I understand Vinny got his handle from the name of his beauty salon, but it seems that I had read somewhere that he was also the owner/operator of a Subway sandwich shop yet I have seen no further references to this. Is this true or am I just getting more senile????

He operated a Blimpe Sub Shop. Vtale also said he was called Vinnie pills.

Shouldve called him vinny smack

Or Vinny Babang

Now u can call him Vinny "Neverseethelightofdayagain" Basciano

Thanks Ronniie- Guess I am not totally senile. I knew there was a sub shop somewhere in his story

Vinny owned several small businesses in the Bronx, mainly here in Throggs Neck. His video store was actually very busy, and I'm sure it stood on its own, not just as a "front." He was a much sharper businessman than he's given credit for (especially with "Mom and Pop" stores).

As far as the whole "Vinny Pills" thing, that piece of human garbage Vitale makes me laugh. He wants it to sound like he's the guy who uncovered that nickname for the rest of the world, and that it was used as a pejorative by the other Bonannos behind Vinny's back. Bullshit. Some people in the neighborhood referred to him that way prior to his purchase of "Hello, Gorgeous" (his beauty parlor).

At that point, yeah, some people jokingly started to refer to him as "Vinny Gorgeous," but in my opinion it's the media that made that moniker stick. And for the record, everyone who knows me here knows that Vinny and I lived practically spitting distance from each other before he went away for good and Angela sold the house.

I'm not defending his life and I'm hardly a fanboy. I wouldn't piss on most of these guys if they were on fire. But what's right is right. The shit that Vitale dreamed up about Vinny is ridiculous. He barely knew the guy.

your 100% right Pizzaboy very well said. He was never referred to as "Vinny Pills". He also owned an Italian Resturant called Bella Amalfi for a short time right after he closed down the beauty salon in that same spot. Yes he was a very good business man.

When the Silver Edge finally closed up Vinny should have bought it before S&W. Although, I gotta admit that store is pretty clean and well run.

Even a broken clock gets it right twice a day .

Welcome back buddy happy belated Easter, I knew some about all Vinnys legitimate buisness stuff but lol where was this Blimpie supposed to have been located?, Place is better than subway I must admit but the closest one I can't think of is in Parkchester, not that it's to important but still Vinny B running a third rate sandwhich joint,kind of comical

Totally agree.. The media has its own agenda...

What is the status of Vinny's sons and how did he get into the life to begin with? Did he grow up in the Bronx?

PB good insight on Vitale...any run-ins with Vinny's sons? I read they beat their neighbor with a brick. Do they still all reside in Throggs Neck?

Vinny Jr was recently indicted in a Queens gambling bust I think

Vinny did not grow up in the bronx. He was born in Yonkers and moved with his family to Rockland County when in his teens. Met his wife who grew up in the Bronx after they married thats where they resided. His son did not beat neighbor with a brick. Thats what they were claiming because thats what the victim was told to say by police , it was only a punch. His son was 21 at the time and was defending his little brother 12. The guy was 40 who was causing problems.

Thanks, ChiTown.


Run-ins? I've known them since they were babies. They grew up with my daughters and still address me and my wife as Mr. and Mrs. _______, even Vinny Jr. Especially Vinny Jr. So say what you want about some of these guys---and it would be justified---but at least most of the kids respect their elders.


That story was blown way out of proportion by the media. If it was your kid or mine it wouldn't have even made the papers, and a plea deal would have been reached at the initial arraignment.


Yeah, but they sold the house on Revere 7 or 8 years ago. A couple of the boys still live with their Mom over on Wilcox. See? Nice Italian boys .

The youngest son lives with the mom... the oldest is married and the 2 in between each have their own place.

he has 4 sons?

yes he has four sons

How many of the sons are made currently? 2? And didn't one take off and go into hiding before Vinny's trial? Is he back yet?

Great insight guys...love any personal stories you have. I'm normally not into you East Coast guidos but I've read a lot on Vinny Basciano and he is one tough MF'er and original hood...that's why I find him interesting.

None of his sons are made. None of his sons ever took off to go into hiding. They never had anything to run or hide from.

I didn't know that BOTH of the middle kids moved out. Then again, it's none of my business. Finding out about other people's kids leaving the nest is not really high up on my to-do list

they both been out for years actually since they sold house 8 years ago. The younger one always lived with the mom

Chiming in quickly. I live in that neighborhood too. Vinny Jr. reportedly is made. His mother's address was listed as his for the latest gambling indictment. Take that for what it's worth. Anthony reportedly was made too and took off when his father was indicted. I won't mention the other 2 by name as they've never been OC, but they were the ones involved in the alleged assault after a neighbor called the cops on the youngest. Don't know the whole story behind that, other than the guy's eye was messed up! None of 'em are known as angels, but not a big problem either. Gotta feel for 'em. For whatever Vinny did, it's easy for us to call him out. But when you're a kid, you love your dad unconditionally. Add to that the fact he provided them a good home. Them pooof, it's gone in an instant and he's still alive, but mine as well not be in terms of what he can do for you while rotting behind bars. Gotta feel for 'em.

I will chim in very quickly... vinny the son is not a made man. If anyone should no its me . You may have lived in the neighborhood long time but I can be considered a family member thats how close and long I know the family. I saw the birth of each son... Vinny is not made !!! Thats how much you know he doesn't even have a son named Anthony !!! And none of his sons ever took off at any time for any reason. Take that to the bank!!!

Wasn't one of the Basciano sons involved in a fight with Nick Cirillo's son and because Basciano's son was made, Cirillo's son was clipped?

The truth to that was.... Cicale was in the fight with Cirillo's son. Vinny and Cicale owned real estate office on Middletown road. Cirillo's son approached Cicale in front of the office on the corner. They got into a beef. Cicale called Vinny to come there right away by the time Vinny got there it was over and Cirillo son had already left the schene. Truth be know Vinny doesn't even know who or what Cirillo's son looks like he never even saw him. It was because Cicale was made and Cirillo's son disrespected him.

Well, sir. I guess you know more than me. But you're also re-writing some documented history in some cases. Not trying to cause a problem, and I'm not claiming a know ANYTHING more than you. I don't post much on here, so I apologize if I'm ruffling any feathers...Maybe the boys weren't made. But there have been quite a few documented stories on what happened with Quiet Dom's son. You also say he has no son who took off and no son named Anthony: http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boro...rticle-1.580341

Take a look about 3/4ths the way down. You still want to sit here and say you're part of their family?

Based on his extensive Google searches and folders of photos from newspapers, I think Ivy is practically Vinny's brother right?

Yes I am part of the family. I have been a big part of it way before the sons were born. I am childhood friend of the mother.I stood up for them at there wedding and changed the sons diapers. so yes I am a part of the family. I am not re writing history I am stating the truth. History has a problem of not knowing the true facts sometimes . also like you I do not post at all on here only when it concerns The Basciano's. Only because of who the father is they get a bad rap and Vinny the father gets bad rap sometimes also. I come on here to state the truth. In the case of Cirillo's son Vinny Jr. was only 21 years at that time of the incident, who really gets made at 21? He was just out of his teens. He still isn't made and he will never be. He is happy in his own private life and runs a very well known business. The story with Anthony who is supposed to be one of Vinny's sons if you see his age that they are stating he is Vinny had to be 12 years old when he had him ha. Come on.... yes I will sit here for how ever long it takes to say that I am part of the family closer than the real family. Thats a fact !! I have no reason to come on here to say nothing but truth and set some untrue facts straight no more no less.