Joseph “Joe Piney” Gravino

Joseph “Joe Piney” Gravino (1922-1980) was a notorious member of the Gambino crime family, known for his ruthless efficiency and involvement in numerous murders during his career within organized crime. He earned his nickname “Piney” due to his alleged habit of burying victims in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

Gravino’s criminal career began in the 1950s, rising through the ranks under the tutelage of Carlo Gambino. He quickly established himself as a reliable and violent enforcer, participating in various criminal activities including extortion, loansharking, and illegal gambling. His willingness to commit violence made him a valuable asset to the Gambino family.

He was particularly close to future Gambino boss John Gotti. While Gotti was rising through the ranks, Gravino acted as a mentor and confidante. Both were considered aggressive and ambitious, eager to make their mark within the organization. This alliance would prove crucial in Gotti’s later ascent to power.

Gravino played a significant role in several high-profile murders. He was implicated in the assassination of Albert Anastasia in 1957, a hit that paved the way for Carlo Gambino to become boss. Though never convicted for the Anastasia hit, the event solidified Gravino’s reputation as a formidable and dangerous figure.

His involvement in the murder of Carmine Galante, the Bonanno crime family boss, in 1979, further cemented his reputation. Galante’s ruthless tactics and attempts to consolidate power threatened the established order among the New York Mafia families, and his removal was seen as necessary by many. While accounts vary, many believe Gravino played a significant role in the planning and execution of the Galante assassination.

Throughout his career, Gravino managed to evade significant prison time, partly due to his cunning and partly due to the omertà, the Mafia code of silence. However, his luck eventually ran out. He was murdered on October 23, 1980, shot in the head in Staten Island. The motive remains somewhat unclear, but theories range from a power struggle within the Gambino family to a personal vendetta.

Joe Piney Gravino remains a significant, if infamous, figure in the history of the American Mafia. He represents a breed of ruthless enforcers who helped shape the criminal underworld during the latter half of the 20th century. His life and death are a stark reminder of the violence and treachery that characterized the lives of many within organized crime.