The Colorful Life of a Mob Wife
She did the unthinkable and won
Anna Petillo married for the first time at 19 years old. Her first husband was Gerry Vernotico, her cousin. Her parents and siblings opposed the marriage. They pointed out that Gerry didn’t have a lot of money and very few job prospects.
Gerry was listed as a carpenter on government records. Though, in reality, he worked as a baker in Manhattan’s Little Italy. While there is no indication as to why he lied, some have theorized he worked for the mob.
It wouldn’t be out of the question. Gerry and Anna’s cousin, David Petillo, was a known mobster. Most believe that it wouldn’t be difficult for Gerry to be brought in because of his relative. And it would provide a nice income for his burgeoning family.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Marie, in 1927. After the birth of their child, they moved to Greenwich Village. It seemed like they were happy, though, behind closed doors, there were plenty of arguments.
One argument revolved around Anna going to work. She took a job at a nightclub in Washington Square Park. The exact position is unknown, but many believe that she was a hostess.
During her time at the nightclub, Anna had an affair with one of her coworkers. Not much is known about the other woman. The fling didn’t last long but opened the door for more trysts.
“Your family would be disgusted if they knew what you were doing,” Gerry snapped at her one night.
“Tell them, you’ll be a laughingstock.”
She also started spending more time with her fourth cousin, Vito Genovese. He adored Anna. But since both were already married, he needed to find a recourse.
One that would free them up to be married.