Although little-known to the general public, Tony Vanella was widely known on the streets as a formally inducted respected “soldier” in the Anastasia/Gambino Family and had the reputation as a “tough guy.” He was alleged to be active in garment center extortion and shakedown rackets in partnership with Joseph (Staten Island Joe) Riccobono and was friendly with many other notorious hoodlums, including James (Jimmy Doyle) Plumeri, John (Johnny Dio) Dioguardi, and Joseph (Joe Socks) Lanza.


