I am a bit surprised to hear that Ernie Biondillo would be invited at 23 years old to the wedding of Gabriel Mannarino's daughter. Unless he attended with Joey Naples or some of the "older" Youngstown contingent. When Ernie B was 23 years old, he was a mere stick up man and gopher for the fellas. Even when he was killed, he was considered a "close associate" but I think his power went out the window the day Joey Naples was gunned down in August of 1991. I know that Ernie was "highly upset" that he wasn't getting made and he felt that he and not Lenny Strollo should have taken over for Joey. Through my research, I come to find out that Henry as well as the top brass in Pittsburgh felt that Ernie drank too much and ignored "the rules." Any thoughts Friend of Henry?
I totally agree with all of the above. I'll guess that you're aware that Ernie was a "no fun drunk". Additionally Henry was even less fun. Thus he rarely drank. If Zebo had a friendly drink it would be a Harvey Bristol Cream on the rocks. Not a very potent drink and rarely more than just a couple. If and when he drank his real drink of choice was Chivas Royal Salute, very expensive and very potent. Needless to say I kept both on hand.
I was at the club one evening when Henry gave Ernie hell for drinking at work before they closed. He reminded him that of why he rarely drank, let alone at work.
I also believe that you're aware that he tried to tell Ernie that he needed to make peace with Lenny or he couldn't stop bad things from happening. He also assured Ernie that he would have nothing to do with anything bad that could happen. Obviously Ernie didn't listen. I never had an issue with Ernie. In fact I could only say good things, he was always fair with me.
