Chicago West Sider Tornabene dies at 86

Alfonso "Pizza Man" Tornabene, reportedly a high-ranking member of the Chicago Outfit, died May 17 at the age of 86, according to a story by Bon Goldsborough printed in today's Chicago Tribune. The story indicated that Tornabene died at MacNeal Hospital in Berywyn of complications related to peptic ulcer disease.

Authorities say Tornabene (right), once owner of Villa Nova Pizzeria, was a member of the Outfit for decades. A 1997 book by the Chicago Crime Commission identified him as a lieutenant within the leadership of the Outfit's West Side Crew, then reportedly run by Anthony Centracchio.

Court documents show that he and Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa presided over a 1983 induction ceremony for the criminal society. Among those inducted were Frank Calabrese Sr. and his brother Nick, both of whom figured prominently in the recent Family Secrets case. During the Family Secrets trial, a mob informant testified that Tornabene helped run the Outfit while boss James Marcello was in prison between 1992 and 2003.

In the summer of 2007, a news report by Chuck Goudie of WLS-TV in Chicago suggested that Tornabene might have risen to the position of consigliere in the crime family. The Chicago Sun-Times boosted him still further, speculating he might have taken over the position of boss.

Tornabene was the cousin of Sam "Wings" Carlisi, a former influential member of the Outfit. Authorities believe Tornabene's late brother Frank was also affiliated with the organization.

WLS-TV: Tornabene, 84, is Outfit consigliere

A news report by Chuck Goudie of ABC-affiliate WLS-TV in Chicago (click picture for the report) indicates that 84-year-old Alphonse "Al the Pizza Man" Tornabene could be the Outfit's consigliere. The Chicago Sun-Times recently speculated that Tornabene might be the current family boss.

The report hinges on the U.S. Attorney's Office proffer in the Family Secrets case. That document contains witness Nick Calabrese's recollections of his Mafia induction ceremony in 1983. Calabrese said two men presided over the ceremony. One of them was the late Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa. The name of the other man was redacted in available copies of the proffer. However, WLS-TV got hold of an unredacted copy and found that Tornabene (right) was named as the second man to preside over the ceremony.

Tornabene, who has no criminal record, is a cousin of the late Sam "Wings" Carlisi, a former Outfit bigshot. Tornabene's late brother Frank was believed to be affiliated with the Outfit. He was convicted on voter fraud and prostitution-related charged.

Authorities are reportedly looking closely into the disappearance of Anthony Zizzo last August. Zizzo met frequently with Tornabene until his disappearance immediately after leaving his home for a meeting.

Related MobNews post:

• Speculating on the Outfit's current boss 06-18-07

Speculating on the Outfit's current boss

Law enforcement sources are unsure who currently commands the Chicago Outfit, but they point to two possibilities, according to a story by Steve Warmbir of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Al "Pizza Man" Tornabene, 84, could be running the organization, they say. Tornabene (above), former owner of a pizza restaurant, is believed to be a longtime bigshot in the Outfit. The FBI revealed that his name came up in recorded prison conversations between brothers James and Michael Marcello. The FBI has never arrested Tornabene.

John "No Nose" DiFronzo might be calling the shots, authorities say. In his late 70s, DiFronzo is believed to be a rival of the Marcellos, and, so, not particularly unhappy about the federal Family Secrets case.