Joe Aiello

My Al Capone Museum | home

The organization started off as a benevolent one to benefit newly Sicilian immigrants into Chicago. Corruption soon spread as no only good hardworking Sicilians came to Chicago but also the criminal element comprised of black handers, thieves and killers. They preyed on their own people by extorting money through threats, beatings, kidnappings and bombings. The threats were of deportation, harm and murder. The Unione Siciliana was strictly a Chicago organization. While it started for a good cause it also became political. Many vying for the job were killed by opposing rivals who sought the throne.

Through this organization came votes for elections, and much needed money and clout. For crooked candidates, this opened a new realm of money making opportunities. The only downside was the lifespan of the throne occupant. It was 1-3 years tops!

Here are three main Sicilian characters who lost their lives for this prestigeous honor. Two who occupied the seat and one who did everything to get there. Unfortunately, Joe Aiello never even got to get the seat of this majestic throne to touch his ass. Caught in a crossfire, his body was filled with one pound of hot lead from two Thompson machine guns.

Born September 27,1890

Died October 23,1930

Sicilian Guiseppe Aiello came from Bagheria di Palermo, as did many of his brothers and cousins before him and after. The Aiellos formed a huge family. Many settling in Utica, New York and others migrating to Chicago.

The Aiello brothers consisted of Joseph, Dominick, Andrew, Salvatore, Samuel, Anthony, and Carlo Jr. Their father Carlo passes away before Joe makes it to Chicago. Older brother Andrea (Andrew) having settled there earlier, will welcome his brother Joe to Chicago.

Joe Aiello's WW1 Registration card.

In Chicago, the Aiello's went into business opening a grocery importing company. This company imported olive oil, cheeses, and a very lucrative commodity that was about to thrust them into Chicago's gangland world. SUGAR!

Sugar was used in alcohol fabrication. The Aiellos supplied it en masse to any gangs distilling alcohol.

They made their fortune with it.

At the time, the Genna brothers ruled little Sicily with an iron fist and were the kings of distilling rotgut spirits. They sometimes used other less than kosher materials to make their stuff.

After the decimation of the Gennas, the Aiellos came to be the ruling family of Little Sicily in Chicago.

The family opened a bakery called Pasticceria Bella Palermo situated at 473 West division street.

Another business run by the Aiellos was a confectionary shop called Aiello and Aliotto at 516 Oak street.

Aiello was good friends with a fellow countryman by the name of Antonio Lombardo. It started off as a benevolant society by the name of the Unione Sicilana and was set up to help any Sicilian newcomers to the city and America.

(Unione Siciliana phone listing circa 1923).

It didn't take long for corruption to set in and the Unione became sort of an extortion praying on it's own people to pay tribute and the profits collected were used for criminal enterprises. If a fellow sicilian mobster was in trouble, and legal funds were needed, it wasn't uncommon at the time to be paid a visit by a few characters demanding that you help kick in some $$$ for the effort. A reply of no was not soon forgotten, and was usually met with retribution. This organization is not to be confused with the Sicilian Mafia in Sicily. The Unione was a local Chicago Sicilian benevolant society which quickly was used as a means by the local black handers or gangsters to extort money from Sicilian members. (Quick money).

Bernard Barasa was the puppet figure head of the Unione.

He was used to legitimize and politicize the organization.

Many Sicilians vied for the throne of being the head of the Unione Siciliana. Many wonder as many who had occupied it were not vertical and breathing for very long. Why? Prestige and power. In 1921, the leader was Mike Merlo. He was considered the honest abe of all Unione leaders. He kept the peace, and was loved by all his countrymen. He stepped to fill the void after his relative Anthony D'Andrea was assassinated. Merlo's tenure was also short, but it was not due to violence, but from cancer. While people grieved for the fair Merlo, others were already plotting for the top seat of this organization. Next in line was Angelo Genna. He is cornered by the Northsiders in a car chase and shot to death while at the wheel of his auto after having crashed into a pole. Samoots Ammatuna follows Genna empty seat. He was not on the throne long enough for it to get warm. He was gunned down in a barber's chair by Vincent Drucci and Jim Doherty. He lingered for a day or two before succumbing to his wounds. Aiello's friend and countryman Antonino Lombardo attains the Unione throne much to his other friend's joy. His other friend is none other than Al Capone. Al Capone cannot hold the position himself due to the fact that he was not Sicilian. He was Neapolitan, and It was not the Unione Neapolitan, but in fact the Unione Siciliane. So Sicilian is a prerequisite for the job. By having his Sicilian choice at the top Capone receives certain favors and his business dealings also become more profitable. A sort of bigger pull.

Crowd gathered outside Michele Merlo's home for his funeral.

Merlo's casket being carried by his Sicilian brethren. Note Pasqualino Lo Lordo is third on the left and Joe Giunta front second on right side.

Joe Aiello and Tony Lombardo are also business partners in an importing company called the Antonio Lombardo & Co. Aiello is president and Lombardo is Vice President.

This business was started with a $100,000 loan from Al Capone. The business was a profitable one, but Aiello's greed led him to want it all. He wanted to be the envy of his fellow countrymen here and in Palermo.

Aiello and Lombardo started quarrelling. This led to the eventual break up of the business partnership by 1926.

Aiello begins to be arrogant. Hiring killers to get Lombardo or Capone. Paying hitmen and cooks to poison food served to Al or Lombardo. All plots are uncovered and quashed. Gun nests tied to Aiello are found across the street from Lombardo's home and another across from Al's favorite cigar store.

While being in police custody on November 1927, Aiello is in the station when a band of Capone gangsters stop in front of the station to taunt police waving their guns. This is done on purpose to get arrested. They are placed in a cell next to Aiello. Aiello pleads with the Capone gangsters to let him sell his businesses and houses and he will leave for good in fifteen days. He begs them to think of his wife and child.

In Sicilian they tell him "You started this you dirty rat!" We're going to finish it.Your as good as dead!"

A police man who knew sicilian heard the whole conversation.

Frank Perry (Beige), Just one of the Capone gangsters causing a raucus in front of the police station in order to get at Aiello who was detained. Louie Campagna gets arrested and is placed near Aiello in an adjacent cell.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Aiello leaves the station under police protection, but somehow the allure of power still doesn't get the scared Aiello out of the business. Even by the mighty Capone gunsels.

His 2533 Lunt home whom Aiello shared with his brother Dominick was furnished in grand opulance with fancy oriental rugs, expensive paintings and new modern furniture. This reflected his mounting stature in the Sicilian community. To help him over the top and achieve his goal of supreme Sicilian boss, Aiello was going to need some help from previous rivals. He formed an unholy alliance with George "Bugs" Moran and his Northside crew.

Both filled the void of their respective aspirations. Aiello the Unione throne and Moran ruling the Northside with a power in the Siclian Union.

They needed to exterminate the ruling union leader to have chance at the position. Aiello was also good friends with a certain Frank Uale from New York who had a say in Unione dealings around the country.

Uale is killed in New York on July 1,1928, by Capone gunsels who find out he is stealing Capone booze shipments and may be backing Capone's rivals in burning and attacking Capone's dog tracks.

Back in Chicago, the plan was set into action to rid the world of Tony Lombardo. On Sept 7,1928, Tony Lombardo and body guards Joseph Ferraro and Joe Lo Lordo are walking together when they reach a crowded Madison and Dearborn streets when shots suddenly ring out. Lombardo is killed and Ferraro is mortally wounded. He later succumbs in hospital. LoLordo tries to run after the killers, but is arrested. Some claim LoLordo is in on it. This is due to the fact that he is not killed and is related to Pasqualino Lo Lordo, also a friend of Joe Aiello.

Crowds quickly gather after Lombardo and bodyguard are shot down in broad daylight in front of Raklios restaurant.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Joseph Lo Lordo, Lombardo bodyguard and brother to Pasqualino Lo Lordo.

Joe was also a main suspect in the 1929, St. Valentine's day massacre. Having had enough of the gang violence, and with urging from his family, he finally moved his wife and child to New York. While there, he moved in with his widowed sister in law Lena LoLordo, and became a construction laborer. He died in 1978.

Plate from Raklios restaurant. Who knows what famous gangster ate from this.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Back of Raklios plate.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Top view of Lombardo laying dead on the street.

Tony Lombardo lay dying amongst a crowd in front of Raklios restaurant (right). His bodyguard Joseph Ferraro (Joseph Morici) is at the left.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Lombardo on stretcher

Capone's chosen Unione Siciliana man. Antonino Lombardo aspired to a seat that became frequently empty once the leader was disposed off by quick death.

Michael Merlo was the only one previous to go of natural causes.

Crowds gather outside Lombardo's house where massive flower tributes are displayed. One is sent by Al Capone

(Mario Gomes collection)

Antonio Lombardo Capone's friend and Unione Siciliana head shot and killed on a busy street by Capone rivals.

Some historians and authors would like to believe that the answer to Lombardo's murder can be found in an entry that was mentioned in a ex mafiosi's book. This same mention or variation of, was later found in the FBI files. These two elements, in their minds, further cements the comments as being the absolute truth. The story is that an expatriated, ex Mafiosi, with an axe to grind named Nicola Gentile, wrote a memoir. Gentile seems to throw everything in his book except the kitchen sink. He has seen and knew everything that went on in New York, Chicago, Kansas City, Cleveland and Pittsburgh mobs. In the FBI file it is mentioned that Gentile claims that Joe "The Boss" Masseria had a ceremony and made Al Capone a Capodecina (Captain of ten) for the mafia. In exchange, Capone had to kill Antonio Lombardo and Joe Aiello. Is it accurate? Well let's just say that he has some messed up mention of the Valentine's day massacre happening at night with 5 men killed by Capone? Kind of makes you wonder about the other stuff being truthful. Think about this, If Capone would not betray future double crossers Anselmi and Scalise to appease the Northsiders, then why would he even think of betraying his good friend Antonio Lombardo?

The more simple and more truthful version of Lombardo's murder is that Lombardo was killed as revenge against Al Capone. This was most probably done in a joint agreement between a party in New York in connection with the Aiello who was now connected to the Moran/ Zuta faction. It was set forth as an message to Capone for the death of Frank Uale. It was to satisfy New York and to upset the Unione Siciliana seat now again up for grabs in Chicago. From New York's point of view the message sent was that Capone had fucked up! He brazenly sent his American crew of killers in non cleared territory to kill one of New York's criminal leaders. Uale, while even hated by most mobsters in New York, deserved to be killed through the proper channels. Capone did not ask for any go ahead and acted off the cuff sending his guns for hire called the American boys. Al Capone's own life was spared for this act, but as lesson and a sanction, his buddy Lombardo was marked for death and paid the price! This move worked because as far as Capone was concerned, he no longer sent his hitmen over to New York to kill anyone without first seeking permission.

Chicago American editor Harry Read, who had befriended Al Capone gained his trust and recorded in his memoirs some conversations the two shared. Read was careful not to ask any incriminating questions to Capone. Capone appreciated that fact and continued meeting with Read. Read spent some time with Capone in Havana, Miami and Chicago. Read promised not to publish these conversations in the newspapers, but held on to them until he considered one day to publish a memoir after many of the subjects had died. Somewhat conflicted to keep his promise, Read never did publish it and he himself eventually died.

The following is a conversation between Harry Read and Al Capone in his private suite at the Lexington Hotel

Questions from Harry Read to Al Capone

Read asking what will happen now- "I mean about the Lombardo affair."

Capone - "Strictly between you and me?" he asked.

"Plenty--unless!" he said, and his voice was so low I could scarcely hear it. "Tony Lombardo was my good friend. That situation could have been settled—it could be settled now--and I want to settle lt!" "Listen! I've had to fight ever since Torrio left Chicago. Trouble for anyone in my outfit means trouble for all" Well, that's bad--bad for business and worse for people" This killing doesn't settle anything. Only forgetting these things and going along together will settle—

"Forgetting things like the Lombardo affair?" I interrupted.

"Surel" he answered quickly. "Keeping up the killing won't bring Lombardo back--it'll only make matters worsel"

"Are you in any personal danger?" I asked.

His eyes blazed. "Certainly. We all are! Me and my people!"

"You mean your family?"

"Not my family alone, my people--my outfit." he exclaimed, a trifle impatiently.

"What's to be done about it?

He answered slowly "I think—I think that if a certain fellow would come here and talk things over the whole matter would be settled."

My mind raced over the names of possible candidates for that conference. Zuta? No. Aiello? He was in hiding and therefore out of the question.

Bugs Moran? Well, maybe-'-probably. I asked him if he knew a popular public official who lived in the vicinity of Moran's Forty-second ward headquarters.

"You seem to follow me," he said. "That man's been seen and he asked this certain party to come here and talk with me but it didn't do any good. I've been sending judges, policemen, politicians, ministers, priests and rabbis to talk to these people for years now. But as soon as I get something done it getscomes undone. I don't know the answer. Of course, the worst part of it is the phony talk."

He meant the carrying back and forth in the underworld of malicious tales and wild rumors that in whispered confidences were given the status of facts .

"That's the worst part of it," he repeated. "I never listen to it and I tell my people not to pay attention to anything they hear. Now take you and met someone might tell you I said you were a dirty so-and-so. Well, if you believe it without calling me on it that's bad enough; but that's just you alone and you're in a legitimate racket."

"Think how much worse it is when organized hoodlums with guns are told things and believe them. It's the talking and people believing it that causes the trouble. But anyone can make book over a table — that's the way they settled the World War and that was started by a lot of phony talk, too." It was startling to hear the causes of the world conflict of 1914 so glibly described in underworld argot.

"I don't know what's going to happen next," he went on. "I wouldn't tell you if I did; I'm not crazy! But If you ask whether something is going to happen I say it is, unless -—" he paused hesitantly "anything else?"

"Yes where does Pasqualino Lo Lordo, new head of the Unione Siciliana, fit into the picture?"

"That's what I was going to tell you a minute ago, but I stopped myself. Understand this; I have no money interest in the Unione; those Italians in the Unione don't try to muscle into the beer racket, and neither I nor any other man has a right to muscle in on something we didn't build and keep going. Decent people work for what they get whether it's a racket or legitimate. What happens depends on whether Lo Lordo is let alone. Now I've said enough — too much!

A somber Al Capone heading towards Lombardo's family before leaving the cemetery. Capone had spent the day at Lombardo's home going through the back of the house to avoid the press and crowd gathered in front of the home. Detectives were also observing the members of gangland making their appearance for this significant event.

Arrow points to Al Capone at Mt. Carmel attending his good friend Antonio Lombardo's funeral. Capone had been driven in an armored vehicle for the funeral. He is surrounded by his bodyguards (1) Albert Anselmi (2) John Scalise (3) Jack McGurn (4) Claude Maddox.

(Chicago Tribune photo)

Capone leaves little doubt that the Lombardo murder was a two step solution. (1) Revenge by the New York crowd, and (2) To satisfy certain parties (Aiello backers) in Chicago who weren't pleased with Lombardo's direction of the Unione.

Witnesses stated the killers were non Italians. The killers are thought to be Moran hitmen Pete Gusenberg, Frank Gusenberg and James Clark. Peter Gusenberg certainly fits the description of the tall heavy set man in the brown suit. There is also talk the one of the killers was sent in from New York to oversee and seek revenge for the Frankie Yale murder. New York's Anthony Carfano, known as Little Augie Pisano was suspected. Another was Ohio born and Chicago ex pat named Francesco Marcoguiseppe known as Frank Marco, AKA Marlowe. Some others suggest killers may have been sent by New York's Ciro Terranova. The latter would not make any sense because Terranova was a buddy of Capone and was even photographed a year later (1929) in Capone's pool. Keep in mind that Capone was Lombardo's good friend and not his enemy. The most plausible would be Joe Aiello having a hand at this in order to attain the throne himself. This is one of the main reasons why Capone hated Aiello to death and his hit was planned elaborately!

Northside gang member Peter Gusenberg suspected in both Lombardo and Lo Lordo murders.

At this moment, the Northsiders are now reluctantly aligned with the Sicilian Aiellos. Both clans unite to fight Capone. Gusenberg fits the description of the tall heavy set man seen in a brown suit at the Lombardo shooting.

Knowing the lay of the land around Chicago, he may have been the finger guy, and the one who took care of Lombardo bodyguard Joe (Morici) Ferrara. Frank Marco was probably the guy in the gray suit who shot and killed Lombardo.

(Photo Department of Justice. Bureau of Prisons. U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth)

Now with Lombardo gone, Aiello now assumes he will have a chance at the Unione throne. A supposed meeting for the choosing of the new president was to be in a Cleveland hotel. This is where some major Chicago Sicilian gangsters were gathered for this purpose. Upset upon learning ahead of time that he will be overlooked for the position, Aiello,who was supposed to attend, instead notified the police of the meeting. The police arrested all the gangsters in attendance. It was evenge for the moment, but Aiello's plan backfires.

Pasqualino LoLordo is now the chosen through his Italian citizen's club as the one to replace Lombardo. Lo Lordo was a good friend of Lombardo and is also a friend of Capone. Aiello is totally livid. Capone doesn't forget nor forgive Aiello's past indiscretions of sending out of town killers to get Capone, especially trying to poison his food.

In retaliation, Capone hoods rake the Aiello's family bakery twice with machine gun fire and shot gun blasts.

Pasqualino Lo Lordo's police mug shot.

(Mario Gomes collection)

Aiello thinks fast and arranges a meeting with Lo Lordo. Aiello is seen a near the Lo Lordo home for about a week.

Aiello lets it be known to Lo Lordo that he wants peace and just wants to do good business.

This is speculative, but it could have been very possible that LoLordo arranged to have a meeting between LoLordo and the Northsider to arrange a peace talk. Lo Lordo might have accepted thinking he would single handedly pull off this truce.

Lo Lordo was also known to have been running a big distillery in the Northside. This is something that might have not been making Moran too pleased.

Mrs. Lo Lordo, who found her husband dead in the parlor.

January 8,1929, Pasqualino Lo Lordo welcomes three callers.

They stand around in the parlor and give toasts to each other raising their wine and whiskey filled glasses. All of a sudden shots are fired and Lo Lordo falls to the ground. His head placed on a pillow. His wife comes in screaming as the three men quietly leave. The black maid assures police that the men who with Lo Lordo were not Italian. Pete Gusenberg, Frank Gusenberg and James Clark again come to mind. Aiello could have told Lo Lordo to expect them and that he would arrive later.

Portrait of Paqualino Lo Lordo.

In a criminal clean up, the Unione Siciliana later becomes the Italo American National Union. The organization is just as crooked but now with more members as the prerequisite of being strictly Sicilian to join is now softened, and now Italians from all regions are accepted. This makes their membership grow.

It's still infiltrated by Chicago outfit even after the Capone era. Funny enough, one of the final leaders was once Capone bodyguard Phillip D'Andrea. He was a relative of Anthony D'Andrea who was the first man in the Unione Siciliana seat from 1919-1921.

(Chicago telephone directory 1929)

Lo Lordo laying on a pillow dead after entertaining guests.

Suspects were Frank Foster, James Clark, Joe Aiello, Frank and Peter Gusenberg.

Thought to be sent back to Sicily, Pasqualino LoLordo's remains were kept a while at Mt. Carmel, Chicago before being sent to New York's Woodlawn cemetery.

(Photo kind courtesy of Susan Olsen at Woodlawn Cemetery)

Pasqualino LoLordo and wife Lena at Woodlawn cemetery, New York.

(Photo kind courtesy of Susan Olsen at Woodlawn Cemetery)

Capone has had enough. The St. Valentine Massacre sort of gets back at the Lombardo and Lo Lordo murders and puts a temporary hold on Moran's career. Aiello loses a big part of his muscle in Moran's boys.

Aiello leaves town fearing his life.

After the Atlantic city conference in which all past grievences between warring factions are absolved Aiello figures he can come back to Chicago as a business man. He also realizes that the throne to the Unione Siciliana is vacant as the man who held the position, Guiseppe Giunta, is now dead for trying to take over Capone. Aiello broke three rules that led to his death. The Capone mob took him down because 1) His participation in deaths of Unione Sicilana's presidents. 2) Breaking the agreement made at the 1929 Atlantic City meeting of promising not to open any new race tracks in Chicago.

3) Being part of the gang that killed reporter Jake Lingle.

For a little while life continues for Joe Aiello, but he is living on borrowed time. He should have left as promised in 1927. Many nights he sleeps in the attic of his Lunt Avenue home were he has set up a mattress. He is fearing police or Capone gunsels.

On July 23,1930, an Aiello gunman by the name of Peter "Ashcan" Inserio is shot at his soda fountain.

On September 13,1930, Aiello bodyguard Jack Costa is shot and killed.

Aiello hides out at his henchman's appartment at 205 Kolmar avenue.

His henchman Pasquale "Presto" Prestogiacomo was also in business with Aiello in a venture called Italo American importing company in which Presto was treasurer and manager. Aiello was hiding and waiting to get in a cab to leave the city as he knew the squeeze to get him was on. He had no idea what was about to befall him outside. Not one, but two machine gun nests were waiting. (There was even supposed third gun nest).This was a certified trademark of the Caponenites. As Aiello exited 205 North Kolmar, a machine gun opened up from a window at 202 North Kolmar. As the firing began he ran left towards the rear of the 205 Kolmar building.

In the back next to the Kolmar building lay another Machine gunthat opened up on Aiello from a window at 4518 West end avenue.Aiello had no chance in hell.Lead bullets poured into him and he dropped dead in a brush against the building containing the second gun nest. He had something like 40 to 50 bullets that penetrated his body. The Capone gangsters even went as far as disabling the outside buzzers to all the appartments in order to avoid Aiello from entering back when the bullets started to rain on him.

205 North Kolmar.Crowd gathers after Joe's body was removed.

The building still exists today and has newly been renovated.

(Info via Joe Walters).

Where Joe Aiello tried to make his exit at 205 Kolmar. Some of the bullets that peppered the bricks can be seen. Only a few of the shots missed their target.

First gun nest at 202 North Kolmar.

Second gun nest at 4518 West end avenue.

Diagram explaining the hit.

Aiello's bullet pierced coat.

Pasquale "Presto" Prestogiacomo

Before eventually being placed in Rochester, New York's Riverside cemetary, Joe Aiello was originally buried in Mt. Carmel cemetary in Chicago on Oct. 29,1930.

He was buried close to Tony Lombardo at the time.

His funeral was lacking the show up of gangsters. Even his brothers and many cousins failed to show up at the final gig.

12 year old Carl comforting his mother Catherine Aiello after she learns of her husband's demise.

October 28,1930. Coroner Herman Bundesen is in charge over the inquest into the death of Joe Aiello.

Aiello's distraught wife is beside Bundesen being questioned.

Joe Aiello's funeral from his home.

Close up of Joe Aiello's ornate coffin being led out of the Aiello family home.

Undertaker and Aiello gang member Peter J. Maruca (Left) escorting Joe Aiello's wife and mother as they step out of the Aiello residence.

Aiello mausoleum at Riverside Cemetary, New York.

Many cars with mourners and police on motorcycles who started the trip from his Lunt avenue home evetually disappeared upon arriving at Mt. Carmel. Besides the hearse all that was left was a a car containing Aiello's widow Catherine and three sedans containing flowers.

Aiello's body was placed in a $11,800 bronze coffin with floral pieces amounting to $15,000.

Undertaker's assistant George Gallagher recited the Lord's prayer at graveside.

On February 14,1931, fearing for her safety, Joseph Aiello's widow Catherine sells the Aiello home on Lunt. Catherine will move to Irondequoit, New York.

At the end of April 1932, his body is removed from Mt. Carmel and shipped to Rochester, New York, arriving at Riverside Cemetary on May 1st. His remains will be placed in a temporary vault until completion of the mausoleum.

His body will be finally laid to rest in the new mausoleum on May 22,1932, alongside his baby daughter Antonina, who died at 2 years of age in 1921. His beloved widow Catherine will join them both in December of 1992.

Many thanks to the Aiello, Lombardo and Lo Lordo relatives for sharing info and supplying some of the photos shown here. Some photos taken from my original Al Capone on the Spot to explain the people and the story.

First Posted October 2006