Does anyone know the reason behind the 1998 murder of mobster Joseph Conigliaro, aka Joe Pitts? Also, what Family did he belong to? I've seen him referred to as a Gambino soldier/associate while others say he was with the DeCavalcante Family. Who okayed or ordered the hit?

I do not know the reason why he was killed (or even if he was killed). But I do know that Joe Conigliaro could be a very arrogant and nasty guy who a lot of people didn't go for. He was not straightened out to my knowledge but had come from the South Brooklyn President Street area his whole life. Knew everybody, and was respected as such.

If he's the same guy from back in the 1950s, some called him "Joe Red" as a nickname. He was originally affiliated with members of the Profaci/Colombo family, and was active in truck hijacking, pier thefts, gambling, etc. He also allied with Gambino members back then until later hearing that he tied up with several members of the DeCavalcante's Brooklyn branch who were also active in South Brooklyn.

I believe he got pinched in the early 1960s with the Colombo mob's Anthony (The Gawk) Augello and a few of his crew associates for a big truck hijack case.

Years back he had gotten shot in the spine and became crippled. He ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life which I'm sure didn't help his disposition any. Lol

Back in the day he had balls to do 'work' etc.,. so that was another reason why he was given a measure of latitude as he aged.

Joe was originally a DeCavalcante associate & later became Gambino associated with the Carroll Gardens Gambino crew

Joe Pitts was a true tough guy, in my opinion he's in the same league as Sonny Black Napolitano and Lefty Ruggiero. The guy was shot 5 times in the face and chest and still drove himself to the hospital. Plus he killed one guy from his wheelchair he may not have been made but he should've been.

Perhaps ur thinking of my dad's old union friend..Raymond "Long John" Martorano...

No, I'm thinking about the right person lol.