 Armone, as a capo and unnder surveillance |
Joseph "Joe Piney" Armone was the brother to Gambino crime captain Steve. "Piney" was once described as a gentleman, very faithful husband and father. His nickname was from his days as a kid when he and his father stole Christmas trees and resold them. He also served time for heroin trafficking for the infamous "French Connection" case. Armone would serve as a loyal capo under Paul Castellano. He could be described as Castellano's "eyes and ears". His crew operated around Manhattan. One of prize soldiers was a psychopath named Tommy Agro. In years to come Agro would venture to South Florida and bring a headaches to Armone. When John Gotti decided to overthrow Castellano he didn't seek out Armone's approval. Instead, Gotti offered him the second in command spot following the Frank DeCicco carbombing. Whether he approved or not, the Castellano murder was out of Armone's hands. His back was against the wall and he let the younger generation take over. In 1987 Agro would come back to haunt Armone. While in Florida Agro had established rackets with Gambino-Colombo associate Joe Ianuzzi. After a severe beating, Ianuzzi became an informant and wore a hidden microphone. By the end of 1987 Armone was convicted of bribery. Upon sentencing the presiding judge offered a deal that basically called for Armone to retire from the Gambino LCN Family. If Armone agreed the judge would give the elderly gangster probation. Giving an answer meant that Armone would admit that La Cosa Nostra existed and keeping the secrecy was a cardinal rule. Armone simply said "No" and stunned everyone attending. The surprised judge gave Armone twelve years within a matter of seconds. Armone would serve as nominal underboss to John Gotti. His actual role was carried out by capos Frank LoCasio of the Bronx and Sammy Gravano of Brooklyn. Armone would continue on in name until 1990 when he was placed as consigliere and Gravano as underboss. Armone died while incarcerated in April 1992. |