He passed away on 26 Apr 2001 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, USA. Not after. Toddo told Rava that he had the contract to kill him. He befriended Simone and shot him to his death. To Johns defense, Sammy had a knack for killing people that stood in the way of his greed or ability to control. Joe is retired from Marshalls Express and was previously employed by Gardella Transportation. Apparently, although Aponte and Castalana were able to identify Aurello as one of the assailants after his arrest, by the time the case reached the court, the women were unsure if Aurello was really one of the men who robbed them. When one of his relatives pointed out the uncanny similarities between Salvatore and his uncle Sammy, he came to be known as Sammy. Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano (born March 12, 1945) is an American former mobster who became underboss of the Gambino crime family. The book forgot to mention the murder of Alan Kaiser. His men were also known to engage in various thefts, the fencing of stolen goods, and suspected strong-arm work over the years, mostly within Kings County (Brooklyn) and Richmond County (Staten Island). So keep your peepers peeled, ok folks. In another instance, he raised his hand and threatened to kill DiBono over money. Multiple times we see Sammys contempt for authority/rules translate to his Mafia dealings. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Regardless of how or why it happened, Sammy would benefit the most, taking over DiBs rackets and bumping up his cash flow. What I found most fascinating is his reflections after he participated in murders and a deep dive into the psyche of a killer. Gene Gotti asked Toddo's son Charlie Aurello to whack Sammy Gravano after he went into the Witness Protection Program but he refused, check it out Paddy Pasquale's Podcast. He also buried Gottis alleged consigliere Frank Locascio, along with dozens of other mafiosi in a variety of Mafia Families all along the eastern seaboard. After giving it a thought, Gravano agreed to plan the murder and succeeded in killing Castellano. Salvatore Gravano was born on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, USA. According to the informant, James Failla aka Jimmy Brown was boss of the garbage carters association.. Anyone have any information on him? This database contains family trees submitted to Ancestry by users who have indicated that their tree can only be viewed by Ancestry members to whom they have granted permission to see their tree. Discover your family history in millions of family trees and more than a billion birth,marriage, death, census, and miltary records. All Rights Reserved. By all accounts, despite his wild hijinks as a kid, he was a low-keyed member who operated successfully under law enforcements radar for most of his underworld career. He didnt come from a broken home. Tokyo Joe - Ken Eto. When the villain thinks he is the hero of the story. John requested through Peter Gotti that he be allowed to join the organization. How can you question this tell-all peek into his soul? Informant stated that when Rava and his companion got out of their car, he was approached by Toddo and his followers with guns in their hands. He was born in Stamford on April 8, 1942 to the late Salvatore (Toddo) and Vincenza Catino Ienner. Tony Accardo Jackie Cerone Sam Battaglia Having Dinner, your welcome bro I know you like that one, sam would be called the little polack way back. Gravano also started a construction business to earn good income, but later, he was charged for double murder by a former associate. Johns flamboyant personality was also a betrayal of Cosa Nostra. Theres not a lot out there about him. Salvatore "Toddo" Bruno married Salvatore "Toddo" Bruno. Well, Michael was there too (and has the arrest sheet to prove it). His rampage ended up impressing Aurello who then offered him a membership in the Gambino family. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Sammy is also known for his close association with four of the Five Families that were involved in organized crime. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet Nizolek Ienner and their two children, James Ienner and Stacey Ienner Pellegrino, both of Norwalk. Sammys biography is wholly superior to that of Michaels, the book goes far deeper into the state, organization, and politics of LCN both within the Gambino Family and New York as a whole. He is juxtaposed versus other Mafia leaders to demonstrate that he is not Boss material. He doesn't look close to being that fat. Sammy does not skimp on stories and events, and readers are bombarded with more characters and plotlines than a Leo Tolstoy novel. https://themobmuseum.org/blog/u-s-judge-rebukes-sammy-the-bulls-bid-for-reduction-of-twenty-year-drug-sentence/, https://nypost.com/2017/09/20/mob-boss-sammy-the-bull-gravano-released-from-prison-early/, http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/newly-released-sammy-gravano-safe-today-brooklyn-article-1.3513875, https://www.newsmax.com/thewire/salvatore-gravano-sammy-the-bull-released-prison/2017/09/20/id/814779/. His father, Giorlando Gravano, and his mother, Caterina Gravano, owned a dress factory that was financed by a dress manufacturer. Beloved mother of Vincent, Louis, Adele "Chickie" Buono, and the late Tommy. Sammy was imprisoned for tax evasion, attempted murders and drug trafficking. If you have information to add or a correction please comment below . He seems to have had the persona of a very quiet racketeer. He was Pauls guardian angel until he wasnt. Salvatore Oddo Accumulation of the transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a major hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, collectively known as TDP-43 proteinopathies. We are given a unique narrative that explores the ins and outs of the mob. After Ravas murder in late 1957, the crew split between Neil Dellacroce and Anthony Rizzo. Sammy always has interesting stories about him. Therefore, Michael Franzese is lying when he says he was made on Halloween night in 1975. Notice: Undefined index: Id_Personne in /var/www/html/v2/Menu.php on line 228 Warning: mysqli_num_rows() expects parameter 1 to be mysqli_result, boolean given in . Copyright 2019-2023, Button Guys of The New York Mafia. Was he? Sammy was appalled at Johns characterization of himself as being a mad dog begging John to let him kill people left and right. Tommy the . Published by Staten Island Advance on Nov. 3, 2009. He killed Joseph Colucci, an associate of Spero, who was plotting to murder Gravano and Spero. My compliments. The book has a fantastic subtle way of portraying the deterioration of La Cosa Nostra, which I found extremely refreshing. After his release, he focused on his construction business, until he entered into a dispute with his business partner and a member of Gambino, Louis DiBono. Interestingly, the blast was also intended to kill Gravano and Gotti. Sammy never needed to join the Mafia. He was released in 2017, with federal parole slapped on him for the rest of his life. He started off with larceny, hijacking, racketeering, organizing illegal poker games in clubs, etc. He is known for being a prominent member of the New York. In 1963, a Top-Echelon FBI informant, identified only as NY-3461-C-TE, who was most probably undercover Gambino Family soldier Alfred (Freddy the Sidge) Santantonio, named dozens of local hoodlums for the FBI as actually being made members of the Mafia. Interment will follow at St. Johns Cemetery, Darien. Gathered from those who lived during the same time period , were born in the same place, or who have a family name in common. He's known as a "Mustache Pete", which unlike the younger Sicilian-Americans known as the "Young Turks", the Mustache Pete's' had . He is a seriously obscure figure to get info on, this podcast about him just popped up sometime last week and it's very good. Carmine Persico would personally school and look out for the young criminal. Well, once again, the book does confirm that killing someone was not a prerequisite to being made in that era of LCN. Who has the pictures of the Giuseppe Bono wedding? Rava, according to the informant, stood facing his assassins with blood spouting out of his chest and looked contemptuously at Little Toddo and his associates. Born In: Brooklyn, New York, United States, Also Known As: Salvatore Gravano, Sammy the Bull Gravano, See the events in life of Sammy Gravano in Chronological Order, (American MobsterBest Known as the Underboss of the 'Gambino Crime Family'). Through the years he thoroughly enjoyed the band competitions, baseball, basketball and volleyball games that his grandchildren participated in. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. No guilt. SALVATORE "TODDO MARINO" MAIORANA/67 **POSSIBLE THAT NUNZIO "HARRY" LANZA WAS CAPO INSTEAD OF TODDO MAIORANO** THOMAS "TOMMY RYAN" EBOLI/54/PASQUALE "PATTY RYAN" EBOLI?/41 (AC) . If you can filter out the egoism, it makes for a great read. This caused a major concern for Gravano as he was certain that Gotti was trying to make him the scapegoat. Is this the only picture of Toddo that exists? Brooklyn would always be the center of Toddo Aurellos world and where he would reside and operate for the remainder of his days. Through deep-dive biographies and snapshots of mobsters to in-depth stories about mafia regimes and crews, youll uncover an underworld you might never have known existed maybe even in your own hometown! After the assailants fled and took off by car, Aponte and Castalana ran to a window, flung it open, and started screaming at the top of their lungs. He looks different in every photo from the younger days. At least he was self-aware. Project Manager at Overland, Pacific, & Cutler, LLC, (OPC) The Ohio State University View profile . In May, 1986, Gotti was arrested under charges of RICO, and Gravano became the acting boss. Sammys coping mechanism and justification for what he had done was to believe his betrayal paled in comparison to John Gottis betrayal towards him. Gravano, however, went back to his normal life and opened an after-hour club and a convenience store in his hometown, Bensonhurst. Can you blame Sammy for flipping? The book is written in a fairly digestible way where most chapters focus on a theme/story even if some chapters are not placed in chronological order. Salvatore Sammy the Bull Gravano is a criminal, best known as the underboss of the Gambino family, which was involved in a host of criminal activities. Liborio "Louie" Milito (Unknown - March 8th 1986) was a soldier in the Gambino crime family. Salvatore "Sal" Cincinelli Facebook. His son, Charlie Boy, reportedly died some twenty years later, in 2018. In 1985, Gravano was asked by John Gottis friend to plot the murder of Castellano. With no underboss, Gravano took charge with another associate. I think Gravano said, in "Underboss," that Aurello was his first mentor. In 1990 he became underboss, a position he held . All rights reserved. Salvatore D'Aquila was the first recognized boss of what is now called the Gambino Family, leading a large Palermitani faction in New York City as they emigrated. travis county water district map dutch oven camping recipes uk sentiero madonna della salute vittorio veneto saeco incanto bean hopper error Sammys parents owned a house, a summer cottage, and a garment factory! Many people in the city of Norwalk will also remember him as Coach Joe at Norwalk Pop Warner/NAA Football when he led the Rangers to an undefeated, un-scored upon season in 1977. Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano (born March 12, 1945) is an American former mobster who became underboss of the Gambino crime family. A quiet ending to an equally quiet career for a highly-respected mafioso. In 1980, he was ordered to murder John Johnny Keys Simone. To a reader like me, this seems unfathomable. (816) 308-2943 (Birch Telecom of Missouri, Inc) is the only phone number Salvatore has. Despite constant proclamations from himself and his peers of being true Cosa Nostra (even when becoming an informant), the book is filled with instances where he trampled on Cosa Nostra principles when it served him. These trees can change over time as users edit, remove, or otherwise modify the data in their trees. How did they not meet or see each other? By the late 1960s, federal law enforcement authorities said Avarello was then serving as the capo di decina over a Gambino Family crew based in Brooklyn. More importantly, we get to see how Sammy Gravano was different in his conduct and thought process compared to his fellow mobsters, and why that enabled him to become so successful. This Napoleonic complex made it so that Sammy always had to be the best at everything; he was the best shooter, he conquered the most broads; he was the biggest earner; Sammy Gravano always had to be first. Thanks Moe. More like an Irish. The list of nicknames below is not restricted to members, leaders and associates of the American Mafia. The former Premier League winning boss had to watch the second half events from the stands, where he joined assistant Salvatore Foti, who himself was serving a touchline ban for using insults from . Obviously, I didn't know that Toddo was Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello, a capo in the Gambino crime family, and my father's boss and mentor in the mob. Loving grandmother and great-grandmother. He often got into fights with his peers, and also went into an altercation with his Junior High School Principal and ended up assaulting him. He eventually became a regular offender and was finally sent to serve the U.S Army in 1964. But his boss Paul Castellano wanted him dead and ordered his men to kill Gravano if he stood in their way. He was born in Stamford on April 8, 1942 to the late Salvatore (Toddo) and Vincenza Catino Ienner. By and large only those in the local underworld knew him, or knew of him. Right from the get-go, John Gotti is presented as hot-headed, arrogant, and incompetent. Funny how in Gotti, Paul Castellano was portrayed as a human elephant. In the April of 1986, DeCicco was killed in a car bomb blast. More often than not, Sammy would explain away his actions as justifiable and shifted the blame (and the guilt I presume) to the now-deceased individual. We collect and match historical records that Ancestry users have contributed to their family trees to create each person's profile. Gravano married Debra Scibetta in 1971 and has two children with her - a daughter named Karen and a son named Gerard. Salvatore D'Aquila was born in November 1877 Palermo, Sicily and immigrated to America in 1906 at the age of 29. Their impending clash will be something special. Through his diligence and sheer tenacity, he managed to turn a half-done club into a main attraction of the neighborhood. I don't think we can upload from our machine but I could be wrong. Tim KangOscarOscarSalvatoreOscarLily . He was however, charged for tax evasion due to the triggered IRS investigation. This crew was based out of Worcester and formed in the 30s/40s . After he got married, Toddo and his wife and kids moved to a home at 1611 81st Street, just a few blocks away from his mother. I invoke my right under the 5th amendment of the United States constitution and decline to answer the question. Frank had bought The Plaza Suite from Gravano, but even before paying him the full amount he started acting like he owned the place which didnt go well with Gravano. Cosa Nostra was a sham, an old way of thinking that was not upheld by his generation of mobsters. After bribing a juror, Gravano got Gotti acquitted. Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello Sammy Gravano Carmine Galante Vic Amuso Antonio Caponigro and Frank Sindone Antonio Caponigro Roy De Meo Frank Lino and Ronald Filocomo Anthony Casso . Applications were mailed on February 15,2023 , to all individuals who held a 2022 MA Commercial Coastal Lobster permit. When Gotti went ahead with his tapes, Gravano made his final move and agreed to testify against Gotti. Aurello was charged with attempted assault and armed robbery with a gun, and the future mafioso was held in lieu of $5000 bail. With one single test, you can discover your genetic origins and find family you nenver know you had. Updated. How about the fact that he schemed behind Rizzos back to get Louie made because he thought he deserved it? Louis Filippelli is a nephew of Squitieri and Squitieri is married to Sisca's sister. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. Two years later, Gravano ordered his men to plot the murder of Frank Fiala, a cocaine dealer. Tommy Palmer - Thomas Greco. He was released on September 18, 2017, but will forever remain on federal parole. Born in United States on 24 Feb 1913 to Vincent Bruno and Josephine Tarsi. Although the book is extremely faithful and authentic in terms of events, his significance or role within certain stories made me question it due to the earlier point of Sammys superiority complex. I think you have to use image hosting sites. From being complimented for his courage by different Gambino captains to being called the best witness theyve ever seen by a federal judge; Sammys ego is continuously stroked. But despite his best efforts, it seems Aurello either neglected to teach his young student some key lessons, or Gravano missed the value of what Aurello had taught him. (A number of underworld figures did not approve of their widely used nicknames and discouraged their use.) He was a Cove Boy, long-time member of the Sons of Italy and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 191. He was discharged from his duties with honour in 1966. . But these guys listed below reported to Dellacroce (there may have been others but these are the ones I know about): Very accurate and informative list CNote. He thought his boss would spare Nicholas life after seeing him getting thrashed at the hands of his brother-in-law. The robbers had told the ladies to take off all their clothes hoping it would prevent them from chasing down the three young hoods when they fled the apartment. All this served as foreshadowing to the decay of the mob, personified in John Gotti. Burdened with the worlds biggest chip on their shoulder, Salvatore Sammy the Bull Gravano cannot get enough of himself. Michael also claims that he didnt make his bones when becoming a made man, an assertion many say is impossible. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. In May 1934 when he was only 20 years old, Toddo Aurello became known as the dress bandit by newspapers after he and two other young hoodlums pushed their way into a Brooklyn apartment and robbed two women of cash and jewelry after forcing them to remove all their clothing. Santantonio said John Morales was the "acting boss" when Joseph Bonanno was absent from New York City. Button Guys of The New York Mafia. Some in law enforcement circles also suspected that Toddo Aurello was involved in the late-1950s disappearance and presumed murder of Anastasia Family loyalist and capo regime, Armand (Tommy) Rava, in South Florida. Yep capo all the ones you posted have been removed from the hosting site. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. The informant further reported that Aniello Dellacroce was also up for the hit parade during this time, but was able to make amends and got himself reinstated with Carlo Gambino and the newly formed Family hierarchy, who had since taken over the Anastasia Family. He also owned a discotheque called The Plaza Suite that earned him good money. Casmo Panarelli, Angelo Iacone, and Salvatore lacone. Brooklyn, New York, United States. Beloved mother of Carmine (Patricia), Stephen (the late Alma), & MarieAnn Dobrowsky (Gene). Prosecutors told him that they thought he was the real gangster, not John Gotti. Certain passages/phrases in the book sounded like something Tobias Funke from Arrested Development would say. Recommend Joseph's obituary to your friends. At the beginning of almost every chapter, readers are introduced to an old legendary Mafia heavyweight ranging from Joseph Colombo to Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello (Gambino skipper) who serve as mentors to Sammy, schooling him in the "true ways" of the mob. He was 74 years old. Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello Philip "Joey Cello" Bacino Ecola "The Eagle" Baldelli John "Johnny Sausages" Barbato Joseph "Joe the Animal" Barboza Frank "Sleepy" Barcellona James "Jimmy the Duke" Basile Frank "The Bear" Basto Charles "Charlie Bats" Battaglia Sam "Teets" Battaglia This database contains family trees submitted to Ancestry by users who have indicated that their tree can be viewed by all Ancestry subscribers.These trees can change over time as users edit, remove, or otherwise modify the data in their trees. CONZO Anna Mae Conzo (nee Repko). In 1978, Gravano faced a situation in which he was ordered to murder his own brother-in-law, Nicholas Scibetta, for the latter had insulted George DeCiccos daughter. However, Rava did not fall. We collect and match historical records that Ancestry users have contributed to their family trees to create each persons profile. Mob Fireside Chat BGs Official YouTube Channel, The Frank Piccolo Regime Leadership Chart, Racketeer Snapshot: Shadowy Buffalo Hood Joe LaBarba. Directed by James Carroll. Nice find. But Gotti was once again arrested on December 11, 1990 under similar charges. Tommy Ryan - Thomas Eboli. It wasn't until I was twelve years old that I knew for certain that my father was a gangster. . . . Guys like Petey "Pumps" Ferrara, Jimmy "Brown" Failla and Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello ended up under Rizzo. I thought this about Gravano before, but in that wedding pic he doesn't look Italian at all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Josephs memory to BMHS Volleyball, 300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. Tommy Sneakers - Thomas Cacciopoli. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Salvatore "Toddo" Bruno (1913 - 2001) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. However, he does confirm two facts that Michael Franzese has been clowned upon by mafia enthusiasts. Their screaming caught the attention of an NYPD patrolman named Frank Rogers, and reminiscent of an old cops and robbers car chase out of the movies, he started chasing after them in his patrol car. Gravano moved from the Colombo family to the Gambino family and joined Salvatore "Toddo" Aurello's . He was not promoted to fourth grade due to poor scores, and that resulted in him developing a violent behavior. The intricate detail and descriptiveness provide for a rewarding reading experience to those seeking to understand the life. A cold barren emptiness. How do we create a person's profile? He didnt even come from a poor home. During the trials, an evidence in the form of a tape emerged. To further increase the profitability and appeal of the club, Sammy also built a gambling den in the back to cater to a diverse set of clientele. Not much at all known about this guy except for sammys stories and even then he doesnt say much. From city to city and state to state, Button Guys of The New York Mafia breaks down the history of organized crime in America. Cherished grandmother of 4 & great-grand The crew was originally led by Armand Rava. The politics, positions, culture, business operation, mob mentality; everything is provided in graphic color and vivid descriptions. Underboss,written by Peter Maas and published in 1997, contains enough war stories to make a Vietnam veteran blush. Tommy Bull - Tommy Penocchio. Sammy being oblivious and refusing to take responsibility for his actions in breaking mob rules is pretty infuriating as a reader. Though he made it clear that Gravano must stay unaware of his plan, it eventually reached Gravanos ears as he was told about it by one of his associates. Salvatore (Toddo) Avarello - aka "Toddo Aurello," "Little Toddo," "Salvatore Aurello," "Sal Aurella," and "Sal Aurelio" - was born in New York City on March 14, 1914, and raised at 8621 16th Street. In 2000, he was once again arrested on drug charges, along with his wife and kids. Little in the way of specifics were ever known about Avarellos actual underworld career. His father, Giorlando Gravano, and his mother, Caterina Gravano, owned a dress factory that was financed by a dress manufacturer. You can contact the owner of the tree to get more information. By the end of the book, readers are left with the impression that the Bull was the best thing to happen to La Cosa Nostra since a band of Sicilian farmers invented Omerta. Salvatore (Little Toddo) Avarello died in 1998. Readers get overwhelmed with his egomaniacal, self-absorbed, and self-serving narration. Mafia Criminal organization Social issue Activism . During his years as a skipper, Toddo Aurello also knew a young, aspiring hoodlum named Salvatore Gravano, who was friendly with Aurellos son Charlie. Start a free family tree online and well do the searching for you. Like many killers who have spoken about their deeds, what I find incomprehensible is the feelings that Sammy describes when talking about his body of work. He is in his fifties. Joe was a family man who centered his entire life on the ones closest to him. Maybe thats the one he feels bad about. This is his story. He is the villain of the book. Ways to honor ANNA CONZO's life and legacy. This display of masculinity on the part of Rava infuriated Toddo, who, with the others, repeatedly beat Rava over the head with their guns until he finally fell dead. Underboss (1997) Salvatore Gravano Book Review. Yet it is with this vulnerability that we get to see a glimpse of the mans true nature. The crew was originally led by Armand Rava. They didnt care about these learning problems; they appreciated his strength and courage. Besides the continued self-arrogance, the hypocrisy within the book is infuriating. Overall, these are two mafia heavyweights and their imminent sit-down would make the famed Havana Conference look like childs play by comparison. The epilogue I found extremely humorous, given that readers know what happened to Sammy shortly after the book was published. And isn't Louis Filalpelli his or Squittieri's nephew? I have no doubt, after reading this book, that if Sammy stayed loyal and somehow the Gambino leadership got acquitted in that trial, he and John would duke it out. He too, was convicted on September 26, 1991, but was released a year later. On September 28, 1967, another FBI informant, identified only by the code name NY-T-7, advised that Family power Tommy Rava had been killed in Florida in late 1957 or 1958 following his unsuccessful attempt to take over the Anastasia Family with Aniello Dellacroce. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Very interesting fella. Unfortunately, he couldnt perform well at school as he suffered from dyslexia. We encourage you to research and . salvatore 'toddo' aurello, gambino Let us be your passport to Laos and much more. We encourage you to research and examine these records to determine their accuracy. These trees can change over time as users edit, remove, or otherwise modify the data in their trees. Salvatore (Toddo) Aurello, sometimes spelled Avarello, was an extremely low key guy. Youre not qualified to kill a man of my stature. Whereupon Toddo and his associates shot Ravas associate and emptied their guns into Ravas chest. ** So you know, we'll be making a fresh post to highlight it. How can one not feel anything (or in fact feel joy) when you see the life drain out of another human being? In 1997, Gravano wrote a book, titled Underboss with the help of the author, Peter Maas. Tommy Bullets - Thomas Licata. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. However, that book did make me question his claim of never meeting Michael Franzese even more. The FBI agent brother of an NYPD cop accused in a murder-for-hire plot killed himself while out of town with other agents, law . But not the image I'd concocted already lolNice find, OP and thanks for posting it. At one point during the operation, the undercover agent gave flat-screen televisions to Mr. Squitieri and to Mr. DePalma, saying they were stolen, a law enforcement official recounted. He was born in Stamford on April 8, 1942 to the late Salvatore (Toddo) and Vincenza Catino Ienner. Its a shitty picture but Im pretty sure I could kick this guys ass. For instance, early in his Colombo days, Sammy gets involved in a nightclub venture alongside John Rizzo (Gambino soldier) and Matty Gambino. Mass at St. Clare's Church 11 A.M. on Wednesday. He earned a new nickname, Sammy the Rat Gravano, the man who brought down Gotti. One evening Mr. Squitieri was watching an episode of "The Sopranos." While he was constantly trying to let go of his criminal activities, his past kept pulling him into the vortex of illegal businesses. Home The Five Families The Gambino Crime Family Gambino Family Capo Toddo Aurello. It's the living in the closet, makes them devious" - Toddo regarding Sammy. I just thought Dad respected him more because he was older. Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather. By at least the early 1950s, Avarello had been identified as a local organized crime figure by the New York Police Departments Intelligence Squad. . What is known is that he and his crew dabbled in the local gambling rackets and in loansharking. PAGANO-Anna (nee Cirillo). With its unfiltered, seemingly raw narration and crude persona, the audience is lulled into a false sense of trust and belief in every word contained within the manuscript.