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How big were Pittsburgh during their peak #749011
11/19/13 07:48 AM
11/19/13 07:48 AM
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Willenhall
Philip_Lombardo Offline OP
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Philip_Lombardo  Offline OP
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How many Capo's and Soldier's did they have, sometimes I have assumed that they weren't at that many due to today's records but then Frank Valenti had their support against the Buffalo crime family when Valenti wanted to split the Rochester faction away from the Buffalo family and form his own

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #749020
11/19/13 08:36 AM
11/19/13 08:36 AM
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JCB1977 Offline
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This is a detailed chart I posted on real deal from 1980-1990:

LaRocca Crime Family

Hierarchy

Boss- John Sebastian LaRocca (took over in 1956 from Frank Amato Sr and died December 1984)
Boss- Michael James Genovese (took over in 1985 and died 10-31- 2006)
Underboss- Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino (LaRocca's Underboss from 1956, died July 1980)
Underboss- Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora (imprisoned from 1985 and died March 3, 1987)
Underboss- Charles "Chucky" Porter- 1986-1999 (cooperated secretly from 1992-1999) Released from prison in December 2000, living back in Penn Hills, PA.
Consigliere- Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia (died in 2002) Consigliere since the early 1960's.

Capo Regimes

Capo- Antonio Ripepi- Clairton, PA (father in law to John Bazzano Jr.) died in 2000
Capo- Joseph Sica (grandfather to infamous drug dealing rat Joey Rosa and father in law to former Capo Frank Rosa) died 1991
Capo- Frank Rosa- (son in law to Joe Sica, father of drug dealer/rat Joey Rosa) died on January 28, 1982
Capo- Joseph "Little Joe" Regino- (Controlled illegal gambling in Altoona/Johnstown, PA) died June 18, 1985
Capo- Thomas "Sonny" Ciancutti- Protege of Gabriel Mannarino, Controlled all Illegal gambling in New Kensington, PA. Last made man left, 82 years old
Capo- Pasquale "Patsy" Ferruccio- (Video Poker kingpin, considered the mafia's leading expert) Canton, OH. died March 31, 2006
Capo- Domenico "Big Dom" Mallamo-Ran Youngstown, OH rackets since the 1940's (semi retired by 1982). Died in April 1987. (Was made in NYC and over in Reggio, Calabria Italy)
Capo- Vincenzo "Brier Hill Jimmy" Prato- Ran Youngstown, OH rackets since 1980-81. Died in 1988.
Capo- John Bazzano Jr.- Son of legendary mob boss John Bazzano Sr and son in law to Antonio Ripepi. Died in 2008.
Capo- Frank "Sonny" Amato Jr.- Son of legendary mob boss Frank Amato Sr (who stepped down in 1956 and was longtime Capo for LaRocca and died in 1973) Jr. died in 2003.



Soldiers (Made Men)

John Fontana- Ran illegal gambling in Monroeville, PA. Died on April 1, 1984.
Michael Traficante- Ran illegal gambling around Indiana, PA. Died in 1986.
Samuel "Sammy Fashion" Fashionatta- Ran illegal gambling in Altoona/Johnstown, PA. Died March 11, 1985
Louis Volpe- Infamous brother of the "Volpe Brothers" who ran gambling in East McKeesport/Turtle Creek, PA. Died June 3, 1987
Anthony "Wango" Capizzi- Ran gambling junkets for Pittsburgh family and worked closely with Bufalino Crime Family and Buffalo LCN. Died March 21, 2007
John "Jack" Verilla- Ran illegal gambling with Sammy Fashion in Altoona/Johnstown, PA. Died in prison September 10, 1988
Joseph "Little Joey" Naples- Ran illegal gambling in Youngstown, OH with Lenny Strollo. Naples was Jimmy Prato's protege. Murdered August 19, 1991.
Lenine "Lenny" Strollo- Ran illegal gambling with Joey Naples in Youngstown, OH. Convicted in 1999 and cooperated. Out of prison and living back in the Youngstown area.
Henry "Zebo" Zottola- Acted as liason between Youngstown faction and Pittsburgh. Oversaw Youngstown operations and reported to Genovese/Porter. Died in 1998.
Louis Raucci Sr.- Ran gambling, narcotics and fencing stolen property in Verona, PA. Answered directly to Porter/Genovese. Was said to have sit on the "left" side of Mike Genovese


Pittsburgh Associates:

John V Adams- He ran the Green Door Club, an after hours illegal gambling spot. Reported to John Bazzano Jr and Chucky Porter.
James "Jimmy" Ameris- Sports and numbers bookmaker in New Kensington, PA. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
Ronald "Farmer" Brown- Owned the BBS Coal Company. Extortion, illegal gambling and enforcer. Reported to Chucky Porter.
Eugene "Geno" Chiarelli- Narcotics, extortion and robbery. Reported to Chucky Porter (was convicted in 1990 as part of the Porter trial)
Anthony Durish- Narcotics, extortion and robbery. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci. (was convicted in 1990 as part of the Porter trial)
August "Augie" Ferrone- Major bookmaker, interstate illegal gambling, partners with Primo Mollica. Reported to Chucky Porter and Sonny Ciancutti.
Primo Mollica-Major bookmaker, interstate illegal gambling, partners with Augie Ferrone. Reported to Chucky Porter and Sonny Amato.
Anthony Gesuale- Narcotics, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling. Reported to Chucky Porter and Sonny Ciancutti.
Eugene "Nick the Blade" Gesuale- Major Narcotics distributor, loansharking and extortion. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci.
Daniel "Speedo" Hanna- Illegal gambling, collections of tribute money to Pitt LCN. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti and Michael Genovese.
Steven Hatzimbes- Illegal gambling, worked with Jimmy Ameris and Daniel Hanna. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
Anthony "Tony" Grosso- Largest numbers operator in the country. $30 million/year, employed over 5000 numbers writers. Imprisoned in 1986. Reported to Genovese.
Robert "Bobby I" Ianelli- Major numbers/sports bookmaker. Took over part of Tony Grosso's numbers operation with the Williams brothers. Reported to Genovese
Salvatore Williams- Major numbers/sports bookmaker. Took over part of Tony Grosso's numbers operation with Bobby Ianelli. Reported to Genovese
Adolfo "Junior" Williams- Major numbers/sports bookmaker. Took over part of Tony Grosso's numbers operation with his brother and Bobby Ianelli. Reported to Genovese
Anthony "Ninny" Lagatutta- Ran back door, high stakes card games as well as sports bookmaking. Reported to John Bazzano Jr.
Samuel "Sammy" Lanzino- Sports bookmaking and fencing stolen property. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
John "Johnny Boy" Leone- Narcotics trafficking, illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion. Reported to Chucky Porter.
Michael "Mikey" Martorella- Sports and numbers bookmaking. Reported to Chucky Porter and Sonny Amato.
Louis "Louie" Masco- Illegal gambling and principal operator of the Cecil Italian Club. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti and Sonny Amato.
Mauro Matone- Narcotics trafficking and fencing stolen property. Reported to Chucky Porter.
Peter Mercurio Sr.- Sports and numbers bookmaking. Associated with Steve Hatzimbes gambling network. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
Anthony "Murgie" Imburgia- Nephew of Consigliere Charlie Imburgia. Owner of Verona Auto Sales. Reports to Chucky Porter and Mike Genovese.
Felix "Phil" Pitzerell- Owner of Pitzerell's Restaurant, illegal gambling and fencing stolen property. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci.
Ronald Plisco- Plisco was Sonny Amato's key representative in illegal gambling. Reported to Sonny Amato and Chucky Porter.
William "Billy" Porter- Brother of Chucky Porter. Extortion, narcotics trafficking & robbery. Reported to Chucky Porter.
Michael Rosenfeld- Narcotics distribution. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci.
Gerald Sabatini- Sports/numbers bookmaking and narcotics trafficking. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
John Sabatini- Sports/numbers bookmaking and narcotics trafficking. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
Robert Sabatini- Sports/numbers bookmaking and narcotics trafficking. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.
Joseph Scolieri- Sports.numbers bookmaking. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci.
Paul Scolieri- Sports/numbers bookmaking. Reported to Chucky Porter and Louis Raucci. (Part of Bobby Ianelli gambling network).
Meyer Sigal- Owner of Daily Juice Company, employed Joe Sica and Louis Raucci as ghost employees.
Frank Unis Jr- Ran the largest sports bookmaking/numbers operation in Beaver County. Reported to Joey Naples/Paul Hankish/Genovese/Gambino Family.
Rocco Viola Jr.- Chucky Porter's first cousin and real estate developer. Employed Porter as a consultant/ghost employee.
Manuel Xenakis- Sports/numbers bookmaking, part of the Sabatini brothers gambling enterprise. Reported to Sonny Ciancutti.


Youngstown, OH Faction:



Ernest "Ernie B" Biondillo- Chief Lieutenant to Joey Naples. Ran gambling in Campbell, OH. Murdered June 3, 1996. Reported to Joey Naples.
Frank "Ball Bat Frankie" Lentine- Ernie Biondillo's right hand man, ran dice/card games/robbery and sports bookmaking in Campbell, OH. Reported to Joey Naples.
Bernard "Bernie The Jew" Altshuler- Major money maker for Pittsburgh. Ran the All American Club illegal casino in Campbell, OH. Reported to Henry Zottola/Lenny Strollo.
Lawrence "Jeep" Garono- Lenny Strollo's chief lieutenant, collected gambling proceeds from local bookmakers. Reported to Lenny Strollo/Henry Zottola.
Dante "Danny" Strollo- Bagman for brother Lenny, liason between payoffs to corrupt public officials. Ran gambling at All American Club in Campbell, OH.
Michael "Cyrak" Serrecchio- Largest numbers/sports bookmaker/fencing stolen property in Youngstown. Operated Mr. A's Eatery. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Joseph "Joey Cyrak" Serrecchio- Son of Mike "Cyrak" Serrecchio. Ran numbers for his dad/fencing of stolen property.
Joseph Perfette- Ran illegal gambling in Trumbull County/Warren, OH. 25% kicked up to Cleveland until 1983, then reported directly to Charlie Imburgia (Consigliere).
Jack DeSarro- Largest numbers/sports bookmaker in East Liverpool, OH (about 30 miles south of Youngstown). Reported to Naples/Strollo/Henry Zottola.
Robert "Bobby" Poghen- Debt collector/enforcer/hitman/illegal gambling. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Paul "Pinto" Holavatick- Joey Naples' driver/enforcer/hitman/debt collector.
Raymond Hertz- Lenny Strollo's stepson. Owner of Stagecoach Inn Bar. Illegal gambling/numbers. Reported to Lenny Strollo.
Samuel "Sam" Vona Sr./Jr.- Both father and son ran extensive numbers/sports bookmaking in Struthers, OH. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Thomas "Tommy" Peters- Owned Patsy's Lounge, numbers/sports bookmaking. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Gary Goodrick- Enforcer/numbers/sports bookmaking/barbut dealer. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Jack Malys- Ran illegal gambling/barbut/craps/numbers at the Greek Coffee House in Campbell, OH. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
Peter Cascarelli- Worked for Naples at Youngstown United Music (Vending Company), robbery/fencing stolen property. Reported to Naples.
Amil Dinsio- One of the biggest bank robbers in American History (1972 Laguna Niguel, CA heist). Robbery/burglary. Reported to Naples/Strollo.
James Dinsio- One of the biggest bank robbers in American History (1972 Laguna Niguel, CA heist). Robbery/burglary. Reported to Naples/Strollo.



Altoona, PA Faction:

Alfred Corbo- Sports/numbers bookmaking. Reported to John Verilla/Joe Regino
Joseph Ruggierio- Sports/numbers bookmaking. Reported to John Verilla/Joe Regino
Victor Schiappa- Sports/numbers bookmaking. Reported to John Verilla/Joe Regino
Carl Venturato- Sports/numbers bookmaking- Reported to John Verilla/Joe Regino
John Caramadre- John Verilla's chief lieutenant. Sports/numbers bookmaking/murder for hire. Reported to John Verilla/Joe Regino.
Vincent Caraciollo- Enforcer for John "Jack" Verilla. Testified against Verilla and Caramadre for murder of John Clark, narcotics trafficker. Reported to John Verilla.
Dennis "Denny" Colello- Enforcer/debt collector for John Verilla.


West Virginia Faction

Paul "No Legs" Hankish- Wheeling, WV "Godfather." Paul was Lebanese and was closely associated with Jo Jo Pecora/Chucky Porter. Controlled all illegal gambling/narcotics trafficking in the West Virginia area. Got his legs blown off in the 1960's after a bloody war with Bill Elias, former West Virginia "boss." Closely associated with Joey Naples and Demus Covello of the Gambino Crime Family. Naples was godfather to his son Chris Hankish and Demus Covello was godfather to his daughter. One of the biggest moneymakers for LaRocca/Genovese. Convicted in 1990 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Reported to LaRocca/Genovese/Porter/Pecora
Chris Hankish-Ran gambling/video poker/narcotics for his father in Scott Twp., PA.
James "Jimmy" Griffin- Paul Hankish's "right hand" man and partner in gambling/narcotics organization.
Charles "Buddy" Jacovetty-Paul Hankish's "left hand" man and partner in gambling/narcotics organization.
Charles "Chucky" Joseph- Owned and operated the Lightning Rod Club in Wheeling, WV, an after hours illegal gambling style casino.
Theodore "Teddy" Tsoras- Ran illegal gambling/narcotics distribution

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: JCB1977] #749189
11/19/13 11:45 PM
11/19/13 11:45 PM
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Lara Offline
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Who did Youngstown report to? Buffalo or Pittsburg? I remember in the fifties my dad made several trips to Toronto.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Lara] #749212
11/20/13 08:18 AM
11/20/13 08:18 AM
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JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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Youngstown was part of the Pittsburgh LCN. Back in the 1960's, Youngstown was wide open and Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo fought for control of the lucrative rackets. Youngstown racketeer Sandy Naples was actually originally affiliated with the Buffalo LCN through his good friend Joe DiCarlo.

Last edited by JCB1977; 11/20/13 10:20 AM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Lara] #749538
11/21/13 01:56 PM
11/21/13 01:56 PM
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JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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You have to remember that LaRocca controlled not only Western PA, but he also controlled over half of Northeast Ohio, Erie, PA, the panhandle of West Virginia and Jamestown, NY. LaRocca also supported Frank and Stan Valenti (both made in Pittsburgh) to start their own crew/family in Rochester, NY and split profits with Buffalo and he also supported Salvatore and Angelo Marino (both made in Pittsburgh) to go out to San Jose and start their own family, which he got a piece of everything out there. John LaRocca was a nationally respected friend to everybody. His strongest suit was his uncanny ability to build and sustain relationships with other families around the country, and was especially close to Russell Bufalino, Angelo Bruno, John Scalish, Joe Zerilli, Tony Accardo and Carlo Gambino. LaRocca was godfather to one of Gambino's sons, if I'm not mistaken, it was Tommy (but not 100% sure on that). Big John was also next door neighbors with Paul Castellano in Pompano Beach, FL and the two of them used to charter fishing boats and go deep sea fishing with their wives and family.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754279
12/19/13 12:39 PM
12/19/13 12:39 PM
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dgvc63 Offline
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Pittsburgh was a split city back in the day. I know Kelly Mannarino's family and have heard many times about the meeting with Rooney about who controls what. *Once again this post as in nearly all others I've noticed nobody mentioning non-Italian forces. Go Steelers.

Last edited by dgvc63; 12/19/13 01:13 PM.

"There are no friends in crime." ~ Muccanera

"Look everyone right in the eye and walk in like you own the joint." ~ Me

È negli occhi
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: dgvc63] #754283
12/19/13 01:00 PM
12/19/13 01:00 PM
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Southeastern Massachusetts
JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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Everybody knows that the old man Rooney won a big hand of poker and bought the Pittsburgh Steelers...allegedly, his sons placed their bets through Paul Hankish, who controlled all illegal gambling in Wheeling, WV but was under the control of John LaRocca/Michael Genovese in Pittsburgh. As far back as the late 1930's when Frank Amato Sr. took over in 1937, the Pittsburgh Crime Family were their own entity. There were some independent operators, the biggest being Anthony "Tony" Grosso, but as far as gambling went, the Pittsburgh Mob controlled 90% of it. Kelly Mannarino was LaRocca's underboss and was very active in the Havana Casinos as he owned a piece of the Sans Socui, the Nacional and the Capri. The actual successor to LaRocca was supposed to be Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, who became underboss after Kelly Mannarino died...but Jo Jo was on his way to federal prison on a racketeering conviction which is why the Pittsburgh Family chose Genovese as boss...which proved to be a good move as Mike Genovese was as low key of a boss as one could get. A good friend who was very close to some of the Pittsburgh fellas described Jo Jo Pecora as a "don of the people" meaning that everybody loved him and he always wanted to keep the peace. Mike Genovese was "extremely" arrogant and not as approachable as Pecora or LaRocca. Mike ruled with an iron fist and if you stepped out of line, he would have killed you in a minute. Check out these articles in the Post Gazette on Michael Genovese, gives some great insight.

http://www.post-gazette.com/obituaries/2...es/200611020421

http://www.post-gazette.com/Op-Ed/2009/0...es/200904190162

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-...maker-mr-rooney (Trial of Paul Hankish describing Art Rooney's gambling habits)

Last edited by JCB1977; 12/19/13 01:14 PM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754440
12/19/13 07:34 PM
12/19/13 07:34 PM
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strococs Offline
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JCB nice breakdown. I ask if the Cihal brothers would be Pittsburgh LCN associates? I think they would of had to been backed by the Pitt lcn being they were some pretty big bookmakers in the 1970's.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: strococs] #754448
12/19/13 09:08 PM
12/19/13 09:08 PM
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JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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The Cihal brothers were tied in with Bobby Iannelli and Mickey Flynn, owner of the Union Grille in Pittsburgh. They were not LCN, but they did kick up a percentage to LaRocca and Mike Genovese. Sonny Ciancutti oversaw all bookmakers from Allegheny County and collected tribute through two guys; Ralph "Big Head" Masselli and Jeff Risha. Anthony Cihal was busted back in 2003 in a illegal gambling operation ran out of the Union Grille. Bobby I assumed control of Tony Grosso's bookmaking and numbers operation along with Sal, Eugene and Adolfo Williams, all longtime associates of the LaRocca Crime Family but never made members. When Grosso went to prison, Iannelli and the Williams brothers divided up the $30 million dollar per year operation and the 5000 numbers writers that Grosso employed independent of LCN. Grosso had more political protection than LaRocca or Genovese ever had, hence why they never shook him down or extracted tribute. Anthony Cihal was close to Bobby I.

http://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_washington/20030817wacover2.asp

http://www.leagle.com/decision/1972510339FSupp171_1481

Last edited by JCB1977; 12/19/13 09:18 PM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: JCB1977] #754456
12/19/13 10:39 PM
12/19/13 10:39 PM
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strococs Offline
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Originally Posted By: JCB1977
The Cihal brothers were tied in with Bobby Iannelli and Mickey Flynn, owner of the Union Grille in Pittsburgh. They were not LCN, but they did kick up a percentage to LaRocca and Mike Genovese. Sonny Ciancutti oversaw all bookmakers from Allegheny County and collected tribute through two guys; Ralph "Big Head" Masselli and Jeff Risha. Anthony Cihal was busted back in 2003 in a illegal gambling operation ran out of the Union Grille. Bobby I assumed control of Tony Grosso's bookmaking and numbers operation along with Sal, Eugene and Adolfo Williams, all longtime associates of the LaRocca Crime Family but never made members. When Grosso went to prison, Iannelli and the Williams brothers divided up the $30 million dollar per year operation and the 5000 numbers writers that Grosso employed independent of LCN. Grosso had more political protection than LaRocca or Genovese ever had, hence why they never shook him down or extracted tribute. Anthony Cihal was close to Bobby I.

http://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_washington/20030817wacover2.asp

http://www.leagle.com/decision/1972510339FSupp171_1481


Billy and Anthony Cihal were also connected to Cleveland via Joe "the Hat" Lanese and Tony delsanter. I think they all got jammed up with John Nardi on a bookmaking pinch in the early 70's


Nice heroin ring here

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19721014&id=ArMiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dbMFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6540,3663531

Last edited by strococs; 12/19/13 11:00 PM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: strococs] #754512
12/20/13 11:20 AM
12/20/13 11:20 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
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Southeastern Massachusetts
JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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Great insight Strocco. Interestingly enough, the Sabatini brothers (Gerald, John & Robert) moved into Portage County and parts of Cuyahoga County since the fallout of the Cleveland LCN. They have been running sports bookmaking as well as barbut games in the Ravenna area.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754514
12/20/13 11:25 AM
12/20/13 11:25 AM
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JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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Southeastern Massachusetts
Tony Grosso: Numbers Kingpin (from PA Crime Commission Report on Organized Crime in Western Pennsylvania 1990)

Pennsylvania's undisputed illegal lottery kingpin, Anthony "Tony" Grosso, 76, dominated Pittsburgh's numbers-betting community for more than 40 years and built a large illicit gambling organization which grossed more than $30 million annually. In October 1986, he pled guilty to 68 counts of a federal grand jury presentment. The charges alleged that Grosso, of Mt. Lebanon, operated a numbers organization with several thousand writers scattered throughout the Western Pennsylvania region. Grosso was sentenced by a federal judge in January 1987 to 14 years in prison and later to 10 to 20 years in prison by an Allegheny County Court judge. During one hearing, Grosso testified that he had not filed a tax
return since 1973. Grosso agreed to testify against a State Police corporal who had been charged by a state grand jury with receiving more than $100,000 over several years in bribes and other illegal gratuities from Grosso. The corporal, who committed suicide shortly before he was scheduled to stand trial, was in charge of a State Police vice detail operating in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grosso has been arrested over 20 times between 1938 and the present. Relatively few of those arrests have resulted in incarceration. Prior to the 1980s, he served short jail terms for gambling-related convictions in 1943, 1950, 1964, and in the mid-1970s. Grosso, who never used a bank account, testified that he did not know how many individuals were in his gambling operation because he had established it in a pyramid fashion with himself at the top. He said he did not know the identity of "runners and writers" near the bottom of the pyramid, nor did they necessarily know his identity. He said that his operation had many telephone girls who each made about $500 per week and that each phone girl would have 10 to 20 writers "working the street." Grosso paid his writers on a percentage basis. Should a writer offer 500-to-one odds to a customer, the writer would get 40 percent. A 600-to-one odds bet would provide the writer with 30 percent. On the average, a writer who turned in about $1,000 per week in business would earn about $300 per week, tax free. Grosso said his organization would gross at least $400,000 weekly. His annual income, estimated by the IRS, was $1.5 million to $2.1 million. Grosso apparently operated without paying "direct" tribute to the Pittsburgh LCN, primarily because of his
political contacts. Because of his favorable affiliation with local political and police officials, however, Grosso
was expected to do "favors" for the LaRocca/Genovese Family-such as providing information on an ongoing investigation or an upcoming raid. Grosso's incarceration, in turn, has contributed to the Family' s dominance of illegal gambling in the Greater
Pittsburgh area. Today, the bulk of Grosso's numbers business has beentaken over by Robert "Bobby I" Iannelli; and two brothers, Adolph "Junior" Williams and Salvatore "Sal" Williams, all of Pittsburgh. Iannelli and the Williams brothers are associates of the LaRocca/Genovese LCN Family.

Last edited by JCB1977; 12/20/13 11:27 AM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754530
12/20/13 12:48 PM
12/20/13 12:48 PM
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Southeastern Massachusetts
JCB1977 Offline
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JCB1977  Offline
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Southeastern Massachusetts
Currently, Bobby Iannelli and the Williams Brothers are the principal illegal gambling operatives that were LCN associates of the LaRocca Family. I'll break it down:

• Robert Iannelli, also known as "Bobby I." Iannelli, an associate of the Pittsburgh Family, acquired, during the mid-1980s, a significant portion of Tony Grosso's numbers empire after Grosso's conviction for federal gambling and tax violations. Iannelli expanded in the greater Pittsburgh gambling market. In outlying counties, operations laid off action to Iannelli. Iannelli's sports and bookmaking enterprise ultimately
became the largest in Western Pennsylvania.
His organization included bookmakers in at least six Pennsylvania
counties and several other states. Iannelli used Chub's Place, McCandless Township, Allegheny County, a restaurant operated by his family, as a drop-off point for monies owed to the enterprise. The organization was tied through layoff activity to several other major gambling enterprises in Western Pennsylvania, including the Frank Unis, Jr., operation in Beaver
County. On June 18, 1990, Iannelli and a number of bookmakers affiliated with him were indicted by a state grand jury and were charged with operating a multi-million dollar a year sports and
numbers bookmaking enterprise. Indicted with Iannelli were two of his chief operatives, Albert Diulus of Pittsburgh and Ralph Romano of Carnegie.

• Adolph "Junior" Williams, Eugene Williams and Salvatore Williams The Williams organization, which dominates
numbers action in the Hill District, in the East End of Pittsburgh, and in the McKees Rocks area, was also heir to part of Tony Grosso's gambling empire. The Williams brothers operated two Pittsburgh businesses, Guglielmo Jewelry Store and Sugar's
Deli. Sugar's Deli, 1501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, has been used by the Williams brothers to collect and sort bets. Additionally, Salvatore Williams has acquired over 40 properties in the
Hill District, a large Black section of Pittsburgh. The Williams operation has also been connected to the gambling
enterprise operated by Paul "No Legs" Hankish in Wheeling, WV.
The Williams organization has a number of Black numbers writers in its organization, including Joseph Stotts, who accepts wagers from several Black numbers writers and collectors in the Hill District and the East End of Pittsburgh. He then forwards the action to the Williams operation. During the late 1980s, Adolph
Williams used John Deep, then-operator of the 900 Club, McKees Rocks, and his brother Eugene Williams to
expand his numbers operation in McKees Rocks. A competitor for
numbers business at that time was Robert Mancini who, on October 24, 1988, was a homicide victim. The homicide remains unsolved.
In May 1989, state authorities arrested Adolph and Eugene Williams, along with Kenneth "Leroy" Scotty, and charged them with operating an illegal lottery and bookmaking business. Those charges emanated from a grand jury investigation of gambling
activities in the McKees Rocks, Allegheny County area. In March 1990, Eugene Williams entered a no contest plea to three gambling charges and was fined $1,000. Kenneth Scotty was convicted in August 1990, on three lotteries counts. Charges
against Adolph "Junior" Williams were dismissed earlier by a district magistrate who ruled that the state had
provided insufficient evidence.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: JCB1977] #754545
12/20/13 02:11 PM
12/20/13 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted By: JCB1977
Great insight Strocco. Interestingly enough, the Sabatini brothers (Gerald, John & Robert) moved into Portage County and parts of Cuyahoga County since the fallout of the Cleveland LCN. They have been running sports bookmaking as well as barbut games in the Ravenna area.


Yeah they moved into those outer counties and had a huge numbers operation. Did they stay in the are after they were busted? I know those smaller towns Near Akron except maybe Kent , could care less about a little action. I ran some games down there before.

So did Manuel Xenakis report to Gerald Sabatini. Ironically as you know ,Xenakis is helping run a numbers ring on the outskirts of Cleveland , and he is partners with Ferrito in Erie. That is to funny.

Did any one in the Cleveland LCn get a taste of the Sabatinis?

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: strococs] #754629
12/20/13 08:41 PM
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Manny and Gerald as well as Stevie Hatzimbes all reported to Sonny Ciancutti. Ferritio laid off to Sabatini or Xenakis. Manny was partners with the Sabatini brothers...Personally, if anybody from Cleveland wanted to take the operation, it's theirs for the taking. Pittsburgh's clout is over, although "many" associates still exist. Ernie Biondillo & Frankie Lentine oversaw Portage County in the mid 1990's, with 25% supposedly going to Ronnie Carabbia's wife Jo Jo. Also, Gary Goodrick and Mike Sabella ran barbut games in Portage County.

Last edited by JCB1977; 12/20/13 08:48 PM.
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754682
12/21/13 11:41 AM
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most of the guys are gone...the oldest Sabatini brother passed...big head passed...the remaining Sabatini brothers are said to be at odds and on the outs with Sonny and on their own...Junior and one of the Sabatini brothers had a falling out over a mexico deal or something like that...Duffy is back but not doing much of anything...Pittsburgh is wide open...but there is nothing there to fight over...so the remaining few associates are carving up the carcass of a onetime major city and eating scraps...


"Ya Can't Put A Price-Tag On A Good Time"

- Me
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: TommyCigarrs] #754683
12/21/13 11:51 AM
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These guys have been on the outs with Sonny for a while. The Sabatini's as of three years ago were still running gambling in Portage County, OH.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754690
12/21/13 12:10 PM
12/21/13 12:10 PM
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When did Ralph "Big Head" Maselli die?

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754721
12/21/13 04:10 PM
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Big Head died almost a year ago to the day...around this time...


"Ya Can't Put A Price-Tag On A Good Time"

- Me
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754723
12/21/13 04:14 PM
12/21/13 04:14 PM
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The Sabatinis are still in ohio...they tried a run in Florida...and tried to buy a restaurant chain in Pa...now they are peddling used cars and roll your own cigarette machines...hey...the keep trying...


"Ya Can't Put A Price-Tag On A Good Time"

- Me
Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754745
12/21/13 06:22 PM
12/21/13 06:22 PM
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When they went to Ohio, they were under the supervision of Charles "Charlie Murgie" Imburgia....who was a lot bigger than Sonny.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754749
12/21/13 06:49 PM
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Thanks Tommy.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #754802
12/21/13 11:57 PM
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Great info Tommy...stay in touch regarding Pittsburgh.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #755106
12/23/13 03:23 PM
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Was eboli the cousin of the Genovese boss considered with Pitt?

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: strococs] #755203
12/23/13 11:29 PM
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No, Alfonse "Little Al" D'Arco, boss of the Lucchese Family was first cousins with Joseph "Joe" Sica, former Capo in Pittsburgh and father in law to Pittsburgh soldier/then capo Frank Rosa. D'Arco was invited to join Pittsburgh but didn't want to take orders from his cousin, Joe Sica.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Philip_Lombardo] #769470
03/24/14 02:47 PM
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Any information on Herman Lardieri? He used to run some night clubs in Altoona, PA.

http://openjurist.org/497/f2d/317/united-states-v-lardieri

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Buccinese] #769689
03/25/14 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted By: Buccinese
Any information on Herman Lardieri? He used to run some night clubs in Altoona, PA.

http://openjurist.org/497/f2d/317/united-states-v-lardieri

Pretty neat you got any more info on Altoona? What clubs did he run, I heard there was some decent mob activity in altoona back in the day. Seeing thats where I'm from, im allways interested. JCB would be the guy to ask but I think he got banned, what up with that? That guy had alot of good info.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: overcoat] #769716
03/26/14 09:59 AM
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I can recall many a chats with Corbo and the weep at Brunswick Billiards. Old timers through and through.

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: Itiswhatitis] #769825
03/26/14 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted By: Itiswhatitis
I can recall many a chats with Corbo and the weep at Brunswick Billiards. Old timers through and through.

How long ago was this? Just curious I had a guy that worked for me that use to run around at a pool hall with those guys and he told me some interesting stories, any of these guys still around or any activity?

Re: How big were Pittsburgh during their peak [Re: overcoat] #769920
03/27/14 11:30 AM
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Approx twenty years ago. I was in the adult entertainment business and they attempted to dip in but not a real threat. Not sure if any still around. I believe Corbo passed last year.

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