Who was Paul Castellano's Wife? Meet Nino Manno, Children, Family

Paul Castellano was one of the most powerful and notorious crime bosses in American history. He rose to the top of the Gambino crime family, the largest and most influential mafia organization in the country, after the death of his cousin and mentor Carlo Gambino in 1976. He ruled the underworld with an iron fist, expanding his empire into legitimate businesses such as construction, meat distribution, and poultry. He was also known for his lavish lifestyle, living in a mansion dubbed the “White House” on Staten Island, and having a mistress named Gloria Olarte, who was his chauffeur and bodyguard.

But behind every successful man, there is a woman. And in Castellano’s case, there were two. His wife, Nino Manno, and his daughter, Constance Castellano. Who were they, and what role did they play in his life and death? Here is everything you need to know about Paul Castellano’s wife, who was Nino Manno? Children, family (as of October 25, 2023).

Who was Nino Manno? All About Paul Castellano’s Spouse

Nino Manno was born in Sicily in 1916. She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child. She met Paul Castellano when she was 15 years old, and they married in 1937, when he was 21 and she was 20. They had a traditional Catholic wedding at St. John’s Church in Brooklyn.

Nino was a devoted wife and mother. She bore Castellano four children: three sons, Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph, and a daughter, Constance. She also raised Castellano’s son from a previous relationship, Thomas Gambino, who later became a capo in the Gambino family. She stayed at home and took care of the household, while her husband pursued his criminal career.

Manno was aware of her husband’s illicit activities, but she never questioned or interfered with them. She accepted his role as a mobster and supported him unconditionally. She also tolerated his affair with Gloria Olarte, whom he met in 1974 and moved into an apartment in Manhattan. She remained faithful to him until the end.

Nino Manno died of natural causes in 1999, at the age of 83. She is buried next to her husband at Moravian Cemetery on Staten Island.

Paul Castellano’s Daughter: Constance Castellano

Constance Castellano was born in 1945. She was the youngest and only daughter of Paul and Nino Castellano. She was very close to her father, who spoiled her and gave her everything she wanted. She grew up in a privileged environment, attending private schools and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Constance married Richard DeLisi in 1965. He was a businessman who owned several nightclubs and restaurants in New York City. They had two children: Richard Jr. and Pauline. They lived in a penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park.

Constance Castellano was also involved in her father’s legitimate businesses. She worked as a secretary for Dial Poultry, one of Castellano’s companies that supplied chicken to fast-food chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s. She also helped him manage his real estate properties and investments.

Castellano was devastated by her father’s murder in 1985. He was shot to death by four gunmen outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan on December 16th. The assassination was ordered by John Gotti, a rival capo who wanted to take over the Gambino family. Constance Castellano blamed Gotti for her father’s death and testified against him at his trial in 1987. She also sued him for $100 million for wrongful death, but the case was dismissed.

Constance Castellano died of cancer in 2017, at the age of 72. She is buried next to her parents at Moravian Cemetery on Staten Island.

Paul Castellano’s Sons

Paul Castellano had three sons from his marriage with Nino Manno: Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph. He also had a son from a previous relationship with another woman: Thomas Gambino.

Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph followed their father’s footsteps into the mafia world. They became members of the Gambino family and worked under their father’s supervision. They were involved in various rackets such as gambling, loansharking, extortion, labor racketeering, and drug trafficking.

However, they were not as successful or respected as their father. They were often criticized by other mobsters for being spoiled, incompetent, or weak. They also had conflicts with their half-brother, Thomas Gambino, who was more powerful and influential in the family. They felt that their father favored Thomas over them and gave him more opportunities and privileges.

Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph were also disappointed by their father’s decision to name his underboss, Aniello Dellacroce, as his successor in case of his death. They expected their father to appoint one of them as the next boss of the Gambino family. They felt betrayed and resentful by his choice.

Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph were arrested and indicted on various charges after their father’s murder. They were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 8 to 10 years. They were also stripped of their positions and assets by John Gotti, who became the new boss of the Gambino family.

Paul Jr., Philip, and Joseph are still alive as of October 25, 2023. They are in their 70s and 80s. They have retired from the mafia life and live quietly in New York City.

Thomas Gambino is also still alive as of October 25, 2023. He is in his 90s. He was a capo in the Gambino family until 2002, when he stepped down and became a consigliere. He is also a prominent businessman who owns several companies in the garment industry. He is married to Frances Lucchese, the daughter of former Lucchese family boss Tommy Lucchese. They have four children: Thomas Jr., Joseph, Carlo, and Rosalie.

Conclusion

Paul Castellano was a powerful and controversial figure in the history of American organized crime. He had a complex and fascinating family life, marked by loyalty, love, betrayal, and tragedy. His wife, Nino Manno, his daughter, Constance Castellano, and his sons, Paul Jr., Philip, Joseph, and Thomas Gambino, were all part of his legacy and his downfall. They witnessed his rise and fall as the boss of the Gambino crime family, and they experienced the consequences of his actions and decisions.

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