Buffalo/Ontario Mob Acitivity

[Angelo Santino]

Valenti info:

- In a late 1964 conversation with Joe Falcone, Magaddino identifies "Franco Valenti" as a member of Cosa Nostra who was in prison and upon his release the organization tried to help him. Valenti opened a restaurant and supported a political candidate who was opposing a cop named "Mahoney". However, Valenti was given three years probation which forced him to spend three years in Pittsburgh.

- In connection to the above, we know Valenti owned restaurants in both Pittsburgh and Rochester, and "Mahoney" is likely a reference to Lawrence Maloney, a former Police Assistant Superintendent who was at one time accused of accepting a cut of Pittsburgh family numbers action. Valenti had been convicted of election fraud which resulted in his legal troubles mentioned by Magaddino.

- Magaddino says Valenti was the only person he (Magaddino) was "able to help" and implied that Valenti belonged to another family but this family "washed their hands" of Valenti.

- In context with Valenti and his former family, Magaddino mentions a "younger brother" of Valenti (probably Stanley), a cousin, and an old man. Magaddino says "he" (Valenti?) wants to "turn them into 'picciotti'" (i.e. soldiers). Confusingly, Magaddino also says "He wants to become a 'picciotto' at all costs". Joe Falcone, who was in attendance, asked if "the other boss" had anything to say about it and Magaddino said "No" but that "this old man" has put in his "call (application)" and made all of the "proper" arrangements, and because the man is old, Magaddino said "What the hell?" and agreed to the request. Falcone asks Magaddino where "he" (Valenti?) is from and Magaddino replies "Rochester".

- My take on the above is that Frank Valenti was eager to transfer into the Buffalo family in Rochester because of a falling out with the Pittsburgh family. The latter part suggests the transfer was done with the approval of Pittsburgh's leadership. Like other older Sicilian members Magaddino uses "piccioto" almost exclusively to mean "soldier" in Cosa Nostra. When talking about Valenti wanting to "become" a soldier, from context it's clear he means that he wants to transfer his membership to Buffalo, not that he isn't yet made. With this in mind, he seems to be saying that Frank Valenti wished to transfer his membership and wants his brother, a cousin, and an old man to become members under Buffalo as well. The "old man" who put the "call" in to Magaddino to arrange the transfer could be Tony Ripepi.

- A Pittsburgh area informant claimed that Valenti was a member in Pittsburgh and may have been inducted in 1947 or 1948 and had been sponsored by John Cancellieri or Sebastian LaRocca. However, another Pittsburgh informant close to the Ripepis claimed that in addition to Tony Ripepi arranging the marriage of his daughter to Stanley Valenti, Ripepi also sponsored Frank Valenti for membership. The informant also said that after moving to Rochester, Stanley Valenti didn't allow his wife to visit her parents in Pittsburgh due to "bad blood" between them. Curious if this relates to the problems Frank Valenti had in Pittsburgh that led to his transfer.

--

- Sam Campanella, ID'd as having transferred back to Buffalo later in the 1970s, was beaten up by Charlie Russo in Rochester in 1967. Russo beat up Campanella for allegedly being a "stoolie" for Valenti. Russo also allegedly made comments about wanting to kill Valenti. Russo was the brother of murdered Rochester captain Jake Russo(lesi) so it stands to reason that he resented the group's new regime.

- The above close relationship between Campanella and Valenti and resulting problems with other members could have played a role in Campanella's later transfer to Buffalo. Valenti moved to Arizona in 1977 and Campanella's transfer was reported in 1978.

Interesting because other sources have labeled Constenze to be the Rochester head prior to Stanley (in the same article that, when interviewed about Stanley, one officer said Rochester is not a rackets town.) Perhaps Constenze was Rochester's Ronald Carabbia- unmade until later. "The Old Man" might have been Frank Amato who was the dominating figure from 1937 until 1964-8 etc.

So Frank transfers to Buffalo, did he become the Rochester capo upon entry or was there another member/capo there prior? I always assumed there was a long-term Buffalo-affiliated crew there that tried/succeeded in becoming its own entity.

[eboli]

A little bit more on Stanley's role circa Apalachin.

*REDACTED* advised that Stanley Valenti is presently the "boss" of the distribution of "treasury tickets" in Rochester, which consists of three tickets, "People's Club", "Peerless" and "Colonial", these tickets being hadled entirely in the New York state.

*REDACTED* stated he has often thought that the Valenti boys would possibly attempt to "shake down" the gamblers in Rochester, but this has not occured to date. *REDACTED* advised he had no idea why the Valenti boys attended the meeting at Binghamton, N.Y.. He further advised he knows several "italians" in Rochester who are acquainted with the Valenti boys, but none of these people would divulge any information.

[JCB1977]

Valenti info:

- In a late 1964 conversation with Joe Falcone, Magaddino identifies "Franco Valenti" as a member of Cosa Nostra who was in prison and upon his release the organization tried to help him. Valenti opened a restaurant and supported a political candidate who was opposing a cop named "Mahoney". However, Valenti was given three years probation which forced him to spend three years in Pittsburgh.

- In connection to the above, we know Valenti owned restaurants in both Pittsburgh and Rochester, and "Mahoney" is likely a reference to Lawrence Maloney, a former Police Assistant Superintendent who was at one time accused of accepting a cut of Pittsburgh family numbers action. Valenti had been convicted of election fraud which resulted in his legal troubles mentioned by Magaddino.

- Magaddino says Valenti was the only person he (Magaddino) was "able to help" and implied that Valenti belonged to another family but this family "washed their hands" of Valenti.

- In context with Valenti and his former family, Magaddino mentions a "younger brother" of Valenti (probably Stanley), a cousin, and an old man. Magaddino says "he" (Valenti?) wants to "turn them into 'picciotti'" (i.e. soldiers). Confusingly, Magaddino also says "He wants to become a 'picciotto' at all costs". Joe Falcone, who was in attendance, asked if "the other boss" had anything to say about it and Magaddino said "No" but that "this old man" has put in his "call (application)" and made all of the "proper" arrangements, and because the man is old, Magaddino said "What the hell?" and agreed to the request. Falcone asks Magaddino where "he" (Valenti?) is from and Magaddino replies "Rochester".

- My take on the above is that Frank Valenti was eager to transfer into the Buffalo family in Rochester because of a falling out with the Pittsburgh family. The latter part suggests the transfer was done with the approval of Pittsburgh's leadership. Like other older Sicilian members Magaddino uses "piccioto" almost exclusively to mean "soldier" in Cosa Nostra. When talking about Valenti wanting to "become" a soldier, from context it's clear he means that he wants to transfer his membership to Buffalo, not that he isn't yet made. With this in mind, he seems to be saying that Frank Valenti wished to transfer his membership and wants his brother, a cousin, and an old man to become members under Buffalo as well. The "old man" who put the "call" in to Magaddino to arrange the transfer could be Tony Ripepi.

- A Pittsburgh area informant claimed that Valenti was a member in Pittsburgh and may have been inducted in 1947 or 1948 and had been sponsored by John Cancellieri or Sebastian LaRocca. However, another Pittsburgh informant close to the Ripepis claimed that in addition to Tony Ripepi arranging the marriage of his daughter to Stanley Valenti, Ripepi also sponsored Frank Valenti for membership. The informant also said that after moving to Rochester, Stanley Valenti didn't allow his wife to visit her parents in Pittsburgh due to "bad blood" between them. Curious if this relates to the problems Frank Valenti had in Pittsburgh that led to his transfer.

--

- Sam Campanella, ID'd as having transferred back to Buffalo later in the 1970s, was beaten up by Charlie Russo in Rochester in 1967. Russo beat up Campanella for allegedly being a "stoolie" for Valenti. Russo also allegedly made comments about wanting to kill Valenti. Russo was the brother of murdered Rochester captain Jake Russo(lesi) so it stands to reason that he resented the group's new regime.

- The above close relationship between Campanella and Valenti and resulting problems with other members could have played a role in Campanella's later transfer to Buffalo. Valenti moved to Arizona in 1977 and Campanella's transfer was reported in 1978.

Interesting because other sources have labeled Constenze to be the Rochester head prior to Stanley (in the same article that, when interviewed about Stanley, one officer said Rochester is not a rackets town.) Perhaps Constenze was Rochester's Ronald Carabbia- unmade until later. "The Old Man" might have been Frank Amato who was the dominating figure from 1937 until 1964-8 etc.

So Frank transfers to Buffalo, did he become the Rochester capo upon entry or was there another member/capo there prior? I always assumed there was a long-term Buffalo-affiliated crew there that tried/succeeded in becoming its own entity.

Costenze is Stanley, They are the same person and Stanley was short for his real name

[Angelo Santino]

Valenti info:

- In a late 1964 conversation with Joe Falcone, Magaddino identifies "Franco Valenti" as a member of Cosa Nostra who was in prison and upon his release the organization tried to help him. Valenti opened a restaurant and supported a political candidate who was opposing a cop named "Mahoney". However, Valenti was given three years probation which forced him to spend three years in Pittsburgh.

- In connection to the above, we know Valenti owned restaurants in both Pittsburgh and Rochester, and "Mahoney" is likely a reference to Lawrence Maloney, a former Police Assistant Superintendent who was at one time accused of accepting a cut of Pittsburgh family numbers action. Valenti had been convicted of election fraud which resulted in his legal troubles mentioned by Magaddino.

- Magaddino says Valenti was the only person he (Magaddino) was "able to help" and implied that Valenti belonged to another family but this family "washed their hands" of Valenti.

- In context with Valenti and his former family, Magaddino mentions a "younger brother" of Valenti (probably Stanley), a cousin, and an old man. Magaddino says "he" (Valenti?) wants to "turn them into 'picciotti'" (i.e. soldiers). Confusingly, Magaddino also says "He wants to become a 'picciotto' at all costs". Joe Falcone, who was in attendance, asked if "the other boss" had anything to say about it and Magaddino said "No" but that "this old man" has put in his "call (application)" and made all of the "proper" arrangements, and because the man is old, Magaddino said "What the hell?" and agreed to the request. Falcone asks Magaddino where "he" (Valenti?) is from and Magaddino replies "Rochester".

- My take on the above is that Frank Valenti was eager to transfer into the Buffalo family in Rochester because of a falling out with the Pittsburgh family. The latter part suggests the transfer was done with the approval of Pittsburgh's leadership. Like other older Sicilian members Magaddino uses "piccioto" almost exclusively to mean "soldier" in Cosa Nostra. When talking about Valenti wanting to "become" a soldier, from context it's clear he means that he wants to transfer his membership to Buffalo, not that he isn't yet made. With this in mind, he seems to be saying that Frank Valenti wished to transfer his membership and wants his brother, a cousin, and an old man to become members under Buffalo as well. The "old man" who put the "call" in to Magaddino to arrange the transfer could be Tony Ripepi.

- A Pittsburgh area informant claimed that Valenti was a member in Pittsburgh and may have been inducted in 1947 or 1948 and had been sponsored by John Cancellieri or Sebastian LaRocca. However, another Pittsburgh informant close to the Ripepis claimed that in addition to Tony Ripepi arranging the marriage of his daughter to Stanley Valenti, Ripepi also sponsored Frank Valenti for membership. The informant also said that after moving to Rochester, Stanley Valenti didn't allow his wife to visit her parents in Pittsburgh due to "bad blood" between them. Curious if this relates to the problems Frank Valenti had in Pittsburgh that led to his transfer.

--

- Sam Campanella, ID'd as having transferred back to Buffalo later in the 1970s, was beaten up by Charlie Russo in Rochester in 1967. Russo beat up Campanella for allegedly being a "stoolie" for Valenti. Russo also allegedly made comments about wanting to kill Valenti. Russo was the brother of murdered Rochester captain Jake Russo(lesi) so it stands to reason that he resented the group's new regime.

- The above close relationship between Campanella and Valenti and resulting problems with other members could have played a role in Campanella's later transfer to Buffalo. Valenti moved to Arizona in 1977 and Campanella's transfer was reported in 1978.

Interesting because other sources have labeled Constenze to be the Rochester head prior to Stanley (in the same article that, when interviewed about Stanley, one officer said Rochester is not a rackets town.) Perhaps Constenze was Rochester's Ronald Carabbia- unmade until later. "The Old Man" might have been Frank Amato who was the dominating figure from 1937 until 1964-8 etc.

So Frank transfers to Buffalo, did he become the Rochester capo upon entry or was there another member/capo there prior? I always assumed there was a long-term Buffalo-affiliated crew there that tried/succeeded in becoming its own entity.

Costenze is Stanley, They are the same person and Stanley was short for his real name

I meant Constenze (Stanley) being the predecessor to Frank. My bad.

[JCB1977]

Valenti info:

- In a late 1964 conversation with Joe Falcone, Magaddino identifies "Franco Valenti" as a member of Cosa Nostra who was in prison and upon his release the organization tried to help him. Valenti opened a restaurant and supported a political candidate who was opposing a cop named "Mahoney". However, Valenti was given three years probation which forced him to spend three years in Pittsburgh.

- In connection to the above, we know Valenti owned restaurants in both Pittsburgh and Rochester, and "Mahoney" is likely a reference to Lawrence Maloney, a former Police Assistant Superintendent who was at one time accused of accepting a cut of Pittsburgh family numbers action. Valenti had been convicted of election fraud which resulted in his legal troubles mentioned by Magaddino.

- Magaddino says Valenti was the only person he (Magaddino) was "able to help" and implied that Valenti belonged to another family but this family "washed their hands" of Valenti.

- In context with Valenti and his former family, Magaddino mentions a "younger brother" of Valenti (probably Stanley), a cousin, and an old man. Magaddino says "he" (Valenti?) wants to "turn them into 'picciotti'" (i.e. soldiers). Confusingly, Magaddino also says "He wants to become a 'picciotto' at all costs". Joe Falcone, who was in attendance, asked if "the other boss" had anything to say about it and Magaddino said "No" but that "this old man" has put in his "call (application)" and made all of the "proper" arrangements, and because the man is old, Magaddino said "What the hell?" and agreed to the request. Falcone asks Magaddino where "he" (Valenti?) is from and Magaddino replies "Rochester".

- My take on the above is that Frank Valenti was eager to transfer into the Buffalo family in Rochester because of a falling out with the Pittsburgh family. The latter part suggests the transfer was done with the approval of Pittsburgh's leadership. Like other older Sicilian members Magaddino uses "piccioto" almost exclusively to mean "soldier" in Cosa Nostra. When talking about Valenti wanting to "become" a soldier, from context it's clear he means that he wants to transfer his membership to Buffalo, not that he isn't yet made. With this in mind, he seems to be saying that Frank Valenti wished to transfer his membership and wants his brother, a cousin, and an old man to become members under Buffalo as well. The "old man" who put the "call" in to Magaddino to arrange the transfer could be Tony Ripepi.

- A Pittsburgh area informant claimed that Valenti was a member in Pittsburgh and may have been inducted in 1947 or 1948 and had been sponsored by John Cancellieri or Sebastian LaRocca. However, another Pittsburgh informant close to the Ripepis claimed that in addition to Tony Ripepi arranging the marriage of his daughter to Stanley Valenti, Ripepi also sponsored Frank Valenti for membership. The informant also said that after moving to Rochester, Stanley Valenti didn't allow his wife to visit her parents in Pittsburgh due to "bad blood" between them. Curious if this relates to the problems Frank Valenti had in Pittsburgh that led to his transfer.

--

- Sam Campanella, ID'd as having transferred back to Buffalo later in the 1970s, was beaten up by Charlie Russo in Rochester in 1967. Russo beat up Campanella for allegedly being a "stoolie" for Valenti. Russo also allegedly made comments about wanting to kill Valenti. Russo was the brother of murdered Rochester captain Jake Russo(lesi) so it stands to reason that he resented the group's new regime.

- The above close relationship between Campanella and Valenti and resulting problems with other members could have played a role in Campanella's later transfer to Buffalo. Valenti moved to Arizona in 1977 and Campanella's transfer was reported in 1978.

Interesting because other sources have labeled Constenze to be the Rochester head prior to Stanley (in the same article that, when interviewed about Stanley, one officer said Rochester is not a rackets town.) Perhaps Constenze was Rochester's Ronald Carabbia- unmade until later. "The Old Man" might have been Frank Amato who was the dominating figure from 1937 until 1964-8 etc.

So Frank transfers to Buffalo, did he become the Rochester capo upon entry or was there another member/capo there prior? I always assumed there was a long-term Buffalo-affiliated crew there that tried/succeeded in becoming its own entity.

Costenze is Stanley, They are the same person and Stanley was short for his real name

I meant Constenze (Stanley) being the predecessor to Frank. My bad.

Gotcha. Amato was boss from 1937-1956, Consigliere until 1973. You very well could be correct...

[SonnyBlackstein]

When people quote could they kindly just quote relevant sections rather than whole posts and/or conversations.
We’re getting quotes half pages long which could be condensed to a few relevant lines.


Cheers

[B.]

When people quote could they kindly just quote relevant sections rather than whole posts and/or conversations.
We’re getting quotes half pages long which could be condensed to a few relevant lines.

You're just trying to rock the boat because this thread has gotten too peaceful. Seeing new activity in the Buffalo/Ontario thread and finding out they're all constructive, research-based replies is like finding out an Italian murder in NYC isn't mob related.

After that Stanley was imprisoned for awhile and Frank had ongoing legal troubles. In january 1961 Frank surrendered to Monroe County authorities on an 18-month warrant for voting fraud. He was charged for not being a NY state resident for the required one year before registering to vote in 57; that he was not a state resident for one year when he voted in the 1957 election; that he registered to vote despite being a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty and he was ordered to leave the state for 3 years. He sold his house at 1384 Highland Ave the year prior and moved to an address in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Then after his 3 year probation expired, Jake Russo was killed for allegedly not wanting to kick up to Maggadino 200$ a week, and Frank Valenti was back in Rochester.

Great info all around, man.

I'm not sure the Russolesi murder was motivated by money alone, though it could have been one reason (personally I believe many mob murders occur for multiple reasons, not just one). Russolesi was suspected of being connected to the Agueci murder and one transcript makes it fairly clear John Papalia was supposed to be killed as well and not only escaped the plot but traveled directly to Niagara Falls unannounced to meet with Magaddino, which upset Magaddino because of the amount of heat Papalia had at the time. Russolesi appears to have received some blame for this. Magaddino discussed sending a message to Russolesi's brother due to concern that Russolesi would cooperate. Magaddino was also concerned with Agueci's wife cooperating. Valachi had also stayed with the Rochester group prior to his arrest and cooperation, which no doubt contributed to Magaddino's concerns about everything surrounding the drug case and both Ontario and Rochester's connections to the situation.

There was a period in the late 1960s where Frank Valenti was unable to provide money (or at least the desired amount) from the Rochester crew's gambling operations and Magaddino was somewhat forgiving from the sound of it. Valenti also clashed with the Buffalo leadership over some construction operations and a compromise was made in Rochester. I suspect these were some of the early cracks that led to Rochester breaking off, in addition to Magaddino's waning influence.

In the same way that Campanella looks to have left Rochester after Valenti moved to Tucson, seems possible that Magaddino's loss of influence also contributed to Valenti distancing himself from Buffalo given that Magaddino claims to have been advocate for Valenti during his problems with Pittsburgh.

So Frank transfers to Buffalo, did he become the Rochester capo upon entry or was there another member/capo there prior? I always assumed there was a long-term Buffalo-affiliated crew there that tried/succeeded in becoming its own entity.

There was definitely a Buffalo crew in Rochester prior to Valenti's transfer/promotion and all indications point to it being under Giacomo Russolesi, who I believe was Calabrian like Valenti. The Sicilian roots of Rochester open up the question though of who may have preceded Russolesi. Lennert's list has some leading figures so easily could be one of those, though as you well know all kinds of names get thrown around as "Black Hand" or "mafia" leaders in old reports and articles and those rarely correspond to official titles. Simply being a soldier makes someone a leader/"boss" from a street perspective.

I suspect the "old man" who requested Valenti's transfer could have been Ripepi himself. It was clarified that this didn't come through the "boss" of Pittsburgh and Ripepi was an influential "old man" in that family with an interest in getting rid of the Valentis, but without more info it's hard to say.

One thing that's clear is Valachi's info about Frank Valenti being a Buffalo member who traveled to NYC with Magaddino during the Castellammarese War seems harder and harder to believe. I mean, he was remembering details from 30+ years earlier when he was a fresh new member so he may have crossed his wires, though his info shouldn't be discounted entirely as it does appear Valenti had ongoing relationships in western NY regardless of the exact years he established residence or was made.

[Angelo Santino]

There was definitely a Buffalo crew in Rochester prior to Valenti's transfer/promotion and all indications point to it being under Giacomo Russolesi, who I believe was Calabrian like Valenti. The Sicilian roots of Rochester open up the question though of who may have preceded Russolesi. Lennert's list has some leading figures so easily could be one of those, though as you well know all kinds of names get thrown around as "Black Hand" or "mafia" leaders in old reports and articles and those rarely correspond to official titles. Simply being a soldier makes someone a leader/"boss" from a street perspective.

I suspect the "old man" who requested Valenti's transfer could have been Ripepi himself. It was clarified that this didn't come through the "boss" of Pittsburgh and Ripepi was an influential "old man" in that family with an interest in getting rid of the Valentis, but without more info it's hard to say.

One thing that's clear is Valachi's info about Frank Valenti being a Buffalo member who traveled to NYC with Magaddino during the Castellammarese War seems harder and harder to believe. I mean, he was remembering details from 30 years earlier when he was a fresh new member so he may have crossed his wires, though his info shouldn't be discounted entirely as it does appear Valenti had ongoing relationships in western NY and Pittsburgh regardless of the exact years he established residence or was made.

1 So Giacomo Russolesi was replaced by Frank Valenti and later lead his own faction?

2 Regarding "The Old Man," I missed the part that said it didn't come through the boss of Pittsburgh, however if this is post-1957 The Old Man still could have been Amato who remained influential. However, I agree Ripepi is probably the more likely one.

3 It's possible he was misremembering Valenti as a Buffalo member that early on or Valenti traveled with Magaddino to NYC while not being part of that same family. Magaddino was said to have sent WIllie Moretti (of the Gens) to pick up Bonanno upon arrival. That really goes to show that by the 20's these regional distinctions were dissolving. Nobody was going to not do business with someone on account of their origin in Italy, it'd be because they don't know/trust you. Even still, you'd think Magaddino would have sent another Cast. to pick Cugino Joe up. Magaddino was also acting as arbitrator between the Philly Sicilian and Calabrian factions in the 60's.

[B.]

1 So Giacomo Russolesi was replaced by Frank Valenti and later lead his own faction?

2 Regarding "The Old Man," I missed the part that said it didn't come through the boss of Pittsburgh, however if this is post-1957 The Old Man still could have been Amato who remained influential. However, I agree Ripepi is probably the more likely one.

3 It's possible he was misremembering Valenti as a Buffalo member that early on or Valenti traveled with Magaddino to NYC while not being part of that same family. Magaddino was said to have sent WIllie Moretti (of the Gens) to pick up Bonanno upon arrival. That really goes to show that by the 20's these regional distinctions were dissolving. Nobody was going to not do business with someone on account of their origin in Italy, it'd be because they don't know/trust you. Even still, you'd think Magaddino would have sent another Cast. to pick Cugino Joe up. Magaddino was also acting as arbitrator between the Philly Sicilian and Calabrian factions in the 60's.

1 - I haven't seen any direct statement that Valenti replaced Russolesi as capodecina, but Russolesi was a member of the Buffalo family who supervised other Buffalo members in Rochester. Valenti transferred to Buffalo and is identified as the Rochester capodecina a relatively short time after Russolesi went missing. The Rochester decina later attempted to break off and on a functional level appear to have done so, but if they weren't sanctioned by the Commission as Capeci says that means they were simply a rebel group like the Gallos in NYC, Bonannos Tucson group, etc. Technically Buffalo members, but doing their own thing with their own hierarchy, inductions, etc. Those Salerno Commission trial tapes show that Buffalo was still involved with Rochester in the 1980s, though, so I think there's a lot we don't know.

3 - That's my take, too, that maybe a young Valenti did come down to NYC with the Buffalo caravan. Valachi also spent time hiding out in Buffalo during the war and who knows who he may have met there. Various people were visiting Buffalo during this period, including the Scalises who Valachi was close to in the Bronx. Who knows who else.

[Angelo Santino]

1 So Giacomo Russolesi was replaced by Frank Valenti and later lead his own faction?

2 Regarding "The Old Man," I missed the part that said it didn't come through the boss of Pittsburgh, however if this is post-1957 The Old Man still could have been Amato who remained influential. However, I agree Ripepi is probably the more likely one.

3 It's possible he was misremembering Valenti as a Buffalo member that early on or Valenti traveled with Magaddino to NYC while not being part of that same family. Magaddino was said to have sent WIllie Moretti (of the Gens) to pick up Bonanno upon arrival. That really goes to show that by the 20's these regional distinctions were dissolving. Nobody was going to not do business with someone on account of their origin in Italy, it'd be because they don't know/trust you. Even still, you'd think Magaddino would have sent another Cast. to pick Cugino Joe up. Magaddino was also acting as arbitrator between the Philly Sicilian and Calabrian factions in the 60's.

1 - I haven't seen any direct statement that Valenti replaced Russolesi as capodecina, but Russolesi was a member of the Buffalo family who supervised other Buffalo members in Rochester. Valenti transferred to Buffalo and is identified as the Rochester capodecina a relatively short time after Russolesi went missing. The Rochester decina later attempted to break off and on a functional level appear to have done so, but if they weren't sanctioned by the Commission as Capeci says that means they were simply a rebel group like the Gallos in NYC, Bonannos Tucson group, etc. Technically Buffalo members, but doing their own thing with their own hierarchy, inductions, etc. Those Salerno Commission trial tapes show that Buffalo was still involved with Rochester in the 1980s, though, so I think there's a lot we don't know.

3 - That's my take, too, that maybe a young Valenti did come down to NYC with the Buffalo caravan. Valachi also spent time hiding out in Buffalo during the war and who knows who he may have met there. Various people were visiting Buffalo during this period, including the Scalises who Valachi was close to in the Bronx. Who knows who else.

1 I don't want to steer this too much into a Pittsburgh discussion but I will say for Valenti to have been made in that family during that era, he must have had family background or been a very qualified individual. Pittsburgh was active in 3 states yet their crews did not hold a large amount of made members, it was more filled with associates of varying degrees. Simply put, if you were a boss taking a recommendation from someone in Cleveland, Detroit or Pittsburgh, you were getting someone who went through a rigorous vetting system or were related to someone. At least before the 1970's.

3 It was a small world. People knew each other and knew of each other and weren't limited to their own crime families. In fact being made into one opened you up into others, it gained one access to a smorgasbord of underworld links and resources, all allegedly protected by all being part of a society.

[B.]

1 I don't want to steer this too much into a Pittsburgh discussion but I will say for Valenti to have been made in that family during that era, he must have had family background or been a very qualified individual. Pittsburgh was active in 3 states yet their crews did not hold a large amount of made members, it was more filled with associates of varying degrees. Simply put, if you were a boss taking a recommendation from someone in Cleveland, Detroit or Pittsburgh, you were getting someone who went through a rigorous vetting system or were related to someone. At least before the 1970's.

I have been wondering about Valenti's father since this came up. The Pittsburgh informant believed Ripepi had arranged the marriage between his daughter and Stanley Valenti from the time they were children, which suggests the parents were close and as we know these folks run in flocks. Ripepi's ties to Baltimore follow the same pattern.

On the tape where Magaddino discussed Valenti's transfer, he might actually say that the "old man" who requested Valenti's transfer lives in Rochester but it's not clear if they're talking about the "old man", Valenti, or someone else. If the "old man" lived in Rochester, he may be a Buffalo member who helped arranged Valenti's transfer.

Magaddino seems to refer to either Frank Valenti or the "old man" as "Bonorra's son, Mickey's father":
https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.htm ... 3&tab=page

No idea how to interpret that. The FBI didn't indicate that "Bonorra" was a phonetic interpretation which is surprising as most of the names on the Magaddino transcripts are butchered phonetic interpetations (for example "Asaro" was transcribed as "Uase" in one part).

There was a Donato Valenti living in Rochester in 1940 with a son named Frank around the same age as the well-known Frank Valenti but not sure other aspects fit. Donato could easily be transcribed as "Bonorra", though, which could mean the "old man" was a reference to Valenti's father. If that's the case, it would mean Valenti's father was a Cosa Nostra member which seems like a possibility already based on the Ripepi connection.

Maybe Eboli or someone can set it straight.

[JCB1977]

1 I don't want to steer this too much into a Pittsburgh discussion but I will say for Valenti to have been made in that family during that era, he must have had family background or been a very qualified individual. Pittsburgh was active in 3 states yet their crews did not hold a large amount of made members, it was more filled with associates of varying degrees. Simply put, if you were a boss taking a recommendation from someone in Cleveland, Detroit or Pittsburgh, you were getting someone who went through a rigorous vetting system or were related to someone. At least before the 1970's.

I have been wondering about Valenti's father since this came up. The Pittsburgh informant believed Ripepi had arranged the marriage between his daughter and Stanley Valenti from the time they were children, which suggests the parents were close and as we know these folks run in flocks. Ripepi's ties to Baltimore follow the same pattern.

On the tape where Magaddino discussed Valenti's transfer, he might actually say that the "old man" who requested Valenti's transfer lives in Rochester but it's not clear if they're talking about the "old man", Valenti, or someone else. If the "old man" lived in Rochester, he may be a Buffalo member who helped arranged Valenti's transfer.

Magaddino seems to refer to either Frank Valenti or the "old man" as "Bonorra's son, Mickey's father":
https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.htm ... 3&tab=page

No idea how to interpret that. The FBI didn't indicate that "Bonorra" was a phonetic interpretation which is surprising as most of the names on the Magaddino transcripts are butchered phonetic interpetations (for example "Asaro" was transcribed as "Uase" in one part).

There was a Donato Valenti living in Rochester in 1940 with a son named Frank around the same age as the well-known Frank Valenti but not sure other aspects fit. Donato could easily be transcribed as "Bonorra", though, which could mean the "old man" was a reference to Valenti's father. If that's the case, it would mean Valenti's father was a Cosa Nostra member which seems like a possibility already based on the Ripepi connection.

Maybe Eboli or someone can set it straight.

Ripepi was fanatical about being Calabrian. He only trusted other Calabrians, hence most of his closest OC relationships are mostly Calabrian. Specific to Reggio. He worked with other Italians...but he didn’t trust them. He and LaRocca ran a big company called North Star Cement Block, Local 1058 steering all kinds of business to them. But their relationship was strictly business. Tony didn’t mingle with Sicilians, he looked at them as beneath him. That was no secret. I stated earlier that his other daughter married Gianni “John” Bazzano Jr., a Calabrian. When Bazzano Jr took over all of Tony’s rackets, Tony was advising him until a few months before he died in 1998. I’d be shocked if Valenti’s father wasn’t from that region of Italy. He and Sam Mannarino at one time wanted each other dead. Paul Romeo Sr. from Youngstown had to come in and mediate. Tony was never wrong, you couldn’t argue with the guy, he wouldn’t bend. His mentality was antiquated. He sometimes forgot he was living in America, very old school. Ripepi was close to the Corbi’s, then had a falling out with them which we know about. Frank Valenti stated that Ripepi was like a father to him. Tony was the type of guy who would only accept somebody like that if they shared the same roots and/or ancestry. Who were the Calabrians in Buffalo at that time who were influential?

Donato was indeed Frank’s father. In 1942, Frank was busted for an alcohol ring...his younger brother Alphonse and older brother Joseph were also arrested. Joseph went to a federal penitentiary. He also had a cousin named Alphonse F. Valenti who was from Niagara Falls. B, do you know of any Canadien/Niagara/Hamilton Valenti’s in the 1940’s-1960’s?

[B.]

JCB -- In the same transcript I keep referring to, immediately after discussing "Bonorra's son, Mickey's father", Magaddino goes on to mention a Sicilian who was a member elsewhere as well as two Calabrians who were members from "here" (Buffalo family), one of which he clarifies is Buffalo member Dominick Romeo who was familiar to all in the room and as I've mentioned before was a low-key but well-connected figure in the Buffalo family who Magaddino respected. Based on a couple of different references to him I've seen, I suspect he could be related or otherwise connected to the other Calabrian Romeos in PA.

Lennert's list of Rochester figures includes two "Mickeys", one being a non-Italian and the other below:

Surace, Dominic “Mickey” -
*son of Ferdinando Surace, Calabrian gang boss of Newcastle, operating within Rochester at on point
*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Given the Calabrian/Rochester connection and Magaddino's reference to "Mickey's father", seems possible he was referring to the Suraces. Ferdinando was a Calabrian figure in Ohio before moving to Rochester where he died in 1967, so he was definitely an old man living in Rochester at the time Valenti transferred and his importance in the midwest Calabrian scene suggests he had the influence to arrange for Valenti's transfer from Pittsburgh. I'm actually going to backpeddle on my first thought that the "old man" is Ripepi and say that Surace is more likely based on the context of the discussion, which points to the "old man" living in Rochester and not Pittsburgh territory.

"Bonorra's son, Mickey's father" could be referring to two people even though it sounds like he's talking about one person who meets both of those descriptions. There are other transcripts of Magaddino where he confusingly refers to multiple people in a way that sounds like he's describing aspects of one person. If we can confirm Valenti's father's name that will help.

[JCB1977]

JCB -- In the same transcript I keep referring to, immediately after discussing "Bonorra's son, Mickey's father", Magaddino goes on to mention a Sicilian who was a member elsewhere as well as two Calabrians who were members from "here" (Buffalo family), one of which he clarifies is Buffalo member Dominick Romeo who was familiar to all in the room and as I've mentioned before was a low-key but well-connected figure in the Buffalo family who Magaddino respected. Based on a couple of different references to him I've seen, I suspect he could be related or otherwise connected to the other Calabrian Romeos in PA.

Lennert's list of Rochester figures includes two "Mickeys", one being a non-Italian and the other below:

Surace, Dominic “Mickey” -
*son of Ferdinando Surace, Calabrian gang boss of Newcastle, operating within Rochester at on point
*arrested in November 1971 in huge gambling bust, netting over 35 persons

Given the Calabrian/Rochester connection and Magaddino's reference to "Mickey's father", seems possible he was referring to the Suraces. Ferdinando was a Calabrian figure in Ohio before moving to Rochester where he died in 1967, so he was definitely an old man living in Rochester at the time Valenti transferred and his importance in the midwest Calabrian scene suggests he had the influence to arrange for Valenti's transfer from Pittsburgh. I'm actually going to backpeddle on my first thought that the "old man" is Ripepi and say that Surace is more likely based on the context of the discussion, which points to the "old man" living in Rochester and not Pittsburgh territory.

"Bonorra's son, Mickey's father" could be referring to two people even though it sounds like he's talking about one person who meets both of those descriptions. There are other transcripts of Magaddino where he confusingly refers to multiple people in a way that sounds like he's describing aspects of one person. If we can confirm Valenti's father's name that will help.

The Romeo’s from Youngstown, Paul and Mike, had a cousin who ran Erie for years, Serafino “Sam” Romeo, he was described by a CI as “an old hatchet guy for the organization.” He was first cousins with Paul & Mike and they were said to have cousins in Buffalo/Niagara. I’d have to trace Dominick Romeo. My family and the Romeo’s married into one another.

Ferdinando Surace aka Fred Suraci was in Hillsville, PA between 1901-1907. My mother’s great uncle was a part of that trial, got 12 years, most of any of them. Hillsville straddles Mahoning County in Ohio. Many of my own family members settled there via way of Ellis Island. I am very well aware of his early years. Was Surace a part of Buffalo? I always assumed he just faded out and stopped operating.

[B.]

The Romeo’s from Youngstown, Paul and Mike, had a cousin who ran Erie for years, Serafino “Sam” Romeo, he was described by a CI as “an old hatchet guy for the organization.” He was first cousins with Paul & Mike and they were said to have cousins in Buffalo/Niagara. I’d have to trace Dominick Romeo. My family and the Romeo’s married into one another.

Ferdinando Surace aka Fred Suraci was in Hillsville, PA between 1901-1907. My mother’s great uncle was a part of that trial, got 12 years, most of any of them. Hillsville straddles Mahoning County in Ohio. Many of my own family members settled there via way of Ellis Island. I am very well aware of his early years. Was Surace a part of Buffalo? I always assumed he just faded out and stopped operating.

Thanks for the follow-up details.

My last post is all I know about Surace, I just found him on the Rochester list while searching for a "Mickey" and tried to fill in some basic gaps. No clue if Surace was part of Buffalo when he lived in Rochester, but he was there as early as WWI and if he is who Magaddino is referring to, he definitely became a Cosa Nostra member if he was arranging a transfer between Pittsburgh and Buffalo. The general trend was for members to transfer to the local family if they moved permanently into another family's territory but it didn't always play out that way and Rochester is a weird zone despite being under Buffalo, so hard to say with an old Calabrian like Surace.