John Tortora, aka "Johnny T", was a Yonkers mobster who first made headlines in 1958 by wrestling and pinning an alligator. Tortora was a member of the Genovese crime family, involved closely with Ralph Ferrara. At issue in 1969 was the opening of the mob controlled Red Grove Social Club in downtown Yonkers. Tortora was the club's president. He was joined by Mafioso Frank Squires who in April 1979 was murdered execution style. Others who were part of the short-lived establishment were John "Peanuts" Manfredonia and Salvatore Carta.