#15: History of Colorado Mob (Part 1): The Carlino Brothers, the Dannas, and Giuseppe "Joe" Roma

In this episode, we explore the first and second Gallo Wars (also dubbed the Profaci and Colombo family wars) in an effort to solve the question of whether the alleged incident in which Aniello "Mr. Neil" Dellacroce was severely beaten by Joey Gallo during the original Profaci-Gallo conflict in 1961. Additionally, we provide a blow-by-blow of some of the key events related to both Gallo Wars, as well as analysis related to the alleged incident involved Dellacroce and Gallo. See website for full list of sources: https://membersonlypodcast.com/did-joey-gallo-punch-neil-dellacroce-during-gallo-wars/ Primary sources: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1972/04/12/79466500.html?pageNumber=26 https://www.newspapers.com/image/464343866/ https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=955#relPageId=43 https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=95091#relPageId=7&search=%22luna_restaurant%22

22 Dec 202250min

In this episode, we tell the story of a man who once had a blossoming career as a professional ballplayer, and how he became a vicious and respected hitman for the Patriarca Crime Family. Maurice "Pro" Lerner grew up in Massachusetts and at just 18 years old, he signed his first professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators. He would go on to spend 10 years in the minor leagues, compiling a career batting average of .308 while playing for 21 different minor league ball clubs. Unfortunately, when his baseball career fizzled out, his penchant for getting into trouble and a violent streak led him to become involved in the criminal underworld in New England. He would ultimately become an enforcer and hitman for the Patriarca Crime Family and would be involved in a number of gangland slayings, including his role as the primary shooter in the infamous double homicide of Rudolph "Rudy" Marfeo and Anthony Melei in 1968. Ultimately, Lerner would stand trial with several confederates including the Don of the underworld in New England, Raymond Patriarca himself. Lerner and the others would be convicted and sentenced to prison, with Lerner receiving two life sentences. Maurice "Pro" Lerner would serve 18 years of his life sentence, but would be released in 1988 after his conviction was overturned due to a revelation of significant perjury on the part of the main witness in his case along with corruption from the primary FBI agent on the case. After release, Lerner would live out the rest of his life in Las Vegas, Nevada, passing away in 2013 at the age of 78. Primary source for this story: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/sports/baseball/maurice-lerner-prospect-turned-mob-hitman.html

24 Nov 202240min

In today’s episode, the second of a two-part series, we’re finally branching outside of New York to cover Raymond L.S. Patriarca, one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. Raimondo "Raymond" Loredo Salvatore Patriarca was boss over the New England area for over 30 years (1952-1984). Basing his family's operations in Providence, Rhode Island, Patriarca was one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. He ruled over the New England area including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, etc. with an iron fist for more than three decades as the namesake of what is still known even today as the Patriarca crime family. By most accounts, Ray Patriarca was one of the most ruthless and effective bosses, be it inside or outside of New York, in the entire country. In fact, legend has it that he allegedly even once ordered a solider to murder his own son. So when I say ruthless, I mean about as heartless as they come. Even still, his men respected him, he was viewed as a good and fair leader, and due to that he was able to exert control not just Rhode Island but on the entirety of New England. In this episode, we'll specifically discuss: -When he takes over as boss in 1952 -His reputed presence at Apalachin -Senate Hearings of late 1950's -Mediation of the Gallo/Profaci Family War -Discussions around the Bonnano Family War -The Valachi Hearings -Joseph "The Animal" Barboza -His 1960s murder conspiracy conviction -His other murder cases in the early 1980's -His involved in the Bonded Vault Heist -His death in 1984 Link to Part One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qyHLNBUc7w

1 Sep 20221h 6min

In today’s episode, the first of a two-part series, we’re finally branching outside of New York to cover Raymond L.S. Patriarca, one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. Raimondo "Raymond" Loredo Salvatore Patriarca was boss over the New England area for over 30 years (1952-1984). Basing his family's operations in Providence, Rhode Island, Patriarca was one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. He ruled over the New England area including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, etc. with an iron fist for more than three decades as the namesake of what is still known even today as the Patriarca crime family. By most accounts, Ray Patriarca was one of the most ruthless and effective bosses, be it inside or outside of New York, in the entire country. In fact, legend has it that he allegedly even once ordered a solider to murder his own son. So when I say ruthless, I mean about as heartless as they come. Even still, his men respected him, he was viewed as a good and fair leader, and due to that he was able to exert control not just Rhode Island but on the entirety of New England. Link to Part Two: https://youtu.be/Zae26BJCafo

15 Aug 202231min

In this episode, mob historian and history buff Jacob Stoops delves into the Wedding Scene from the Godfather. In this scene, which is one of the most important scenes of the movie, you're introduced to the Corleone family at large. He dives into the stories of the iconic characters, the actors, and even real life mafiosi including: Sonny Corleone (James Caan) Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) Fredo Corleone (John Cazale) Peter Clemenza (Richard Castellano) Salvatore Tessio (Abe Vigoda) Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) Carmela Corleone (Morgana King) Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) Connie Corleone (Talia Shire) Carlo Rizzi (Gianni Russo) Paulie Gatto (Johnny Martino) Don Emilio Barzini (Richard Conte) Frank Anthony Vallelonga Sr. (aka "Tony Lip") Please check out the video review of The Opening Scene: https://youtu.be/oBkPJoiBEJI The focus will be on providing his opinion, tidbits of information from the books the movies are often based on, as well as some behind-the-scenes information that serves to help viewers explore, contextualize, and clarify stories related to the most famous historical movies. The overarching goal is not only to entertain but to educate and inform. As with all episodes of this podcast, his views are his own. The production of this content is a labor of love, and is a means of expressing passion for history as well as cinema and pop culture. Courteous viewer feedback is always welcomed. *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

15 Juli 20221h 12min

In this episode, we cover a mobster who is probably most well-known for enjoying a good shoe shine. That’s right, we’re talking about none other than William “Billy Batts” Bentvena. “Billy Batts” was a soldier within the Gambino Crime Family from the 1950’s through the early 1970’s, and was one who rubbed elbows with some very famous Cosa Nostra members including of course his good friend, one John Joseph Gotti. Bentvena’s lasting legacy is in my opinion not as a significant individual contributor to the mob, though he was tied up in a pretty significant event as we’ll discuss. His name is really only remembered as a result of the repercussions of his brutal murder, which was famously portrayed in the classic mob film, Goodfellas. "Now go home and get your fucking shine box!" is one of the most memorable lines in movie history.

4 Juli 202252min

In this episode, mob historian and history buff Jacob Stoops delves into the Opening Scene from the Godfather.

8 Juni 202229min

We tell the story of the murder of a low-level associate of the Luciano Crime Family, Ferdinand “The Shadow” Boccia.

26 Maj 202227min