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The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975

Posted By: Dob_Peppino

The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/15/20 09:55 PM

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



Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/15/20 11:32 PM

Interesting chart Pep
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/16/20 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
Interesting chart Pep

Thanks NYMAFIA. This has been an enlightening and fun process
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/16/20 09:51 PM

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?
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/17/20 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
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?
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/18/20 07:20 PM

@NyMafia
Beside Tommy Lucchesse's great leadership abilities, why do you think the Luchesses were so unified and cohesive compared to the other Families?
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/18/20 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
@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.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/18/20 07:45 PM

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)
Posted By: Njein

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/18/20 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
@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?
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/18/20 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Njein
Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
@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.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/19/20 11:41 PM

Who were the most dangerous guys that Tommy Lucchese kept close to him?
Posted By: Lenox

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 01:27 AM

“ 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!”

MYMafia
What you said is what organized crime is all about ( mafia). Too many people think that in order to be respected you need to be a killer. Total bullshit.
Ive seen many “ thinkers” get much more respect than guys used for strong arm shit.
Posted By: dsd

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 07:46 PM

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
Posted By: Louiebynochi

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 08:07 PM

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.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
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.
Posted By: TonyBombassolo

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia

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.



Posted By: TonyBombassolo

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
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.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
Originally Posted by NYMafia

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.
Posted By: Njein

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
Originally Posted by NYMafia

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.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/20/20 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Njein
Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
Originally Posted by NYMafia

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
Posted By: dsd

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/21/20 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
Originally Posted by NYMafia
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.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/22/20 12:25 AM

It was Al D'Arco who exposed this old time member. Any info on SALVATORE "DON TURRIDRU" CURIALE???
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/28/20 11:37 PM

what were the other Vario brothers involved in?
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/28/20 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
It was Al D'Arco who exposed this old time member. Any info on SALVATORE "DON TURRIDRU" CURIALE???


He was a soldato earlier than Vario and all of them. Supposedly he'd gone out west as a gunman to help immigrant Italians fight ranchers and people who discriminated against them
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/28/20 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
what were the other Vario brothers involved in?



Tuddy, Vito, Petey, Paulie, Lenny, etc., there were a whole slew of them
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/29/20 12:15 AM

Any info on member MICHAEL "VALENTINO" RUSSO???
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/29/20 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
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 ?
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/29/20 12:37 AM

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.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/29/20 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
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
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/30/20 07:17 PM

Any info on old line Caporegime CIRO GIAMPAOLO?
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/30/20 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
Any info on old line Caporegime CIRO GIAMPAOLO?


they called him "Charlie Bear" is I remember correctly
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/31/20 04:31 PM

This one might be silly but are the RAO'S of this Family, the same as or related to the Ny Restaurant, Rao's??? The sauce is great either way lol
Posted By: pmac

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/31/20 10:27 PM

Who was tony ducks first underboss and consig when he took over in 1973/74
Posted By: Zavattoni

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 10/31/20 11:21 PM

@Pmac;

That's a good question buddy; We always hear that Salvatore ''Tom Mix'' Santoro got released from prison in the late 70's; and became underboss; and Christy Tick Furnari became Consigliere in the late 80's.


We never hear about who was Anthony Corallo's Consigliere or Underboss in that 1972-1973 frame window period when he came home..... I'm a good friend of Corallo's nephew; He told me when Corallo got out of prison; Tramunti still had a lot of power because he showed up to Tony Duck's welcome home party without permission and he was banned from even showing up. It's possible Tramunti still held alot of sway still... and served as underboss for just a couple of months. He got his freedom stolen in late 1973.

I think Neil Migliore was Acting underboss before Tom Mix; Neil stepped down and wanted to be a captain; I believe.....

The Consigliere; I have no clue.....
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 12:58 AM

I tend to agree that Tramunti still had some sway. And that Paul Vario was also in the mix before he went to the can. Before Neil Migliore, Vinnie Beans Foceri was in the acting Consigliere position also during that time
Posted By: Zavattoni

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 01:11 AM

@Dob_Peppino

Carmine Tramunti definitely had to have power when Corallo got out; The guy went to Corallo’s welcome party after he was told not to attend, He came anyway; and there were some really angry people; Especially’s Corallo’s brother who was the host.

I think the transition to Tramunti to Corallo was more difficult then people realize...

I don’t think Tramunti got bumped down instantly to captain; He was prolly streetboss or underboss before he got busted for drugs.


Anyone think this was plausible?
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Zavattoni
@Dob_Peppino

Carmine Tramunti definitely had to have power when Corallo got out; The guy went to Corallo’s welcome party after he was told not to attend, He came anyway; and there were some really angry people; Especially’s Corallo’s brother who was the host.

I think the transition to Tramunti to Corallo was more difficult then people realize...

I don’t think Tramunti got bumped down instantly to captain; He was prolly streetboss or underboss before he got busted for drugs.


Anyone think this was plausible?

Maybe our Friend @NYMAFIA can help with clarification on this???
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
Originally Posted by Zavattoni
@Dob_Peppino

Carmine Tramunti definitely had to have power when Corallo got out; The guy went to Corallo’s welcome party after he was told not to attend, He came anyway; and there were some really angry people; Especially’s Corallo’s brother who was the host.

I think the transition to Tramunti to Corallo was more difficult then people realize...

I don’t think Tramunti got bumped down instantly to captain; He was prolly streetboss or underboss before he got busted for drugs.


Anyone think this was plausible?

Maybe our Friend @NYMAFIA can help with clarification on this???

----

Hiya Don Pep, Gribbs was jailed in 1974 on a 15 year heroin conviction... Finito! He served only 4 years before dying behind bars. He had largely been jailed on and off on a long string of contempt sentences previous to that, plus they had held him at one point after he got indicted for the drug case. So he had been largely "off the streets" since 1970-71.


He had a few other cases that tied him up as well. A stock fraud case, etc..... Tramunti had a very hard road to hold since the late 60s'.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 09:01 PM

But was there strife or an issues in the transition from Tramanti and Corallo? I was under the impression, that it was generally recognized that Tony Ducks was taking the big seat upon release. I know Corallo had some detractors but was Tramunti (and for that matter, his loyalist, seeing as too Gribbs wasn't really around) a problem for him?
Posted By: chin_gigante

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 09:03 PM

Andimo Pappadio held some kind of administration position before he got killed
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 09:12 PM

I do not believe there was any conflict at all between the two. Not to mention the fact that Tramunti was gonna be buried under 15 years anyway, so what conflict ya know?
Corallo assumed the boss position when paroled because I do think that was the plan.

If there was any conflict at all, it was that Tommy Pappadio didn't wanna step aside as the "acting boss" Corallo, so he got hit in the head. But between Tramunti and Corallo I think it was fine IMO.

At least that's my theory on it.
Posted By: Giacomo_Vacari

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/01/20 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by pmac
Who was tony ducks first underboss and consig when he took over in 1973/74


Stefano LaSalle was his underboss, with Aniello Migliore and Andimo Pappadio as acting Underbosses. Vincenzo Rao was his Consigliere, with Paul Vario and Vincent Foceri as his acting Consiglieres. Carmine Tramunti was the street boss. Both LaSalle and Rao had expressed they wished to retire. 1970-1971 you had Tony Ducks out while Tramunti was locked up. Power shifted to Ducks, and instead of putting his guys in place, he allowed LaSalle and Rao to continue serving, he was always set on Migliore serving as his underboss, but he was undecided on Consigliere since both Foceri and Vario were well liked and were doing good jobs. Rao is said to serve as Consigliere from 1953 to 1973, but he served till 1974, and when Vario went away, Foceri became the official Consigliere and Rao was allowed to retire which he was ready to do when he was released from prison a few years before that. Tramunti was still a powerhouse with Pappadio and Vario being his guys. It is murky but that is the best picture.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/02/20 05:52 AM

If it wasn't for Amuso and Gaspipe's massacre this family would historically be the most secretive and organized in the history of the US mafia. Not as big or powerful as the Genovese or Gambinos but as well operated as any. That was their only real war, wasn't it?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/03/20 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
@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.




LOL. It all suddenly becomes clear.
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/03/20 11:09 PM

It's about time. Glad to hear it! LOL
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 11/19/20 07:05 PM

There is some conflicting reports that I've seen, I went with what was mostly reported but I have to ask, and maybe @NyMafia knows. Was Frankie Carbo a Lucchesse or Genovese? and if he was indeed, Luchesse, why did the confusion come into play, was it his associates?
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/01/20 12:05 AM

Sleeper Alert! This is for NyMafia.
I just found an image that had all the attendees of the famous Apalachin meeting, I discovered a new name, I have never seen this name until today. EMILIO BUTTONI. He was listed a Caporegime from Jackson Heights. Does this name ring any bells? If so, any info would surely be appreciated
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/01/20 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
Sleeper Alert! This is for NyMafia.
I just found an image that had all the attendees of the famous Apalachin meeting, I discovered a new name, I have never seen this name until today. EMILIO BUTTONI. He was listed a Caporegime from Jackson Heights. Does this name ring any bells? If so, any info would surely be appreciated

---
Hiya Pep,

Emilio Buttoni is a phony name. To the very best of my knowledge there is no such person. Never was! It's a bullshit name someone put in.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/01/20 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino
Sleeper Alert! This is for NyMafia.
I just found an image that had all the attendees of the famous Apalachin meeting, I discovered a new name, I have never seen this name until today. EMILIO BUTTONI. He was listed a Caporegime from Jackson Heights. Does this name ring any bells? If so, any info would surely be appreciated

---
Hiya Pep,

Emilio Buttoni is a phony name. To the very best of my knowledge there is no such person. Never was! It's a bullshit name someone put in.

lol well I was thinking maybe they misplaced "so and so" in the wrong crew, maybe an out of towner. It does sound like a phony name, I don't know of everyone but O'd rememberthat name.... I wonder who gave the alias..... Those wily Lucchesses haha
Posted By: Giacomo_Vacari

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/01/20 06:41 AM

Frankie Carbo was a Lucchese soldier. The reason for the confusion is his associations with members of other families, Genovese, Gambino, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are the ones you see him listed under, he was misidentified as being with Philadelphia family since he was close to a guy name Blinky I cannot think of his real name, but reports like that is what happens with these guys, until someone knowns the person and is in the same family turns and spills to law enforcement.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/01/20 01:12 PM

The Philly guy you are referring to is FRANK "BLINKY" PALERMO
Posted By: NYMafia

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/02/20 03:45 PM

I now lean toward believing that in fact Carbo WAS a Genovese soldier. But however it happened was misidentified years back as a Lucchese and it stuck. Because if you look at the trajectory of his life, nearly all his associates were Genovese guys.

It could go either way. The fact that he ws allegedly assigned the "Siegel" hit in Vegas points to him being a Luciano/Genovese guy.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/03/20 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by NYMafia
I now lean toward believing that in fact Carbo WAS a Genovese soldier. But however it happened was misidentified years back as a Lucchese and it stuck. Because if you look at the trajectory of his life, nearly all his associates were Genovese guys.

It could go either way. The fact that he ws allegedly assigned the "Siegel" hit in Vegas points to him being a Luciano/Genovese guy.

I agree. I've always thought, he was a "weird" (for lack of a better word) fit, being a Lucchesse. Especially being associated with the Siegel hit. What was his association to the Lukes?
Posted By: Giacomo_Vacari

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/03/20 07:42 AM

Thank you Dob_Peppino.

On Frank Corbo. Growing up he was close to members of the Genovese and Lucchese crime family. Ultimately James Plumeri joined the Lucchese family and Frank followed suit. He was also close to Al and Joe Sica who were Lucchese members before transferring to Los Angeles. The pictures might be on here, but there are a few pictures of Frank Corbo with James Plumeri and the Dio brothers in stages of the years. When both Frank and James lived in Florida, Corbo served as his driver off and on and they usually ate together twice a week. Corbo spent more time with Plumeri than any other member in Florida. Corbo did meet with Erra, Coppola, and Salerno in the Genovese crime family while down in Florida, but he spent more time with members of the Lucchese crime family. Harry Stromgberg a Philadelphia criminal who had plenty of connections, went into business with Tommy Lucchese, I actually think it was his brother Joe Lucchese, in the garment business. He met James Plumeri in the late 1940s, through Palermo and Corbo, and Plumeri put him in contact with Frank Corbo saying Corbo was a soldier in his crew according to an informant somewhat close to Stromgberg. Corbo knew bosses, Bufalino, Ricca, Accardo, Giancana, Lucchese, Anastasia, Costello, Genovese, Ida, Civello, Dragna, and Trafficante to name some. His later years he would spend more time with Bufalino, Trafficante, and Tony Salerno after James Plumeri was killed in 1971. Corbo would pass away in 1976.
Posted By: TonyBombassolo

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/11/20 02:05 AM

I heard a rumor that the Demeo crew was behind the hit on Joseph Abinanti any thoughts on this?
Posted By: Michael_Giovanni

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/11/20 03:29 PM

What about Frank Carbo being on a deceased Genovese members list?
Posted By: Giacomo_Vacari

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/11/20 06:44 PM

It says Frank Carbo, not Paul "Frankie" Carbo. There is the Genovese list from Junior Gotti in the 1990s, and there is the rare 1978 Lucchese list from an unknown raid by the New York Marshal's office.
Posted By: Michael_Giovanni

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/11/20 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Giacomo_Vacari
It says Frank Carbo, not Paul "Frankie" Carbo. There is the Genovese list from Junior Gotti in the 1990s, and there is the rare 1978 Lucchese list from an unknown raid by the New York Marshal's office.


That doesn’t mean anything. There was also a guy on the list as Chappy so it’s not like they were using formal names.

If it isn’t the Frankie Carbo in question, then who the hell else is ‘Frank Carbo’?
Posted By: Giacomo_Vacari

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/12/20 06:51 AM

I believe the Genovese family was messing with Junior Gotti on that. The Genovese family was more thorough when putting their prospects names to other families for membership. They put their full name and nicknames so the other families could do their own investigations and if anyone has a gripe about why the guy should not get his button.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/12/20 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
I heard a rumor that the Demeo crew was behind the hit on Joseph Abinanti any thoughts on this?


In one of Christie Tick Furnari's appeals to get out of prison it states the Government believes he was involved/behind the attempted murder of Joseph Abinanti. That seems strange though, as Abinanti helped with the Dilapi murder. I think that info must have come from Casso, because one of the other murders mentioned in the appeal is Lee Schleifer, who I believe was murdered by Casso on orders of Furnari. Casso was probably involved in the Abinanti being he was Furnari's go to guy for work during that time period.

https://casetext.com/case/furnari-v-us-parole-commission

When Al D'arco met that really old Italian guy in Vario's crew he told Al he'd be available for a piece of work if he needed him, even though he probably couldn't walk 20 feet.
Posted By: TonyBombassolo

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 12/13/20 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by GerryLang
Originally Posted by TonyBombassolo
I heard a rumor that the Demeo crew was behind the hit on Joseph Abinanti any thoughts on this?


In one of Christie Tick Furnari's appeals to get out of prison it states the Government believes he was involved/behind the attempted murder of Joseph Abinanti. That seems strange though, as Abinanti helped with the Dilapi murder. I think that info must have come from Casso, because one of the other murders mentioned in the appeal is Lee Schleifer, who I believe was murdered by Casso on orders of Furnari. Casso was probably involved in the Abinanti being he was Furnari's go to guy for work during that time period.

https://casetext.com/case/furnari-v-us-parole-commission

When Al D'arco met that really old Italian guy in Vario's crew he told Al he'd be available for a piece of work if he needed him, even though he probably couldn't walk 20 feet.



Fantastic share that showcases the government's hypocrisy in regards to Gaspipe.

Here they happily cite his testimony to keep people in jail, but ignore it when it conflicted with Sammy the Rat's testiomony vs Gotti.

"the Parole Commission finds the information from the U.S. Attorney's Office on your personal responsibility for several of the murders (victims Schleifer, Taglianetti, and DeCicco) and attempted murder (victim Abinanti) to be credible and reliable, even though much of the information may have come from Anthony Casso, one of the most violent members of your organization"


so is that information available in testimony somewhere? Because it looks to me like the government is attempting to introduce evidence in a probationary hearing that isnt a matter of record per cross-examined testimony.





Also lets remember Gaspipe had no problem using the Demo crew....he used them for the Reznikov murder.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 02/21/22 03:25 PM



One of the most interesting thoughts I had about the original leader of this Family Tom Gagliano. This guy was such a shadow I wonder if members of other Families even knew he existed. I know Bosses knew who he was but I wonder about soldiers on the streets. Could it have been that people just assumed it was Tommy Brown running the whole show. It would seem even if you were in this group, if you were made after 1950, you didn't even know about him. They kept him pretty quiet
Posted By: Liggio

Re: The Lucchese Crime Family circa 1960-1975 - 04/16/22 11:41 PM

"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."

Njein, you're full of shit, the Luccheses were still making serious money for the rest of the 1980s and into the early 90s, under Amuso and Casso. They were far from brokesters. Sure they were lousy bosses who destroyed the Lucchese Family, but to call them brokesters when they got a big piece of the gasoline bootlegging scam and the window replacement scam is a stretch. Also, the Colombos have always been the smallest.
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