A Cuneo racketeer who learnt his trade under Enzo Cuneo, Manny was known for his skills in concealing the unlawful practices of his trade without alerting the police or the other Families.

In the 1940s, Calamari took his trade into Little Italy, and set up shop in Smoke Signals, which greatly increased trade and made the businesses lawful owner, Frankie Berberi, a very wealthy man.

However, in 1945, the front business was seized and Calamari's racket soon followed, becoming property of the Corleone Family.