Andrew (Andy) Lombardino – Colombo Soldier
Andrew Lombardino was a Colombo Family soldier and later capodecina based in New Jersey who was arrested at 1928 mafia meeting in Cleveland.
Formulated from the ashes of early mob strife in the South Brooklyn area, what became known as the Profaci Family arguably had its origins among several underworld factions vying for power. Francesco (Frankie Yale) Ioele, an early Camorra boss, Michael (The Sweetheart) Abbatemarco, his number two, and Sicilian Giuseppe (The Clutch Hand) Peraino were just a few of several powers who clashed for supremacy. With the culmination of the Castellammarese War, Salvatore DiBella was said to have led the borgata until Giuseppe (Joe) Profaci, whose Family had been prominent Mafiosi (The Zubbio) back in Villabate, Sicily on the outskirts of Palermo proper, became the recognized power in the Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Coney Island, Flatbush, and Williamsburg sections of Brooklyn. Profaci had sided with Maranzano and the Castellammrese in the war.
Over the next 30 years, his Family would expand in vast power over other sections of Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Long Island. He also had a regime in New Jersey and varied members in Manhattan, Westchester, Connecticut, and Florida. Profaci’s tremendous power expanded with his childrens’ and nieces’ marriages to those of the Detroit Family bosses Joseph Zerilli and William Tocco and a niece’s marriage to Joseph Bonanno’s son. This solidified the Family’s power!
The Profaci Family, who numbered about 150 strong with over 1000 associates, specialized in gambling, shylocking, hijacking and cargo theft, and business infiltration on a tremendous scale as evidenced by Profaci holdings such as Alpine Wine & Liquors Inc., Arrow Linen Supply Co., Mamma Mia Packing Co., Santuzza Oil Co., Mama Mia Imports Inc., Sunshine Edible Oils, Corp…multi-million dollar firms that they or their successors, (Colavita Olive Oil Company and Roma Foods Inc.) still operate to this day!
In 1959, a rebel faction headed by the Gallo brothers led a revolt within the Family. And over the next 35 years, two more internal Family wars would claim scores of lives, marring, and vastly weakening, the strength and resources of this borgata. With Profaci’s death in 1962 and a short interim leadership by Giuseppe Magliocco, capo Joseph Colombo would rise to be Family boss by 1964. Colombo further expanded the Family’s influence, wealth, and power until his attempted assassination in 1971.
After a few interim acting bosses, Carmine Persico would rise to power and lead for the next 40 years backed by a supporting cast of such mob luminaries as the notorious underboss John (Sonny) Franzese, Alphonse (Allie Boy) Persico, Sebastiano (Buster) Aloi, his son Vincent Aloi, and Salvatore (Sally Pro) Profaci – son of the borgata’s founding father.
What follows below is a list of in-depth biographies for many of their more interesting members and associates.
BIOS
Joe Profaci – The Olive Oil King
Boss Joe Profaci was one of the most business savvy and powerful Mafia members ever in the entire United States.
Giuseppe (Joe Malyoke) Magliocco – Betrayed by Colombo
Giuseppe (Joe Malyoke) Magliocco had a very well-known name but little was really ever known about his personal life or mafia career.
Joseph Colombo, Sr. – “The Civil Rights Mafioso”
Joe Colombo was the boss of the Colombo Family until a bullet struck him down. Was it the work of Gallo or a secret organization?
Carmine Persico – “A Dyed In The Wool Hoodlum”
Junior Persico was born and reared in the South Brooklyn area and was a tough Italian street kid who joined a street gang in the early 1950s.
Lawrence Abbandando “The Italian Codfish”
Lawrence Abbandando was originally affiliated with the Profaci/Colombo Family in the crew of top capodecina John (Sonny) Franzese.
Benedetto Aloi – “It’s In The Blood”
Benny Aloi was a Colombo Family member active in policy with his father for many years. He was also a prominent loanshark.
Vincenzo Aloi – “Businessman Mafioso”
Vincenzo Aloi served in the borgata as a top capo and its “acting boss” after the shooting of Colombo in 1971.
Simone (Sam) Andolino – A Profaci Family Sleeper
Simone (Sam) Andolino was a Joe Profaci confidante primarily active in the gambling and bookmaking rackets for the Colombo Family.
Why Tony the Gawk Augello Filled His Own Contract
Tony the Gawk Augello was an intimidating Colombo soldier who got himself into a bind with Carmine Persico's son, Little Allie Boy.
William (Billy) Bacino “Billy the Book”
William Bacino was a Colombo associate “with” Family soldier and close aide to Vincent (Peg Leg Jimmy) Giordano, a top loanshark.
Salvatore Beldaio “The Bet Banker”
Salvatore Beldaio was a KG in New York City for years and was first publicly identified as an associate of the Joseph Colombo Family in 1969.
Michael (Midge) Belvedere – Colombo Family Associate
Michael Belvedere was active as a trickster who, over the years, planned and participated in several high-profile robberies.
The Suburban Bookie of the Colombo Family – Arthur (Artie) Berk
An associate of the Colombo Family, Arthur Berk was involved in bookmaking and shylocking under the control of Sonny Franzese.
Cassandros Bonasera – “Brooklyn Public Enemy”
Cassandros Bonasera was an original, old-line veteran mafioso to his core and among the first wave of members of “The Honored Society” to hit the shores of America.
Joseph Brancato – “The Quiet Capo”
Joseph (Little Joey) Brancato was reputed to have been a veteran soldier and “acting captain” for the John (Sonny) Franzese regime.
Frank Carione – “Garbage Mob Guy”
Frank Carione was a garbage racketeer in the Colombo mob Family. He served as president of the Suffolk Cartmen’s Association.
Big Leo Carlino: Joe Profaci’s Secret “Consigliere”
Big Leo Carlino served as a shadowy caporegime for the Profaci Family active as a garment center racketeer.
Pasquale (Fat Patty) Catalano – The Hijacking Hoodlum
Pasquale (Fat Patty) Catalano was a Colombo Crime Family capo who took over Benny Aloi's crew and was involved in hijacking and loansharking.
Dominick (Little Dom) Cataldo – Colombo Family Hitman
Dominic Cataldo was a Colombo soldier who had the potential for a fiery temper but was loyal to his friends, both in and out of the mob.
Charles (Charlie Brown) Clemenza – The Sahara Lounge Bartender
Charles (Charlie Brown) Clemenza was a low-key Profaci soldier until a now-infamous attempted murder threw him into the spotlight.
From city to city and state to state, Button Guys of The New York Mafia breaks down the history of organized crime in America. Through deep-dive biographies and snapshots of mobsters to in-depth stories about mafia regimes and crews, you’ll uncover an underworld you might never have known existed – maybe even in your own hometown!
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