Can anyone with any degree of certainty help me out as to who Don Carlo's chauffer and/or bodyguard(s) may have been towards the end of his reign (late 60s-early 70s). I've read in John Robert' Memoir American Desperado by Evan Wright that it was a man named Andy Benefante and together they acted as rogue Gambino's outside of a crew as long as Andy kicked up a piece of whatever they made. Roberts with Benefante were rumored to have a large stake in the NYC club scene at the time, yet little is known for certain about Roberts (living as Jon Riccobene then) and less seemingly about Andy Benefante, who seemingly operated at will after Carlo no longer needed a driver.
Any Info on Benefante or anything that can contradict anything Roberts seemed to indicate during that portion of the book would be helpful. Simply looking for some sense of clarity as to a guy who was Carlo's last body guard and had a button as well seems to be such an unknown as mob history goes. One of many of course, but I'd love to either validate or invalidate my assumptions towards this seemingly rising star in the Gambino family during the early to mid 70s. Was he simply in the wrong camp after Gotti took over or did something possibly happen to him? Any info is much appreciated. Thanks.
