Samuel Corsaro
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Samuel "Little Sammy" Corsaro (1943-July 5, 2002) was a mobster who belonged to the New Jersey faction of the Gambino crime family. His nickname "Little Sammy" came from his height of 5'5".
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[edit] Murder Rap
Born in Nutley, New Jersey, Corsaro later moved to Clifton, New Jersey. As a youth, he became involved in petty crime. In 1969, during a liquor store robbery, Corsaro shot and killed a store clerk. Corsaro was caught and sent to prison. In prison Corsaro organized a program to teach inmates the upholstery and interior design trade in preparation for their release. Using Corsaro's prison work program as proof of his rehabilitation, Corsaro's lawyers petitioned the New Jersey governor for a pardon. In 1983, New Jersey Governor Tom Kean pardoned Corsaro for the 1969 murder.
[edit] Back on the Streets
Despite spending 14 years in prison, Corsaro soon returned to criminal activity. He became an associate and then a made man, or full member, of the Gambino family under boss John Gotti. A 1988 report by the New Jersey State Commission investigating organized crime listed Corsaro as being active in loansharking, gambling operations, and drug sales in Essex and Passaic counties. By now, Corsaro was the second ranked member of the New Jersey Gambino faction, just below Robert "Cabert" Bisaccia.
[edit] Prison Again
In 1988, Corsaro and other New Jersey mobsters were indicted on conspiracy and racketeering charges, including an unsuccessful plot to firebomb the offices of the state's Organized Crime Task Force. In a long and tumultuous trial, there were frequent court outbursts, three defendants required hospitalization at some point, and a juror's car was shot up. In 1993, Corsaro was convicted and sentenced to 26 years in prison. Corsaro appealed the verdict and in 1999 prosecutors gave him a plea deal that reduced his sentence down to 8 to 16 years.
In 2000, Corsaro was released on parole. Corsaro close friend, mobster Arnold "Zeke" Squitieri had reportedly become acting Underboss of the family, giving Corsaro an opportunity to advance. Unfortunately for Corsaro, his health intervened.
On July 5, 2002 Samuel Corsaro died of a heart attack in Clifton at age 59.
