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The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
#998298
10/15/20 05:55 PM
10/15/20 05:55 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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The Quietly powerful and unusually cohesive organization, originally headed by epitome of secrecy, shadow leader Tommaso Gagliano, this group remained intact for over 50yrs. This group virtually controlled America's Garmet industry.
Upper Echelon Members of Various Leadership Roles 1.) GAETANO LUCCHESE ( known as "Tommy Three Fingers". The Boss of this Family. The Supreme leader in New York's garmet district. Heavily influential political corrupter. Strong alliances with Carlo Gambino of New York, Santo Trafficante of Florida and Frank Desimone of California.) 2.) STEFANO LASELLE ( Luchesse's Underboss. A original and influential member of this Family.) 3.) VINCENT RAO ( Lucchese's Consigliere. Wealthy businessman and very influential member of NY mafia.) 4.) CARMINE TRAMUNTI ( known as "Mr. Gribbs". An interim power/Acting Boss. Very Powerful Drug Trafficker, associated with the French Connection.) 5.) ANTONIO CORALLO ( known as "Tony Ducks". Later leader of the Family, very powerful and influential member. Heavyweight Labor Rackateer.)
CAPOREGIME
JOSEPH "JOE BROWN" LUCCHESE GIOVANNI "JOE CALABRESE" LAGANO JOSEPH "JOE PALISADES" ROSATO PAUL VARIO JOSEPH ABATE CIRO "CHARLEY THE BEAR" GIAMPAOLO JOSEPH "JOE BECK" DI PALERMO VINCENT "JIMMY DOYLE" PLUMERI SAVATORE "TOM MIX" SANTORO ETTORE "EDDIE COCO" COCO JOSEPH "JOEY NARROW" LARATRO
The Criminal Expertise: Legitimate Business Infiltration (Garmet, Construction, Real Estate), Political Corruption, Labor and Trucking Union Rackateering, International Drug Trafficking, Gambling, Shylocking, Hijacking/Fencing.
SOLDIERS/SOLDATO
JOHN "JOHNNY DIO" DIOGUARDI PAUL "FRANKIE MR. GREY" CARBO SALVATORE "DON TURRIDRU" CURIALE VINCENT "JIMMY 92" CIRUALO PAUL "PAULIE HAM" CORREALE JOSEPH "JOE BABS" BENDENELLI THOMAS "TOMMY DIO" DIOGUARDI CALOGERO "CHARLEY" RAO ANTHONY "TONY GRIO" VADALA FRANK "NUNZIO" ARRA SALVATORE "SALLY SHIELDS" SHILLITANI VINCENT "JIMMY JONES" POTENZA ANDINNO PAPPADIA CHARLES "CHARLIE BRODY" DI PALERMO FRANK "FRANKIE BELL" CAMPANELLO VICTOR PANICA ANIELLO "NEIL" MIGLIORE FRANK "FRANKIE DIO" DIOGUARDI MICHAEL "BIG MIKE" LABARBARA NICHOLAS "BIG NOSE NICK" TOLENTINO PETER "PETE THE KILLER" ABINANTI JOSEPH "JOE BELL" BELLATONI SALVATORE "CHARLES THE WOP" CARLINO FRANK "FRANKIE BATS" BELLINI JOSEPH "JOE HOOK" CAPRA NICHOLAS "THE BARON" BONINA ANTHONY "TONY HIGGINS" CASTALDI JOSEPH "JOE BIKINI" BROCCHINI DANIEL LARATRO SAMUEL "BIG SAM" CAVALIERI VINCENT "VINNY BEANS" FOCERI ALPHONSO "FOO" CURIALE JAMES "JIMMY SNIFF" VINTALORO BRUNO PERRI JOHN LAMELA CARMINE "WILLIE THE WOP" LOCASCIO LAWRENCE "LARRY" QUARTIERO ANTHONY "TONY MOON" CICCIONE VINCENT PAPPA FRANK "POPEYE" MORANDI DANIEL "DANNY HOGAN" CAPRA ANTHONY "TONY TEABAGS" PINTO SAMUEL "SAMMY BONES" CASTALDI JOSEPH "BABO" VENTO LUIGI "SCRATCHY" SACCO MICHAEL "MIKE HAMMER" DELLAGNA SALVATORE "BABE" VARIO PAOLO "ZU PAOLO" D'ANNA CIRINO "JOHN" INDIVIGLIO MICHAEL CAPRA VITO LASALLE MARIANO "MAC" MACALUSO JOSEPH "LADUCO" LATONA ANTHONY LOPINTO SAVERIO "SALVY" MAIMONE JOHN "CHIT" LINARDI FRANK "FRANKIE THE WOP" MANZO NUNZIO "NUNZIE GAGLIANO" POMILLA GIACOMO "JACK" REINA ANTHONY "TONY NOSE" MANCUSO GIOVANNI "JOHN" DI CARLO JOSEPH LICCHI ANTHONY ZITO PETER "MR. BREAD" LOCASCIO FELICE "PHILLY BLACK" FALCO ROSARIO "SAUSARITO" FARULLA SALVATORE "BLACKIE" GRAFFAGNINO ANTHONY "TONY BLUE EYES" STABILE PETER DI PALERMO CARMINE TAGLIATELLA JOSEPH SICA ANDREW DESIMONE LOUIS "LOUIE BEANS" FOCERI VITO "TUDDY" VARIO MARTIN "BIG JINKS" DESAVERIO JAMES LUCCHESE PASQUALE "LITTLE PATTY" ZACCARO JOSEPH "JOEY Z" D' ERCOLE CHRISTOPHER "CHRISTY TICKS" FURNARI SALVATORE "TOTO" NUCCIO JAMES "JIMMY" FALCO ORLANDO "BOBBY LONDON" DELLIPAOLO SETTIMO "BIG SAM" ACCARDI GANDOLFO "SHIEKIE" MIRANDI MICHAEL "VALENTINO" RUSSO JOSEPH "JOE REESE" SCHIAVO ANGELO "LITTLE ANGIE" TUMINARO PETER DI PALERMO
Last edited by Dob_Peppino; 10/31/20 08:47 PM.
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998305
10/15/20 07:32 PM
10/15/20 07:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998336
10/16/20 05:48 PM
10/16/20 05:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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Thanks NYMAFIA. This has been an enlightening and fun process
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998337
10/16/20 05:51 PM
10/16/20 05:51 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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One of the most rewarding discoveries for me was finding out PETE THE KILLER (ABINANTI) was a real person. I wonder if his "brother" "Sally Balls" was real or just movie talk?
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998354
10/16/20 09:22 PM
10/16/20 09:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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One of the most rewarding discoveries for me was finding out PETE THE KILLER (ABINANTI) was a real person. I wonder if his "brother" "Sally Balls" was real or just movie talk? I had met Pete the Killer several times years back in Howard Beach, and again in Canarsie with Bruno Facciolo. Nice guy. Very loyal old-timer close to Paulie Vario. I didn't know him well but I don't believe he ever had a brother named Sally Balls. Not that was ever mentioned to me anyway. If he did the brother must have died or been off the scene for years because I know there was no such guy at that time, 1980s era. He did have a son that he'd sent out to Las Vegas years earlier. I think they put the kid in as a croupier or some such job in one of the casinos. The kid was an "associate." ---- In fact the more I think about it, wasn't Abbinanti junior contacted to give help to Little Joey D'Arco and Georgie Neck when they flew out to LA to clip Tony DiLapi that time?
Last edited by NYMafia; 10/17/20 04:31 PM.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998418
10/18/20 03:20 PM
10/18/20 03:20 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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@NyMafia Beside Tommy Lucchesse's great leadership abilities, why do you think the Luchesses were so unified and cohesive compared to the other Families?
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998419
10/18/20 03:40 PM
10/18/20 03:40 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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@NyMafia Beside Tommy Lucchesse's great leadership abilities, why do you think the Luchesses were so unified and cohesive compared to the other Families? My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era. From Gagliano to Lucchese, they were both cut from the same cloth. Tommy also surrounded himself with great guys. Knowledgeable and respected (and very capable as far as brains). From Vincey Rao who was a dear friend of my family, to Steve LaSalle, Paulie Ham, Mac, and a few other guys, they ran a tight and cohesive crew who mostly all got along (and earned together). Far from what many other crews did and promoted. And T. Brown didn't have all gunsels around him. He assessed a guys capabilities and utilized him accordingly, allowing him to flourish in his natural habitat, as well as help the borgata. Killers were used for killing, thinkers were used for thinking, gambling wizards were kept in their bailiwick, labor racket guys were used up front, etc., etc.,.......and most earned! In twenty years time the only few guys who got clipped were mostly rats; otherwise, Tommy worked it all out amongst themselves.........smart, smart, man.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998426
10/18/20 04:46 PM
10/18/20 04:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 283
Njein
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 283
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@NyMafia Beside Tommy Lucchesse's great leadership abilities, why do you think the Luchesses were so unified and cohesive compared to the other Families? My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era. From Gagliano to Lucchese, they were both cut from the same cloth. Tommy also surrounded himself with great guys. Knowledgeable and respected (and very capable as far as brains). From Vincey Rao who was a dear friend of my family, to Steve LaSalle, Paulie Ham, Mac, and a few other guys, they ran a tight and cohesive crew who mostly all got along (and earned together). Far from what many other crews did and promoted. And T. Brown didn't have all gunsels around him. He assessed a guys capabilities and utilized him accordingly, allowing him to flourish in his natural habitat, as well as help the borgata. Killers were used for killing, thinkers were used for thinking, gambling wizards were kept in their bailiwick, labor racket guys were used up front, etc., etc.,.......and most earned! In twenty years time the only few guys who got clipped were mostly rats; otherwise, Tommy worked it all out amongst themselves.........smart, smart, man. For being the smallest brugad (about 120-140 made men), they sure did have men who were quite the money makers. Vario, Abate, Tom Mix, Eddie Coco, Johnny Dio, Big Sam, Tony Ham Delasco, etc. Lukes went from being a well-oiled machine under Tony Ducks to nothing but brokesters under Amuso and Gaspipe. @Dob_Peppino, was James Lucchese related to Tommy and Joe Brown?
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Njein]
#998427
10/18/20 04:55 PM
10/18/20 04:55 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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@NyMafia Beside Tommy Lucchesse's great leadership abilities, why do you think the Luchesses were so unified and cohesive compared to the other Families? My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era. From Gagliano to Lucchese, they were both cut from the same cloth. Tommy also surrounded himself with great guys. Knowledgeable and respected (and very capable as far as brains). From Vincey Rao who was a dear friend of my family, to Steve LaSalle, Paulie Ham, Mac, and a few other guys, they ran a tight and cohesive crew who mostly all got along (and earned together). Far from what many other crews did and promoted. And T. Brown didn't have all gunsels around him. He assessed a guys capabilities and utilized him accordingly, allowing him to flourish in his natural habitat, as well as help the borgata. Killers were used for killing, thinkers were used for thinking, gambling wizards were kept in their bailiwick, labor racket guys were used up front, etc., etc.,.......and most earned! In twenty years time the only few guys who got clipped were mostly rats; otherwise, Tommy worked it all out amongst themselves.........smart, smart, man. For being the smallest brugad (about 120-140 made men), they sure did have men who were quite the money makers. Vario, Abate, Tom Mix, Eddie Coco, Johnny Dio, Big Sam, Tony Ham Delasco, etc. Lukes went from being a well-oiled machine under Tony Ducks to nothing but brokesters under Amuso and Gaspipe. @Dob_Peppino, was James Lucchese related to Tommy and Joe Brown? He was their brother. Jimmy lived in Corona, and later moved to Jackson Heights. Their mother and sister (who married Joe Palisades) lived there as well. Jimmy wasn't a made guy though. He didn't need to be.
Last edited by NYMafia; 10/18/20 04:56 PM.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998462
10/19/20 07:41 PM
10/19/20 07:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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Who were the most dangerous guys that Tommy Lucchese kept close to him?
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998494
10/20/20 04:07 PM
10/20/20 04:07 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,861
Louiebynochi
Banned
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Banned
Underboss![](/ubb/1star.gif)
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,861
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In February 1974 Paul Vario began serving a Federal sentence for tax evasion. Peter Abinanti possibly named Acting Capodecina of the crew. In August 1974 CI reported: "[Abinanti] handles all of Paul Vario Senior's operations since Vario went to jail [and] is assisted by Babe Vario. Abinanti reports to Tony Ducks [Corallo] on 116th Street [on] behalf of the Vario group."
On morning of September 18, 1979 son Joseph Abinanti (28y), a Lucchese Associate, shot and seriously wounded while exiting his car in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Hit ten or more times in chest, neck and head. Taken to Kings County Hospital in critical condition.
Attended August 24, 1982 dinner hosted by Paul Vario to celebrate inductions of crew members Louis Daidone and Alfonso D'Arco.
D'Arco took over the crew following Paul Vario's death in May 1988. Shortly after his promotion a meeting of the crew was held in Canarsie. Purpose for D'Arco to meet with each member one-on-one and to put each individual's activities on record. Unable to attend, aged crew member Paolo Danna instead visited at his residence by D'Arco and Abinanti, who handled the formal introductions.
On February 6, 1989 Vario crew associate Thomas 'Red' Gilmore shot to death in Family-ordered hit. Against the wishes of Boss Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso, Abinanti and Lucchese Soldier Peter Vario, Paul's son, attended the wake. D'Arco was called in by Amuso: "Vic was steaming and he says, you know I told you to tell them not let anybody go to the wake. I said I did, it's done, what do you mean. He said, well, how come Pete the Killer and Rugsy [Vario] went to the wake. He says go ask them if they like wakes..I told them [and they] said they didn't hear."
D'Arco named Peter's son Joseph Abinanti as a participant in February 1990 murder of Lucchese Soldier Anthony DiLapi.
Around 1990 Vario crew associate Angelo 'Sonny Bamboo' McConnach accused of withholding money. D'Arco: "When Paulie Vario died, he had other people holding money for him..Peter Vario and Peter Abinanti [complained] that Sonny Bamboo they believed was holding $100,000 of Paulie's money [so] I went to Sonny's house and threatened him..I said, 'I'll kill you just like that. You're hiding money over here'. He said, 'I'll give it to Petey' and he gave the money back..I didn't get any money from that or anything. That was their personal money, Petey Vario."
Died on or around July 24, 1994 and buried in Canarsie Cemetery.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: dsd]
#998495
10/20/20 04:11 PM
10/20/20 04:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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Not sure if he was even around in that era,. but how come nothing much is written about the Luchesse guy who got messed up in the Frank Decicco car bomb? Lentino?? Don't think I've seen his name outside of the Gravano book. Was he made?? Wonder what he felt when he found out his own people did it Who are you thinking of? Frank (Frankie Hearts) Bellino? Didn't he get half his heel blown off by the car bomb? If its Bellino you're speaking of, you gotta remember that for every guy from a family that you hear about, there's two who you never heard of. And that not including "associates" who number in the thousands. The only fellas that come to public attention are those who typically get pinched in high profile cases. Many more get pinched but it's never in the newspapers so nobody really becomes familiar with their surnames. Plus there's a lot of guys who hardly ever get arrested so even law enforcement is largely in the dark about them. I believe Frankie Bellino fell into this "little known" category.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998496
10/20/20 04:15 PM
10/20/20 04:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 188
TonyBombassolo
Banned
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Banned
Made Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 188
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My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era
Interesting, is that from an earner's perspective? Lucchese's did a great job until Corallo turned things over to Amuso after Casso turned him down. Knowing how Tommy became boss, and reading Joe Bonnano's book, it seems Tommy was smartest by not being a thorn in anyone's side. When you read about Tommy and Joe having a private conversation about the Anastasia/Costello stuff going on, Tommy reveals it was Vito Genovese guiding a lot of his moves. Seems like Tommy was really good at not reaching for too much and sharing with others, specifically Carlo Gambino and Vito Genovese.
Last edited by TonyBombassolo; 10/20/20 04:16 PM.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998497
10/20/20 04:17 PM
10/20/20 04:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 188
TonyBombassolo
Banned
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Banned
Made Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 188
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When he died in 67'..... it mostly started to change as well. They hung in for another decade or so, but after that it was different guys at the top, and a different mindset.
Tony Ducks brought it back for awhile, but it was a different era already....By the time Amuso and Casso came along it was curtain time. Within a few short years the crew became a bordello of shit, and ya couldn't trust the guy next to you. All they did was sew discontent and fear. Rank idiots, the both of them IMO (and in the hushed opinions of many other street guys as well believe me) Watching Casso's interviews and reading his book I dont know that I agree. He makes a pretty compelling case for why each of the people got wacked.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: TonyBombassolo]
#998498
10/20/20 04:37 PM
10/20/20 04:37 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era
Interesting, is that from an earner's perspective? Lucchese's did a great job until Corallo turned things over to Amuso after Casso turned him down. Knowing how Tommy became boss, and reading Joe Bonnano's book, it seems Tommy was smartest by not being a thorn in anyone's side. When you read about Tommy and Joe having a private conversation about the Anastasia/Costello stuff going on, Tommy reveals it was Vito Genovese guiding a lot of his moves. Seems like Tommy was really good at not reaching for too much and sharing with others, specifically Carlo Gambino and Vito Genovese. Exactly. That was just one of Tommy's great attributes. He never overstepped himself. He let everybody eat. From associates and soldiers, capos and above. He allowed his men a wide berth, and they rewarded him for the courtesy with a lot of tribute. He rarely (very rarely) hurt one of his family men unless that guy was a rat like Gene Giannini. He set all his brothers up with their own mini-fiefdom in Corona, Queens that became "Lucchese territory" 99.9%, and placed his bother Joe Brown as the capo, with Joey Narrow as acting capo, and later gave Narrow a full capo status. He ran a wealthy, wealthy borgata active and in control over some of the most important industries in NYC. He concentrated heavily on legitimate business, encouraging all his men who were capable to invest in legit business (and he gave them opportunities to do just that). Pound for Pound it was successfully argued that the Lucchese Family had more millionaires amongst its membership than any other crew in the country. Even the Genovese crew couldn't match them in wealth. He didn't heavily "tax" his men. He encouraged them all to "share the wealth' and help one another get involved in the numbers business, bookmaking, shylock, etc. He allowed guys who were prone to go that way to deal in narcotics, and he "helped" those nabbed by police. By and large he was an extremely "intelligent", level-headed business man type mafioso. He was NOT a "cafone". He knew how to travel; manicured fingernails, the finest tailor-made shirts and suits, ate in the best Manhattan restaurants, lived in an expensive home on Lido Beach. Owned many partnership interests in various dress factories, garment trucking firms, lathing and construction companies, vast real estate, etc, etc..... sharp, sharp guy. He forged close relationships (partnerships really) with judges, magistrates, mayors, councilmen, lawyers, prosecutors, city officials, etc.....this was how he and his minions were able to avoid major prosecution for decades with little fanfare. He "bought" people. He didn't kill them!......In that regard he was the "ying" to Frank Costello's "yang" THATS a boss!... not the shit you see nowadays. A closing note: In all the decades of operation overseen by both Gagliano and Lucchese, there was never so much as one eyebrow raised in an attempt to "overthrow" the leadership or buck the hierarchy. Why? The answer is because everybody was happy. everybody ate. His men didn't fear Tommy, so much as they greatly respected him. (honestly? The fucking loved him). I had a very dear friend with that crew. Happiest guy in the whole world. He loved his skipper, and he loved and revered his boss Tommy. My friend became a rich guy. He had habits lol (he was a DG gambler) and blew a lot of his money. But that was his fault not Tommy Brown's. Even when he fucked up, Tommy saw to it that they bailed him out several times and helped him get on his feet. Another boss? Lol... they woulda gave two behind the ear, or chased him. But that wasn't Tommy's way.
Last edited by NYMafia; 10/20/20 04:45 PM.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998501
10/20/20 05:08 PM
10/20/20 05:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 283
Njein
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 283
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My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era
Interesting, is that from an earner's perspective? Lucchese's did a great job until Corallo turned things over to Amuso after Casso turned him down. Knowing how Tommy became boss, and reading Joe Bonnano's book, it seems Tommy was smartest by not being a thorn in anyone's side. When you read about Tommy and Joe having a private conversation about the Anastasia/Costello stuff going on, Tommy reveals it was Vito Genovese guiding a lot of his moves. Seems like Tommy was really good at not reaching for too much and sharing with others, specifically Carlo Gambino and Vito Genovese. Exactly. That was just one of Tommy's great attributes. He never overstepped himself. He let everybody eat. From associates and soldiers, capos and above. He allowed his men a wide berth, and they rewarded him for the courtesy with a lot of tribute. He rarely (very rarely) hurt one of his family men unless that guy was a rat like Gene Giannini. He set all his brothers up with their own mini-fiefdom in Corona, Queens that became "Lucchese territory" 99.9%, and placed his bother Joe Brown as the capo, with Joey Narrow as acting capo, and later gave Narrow a full capo status. He ran a wealthy, wealthy borgata active and in control over some of the most important industries in NYC. He concentrated heavily on legitimate business, encouraging all his men who were capable to invest in legit business (and he gave them opportunities to do just that). Pound for Pound it was successfully argued that the Lucchese Family had more millionaires amongst its membership than any other crew in the country. Even the Genovese crew couldn't match them in wealth. He didn't heavily "tax" his men. He encouraged them all to "share the wealth' and help one another get involved in the numbers business, bookmaking, shylock, etc. He allowed guys who were prone to go that way to deal in narcotics, and he "helped" those nabbed by police. By and large he was an extremely "intelligent", level-headed business man type mafioso. He was NOT a "cafone". He knew how to travel; manicured fingernails, the finest tailor-made shirts and suits, ate in the best Manhattan restaurants, lived in an expensive home on Lido Beach. Owned many partnership interests in various dress factories, garment trucking firms, lathing and construction companies, vast real estate, etc, etc..... sharp, sharp guy. He forged close relationships (partnerships really) with judges, magistrates, mayors, councilmen, lawyers, prosecutors, city officials, etc.....this was how he and his minions were able to avoid major prosecution for decades with little fanfare. He "bought" people. He didn't kill them!......In that regard he was the "ying" to Frank Costello's "yang" THATS a boss!... not the shit you see nowadays. A closing note: In all the decades of operation overseen by both Gagliano and Lucchese, there was never so much as one eyebrow raised in an attempt to "overthrow" the leadership or buck the hierarchy. Why? The answer is because everybody was happy. everybody ate. His men didn't fear Tommy, so much as they greatly respected him. (honestly? The fucking loved him). I had a very dear friend with that crew. Happiest guy in the whole world. He loved his skipper, and he loved and revered his boss Tommy. My friend became a rich guy. He had habits lol (he was a DG gambler) and blew a lot of his money. But that was his fault not Tommy Brown's. Even when he fucked up, Tommy saw to it that they bailed him out several times and helped him get on his feet. Another boss? Lol... they woulda gave two behind the ear, or chased him. But that wasn't Tommy's way. For having the smallest brugad in terms of size, Lucchese was a shrewd man, knowing whom to ally with. I think even the Gambinos couldn't match them in wealth, while Bonanno and Profaci were known to squeeze their men for more money. Compared to back then, the Lukes are a bitter shell of themselves, courtesy of rats, LE heat, Gaspipe and Casso ill-treating their men, and general incompetence.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Njein]
#998503
10/20/20 05:17 PM
10/20/20 05:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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My father and uncle (two VERY knowledgable guys - in the life), told me that Tommy Brown was THEE best boss (bar none) around in his era
Interesting, is that from an earner's perspective? Lucchese's did a great job until Corallo turned things over to Amuso after Casso turned him down. Knowing how Tommy became boss, and reading Joe Bonnano's book, it seems Tommy was smartest by not being a thorn in anyone's side. When you read about Tommy and Joe having a private conversation about the Anastasia/Costello stuff going on, Tommy reveals it was Vito Genovese guiding a lot of his moves. Seems like Tommy was really good at not reaching for too much and sharing with others, specifically Carlo Gambino and Vito Genovese. Exactly. That was just one of Tommy's great attributes. He never overstepped himself. He let everybody eat. From associates and soldiers, capos and above. He allowed his men a wide berth, and they rewarded him for the courtesy with a lot of tribute. He rarely (very rarely) hurt one of his family men unless that guy was a rat like Gene Giannini. He set all his brothers up with their own mini-fiefdom in Corona, Queens that became "Lucchese territory" 99.9%, and placed his bother Joe Brown as the capo, with Joey Narrow as acting capo, and later gave Narrow a full capo status. He ran a wealthy, wealthy borgata active and in control over some of the most important industries in NYC. He concentrated heavily on legitimate business, encouraging all his men who were capable to invest in legit business (and he gave them opportunities to do just that). Pound for Pound it was successfully argued that the Lucchese Family had more millionaires amongst its membership than any other crew in the country. Even the Genovese crew couldn't match them in wealth. He didn't heavily "tax" his men. He encouraged them all to "share the wealth' and help one another get involved in the numbers business, bookmaking, shylock, etc. He allowed guys who were prone to go that way to deal in narcotics, and he "helped" those nabbed by police. By and large he was an extremely "intelligent", level-headed business man type mafioso. He was NOT a "cafone". He knew how to travel; manicured fingernails, the finest tailor-made shirts and suits, ate in the best Manhattan restaurants, lived in an expensive home on Lido Beach. Owned many partnership interests in various dress factories, garment trucking firms, lathing and construction companies, vast real estate, etc, etc..... sharp, sharp guy. He forged close relationships (partnerships really) with judges, magistrates, mayors, councilmen, lawyers, prosecutors, city officials, etc.....this was how he and his minions were able to avoid major prosecution for decades with little fanfare. He "bought" people. He didn't kill them!......In that regard he was the "ying" to Frank Costello's "yang" THATS a boss!... not the shit you see nowadays. A closing note: In all the decades of operation overseen by both Gagliano and Lucchese, there was never so much as one eyebrow raised in an attempt to "overthrow" the leadership or buck the hierarchy. Why? The answer is because everybody was happy. everybody ate. His men didn't fear Tommy, so much as they greatly respected him. (honestly? The fucking loved him). I had a very dear friend with that crew. Happiest guy in the whole world. He loved his skipper, and he loved and revered his boss Tommy. My friend became a rich guy. He had habits lol (he was a DG gambler) and blew a lot of his money. But that was his fault not Tommy Brown's. Even when he fucked up, Tommy saw to it that they bailed him out several times and helped him get on his feet. Another boss? Lol... they woulda gave two behind the ear, or chased him. But that wasn't Tommy's way. For having the smallest brugad in terms of size, Lucchese was a shrewd man, knowing whom to ally with. I think even the Gambinos couldn't match them in wealth, while Bonanno and Profaci were known to squeeze their men for more money. Compared to back then, the Lukes are a bitter shell of themselves, courtesy of rats, LE heat, Gaspipe and Casso ill-treating their men, and general incompetence. --- Agreed. Aside from increased law enforcement technology and sophistication which has helped devastate all the crews, by and large the Amuso/Casso combination were the single worst thing that ever befell the Lucchese Family. From being one of the best, most successful and envied crews, they became a half a joke. And an embarrassment because of the devastating terrible decisions the two of them made.....fucked them right up
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: TonyBombassolo]
#998532
10/21/20 06:25 AM
10/21/20 06:25 AM
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 356 UK
dsd
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 356
UK
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When he died in 67'..... it mostly started to change as well. They hung in for another decade or so, but after that it was different guys at the top, and a different mindset.
Tony Ducks brought it back for awhile, but it was a different era already....By the time Amuso and Casso came along it was curtain time. Within a few short years the crew became a bordello of shit, and ya couldn't trust the guy next to you. All they did was sew discontent and fear. Rank idiots, the both of them IMO (and in the hushed opinions of many other street guys as well believe me) Watching Casso's interviews and reading his book I dont know that I agree. He makes a pretty compelling case for why each of the people got wacked. He would, he's not going to portray himself as a bloodthirsty greedy psycho.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998558
10/21/20 08:25 PM
10/21/20 08:25 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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It was Al D'Arco who exposed this old time member. Any info on SALVATORE "DON TURRIDRU" CURIALE???
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998918
10/28/20 07:37 PM
10/28/20 07:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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what were the other Vario brothers involved in?
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998923
10/28/20 08:15 PM
10/28/20 08:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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Any info on member MICHAEL "VALENTINO" RUSSO???
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998924
10/28/20 08:19 PM
10/28/20 08:19 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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Any info on member MICHAEL "VALENTINO" RUSSO??? LOL....Don Pep, what are you planning to do? Go through every single name asking if anybody knows anything about each? What is your ultimate purpose at the end ?
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: NYMafia]
#998925
10/28/20 08:37 PM
10/28/20 08:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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Well some people aren't forthcoming with info, and sometimes you have to ask the right questions. Lol. The people I ask about is out of curiosity and trying to get a understanding of the landscape of the Family during that time.It is not my intention to "out" the more discrete Mafioso (thats why I keep it strictly historical) ,although in some cases I might know enough about the guy to know they should be asked about. I am merely a researcher and highly interested in the details of these organizations. Also I know other people may find this information as fascinating as I do and may not know what to ask.
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#998929
10/28/20 08:48 PM
10/28/20 08:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
NYMafia
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![](/ubb/5stars.gif)
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 9,513
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Well some people aren't forthcoming with info, and sometimes you have to ask the right questions. Lol. The people I ask about is out of curiosity and trying to get a understanding of the landscape of the Family during that time.It is not my intention to "out" the more discrete Mafioso (thats why I keep it strictly historical) ,although in some cases I might know enough about the guy to know they should be asked about. I am merely a researcher and highly interested in the details of these organizations. Also I know other people may find this information as fascinating as I do and may not know what to ask. --- fair enough. that makes sense. I was just curious because it wasn't like you were trying to pinpoint one or two guys, but were scatter-shooting it. Back in the day most of the crews had real solid guys with them. The Lucchese crew especially. Pound for pound they held their own with anyone Gribbs Tramunti was a guy you should search out info on. Very interesting mafioso. I posted up a bio for you on him to read ok
Last edited by NYMafia; 10/28/20 09:02 PM.
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Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975
[Re: Dob_Peppino]
#999029
10/30/20 03:17 PM
10/30/20 03:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
Dob_Peppino
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 615
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Any info on old line Caporegime CIRO GIAMPAOLO?
Last edited by Dob_Peppino; 10/30/20 03:17 PM.
"Joe Bananas went after Carlo Gambino, the war went on for seven years..... When guys go to the mattresses, they're not out earning" -Tony Soprano
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