Frank LaGalbo was one of the “Young Turks” with Jack Enea and John DiTrapani, and was angling to have the Young Turks take over leadership from John Alioto. Frank LaGalbo, the third partner of the DiTrapni–Enea– LaGalbo uprising, had his life spared by appealing to friends in Chicago Heights. He was kicked out of the Milwaukee Mafia around 1955, but lived on through the 1970s as an underling of Frank LaPorte and Al Pilotto. He committed suicide after suffering a stroke in 1976.
Note: This is not meant to be a fully-formed article. It is merely a repository of information at this time.
FBI Files and other public documents can be found here: https://kingsridgemedia.com/MM/fbi-files/
1952
The Milwaukee FBI office received an anonymous letter dated March 28, 1952 claiming that the following men were members of the Mafia: Michele Mineo, Joseph Gumina, Vito Aiello, Santo Marino, Sam Ferrara, August Maniaci, Michael Albano, Pasquale Migliaccio, Nick Fucarino, Jack Enea, Charles Zarcone, Frank LaGalbo and John DiTrapani. The letter further named Ferrara as the leader and said that he was close with John DiTrapani. The FBI later agreed with the letter’s assessment. The letter listed known Mafia hangouts as the Tick Tock Club, Zarcone’s butcher shop at 1439 North Jackson, [?] Tavern at 1932 West St. Paul Avenue, and Chico’s Bar on North Farwell.
1956
The Milwaukee FBI office received an anonymous letter on March 28, 1956 claiming that Sam Ferrara was the boss of the Mafia. The letter further identified the following men as being associated with Ferrara: John DiTrapani, Jack Enea, Frank LaGalbo, Charles Zarcone, Nick Fucarino, Mike Mineo, Joseph Gumina, Vito Aiello, August Maniaci, Santo Marino and Nick Albano.
1959
An informant told the FBI on June 12, 1959 that the top men in Milwaukee were Frank Balistrieri, John Alioto and Frank LaGalbo. Moving up in the hierarchy was Tony “Petrolle” Machi. This is the same informant who previously considered August Maniaci high-ranking.
1961
In the summer of 1961, Frank LaGalbo tried to take over leadership of the Milwaukee family. Some informants believed he might try to kill John Alioto. LaGalbo was supported by his two enforcers, August Maniaci and John Aiello. This brought the heat down on Maniaci and LaGalbo (though apparently not Aielllo) and LaGalbo left for a couple weeks (probably to Peshtigo) while things cooled down. LaGalbo was powerful among the younger Italians and had strong connections to Felix Alderisio and Tony Accardo in Chicago. He had fallen out of favor with Milwaukee after the murder of John DiTrapani in the early 1950s, which he may have committed.
An informant told the FBI on September 24, 1961 that Milwaukee had three cliques, because many were not happy with Frank Balistrieri’s leadership. One clique had Balistrieri, Buster Balestrere, Steve DiSalvo and John Rizzo. Another had Mike Albano, Joe Gagliano, Walter Brocca, August Maniaci and Harry D’Angelo. The third was Frank LaGalbo and unknown others. LaGalbo had recently been forced out of the Milwaukee Family and was now under the protection of the Chicago Heights crew.
An informant told the FBI on October 7, 1961 that Frank LaGalbo and August Maniaci desired to take over the Milwaukee Family from John Alioto and Frank Balistrieri. Further, that relatives of Alioto — brothers in the grocery business at Jackson and Juneau — were being pushed to run for public office by the mob.
1963
On May 21, 1963, Frinzi instructed his secretary not to answer any questions from the IRS and to lock up all records at night. They were apparently looking into checks between Frinzi, Balistrieri and LaGalbo that were possibly related to bookmaking.
1964
Agents LeGrand and Thompson spoke with Carlo DiMaggio again on January 13, 1964 at his residence (1536 North Franklin). DiMaggio said he was losing his house to Harry Kaminsky on a land contract, and he was going broke on legal expenses for his son Sam, who was unemployed and living upstairs. DiMaggio said he had known both John DiTrapani and Jack Enea, but did not know why they were killed. He said he knew Frank LaGalbo and Frank Balistrieri since they were boys, and that Frank LaGalbo had started out a bum and later became successful — he was now “too rich” to be concerned with “poor people” like DiMaggio. He admitted to knowing Joseph Vallone, Sam Ferrara and John Alioto very well, but did not know anything about the Mafia in Milwaukee. When statements made by Joseph Valachi were brought to his attention, he said he assumed that Valachi knew what he was talking about. DiMaggio said he did not know Steve DiSalvo, though he had heard of him. He also denied knowing Frank Stelloh, though had read about his shoplifting in the newspaper. He said he knew Benny DiSalvo, and he believed that DiSalvo’s wife was somehow important in Washington, DC.
1965
The Milwaukee funeral of Vita Enea, wife of the deceased Joseph Enea and mother of Jack Enea, was held on June 7, 1965. Among other attendees were Salvatore “Ted” Seidita, Michele Mineo, Steve DiSalvo and Frank LaGalbo. At the funeral, Mineo was heard to express an opinion that he was not in favor of Balistrieri’s activities, although he was generally considered neutral in the ongoing dispute.
On December 6, 1965 there was a wedding between Milwaukee LCN member Nick Fucarino’s daughter Rosemarie and Madison LCN member James Schiavo’s son Anthony. At least eight Rockford LCN members showed up, though some of the more prominent could not attend due to illness and one was in Omaha. Many Madison and Milwaukee hoodlums attended the wedding and reception, including Frank LaGalbo, Filippo Candela and Michael Albano. The wedding took place at St. Catherine’s in Milwaukee followed by a breakfast at Alioto’s restaurant. That evening, a reception was held at the Eagle’s Club from 6pm until midnight, with as many as 1000 guests present. Attendants were said to be John Balistrieri, Joseph Balistrieri, Baby Joey Balistrieri, a relative of Filippo Candela and a relative of Sam Ferrara, as well as a cousin of the bride from Chicago and the daughter of Racine bootlegger Jack Iannello. Felix Alderisio showed up briefly, gave an envelope to the couple, congratulated Nick Fucarino and then held a private conference with Frank Balistrieri and John Alioto. According to Tony’s obituary, “Tony and Rose Marie’s ‘chance meeting’ occurred through the providence of two foresighted fathers.” Tony and Rose would have two children, James and Nick. According to John Balistrieri, at least some of this is not correct. He believes his brother was an attendant, but he personally was not.
1966
John Joseph “Pitch” Picciurro’s funeral was held on February 16, 1966 at the Guardalabene and Amato Funeral Home on Holton. Picciurro was Giuseppe Balistrieri’s brother-in-law, and an uncle to Frank and Peter Balistrieri. Attending the funeral was Frank LaGalbo. William Covelli and John Rizzo attended together, bringing with them a third man.
The FBI learned on May 16, 1966 that Frank LaGalbo was now a member of the South Chicago LCN, with boss Frank LaPorte based in Chicago Heights. As such, LaGalbo could not involve himself in Milwaukee’s affairs without LaPorte’s permission. This same day, an informant (likely the same one) said that Vito Seidita had taken the role of Milwaukee’s consigliere, presumably replacing Charles Zarcone, despite not being actively involved in the Family’s affairs.
Chico’s Restaurant (owned by Frank LaGalbo) suffered an extensive fire that completely gutted the interior in October 1966.
1967
After a complete remodeling, Chico’s restaurant re-opened on January 12, 1967.
Andrew Maniscalco, the chef at Chico’s, was arrested for being in a gambling house at 3044 North Stowell Avenue on March 26, 1967. Anthony Pipito was also arrested. They were fined $25 each. (Maniscalco was a known gambler and usually placed his bets through Tony Machi.)
1969
Dominic Alderisio, father of Felix Alderisio, died in early July 1969. Among others attending the funeral were Frank LaGalbo, Frank Balistrieri and Jimmy Jennaro. An informant said that Balistrieri did not pass on word of Alderisio’s death to the membership, which caused some frustration when they found out.
1970
Russell LaGalbo, brother of Frank LaGalbo, died July 20, 1970. Attending the wake was Tony Machi.
Frank LaPorte called Chico’s restaurant in November 1970.
1971
Giuseppe Balistrieri (Frank and Peter’s father) died of a heart attack at Mount Sinai Hospital on Wednesday, March 3, 1971. He was 76 years old. Attendees at the funeral and/or wake (held at Guardalabene and Amato on March 4-5) included Salvatore Seidita, Nick Collura, Frank LaGalbo, Nick Fucarino, Harry DeAngelo, Sam Ferrara, August Maniaci, John Rizzo, Albert Albana, John Pernice, Joseph Gumina, Joseph Caminiti, Buster Balestrere, Vito Aiello, Salvatore J. Cefalu, James Schiavo and Santo Marino. Anthony Spilotro of Chicago also attended. John Alioto was nowhere to be found. Sources say he was confined to his home due to poor health. Around the time of the funeral, Knobby Gulotta spoke with James Schiavo about securing an attorney for Charlie Vince. Schiavo told him to contact the Milwaukee Family.
1972
John Alioto’s funeral was held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church and he was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery on September 6, 1972. Practically every member of the Milwaukee family attended the funeral, as did Frank LaGalbo (technically now a Chicago Heights member) and Frank Sansone. James Schiavo and Matthew Pelliteri of the Madison Family were also in attendance, as was Frank Buccieri of Chicago.
The chef at Chico’s in December 1972 was Andrew J. Maniscalco, 36, a known associate of Milwaukee gamblers. (Maniscalco’s involvement, if any, is unknown to me… he was not related, near as I can tell, to anyone in the Milwaukee Family.)
1973
Some time in early 1973, Frank LaGalbo made calls to George F. Kouba (a restaurant supply salesman) in West Bend.
In January 1973, Frank LaGalbo made calls to both Anthony Balistrieri, 924 Melrose Avenue and Balistrieri’s Red Coach nightclub in Chula Vista, California. (Anthony was the son of “Big Frank” Balistrieri, Frank P. Balistrieri’s uncle.)
Special agents went to Chico’s on January 26, 1973 and spoke with Angeline LaGalbo, who they described as “uncooperative”.
Frank LaGalbo called the Grande Cheese Company in Fond du Lac in January, March and April 1973.
Frank LaGalbo called the office of Al Pilotto, head of the Laborers International Union, in February 1973.
Special agents went to Chico’s on February 28, 1973 to ask Frank LaGalbo about the murder of Louis Fazio. He was not there, and an employee who called his house informed the agents that LaGalbo did not wish to speak with them.
Frank Balistrieri threw a large graduation party for John Balistrieri (who received his law degree from Valparaiso) at his Center Stage night club on June 3, 1973 with over 1,000 guests. The entire Maniaci family was invited, with one notable exception: August Maniaci. Baby Joey Balistrieri was absent because he was in Las Vegas. Nick Gentile, Tony Machi, Angelo Alioto, Joe Dentice, Dominic Frinzi, Nick Fucarino, Sam Ferrara, Joe Enea, James Schiavo, Frank Stelloh, Vince Maniaci, Frank LaGalbo, Vito Aiello, August Palmisano and John Rizzo were in attendance. City clerk Allen Calhoun was there, as was Judge Vel Phillips. Restaurant owner Joseph Sardino was there, allegedly as a favor for loaning Balistrieri the money he needed to pay the IRS. The party started at 8pm and went until 2am, and was hot and overcrowded. John received some gifts and a large number of cash-filled envelopes. A fight broke out between Steve DiSalvo and Vincent Maniaci at 4:00am, probably fueled by alcohol. Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Investigation sat outside taking pictures while Dominic Frinzi and Joseph Balistrieri banged on the sides of their panel truck.
An agent with the organized crime department of the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation advised the FBI on June 7, 1973 that he believed James Jennaro was Frank Balistrieri’s “stool pigeon” within the Sally Papia camp. Despite Jennaro not getting paid by Balistrieri for as long as eight months, the agent still believed that Jennaro’s loyalties were with Frank and not Sally. Allegedly, Sally said she would fire Jennaro if he attended John Balistrieri’s graduation party. The agent told the FBI that he had regularly been getting information from Papia, such as the intelligence that a murder was “fabricated” in order to get Peter Balistrieri to be “made” and that Vincent Maniaci was being shaken down for his meager bookmaking money. Papia said she had closed the sale on Frank LaGalbo’s restaurant, but once Balistrieri found out who the buyer was the price doubled.
Frank LaGalbo threw a benefit party at Fish’s Tavern on June 10, 1973 for someone who was sick. Guests included Frank Balistrieri, Vince Maniaci, Sam Cefalu and Steve DiSalvo.
Around July 1973, Sally Papia tried to purchase Chico’s restaurant from Frank LaGalbo for $70,000-$100,000 after negotiating with an LCN member through his attorney. She was going to change the name to Sarina’s. This sale did not actually happen, though, as she was unable to come up with the money. Frank Balistrieri had advised LaGalbo to double the asking price once he found out that Papia was interested in buying it.
By November 13, 1973, the FBI had figured out that calls were being made between Frank LaGalbo and Alfred J. Pilotto, a union president and the new Chicago Heights LCN boss that replaced Frank LaPorte.
1974
An informant advised the FBI in April 1974 that Frank and Angeline LaGalbo frequently visited a relative of Angeline’s at Southern Colony in Union Grove. Southern Colony was an institution for mentally disabled people.
On May 29, 1974, Robert Puccio (of P&P Distributing) purchased Chico’s from Frank LaGalbo for $110,000. The loan was financed by the West Allis State Bank. The property would soon be changed from Chico’s to Trovato’s, managed by Frank Trovato.
On June 5, 1974, an informant told the FBI that Tony Petrolle and Tommy Machi had former Green Bay Packer Max McGee “over a barrel” because of his gambling debts. He allegedly owed them $10,000. The informant also said that Frank Balistrieri was remodeling the Brass Rail and was going to turn it into a place with sandwiches and dancing, not unlike Gatsby’s or Someplace Else. The FBI was further told that Frank Stelloh offered Tony Fazio the opportunity to have his brother’s killer killed in exchange for $10,000. Fazio turned it down because he thought that Stelloh would just kill anyone and take the money. Frank Trovato was also in the process of moving his restaurant into Chico’s. An informant also told the FBI that Robert Puccio was the president of P&P Vending and had been for most of his life. He was an honest individual, but would do favors for anyone who asked.
George Kouba was interviewed by special agents on August 5, 1974 concerning his relationship with Frank LaGalbo. Kouba said he was previously employed as a salesman for Sexton Foods and was currently a salesman for the B. A. Railton Company, both suppliers of restaurant groceries. He said he stopped by Chico’s once and spoke to Angeline LaGalbo, and had spoken with Frank over the phone concerning about $200 in groceries. Kouba stated he had no further contact with LaGalbo and, in fact, had never even met him in person.
1975
Chicago Heights capo Alfred Pilotto called Frank LaGalbo at his home twice on August 21, 1975. The nature of these calls is unknown.
1976 – Frank LaGalbo’s Death
On Monday, May 24, 1976 Frank LaGalbo, who had previously been tied to three murders in Milwaukee, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. The weapon was a 6.35mm Astra automatic. Although it appeared as though he was getting into his car, the medical examiner ruled it a suicide. Two suicide notes were found in his home. Police did not investigate further, noting that LaGalbo had been in fear of his life for a long time. LaGalbo’s brother-in-law, Joseph Regano, was with Frank the morning he died and said Frank was depressed, especially since suffering a stroke in January that left him paralyzed on his left side.