Thomas Agro

Thomas Agro
Born	November 29, 1931 New York City
Died	August 31, 1987 (aged 55) New York City
Other names	Tommy A, T.A., Tipp, and Thomas Ambrosiano

Thomas Agro (November 29, 1931–August 31, 1987), also known as "Tommy A", "T.A.", "Tipp", and "Thomas Ambrosiano", was a New York gangster with the Gambino crime family who ran lucrative bookmaking and gambling operations in Florida.

Agro was a smiling, pudgy little man always immaculately dressed and manicured. He wore a jet black toupee that was supposedly so sleek that it reflected flashing disco lights. According to the FBI, Agro had a prescription for lithium. He also took medications for a lung ailment and for heart problems that stemmed from high blood pressure.

Standing 5'5", Agro was a classic bully who enjoyed beating up people. Since he was sickly as well as small, Agro always needed several henchmen to hold down his victims so he could safely torture them. Agro was known to carry a pair of sharpened scissors on him at all times. Agro would approach slowly, carrying a knife. This gave his pinioned victims ample time to urinate in their pants, and on more than one occasion the victim defecated. Agro's attacks were more spontaneous than planned, though.

In 1975 or 1976, Agro became a "made man," or full member, of the Gambino crime family. Agro was sponsored for membership by Joseph N. Gallo, the family consigliere and worked under Joseph Armone, one of Castellano's most trusted associates. While Agro was never promoted above street-level soldier, he enjoyed a privileged relationship with family boss Paul Castellano. During this period, Agro was sent to prison for bookmaking. By 1976, Agro was dividing his time between New York and Palm Beach County, Florida.

In Florida, Agro chose mobster Joseph Iannuzzi as his representative. Iannuzzi enjoyed the attention and respect he received when Agro was in Florida. The two mobsters frequented the top nightspots and betting tracks. It was while at the greyhound racing tracks that Agro coined Iannuzzi's nickname, "Joe Dogs". Iannuzzi was given free rein to operate on behalf of Agro and the Gambino crime family. Iannuzzi operated bookmaking and loansharking while engaging in the occasional robbery and burglary. When Agro's sponsor, Joe N. Gallo, visited Florida, Iannuzzi would look after him.

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