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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: strococs]
#795278
08/11/14 09:28 AM
08/11/14 09:28 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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I have no "direct" knowledge, but he was suspected of multiple murders in the late1970's and early 1980's for Jo Jo Pecora. Friend of Henry, hence the name, will be able to better answer. Although he and Zebo broke bread on many occasions, Friend of Henry was as close as you could be without crossing the line of no return.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Bugsyvegas1930]
#795310
08/11/14 12:29 PM
08/11/14 12:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
strococs
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
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I have no "direct" knowledge, but he was suspected of multiple murders in the late1970's and early 1980's for Jo Jo Pecora. Friend of Henry, hence the name, will be able to better answer. Although he and Zebo broke bread on many occasions, Friend of Henry was as close as you could be without crossing the line of no return. Last thing you want is direct knowledge of A murder ! Was just curious about Henry , Since Strollo never pulled the trigger and he got made.
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: strococs]
#795314
08/11/14 12:52 PM
08/11/14 12:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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I have no "direct" knowledge, but he was suspected of multiple murders in the late1970's and early 1980's for Jo Jo Pecora. Friend of Henry, hence the name, will be able to better answer. Although he and Zebo broke bread on many occasions, Friend of Henry was as close as you could be without crossing the line of no return. Last thing you want is direct knowledge of A murder ! Was just curious about Henry , Since Strollo never pulled the trigger and he got made. Lenny Strollo certainly pulled the trigger on a few occasions on orders from Jimmy Prato. It was the late 1960's and it happened with Pat Feruccio. If I'm not mistaken, they whacked two guys who were brothers from East Liverpool, OH.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Bugsyvegas1930]
#795315
08/11/14 12:56 PM
08/11/14 12:56 PM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 814
Friend_of_Henry
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 814
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I have no "direct" knowledge, but he was suspected of multiple murders in the late1970's and early 1980's for Jo Jo Pecora. Friend of Henry, hence the name, will be able to better answer. Although he and Zebo broke bread on many occasions, Friend of Henry was as close as you could be without crossing the line of no return. Fortunately Henry never allowed me to even consider "The Life". I was truly a "Family Friend", but a very close friend. Thus a simple answer to the question: Yes, Henry was made late in life by Michael in a very private ceremony. As you would suspect: Murder was never discussed - period. As I previously stated: Henry was part of Jo Jo's original crew. He went with Joe to West Virginia. He built a really nice ranch home not far from the clubs and lived with his second wife, Sheila and raised their daughters. Henry started as a bus-boy at Club 30 then as pit-boss at theJockey Club and finally as Casino Manager at the Red Dog. After the clubs closed in West Virginia, he was the Jo Jo's go between with Paul Hankish, Pat Ferruccio and Lenny Strollo. He and Pat were avid stamp collectors ;-) Henry also managed a homemade pasta business in New Castle, Pa. As the All-American Club in Campbell grew into one of the highest grossing casinos outside of Las Vegas, he was assigned to protect Pittsburgh's sizeable interests.It was under Lenny's control and managed by his lifelong friend, Bernie the Jew. Bernie, a degenerate gambler, real tough guy and loose cannon, became harder to manage. Thus Zebo, one of the very few that Bernie feared and more important, respected, spent most of his evenings at the club. After Joey Naples death, Lenny really got too full of himself. BTW: Lenny didn't order Joey's demise. Michael grew concerned that Lenny would really go off the rails and insisted that Zebo be made. After-all, how could/would Lenny, a made man himself, take orders from a non made man? Henry never wanted to be made as he always felt he didn't need a target on his back, just let me make money. As I learned in later years, Henry always felt that Jo Jo held him back because he refused to be made. He always felt that he didn't make the kind of money he deserved and realized that this was his opportunity. If fact he told me he never made any real money until Michael took over. Ultimately his dream was the casino on the Indian reservation. All of that came to an end with Chuckie. Additionally Henry was diagnosed with a terminal bone cancer. He was placed on a donor list but felt that one of his "close" FBI friends may have held him back. Thus his early death ;-(
"Never walk in a room that you don't know how to get out of"- Henry Zottola
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Friend_of_Henry]
#795323
08/11/14 01:57 PM
08/11/14 01:57 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
strococs
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
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I have no "direct" knowledge, but he was suspected of multiple murders in the late1970's and early 1980's for Jo Jo Pecora. Friend of Henry, hence the name, will be able to better answer. Although he and Zebo broke bread on many occasions, Friend of Henry was as close as you could be without crossing the line of no return. Fortunately Henry never allowed me to even consider "The Life". I was truly a "Family Friend", but a very close friend. Thus a simple answer to the question: Yes, Henry was made late in life by Michael in a very private ceremony. As you would suspect: Murder was never discussed - period. As I previously stated: Henry was part of Jo Jo's original crew. He went with Joe to West Virginia. He built a really nice ranch home not far from the clubs and lived with his second wife, Sheila and raised their daughters. Henry started as a bus-boy at Club 30 then as pit-boss at theJockey Club and finally as Casino Manager at the Red Dog. After the clubs closed in West Virginia, he was the Jo Jo's go between with Paul Hankish, Pat Ferruccio and Lenny Strollo. He and Pat were avid stamp collectors ;-) Henry also managed a homemade pasta business in New Castle, Pa. As the All-American Club in Campbell grew into one of the highest grossing casinos outside of Las Vegas, he was assigned to protect Pittsburgh's sizeable interests.It was under Lenny's control and managed by his lifelong friend, Bernie the Jew. Bernie, a degenerate gambler, real tough guy and loose cannon, became harder to manage. Thus Zebo, one of the very few that Bernie feared and more important, respected, spent most of his evenings at the club. After Joey Naples death, Lenny really got too full of himself. BTW: Lenny didn't order Joey's demise. Michael grew concerned that Lenny would really go off the rails and insisted that Zebo be made. After-all, how could/would Lenny, a made man himself, take orders from a non made man? Henry never wanted to be made as he always felt he didn't need a target on his back, just let me make money. As I learned in later years, Henry always felt that Jo Jo held him back because he refused to be made. He always felt that he didn't make the kind of money he deserved and realized that this was his opportunity. If fact he told me he never made any real money until Michael took over. Ultimately his dream was the casino on the Indian reservation. All of that came to an end with Chuckie. Additionally Henry was diagnosed with a terminal bone cancer. He was placed on a donor list but felt that one of his "close" FBI friends may have held him back. Thus his early death ;-( Imagine taking the risks and not making much cash. I think allot guys ended up being brokesters . I could see the feds doing that . Probably saying to give it to some Joe Citizen. Anyway thanks for the info
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: strococs]
#795347
08/11/14 02:45 PM
08/11/14 02:45 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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Last thing you want is direct knowledge of A murder ! Was just curious about Henry , Since Strollo never pulled the trigger and he got made.
Lenny Strollo certainly pulled the trigger on a few occasions on orders from Jimmy Prato. It was the late 1960's and it happened with Pat Feruccio. If I'm not mistaken, they whacked two guys who were brothers from East Liverpool, OH. [/quote] Thanks he probably did, I remember reading Strollo saying he was made eligible for induction after helping setting up Charlie the Crab. I Guess I misread what he was saying there. I took it as that would of been his participation in A murder. [/quote] Keep in mind that Lenny was and is a sociopath. Lenny gave the Feds "what they wanted" which was the corrupt politicians such as prosecutors, judges, the Mahoning County Sheriff, Campbell Police Chief, Mahoning County Engineer, crooked union officials and prominent businessmen and Charles O'Nesti, former Youngstown Fire Chief who was a top aide to congressman Jim Traficant. Lenny was not going to be honest about who he clipped personally because his plea bargain and 12 year sentence depended on it.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Spadine]
#795474
08/12/14 09:29 AM
08/12/14 09:29 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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Scalish good to hear from you .i can see some still cant read between lines. THERE IS still lcn here . Not just because of feast . My friend , i knew & know each of these names i mention personaly . Jacks clothes have nothing to do with his $$$$ . Im just stating how cheap he was . This also led to demise of cleve because no new guys were really made - hence he didnt want to share anymore of the cash w/ others . I wish i knew you or you knew who I am - you therefore would not question what i have stated . There is plenty more but to not give myself away things need be left alone & you westsiders always had a problem w/ us . I would say irish if i had to guess . Cleve is nowhere near what they once were , but there are still those left w/ many associates & they do operate in lcn heirarchy. Again , if you knew , rjp does in fact lead minutemen which is his main thing as to the partner of the other part of that business which is run by a certain member & his close ally. Stay tuned ! Minutemen is a temp agency that was run by old Sam Lucarelli. Let me ask you, why does the FBI not acknowledge Cleveland as a traditional LCN family? Are the FBI and Justice Department that stupid? While I believe that a "few" former members may be running schemes, they are not relevant in the LCN scene throughout the nation or even recognized as a family any longer. RJP is 75+ years old, hardly intimidating anymore. Loose is a joke, always was, always will be in terms of respect. Are you trying to sell to the board that Cleveland is alive and well? There are more Albanians and Slovak's running schemes in Cleveland than there are Italians.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Sinito]
#795941
08/14/14 08:54 AM
08/14/14 08:54 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
strococs
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
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Feast starts tomorrow, can't wait! Word is your getting your button at nido tonight? I am gona stop down for A drink tongiht. See you there
Last edited by strococs; 08/14/14 08:55 AM.
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Spadine]
#796083
08/15/14 08:35 AM
08/15/14 08:35 AM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 814
Friend_of_Henry
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 814
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The fbi nor jd are that stupid.they still have 2 guys on cleve & youngstown . I think they are confused bout some things w/ the different families & connections. Just my thought, but alot of others agree . You seem to know things that do not come from google & also respectful in your ways. Im sure you were close to or very good friends of the players .No sales ! Im personaly telling you they are alive & well . Nothing like days past in no ways . But alive & operating .They have alot of legit & very lucrative businesses .This helps in keeping low profile .I have a question if you will answer /if not i understand . Your name indicates vegas & just wondering if you are there or originally from . ? RJP runs it & Oliverio runs its sister co 888- ohio comp./ also minutemen has large companies they own(same type ) in chicago & few other cities .FBI tried in vain to nail them in chicago - but were unsuccessful . All of these chi town ties were from prior years ago . No disrespect , here either , but Loose strained those as w/ other families , becuz of his ways . He wasnt business savvy & brutal attitude were not welcomed by others .Also you are correct - they are not muscle like old days . Trust this - if need be , they can flex & w/help of chitwn or ny .(fratto , scalise , distefano-bigtime shy - ,janeece & few others who were very close w/ Cerone & difonzio . We talk later - i will get some input from you & continue IMHO Spadine only speaks of things he actually has knowledge of, not something he simply found on the internet. I also believe that he was a Cleveland "Family Friend" much like I was a Pittsburgh "Family Friend". Thus I hold his opinion in high regards.
"Never walk in a room that you don't know how to get out of"- Henry Zottola
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Spadine]
#796114
08/15/14 10:42 AM
08/15/14 10:42 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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Now I can buy what you just said in regards to legitimate businesses. I'm not from Vegas, was watching the movie Bugsy when I signed up for the forum. I do hail from Northeast Ohio and I knew a few guys...I'll leave it at that. My contention is that Cleveland doesn't have a traditional hierarchy like the old days, but more of a few elder statesmen like RJ and Loose who still have associates. RJ is in his mid 70's though, gotta be winding down. I know for a fact that Carabbia is not involved in illegal activity and spends most of his time in Sarasota around his son and is an officer of Sky King Fireworks...ironic! I appreciate your candid demeanor as well. Enjoy the feast, I'm craving a pie from Mama Santa's!
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: oldschool3]
#796553
08/18/14 10:35 AM
08/18/14 10:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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I will certainly defer to you guys above in regards to the NE Ohio scene, but what I am told and understand is sometimes at odds with what I am hearing here. There are some outstanding posters on this site, but some of the info. is a little outdated with all respect. I have seen FBI agent Roger Greenbank quoted on this forum in regards to NE Ohio/Pittsburgh, but in all truth he has been gone for almost 15 years and the current lay of the land has changed. While I wholeheartedly agree that the old power structure is gone, the structure itself has not..at least that is my understanding. Some of the names that have been mentioned as highly regarded "associates" who were going to be made in the late 90's are still around and functioning as made soldiers...again, from what I am told. I also read someone on this site say that there were 18 made men remaining in Pittsburgh...that is certainly not true, but saying that Sonny C. is the last remaining is also a stretch. Sonny is the last made guy from the traditional LCN family in Pittsburgh. It is true, there are associates left who continue "smaller scale" bookmaking operations, but they are certainly not made. While SA Greenbank has been gone for a while, he still consults with the FBI in Pittsburgh. Mike Genovese was the last official boss as after he died, it was only Bazzano Jr and Sonny who were left after Genovese's death in October of 2006.
Last edited by Bugsyvegas1930; 08/18/14 10:37 AM.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: oldschool3]
#796613
08/18/14 03:06 PM
08/18/14 03:06 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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As I said above, I will defer your expertise, but I am getting different feedback. Do you know who "Tim" might be...his name has come up several times, but I don't have any idea of who he might be. Also, from what I am told, the FBI really has no to nominal interest in what these guys are doing, so I'm not sure any of them have any good info. at this point. I have recently heard, more than once, that Bobby I. is really running things while Sonny plays the ponies, and that the whole kick up scheme is still intact....at least in regards to book/sharking. Timmy Leonardo...somebody pm'd me about him and he has never come up in any case regarding OC in Pittsburgh for the last 30 years. Bobby I always was an independent associate of LCN but he is pushing 85. Again, I don't doubt that there is bookmaking going on, but the traditional LCN hierarchy died with Mike Genovese. Keep in mind that the FBI and the Justice Dept had dismantled the crime family and it's factions. West Virginia went under after the 1990 trial of high ranking associate Paul Hankish. The 1999 cooperation of Lenny Strollo who secured close to 70 convictions in Youngstown alone put the nail in the coffin on the NE Ohio faction. By the year 2000, the only made guys (with the exception of Strollo & Porter who defected) left were Mike Genovese (died in 2006), Pat Ferruccio (died in 2006) Charlie Imburgia (who was retired and died in 2002), Sonny Amato (died in 2003), Sonny Ciancutti and John Bazzano Jr(died in 2008) who were all in their 70's and 80's by then. The Altoona faction went under after the conviction of John Verilla in the mid 80's. The LaRocca's still had associates in Erie but their strength there went away when James "Westfield Jimmy" Salamone died in the late 1980's. Mike Genovese only made 5 guys in his 21 year reign. Chucky Porter and Sonny Ciancutti in 1986, Joey Naples & Lenny Strollo in 1987 and Henry Zottola in 1989-90.
Last edited by Bugsyvegas1930; 08/18/14 03:21 PM.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Sinito]
#797474
08/22/14 02:37 AM
08/22/14 02:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
Bugsyvegas1930
Made Member
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Made Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 134
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Spadine or Bugsy, who are those two brothers that were at Nidos all weekend? They look like twins, early 50's. They were there from open to close, even behind the bar. I see them downtown a lot, they dress like they're straight out of gangster movie lol, but are pretty cool to talk to. I don't live in Ohio any longer, so I missed the feast this year. I come back to Youngstown 3-4 times per year.
Uncle Charlie once said; "Don't get into pissing matches with skunks."
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: DallasConnected]
#798347
08/26/14 07:05 AM
08/26/14 07:05 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
strococs
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: DallasConnected]
#798348
08/26/14 07:06 AM
08/26/14 07:06 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
strococs
Capo
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Capo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 375
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Spadine]
#798405
08/26/14 11:08 AM
08/26/14 11:08 AM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1
JimmyTrims
Associate
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Associate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1
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You referring to the short chubby guy ? Owner angelo & his friend al m. Or someone else / there were quite a few guys there loose, oliverio , rjp & his brother , ralph & mike bucci , lucien & rick , - you gotta be more specific . One thing also , rjp really isnt involved in realestate - its his brother . Rjp is pres & runs minutemen & believe this - its a huge $$ maker . Ohio comp - run by oliverio is its sister co . Owned by late sam luc( no relation to ron luc ) they have places in chi town & ny . There is proof from feds & fbi on all thi. You have to back in early 2000's & mid- late 90's & see they went after them & couldnt prove anything. Its on file .& it shows cleves direct connect to chicago & ny .ny is all thru fat tony & trafficante who kept low in fla . & set alot up also to vegas fromthere . Bookmaking is huge for them & the russian & albanians they deal w/ for computer scams . - check out some of the old pill mills & see who they trace back to . We'll talk more . I was born & raised on the hill & lived there from 50's thru 80's & still go quite a bit . Not made or an assoc - just very close & know alot - saw alot & was around almost all of the old & new guys What are the Bucci's up to? Weren't they involved in arson?
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Re: Cleveland's Bookmaking Operation.....
[Re: Spadine]
#798470
08/26/14 03:44 PM
08/26/14 03:44 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 48
Sinito
Wiseguy
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Wiseguy
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 48
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You referring to the short chubby guy ? Owner angelo & his friend al m. Or someone else / there were quite a few guys there loose, oliverio , rjp & his brother , ralph & mike bucci , lucien & rick , - you gotta be more specific . One thing also , rjp really isnt involved in realestate - its his brother . Rjp is pres & runs minutemen & believe this - its a huge $$ maker . Ohio comp - run by oliverio is its sister co . Owned by late sam luc( no relation to ron luc ) they have places in chi town & ny . There is proof from feds & fbi on all thi. You have to back in early 2000's & mid- late 90's & see they went after them & couldnt prove anything. Its on file .& it shows cleves direct connect to chicago & ny .ny is all thru fat tony & trafficante who kept low in fla . & set alot up also to vegas fromthere . Bookmaking is huge for them & the russian & albanians they deal w/ for computer scams . - check out some of the old pill mills & see who they trace back to . We'll talk more . I was born & raised on the hill & lived there from 50's thru 80's & still go quite a bit . Not made or an assoc - just very close & know alot - saw alot & was around almost all of the old & new guys ^^
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