - 6/21/22 Resided with parents and worked in the coal mines near Luciusboro, Pa. [Brushvalley Twp., Indiana Co.]
3/28/22 Cut Teressa Trunzo [Tronzo].
6/21/22 - 6/19/25 Confined to the Western State Penitentiary at Pittsburgh, Pa., convicted of cutting an Indiana Co. girl.
6/19/25 - early 1927Resided with sister Rose Conti at Philadelphia, Pa., where he worked in a linoleum factory.
Early 1927 - 1928 Resided with parents at Homer City, Pa., where he was unemployed.
1928 At Scranton, Pa., looking for work.
Sept. 30, 1928 Married in Pittston, Pa., under the name Lester LaRocca (John S. LaRocca in parentheses). Residing in Falconer, New York.
Late 1928 - 1933 Resided with uncle, John LaValli, at Jamestown, N.Y., where subject operated a filling station at Cassadaga, N.Y., and
during this period was transporting liquor.
1934 Arrest on Northside in connection with an alcohol ring.
Aug. 8, 1939 Raid on his house; number evidence and stolen license plates
April 2, 1940 Fined on lottery and stolen property charges.
September 1933 - Resided at 6426 Apple Avenue, Pittsburgh.
October, 1949
1940s Vending machine business.
Late 40s North Star Cement Block
February 25, 1944 Adopted a child (Howard Leslie Hoffman) at Greensburg, Pa. through the Westmoreland Co. Orphans Court. The
father of this child is Tony Terrigio (not further identified) and the child was born in Greensburg, Pa. The child was then
named John.
October, 1949 to
Death Resided at 900 West Ingomar Road, Ingomar, Pa.
1956 Became Boss of the Pittsburgh Family.
On December 20, 1926, a band of five members of a band suspected of involvement in the shooting of Joseph Renaldi, 59, of Olypyhant, are arrested by West Scranton and Scranton police. One of the members of the band was a John LaRocca, who described himself as the manager of the Sullivan Trail Inn near Pittston. He was fined $100 on a charge of carrying concealed weapons. _The Tribune, Scranton, Pa., Dec. 22, 1926
1930 CENSUS NY Chautauqua Co. Ellicott Twp. Celeron Village ED 38 Family 160
John LaRocca, 27, m at 25, PA IT IT, laborer
Mary M., 20, m at 17, PA SLO SLO
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-291 Family 291, 6426 Apple Ave.
J. Sebastino LaRocca, 37, IT, owner of towel service
Mary, 30; Agnes, 14; Mary, 3/12, John J. bro, 24, barber
Helen Malinak, 21, maid
In 1950, 6426 Apple St. was occupied by Anthony and Ursola Genovese and son, Michael.
According to records of a 1959 Senate hearing, was convicted in 1926 of carrying concealed weapons and in 1930 of conducting a lottery, locations not stated.
LaRocca was not in Pittsburgh at the time of the Volpe/Bazzano affair. He arrived in Pittsburgh some time in 1933, the year of the Ban Box bombing, and a year before the murder of Patsy Arabia, an alleged associate of the Volpes.
Arrested, along with James Capizzi, Nicola Gentile, and Walter Franz at a card game on West Diamond St., Northside, in 1934. They were accused of being part of a big liquor ring. LaRocca gave his address as 6414 Apple Ave.
1939 - arrested for numbers on Apple Ave., along with Thomas Pecora, among others.
Pittsburgh 1939 Larocca John (Mary) slsmn h6426 Apple (1937 at 6414 Apple, listed as grocer)
A report dated October 18, 1940, from the Pittsburgh Associated Credit Bureau, reflects John LaRocca, wife Mary, resided at 6414 or 6426 Apple Street, East Liberty Station, Pittsburgh.
...Messer [George] said that LaRocca had exclusive numbers rights in the 8th Ward and also rights in part of the 13th Ward of Pittsburgh. According to Messer, John LaRocca has a girlfriend, Anna Burglass [?Berglass], working for him as a bookkeeper in the Coin Machine Distributing Company. (Later, in 1957, an informant advised that Anna was the only girlfriend LaRocca had, and that she was deceased.) [FBI 58]
John Sebastian LaRocca became the Boss of Pittsburgh in 1956 after Frank Amato suffered a kidney ailment and stepped down to the position of underboss. (LaRocca may have had some kind of family relationship with Amato.) [Probably not - one was Sicilian, the other Calabrese]
John Sebastian LaRocca was born in 1901 in Sicily and came to the US in 1910 settling in Indiana County. He went to work in a coalmine in Yatesboro at the age of 14 and continued working until 1922 when he was sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a young woman.
After LaRocca was released he moved to Scranton (may at some point have been involved with the mob there) and got married, later settling in Jamestown, NY with his new wife. He ran a gas station with no success and soon began transporting alcohol between Jamestown and Buffalo. In 1933 he moved to Pittsburgh with his wife and set up a concrete block business (North Star Cement Block in ?Lawrenceville) and several beer making facilities [also a coin machine business with Ripepi and Mannarino].
By 1940 LaRocca controled the gambling and loansharking rackets in Homewood and other areas. He was arrested several times for crimes ranging from larceny, recieving stolen property and operating an illegal lottery. In ?1943 the IRS began investigating John LaRocca at the request of J. Edgar Hoover. The agent in charge was Andrew Susce, who was immediately fired after his 300 page report showed extensive corruption of politicians. (This report was used in the 1970's.)
In 1953 the Naturalization and Immigration Service tried to have LaRocca deported but several important people testified in his behalf, including Allegheny County Judge Premo J. Columbus who was the former attorney for LaRocca and Governor John S. Fine who gave LaRocca a back-dated pardon for a 1939 larceny conviction. John LaRocca was allowed to stay in the US and his stature among the Pittsburgh Family grew.
At some point LaRocca's center of operations became the Allegheny Car Wash, 100 Sandusky St. on the North Side. In November of 1957 LaRocca was detained at the Apalachin meeting in upstate New York along with Michael James Genovese and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino. The under boss of the Family was Mannarino who also ran a criminal empire in New Kensington with his brother Salvatore "Sam" Mannarino. In 1957 the Mannarino's mother died and federal agents saw the Mayor of Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence appear at the home to pay his respects [may not have been the mayor, but Davey Lawrence, a gambling operative from Pittsburgh]. John LaRocca appeared before the Senate Rackets Committee and pleaded the 5th Amendment when asked by Robert "Bobby" Kennedy about the Apalachin meeting. In 1966 the Local 1058 used union funds to buy an Uptown lot from John LaRocca but they paid him for twice the market value.
When John took control of the family in 1956, Pittsburgh was thrown into the spotlight. The long tradition of the secrecy about the Pittsburgh mob was over. The FBI kept closer tabs on the family under his reign. LaRocca had a very profitable gambling operation, but most of the vice, gambling, unlicensed saloons, and numbers rackets were under control of the ward political machines. LaRocca had influence over a wide area in Western Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia. LaRocca also made a lot of money in the Youngstown area. In 1970, there was only a estimated 32 members, but its members were well disciplined and LaRocca had the backing of the Genovese Family in New York. LaRocca was present at Apalachin meeting with his Underboss Mike Genovese.
Pittsburgh Press, August 25, 1963:
...Here is a thumbnail sketch of Pittsburgh's LaRocca. Nestled on several acres of woodland in a suburb 10 miles north of Pittsburgh is a rambling stone "show place' home. There lives a very wealthy man who never visits nightclubs but every Saturday without fail visits a steam bath at the Oakland YMHA.
It is no secret that he is very wealthy. But John Sebastian (Big John) LaRocca has risen from poverty. Born in Sicily, he came here and worked in a coal mine at the age of 14. Then he operated a gasoline station. Then he moved into bootlegging and eventually the numbers racket.
His acquaintances say he would like now to cut all ties with the rackets, but he is a board member of the syndicate and has been for many years. He operates a legitimate business, a concrete block supply firm.
He wears conservative tailored suits over his 5-9, 165-pound frame, uses fairly good grammar, only in lapses allows "youse guys" to sprinkle his conversation.
LaRocca served three years in the 1920s on conviction of assault with intent to kill, and has later beaten deportation and perjury cases brought against him. When asked in a 1959 Senate hearing if he hand't escaped state troopers at the Appalachian crime convention by running away through the woods, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment.
"I know LaRocca to see him," said a Downtown worker. "He reminds me of a tired old Italian laborer. If he's a big wheel, he doesn't look it."
That may be the way Big John likes it.
John LaRocca died of cancer in 1984, having a long reign, and like many other Pittsburgh boss's untouched by the law. The Pittsburgh Family came under the leadership of Michael Genovese.
LaRocca's under boss Joseph Pecora was convicted on gambling charges in 1979 and Gabriel Mannarino died of cancer in 1980. During his rule over Pittsburgh, John LaRocca managed to infiltrate the Construction, General Laborers & Material Handlers Union Local 1058. In 1979 his son John LaRocca Jr. became a business representitive despite having no active involvement in the Union. In 1983 he became vice president of Local 1058 along with Joseph Laquatra the Local 1058 business manager picked by LaRocca. The Pittsburgh Family was also believed to have infiltrated the Teamsters Local 211 for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette truck drivers.
LaRocca worked closely establishing gambling rackets with Kansas City boss Nick Civella.
CRIME BOSS JOHN LAROCCA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa., by Harry Tkach
December 4, 1984
John Sebastian Larocca, head of the organized crime family in southwestern Pennsylvania, died Monday in his McCandless home. Mr. Larocca, 82, who had been in ill health for some time, maintained houses in Pompano Beach, Fla., and at 900 W. Ingomar Road, where McCandless police said he was found dead in his bed.
The undisputed crime boss here since 1956, Mr. LaRocca's influence extended beyond the rackets into business and politics, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission said. According to the commission, he became crime boss here in 1956, when he succeeded the late Frank Amato Sr., of Braddock, who was ill.
Mr. Larocca, who became known in gambling circles in the 1930s and 1940s, was nationally prominent in the underworld, according to federal investigators. He had been seen at the famous Apalachin, N.Y., meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957, and at another major meeting of Mafia families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in ?1986, the commission reported.
Despite his underworld reputation nationwide, Mr. Larocca maintained a low profile here. He owned a car wash on the Northside.
In 192?, he was arrested for assault with intent to kill and maim and sentenced to three to five years in prison. In 19?, police said, he was fined $500 and given a year's probation for conducting a lottery. He was fined $? To $? For stealing auto license plates and in 19?2, he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and was fined $50.
In 1956, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings, charging Mr. Larocca was an undesirable alien. They based their claim on is larceny conviction as well as on operating a lottery. At the hearings conclusion, then-Gov. John S. Fine granted Mr. Larocca a backdated pardon and the deportation case was dropped.
In 19?9, Mr. Larocca was indicted by a federal grand jury in New York for refereeing a dispute over which of two organized crime families would have jurisdiction over the kickbacks from a Teamsters' pension fund. Also named in the indictment were Amato, Frank Rosa, Joseph Sica and the late Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, all members of Mr. LaRocca's "family." All were acquitted.
Since then, he maintained a low and there had been reports that he was in retirement. Police investigators added that Mr. LaRocca's power and reputation were enough to keep crime families from other parts of the country from coming into his territory, which extended from the West Virginia Panhandle to Blair County.
Mr. Larocca was born in Sicily on Dec. 19, 1902, and became involved in the rackets during the Great Depression. The Crime Commission said he financed and controlled several gambling casinos in West Virginia.
Mr. Larocca is survived by his wife, Mary Smelik Larocca; a son, John S. Larocca Jr., of 33 Oxford Court, McCandless; four grandchildren; a brother, John J. Larocca of Johnstown; and a sister, Angelina Zito of Baltimore, Md.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Thomas B. Devlin Funeral Home, 808 Perry Highway, Ross. A Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Alexis Church, Old Perry Highway, McCandless. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Alexis Church, Wexford.
MOB BOSS JOHN LAROCCA DIES
The Pittsburgh Press, by Janet Williams [pix]
December 4, 1984
John Sebastian LaRocca, 83, a former immigrant boy who climbed the mob ladder to become the district's undisputed La Cosa Nostra crime czar, has died of congestive heart failure at his McCandless home, several weeks after undergoing heart surgery. The man who defeated his rivals for power and repeated government attempts to deport him to his native Sicily died in bed in his home at 900 W. Ingomar Road. His body was found by his wife, Mary, shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday, McCandless police said.
Known as "Big John," the silver-haired, quietly businesslike man ran a crime empire that the Pennsylvania Crime Commission said covered Western Pennsylvania, southwestern New York, all of West Virginia and western Ohio. He reportedly had interests in politics and business as well as the multimillion-dollar illegal gambling, all of which were run from a North Side car wash. In 1969, the commission had estimated that the numbers racket in Allegheny County then annually yielded $40 million, of which 10 to 15 percent was peeled off for "bribery and corruption."
Mr. LaRocca's most notable victory over the government came during deportation proceedings in 1954, when it was learned that former Gov. John S. Fine had granted him a last-minute, pre-dated pardon on larceny and felony charges. The pardon was announced seven months after it was dated. The government later attempted to deport him again, charging that he lied during his first deportation hearing, but failed to prove its case.
Mr. LaRocca, who also had a home in Pompano Beach, Fla., came to the United Stated in 1910. In 1922, he had his first brush with the criminal justice system. That year, in Indiana County, he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill and was sentenced to three to five years in prison. He served three years in Western Penitentiary.
Mr. LaRocca became entrenched in East Liberty in the 1930s and wrote illegal numbers. He was arrested in an East Liberty numbers raid in 1939, and a year later, after being arrested on a charge of operating an illegal lottery, admitted in court to writing numbers.
By the 1950s, Mr. LaRocca was a leading organized crime figure in Southwestern Pennsylvania, running gambling activities in the Pittsburgh area and controlling casinos in West Virginia. Those casinos were operated by Cosa Nostra family member Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, who has been identified by the Crime Commission as a possible successor to Mr. LaRocca.
In his fight against being deported, Mr. LaRoca admitted he was guilty of racketeering early in his career but said he had since become a law-abiding citizen. The federal government's case against him crumbled after his pardon.
Two years later, however, Mr. LaRocca was in complete control of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Cosa Nostra family, according to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission's 1980 report. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. LaRocca tightened his grip on organized crime in this region. The Crime Commission reported that he often held meetings with his top lieutenants at his North Side business - Allegheny Car Wash at 100 Sandusky Ave.
Until recently, Mr. LaRocca's organization has operated with little discord, unlike crime syndicates in Cleveland and Youngstown, which have had gangland-style slayings. Mr. LaRocca had begun expanding into the two Ohio cities because of the void left by the violence.
But Mr. LaRocca had problems with his own operation. Pecora was convicted of racketeering in 1971 and sentenced to five years at the Federal Correctional Institute at Lexington, Ky. In October, one of Mr. LaRocca's soldiers became the first area underworld member to be convicted of first-degree murder. Altoona crime boss John Verilla, 59, was convicted of ordering the execution of a disgruntled drug pusher.
Besides his wife, Mr. LaRocca is survived by a son, John S. Jr. of McCandless; a brother, John J. of Johnstown, Cambria County; a sister Angelina Zito of Baltimore; and four grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Ross. Mass of Christian burial will be said 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Alexis Church, Perry Highway, Ross.
JOHN LAROCCA REPUTED CRIME BOSS
The Valley Independent, Monessen, Pa., December 4, 1984
Pittsburgh (UPI) - John Sebastian LaRocca, reputed head of the organized crime family in southwestern Pennsylvania, died Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township. He was 82. LaRocca, who had been in ill health for some time, was found dead in his bed, police said.
The Pennsylvania Crime Commission said LaRocca became crime boss in the Pittsburgh area in 1956 when he succeeded the late Frank Amato Sr. of Braddock. The commission said LaRocca's influence extended beyond the rackets into business and politics. Federal investigators said LaRocca was nationally prominent in the underworld, being seen at the famous Apalachin, N.Y., meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957 and at another major meeting of Mafia families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in 1956. Despite his underworld reputation, LaRocca maintained a low profile in southwestern Pennsylvania.
LaRocca is survived by his widow, Mary, and a son, John S. LaRocca Jr., and a brother and sister. A Mass will be said Thursday at the St. Alexis Church in Wexford.
CRIME BOSS LAROCCA DIES IN BED
The Gettysburg Times, Gettysburg, Pa., December 4, 1984
Pittsburgh (AP) - John Sebastian LaRocca, identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as head of southwestern Pennsylvania's organized crime family, died in bed Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township, police said. LaRocca, 82, had been in ill health for some time.
The commission said he became crime boss in 1956, succeeding the late Frank Amato Sr. of Braddock. Amato retired because of an acute kidney ailment and became an underboss and counselor to the crime family. LaRocca was nationally prominent in the underworld, and attended a meeting in Miami in 1962 to discuss a successor to New York crime boss Vito Genovese, according to federal investigators. He was seen at the famous Apalachin, NY meeting of major organized crime figures in 1957 and at another major meeting of crime families in Sierra Madre, Calif., in 1956, the state commission reported. LaRocca owned a car wash in Pittsburgh and maintained homes in McCandless and in Pompano Beach, Fla.
His police record began in 1922, when he was sentenced to three to five years in prison for assault with intent to kill and maim. He was fined small amounts in later years for carrying a concealed weapon, operating a lottery and stealing auto license plates. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings against him in 1956, claiming his criminal record made him an undesirable alien. After a deportation hearing was concluded, however, LaRocca was granted a backdated pardon for his crimes by the Pennsylvania Gov. John S. Fine, causing the deportation proceeding to be dropped.
New York Times (AP), December 5, 1984:
John Sebastian Larocca, identified by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission as head of southwestern Pennsylvania's organized crime group, died Monday at his home in suburban McCandless Township. Mr. Larocca, 82 years old, had been in ill health for some time. He was found dead in his bed, according to township police. The commission said he became a crime leader in 1956, succeeding Frank Amato of Braddock. Mr. Larocca owned a car wash shop in Pittsburgh and maintained another home in Pompano Beach, Fla. His police record began in 1922, when he was sentenced to three to five years in prison for assault with intent to kill and maim.
More About John Sebastian LaRocca:
Burial: Allegheny County Mem. Park, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Mary Magdalena Smelik:
Mary S. Larocca, 87, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998 at her residence. Born April 2, 1910 in Jessup, she was the daughter of the late John and Madgaline Smelik. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, McCandless. Survivors include one son, John S. Larocca of McCandless; a sister, Veronica Turcotte of New York; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John S. Larocca. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday at T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Ross. Christian Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, McCandless. Entombment will be in Allegheny County Memorial Park Mausoleum, McCandless. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, Pa.15090 (February 10, 1998, North Hills News Record, North Hills, Pa.)
Mary Smelik LaRocca, of Ingomar, on Sun., Feb. 8, 1998; beloved wife of the late John S. Larocca; beloved mother of John S. Larocca; beloved grandmother of John S. Larocca III, Joyce Naughton, Mary Gilfoyle and Evelyn Feigel; adored great-grandmother of Frank, Loren, John, Karlee, Kourtney, Rory, and Brady; sister of Veronica Turcotte of NY; dear friend of Helen Malinak; sister-in-law of John J. Larocca of Johnstown; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends received Tues. & Wed. 2-4 & 7-0 at the T. B. Devlin Funeral HOme, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alexis Church Thurs. 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/10/98]
More About Mary Magdalena Smelik:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park Mausoleum, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of John LaRocca and Mary Smelik are:
23 i. Agnes3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1926 in Pennsylvania.
24 ii. Mary LaRocca, born Abt. 1940.
+ 25 iii. John Sebastian LaRocca, born October 01, 1943 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died December 23, 2021.
6. Anthony P.2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born May 15, 1912 in Whiskey Run, Indiana Co., Pa., and died August 1980. He married Rose A. Cefalo October 28, 1936 in Wellsburg, Brooke Co., West Virginia. She was born September 20, 1914 in Steubenville, Ohio, and died December 22, 2008.
Notes for Anthony P. LaRocca:
1939 Larocca, Anthony (Rose: Larocca Barber Shop) h6523 Deary
Barber Shop (Anthony and John Larocca) 12 General Robinson W
1940 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 69-294 Family 34, 6523 Deary St.
Anthony Larocca, 27, barber
Rose, 25, OH; Rosaria, 2; Ignazio, 1
Anthony LaRocca, was born May 14, 1912 at Whiskey Run, Indiana County. His current residence is 6323 Glenview Place, Pittsburgh. He is a barber at 8003 McKnight road, Pittsburgh. (FBI 1958)
Anthony LaRocca owns and operates his own barber shop in the McKnight Shopping Center in Pittsburgh's North Hills Section and that to his knowledge is not engaged in any racket activity. T-1 said that Anthony LaRocca regularly cuts his hair and that the shop is known as the McKnight Barber Shop, 8003 McKnight Road.
On February 10, 1958, INS Investigator Lauver advised SA Wall that he had contacted Anthony LaRocca some time previous and that LaRocca had advised him at this time he owned a barber shop at No. 12 General Robinson Street, Pittsburgh, and that he was born at Whiskey Run, Indiana County, May 14, 1912. Lauver said he had no information that Anthony LaRocca is engaged in any racket activities.
[L57]
Children of Anthony LaRocca and Rose Cefalo are:
+ 26 i. Rosalind C.3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1936.
+ 27 ii. Anthony Paul "Rocky" LaRocca, born February 17, 1938; died October 13, 1997 in State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
8. John Joseph2 LaRocca (Ignacio1) was born June 16, 1915 in Yatesboro, Armstrong Co., Pa., and died February 20, 2002. He married (1) Betty Jane Davis 1949. He married (2) Anna Marie Burns October 26, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She was born Abt. 1926.
Notes for John Joseph LaRocca:
1939 Larocca John (Larocca Barber Shop) r6523 Deary
Barber Shop (Anthony and John Larocca) 12 General Robinson W
In 1940, residing at 6579 Deary St.
In 1958, was the operator of the Keystone Vending Co., Johnstown, Pa., owned by J. S. and Regino.
According to Ingerviewing Agents in1963, John was effeminate and may have been a homosexual.
LAROCCA, JOHN J.
Formerly of Johnstown, on Wed., Feb. 20, 2002; brother of the late Joseph, John S. and Anthony Larocca, Rose Conti, Angela Ziti and Leona Rose; uncle of Rosalind and Nicholas Viola; brother-in-law of Rose Larocca; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends received Thur. 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the T. B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alexis Church Fri. 10 am. Contributions may be made to St. Alexis Church.
More About John Joseph LaRocca:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Anna Marie Burns:
Records of the Prothonotary's Office, Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County, Pa., City County Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., were reviewed for the period from 1900 to April 26, 1961. During the course of this review, it was noted that there are entries pertaining to one John J. LaRocca in connection with divorce proceedings. It is believed that this individual is identical with the younger brother of Sebastian John LaRocca who now resides at Johnstown, Pa. These entries are as follows:
#629, April Session, 1951-A, is listed in case of Annie Marie LaRocca, John J. LaRocca, wherein Annie Marie Larocca requests divorce from John J. LaRocca by petition dated 1/15/51. The address of the female was shown as 7209 Lexington Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., and the address of John J. LaRocca was shown as 6323 Glenview, Pittsburgh 6, Pa. Date of marriage was indicated as 10/26/50.
#682, January Session, 1953, is listed in case of Anna LaRocca vs. John J. LaRocca, wherein a complaint indicating Anna LaRocca, 7209 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh 6, Pa., is listed as a complainant on 9/28/52. This record indicates that John J. LaRocca failed to appear and that a divorce was granted to Anna LaRocca on 1/14/53. At that time, according to this record, Anna LaRocca was residing at 337 Mt. Vernon Drive, Mt. Lebanon, Pa., and was 26 years of age. This record further indicates that she was married to LaRocca in Pittsburgh by Squire Alderson, nor further identified.
Child of John LaRocca and Anna Burns is:
28 i. (Daughter)3 LaRocca, born Abt. 1951.
Generation No. 3
12. John J.3 Conti (Rosina2 LaRocca, Ignacio1) was born November 05, 1920, and died April 12, 1986 in McCandless, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Angeline Ann Lopizzo June 25, 1945.
Notes for John J. Conti:
Business associate of his uncle, John LaRocca.
May have been the business agent for the slot machine workers union in early 1950s.
This individual claims he is a nephew of LaRocca and presently resides at 9576 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, Pa. He operates the North Star Cement Block Company at 12 McCandless Avenue in Pittsburgh for LaRocca and has taken an active interest in operating other legitimate enterprises owned by Larocca. JFK 61
JOHN CONTI, North Hills News Record, April 15, 1986
McCandless - A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this morning in St. Alexis Church, McCandless, for John J. Conti, 65, who died Saturday, April 12, 1986, in North Hills Passavant Hospital. He was the manager of Allegheny Car Wash, North Side. Mr. Conti is survived by his wife, Angeline Lopizzo Conti; two daughters, Sharon Boucek of New Cumberland, and Carol Geyer; one brother, Joseph Conti; five sisters, Rose Nowak, Rosaria Hart, Angeline Vitrano, Sarah Barbaiato and Mary Jean Conti; and three grandchildren. Burial was in Allegheny County Memorial Park, McCandless.
More About John J. Conti:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of John Conti and Angeline Lopizzo are:
29 i. Sharon4 Conti. She married (Husband) Bouchek.
30 ii. Karen Conti. She married (Husband) Geyer.
25. John Sebastian3 LaRocca (John Sebastian2, Ignacio1) was born October 01, 1943 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died December 23, 2021. He married (1) Bonnie Joyce. He married (2) Debbie Thomas. He married (3) (Wife) Cox, daughter of Joseph Cox. He married (4) Patricia Fessler May 05, 1961 in 900 West Ingomar Rd., McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa., daughter of Robert Fessler and Violet (Fessler). She was born Abt. 1943.
Notes for John Sebastian LaRocca:
John was born Howard Leslie Hoffman, at Greensburg, Pa., son of Tony Terrigio [or more likely Terriogo?). He was adopted through the Westmoreland Co. Orpans Court on February 25, 1944, by John LaRocca and his wife, and his name was changed to John. Godson of Joseph Regino.
Attended Valley Forge Military Academy.
From Local 1058 stuff:
Agent Greenbank testified that Source 13 reported that LaRocca Sr. directed Tom Pecora to make LaRocca Jr. a business agent for Local 1058 in 1976. Tr. 130. The IHO credits this conversation because LaRocca Jr., became a business agent for Local 1058 shortly thereafter
LaRocca Jr. is the son (adopted) of Pittsburgh LCN boss, LaRocca Sr. Neither the FBI nor the PA Crime Commission have ever listed LaRocca Jr. as having any role in the Pittsburgh LCN. While serving as a Local 1058 business agent, LaRocca Jr. was involved in a video arcade business with Raucci Jr. and Zottola. Tr. 710, 1346-1350. LaRocca Jr. began the business at his father’s behest, which closed within eight months of opening. Tr. 1346-1350.
If I'm not mistaken, John LaRocca Jr. was part of local 1058 for at least 20 years. In 1988, he had a salary of $146,850. That's 30 years ago! John Sr. was very close to Joe LaQuatra and actually sold the union a boatload of real estate that he owned for 3 times the worth of the property an secured a high paying union job for his son, John Jr. Same with Genovese, Ripepi, Pecora, etc. All sons were for all intensive purposes, legitimate and had well paying union positions. John Jr. lives in an $850k home at 2095 Grandeur Dr, Gibsonia, PA 15044. His pension is over $100k per year from local 1058. JCB 1/30/14
John S. Larocca passed away in peace at his home on December 23, 2021. He was the son of John S., Sr. and Mary S. Laroca. John was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He was the former Vice President of Local 1058 Laborer's Union of Pittsburgh. He also owned multiple businesses during his lifetime, including the Allegheny Car Wash, the Aquasheen Car Wash, the Gameroom and, his favorite pastime, the Northway Golf Center, a well-known local golf driving range that he operated for over 30 years. John will be sadly missed by his numerous friends and family. He helped many people during his lifetime and was known for his hard work ethic and extreme loyalty to his friends. Funeral services will be private.
Notes for Bonnie Joyce:
Filed for divorce in 1974.
Children of John LaRocca and Bonnie Joyce are:
31 i. Joyce4 LaRocca, born Abt. 1963. She married (Husband) Naughton.
32 ii. Evelyn LaRocca, born Abt. 1966. She married (Husband) Feigel.
33 iii. Mary LaRocca, born Abt. 1967. She married (Husband) Gilfoyle.
Child of John LaRocca and (Wife) Cox is:
34 i. Theresa Marie4 LaRocca, born Abt. May 01, 1960.
Notes for Theresa Marie LaRocca:
William F. Scherwin, MD, Church Drive, Wexford, Pa, advised SA Robert A. Voege on December 6, 1963, that his records indicate that he has been responsible for the physical well-being of one Theresa Marie LaRocca since she was six weeks old, and it is his understanding that this little girl, born at an unknown location on or about May 1, 1960, is the illegitimate daughter of John LaRocca, Jr., of Ingomar, Pa., and the present Mrs. Astroino, nee Cox, of Fernway, near Zelienople, Pa. He carries the address of Joseph Cox, father of the girl who was courted by LaRocca, as 449 Dover Drive, Zelienople, Pa., and understands that his daughter is separated and residing with her mother at the aforementioned address. Dr. Scherwin does not know if LaRocca was ever married to the Cox girl, but does recall that her illegitimate daughter has been known as Theresa Marie LaRocca and Theresa Marie Astroino. [L64]
Child of John LaRocca and Patricia Fessler is:
35 i. John Sebastian4 LaRocca, born January 10, 1962. He married Sharon Ann (LaRocca); born May 06, 1964.
26. Rosalind C.3 LaRocca (Anthony P.2, Ignacio1) was born Abt. 1936. She married Nicholas A. Viola, son of Frank Viola and Ida Chicillo. He was born April 30, 1935, and died January 23, 2006.
Notes for Nicholas A. Viola:
VIOLA, NICHOLAS A.
Age 70, of McCandless Twp., on Monday, January 23, 2006, beloved husband of Rosalind C. (Larocca) Viola; loving father of Nicholas F. (Maribeth) and Anthony J. (Kimberly); dear son-in-law of Rose Larocca; brother of Mary Tomasello, Michalina Magnotta, Louise Presto, Frank and Michael Viola. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gaetana Viola; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Nick was a retired Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Driver and a long-time barber at Wexford Plaza and Pines Plaza. Visitation Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the T. B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial St. Alexis Church, Wednesday 12 Noon.
Children of Rosalind LaRocca and Nicholas Viola are:
36 i. Nicholas F.4 Viola. He married Maribeth (Viola).
37 ii. Anthony J. Viola. He married Kimberly (Viola).
27. Anthony Paul "Rocky"3 LaRocca (Anthony P.2, Ignacio1) was born February 17, 1938, and died October 13, 1997 in State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Alice Jo "Binkie" Genovese July 05, 1961 in Wheeling, West Virginia, daughter of Elmer Gray and Alice Rohrbacher. She was born March 16, 1943.
Notes for Anthony Paul "Rocky" LaRocca:
ANTHONY P. LAROCCA JR. PAGANS GANG LEADER SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA), October 15, 1997, TIMOTHY MCNULTY, POST-GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
Anthony P. LaRocca Jr., the one-time leader of the Pagans motorcycle gang in Westmoreland County and the nephew of a reputed organized crime leader, died Monday at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh, where he was serving a life sentence for murder. Mr. LaRocca, of Rostraver, died of lung cancer, a spokesman for the Allegheny County coroner's office said. He was 59.
In a trial delayed for years by legal maneuvering, Mr. LaRocca was convicted in 1987 with Francis Ferri of Glassport in the murder of John Heatherington, who was shot seven times in the head outside a North Versailles motel in August 1982. Heatherington, who ran a drug-dealing operation with the two men that brought illegal drugs to the area from Florida, had been offered a plea bargain that day by federal authorities who guaranteed his freedom in exchange for information on his associates.
While at the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial, authorities said, Mr. LaRocca continued to run his drug business for two years by calling his connections on the outside. In 1987, he pleaded guilty to drug-selling charges and was sentenced to another 30 years.
He was the nephew of John S. LaRocca of Ross, who was named by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission in 1970 as the head of southwestern Pennsylvania's crime syndicate. John S. LaRocca died in 1984. In May 1983, during his preliminary hearing before the trial on Heatherington's slaying, Anthony P. LaRocca Jr. and attorney James Ecker met with reporters and denied his connections to organized crime. ``I'm just an unemployed guy looking for a job,'' he said. ``I don't belong to any organized crime or the Pagans,'' he said, though he acknowledged that he had been a member of the gang in the early 1970s. ``(John S. LaRocca is) my dad's brother. I can't help that.''
Mr. LaRocca had a history of drug and gun charges and assaults on law enforcement officers. Crime commission reports said Mr. LaRocca's run-ins with the law started in 1969 when he was charged with trafficking in machine guns. The case was dismissed, as was another gun-trafficking case the next year. In 1973, he and two other men were sentenced to three years in prison for pistol-whipping two federal agents in a North Huntingdon hotel parking lot who were investigating his role in the Pagans. He was released after serving half the term. In 1976, Mr. LaRocca and another man were arrested after a shootout with federal agents posing as drug buyers at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville, which shoppers watched while crouching behind cars. He was sentenced to 30 years in jail, but after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled he was sentenced improperly, he was paroled in April 1982. Heatherington was shot four months later.
Notes for Alice Jo "Binkie" Genovese:
Binky was separated from LaRocca before January, 1964. She had two children by then. She reconciled with LaRocca during the early part of 1964.
Children of Anthony LaRocca and Alice Genovese are:
38 i. Alice Jo4 LaRocca, born Abt. 1962.
Notes for Alice Jo LaRocca:
Of Napa, California.
39 ii. Kelly LaRocca, born Abt. 1963. She married Bernard Weber.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
Salvatore Marino (Retired to San Jose in the 1960's, father of Angelo Marino)
Descendants of Salvatore "Sam" Marino
Generation No. 1
1. Salvatore "Sam"1 Marino was born April 14, 1898 in Santa Flavia, Palermo, Sicily, and died 1974. He married Josephine Roccapalumbo. She was born Abt. 1901 in Pennsylvania.
Notes for Salvatore "Sam" Marino:
Arrived in US in 1918 or 1922.
1930 CENSUS PA Mercer Co. Farrell ED 14 Family 123, 52 Shenango Boulevard
Salvatore Marino, 31, m at 24, IT arr 1922, wholesale grocery salesman
Josephine, 29, m at 22; Angelo, 5; Antoinette, 2
Longtime member of Pittsburgh LCN. Originally from Sharon, Pa. Owned the California Cheese Co.
Moved to San Jose.
Salvatore "Sam" Marino, longtime Capo of the Pittsburgh Crime Family under Frank Amato Sr., ran the rackets in Sharon, PA and owned the Sharon Cheese Company. Sal's son was Angelo Marino, boss of the San Jose Crime Family. When Sal retired to California, he sold his cheese company to Sorrento for millions of dollars. His son and grandson were prominent members in San Jose and Sal died in 1974.
CALIFORNIA CHEESE COMPANY. San Jose.
Angelo Anthony "Don Marino" Marino (born May 30, 1924- died Feb. 1983) also known as "The Cheese King", was a San Jose businessman and notorious boss of the San Jose crime family which he headed from 1978 until his death in 1983. Marino was arguably the most powerful and successful boss in the history of the San Jose Mafia organization and had connections to mobsters from across the United States.
Angelo Marino was a capo and later the boss of the San Jose family. Marino was born in Pittsburgh, PA. His parents came to the United States from Italy in 1918. He was the son of Pittsburgh capo, Salvatore "Sam" Marino. Angelo was a former numbers racketeer in Sharon, Pennsylvania who moved to San Jose in 1949 to operate a cheese factory owned by his father, in which he also allegedly invested his criminal gains. His only known arrest up until the 1970s was for a misdemeanor charge in Santa Clara County, Calif.
At one point Marino's company controlled 85% of California's mozzarella and ricotta business. Marino was married to Precious Maggio, daughter of Michael Maggio, who was reportedly a capo in the Philadelphia crime family for many years. Maggio was the owner of M. Maggio Cheese Co. in Philadelphia. Marino was once allegedly marked for death by the Maggio brothers because of his treatment of their sister Precious, who Marino reportedly cheated on and had a child with a mistress by the name of Maria Mack, fortunately for Marino East Coast mobster John Misuraca intervened on his behalf and had the problem peacefully resolved.
He became the boss of the San Jose mafia organization after the death of Joseph Cerrito. In October 1977, Marino was indicted, along with his son, Salvatore "Sal" Marino, for the attempted murder and murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. Marino used his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years, but he continued to operate the crime family from a hospital.
Because of widespread attention to the Mafia, the trial was ordered moved to Los Angeles. The proceedings cost Santa Clara County more than $1 million. The case took 14 years and included four trials. On October 12, 1980 Angelo Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. His conviction was overturned on appeals and he was released. Angelo Marino died of a congestive heart failure due to diabetes in February of 1983 at the age of 58. The cheese case may or may not have weakened San Jose's Italian Mafia but it did help open the door for Asian and Mexican gangs. Posted Spril 28, 2017, by Bob Emerson, on Facebook, San Jose History.
Children of Salvatore Marino and Josephine Roccapalumbo are:
+ 2 i. Angelo Anthony2 Marino, born May 31, 1924 in Sharon, Mercer Co., Pa.; died February 11, 1983 in San Jose, Santa Clara Co., California.
3 ii. Antoinette Marino, born October 28, 1927. She married Albert D'Onofrio.
Notes for Albert D'Onofrio:
Operated Golden Dawn Foods in Farrell.
4 iii. Joseph P. Marino, born March 18, 1932 in Pennsylvania; died November 24, 1968 in Santa Clara, California.
Notes for Joseph P. Marino:
Name: MARINO, JOSEPH P
Social Security #: 198209493
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 18 Mar 1932
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 24 Nov 1968
Death Place: SANTA CLARA
Mother's Maiden Name: ROCCAPAL
Generation No. 2
2. Angelo Anthony2 Marino (Salvatore "Sam"1) was born May 31, 1924 in Sharon, Mercer Co., Pa., and died February 11, 1983 in San Jose, Santa Clara Co., California. He married Precious Rosalie Maggio September 24, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of Michele Maggio and Maria Sole. She was born October 05, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pa., and died January 28, 1995 in Philadelphia, Pa..
Notes for Angelo Anthony Marino:
In 1962, Marino reported to FBI agents that he had been a friend of Gabriel Mannarino since childhood. [L63] Angelo attended the funeral of Sam Mannrino. [L 68]
From americanmafia.com,
San Jose, CA Family
By Jay C. Ambler, organized crime researcher
...Angelo Marino, a long time capo under the Cerrito reign, was selected as the new boss over the San Jose rackets. Marino was a very well connected individual. He had close ties with San Francisco mayor, from 1968-1974, Joseph Alioto. He was also close with long time San Francisco LCN Family boss James "Jimmy" Lanza, consigliere to the Los Angeles LCN Family and FBI informant Frank "the Bomp" Bompensiero. Marino owned and operated the California Cheese Company. His father, Salvatore, a long time member of the Pittsburgh LCN Family, willed his company to him. His company held dominance, controlling 85% of the cheese distribution in California and 50% west of the Mississippi River.
In October 1977 Marino was indicted, along with his son, for the murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. The reason behind the crime was that previously Peter had attempted to obtain a job with Marino's company. When Marino denied him a position, he attempted to extort $100,000 from him and Marino ordered his father to kill him. His father refused and both were met with bullets. The father, Orlando, survived and agreed to testify for the prosecution. Marino would use his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years. He, however, continued to operate his crime family from a hospital. On October 12, 1980 Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. The conviction was later overturned on appeals, and he was released. Marino died of a heart attack in February, 1983...
Sources Used:
San Jose Mercury News, various articles, 1975-1983
US Senate Permanent Sub-Committee on Organized Crime: Twenty Five Years After Valachi, 1988.
Angelo Marino was a capo and later the boss of the San Jose family. Marino was born in Pittsburgh, PA. His parents came to the United States from Italy in 1918. He was the son of Pittsburgh capo, Salvatore "Sam" Marino. Angelo was a former numbers racketeer in Sharon, Pennsylvania who moved to San Jose in 1949 to operate a cheese factory owned by his father, in which he also allegedly invested his criminal gains. His only known arrest up until the 1970s was for a misdemeanor charge in Santa Clara County, California. At one point Marino's company controlled 85% of California's mozzarella and ricotta business. Marino was married to Precious Maggio, daughter of Michael Maggio, who was reportedly a capo in the Philadelphia crime family for many years. Maggio was the owner of M. Maggio Cheese Co. in Philadelphia. Marino was once allegedly marked for death by the Maggio brothers because of his treatment of their sister Precious, who Marino reportedly cheated on and had a child with a mistress by the name of Maria Mack, fortunately for Marino East Coast mobster John Misuraca intervened on his behalf and had the problem peacefully resolved.
On December 5, 1962, Marino was given a contract from Joseph Cerrito to murder Giuseppe Polimeni, who managed a pizza place in Vacaville, CA, known as Pietro's Pizza. This man murdered a member of the Sicilian Mafia in 1953. Polimeni moved from place to place in the United States, and finally was located in California, working under the name John Ripepi. He would have continued to be in hiding if he didn't become friendly with a salesman from Marino's cheese company. Unaware that the company was operated by a mafioso, Polimeni told the salesman more than he should have about his past, but he was deported to Italy before the mob could kill him.
Marino was a very well connected individual. He had close ties with San Francisco mayor, from 1968-1974, Joseph Alioto. He was also close with long time San Francisco crime family boss James Lanza and Frank "Bomp" Bompensiero, Consigliere of the Los Angeles crime family. He also had ties to the Milwaukee crime family through his distant relative Santo Marino. Marino was also connected to Genovese crime family capo Frank "Skyball" Scibelli of Springfield, Massachusetts, who according to FBI reports traveled to San Jose from 1969 through 1971 to conduct gambling business with Marino.
Look Magazine ran a story in 1969 linking San Francisco's Mayor Joseph Alioto to Marino and five other mafia figures. Mr. Alioto responded with a $450,000 libel suit that he eventually won.
He became the boss of the San Jose mafia organization after the death of Joseph Cerrito. In October 1977, Marino was indicted, along with his son, Salvatore "Sal" Marino, for the attempted murder and murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. The order for their murder had been given by Marino while he sat behind his desk in the trailer office of the cheese factory. Marino had told Orlando to take a knife off his desk and kill his son, Peter. The reason behind the attempted extortion was that Peter previously had attempted to obtain a job with Marino's company. When Marino denied him a position, he attempted to extort $100,000 from him "I must be crazy," he wrote, "but it's not everybody who takes on the Mafia". Marino subsequently ordered Catelli's father to kill him. His father refused and both were met with bullets. Orlando was shot in the back of his head as he was kneeling saying a prayer beside the body of his dead son. He decided to play dead. Weighing 270, it took three men to lift him into the trunk of a car. A few minutes later his son's body was dumped on top of him. The driver abandoned the car in San Francisco but Orlando survived and was rescued from the trunk of the car and agreed to testify against Marino for the prosecution.
He told the prosecution that Marino's son Salvatore killed Peter and then shot him in the head. Marino used his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years, but he continued to operate the crime family from a hospital. Joseph Piazza and Thomas Napolitano were also arrested for participating in the attack. On October 12, 1980 Angelo Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. His conviction was overturned on appeals and he was released. Angelo Marino died of a congestive heart failure due to diabetes in February of 1983 at the age of 58. _Mafia Wiki
California Death Index:
MARINO, ANGELO A
Social Security #: 194164036
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 31 May 1924
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 11 Feb 1983
Death Place: RIVERSIDE
Mother's Maiden Name: ROCCAPALUMBO
Notes for Precious Rosalie Maggio:
Divorced Angelo some time around 1968, and moved back to Philadelphia with their daughter. [L68]
Child of Angelo Marino and Precious Maggio is:
5 i. Salvatore Marino III.
Descendants of Salvatore "Sam" Marino
Generation No. 1
1. Salvatore "Sam"1 Marino was born April 14, 1898 in Santa Flavia, Palermo, Sicily, and died 1974. He married Josephine Roccapalumbo. She was born Abt. 1901 in Pennsylvania.
Notes for Salvatore "Sam" Marino:
Arrived in US in 1918 or 1922.
1930 CENSUS PA Mercer Co. Farrell ED 14 Family 123, 52 Shenango Boulevard
Salvatore Marino, 31, m at 24, IT arr 1922, wholesale grocery salesman
Josephine, 29, m at 22; Angelo, 5; Antoinette, 2
Longtime member of Pittsburgh LCN. Originally from Sharon, Pa. Owned the California Cheese Co.
Moved to San Jose.
Salvatore "Sam" Marino, longtime Capo of the Pittsburgh Crime Family under Frank Amato Sr., ran the rackets in Sharon, PA and owned the Sharon Cheese Company. Sal's son was Angelo Marino, boss of the San Jose Crime Family. When Sal retired to California, he sold his cheese company to Sorrento for millions of dollars. His son and grandson were prominent members in San Jose and Sal died in 1974.
CALIFORNIA CHEESE COMPANY. San Jose.
Angelo Anthony "Don Marino" Marino (born May 30, 1924- died Feb. 1983) also known as "The Cheese King", was a San Jose businessman and notorious boss of the San Jose crime family which he headed from 1978 until his death in 1983. Marino was arguably the most powerful and successful boss in the history of the San Jose Mafia organization and had connections to mobsters from across the United States.
Angelo Marino was a capo and later the boss of the San Jose family. Marino was born in Pittsburgh, PA. His parents came to the United States from Italy in 1918. He was the son of Pittsburgh capo, Salvatore "Sam" Marino. Angelo was a former numbers racketeer in Sharon, Pennsylvania who moved to San Jose in 1949 to operate a cheese factory owned by his father, in which he also allegedly invested his criminal gains. His only known arrest up until the 1970s was for a misdemeanor charge in Santa Clara County, Calif.
At one point Marino's company controlled 85% of California's mozzarella and ricotta business. Marino was married to Precious Maggio, daughter of Michael Maggio, who was reportedly a capo in the Philadelphia crime family for many years. Maggio was the owner of M. Maggio Cheese Co. in Philadelphia. Marino was once allegedly marked for death by the Maggio brothers because of his treatment of their sister Precious, who Marino reportedly cheated on and had a child with a mistress by the name of Maria Mack, fortunately for Marino East Coast mobster John Misuraca intervened on his behalf and had the problem peacefully resolved.
He became the boss of the San Jose mafia organization after the death of Joseph Cerrito. In October 1977, Marino was indicted, along with his son, Salvatore "Sal" Marino, for the attempted murder and murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. Marino used his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years, but he continued to operate the crime family from a hospital.
Because of widespread attention to the Mafia, the trial was ordered moved to Los Angeles. The proceedings cost Santa Clara County more than $1 million. The case took 14 years and included four trials. On October 12, 1980 Angelo Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. His conviction was overturned on appeals and he was released. Angelo Marino died of a congestive heart failure due to diabetes in February of 1983 at the age of 58. The cheese case may or may not have weakened San Jose's Italian Mafia but it did help open the door for Asian and Mexican gangs. Posted Spril 28, 2017, by Bob Emerson, on Facebook, San Jose History.
Children of Salvatore Marino and Josephine Roccapalumbo are:
+ 2 i. Angelo Anthony2 Marino, born May 31, 1924 in Sharon, Mercer Co., Pa.; died February 11, 1983 in San Jose, Santa Clara Co., California.
3 ii. Antoinette Marino, born October 28, 1927. She married Albert D'Onofrio.
Notes for Albert D'Onofrio:
Operated Golden Dawn Foods in Farrell.
4 iii. Joseph P. Marino, born March 18, 1932 in Pennsylvania; died November 24, 1968 in Santa Clara, California.
Notes for Joseph P. Marino:
Name: MARINO, JOSEPH P
Social Security #: 198209493
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 18 Mar 1932
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 24 Nov 1968
Death Place: SANTA CLARA
Mother's Maiden Name: ROCCAPAL
Generation No. 2
2. Angelo Anthony2 Marino (Salvatore "Sam"1) was born May 31, 1924 in Sharon, Mercer Co., Pa., and died February 11, 1983 in San Jose, Santa Clara Co., California. He married Precious Rosalie Maggio September 24, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of Michele Maggio and Maria Sole. She was born October 05, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pa., and died January 28, 1995 in Philadelphia, Pa..
Notes for Angelo Anthony Marino:
In 1962, Marino reported to FBI agents that he had been a friend of Gabriel Mannarino since childhood. [L63] Angelo attended the funeral of Sam Mannrino. [L 68]
From americanmafia.com,
San Jose, CA Family
By Jay C. Ambler, organized crime researcher
...Angelo Marino, a long time capo under the Cerrito reign, was selected as the new boss over the San Jose rackets. Marino was a very well connected individual. He had close ties with San Francisco mayor, from 1968-1974, Joseph Alioto. He was also close with long time San Francisco LCN Family boss James "Jimmy" Lanza, consigliere to the Los Angeles LCN Family and FBI informant Frank "the Bomp" Bompensiero. Marino owned and operated the California Cheese Company. His father, Salvatore, a long time member of the Pittsburgh LCN Family, willed his company to him. His company held dominance, controlling 85% of the cheese distribution in California and 50% west of the Mississippi River.
In October 1977 Marino was indicted, along with his son, for the murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. The reason behind the crime was that previously Peter had attempted to obtain a job with Marino's company. When Marino denied him a position, he attempted to extort $100,000 from him and Marino ordered his father to kill him. His father refused and both were met with bullets. The father, Orlando, survived and agreed to testify for the prosecution. Marino would use his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years. He, however, continued to operate his crime family from a hospital. On October 12, 1980 Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. The conviction was later overturned on appeals, and he was released. Marino died of a heart attack in February, 1983...
Sources Used:
San Jose Mercury News, various articles, 1975-1983
US Senate Permanent Sub-Committee on Organized Crime: Twenty Five Years After Valachi, 1988.
Angelo Marino was a capo and later the boss of the San Jose family. Marino was born in Pittsburgh, PA. His parents came to the United States from Italy in 1918. He was the son of Pittsburgh capo, Salvatore "Sam" Marino. Angelo was a former numbers racketeer in Sharon, Pennsylvania who moved to San Jose in 1949 to operate a cheese factory owned by his father, in which he also allegedly invested his criminal gains. His only known arrest up until the 1970s was for a misdemeanor charge in Santa Clara County, California. At one point Marino's company controlled 85% of California's mozzarella and ricotta business. Marino was married to Precious Maggio, daughter of Michael Maggio, who was reportedly a capo in the Philadelphia crime family for many years. Maggio was the owner of M. Maggio Cheese Co. in Philadelphia. Marino was once allegedly marked for death by the Maggio brothers because of his treatment of their sister Precious, who Marino reportedly cheated on and had a child with a mistress by the name of Maria Mack, fortunately for Marino East Coast mobster John Misuraca intervened on his behalf and had the problem peacefully resolved.
On December 5, 1962, Marino was given a contract from Joseph Cerrito to murder Giuseppe Polimeni, who managed a pizza place in Vacaville, CA, known as Pietro's Pizza. This man murdered a member of the Sicilian Mafia in 1953. Polimeni moved from place to place in the United States, and finally was located in California, working under the name John Ripepi. He would have continued to be in hiding if he didn't become friendly with a salesman from Marino's cheese company. Unaware that the company was operated by a mafioso, Polimeni told the salesman more than he should have about his past, but he was deported to Italy before the mob could kill him.
Marino was a very well connected individual. He had close ties with San Francisco mayor, from 1968-1974, Joseph Alioto. He was also close with long time San Francisco crime family boss James Lanza and Frank "Bomp" Bompensiero, Consigliere of the Los Angeles crime family. He also had ties to the Milwaukee crime family through his distant relative Santo Marino. Marino was also connected to Genovese crime family capo Frank "Skyball" Scibelli of Springfield, Massachusetts, who according to FBI reports traveled to San Jose from 1969 through 1971 to conduct gambling business with Marino.
Look Magazine ran a story in 1969 linking San Francisco's Mayor Joseph Alioto to Marino and five other mafia figures. Mr. Alioto responded with a $450,000 libel suit that he eventually won.
He became the boss of the San Jose mafia organization after the death of Joseph Cerrito. In October 1977, Marino was indicted, along with his son, Salvatore "Sal" Marino, for the attempted murder and murder of father and son, Orlando and Peter Catelli. The order for their murder had been given by Marino while he sat behind his desk in the trailer office of the cheese factory. Marino had told Orlando to take a knife off his desk and kill his son, Peter. The reason behind the attempted extortion was that Peter previously had attempted to obtain a job with Marino's company. When Marino denied him a position, he attempted to extort $100,000 from him "I must be crazy," he wrote, "but it's not everybody who takes on the Mafia". Marino subsequently ordered Catelli's father to kill him. His father refused and both were met with bullets. Orlando was shot in the back of his head as he was kneeling saying a prayer beside the body of his dead son. He decided to play dead. Weighing 270, it took three men to lift him into the trunk of a car. A few minutes later his son's body was dumped on top of him. The driver abandoned the car in San Francisco but Orlando survived and was rescued from the trunk of the car and agreed to testify against Marino for the prosecution.
He told the prosecution that Marino's son Salvatore killed Peter and then shot him in the head. Marino used his bad health to avoid going to trial for the next three years, but he continued to operate the crime family from a hospital. Joseph Piazza and Thomas Napolitano were also arrested for participating in the attack. On October 12, 1980 Angelo Marino was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder. His conviction was overturned on appeals and he was released. Angelo Marino died of a congestive heart failure due to diabetes in February of 1983 at the age of 58. _Mafia Wiki
California Death Index:
MARINO, ANGELO A
Social Security #: 194164036
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 31 May 1924
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Death Date: 11 Feb 1983
Death Place: RIVERSIDE
Mother's Maiden Name: ROCCAPALUMBO
Notes for Precious Rosalie Maggio:
Divorced Angelo some time around 1968, and moved back to Philadelphia with their daughter. [L68]
Child of Angelo Marino and Precious Maggio is:
5 i. Salvatore Marino III.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
Re: Pittsburgh Members Roots/Ancestry
John Fontana (Right hand man to Sam Mannarino & Kelly)
Descendants of Giovanni Fontana
Generation No. 1
1. Giovanni1 Fontana was born June 24, 1875 in Mandatoriccio, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died January 26, 1930 in Westmoreland Co. Home, Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married (1) Angelina Cristofaro. She was born December 05, 1891 in Italy, and died May 1972. He married (2) Maria (Fontana). She was born in Italy, and died Bef. 1914 in Italy.
Notes for Giovanni Fontana:
Petition for Naturalization #12789, in in U.S. Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, 28 Oct. 1914.
Giovanni Fontana, 1244 Second Ave., New Kensington, Pa. Laborer
Born 24 June 1876 at Madatoriccio, Italy.
Sailed from Naples, Italy, and arrived in NYC 14 November 1902, aboard the "Nord America".
Arrived in Pennsylvania 15 November, 1902.
Declaration of Intention 14 Sept., 1912, at Pittsburgh, Pa.
Married, to Maria Fontana, who was born in Italy and is now deceased.
2 Children: Leonardo, born May 5, 1897, in Italy, residing in Italy; Florina, born April 8, 1901, in Italy, residing in Italy.
Witnesses, James DeMaria and Sam Paletta, both merchants, New Kensington.
1920 CENSUS PA New Kensington Ward 1 ED 172 Family 213, 1219 Sixth Ave.
John Fintine, 40, IT IT IT, arr 1902 laborer for railroad
Angeline, 29, IT IT IT, arr 1914; Mary, 4; John, 2; Julia, 1
More About Giovanni Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Angelina Cristofaro:
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. Arnold ED 6 Family 324, 1921 Leishman Ave.
Angeline Fontana, 39, widow, IT IT IT, arr 1915
Mary, 15; John, 13; Julia, 11; Elizabeth, 5; Livio, 4/12
1940 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John fctywkr AlumCoofAm r1237 5th av
-Julia fctywkr AlumCoofAm r1237 5th av
1946 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John r1237 5th av
-Julia fctywkr Alum Co of Am r1237 5th av
1949 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John r1237 5th av
-Julia fcty wkr Alum Co of Am r1237 5th av
-Leo driver B & B Mfg r1237 5th av
Children of Giovanni Fontana and Angelina Cristofaro are:
2 i. Mary2 Fontana, born Abt. 1915; died Bef. 1985. She married (Husband) Chickerella.
+ 3 ii. John Christopher Fontana, born July 19, 1917 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died April 01, 1984 in ?Murrysville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
4 iii. Julia Fontana, born Abt. 1919; died December 17, 2016 in Oakmont, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Casimir Kuzmirek; born January 22, 1922; died June 07, 1991.
Notes for Julia Fontana:
Julia Kuzmirek, 98, of New Kensington, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in Presbyterian Senior Care, Oakmont. Born Sept. 29, 1918, in New Kensington, she was a daughter of the late Giovanni and Angelina (Cristofaro) Fontana and wife of the late Casimir Kuzmirek, who died in 1991. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by a brother, John Fontana; two sisters, Mary Chickerella and Betty Feth. She was a member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, New Kensington, where she volunteered in the school cafeteria. She enjoyed cooking, polka dancing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, Casimir (Beth) Kuzmirek, of Florida, John (Paula) Kuzmirek, of Lower Burrell, and Ronald (Toni) Kuzmirek, of Lower Burrell; 11 grandchildren, John A. (Heather) Kuzmirek, Michael J. (Lindsey) Kuzmirek, Matthew D. Kuzmirek, William J. (Jaime) Kuzmirek, Haley M. Kuzmirek, Derek T. Kuzmirek, Kirsten D. Kuzmirek, Angela M. ( Matthew) DeStefano, Christina M. (Steve) DiVincenzo, Anthony P. (Katelyn) Kuzmirek and Ronald A. Kuzmirek; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including Edie Mastrocinque, a niece whom she raised.
Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 5th Ave., Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner-Supervisor. Prayers of transfer will take place 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Arnold. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribli ... ylZew.dpuf
More About Casimir Kuzmirek:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
5 iv. Elizabeth "Betty" Fontana, born Abt. 1925; died Bef. 1985. She married (Husband) Feth.
+ 6 v. Leveo Fontana, born January 11, 1930.
Children of Giovanni Fontana and Maria (Fontana) are:
7 i. Leonardo2 Fontana, born May 05, 1897 in Italy.
8 ii. Florina Fontana, born April 08, 1901 in Italy.
Generation No. 2
3. John Christopher2 Fontana (Giovanni1) was born July 19, 1917 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died April 01, 1984 in ?Murrysville, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Geraldine K. McQuaide January 14, 1960 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., daughter of Delbert McQuaide and Margaret Oliver. She was born January 10, 1939 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died January 22, 2005 in Jeanette, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for John Christopher Fontana:
In 1950, residing at 1237 Fifth Ave., New Kensington.
Managed the Triangle Billiards gambling casino in the 1950s.
Involved in 1955 vote fraud trials. Sentenced to two years in the Federal penitentiary.
Convicted 11/17/58 for ? and sentenced to 2 1/2 to 5 years.
Top lieutenant in the Mannarino Organization and bodyguard to Kelly Mannarino, circa 1960.
1961, president, Jerold Homes, Inc., property on 4th Ave., from Gerald and Angela Pecora.
1962, Mikfon Jewelry Store, 6227 Penn Ave., East Liberty, in partnership with Michael Genovese.
In 1964, Bargain House, 1304 East Carson St., Southside, in partnership with Frank J. Rosa and Felix Genovese.
Fontana moved to Murrysville in 1966.
FBI# 821285B
John C. Fontana was a soldier in the LCN Family and was formerly involved in gambling centered in the Monroeville area of Western Pennsylvania. He was a one-time body guard for Kelly Mannarino and the number one lieutenant in his organization. His illegal activity was inherited by Frank D. Amato, Jr. May have been involved in the 1980s in narcotics trafficking.
Fontana indicated to the FBI that he knew the Mannarinos from childhood.
Salesman for the Marbet Heating Company, Pittsburgh.
FONTANA, John, age 67, of 4720 Peachtree Dr., Murrysville, on Apr. 1, 1984. Surviving are son, John, daughters Natalie and Michelle, brother Leo, and sister Julie Kuzmirek. Friends will be received at John S. Giunta Funeral Home, 1509 5th Ave., Arnold. Mass of Christian burial Tues., 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church, New Kensington. _The Pittsburgh Press, April 2, 1984
More About John Christopher Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Geraldine K. McQuaide:
Geraldine K. Fontana, 66, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, in Mercy Jeannette Hospital. She was born Jan. 10, 1939, in New Kensington, a daughter of the late Delbert Samuel and Margaret Oliver McQuaide. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Fontana; two sons, John and Gabriel Fontana; and a brother, Delbert McQuaide. She is survived by two daughters, Natalie Opalinski and her husband, Kevin, of Greensburg, and Michelle Helsel and her husband, Lee, of Export; three grandchildren, Nicole and Neil Opalinski and Rachel Helsel; a sister, Helen McQuaide, of Arnold; a brother, William McQuaide and his wife, Valerie, of Washington Township; and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no public viewing or visiting. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, with Pastor Dale W. Roddy officiating.
Children of John Fontana and Geraldine McQuaide are:
9 i. Gabriel Samuel3 Fontana, born April 23, 1973; died October 09, 1973.
Notes for Gabriel Samuel Fontana:
There is a headstone at Union Cemetery, in the vicinity of Bazzano/Zappala that reads:
Gabriel Sam Fontana, April 23, 1973 - October 9, 1973.
More About Gabriel Samuel Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
10 ii. John Fontana, born September 04, 1960 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died November 18, 1992 in Snyder Twp., Jefferson Co., Pa..
Notes for John Fontana:
John Fontana, 32, of Greensburg, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1992, in Snyder Township, Jefferson County. He was born Sept. 4, 1960 in New Kensington, a son of Geraldine K. McQuaide Fontana, of New Stanton, and the late John Fontana. John was employed as a boiler maker for the Local Union 154 of Pittsburgh. He was also an avid outdoorsman. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gabriel Samuel Fontana. In addition to his loving mother, John is survived by two sisters, Natalie Fontana, and her husband, Kevin Opalinski, both of Greensburg and Michelle Fontana and her husband, Lee Helsel, both of Delmont; one nephew, Neil Opalinski; two aunts; three uncles; and his girlfriend, Carla Hughey. John's family will be receiving family and friends at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Ray Schafer officiating. Private interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, New Kensington. (Trib 11/22/92)
More About John Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
+ 11 iii. Natalie T. Fontana, born January 10, 1962.
+ 12 iv. Michelle Fontana.
6. Leveo2 Fontana (Giovanni1) was born January 11, 1930. He married Mary A. Fontana October 30, 1951 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., daughter of Enrico Fontana and Nicolina Bonavenna. She was born March 17, 1931.
Notes for Leveo Fontana:
Arrested August 24, 1959 in Garibaldi Bldg. raid.
WARRANTS ISSUED FOR TEN MEN, Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pa., November 16, 1963
Pittsburgh (AP) - Bench warrants have been issued for 10 men arrested in a New Kensington raid. The men are accused of failing to pay fines and court costs after pleading guilty to federal gambling charges. The warrants were issued Friday by Federal Judge Edward Dumbauld who ordered the men lodged in Allegheny County Jail until they pay the fines and costs. Those who can't be found will forfeit their bonds, U.S. Marshal James R. Berry said. The raid was at the Garibaldi Building in New Kensington Aug. 24, 1961, and a total of 23 men were arrested. The 10 were charged with failing to obtain $50 federal gambling tax stamps. They are Joseph Chiappetta, 40; Edward Sams, 45, both of Arnold; Leveo Fontana, 33; Mike Sam Hardaway, 54; Anthony Salati, 29; Joseph Arabia, 53; all of New Kensington; Sam Mike, 41, Brackenridge; and Alfred Ronallo, 43, Leo Sussman, 35, and Frank Mullen, 53, all of Pittsburgh. Mullen was fined $1,000; the other $3,000 each.
Worked in NK casino, 1968.
Child of Leveo Fontana and Mary Fontana is:
13 i. John V.3 Fontana. He married Vita Marie Parisi May 31, 1986.
Notes for John V. Fontana:
Parisi-Fontana
Vita Marie Parisi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vito F. Parisi of Bethel Park, to John V. Fontana, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leveo Fontana of New Kensington. She's a graduate of West Virginia University, working as regional controller for Levy. He's a graduate of Point Park College, now a district circulation manager for The Pittsburgh Press. A May 31 wedding is planned. _The Pittsburgh Press, September 25, 1985.
Generation No. 3
11. Natalie T.3 Fontana (John Christopher2, Giovanni1) was born January 10, 1962. She married Kevin Opalinski. He was born October 03, 1961.
Children of Natalie Fontana and Kevin Opalinski are:
14 i. Nicole4 Opalinski.
15 ii. Neil Opalinski.
12. Michelle3 Fontana (John Christopher2, Giovanni1) She married Lee Helsel.
Child of Michelle Fontana and Lee Helsel is:
16 i. Rachel4 Helsel.
Descendants of Giovanni Fontana
Generation No. 1
1. Giovanni1 Fontana was born June 24, 1875 in Mandatoriccio, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, and died January 26, 1930 in Westmoreland Co. Home, Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.. He married (1) Angelina Cristofaro. She was born December 05, 1891 in Italy, and died May 1972. He married (2) Maria (Fontana). She was born in Italy, and died Bef. 1914 in Italy.
Notes for Giovanni Fontana:
Petition for Naturalization #12789, in in U.S. Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, 28 Oct. 1914.
Giovanni Fontana, 1244 Second Ave., New Kensington, Pa. Laborer
Born 24 June 1876 at Madatoriccio, Italy.
Sailed from Naples, Italy, and arrived in NYC 14 November 1902, aboard the "Nord America".
Arrived in Pennsylvania 15 November, 1902.
Declaration of Intention 14 Sept., 1912, at Pittsburgh, Pa.
Married, to Maria Fontana, who was born in Italy and is now deceased.
2 Children: Leonardo, born May 5, 1897, in Italy, residing in Italy; Florina, born April 8, 1901, in Italy, residing in Italy.
Witnesses, James DeMaria and Sam Paletta, both merchants, New Kensington.
1920 CENSUS PA New Kensington Ward 1 ED 172 Family 213, 1219 Sixth Ave.
John Fintine, 40, IT IT IT, arr 1902 laborer for railroad
Angeline, 29, IT IT IT, arr 1914; Mary, 4; John, 2; Julia, 1
More About Giovanni Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Angelina Cristofaro:
1930 CENSUS PA Westmoreland Co. Arnold ED 6 Family 324, 1921 Leishman Ave.
Angeline Fontana, 39, widow, IT IT IT, arr 1915
Mary, 15; John, 13; Julia, 11; Elizabeth, 5; Livio, 4/12
1940 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John fctywkr AlumCoofAm r1237 5th av
-Julia fctywkr AlumCoofAm r1237 5th av
1946 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John r1237 5th av
-Julia fctywkr Alum Co of Am r1237 5th av
1949 Fontana Angeline (wid John) h1237 5th av
-John r1237 5th av
-Julia fcty wkr Alum Co of Am r1237 5th av
-Leo driver B & B Mfg r1237 5th av
Children of Giovanni Fontana and Angelina Cristofaro are:
2 i. Mary2 Fontana, born Abt. 1915; died Bef. 1985. She married (Husband) Chickerella.
+ 3 ii. John Christopher Fontana, born July 19, 1917 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died April 01, 1984 in ?Murrysville, Allegheny Co., Pa..
4 iii. Julia Fontana, born Abt. 1919; died December 17, 2016 in Oakmont, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Casimir Kuzmirek; born January 22, 1922; died June 07, 1991.
Notes for Julia Fontana:
Julia Kuzmirek, 98, of New Kensington, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in Presbyterian Senior Care, Oakmont. Born Sept. 29, 1918, in New Kensington, she was a daughter of the late Giovanni and Angelina (Cristofaro) Fontana and wife of the late Casimir Kuzmirek, who died in 1991. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by a brother, John Fontana; two sisters, Mary Chickerella and Betty Feth. She was a member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, New Kensington, where she volunteered in the school cafeteria. She enjoyed cooking, polka dancing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, Casimir (Beth) Kuzmirek, of Florida, John (Paula) Kuzmirek, of Lower Burrell, and Ronald (Toni) Kuzmirek, of Lower Burrell; 11 grandchildren, John A. (Heather) Kuzmirek, Michael J. (Lindsey) Kuzmirek, Matthew D. Kuzmirek, William J. (Jaime) Kuzmirek, Haley M. Kuzmirek, Derek T. Kuzmirek, Kirsten D. Kuzmirek, Angela M. ( Matthew) DeStefano, Christina M. (Steve) DiVincenzo, Anthony P. (Katelyn) Kuzmirek and Ronald A. Kuzmirek; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including Edie Mastrocinque, a niece whom she raised.
Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 5th Ave., Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner-Supervisor. Prayers of transfer will take place 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Arnold. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribli ... ylZew.dpuf
More About Casimir Kuzmirek:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
5 iv. Elizabeth "Betty" Fontana, born Abt. 1925; died Bef. 1985. She married (Husband) Feth.
+ 6 v. Leveo Fontana, born January 11, 1930.
Children of Giovanni Fontana and Maria (Fontana) are:
7 i. Leonardo2 Fontana, born May 05, 1897 in Italy.
8 ii. Florina Fontana, born April 08, 1901 in Italy.
Generation No. 2
3. John Christopher2 Fontana (Giovanni1) was born July 19, 1917 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died April 01, 1984 in ?Murrysville, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Geraldine K. McQuaide January 14, 1960 in Mt. St. Peter's Church, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., daughter of Delbert McQuaide and Margaret Oliver. She was born January 10, 1939 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., and died January 22, 2005 in Jeanette, Westmoreland Co., Pa..
Notes for John Christopher Fontana:
In 1950, residing at 1237 Fifth Ave., New Kensington.
Managed the Triangle Billiards gambling casino in the 1950s.
Involved in 1955 vote fraud trials. Sentenced to two years in the Federal penitentiary.
Convicted 11/17/58 for ? and sentenced to 2 1/2 to 5 years.
Top lieutenant in the Mannarino Organization and bodyguard to Kelly Mannarino, circa 1960.
1961, president, Jerold Homes, Inc., property on 4th Ave., from Gerald and Angela Pecora.
1962, Mikfon Jewelry Store, 6227 Penn Ave., East Liberty, in partnership with Michael Genovese.
In 1964, Bargain House, 1304 East Carson St., Southside, in partnership with Frank J. Rosa and Felix Genovese.
Fontana moved to Murrysville in 1966.
FBI# 821285B
John C. Fontana was a soldier in the LCN Family and was formerly involved in gambling centered in the Monroeville area of Western Pennsylvania. He was a one-time body guard for Kelly Mannarino and the number one lieutenant in his organization. His illegal activity was inherited by Frank D. Amato, Jr. May have been involved in the 1980s in narcotics trafficking.
Fontana indicated to the FBI that he knew the Mannarinos from childhood.
Salesman for the Marbet Heating Company, Pittsburgh.
FONTANA, John, age 67, of 4720 Peachtree Dr., Murrysville, on Apr. 1, 1984. Surviving are son, John, daughters Natalie and Michelle, brother Leo, and sister Julie Kuzmirek. Friends will be received at John S. Giunta Funeral Home, 1509 5th Ave., Arnold. Mass of Christian burial Tues., 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church, New Kensington. _The Pittsburgh Press, April 2, 1984
More About John Christopher Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Notes for Geraldine K. McQuaide:
Geraldine K. Fontana, 66, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, in Mercy Jeannette Hospital. She was born Jan. 10, 1939, in New Kensington, a daughter of the late Delbert Samuel and Margaret Oliver McQuaide. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Fontana; two sons, John and Gabriel Fontana; and a brother, Delbert McQuaide. She is survived by two daughters, Natalie Opalinski and her husband, Kevin, of Greensburg, and Michelle Helsel and her husband, Lee, of Export; three grandchildren, Nicole and Neil Opalinski and Rachel Helsel; a sister, Helen McQuaide, of Arnold; a brother, William McQuaide and his wife, Valerie, of Washington Township; and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no public viewing or visiting. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, with Pastor Dale W. Roddy officiating.
Children of John Fontana and Geraldine McQuaide are:
9 i. Gabriel Samuel3 Fontana, born April 23, 1973; died October 09, 1973.
Notes for Gabriel Samuel Fontana:
There is a headstone at Union Cemetery, in the vicinity of Bazzano/Zappala that reads:
Gabriel Sam Fontana, April 23, 1973 - October 9, 1973.
More About Gabriel Samuel Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
10 ii. John Fontana, born September 04, 1960 in New Kensington, Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died November 18, 1992 in Snyder Twp., Jefferson Co., Pa..
Notes for John Fontana:
John Fontana, 32, of Greensburg, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1992, in Snyder Township, Jefferson County. He was born Sept. 4, 1960 in New Kensington, a son of Geraldine K. McQuaide Fontana, of New Stanton, and the late John Fontana. John was employed as a boiler maker for the Local Union 154 of Pittsburgh. He was also an avid outdoorsman. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gabriel Samuel Fontana. In addition to his loving mother, John is survived by two sisters, Natalie Fontana, and her husband, Kevin Opalinski, both of Greensburg and Michelle Fontana and her husband, Lee Helsel, both of Delmont; one nephew, Neil Opalinski; two aunts; three uncles; and his girlfriend, Carla Hughey. John's family will be receiving family and friends at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Ray Schafer officiating. Private interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, New Kensington. (Trib 11/22/92)
More About John Fontana:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland Co., Pa.
+ 11 iii. Natalie T. Fontana, born January 10, 1962.
+ 12 iv. Michelle Fontana.
6. Leveo2 Fontana (Giovanni1) was born January 11, 1930. He married Mary A. Fontana October 30, 1951 in Westmoreland Co., Pa., daughter of Enrico Fontana and Nicolina Bonavenna. She was born March 17, 1931.
Notes for Leveo Fontana:
Arrested August 24, 1959 in Garibaldi Bldg. raid.
WARRANTS ISSUED FOR TEN MEN, Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pa., November 16, 1963
Pittsburgh (AP) - Bench warrants have been issued for 10 men arrested in a New Kensington raid. The men are accused of failing to pay fines and court costs after pleading guilty to federal gambling charges. The warrants were issued Friday by Federal Judge Edward Dumbauld who ordered the men lodged in Allegheny County Jail until they pay the fines and costs. Those who can't be found will forfeit their bonds, U.S. Marshal James R. Berry said. The raid was at the Garibaldi Building in New Kensington Aug. 24, 1961, and a total of 23 men were arrested. The 10 were charged with failing to obtain $50 federal gambling tax stamps. They are Joseph Chiappetta, 40; Edward Sams, 45, both of Arnold; Leveo Fontana, 33; Mike Sam Hardaway, 54; Anthony Salati, 29; Joseph Arabia, 53; all of New Kensington; Sam Mike, 41, Brackenridge; and Alfred Ronallo, 43, Leo Sussman, 35, and Frank Mullen, 53, all of Pittsburgh. Mullen was fined $1,000; the other $3,000 each.
Worked in NK casino, 1968.
Child of Leveo Fontana and Mary Fontana is:
13 i. John V.3 Fontana. He married Vita Marie Parisi May 31, 1986.
Notes for John V. Fontana:
Parisi-Fontana
Vita Marie Parisi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vito F. Parisi of Bethel Park, to John V. Fontana, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leveo Fontana of New Kensington. She's a graduate of West Virginia University, working as regional controller for Levy. He's a graduate of Point Park College, now a district circulation manager for The Pittsburgh Press. A May 31 wedding is planned. _The Pittsburgh Press, September 25, 1985.
Generation No. 3
11. Natalie T.3 Fontana (John Christopher2, Giovanni1) was born January 10, 1962. She married Kevin Opalinski. He was born October 03, 1961.
Children of Natalie Fontana and Kevin Opalinski are:
14 i. Nicole4 Opalinski.
15 ii. Neil Opalinski.
12. Michelle3 Fontana (John Christopher2, Giovanni1) She married Lee Helsel.
Child of Michelle Fontana and Lee Helsel is:
16 i. Rachel4 Helsel.
"I figure I’m gonna have to do about 6000 years before I get accepted into heaven. And 6000 years is nothing in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It’s like a couple of days here."
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP
-Pauly Walnuts, RIP