Domenico Aiello (1892 - 1934)

Born 10 Nov 1892 in Bagheria, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia

Husband of Paolina (Ciocca) Aiello — married 14 Dec 1912 (to 22 Nov 1934) in Utica, Oneida, New York, United States

Died 22 Nov 1934 at age 42 in Utica, Oneida, New York, United States

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Biography

Domenico Aiello is born 10 November 1892 in Bagheria, in Palermo province, Sicily, Italy.^[1] He is the son of Salvatore Aiello and Catharina Greco.

Dominick's sister, Providenza, is married to Pietro Lima^[2] by around 1896, when their first child is born in Palermo.^[3] Pietro is a known bootlegger.

In the 1910 federal census of Utica, NY, taken 22 April, Salvatore Aiello heads a household at 535 Bleecker St. He is 52 (b. 1858) and has been married for 34 years (m. 1876) to Antonina, who is 45 (b. 1865 so she married at age 11). They have had thirteen children, ten of them still living. The children at home in this census are Domenico, 18 (b. 1892), Giuseppe, 17 (b. 1893), Salvatore, 16 (b. 1893-4), and Isodoro, 8 months (b. Aug 1909). Other than Isodoro, born in New York, the family are all of Italian birth and immigrated in 1903. Salvatore, the elder, owns a grocery. Domenico is a laborer.^[4]

On 14 December 1912 in Oneida, NY, Domenic Aiello, age 20 (b. 1892), son of Salvatore Aiello and Catharine Greca, marries Paolina Ciocca, age 21 (b. 1891), daughter of Paolo Ciocca and Chiara Loce. Domenic lives at 17 Mohawk St., Utica. He is a peddler and was born in Palermo. Paolina lives at 15 Mohawk St., Utica. She is a mill hand and was born in Pontecorvo, Italy.^[5][6]

Dominick and Paolina have seven known children: Anna Marie (1913), Celeste (c. 1915), Clara (c. 1916), two daughters named Maria/Mary (c. 1919 and c. 1929), Salvatore (c. 1921-2), and Paul (c. 1924).

Anna Marie is born 23 October 1913.^[7][8]

In the 1915 New York State census of Utica, Domenico Aiello, age 23 (b. 1892), heads a household. He has been in the US for 14 years (since 1901).^[9]

Celeste is born on 29 March 1915.^[10]

According to her obituary, Paolina founds D. Aiello Co., wholesale grocers, in 1915 at her home, 743 Elizabeth St.^[11][12]

In 1917 when Domenico registers for the draft for WWI, he is 24 years old, a macaroni maker employed by Frank Inserra, Jr., of 629 Bleecker St. Domenico, his wife, and three children live at 631 Jay St. The registrar describes Domenico on 5 June 1917 as tall and stout with blue eyes and brown hair.^[1] His parents live at 734 Jay St.

His family's grocery store at the corner of Elizabeth and Albany Streets, is badly damaged by fire, an hour before the Family Liquor Store of Frank Spadafora, in the Cardamone Building at 515-519 Bleecker St., burns, in February 1919.^[13]

In the 1920 federal census of Utica, NY, taken 6 January, Domenico Aiello heads a household at 743 Elizabeth St. He is 28 (b. 1891) and his wife, Pauline, is 29 (b. 1890). Their children at home are Anna, 6 (b. 1913), Celeste, 4 years 9 mos. (b. Apr 1915), Clara, 3 years and 5 months (b. Aug 1916), and Maria, one year old (b. 1919). Domenico and Pauline were born in Italy and their children were born in New York. Domenico immigrated in 1901 and Pauline in 1905. They became naturalized in 1919. Domenico is a manager of a macaroni shop.^[14]

Dominick's father, Salvatore, has died by the 1920 census. Dominick's brother, who is also named Salvatore, marries the following year.

Dominick's son, Salvatore, who is called Sal, like Dominick's brother, is born around 1921-22, based on his reported ages in census and obituary records.^[15]

Louis Spadafora, the 23 year old son of Frank Spadafora, is killed in 1924.

In the 1930 federal census of Utica City, Oneida County, New York, taken 8 April, Dominick Aiello heads a household at 743 Elizabeth St. He owns his home, worth $9,000. Dominick is 38 (b. 1892) and so is his wife, Paulina. They married at age 20 (in 1912). Both were born in Italy, and their children were all born in New York. Dominick immigrated in 1903 and his wife in 1901. He is a grocery wholesaler. Their children at home are Anna, 16 (b. 1914), Celesta, 16 (b. 1914), Clara, 14 (b. 1916), Salvatore, 9 (b. 1921), Paul, 6 (b. 1924), and Mary, eleven months (b. May 1929).^[16] Maria, from the 1920 census, does not appear and is presumed to have died before Mary was born.

On 22 November 1934, a little after 2 AM, Dominick is shot to death in a car with his brother-in-law, Pietro Lima.^[17][18][19]

On 22 November 1934, around 1 AM, Joseph drives his father, Pietro, to Dominick's home. Pietro and Dominick are found shot to death, sitting in their car, having been killed sometime in the 2 o'clock hour.^[17]Dominick is said to be Joseph Lima's nephew.^[20])

In one account, Pietro is called away from home by a phone call, on 21 November 1934^[21], causing the two men to leave home incompletely dressed: Dominick is not wearing an overcoat and Pietro is wearing his over underwear and house slippers.^[22] The two men are found on Broad Street^[23], shot to death, in their automobile. In one account, authorities say they were fired upon from both sides of the street. Police theorize the assassinations are "the culmination of a feud, the exact nature of which they were not able to determine."^[24] Most other accounts agree the men were shot by an assailant seated behind them in their car.

The murder is officially unsolved, although speculation is that the Falcone family is behind their deaths.^[21] One forum participant names Salvatore Falcone and Salvatore Grio as the responsible parties.^[25] The gun used is found on nearby railroad tracks.^[26]

Pietro and Dominick are buried on successive days in identical gold-finished caskets and are carried by the same group of men who are nephews of them both: George Salvatore, Frank Inserra, Salvatore Aiello, Frank Morreale, and Sam Aiello.^[27] According to a great-granddaughter of Pietro Lima, Salvatore and Sam are Dominick and Providenza's brothers.^[2]

On 10 July 1937, Anna Marie marries Anthony Falcone, a young attorney, and son of Salvatore Falcone.^[28][29]

On 21 January 1938, Paolina's house at 1166 Webster in Utica is raided and a brand new, state of the art alcohol "super still" is discovered.^[30][29] Salvatore Falcone and his brother, Joseph, are indicted for running an illegal alcohol ring. Paolina provides for Salvatore's $20,000 bail with five pieces of property whose value is $21,500.^[31]

An interview with Paolina at the time of the trial finds her "in the garage in the rear of the house where she continues to run her late husband’s wholesale grocery."^[32]

Celeste marries Joseph D. Rossi on 30 November 1940.^[10]

In 1946, Salvatore marries Viola Vetrano.^[15]

In 1956, Paolina retires from D. Aiello.^[11] Salvatore takes over the family business.^[15]

Paolina serves on the board of directors of the Utica Warehouse Co., Inc.^[11] Salvatore serves as president.^[15] Celeste, is also active in the family business, D. Aiello, and in the Utica Warehouse Co.^[10]

Paolina dies unexpectedly at age 73 (b. 1891) from natural causes on 12 May 1964.^[11]

Salvatore lives at 39 Benton Circle in New Hartford at the time of his death at age 47 on 15 August 1969.^[15]

At the time of Salvatore's death, his surviving sisters are Mrs. Anthony Falcone, Mrs. Joseph Rossi, and Miss Clara Aiello.^[15]

Celeste dies on 14 December 1982. Her husband survives her. Among her siblings, her brother Salvatore/Sam has predeceased her. She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Dora Aiello of New Hartford; and by three sisters: Mrs. Anthony Anna Falcone, Miami; and Miss Clara Aiello, and Mrs. Leonard (Mary Lou) Milano, both of Hartford.^[10]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXBJ-ZCM : 13 March 2018), Domenico Aiello, 1917-1918; citing Utica City no 1, New York, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,819,116.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Personal communication from a confidential source to Justin Cascio. 28 April 2018.
3. ↑ Obituary: Mrs. Grace Dieglio. Utica NY Daily Press. 1 February 1984. P. 22.
4. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RKQ-D18?cc=1727033&wc=QZZ4-5QK%3A133641301%2C135767001%2C143845701%2C1589089056 : 24 June 2017), New York > Oneida > Utica Ward 5 > ED 115 > image 12 of 52; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
5. ↑ "New York, County Marriages, 1847-1848; 1908-1936," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MT-YGJB : 5 November 2017), Domenic Aiello and Paolina Ciocca, 14 Dec 1912; citing county clerk’s office, Oneida, New York, United States; FHL microfilm 1,020,266.
6. ↑ "New York, County Marriages, 1847-1848; 1908-1936," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MT-YG5W : 5 November 2017), Domenic Aiello and Paolina Ciocca, 14 Dec 1912; citing county clerk’s office, Oneida, New York, United States; FHL microfilm 1,020,266.
7. ↑ "United States Public Records, 1970-2009," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KLVF-17Q : 22 May 2014), Anne A Falcone, Residence, Miami, Florida, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.
8. ↑ "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JRF4-D3P : 20 May 2014), Anne M Falcone, 25 Jul 2000; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
9. ↑ "New York State Census, 1915," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9LF-G35 : 8 November 2014), Domenico Aiello, Utica Ward 08, Oneida, New York, United States; from "New York, State Census, 1915," database and images, Ancestry(http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing p. 52, line 5, state population census schedules, 1915, New York State Archives, Albany.
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3} Obituary: Mrs. Celeste Aiello Rossi. The Daily Press (Utica, NY). 16 December 1982. P. 26.
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3} “Mrs. Aiello, Founder of Firm, Dies.” Utica Observer-Dispatch, 13 May 1964.
12. ↑ “Utica Woman Passes Away.” Daily Sentinel. (Rome, NY). 14 May 1964. P. 20.
13. ↑ “Family Liquor Store Damaged By Fire/Grocery Store Burned.” Utica Herald-Dispatch. 27 February 1919.
14. ↑ "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVMB-XKT : accessed 10 May 2018), Domenico Aiello, Utica Ward 8, Oneida, New York, United States; citing ED 144, sheet 4B, line 95, family 90, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1245; FHL microfilm 1,821,245.
15. ↑ ^{15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5} “New Hartford Businessman, Dies at Age 47.” Daily Press (Utica, NY) 16 August 1969. P. 12.
16. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4RC-X6Y : accessed 10 May 2018), Dominick Aiello, Utica, Oneida, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 101, sheet 7A, line 36, family 137, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 1622; FHL microfilm 2,341,356.
17. ↑ ^{17.0 17.1} “Police Strive to Learn How Many Men Slew Two Uticans.” The Utica Observer-Dispatch. 23 November 1934. P. 20.
18. ↑ “[Joseph] Lima is the son of Pietro Lima and nephew of Dominick Aiello, Uticans who were murdered last December...” “Murdered Man’s Son Accused Of Bribing N.Y. State Trooper.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY) 21 January 1935. Evening edition. P. 2.
19. ↑ “[Joseph] Lima’s father, Pietro Lima, and Dominick Aiello, an uncle, were found shot to death... “ The Daily News, Batavia, NY. 22 January 1935. P. 7.
20. ↑ “Murdered Man’s Son Accused Of Bribing N.Y. State Trooper.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY) 21 January 1935. Evening edition. P. 2.
21. ↑ ^{21.0 21.1} Paul, Laurence. “Hamlin Asks Valachi Crime Data.” Utica Daily Press. 12 October 1963. P. 13.
22. ↑ “Victim of Gang War at Utica Was Once Involved in Otsego.” The Otsego Farmer (Cooperstown, NY). 30 November 1934. P. 8.
23. ↑ LaDuca, Rocco. “The Mob Files Day 7: How it all ended.” Published 9 May 2009 in the Observer-Dispatch (Utica, NY) http://www.uticaod.com/x1518870796/The-Mob-Files-Day-7 Accessed 10 May 2018.
24. ↑ 22 November 1934. The Evening Times (Sayre, PA) P. 1.
25. ↑ http://www.topix.com/forum/city/utica-ny/TDU1CN15TJAJ6I8B6/unsolved-murders-in-utica Accessed 10 May 2018.
26. ↑ “Gun Believed Used in Killings Found.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY). 24 November 1934. P. 9.
27. ↑ “Rites for Lima Held As Police Press Inquiry.” The Utica Observer Dispatch. 27 November 1934.
28. ↑ “Corn Hill Notes.” Utica NY Observer. 11 September 1937. P. 9.
29. ↑ ^{29.0 29.1} “Alcohol Trial Opens Third Week.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY) 28 May 1939. P. 11.
30. ↑ “Two Stills Seized By Agents, Police.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY) 22 January 1938. P. 3.
31. ↑ “Falcones Freed Pending Appeal.” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY) 7 July 1939. P. 12.
32. ↑ “Mrs. Aiello Brands Charges Against Falcone as Lies.” Utica Daily Press. 12 January 1939.