James Vintaloro was a Lucchese soldier who is most often remembered for the death of heavyweight boxer Johnny Grosso. Grosso and Vintaloro argued repeatedly when both were involved in gambling rackets in New York City. Grosso was gunned down while crossing the street with some companions in 1932. The boxer often made fun of bookie Vintaloro's small stature. This may have triggered his violent demise. For certain Vintaloro had threatened the pugilist on more than one occasion.