Bios. of early Bonanno members

BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  1988 was his date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Palazzo Adriano, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].

  


   

   

 




BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  No known date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Prizzi, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].

  


   

   

 




BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  No known date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Prizzi, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].

  


   

   

 






 

 




 












 
    





BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  No known date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Prizzi, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].

  


   

   

 




BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  No known date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Prizzi, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].

  


   

   

 






 

 




 












 
    





BIOGRAPHY  OF  BONANNO  MEMBERS  1930-50’S.

  ALASCIA-JAMES   1900  Cefalu, Sicily*  /   USA  19?
Associates : - S.Maranzano, F.Mule.  S.Rannelli [Lucchese].
Claimed on the 1930 Census to have been born in America, so origin in doubt.  Arrested in 1923 in Rochester for Narcotics, along with future Gambino member Anthony Spallino.  Other arrests for Homicide, Gun possession and Abduction on his record.  Later witnessed the Naturalization of Boston Head Gaspare Messina.  Leased the office in which Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in 1931.  Indeed may have been a partner of Maranzano’s, and  present at his killing.  Questioned by Police, who discovered he lived with Stefano Rannelli [Steve Rinell]], an important Maranzano gunman.  Like Rannelli he was later murdered [1932], either as a Maranzano loyalist or by the new Family leadership.

ALESE-PIETRO   1892  Trapani, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
The source for him is a mention in NARA Records.  Tracing him is difficult as his name appears in records as Alese, Alesi, Alice and Alesso.  The best option is a man born in 1892 near Castellammare, who entered America in 1911.  In the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Presser in the Garment industry.  A man of this name was arrested for Robbery in 1959, although our man would have been in his 60’s by then.   He died in 1983 [SSDI].

ALFANO-NICOLO   1894  Racalmuto, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias :- Don Nicolino.
Relations : - J.Traina [Nephew] Genovese.
Associates : - A.Crisci.
Named on a 1983 Government list, and mentioned on the DeCavalcante tapes, he was a longstanding member.  Arrived in 1912 from Agrigento Province, he settled in Queens, NYC.  By the 1920 Census he worked in a Shoe Factory. In 1921 a Vincenzo Alfano was a victim of the “Good Killers”, and could have been a relative. The only known arrest for him was in 1945 for Fraud, so he kept a low profile.  Probably promoted to Capo at some point in the 1950’s, as he was mentioned as a long serving Capo by the mid-1960’s.  Seems to have moved to New Jersey at some point, although known to frequent a Bonanno Social Club on Monroe Street in Manhattan.  Was heavily involved in reorganizing the Family in the aftermath of the “Bananas War”, as featured in the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  May have been Acting / Consigliere for a short time in the late 1960’s. Seems to have retired by the mid-1970’s, and died in 1992 at 98 years old.

ALLEGATO-MICHAEL   1902   Santa Ninfa , Sicily  /   USA   1910.
Alias : -  Big Mike.
Relations : - Bonventre family [ in-laws ].
An early member, but not too much known about his early activities.  According to the 1920 Census, he lived in Brooklyn, worked as a Shipping Clerk and was a Naturalized Citizen.  His first known arrest was for Bootlegging in 1932. He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island.  This was raided by Police in 1932.  The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims.  Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. By the 1930 Census, he had moved to Nassau, NY.  In 1940 he was arrested for a conspiracy to murder a recalcitrant union rebel.   At that point he was living in Florida, possibly for health reasons, and owned an Orange Grove.  There is no record to say if he was still active in Family rackets.  He died in Florida in 1964.

AMARI-SALVATORE   1892* Trapani, Sicily  /   USA   1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best.  Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily.  Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.

ANELLO-VITTORIO   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership.  The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen.  He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative.  Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm.  He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe.  Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.

ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL   1901  NYC, USA.
Alias : -  Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts.  Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan.  His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona.  This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned.  By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY. 

AQUARO-JOHN    1898  NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s.  All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn.   According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey.  Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions.  As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio.  The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo.  The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced.  Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”.  He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.

ASARO-GIUSEPPE   1892  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare.  With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan.  He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor. Related by marriage to the Bonventre family, and also possibly to the Galante’s.  Arrested once in 1921 for Bootlegging.  By the 1950’s he, and Vincenzo were close associates of Carmine Galante.   Mentioned in the book Brick Agent, as an elderly Bonanno member.   Died in 1964.

ASARO-VINCENZO   1892   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother], Jerome + Joseph [Sons], V.Bonventre [M].
Arrived later than his brother, but settled in the same general area on East 9th street.  Worked as a Presser in the Garment industry, and was Naturalized in 1927.  Some reports suggest his Father, Girolamo, was a mentor of  Stefano Magaddino, when he lived in Brooklyn.  A suspect in the 1930 murder of Catello Coppola, he was arrested in 1931 for possession of a gun.  By now living on Pitkin Avenue he was arrested again for Bootlegging in 1932 and 1938.  A close associate of Carmine Galante, to who he might have been related.  Survived his brother by 6 years, and died in 1970. Two of his sons and a grandson became members.  Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.

BARRANCA-STEFANO   1894  Villafranca, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently.  Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province.  Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there.  Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census.  We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates.  This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member.  Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership.  No more is known until his death in 1987.

BELLO-ANTONIO                           ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968.  It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California.  Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there.  At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California.  He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him.  Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California.  However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission.  This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement.  Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67.  The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.

BONANNO-JOSEPH   1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law].  S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911.  Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924.  Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket.  Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano.  One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms.  Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932.  Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission.  Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945.  Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms.  Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave.  Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill].  Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese.  They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt.  There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings.  A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona.   In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing.  Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
                       Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno

BONANNO-SALVATORE   1879  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
 The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily.  As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling.  He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern.  The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare.  The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta  with the Buccellato faction.  In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians.  Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.

BONOMO-FRANK   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early.  Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn.  Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm.  By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale.  In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC.  With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction.  In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno.  Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss.  In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from. He may have temporarily been Acting/Capo after their disappearance.  After another Family reorganization, he was put in a crew of old-timers, headed by Angelo Salvo.  Finally, he was retired by his death in 1987 in Florida.

BONVENTRE-GIOVANNI   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933. Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years.  Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm.  Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940. Re-entered through Cuba, and gained Citizenship in 1946.  Was a partner in the Anello-Bonventre undertaking company.  Shelved for 3 years in the 1940’s, after insulting his relative Stefano Magaddino in Buffalo.  Arrested for Kidnap and Burglary in 1943, he bought an interest in the Colorado Cheese company.  A Capo by the 1950’s, his wife became ill and he swapped his home in Brooklyn for one in Castellammare.  Returned, and was arrested at the 1957 Apalachin meeting.  Eventually returned to Sicily in 1958, and was exiled to an Island by the Italian Government by the 1970’s.  No known date of death.  Sources are NARA, Valachi charts, Bill Bonanno book + Apalachin Report. 

 BONVENTRE-GIUSEPPE   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /  USA  1906.
Relations : - Vito + Giovanni [Brothers], Bonanno, Magaddino + Galante families [in-laws].
Arrived in 1906, on the same boat as his brother-in-law Gaspare Galante, heading to his brother Pietro in Brooklyn.  Worked in Pietro’s bakery, until opening his own.  In 1908 he, and his other brother Vito, were arrested for the murder of a fellow Castellammarese called Giovanni Carollo. As there seem to be no record of a trial, the charges must have been dropped.  Giuseppe seems to have moved to California at some point, as he died in San Diego in 1925.

BONVENTRE-PIETRO    1887  Castellammare, Sicily   /   USA   1905.
Relations : -  Martin [Son], Bonanno, Anello, Magaddino, Palmeri families [M].
One of the earliest Bonventre’s to arrive in 1905, heading to a Cousin in Brooklyn called Palmeri.  Soon operating  his own Barbers shop [WW1 Registration card] in Williamsburg. Visited  Sicily in 1908. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911].  Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections.  When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife.  Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm.  He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.

BONVENTRE-VITO [1]  1875  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - The King.
Associates : - S.Magaddino, G.Milazzo, N.Schiro, A.Domingo.
A cousin to the other Bonventre’s, he came to America in 1906 heading to a brother, Antonino, on 5th North street in Brooklyn.  Legend says that he inherited a bakery from an Uncle, who was murdered by the Buccellato faction.  He soon became a very important member, serving under Nicola Schiro.  He gained Naturalization in 1917, and visited Sicily in 1920.  He first came to notice when he was arrested, with Stefano Magaddino, in the Caiozzo murder case in 1921.  Possibly led the Castellammarese faction of the Family.  Lived at 115 Roebling street, an address connected to Magaddino, Gaspare Milazzo and other members.  Became a wealthy bootlegger during the 1920’s, being arrested in 1927.  Somehow managed to get the evidence replaced by water, and the Detective involved committed suicide.  Was semi-retired by the start of the “Castellammarese War”, but the Masseria forces thought him dangerous enough to kill in 1930.  Named by all the main insider sources we have [Valachi, Gentile, Bonanno].

BONVENTRE-VITO [2]   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Relations : - Giuseppe + Giovanni [Brothers],Bonanno, Magaddino, Saraceno, Galante families [in-laws], J.Morale [son-in-law].
As with Giuseppe entered the USA in 1906, heading to his brother Pietro on 4th street in Brooklyn.  He and Giuseppe opened their own bakery on 22nd street.  With Giuseppe and brother-law Gaspare Galante, he was arrested in 1908 for the Carollo murder.   May have lived in Detroit  in the 1920’s, as he visited Sicily in 1921 + 1924, returning to Detroit both times.  By the 1940’s he had become a Presser in the Garment industry.  His daughter married John Morale, who would become the Family Under-boss.  Although old and retired by the time of the “Banana War”, he was listed as a member of the Sciacca faction in a 1967 FBI document.  Lived to the age of 96, dying in 1988.

BRUNO-MARTIN   1911   USA.
Alias : - Bruns.
According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he had 6 ushers at his 1931 wedding.  A photo shows them, with Bonanno and best man Gaspare DiGregorio.  Every other man in that photo was a “confirmed “ member, so  Bruno was probably one too.  Known as Marty Bruns, he was born in 1911 and lived in Brooklyn.   I have not been able to find any further record of him.  There is a Martin Bruno on the SSDI [1910-72], but he was born in Chicago and died in Florida.

BUCARO-ANDREW   1906  USA.
Alias : - Andy Curley.
Associates : - V.Garofalo. S.Aloi  + S.Mussachio[Colombo], DiPalermo brothers [Lucchese].
Believed born in New Jersey, but lived on 2nd street in Manhattan [1915 NYS Census].  His criminal record started in 1923, and contained arrests for Robbery [1927], Shooting [1931] Bootlegging [1941 + 1944].  The latter arrest was as part of a large scale operation including members from the Colombo, Lucchese and Genovese Families.  He spent some time in prison for this, and his last known arrest was in 1960.  Thereafter he kept a low profile, and died in 1980.

CAMPANELLA-PAOLO   1896  Nicosia, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Paul snr.
On the 1950 FBN Report there are 2 Paul Campanella’s listed.  Paul senior lived on 78th street in Brooklyn, and this matches a man born in 1896.  Paul junior however seems not to be related to him, or to future Bonanno members John and Joseph.  The latter two are descended from another Paul, who lived in Buffalo.  This is very confusing, and it could well be that neither Paul is a member of this Family.  The man born in 1896 was a shoemaker, Naturalized in 1921 and died in 1978 in Brooklyn.

CANZONERI-ANTONIO   1908   USA.
Alias : - Tony.
Relations : - N.Schiro [?].
A renowned boxer, World Champion at several weights, Canzoneri was named as a Capo in the Bonanno Family in Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born in Louisiana in 1908, the family moved to Staten Island, Brooklyn in 1923.  His father’s hometown was Prizzi, so his Family connection was probably through his mother, whose maiden name was Schiro.  She may have been related to Nicolo Schiro, the Family Boss [1912-30], who entered America through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Exactly when he joined the Family is not known.  With his ring earnings he bought a resort hotel in Newburgh, NY near Joe Bonanno’s farm.  He retired from boxing in 1939, running a restaurant in Manhattan.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, but died at 51 years-old in 1959. 

CARADONNA-VITO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Associates : - F.Puma.
Entered America in 1908, heading to an address in Brooklyn.  In 1913 he, along with Frank Puma, killed Vito Buccellato.  Buccellato was a member of the family that contested supremacy in Castellammare with the Bonventre-Magaddino-Bonanno faction.  The murder was seemingly in revenge for the murder of a Bonventre, some years before.  He and Puma were arrested for it in 1921, as the vendetta erupted again.  They were eventually discharged for lack of evidence.  At the time Caradonna lived on Christie Street, near the scene of the crime [WWI Reg.].  Thereafter, nothing more is heard of him, as far as criminal activities go.  But, as Puma was a member later killed, so Caradonna probably was too.  And as several defectors have stated, once a member only death releases you.  He seems to have gained his citizenship in 1924, and by the 1940’s lived in Brooklyn and worked there as a longshoreman on the docks.  He died in 1977. 

CARUSO-ANGELO   1895  Leonforte, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Associates : - J.Bonanno, S.Maranzano. P.Palmeri [Buffalo], S.Tornabe [Colombo].
Named by many sources as an important and longstanding member.  Came from Enna Province, a long  way from the Family home-base in Trapani Province.  Am unable to find any familial connection to fellow members.  However he lived on East 5th Street, and ran a Family clubhouse on East 12th Street, in an area with a large Castellammarese population.  When Salvatore Maranzano became Boss in 1930, he appointed Caruso as his U/Boss.  Caruso represented a large non-Castellammarese faction within the Family.  No accounts of the “Castellammarese War” mention him, although he must have been involved.  During the truce period in 1931 Caruso was arrested in Chicago for Kidnapping, along with Paul Palmeri, of the Buffalo Family, and local member Lawrence Mangano.  After Maranzano’s murder in September 1931, Caruso was Acting Boss but soon stepped down in favour of Joseph Bonanno.  He became a Capo, moving to the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.  His Naturalization document in 1944 state he worked for the Sunland Beverage Company, which was owned by Giuseppe Magliocco of the Colombo Family.  Salvatore Tornabe, a Colombo Capo and Sunland employee, was a witness for him.  Caruso tried to stay neutral during the intra-Family conflict of the 1960’s.  He served as a senior adviser during the change in leadership, retiring at some point in the 1970’s.  Caruso died at 96 in 1991.  

CONSOLO-MICHAEL   1903  Siracusa, Sicily  /   USA  19?
Alias : - Mike Bruno.
Associates : - C.Galante, S.Giglio, A.Presinzano, J.Ziccarelli + G.Lisi.
Named on the 1963 Valachi charts, NARA Records and several books as a member.  From the Eastern Sicilian Provice of Siracusa, and settled in Queens, NYC.  He had a very long criminal record, starting as a Juvenile in 1915, and continuing into the 1960’s.  This included numerous arrests for Robbery, Lottery, Bootlegging and Homicide.  Arrested in 1946, along with Angelo Presenzano and Gaetano Lisi, for murder [ possibly of Joseph Stabile, a fellow Family member].  He gained citizenship in 1944.  Known to associate with the Galante faction, headed by Carmine Galante.  He owned a home in Bayonne, NJ and was friendly with Joseph Ziccarelli.  In NYC he ran a Gambling operation, but also dealt in Narcotics, making visits to Montreal, Canada.  During the “ Bananna War” he may have changed sides once too often, and was killed in 1968. 

CROCIATA-PIETRO   1900   ?
Alias : - Skinny Pete.
This member suddenly appears in “Official Records” [NARA] in the 1960’s, as an important member.  There appear to be no records for him prior to his Naturalization in 1956.  At this point he seemed to be living in Queens.  When the “Bananna War” started in the mid-1960’s, he suddenly emerged as the Under Boss to new Family leader Gaspare DiGregorio.  As a result of the escalating violence both he, and his Cousin Francesco, were wounded in 1968.  At that time he was living in Brooklyn, which is where he died in 1977

DANNA-VINCENT   1899  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias : - Doc.
Relations : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Mentioned by several sources [Bonanno, Valachi, ect.], he was a boyhood friend of Joseph Bonanno.  Convicted of Bootlegging in 1928, he was released in 1930, just in time to participate in the “Castellammarese War”.  Known as Doc, because his Father was a pharmacist and his Brother a Doctor.  Described as a key Maranzano associate by Bonanno, he was related to the DiGregorio family.  After the conflict he became a Capo, and a partner with John Bonventre in a Garment company.  He died in 1954. 

D’AURIA-PASQUALE   1890  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1906.
Alias : - Patsy Tango.
Associates : - F.Italiano, J.Acquaro.
When he arrived in 1906, he was heading to a brother-in-law called Acquaro.  He soon started collecting an extensive criminal record, begining in 1912, including Murder, Extortion, Manslaughter, Gun possession and two spells in prison for Assault.  He lived in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.  His close associate Francesco Italiano, was a Capo under Maranzano.  In October 1930 the Masseria forces caught-up with Italiano, wounding him and killing D’Auria who was with him.

DEMARINES-ALFONSO   1906   USA.
Alias : - Alphonse
This member appears on a1988 Government Family list, and is mentioned in NARA Records.  Very little is known, as he only appears on the 1920 Census, and no other sources.  He was born in NYC, and lived on East 11th Street on Manhattan.  At the time of his death, in 1995, he lived in Brooklyn.
DEPASQUALE  brothers.
IGNAZIO    1888  Marsala, Sicily  /  USA  1906.  Naturalized   1922 /  DOD  1975.
NATALE    1904  Marsala, Sicily.   Naturalized   1927  /  DOD  1994.
VINCENT [ JIMMY ]    1892  Marsala, Sicily /  USA  1912 /  Naturalized   1932  /  DOD  1975.
The three DePasquale brothers were relatives and business partners of Joseph Bonanno.  Although never named on “official” Family charts, they fit the profile of early members.  Ignazio, the oldest brother, seems to have arrived first and by the 1910’s was running a Garment Factory [WW1 Registration Card].  His brothers soon joined him in his Garment company, and were later joined by Bonanno.  The brothers all lived in the Queens area of NYC.  Bill Bonanno mentioned in his last book, that his Uncle Jim [Vincenzo]ran a Garment firm, and was married to his Mothers Sister [LaBruzzo].  There were also reports that he was a Capo in the Family.

DIBELLA-GIOVANNI   1890  Montelepre, Sicily  /   USA   1907.
Alias : - John.
Associates : - N.Schiro, J.Bonanno, F.LaBruzzo.  R.Dionisio + V.Colletti [Colorado].
Most records state he was born in Montelepre, Palermo Province, but when he arrived in 1907 he came from Roccamena.  This would link to his witnessing the marriage of Nicola Schiro in 1912, as Schiro, a future Family leader, was from Roccamena too.  That same year DiBella married a woman named Grippi, the name of another early member Salvatore.   The DiBella family were closely associated with the LaBruzzo family in Sicily.  According to his WW1 Registration card, he was a dealer in wines.  He had a brother convicted of murder in the 1920’s. He also made several visits to Italy during the 1930’s.  In Joseph Bonanno’s book, he stated that DiBella ran a wholesale food company in Brooklyn.  In the 1940’s he and Bonanno bought the Grande Cheese Company of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin.  This firm had a very violent history, with opposing Chicago factions warring over ownership.  DiBella moved to Wisconsin and became a citizen in 1951, witnessed by Milwaukee members John Alioto and Pasquale Migliaccio.  He died there in 1964.  Sources are NARA records, and the book Vicious Circles.  

DEBENEDETTO-CALOGERO   1906  USA.
Alias : - Charlie Buffalo.
Relations : - Antonio [Father], Giuseppe [Uncle] + F.Mazzara [Uncle] Buffalo.
Associates : - S.Magaddino [Buffalo], S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, S.Domingo.
Mentioned by Valachi + Bonanno in their books as Charlie Buffalo, he was a very well connected Castellammarese member.  Born in Brooklyn in 1906, his Father Antonio, and Uncle Antonio Mazzara, were killed in 1917 by the Buccellato faction.  His family moved to Buffalo, to the protection of his Uncles Filippo Mazzara and Giuseppe DeBenedetto, both members of the Buffalo Family.  His deep Family connections were shown in 1927, when he, his Uncle Giuseppe and Family Boss Stefano Magaddino visited Sicily together.  At this point he was a Buffalo Family member, hence his street name.  At the beginning of the “Castellammarese War” he returned to Brooklyn to reinforce the Maranzano forces.  He became one of the “Boys of the first Day”, Maranzano’s elite bodyguard, along with Joe Bonanno, Vincent Danna, Buster Domingo, Natale Evola, Gaspare DiGregorio and Joe Stabile.  He and Bonanno were arrested in 1931 in possession of machineguns.  At one point he was possibly engaged to Maranzano’s daughter, although may not have married her.  After the conflict ended he returned to live in Buffalo, so was only affiliated to the Family for a short time.  Very little is heard of him thereafter, only a mention in the 1940 Census.  It states he was living in a Tubercular Hospital in NYS.  This may explain his absence from “official” records.  He must have recovered however, as he lived until 1991.

DIFILIPPI-GIOVANNI   1889   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1906.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Joseph [ ? ].
The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect.  We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo.  Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace.  The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906.  He was possibly married in 1912.  According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street.  This was confirmed on the 1920 Census.  After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.

DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE   1899   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records.  Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker.  Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street].  However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn.  At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry.  By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records.  There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.

DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO   1866   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period.  He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family.  He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census].  His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914.  In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall.  After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia.  In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family.  Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted.  Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.   

DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH   1904   USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.].  Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs.  In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn.  He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922. His early arrests were for Unlawful Entry, Robbery and Burglary before graduating to Bootlegging.  His last known arrest was for Assault and Extortion, although the FBN had him on their International List of major Narcotics violators.  This was because he was suspected of involvement in a Narcotics ring involving Mafiosi in Kansas City and St. Louis.  We have no DOD for him, but he was named on the Dead by 1975 list.

DIGREGORIO-BARTOLOMEO   1884  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Bart.
Relations  : - A, G + M.DiGregorio [Cousins].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, M.Galante.
Arrived in 1905, from the UK, heading to a brother-in-law in Philadelphia. Lived on Roebling Street, next door to Vito Bonventre.  First came to attention in 1921, when arrested for the Caiozzo murder.  A part of the so-called “Good Killers” gang, along with Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Giuseppe Lombardi and Mariano Galante.  The murder was, in fact, part of the Magaddino-Buccellato vendetta.  He was the first to be released, and was never charged.  Naturalized in 1925, described himself as a driver for a Baker.  On his WW2 Registration card, he claimed to own a Poolroom in Brooklyn.  As with so many others, he disappears from sight thereafter, until his death in 1965.

DIGREGORIO  BROTHERS : -
Sources  : -  Joe Bonanno book, NARA Records.
Relations : - Bonanno, Sabella, Magaddino + Danna families [M].
ANTONIO  : -   1881 Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1905.
Alias  : - Nino.
The eldest sibling and earliest arrival, Nino arrived in 1905, his early days are unknown.  Visited Italy, and returned in 1922, heading for a brother-in-law called Danna.  Later Census show him living in Wappingers Falls, NY near Maranzano’s  farm.  He is listed as a Barber, and a Naturalized Citizen.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, the brothers ran a Bootlegging operation in Williamsburg.  Nino arranged Political and Police protection for them.  We have no DOD for him.

GASPARE  : - 1905   Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1921.
Alias  : - Gasparino.
Arrived in 1921, joining his brothers on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the centre of Family activity.  The brothers ran a bootleg plant in Brooklyn, and invited Joseph Bonanno, a cousin, to join them in 1926.  The plant blew-up, killing a partner.  His cousin Bartolomeo was arrested in the "Good Killers" murder case in 1921. In 1929 he became a naturalized citizen. During the "Castellammarese War" he was a member of Maranzano's inner circle, acting as a bodyguard.  After Bonanno became Boss, he made DiGregorio a Capo.  In 1932 he, his brother Matteo and Antonio Domingo were arrested for a double murder.  Served as bestman at Joe Bonanno's wedding, and as godfather to his son Salvatore [Bill].  During the 1940's he owned a clothing factory in Brooklyn.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin conclave, along with John Bonventre, and was stopped by the police.  In the early 1960's Joe Bonanno was in conflict with the Commission, including his cousin Stefano Magaddino.  Magaddino was DiGregorio's in-law, and encouraged him to rebel against the Bonanno's.  Refusing to attend Family meetings after being overlooked for the Consiglieri position, he was thrown-out of the Family.  Magaddino used this to split the membership, with the Commission supporting DiGregorio.   Then in January 1966 an attempt was made to kill Bill Bonanno, and a spate of killings followed.  Eventually the Commission replaced DiGregorio as head of the rebel faction.  DiGregorio suffered a heart attack, and finally he died in 1970.      

MATTEO  : -   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1914.
Alias  : - Marty.
Relations  : - D. + S. Sabella [M].
The middle brother, Matteo  was a Barber, living on Roebling Street in the heart of the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg.  He was married to the sister of Salvatore + Dominic Sabella, early members.  According to Joe Bonanno’s book, he owned a Garage in Brooklyn, which was used to load Bootleg alcohol for distribution.  He was also known to run a Bathouse in the area.  In 1932 he was tried, and acquitted, for murder.  Thereafter he remained under the radar, until his brother Gaspare became involved in the “Banana War”.  Matteo  died in 1969 at 77 years-old.

DOMINGO-ANTONIO   1881  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1886.
Relations  : - Sebastiano [Nephew], V.Bonventre [M].
Source is an article in the January 2012 issue of the Informer magazine, written by Dave Critchley.  Antonio is described as the Uncle of Maranzano gunman Sebastiano [Buster] Domingo.  In fact he was also related to Vito Bonventre, and associated with other Family members.  The date of his arrival is in doubt, either he came in 1902 with a man called Palmeri, or in 1886, as stated on the 1930 Census.  Convicted in 1924 0f Counterfeiting, he spent some time in prison.  According to the 1930 Census he lived on 70th Street in Brooklyn, and Buster lived with him.  After the end of the “Castellammarese War”, and Busters murder in 1933, he was arrested with Gaspare DiGregorio and Dominic Sabella for a double murder [1934].  The case was eventually dismissed, and he disappears from sight, until his death in 1969.

DOMINGO-SEBASTIANO    1910  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1913
Alias  : - Buster from Chicago.
Relations  : - Antonio [Uncle].
Born in Castellammare, he entered America in 1913 and went to live in Benton Harbour, Illinios.  A small collection of Castellammarese families ran the local bootlegging racket there.  A conflict with Capone allies caused several family members to be killed, including his brother, and Buster fled to his Uncle in Brooklyn.  Recruited by Salvatore Maranzano, he soon became a top Family gunman responsible for important assignments.  Mentioned by both Joe Bonanno and Joe Valachi, who formed a close relationship with him.  After Maranzano was killed, he went into hiding.  Valachi states he wanted to retaliate, but was killed soon after.  But he was not killed until 1933, a year and a half after the end of the “Castellammarese War”.

EVOLA-NATALE   1907   USA.
Alias  : - Joe Diamond.
Relations  : - J.Buccellato.
Associates  : - J.Tartamella.  J.Barbara [Pittston].
Born in NYC, with parents from Castellammare, he grew-up in Brooklyn.  The family visited Sicily in 1913.  He became involved with the Family in the 1920’s.  His first known arrest was for Coercian in 1930, and he was active in the conflict with the Masseria faction.  In 1931 he was arrested, along with Joseph Barbara, for Gun Possession.  Attended the 1932 wedding of Joe Bonanno as an usher.  During the 1930-40’s he became a partner in Garment and Trucking companies with John Tartamella.  By the 1950’s he had risen to be a Capo, and sponsored his relative Joseph Buccellato into membership.  Attended the 1957 Apalachin meeting, but was convicted of Narcotics Conspiracy in 1960 and sentenced to 10 years.  Paroled in the late 1960’s, he missed the “Banana War” and as a neutral who was friendly with all factions, was elected Boss.  His short reign [1970-73] helped bring the Family stability, and when he died in 1973 the succession was peacefull. 

FARRUGIA-MICHELE   1896   P.Empedocle, Sic.  /   USA     ?
Relations  : - Salvatore [?].
One of the lesser known Family members, named on both the 1950 FBN Report and the Dead by 1975 list.  From Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento Province, he settled on Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  In 1931 he was arrested for Narcotics dealing.  Then in 1935, two brothers named Farrugia were killed in a shootout with Police.  It is not known if they were related to Michele, nor do we know if he was related to a future member, Salvatore.  By the time of his WW2 Registration, he still lived on Mott Street and worked on the Docks.  He then disappears from view, with no known death date.

FRAZZITTA-MARIANO   1897  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Another of those members we know little about, he arrived at 13 years-old and heading for Brooklyn.  His Mother’s maiden name was Curatolo, a family linked to the “Good Killers” case. According to the 1920 Census, he was employed as a Mason.  That same year he visited Sicily.  By the 1930’s he had moved to Watertown, NY.  Immigration records of a  further visit to Sicily in 1948, confirm these details.  He was only Naturalized in 1954, in Brooklyn District Court.  He died in 1981 in Suffolk, NY. 

GALANTE-CAMILLO  1910   USA.
Alias  : - Lillo / Carmine
Relations  : - A.Marulli [M], James [Nephew].
Associates  : - N.Evola,A.Presinzano , S.Giglio, M.Consolo.  J.DiPalermo [Lucchese].
Galante was born in NYC in 1910 to parents from Castellammare.  The family lived on Stanton Street on the LES of Manhattan [1910 Census].  His father Vincenzo was an ex-fisherman who worked on the docks [1920 Census].  The Galante name was linked to Castellammarese Mafiosi in Brooklyn, Endicott and Philadelphia.  Mariano Galante was a suspect in the "Good Killers" murder cases in 1921.  Carmine followed his father into working as a stevedore on the docks.  By 1921 [11yo] he started a juvenile arrest record, with Petty Larceny and culminating in a jail sentance for assault in 1926.  Released about 1928, he joined his cousin Angelo Presinzano in armed robberies.  Suspected of killing a policeman in 1930, he was finally convicted of shooting another policeman during a robbery in 1931.  Sentanced to 12 years, he was paroled in 1939.  Made into the Family in the 1940's, he was the prime suspect in the murder of journalist Carlo Tresca in 1943. In 1945 he married, and moved to Brooklyn. Bonanno sent him to Montreal in 1953, to found a regime and organize narcotics smuggling there.  Deported from Canada in 1956, he accompanied Bonanno to Sicily and attended the 1957 Palermo meeting.  Indicted in a largescale narcotics case in 1958, he fled but was arrested in 1959.  Eventually convicted in 1962, he was sentanced to 20 years imprisonment.  Released in 1974, he tried to take control of the Family, using Sicilian immigrants as gunmen.  Returned to prison in 1977 for parole violation, the Commission decided to eliminate him.  Returning to Brooklyn, he continued to claim the Family leadership, until killed in a restaurant in 1979.   

GALANTE-GASPARE   1882  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1904.
Relations  : - Mariano [?], G + V.Bonventre [Cousins].
This member was arrested in 1908, along with his cousins and in-laws Giuseppe and Vito Bonventre, for the murder of Giovanni Carollo.  Carollo was a recent arrival from Castellammare, but the reason for his killing is unknown.  Gaspare came to America in 1904, heading to a brother at 240 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  This address was where Mariano Galante was heading when he arrived in 1905.  We lose track of him after the charges were dropped, although he may have moved to the Buffalo area.  The Galante name is found in Castellammaresi populated areas like Endicott, Philadelphia, NYC and NYS.  No DOD is known.

 GALANTE-MARIANO   1883  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Relations  : - Gaspare, Vincenzo + Carmine  [?].
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, V.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, G.Lombardi.
He entered the USA in1905, heading to his brother Sebastiano, who lived at 240 Elizabeth Street.  This was the same address as Gaspare Galante arrived at in 1904.  As both were joining a brother, they were probably related.  He settled in the Castellammarese community around East 12th Street, in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1921 as a member of the “Good Killers” faction, along with Magaddino, Bonventre, Puma, DiGregorio and Lombardi.  Suspected in the murders of Camillo Caiozzo and Joseph Granatello, both in 1921, he was held for several months until the case was dismissed.  At the time he gave his address as Orchard Street.   He later moved to Niagara Falls, NYS, although he was Naturalized in Detroit in 1938.  Again we have no DOD for him.

GALLO-BENJAMIN   1888  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA     ?
Alias  : -  King.
The source for this victim of the “Castellammarese War” is the book Gangster City.  Reportedly a successor to Vito Bonventre as the dominant power in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Gallo had a criminal record going back to 1908/09, when he was jailed for 2 years for gun possession.  Further arrests followed for Gun [1915], Counterfeiting [1925 + 1930], and murder [1929].  Naturalized in 1916, he joined the Army, but deserted in 1918.  He lived in Williamsburg and owned a restaurant, in which a man was killed in 1929.  The following year, he was killed in his restaurant by two Masseria gunmen.

GAROFALO-FRANCESCO   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Mr. Carroll.
Relations  : - Vincent [Brother].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.Tartamella, C.Galante, J.Morale. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
 Arrived in 1910, settling in the Castellammarese colony around East 12th Street in Manhattan.  By the time his brother Vincenzo arrived in 1920, he had moved to East 58th Street.  His criminal record started in 1921, then for bootlegging in 1926.  During the following years he made several trips back to Sicily.  In 1930 he was arrested for shooting his Parole officer.  He became a citizen in 1931, and was appointed underboss of the Family by Bonanno in 1932.  As underboss he attended Commission meetings, advising Bonanno on strategy. His business interests included a Import/ Export company in NYC, and a packing company in California, where he also had a second home.  In 1943 he was suspected to have ordered the murder of Carlo Tresca, an anti-fascist editor.  By the 1950's he was contemplating retirement, and after attending the 1956 Commission meeting he left for Sicily.  Even in retirement he accompanied Bonanno to important meetings in Palermo in 1957.  As a member of the Castellammare Cosca, he was arrested for narcotics in 1965.  Garofalo died in Castellammare in 1968.

GAROFALO-VINCENZO   1888  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1920.
Relations  : - Francesco [Brother].
Associates  : - A.Bucaro.
The brother of Family Under-Boss Frank, he arrived in 1920 from the Family hometown Castellammare.  Very little is known of his early days, apart from his Naturalization in 1927.   But by the 1940’s he was living on East 58th Street in Manhattan.  In 1944 he was arrested as part of a large scale Bootlegging  operation, that involved Bonanno, Colombo and Lucchese members.  Frank had retired back to Sicily in 1956.  Again he disappeared until the Family conflict in the 1960’s, when he supported Bonanno.  In 1967 he was wounded, the suspect was Thomas Zummo.  Zummo, a Sciacca supporter, was killed in 1969.  Garofalo retired to Sicily, re-joining his brother, and died there in 1973. 

GIALLO-VITO   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911.
Associates  : - A.Curatolo, J.Ales.
The only mention we have of Giallo is his arrest for murder in 1919.  However, the fact of his birthplace and his associates, make him a probable member.  There are two Vito Giallo’s who could be our man, both born in Castellammare, one in 1887 and the other in 1889.  The man arriving in 1911 was heading for Pittsfield, Mass.  This matches his WW1 Registration card.  The other one is listed as a shoemaker living on East 12th Street in Manhattan.  Arrested in 1919 for a murder, along with Antonio Curatolo, a known member and Joseph Ales, an associate of the “ Good Killers” gang.  To complicate matters more, another Vito Giallo, AKA Brewster Bill, was arrested with Paul Palmeri, a Buffalo member, in a 1943 large scale bootlegging ring.  Wether these were all the same man, or separate ones is a moot point.  The man born in 1887 died in Brooklyn in 1969.

GRIMALDI-GIUSEPPE   1902  S.Ninfa, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Relations  : - Vito [Son], Joseph [G/Son].
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, in 1902.  His common name makes tracing his early years impossible.  The first mention of him was in the 1940 Census, when he was living in Buffalo with a brother-in-law.  He then appears to have been Naturalized in 1945.  Listed in NARA Records, in 1963, as a Capo in the Family.  His son Vito, and a grandson Joseph, were later members.  Giuseppe died in Queens in 1986.

GRIPPI-SALVATORE   1877  Partinico, Sicily  /   USA  1904.
Relations  : - N.Schiro [brother-in-law].
Associates   : - A.Governale, P.Orlando.
He was one of the founders of the Family, along with his relative Schiro. A group of Sicilian Mafiosi  from  towns in Palermo Province, including Antonio Governale, Paolo Orlando, Nicola Schiro and Grippi formed a faction in Brooklyn.  Eventually the Castellammarese came to dominate the Family, although Schiro became Head [1912].  Grippi became a citizen in 1923, but by the 1930 Census was living in Newark, NJ.  Under pressure from rivals, Schiro fled NYC abandoning the Family.  He sought refuge with Grippi in New Jersey [1940 Census].  His DOD is unknown.

GRUPPUSO-NICOLO   1897  Vita, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Gruppose.
Associates  : - N.Evola, S.Vultaggio. J.Barbara + J.Cuppola [Pittston / Endicott].
Arrived in 1905, from a town in Trapani Province, heading to his father on Elizabeth Street, Manhattan.  Unknown until his arrest in 1931 along with Joseph Barbara, Santo Vultaggio, Natale Evola and James Cuppola.  All these men were known Castellammarrese supporters, and on their way to Marazano’s victory celebration in Coney Island.  Arrested for Investigation, outside Vultaggio’s home, they missed the party.  At this time he was living on Chrystie Street, and associating with Joseph Alfano.  Gruppuso’s relationship with the new Family leadership did not last, as he was killed in 1935.

GUASTELLA-NICOLO   1896  Capaci, Sicily  /   USA  1921.
Relations  : - V.Mule [ in-law]. F.Buffa + S.Vassallo [SJ].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, S.Vultaggio, J.Bonanno, P.Sciortino.
Came in 1921 from Capaci, just north of the city of Palermo.  Related by marriage to Vito Mule, who in turn was related to Santo Vultaggio, both early Family members.  Settled on East 14th Street in Manhattan, before making trips back to Sicily in 1923 + 1926.  On the ships manifest he described himself as a Merchant.  By 1930 he, Mule and Vultaggio were working for Salvatore Maranzano in his bootlegging operation near Wappingers Falls, NYS.  In 1931 all three were arrested when a body was found in the area.  Guastella moved to Monterey, California at some point in the 1940’s.  There he served as a link to the San Jose Family, one of three California Families that Joe Bonanno represented on the Commission.  His wife was a Vassallo, and was also related to the Buffa family, members of the San Jose Family.  He owned a Construction firm, and described himself as a carpenter.  He died in Monterey in 1977.

ITALIANO-FRANCESCO   1889 Belmonte, Sicily  /   USA  1913.
Alias  : - Sebastino Mano.
The source for this member is a mention in Joe Bonanno’s book.  Known variously as Frank Italiano, Frank May or Sebastiano Mano, he is hard to trace.  A man called Francesco Italiano arrived in 1913 from Belmonte.  He seems to have become a citizen in 1918.  His known record started in 1925 and consisted of arrests for Burglary [2], Homicide, Gun possession [2], and Illegal Entry.  He became a close associate of Pasquale D’Auria,  and had risen to the position of Capo by the start of the “Castellammarese War”.  In 1930 Italiano was wounded, and D’Auria killed, after being ambushed by the Masseria faction.  He recovered, and in 1931 contested the Family leadership against Joseph Bonanno.  Having lost the leadership vote, he had enough support to become Consigliere.  However his strained relationship with Bonanno caused his murder in 1935.  

LOMBARDI-GIUSEPPE    1880         ?        /    USA     ?
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, G.Bonventre, F.Puma, B.DiGregorio, M.Galante.
We have very little information of this member of the “Good Killers”group.   Arrested for involvement in the Caiozzo murder in 1921, he was described as a 41 year-old Barber, living on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.  The many spellings of his name, Lombardi, Lombardo, Lombardino, ect. make it difficult to trace him.  He may have had a New Jersey connection, as a Giuseppe Lombardi is named on his WW1 Registration as living in Mount Clair, NJ.  He came to America in 1912 from Avellino, Italy, and possibly died in 1952.  The Caiozzo killing occurred in New Jersey, and Lombardi went there to hide the body.  The charges against him were dropped in Dec. 1922, and he vanishes from view.  Either he went back to Italy, or he was the man living in Mount Clair, although his ethnicity would be wrong.

MANFRE-SANTO    1905  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA   1920.
Relations  : - DiGregorio brothers [M].
Associates  : - G.DiGregorio, D.Sabella, A.Domingo.
Another early member who leaves little trace of his activities.  Arrested in October 1934, along with Family members Gaspare DiGregorio, Dominic Sabella and Antonio Domingo, for the murder of fellow Castellammaresi  Pietro Turrigiano and Pietro Caleca.  Turrigiano was possibly a member, as he was married into the Minore family of Trapani and possibly a relative of Salvatore Maranzano.  We do not know if he was convicted, but on the 1940 Census he was listed as a Presser in a garment firm, living in Brooklyn.  He was Naturalized in 1945, still living in Brooklyn.  But at his death in 1968, he had moved to California.

MAZZARA-FILIPPO   1889  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1907.
Relations : - Antonio [Brother], A + G.DiBenedetto [in-laws], Palmeri brothers [?] Buffalo.
Associates  : - G + S.Ruffino. S.Magaddino, J.DiCarlo, S.Lagatutta.
Came to America in 1907, from Castellammare, and settled on North 5th Street in Williamsburg.  Associated with Giuseppe and Salvatore Ruffino, for who he testified in their 1914 Burglary trial.  In 1917 his brother Antonio, and in-law Antonio DiBenedetto, were murdered in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Mazzara was a suspected member of the “Good Killers” gang, deeply involved in the vendetta against the Buccellato’s.  Moved to Buffalo at some point before 1920, and became a leading member there.  His Mother’s maiden name was Palmeri, possibly related to Angelo + Paolo Palmeri.  In 1924 he witnessed the marriage of Joseph DiCarlo, the son of the Buffalo Family founder.  He was killed in Buffalo in 1927.

MILAZZO-GASPARE   1887  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1911. 
Alias  : - Scibilia.
Associates  : - S.Magaddino, R.Parrino, S.Ruffino. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. J.Aiello [Chicago].
Arrived in 1911 from Castellammare, and settled on Roebling Street in the Castellammarese colony in Williamsburg [WW1 Registration].  A boyhood friend of Stefano Magaddino, with who he associated again in Brooklyn.  Married in Brooklyn in 1914, witnessed by Salvatore Ruffino. By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo.  In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction.  Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped.  Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder.  Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit.  There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia.  His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.

MORALE-JOHN   1912   USA.
Alias  : - Johnny Burns.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates  : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan.  By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur.  Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno.  His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family.  His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957.  Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern].  Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68.  When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership.  He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.   

MORSELLINO-VINCENZO   1898  Calatafimi, Sicily  /   USA  1927.
Alias  : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations  : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates  : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927.  Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo.  His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins.  A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic.  His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation.  In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered.  Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn.  In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella.  Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member.  The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA.  Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I.  Died in Italy in 1986.

MULE-VITO   1886  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1903.
Alias  : - William Lombardi.
Relations  : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name.  Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina.  By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.].  On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni  factory.  He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926.  Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still.  In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area.  Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937.  By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.  Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona.  This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to.  Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.

PARRINO-GIUSEPPE   1886  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Relations  : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare.  May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s.  Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn.  His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930.  Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family.  He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction.  But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.

PARRINO-ROSARIO  1890  Alcamo, Sicily  /   USA  1910.
Alias  : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations  : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit.  Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s.  The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn.  However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911.  What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia.  Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes.  In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions.  The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.

PETRONE-GIOVANNI   1896  USA.
Alias  : - John Bennett.
Associates  : -     M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member.  Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s.  Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx.  On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist. He was 42 years-old when first convicted, and jailed, for Bankruptcy and Fraud in 1938.  He became a partner, with his Capo Michael Angelina, in a Jewelry store.  Although arrested twice for Disorderly Conduct, he was not convicted again until 1951 for Counterfeiting and Transportation of Stolen Property, and sentenced to 15 years.  Back on the streets by the 1960’s, he was suspected of Gold and Narcotics smuggling by the FBI.  He stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “Banana War” but with the re-organisation of the Family, Petrone retired.  He died in 1974, at his home in Yonkers.

PRISINZANO-ANGELO  1908  USA.
Alias  : - Little Moe / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Frank [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Associates  : - M.Consolo, G.Lisi. A.Tuminaro [Cousin /Lucchese].
Born, and grew-up, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  Seems to have followed his older brother / Cousin Frank into a criminal lifestyle.  His record started as a 17 year-old in 1925, and progressed to Rape [1927], and Assault + A/Robbery [1928], for which he was sentenced to 7-15 years in prison.  One of his accomplices was his Cousin Carmine Galante, for who he stood as Best man at his wedding.  Released on Parole, he was soon wanted for breaking it.  He continued to rack-up arrests, Robbery [1939], Bootlegging [1945] Homicide [1946], a double murder along with Michael Consolo + Tony Lisi.  Jailed again in 1947 for 6 years, for Narcotics dealing.  By the 1950’s he had moved to Brooklyn, although still operating in Manhattan.  He owned a business at the Fulton Fish Market, where he and Frank oversaw the Bonanno Families interests.  Arrested again in 1959 for harbouring a Fugitive, his cousin Galante, wanted on a Narcotics conspiracy.  Remained an active member throughout the 1960’s, and gained renewed prestige in the 1970’s, when Galante became a major power in the Family.  However Galante was killed in 1979, Prisinzano escaping by leaving early.  He died later the same year.

PRISINZANO-FRANK   1902  USA.
Alias  : - Pardini / Presenzano.
Relations  : - Angelo [Brother], C.Galante [Cousin].
Born and raised on the LES of Manhattan, with younger brother Angelo.  According to the FBI book they had different parents, but this does not agree with the 1920 Census.  That states they were brothers, living on Cherry Street and the sons of an immigrant from Palermo, Sicily.  Frank started a record as a juvenile in 1919, and his many early arrests included Disorderly Conduct, Burglary, Gun, Consorting, Vagrancy + Robbery.  On both the 1920 + 1940 Census he was incarcerated in Dannemora prison.  In 1942 he was arrested for Narcotics, and would be jailed again for it in 1950.  During the 1950’s he would work in the Fulton Fish Market, while overseeing the Bonanno Family interests there.  He and Angelo ran a bookmaking operation there, for which he was arrested in 1961 + 62.  At that time he was living on Mott Street in Manhattan, but by the time of his death in 1970 he lived on Staten Island, Brooklyn.  Both brothers are listed on the Valachi charts [1963], the FBI book + NARA Records.

RAPPA-FILIPPO   1888  Borgetto, Sicily /   USA  1925.
Our only source for this member is Bill Bonanno’s book, The Last Testament [2011].  From Borgetto, a village in Palermo Province, he entered America in 1925.  He was travelling with a relative of the same name, but 5 years younger.  Seems to have settled on East 15th Street, on the LES of Manhattan.  Little is known of his early activities, but by the 1930’s he owned a Coat company in Brooklyn and was a power in the Garment district.  Joseph Bonanno was also a partner in this firm. His only known arrest was for a Wage Violation in 1941.  According to Bill Bonanno’s book, Rappa was the Family Consigliere from 1932 till 1939.  He spent some time back in Italy, as the 1940 Census lists his home in 1935 as Sicily.  Replaced as Consigliere by John Tartamella in 1940.  Rappa was killed in 1944, for unknown reasons.

RIELA-ANTONIO   1896  Terranova, Sicily  /   USA  1923.
 Associates  : - G.Bonanno, J.Zicarelli. F.Zito [Springfield].
First came to notice as a suspected attendee at the 1957 Apalachin meeting. He was jailed in 1961 for Obstructing Justice, in relation to this.  NARA Records listed him as a Capo in charge of the Families New Jersey interests.  Owned a Motel, near Newark airport, which hosted Family meetings.  Riela started his American career in the Springfield / Rockford area, as an associate of Vincenzo Troia and Frank Zito.  Troia was from S.Giuseppe Iato, the village where Riela was married in 1921.  He was also an ally of Salvatore Maranzano, during the “Castellammarese War”.  Riela was Naturalized in Brooklyn in 1933. When Troia moved to Newark in the 1930’s, Riela followed.  Troia was killed in 1935, and Riela joined the Bonanno Family. In 1944 he was suspected of a double murder in Rockford, a favour for his old friend FrankZito.  During the 1960-70’s he became a sort of elder advisor, and contact to other Families.  During the 1980’s he was used to make formal introductions to the Rockford and Milwaukee Families.  He died in1992 in NewJersey.

RIZZUTO-ANTONIO  1902  Camporeale, Sicily  /  USA  1914.
Alias  : - Nino.
Associates  : - P.Licata, V.Morsellino.
An entry in the FBI book is our source for this member.  From the town of Camporeale in Trapani Province, the birthplace of Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando.  The Labruzzo and Tarantola families also originated from there.  He arrived in 1914, and settled in Brooklyn, following his Father into the clothing industry as a Seamster.  His criminal record started with Burglary [1928],  progressed to Auto theft, and two counts of Bootlegging.  Operated on Wilson Avenue, a known Bonanno Family stronghold, and served under Capo Pietro Licata.  Kept a low profile, and was virtually unknown till his death in 1981.

SABELLA-DOMENICO   1901  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1912.
Alias  : - Mimi.
Relations  : - Salvatore [Brother] Philadelphia.  Dominic [Cousin], DiGregorio bros. [M].
Associates  : - A.Domingo, S.Manfre, G.DiGregorio.
This member, known as Mimi, is mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as a member in the 1920’s.  His importance in the Family was enhanced by the fact that his brother Salvatore, was the Boss of the Philadelphia Family.  Mimi seems to have been a gunman as arrests for Murder in both 1928 + 1934.  He also had arrests for Gun [1929] and Assault + Robbery [1935].  Lived in Brooklyn, and owned a Bar.  On his WW2 Registration, he claimed to sell Real Estate.  Later he was jailed for involvement in a largescale Narcotics case [1955]. During the “Banana War” he sided with the DiGregorio faction, possibly being promoted to Capo.  He died in 1980 [SSDI], reportedly in a fire.  A cousin of the same name was also a member.

SABELLA-MICHELE  1910   USA.
 Alias  : - Mike / Mimi.
Associates  : - G.Bonventre, N.Marangello,
Born in 1910 to parents from Sciacca, in Agrigento Province, Sicily.  Grew-up in Brooklyn, but spent some time [1918-22] living in Sicily.  His listed record is an exact copy of Domenico’s, so is probably a mistake, as both were known as Mimi.  Started under Capo John Bonventre, and succeeded him in the 1940’s when Bonventre was suspended.  Specialized in Gambling rackets in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.   May have been related to other Sabella’s in the Family.  Came to own a Restaurant on Mulberry Street, near his Social Club, and a Clothing company.  Stayed loyal to Joseph Bonanno during the “Banana War”, and may have lost his Capo position for it.  Arrested in 1970 for a Narcotics Conspiracy.  When Carmine Galante came to power in the 1970’s, Sabella regained his position as a Capo.  But after Galante’s murder in 1979, he was demoted again.  Eventually, he sold his business interests and retired to Long Beach.  He died there in 1988. 

SALVO-ANGELO   1906   USA.
Associates  : - J.Ziccarelli, F.Bonomo, A.Caruso.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows.  Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family.  His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province.  By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack.  Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli.  Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets.  Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War”  of the 1960’s.  He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s.  His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan.  Salvo died in 1984.

SCIORTINO-PIETRO    1903   USA.
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona.  In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn.  He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations.  In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder.  After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest.  In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery.  After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family.  Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.

SPADARO-JOSEPH   1906  USA.
Relations  : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates  : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn.  Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record.  At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative.  Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests.  Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre.  He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade.  Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948.  Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership.   Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.

STABILE-JOSEPH   1900    ?
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned  in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna. He was one of Salvatore Maranzano’s personal bodyguards during the “ Castellammarese War”.  As there are so many Joseph / Giuseppe Stabile’s on record, it is impossible to trace him.  We do know he was born around 1900, but not where.  One possible was incarcerated in Levenworth Penitentiary in 1929.  What we do know was that he was arrested in 1931, along with Bonanno, in possession of machineguns.  By the 1940’s he lived in Bath Beach, and owned a Cafe on Bath Avenue.  In early 1944 he was shot to death outside his home, the reason is unknown.  

TARANTOLA-VINCENZO   1899  USA.
Relations  : - Anthony [Son].
We know of this member, and his son, from Bill Bonanno’s book.  Born, and raised, in Brooklyn, the family originally came from Camporeale.  They may have had connections to Family founders Antonio Governale + Paolo Orlando, both also from Camporeale.  The Tarantola’s lived on 3rd Avenue, where the father owned a Shoemakers business and Vincent worked as a salesman.  The whole family visited Sicily in 1913.  He kept a low profile, and apart from an arrest in 1917, no other criminal record is known.  By the 1950’s he was known to be operating in Cuba, as visits home from there in 1952 + 1957 attest.  It is known Joe Bonanno visited Cuba at this time, so Tarantola may have been the Capo overseeing his interests there.  It is likely, that as a Bonanno loyalist, he was demoted by the new Family leadership in the late 1960’s.  He died in 1974 in Brooklyn, leaving his son Anthony to continue their close association with the Bonanno’s in Tucson.

TARTAMELLA-GIOVANNI   1891  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Relations  : -  Sereno [Son], Francesco [Nephew].
Associates  : - J.Bonanno, N.Evola, J.Spadaro.
Came from the Family “homeland” of Castellammare in 1908, and settled in Brooklyn.  Originally started as a Barber, with his own shop in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn [1920 Census].  One of a large number of small business owners who joined the Family.  With Joe Bonanno’s support, he came to dominate the Barbers Union, both locally and nationally.  Became Family Consigliere in 1940, succeeding Filippo Rappa.  Soon branched into the Garment industry, owning both Clothing and Trucking companies.  Sponsored both his son Sereno, and nephew Francesco, into Family membership.  He suffered a serious heart-attack in 1964, leading to his retirement from Family activities.  This caused a new election for Consigliere, that was the catalyst for the “Banana War”.  Tartamella died in 1966. 

TORRES-GIOVANNI    1900  Palermo, Sicily  /   USA   ?
Alias  : - Angel Face.
Started his criminal career early, with arrests from 1916 for Robbery, Assault and Possession of a Gun.  Lived on East 11th Street in Manhattan, an area with a large Castellammarese population.  Seems to have been recruited by the”Good Killers” faction to eliminate their enemies the Buccellato’s.  He was suspected of shooting 2 men by mistake in Detroit in 1917.  Finally he killed his intended target, Pietro Buccellato, in early 1918 in Detroit.  Arrested and tried for this crime, he was acquitted but deported back to Italy.  Within a few years he had returned to America, and settled in Baltimore.  It is dubious wether he was a member at this point, but in 1929-30 he returned to Brooklyn.  Possibly he was recalled as a proven gunman owing to the conflict between Maranzano and Masseria.  Whatever the reason for his return, he did not last long, for in March 1930 he was murdered in Brooklyn.

VENZA-GIUSEPPE   1893  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1908.
Photographed in Bill Bonanno’s book in Tucson with Joe Bonanno in 1949, and described as a Capo.  Originally he lived in Brooklyn, where he was Naturalized in 1925.  His visits to Italy in 1923 + 1936 show him returning there.  However by his WW2 Registration, he lived in Merced, California.  This is confirmed by another visit to Italy in 1950, had him returning to California.  Ironically, travelling on the same ship were Salvatore Grippi and his family.  Venza seems to have overseen the Families Arizona + California interests.  As there is no death record for him in the USA, he may have retired to Italy.

VULTAGGIO-SANTO   1878  Castellammare, Sicily  /   USA  1905.
Alias  : - Big Santo.
Relations  : - V.Mule [B-in-L], Asaro family [M].
Associates  : - S.Maranzano, N.Guastella, P.Sciortino.
Arrived in America in 1905, heading to his brother-in-law Vito Mule on North 5th Street, Williamsburg.  Both would be early members of the Family, and he had another connection to the Family as his Mother’s maiden name was Asaro.  He settled on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, and opened a Bakery.  Santo made a visit home in 1924, and became a Citizen in 1925.  In the late 1920’s he became involved in Salvatore Maranzano’s bootlegging operation in the Wappingers Falls area.  In 1931 he, Mule,  Nicolo Guastella + Pietro Sciortino were arrested after a body was found in the area.  The same year Joseph Bonanno + Joseph Stabile were arrested in possession of machineguns, outside of Vultaggio’s home.  He died at the relatively young age of 60 in 1938 [NYDI].