Leoluca (Trumbadore) Trombatore (1888 - 1963)

Ancestors

Biography

Leoluca Trombatore ("Trombaturi" here) is born 22 March 1888 and baptized three days later, named after his paternal grandfather. He is the son of Salvatore Trombaturi and Lucia Streva. His godparents are Matteo Provenzano and Giovanna Vintaloro, a married couple.^[1]

On the SS Sofia Hohenberg, sailing from Palermo on 26 October 1907, and arriving in New Orleans on 18 November 1907, are these two passengers from Corleone:

25. Leoluca Trombadore, 19 (b. 1888), single, leaves his father Salvatore Trombadore in Corleone. It’s not clear how they’re related, possibly cousins, but he’s going to Giuseppe Streva at 623 Philip St., NOLA

26. Bernardo Paternostro, 42 (b. 1865), married, leaves his wife Maria Ribotta in Corleone on via Burgognone. He has been in the US previously, living in New Orleans from 1902-1907. He is joining his brother, Leoluca Paternostro, at 38 Labate, NOLA.

They are both bound for New Orleans and each have $20. Both were born in Corleone.^[2]

One of Giuseppe Morello’s New Orleans contacts in the 1910s is his first cousin once removed, Leoluca.^[3] While Morello is incarcerated in Atlanta, 1910-1920, he writes four letters to his "nephew" Leoluca Trombatore at 411 Decatur St., New Orleans.^[4] This is not a residence; 411 Decatur is the address from which George Thoele distributes beer and mineral waters.^[5] Thoele is a powerful Democratic Ring politician, on the board of governors of the Choctaw Club, and owns several businesses in New Orleans, including the Dixie Watchman Service, a private detective bureau.^[6][7]

Leoluca Trombadore, age 29, registers for the draft for WWI from New Orleans, LA. He lives at 721 Burgundy, in New Orleans and was born on 22 March 1888 in “Corleogn,” Palermo, Italy. He is a bartender, employed by "Luca Commander" in New Orleans. He supports his parents and is unmarried. He claims exemption from the draft on the grounds he is a foreign subject. Leoluca is still an alien resident. The registrar’s report describes Leoluca as tall and of medium build with brown eyes and dark hair.^[8] "Luca Commander" is Leoluca Accomando, from Corleone, with whom Leoluca Trombatore has a long association. Accomando owns a saloon at 723 Burgundy.^[9]

Leoluca's brother, Giovanni, is an active mafioso in Corleone. He is acquitted of murder in 1920.

When Leoluca registers to vote in 1935, he claims to have become a naturalized citizen on 13 April 1923^[10], less than a week before his marriage. His petition is likely granted in 1929.

He marries Antonina Coniglio, the daughter of Corleonesi immigrants, on 18 April 1923 in New Orleans.^[11]

Leoluca and Antonina, who is called Lena, have two known children: Katherine (1921), named after her maternal grandmother, and Samuel Joseph (1924).

Katherine is born 3 March 1921 in New Orleans.^[12]

On 5 May 1924, Luca Trompatore makes his declaration of intention in New Orleans. Luca is 35, a merchant, white, dark complexion stands 5’9”, weighs 185#, brown hair and eyes. Born in Corleone, Italy on 22 March 1888. Lives at 2323 Chartres St. Emigrated from Palermo on the Sofia, arriving in New Orleans on 10 November 1907. Last foreign residence in Corleone. Married to Lina, who was born at New Orleans, LA. She lives with him. Sworn 5 May 1924.^[13]

Samuel Joseph is born four days later, on 9 March 1924, in New Orleans.^[12]

Leoluca petitions for naturalization in May 1929. he lives at 2339 Ursuline Ave., NOLA. He is a salesman born 22 March 1888 in Corleone, Italy. Emigrated from Palermo on 26 October 1907 to the port of New Orleans arriving 18 November on the Sofia Hohenberg. Declared his intention to naturalize on 5 May 1924 in New Orleans in the District Court of the US. He is married to Lena, born 18 April 1898 in New Orleans. She lives with him. He has two children, Katherine born 3 March 1921 and Samuel Joseph born 9 March 1924. Both born in New Orleans and live with him. Leoluca has lived in the US, in Louisiana, since 18 November 1907 continuously. Declaration of intention no. 11100 filed 29 May 1929. Witnesses are George Bellaci, grocer, living at 1601 Mandeville St and Sidney E. LeBlanc, automobile filling station, residing at 1914 Frenchman St. Sworn 29 May 1929.^[12]

Petition no. 6842, Leoluca Trombatori, is number 14 on a list of naturalization petitions recommended to be granted in the District Court of the US, Eastern District of Louisiana on 7 November 1929. ^[14]

In the 1930 federal census of New Orleans, taken 8 April, Louis Trombatore, 42 (b. 1888), heads a household at 2339 Ursuline Ave with his wife, Loma, 32 (b. 1898), and children Catherine, 9 (b. 1921), and Sam, 6 (b. 1924). Louis first married at age 31 and his wife at 21 (11 ya; m. 1919). Louis was born in Italy and emigrated in 1910. He is a naturalized citizen. His wife and children were born in Louisiana. Louis is a macaroni salesman.^[15]

Bill Feather identifies Leoluca Trombatore as active in the Mafia in New Orleans in the 1930-60s.^[16]

In 1930, Leoluca's brother, Giovanni, is sentenced to prison in Italy for cattle theft. Their brother Joseph dies in New York City in 1931.

In the 1932 NOLA city directory: Louis Trombatore, trav (traveling), lives at 2339 Ursulines Av.^[17]

In the voter registration rolls of Orleans Parish, Precinct 9, no date available, Leoluca’s age suggests 1935:

278. Leoluca Trombaturi, age 47, born in Italy, lives at 3030 Ursuline, a merchant, born 22 March 1888. He has lived in this state and parish since 1912, and in this precinct since 1915. He was naturalized in the US District Court at New Orleans on 13 April 1923. He signs his own name.^[10]

On the SS Roma sailing from Naples on 28 September 1938 and arriving in the port of New York on 7 October, these United States citizens appear on the manifest:

22. Leo Luca Trombatore, 50 (b. 1888), married, naturalized in New Orleans, LA on 7 November 1929, lives at 3036 Ursuline Ave., New Orleans, LA

23. Antonina Trombatore Caniglio, 39 (b.1899), married, born 18 April 1899 in New Orleans, LA, same residence as above^[18]

In the 1940 federal census of New Orleans, taken 17 April, Louis Trombatore, 52, heads a household at 3036 Ursuline. He owns his home, worth $6,000. With him are his wife, Lena, 41, and children Catherine, 19, and Sam J., 16. Louis was born in Italy and his wife and children in Louisiana. Louis is the proprietor of a barroom.^[19]

Luca Trombatore is on the voter registry roll for Orleans Parish in 1941. He lives at 3036 Ursuline St, in Precinct 9 Ward 6. He was born in Palermo, Italy, on 22 March 1888, is age 53 years, two months, has lived in Louisiana since 1908, and in Orleans Parish since 1908. He has lived in this parish continuously since 1936. He is the head of his household. He is a salon owner. He signs his name 22 May 1941.^[20]

Leoluca Trombatore (called “Leoluga” in this record) registers for the draft for WWII in 1942. He lives at 3036 Ursuline Ave., New Orleans. He is 55 years old, born in Corleone, Italy on 22 March 1888. His nearest contact is "Laeco Maudo" at 731 Burgundy St., New Orleans. Leoluca is self employed at 4200 Holygrove, New Orleans. The registrar report describes Leoluca as standing about 5’9” and weighing 210#, with brown eyes, gray hair, and a ruddy complexion.^[21]"Laeco Maudo" is Leoluca Accomando, who lives at 725 Burgundy Street in the 1940 census.^[22]

In the 1945 city directory for NOLA, Louis Trombatore is a liquor retailer at 4200 Holly Grove.^[23]

Catherine, age 25 (b. 1921), marries John A. Paternostro, age 27 (b. 1919), on 26 February 1946 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana.^[24]

By the end of 1947, Carlos Marcello has taken over the Mafia in New Orleans from Sam Carollo. According to an FBI informant in 1967, the boss of the Mafia throughout Louisiana is in fact Leoluca Trombatore, known as "Mr. Luke." Mafia writer David Leon Chandler mentions a "Leoluca T." who is the largely unknown Mafia boss in New Orleans.^[3][25]

Samuel Joseph Trombatore, age 26 (b. 1924), marries Edna May De La Houssaye, age 20 (b. 1930), on 7 June 1950 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana.^[26]

The Trumbatores spend a year abroad. They appear in lines 8 and 9 on the departing Vulcania, leaving New York on 15 July 1952, bound for Naples. Their home address is 3036 Ursuline Ave, New Orleans.^[27]

Leoluca and Antonina return on the Vulcania, sailing from Naples on 25 July 1953 and arriving in New York on 6 August. Leoluca was born in Italy and Antonina in Louisiana. Both travel on passport number 261072.^[28]

In the 1956 city directory for NOLA:

Louis Trombatore and wife Lena A. live at 3036 Ursulines Av.

Samuel J. Trombatore and his wife, Edna. He is an office manager for Al Delahoussaye Ins Agency and lives at 3036 Ursulines Ave.^[29]

Leoluca's brother, Giovanni, a long-time mafioso in Corleone, is abducted and killed in the spring of 1957.

Death of Leoluca

Leoluca Louis Trombatore dies at home on 10 January 1963 in New Orleans. He was married to Lena Coniglio, who is 63. He was born 29 March 1888 in Corleone, Italy, and died at age 74 years, 9 months, and 11 days. He was a US citizen, owner of a restaurant. He last resided at 3036 Ursuline St., New Orleans. He has lived in NOLA for 58 years. He was the son of Salvadore Trombatore and Lucia Streva, both of Italy. The informant is Mrs. L. Trombatore of the same home address. Signed 10 January 1963. Leoluca died from acute myocardial infarction due to generalized arteriosclerosis, due to diabetes mellitus. He is buried in Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.^[30]

Leoluca Louis Trombatore was the husband of Lena Coniglio, father of Samuel Trombatore and Mrs. John Paternostro, brother of Anthony, John, Salvadore, and Lucia Trombatore and the late Joseph Trombatore, and son of the late Salvadore Trombatore and Lucia Streva. He was 74 years old, a native of Corleone, Italy, resident of New Orleans for the past 58 years.^[31]

Lena dies at age 65 on 8 October 1963 in New Orleans.^[32]

Leoluca’s brother, Antonino, dies in Los Angeles, California, on 19 February 1965.^[33] His obituary appears in the New Orleans States Item on 24 February. Antonino was born in Italy, son of Salvatore and Lucia Streva Trombatore. Also named are Tony, Leoluca or Louis, and Samuel Trombatore (the latter is Leoluca's son), and Mrs. John Paternostro, who is Leoluca's daughter.^[34]

Samuel dies of cancer at age 67, on 26 July 1991 in New Orleans.^[35]

Catherine dies at age 91 on 3 February 2013.^[36]

Sources

1. ↑ Baptism of Leolucas Trombaturi, record no. 169, 25 March 1888, "Italia, Palermo, Diocesi di Monreale, Registri Parrocchiali, 1531-1998," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12332-64116-57?cc=2046915 : accessed 29 September 2015), Corleone > San Martino > Battesimi 1884-1888 > image 338 of 398; Archivio di Arcidiocesi di Palermo (Palermo ArchDiocese Archives, Palermo).
2. ↑ Ancestry.com. New Orleans, Passenger Lists, 1813-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2006. Original data: Selected Passenger and Crew Lists and Manifests. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} Critchley, David. The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931. Routledge: New York, 2009.
4. ↑ Hunt, Thomas. “Mafia boss of bosses despairs in prison.” Informer. April 2010. Pp. 35-45.
5. ↑ Soards’ New Orleans Directory for 1912. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112045772842&view=1up&seq=1251&q1=%22411%20Decatur%22 Retrieved 10 January 2022.
6. ↑ Louisiana Today. (1924). Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Immigration. P. 245.
7. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/152237415/senator_george-frank-thoele : accessed 10 January 2022), memorial page for Senator George Frank Thoele (7 Sep 1883–14 Mar 1927), Find a Grave Memorial ID 152237415, citing Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA ; Maintained by SusanG (contributor 47958392) .
8. ↑ "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ8N-63W : 12 December 2014), Leoluca Trombadare, 1917-1918; citing New Orleans City no 4, Louisiana, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,684,918.
9. ↑ New Orleans, Louisiana, City Directory, 1919 Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} Louisiana, Orleans and St. Tammany Parish, Voter Registration Records, 1867-1905, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-P3FL-3SH5-Y?cc=3326775), > image 1 of 1; Orleans Parish Register of Voters, Louisiana.
11. ↑ "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJC-2NFX : accessed 19 March 2016), Leoluca Trampatore and Antonina Coniglio, 18 Apr 1923; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 2,297,196.
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1 12.2} Record no. 159612. (1929). Petition for naturalization record no. 6842 in the US District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana at New Orleans.
13. ↑ Record no. 1100. (1924, May 5). US District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans.
14. ↑ List no. 6, Sheet no. 2 of 3. (1929, November 7). Form 2351-B US Dept of Labor Naturalization Service. National Archives and Records Administration - Southeast Region (Atlanta); Atlanta, Ga; Lists of Granted, Denied, and Continued Naturalization Petitions, 1929 - 1953; Series Number: 4499830; Record Group Title: Records of District Courts of the United States; Record Group Number: 21 Description: Lists of Granted, Denied, and Continued Naturalization Petitions, 1929 - 1953 Ancestry.com. Louisiana, U.S., Naturalization Records, 1836-1998 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
15. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMRW-RX9 : accessed 10 January 2022), Louis Trombatore, New Orleans (Districts 1-250), Orleans, Louisiana, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 90, sheet 8B, line 53, family 113, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 803; FHL microfilm 2,340,538.
16. ↑ Feather, B. (2010, July). Mafia membership charts New Orleans 1920-1970s. Informer. P. 49.
17. ↑ New Orleans, Louisiana, City Directory, 1932 Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
18. ↑ Year: 1938; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 1; Page Number: 33 Ship or Roll Number: Roma Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
19. ↑ Year: 1940; Census Place: New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana; Roll: m-t0627-01422; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 36-143 Enumeration District: 36-143; Description: NEW ORLEANS CITY WARD 6 (TRACT 41 - PART) Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
20. ↑ Louisiana, Orleans and St. Tammany Parish, Voter Registration Records, 1867-1905, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-L3N2-LRXF?cc=3326775), > image 1 of 1; Orleans Parish Register of Voters, Louisiana.
21. ↑ "United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X59H-V31 : 8 April 2016), Leoluga Trombatore, 1942; citing NARA microfilm publication M1936, M1937, M1939, M1951, M1962, M1964, M1986, M2090, and M2097 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
22. ↑ "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9MR-G7K4?cc=2000219&wc=QZXP-7K3%3A790102701%2C791269701%2C791705401%2C791720001 : accessed 10 January 2022), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans City, New Orleans, Ward 5 > 36-105 New Orleans City Ward 5 (Tract 43 - part) > image 27 of 38; citing Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012.
23. ↑ New Orleans, Louisiana, City Directory, 1945 Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
24. ↑ "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJZ-8NVK : 15 October 2015), Leolucci Trombatore in entry for John A Paternostro and Catherine Trombatora, 26 Feb 1946; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 2,321,122.
25. ↑ FBI report dated 11 July 1967 Bureau File no. 92-6054.
26. ↑ "Louisiana Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJZ-VQCZ : 18 February 2021), Louis Trombatore in entry for Samuel Joseph Trombatore and Edna May De La Houssaye, 07 Jun 1950; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 2,322,669.
27. ↑ The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Series Title: Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels and Airplanes Departing from New York, New York, 07/01/1948-12/31/1956; NAI Number: 3335533; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Record Group Number: 85; Series Number: A4169; NARA Roll Number: 175
28. ↑ "New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-994P-8827?cc=1923888&wc=MFKD-N38%3A1030290901 : 2 October 2015), 8345 - vol 18247-18248, Aug 4, 1953 > image 686 of 993; citing NARA microfilm publication T715 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
29. ↑ New Orleans, Louisiana, City Directory, 1956 Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
30. ↑ Burial transit permit no. 93803.
31. ↑ Obituary: Trombatore. (1963, January 12). The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA). P. 2. Sec. 1.
32. ↑ "Louisiana, Orleans Parish Vital Records, 1905-1913, 1955-1963," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLQX-ZM36 : 9 June 2017), Leoluca Trombatore in entry for Antonina Lena Trombatore, 8 Oct 1963; citing Death 8 Oct 1963, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, United States, certificate ; Louisiana State Archives, Baton Rouge.
33. ↑ Place: Los Angeles; Date: 19 Feb 1965; Social Security: 572224279 Ancestry.com. California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.
34. ↑ "United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2011", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q5SY-3YPT : 18 July 2020), Lucia Streva Trombatore in entry for Antonino Trombatore, 1965.
35. ↑ Obituary: Samuel Trombatore. (1991, July 28). Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA), p. B8. Retrieved from https://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/obit/14673989F1013A20-14673989F1013A20?p=OBIT
36. ↑ (2013, Feb 6). Funeral Notice - PATERNOSTRO. Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA), p. FN.. Retrieved from https://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/obit/144485665A291CF0-144485665A291CF0?p=OBIT