NEW: The Bloody Frank Valenti Family of Rochester

Due to other ongoing projects, the historical background story about Rochester's underworld and its related Mafia membership chart was considerably delayed. Lisa and I apologize for that. So, as a courtesy to all of our fans and forum members, we have decided to release the article FREE of charge for everyones enjoyment. It is NOT behind our paywall.
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The background story and hierarchy membership chart that follows below represents the Valenti Family from its mid-1950s formation through the late 1980s, a nearly thirty-five-year time period. By the 1990s, through bloody gangland warfare, the family had basically gutted itself, and from that point forward, there was little left in the way of a solid structured or functioning Family.

Button Guys names a total of 519 mafiosi and hoodlums, including 46 fully inducted Family members as well as another 473 “associates” who kicked up a portion of their profits to Frank Valenti and his men over the years.

https://thenewyorkmafia.com/frank-valenti-family-chart-rochester-new-york/

Lisa and I both hope you enjoy it!

Best regards...'The Other Guy'

Here's a bit of 'behind the scenes' ButtonGuys trivia for those of you interested in that sort of jazz.

I had originally hesitated even tackling this particular project because I was very unsure about how to approach the article and chart that I envisioned for the Rochester Family, and really wasn't sure that I'd be able to gather up everything I needed and then lay it all out in a proper chronological order that would make any kind of sense to the reader.

So, if you would, after reading this piece, your views and feedback is appreciated.

Best regards...'The Other Guy'

Great stuff. This is my first introduction to your site and i enjoyed it. I like the writing style a lot, makes for an easy read. I do have a couple points/questions.

1.) In the article you stated, "These ancient criminal networks as well as other independent Italian criminals later formed La Mano Nera, better known as The Blackhand, which were early extortion gangs comprised of various Italian hoodlums that preyed on their communities." This is a widely held belief, but it actually isn't true. The black hand was merely an extortion tactic- as opposed to an organization- used by all criminals. Most of the time in fact it wasn't even a large group effort, rather a couple friends trying to make a buck. It also wasn't just an Italian thing. As Celeste Morello noted in her book, a group of Non-Italians were arrested in New Castle, PA and they were not of Italian descent. The newspapers made it seem as if it was ONLY Italians, but this simply wasn't true.

2.)In the article you also stated, "over 100 of the most important and powerful Mafia figures were having a major pow-wow at the time." This may very well be true, but only 61 got caught and I only know of 30 suspected members, do you have a list of the hundred?

3.) On the associate list a name jumped out at me. His name was Joseph Zito. In D'Elia's new book Zito is listed as a member of the Pittston family. This is likely the author making a mistake as he was likely an associate. We can infer this from the Pittsburgh Crime Commission report that states he was a Pittston associate. So why do you believe he was a Rochester associate instead of Pittston?

4.) Do you have any information for the associate you listed named Thomas Kelliher?

Thanks in advance and good article.

@NYM and @MafiaStudent thanks a lot for the article and the chart. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks!!!!

Interesting to note is that Pittsburgh possibly had some type of similar "clique" or structure as the Chicago Outfit, and I can see they also had many leading "Mainlanders". FOH is also expert on these stuff but I just want to give my two cents.

Btw, @NYM do you know something about this type of rank or position aka the "capo squadrone" term within the Pittsburgh mafia...already asked this question a million times in the past and never really received a straight answer from anyone...it seems the position was different and possibly more influential than capo regime or capo decina...back in the days I used the term in one of my Outfit charts so I can explain powerful capos who had other capos beneath them....

Sully,

To answer your questions (with "sources" attached):

** At the time he became a rat and testified at several trials against Russ Bufalino, Frank Valenti, and a bunch of other mafiosi from Rochester, Binghamton, and Buffalo among them, Joseph Zito was being reported as a Mafia "member." I do not believe that to have been the case. In fact, not at all. He was a half-assed associate who bounced around and dealt with many various guys from various crews.

There is much conjecture as to which crew he actually "belonged" with, if anyone in particular, at all. Truth be told, he may well have only been a semi-independent hoodlum who worked and bounced around among several crime families, including Pittston’s Bufalino Family and Rochester’s Valenti Family.

So, by definition, that could (and would) make him a Valenti Family “associate,” especially the fact that on several occasions its been well documented that Zito had to "report" to Valenti personally and capitulate to his demands and orders.

And even with that said, it still does NOT mean that Zito was exclusive to that particular Family. Understand?

Because, it you’ve learned anything at all, you should know that there are Family associates, and then there are Family "associates!”


** Thomas Killaher was a low-level associate engaged in gambling rackets.


** Although 62 mafiosi were actually nabbed at Apalachin, it was widely reported that dozens and dozens more mafiosi scurried through the woods and were thought to have escaped the clutches of law enforcement's net. And "estimates" by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, as well as other reputable sources, put the total number of actual attendees at approximately 100 or more guests. "So, please don’t kill the messenger." Lol.

In fact, I'm guessing your "61 got caught and I only know of 30 suspected members" statement is referring to what's listed in the Apalachin Chart created by "Angelo Santino" aka "Chris Christie" - the researcher you've mentioned numerous times since you've come on GBB to comment on posts by Button Guys - which seems, based on your posting "history," are (with the exception of three) the only posts you seem to have an interest in.

By your own count, and according to that chart - it lists 91 members - well, really 90 because I've never heard of "Emilio Buttoni," so perhaps you can enlighten us on who that might be.

Plus, I'm sure you've already figured out that there are several missing mafiosi on that chart. So, "your" count along with the missing members would align with the "estimates" by the FBI, etc.


** And lastly, but certainly not least is my response to your "question" about my use of the term "La Mano Nera."

But before I get to my answer, I must ask you a question in turn and that is: You’re kidding me, right? You gotta be kidding me with such an adolescent and foolhardy question as that.

I actually thought you were more on the ball than that. But, I guess you’ve proved me wrong. Because this question is the equivalent of you, trying to sing to the choir! LOL. Please, don’t insult my intelligence. Because any entry-level mob aficionado should know that "La Mano Nera" was never one "formal" rubber-stamped and incorporated organization with a structure and formal hierarchy, or one monolith entity such as the Mafia, Cosa Nostra, Camorra, or La Societa Onorata.

As I just stated, "La Mano Nera" was not a formal organization, per se, but the name - the term - became a widely used buzzword and overarching "theme," if you will, that was used by a variety of Italian criminals, whether they be Sicilian, Calabrian, Napolitani, Barese, or the many others of various individuals who extorted under that "alleged" banner. And whether or not they were, in fact, "connected" guys or a few independent Italian criminals makes no difference whatsoever.

“La Mano Nera” or "The Black Hand" was a convenient moniker to further their extortionate goals.

Note: And with all due respect to Celeste Morello, I didn’t need to wait for her to teach me about "La Mano Nera."

So, on review and to recap. you either really need to brush up on your reading comprehension, or you’re just trying to be contrary for the sake of being contrary. Thus why it seems you've only started commenting on GBB - after being a member for over a year - to nit-pick and question every little comma and to make sure every "T" is crossed and every single "I" is dotted, in a painfully transparent and thinly veiled attempt to try and discredit Button Guys of The New York Mafia and its authors.

Which could never happen in a million years, get it?

- "The Other Guy"

No clue why you're so angry. You should learn to take some criticism once in a while. Thanks for the Zito and Kelliher info though. As for the Apalachin response, im not sure who Buttoni is. I cant find any info on him.

Lol. I'm really not angry at all. I'm just really correct!

+1 and in fact you already gave a good explanation but as you already know, some people cant handle the truth. So tnx again.

No problem TD. In fact, truth be told. it was actually my pleasure.

That's what's so mind-boggling. The guy is listed as a Lucchese caporegime according to "Angelo" so you'd think there would be something on him. Maybe Mafia101 can fill us in....

Not sure why I'm brought into this but I'll fill you guys in once you explain to me why on your Gambino Connecticut 1985 or whatever chart you had a Genovese member listed and someone listed as a soldier who wasn't made until 2003? asked several times and I'm still waiting for the teachers to explain that one

It's unbelievable that such self-proclaimed "esteemed" researchers such as yourselves would list a fictitious guy by the name of Emilio Buttoni on your “Apalachin Chart” as a top-ranked "Capo” in the Gaetano Lucchese Family who you say lived in Jackson Heights, no less? And that this Emilio Buttoni was, in fact, one of the exulted ranked mafiosi “attendees” at the infamous November 14, 1957 “Apalachin Mafia Meeting” of Mafia leaders from all across the nation?

Oh my God! Please, tell me you were just kidding us!

Maybe instead of critiquing other researchers' work in the denigrating way all of you do with ANYONE who isn't part of your little "clique," maybe each of you should start learning how to take some criticism yourselves! Because your continuous comedy of errors is simply way too much for any logical person to swallow.

So, how does it feel now fellas? To be on the receiving end? LOL

On that note…

Mafia 101, please tell us again, "instruct" and try ridiculing us again, about how our Frank Piccolo Hierarchy Chart listed Thomas (Tommy the Blond) Vastano as being connected with the Gambino Family’s Piccolo Regime even though he was "technically" a Genovese guy. LOL

Please, go ahead!

At least Tommy Vastano was a REAL GUY, A REAL MAFIOSO, and a decades-long known associate and partner of Frank Piccolo and his entire crew. NOT a fictitious, made-up name that "Chris Christie" aka "Angelo Santino" listed on a chart about one of the most important events in Mafia history.

But maybe we're wrong. Maybe Emilio Buttoni’s real last name is Buitoni? As in the famous Buitoni Macaroni Company? Yeah, that's it! “Emilio” ran all the macaroni rackets in NYC. I hear he was really "'rollin in the dough.” LOL

It really has to make any logical and even-minded reader really question your ultimate motives here. And it certainly sheds new light on why you and your little buddies have continued to let Button Guys live in your head rent-free for the last four years.

* "Emilio Buttoni" - 4th row - second column. No pic either. I wonder why?

Why do you keep bringing up other people who have nothing to do with what I said? If anyone is living rent free in someone's head it might be the people who keep posting passive aggressive jabs in the jokes and wisdom posts and bringing them up in posts they have no involvement in.

No one ridiculed you I asked you a legitimate question multiple times and you decided to ignore it because I questioned you. You've been defensive against everyone who's questioned your work you label a chart the Frank Piccolo Regime and then lists people in the Genovese Family and I noticed you didn't answer the other part of my question about having someone named a member when they weren't made until 2003.

If you're going to get so worked up and rude when questioned about your work maybe fuck off behind your paywall a stop posting in a public space you whiny little bitch

We have a internet tough guy over here a? Lol Gotta love today's kids and the drugs they take lol

Mafia 101,

You clearly hit it on the head with "maybe fuck off behind your paywall and stop posting in a public space" because that really seems to be the issue. And it's quite clear to us who you and Sully are from over on the other side which totally fits with the non-stop bullshit not only here but also on every social media platform where all of you attack us on a regular basis, including on our own successful YouTube podcast.

And it's also clearly evident from a comment someone recently made in a thread on the other side about how frustrated they were that nobody knows about that forum because when people Google, the only things that come up are GBB and Reddit, apparently.

As NYMafia said, Button Guys has been living in your heads - rent-free for four years already, and judging from your statement I quoted above, it's even more clear what exactly the bug is up all of your asses.

Spot on @MafiaStudent.

I would also like to add that most of so-called "credible" researchers which they previously mentioned are not credible at all. Most of them are in some type of depression and they need to get high, just so they can go through one fbi file and along the way create some totally "incredible" theories which doesnt fit anywhere but in their own weak minds, they think that they found the body of Jimmy Hoffa.

If this shit continues, one of my next "projects" is going to be about those same "credible" researchers.

Says the lady who threw my name out in here when I wasn't involved in this the issue is you 3 post shit that is wrong a lot of the time and when someone questions you you all get defensive and rude. I can assure you this is the only place I've ever questioned you at I'm only on the other forum and no one posts your shit there because we know the quality of it and the reason you don't post it mafiastudent is because you know people will call you out on it. There's a reason this is the place you guys hide with your charts and articles because no one questions your posts until now and look how you're handling it. Throwing little tantrums and insults when people respectfully asked questions.

whats up angelina

Well, once again, you've proven yourself to be a liar. I don't post anything from BG on BH because the administrator of that site asked me not to after TOG was "banned" which, by the way, was because he got into an argument with someone over there. Not because of ANYTHING else like you like to spread around under your multiple aliases. And that happened FOUR years ago soon after we started Button Guys.

In addition, if all of TOGs stuff is "shit" then why is it that ALLL of the articles that he posted before we started our website and before he was removed STILL on there? And despite what you have said, when he posted all of those articles - NO ONE ever came out and attacked the way they do now. Not even with the "controversial" and original Dominick Scialo article that he wrote.

Also, there's a difference between constructive criticism and straight-out looking for possible errors in order to try to denigrate and discredit someone. And we don't respond to that bullshit, especially from people like you who have an ax to grind.

Obviously, everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. But there are ways to question things respectfully which doesn't happen with you and your cohorts.

As I said, you clearly have an agenda - and it's been going on non-stop for the past four years and as mentioned earlier, it's quite clear why you all have a bug up your ass.

Neither Mafia101 or I are defending CC's chart. The only people defending questionable research are the fanboys that comment every time you breathe "per se"

Wow.

Now we can add "fanboys" and the word "per se" into the mix of what the bug is up all of your asses.

Fanboys? Who said that lol? And is that chart saying Chris Christy??? You mean these guys are quarreling over CC's charts, aka Angelo aka Angelina. The same guy who jumps from researcher to researcher like a bloodsucking mosquito and uses them so he can create his charts? The guy is a simple chart creator, nothing more than that. Is that the same guy who allegedly knows Italian but when you ask him, he says something like "Im too high to speak Italian right now" or something like that? This can also be confirmed by other posters too. The same guy who uses around 10 people to create one lousy chart? Or the guy who stole the idea traditional vs modern and modified it into organizational vs some other bullshit? The guy who acts like a REAL FANBOY on his boring vids? He's not a researcher. Again, he's a simple chart maker. Worker and user of people. Thats it. I dont know why we have to fight like this over completely non-important individual?! It sounds like "someone" has a problem with us and this forum?! As MafiaStudent already said, it seems some people are coming here just to stir up shit by using non-credible info and constantly trying to discredit someone. Thats sad.

I forgot to mention that the hardcore attacks only started AFTER we went behind the paywall two years ago. Before that? Crickets. In fact, when I got into a "debate" not too long ago with someone on that other board, he even made a comment that we should make everything "free" again instead of having it behind the wall.....so....agenda anyone?

NYMafia was the one who brought up CC. The debate isn't even about CC. It started after i asked legitimate questions then he, in the most condescending way possible, responded rudely. He then brought up CC and started criticizing his chart which is a pretty fair criticism it seems. NYMafia also brought Mafia101 into this for some reason.

Thats not important right now, on who started what or who said this...we are not in the 4th grade and we are not "fanboys". What is really important is to stop fighting and to use reliable info (not CC's charts with 50 people on it lol) and @NYM and @Mafia Student are doing the best they can to take us at least near the truth, something which is very hard to do and needs a lot of time. They are researchers, not workers or using people for their own projects. Show some respect, Instead of constantly attacking them and questioning their work like some detectives, say "thank you" or "looks great" and go on. You dont have to like everything, you just need to be polite sometimes. Right? So now say sorry to both Lisa and TOG and go on with your life. And if you ever have problems in deciding whats reliable and whats not, send your uncle Toodoped a private message and ask him. Good night and peace.

Actually, I was the one who brought Mafia 101 into this because you and Mafia 101 are from the same team with the same agenda.

You know what I find amazing "Sully," is that for the longest time, I thought it was someone else on that other board who was the one who had a "hard on" for TOG. In actuality, it wasn't that person at all. It was someone I never expected because, like you, they have a very "laid back" demeanor. But it appears that "laid back" demeanor was nothing more than a ruse because it turns out "Mr. laid back" was the instigator of all the BS all along and it even started against somebody else before TOG became the new target. I am sure you know what I'm talking about.

Great find, this is very interesting. Nicola Gentile transferred to the Mangano family in the 1930s and Mangano tasked him with heading two captains' crews. One of the crews was Giuseppe Parlapiano's crew and the other was headed by Gaetano Tropia. They both were captains and I believe Gentile was only a soldier, but he was above these guys. Gentile described himself as a sostituto for Mangano. Magaddino mentioned someone named "Dannarao" [Ph] who headed 10-12 crews, but was killed by, i believe Anastasia. Maybe this deserves its own thread where we dig up more on this.

In my opinion the Rochester mob was a joke, much like Los Angeles. I say that because they didn't last very long and too much infighting.

How was LA a joke?

Well, first of all, it was called the Mickey Mouse Mafia.

I don't really care for the Families with too much infighting. That's probably the main reason that the Colombos are the laughingstock of the New York Mafia. They're still suffering the consequences. It's actually one of the worst decisions a Mafia family in America could ever make.

Silver Screen wiseguys/JoePuzzles wrote a little piece on this myth.

"The term 'Mickey Mouse Mafia' was created by the Los Angeles Police Department as a way to mock the Los Angeles Crime Family post-Fratianno’s defection. While the term began to be used by newspapers at least as early as 1981, it really gained traction in October 1984, when the Associated Press published an article quoting Los Angeles Police chief Daryl Gates following the public announcement of the conclusion of ‘Operation Lightweight’. In it he referred to Peter Milano’s organisation (then Boss of the Los Angeles LCN Family) as the “Mickey Mouse Mafia” and felt the code-name of the investigation appropriate because, “organised crime is such lightweight in Southern California”. As such, it was an invention of law enforcement and the media.

Source: ‘Mickey Mouse Mafia’ bid busted by the Associated Press (published October 29, 1984) and ‘Super Snitch’ Did His Job by United Press International (published January 27, 1981)"

Here's a link to his fantastic website https://silverscreenwiseguys.wordpress.com

Just to bring this back to the TOPIC of this thread which is the Rochester Mafia...here's our original post...

The background story and hierarchy membership chart that follows below represents the Valenti Family from its mid-1950s formation through the late 1980s, a nearly thirty-five-year time period. By the 1990s, through bloody gangland warfare, the family had basically gutted itself, and from that point forward, there was little left in the way of a solid structured or functioning Family.

Button Guys names a total of 519 mafiosi and hoodlums, including 46 fully inducted Family members as well as another 473 “associates” who kicked up a portion of their profits to Frank Valenti and his men over the years.

https://thenewyorkmafia.com/frank-valenti-family-chart-rochester-new-york/

Lisa and I both hope you enjoy it!

Best regards...'The Other Guy'

Sully, your reply just reaffirms what I said, that they're a joke.

Liggio, with all due respect, this is a thread about the Rochester Mafia. My suggestion is that you start a new thread since this has nothing to do with Rochester or any of the other things that came up in this thread......

When I first started this thread, I forgot to mention that the Valenti Family chart and historical background story starts a new ButtonGuys series focusing on Rochester's underworld.

In the near future we'll be highlighting key members and associates as well as semi-independent racketeers alike.

So keep your peepers peeled folks!
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"Often imitated. Never duplicated. ButtonGuys of The New York Mafia...There's only one!

Sorry Student, not trying to rock the boat here. I get a little imaginative sometimes, and was just thinking, imagine how cool it would've been if Jerry Capeci's Gangland News was up and running during those days.

Sorry I missed this. FWIW:I totally agree with your breakdown of the Pittsburgh LCN I grew up with. All in all; Good job!

Yeah thats a good list and also gives us info regarding one official position which most researchers dont have a clue about. Pittsburgh's family was top notch and @FOH your word is always golden. Thanks again

Thanks or your kind words and it's always a pleasure for me to chat about Pittsburgh.

Here we go again--another interesting thread f****d up by personal attacks. CUT IT OUT NOW!

Fantastic job with this article, NYMafia.

You’ve even identified a relative of mine on your chart who is almost never mentioned in articles about the Rochester family, but I know from personal stories was indeed a very active associate. So your research was well done. Thanks for posting this.

One minor correction on the chart: the photograph you used for Joseph Tiraborelli is actually Sammy G.

I am aware of the source photo you used though and Joey is the one front and center.

Thank you Turnbull

You're very welcome FV. And thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I'm glad you really liked the article.

As far as your relative goes, I was glad to hear he's on the chart. Thats why I try and always create my Mafia charts the way I do. Many people, mob researchers and chart makers included, don't realize that a Family's 'associates' are the very backbone of any borgata. Because without them, essentially there is no family. They are the men who "make it rain" so to speak. So to me, although it can sometimes be a daunting task, no Mafia hierarchy chart could ever be complete without listing the associates (which also includes future recruits.)

Thanks for the heads up FV. I'll see if I can source the correct photo of Tiraborelli and then change the other pic out.

But please recheck the articles' photo gallery in the next few days to make sure I inserted the right one, ok?

Thank you again for your input with this.

My Bad - Sorry 'bout that!

FOH, How are you my man? Haven't seen you around here in awhile. Glad to see you back posting.

And with the Valenti brothers so closely connected to Pittsburgh, even though this article really focuses on the Valenti Family and the city of Rochester, NY, I figured you'd enjoy it. lol

FV, we changed out the photo I originally had for a new one I believe to be Tiraborelli. Please check it for me and confirm that's its him, ok?

Thanks again

@FOH....@Turbull's warning wasnt directed towards you, but instead it was about other people, including me. You're cool, as always.

WTF...I just tuned in @ already is bulls'''it ??? this IS gone to Sh..te..geezz.....I used 2 love 2 come here ....but now???..I don't know..

Everything is cool now @hoodlum and pls stay around and stay tuned. Cheers

No problem, that was quick! Chart looks good. That's Tiraborelli and everybody's photo looks accurate. Great job.

Good. Glad to hear it FV...And thanks again for the positive feedback.

Sorry I'm late to the party here, but I wanted to thank you for the kind words. We put a lot of time and effort into everything we do, especially the charts, so we appreciate your comment.

+ 1

There are some sources who've listed Pittsburgh's/Rochester's Costenze (Stanley) Valenti as the boss of that Family. But, in reality, his older brother Frank Valenti was the true boss of this crew.

I think, at the time, some law enforcement agencies (the feds included) took for granted that Stanley was the boss because he was the one married to old-time La Rocca capodecina Antonio Ripepi's daughter. Ripepi was a very powerful Calabrian based power who later rose to become a Cosa Nostra capo.

But, truth be told, Stanley was a nonentity, compared to Frank. There was no comparison whatsoever. Frank was the hoodlum!

NYM do you know anything about Frank Valenti's life in Arizona? Like how he lived, did he own property out there? And how did he end up in a retirement home in Texas?

That I've never looked into, so I cannot speak knowledgeably about Valenti's retirement years. But by that time he was certainly retired and out of the game so to speak. After his fall from grace, he left Rochester and essentially lived the rest of his years in the shadows, away from the mob.

Frank did well too, in that he lived to a ripe old age.