Antonino Casella
Possible Vineland-based Philadelphia member
Much has been written about the infamous Peter Casella (1907-1983), the Philadelphia LCN Family member who briefly served as Underboss in 1980. In Celeste Morello’s book, Before Bruno & How he became boss: Book 3, she identifies Peter Casella’s Father, Salvatore (1881-1973) as a made member. Another son, Anthony (1914-1995), was made, inducted at the same ceremony as Philip Leonetti in 1980. A son-in-law John Cappello, a Capodecina was married to daughter Angela.
Less is known about the other Peter Casella and his family.
Salvatore Casella, born in Belmonte Mezzagno, immigrated with his wife Dorothea Salvato in 1906 heading for Pietro Cutelli (named a cousin in immigration records) in St Louis. His son, Pietro (Peter) Casella (1907-1983) was born in St. Louis in 1907. The family then relocated to Bryan, Texas before settling in Philadelphia by 1914.
Salvatore Casella had a brother named Antonino (1883/5-1950), who made a similar journey. Antonino immigrated to the US and by 1908, like his brother, was living in Bryan, Texas. His Wife, Vincenza Mazzola and their children Pietro (1907-1971- both brothers had named their first son after their Father) and Angela immigrated from Poggioreole, Trapani, entered through New Orleans intending to join Antonino at 91 Manford Street, Bryan, Texas. This was followed by stays in Philadelphia, St. Louis, before heading back to Philadelphia.
In 1916, Antonino Casella and family were living with his brother Salvatore at 736 South 9th Street, Philadelphia. Salvatore and Antonino had an Uncle, Vincenzo Traina, who himself was an Uncle to influential Gambino member Giuseppe Traina (1883-1979). Traina’s Mother was a Santangelo like Antonino Casella’s second wife.
Antonino’s first wife, Vincenza died at somepoint in the 1920s; he remarried in 1929 to Saveria Monte (born, Saveria Santangelo). In 1930, the family were residing in Camden, N.J. with son Peter living alongside siblings and step-siblings Jack and Anna. In 1931, Peter married his step-sister Anna Monte and by 1940, they, as well as Antonino and the remaining family had moved South to Vineland, N.J., all living in the same building. At this time, Peter’s occupation was listed as Tailor, his Father Antonino’s as Gardener.
The relocation from Philadelphia to Vineland was seen with many Philadelphia members. Joseph Scafidi and the Turco brothers, Vincenzo and Angelo all moved to the Vineland-Bridgeton area having started American life in Philadelphia.
In October 1948, a mysterious blaze occurred at a disused Vineland factory causing $4000-$9000 of damage. The Modernistic Shade Company was managed by future Philadelphia family member, Antonino “Anthony” Maggio (made in 1950); the president was a Peter Casella. According to The Redwood City Tribune, Philadelphia LCN member Michael Maggio bought the Sequoia Laundry in Redwood, California in November of 1948, and brother Anthony Maggio managed the business.
There is an Antonio Casella named on 1960s FBI lists of ‘Philadelphia Family deceased members’. The only detail given is Newark as the local field office, meaning his residence was somewhere in New Jersey. Though in her extensive research, Celeste Morello identifies another Antonio Casella (1969-1926) as a member, there is evidence to suggest the pre-mentioned Antonino Casella (who was reported as Antonio in some obituary details) is the deceased member identified by the FBI, or, could have been himself a member in his own right.
In September 1950, Antonino Casella died of a heart attack. Pall bearers included a second Anthony Casella (possibly his nephew, future member and son of Salvatore), Frank Barrale (Capodecina of the Bridgeton-Vineland decina at this time) and Joseph Scafidi (future Bridgeton-Vineland Capodecina). Antonino was clearly linked to the Bridgeton-Vineland group’s most important members, as well as his brother, son and nephews being made members. His obituary states since c. 1942, he was a cheese and olive oil merchant.
A 1965 FBI file is the source of Antonino’s son Peter identity as a LCN member. When revealing previously unknown members of the Angelo Bruno Family, an informant revealed the name of Peter Casella of Vineland. “Peter Casella’s cousin, also named Peter Casella, of Vineland, New Jersey, an old-time gambler who was set aside for telling his wife “too much. The Vineland Peter Casella looks to have been shelved for a period for not meeting LCN protocol. He would die in 1971.
Salvatore Casella would remain at 736 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, the home he once shared with his brother 57 years earlier, until his death in 1973. His son Peter, would die in Florida in 1983, after relocating following the murder of Boss Philip Testa.
Another great article.
do an article about the three D'alessandro brothers who were partners with the Lanzetti brothers who disappeared in 1940 in South Philly.