Maxie's Bonanno Profiles

[motorfab]

Glad to help

[maxiestern11]

Vincenzo Morsellino - aka (Vincent Adamo), born 1898 in Calatafimi, Sicilia (Trapani province). Immigrated to America, to Brooklyn in 1927. Cousin of Settimo (Sam) Accardi, a notorious narcotics importer and Lucchese Family power later deported from the US. Suspected relation of Michael (Mikey Adams) Adamo. Arrest record commences in 1931; 3 alcohol-bootlegging arrests resulted in (18 months in prison on one case, 5 years probation on another alcohol tax case), labor racketeering charge (coercion-labor agitation) in New Jersey, disorderly conduct, criminal contempt of a grand jury. The FBN (Federal Bureau of Narcotics) had him listed decades earlier as a suspected “top-level” narcotics importer, operating at the highest level internationally. They tracked him over the years traveling back and forth to Italy/Sicily, Havana Cuba and Canada. Yet, Morsellino was a virtual “unknown” to mob investigators until the advent of the Bonanno conflict. Informers and surveillance teams starting noticing top Bonanno mob figures meeting with Morsellino at both his very modest Elmont residence (3 Locustwood Blvd., Elmont), and a cafe he operated. Natale (Joe Diamond) Evola, Salvatore (Sally Fruits) Ferrugia, Michael Adamo, Giovanni (The Ambassador) Petrone, Pietro Licata, Michael (The Sailor) Casale.... all converged upon his home and business for advise. Even Carmine Galante (from prison) was said to have communicated with him through proxies in this regard. Investigators soon realized that this 71 year old nobody was a “somebody” indeed. Morsellino was exposed and labeled a “Super Capo” by Nassau County DA, the number #1 Capo in power..... now, even if that was an overstatement, it still shows the influence Morsellino must have been wielding to be so named. Agents believe Morsellino was helping with the transition of power in the family. His main base of operations was in the Wilson Ave., section of Brooklyn. A long time Bonanno stronghold, he owned-operated the Capri Italian Kitchen, where besides practicing his skill as a chef, he’d organize the occasional multi-kilo heroin deal for distribution by his Sicilian “crew”. Confidants of his included Pietro Licata (the future Knickerbocker Avenue Capo before his assassination), Francesco Crociata, his nephew Joseph (Joe Parker) Morsellino - a family associate, Lucchese Family veteran Joseph (Joe Reese) Schiavo - who he may have partnered with in a dress factory, Giovanni (John) DiBella - an old friend who he came to America with that would go on to dominate the mozzarella industry for Bonanno, etc. In time, as the Family somewhat stabilized, Morsellino faded into the background, retiring back to Sicily where he died in 1986...... In retrospect, Morsellino like so many other “original” members of that family (the Bonanno rank and file, maybe more than the other New York four, seemed to operate off the grid, a very, very low key, conservative mindset-operating style, most were never even identified - hence the 63’ Valachi chart on the family). Omerta’ at it’s purest to the core! .... Hope all enjoyed the post!

[maxiestern11]

Just posted Morsellino.... check it out. Any thoughts?

[thekiduknow]

Again, interesting info. He must have been a big power in the family if even Galante is keeping in touch through prison. He might have been a little too old to be a combatant in the war, but was probably someone like Zicarelli who moved more behind the scenes.

[CabriniGreen]

Very interesting..... another narcotics heavy...

Very powerful too, all those guys seem very powerful...

[rolotomasi]

In "The Heroin Trais" (1974) talks about Vincent Morsellino, It´s short: "Vincent Morsellino, 75, a ranking captain in the Bonanno family, is still considered active in heroin trafficking despite his years, but is believed active on the financial end. For a number of years federal authorities have identified him as a major figure in the family´s narcotics traffic. he has been convicted of labor agitation and of operating a still".

[rolotomasi]

Sorry "The Heroin Trail"

[maxiestern11]

That was a good read. Been many years since I’ve seen it. Gotta check it out again when I get time

[maxiestern11]

FRANCESCO BONOMO - born 1901 in Castellammare del Golfo (Trapani province) Sicily. Immigrated to America as a adolescent with his family. Settled in North Brooklyn (lived-raised primarily in the Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint sections. 77 Powers st., Bushwick. Appx 1960 relocated to 75 Nottingham Ave., Valley Stream, NY. Naturalized 1948 as a U.S. citizen. A low key member, active primarily as a “shylock”, thefts, and a fence (receiver-distributor) of stolen goods. Hung around the Knickerbocker Ave. section of Brooklyn (a Bonanno stronghold), and associate of Mike Adamo, Mike Casale,
Rosario (Sally Burns) Morale, Steve Menna, Over the years served several times as a driver/bodyguard to superiors such as Frank Mari, Adamo, (Smitty) D’Angelo. In fact, he was the driver of Frank Mari on the day Mari disappeared with Adamo never to be seen from again. Questioned by the FBI in this regard and ultimately subpoenaed before several local/federal grand juries. Bonomo was a virtual unknown until the early-mid 1960’s when the federal government started the big push to investigate LCN. Bonomo was caught on a “bug” planted in Capo Frank LaBruzzo’s garment firm office, being recorded weekly for over a year in conversation with LaBruzzo discussing mob business. This brought much unwanted attention to the conservative, low key Bonomo, leading to LE problems.
Over the years Bonomo answered to several caporegimes. Frank LaBruzzo, John Morale, Tommy D’Angelo and in later years Angelo Salvo of NJ. The strife in the family often dictated which Capo Bonomo was assigned to. His arrest record is somewhat blurred-1920 on; possession of a dangerous weapon (knife), possession of stolen goods,
contempt of court. He was the owner/operator of a
garment contracting firm; D. & S. Sportswear Co., on Troutman St., Bushwick, for a number of years. And the LaBruzzo bug indicated an affiliation with the American Cloak & Suit Manufacturers Assn. Bonomo may have been a bit of a “strong arm” man. Renegade loanshark Max
(The Weasel) Lownstein claimed to have been kidnapped and beaten in a dispute with Bonomo, and during the 1970’s he led a group of young hoodlums alleged to perform armed robberies and possibly a homicide at Bonomo’s behest. By the late 1960’s Bonomo was in his late 60’s and claimed to be inactive, collecting social security checks and hanging with his “compare” along Knickerbocker Avenue playing cards (ziganette) and enjoying an occasional cup of expresso. He started spending time in Florida where he would ultimately retire to and pass away in 1987. In retrospect, Bonomo was said to be a moderate earner, happy to operate his shylock “book”. He had a few loyal associates “around” him who occasionally would pay him a “pizzo” (tribute) off their earnings and scores made. Bonomo was alleged to have been inducted by the late 1930’s. A loyal and low key “Soldato” in the traditional of the Castellammrese.
Note: as a sad post-script, his son Anthony (one of two sons), who operated the loansharking with his father was shot and killed in Elmhurst in 1962. Frank has been grooming him for the future. So although Frank seems to have evaded serious problems with the law and the street all his life, he still paid a heavy price with the loss of his son....... just another fabled tale about “The Life”!

[maxiestern11]

Paul Sciacca - Reluctant Representante
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Post Fri May 24, 2019 8:45 am

Paul Sciacca - born in Sicily in 1909, lived in Brooklyn for many years until settling in Massapqaua, LI. by the early 1960’s. Very low profile longtime member who only sustained one arrest well into his 60’s. He was a business oriented soldier, gaining partnership in several large garment factories early in his career. First operating Sands Fashions, and later expanding with a second operation under the name S. & S. Garments Inc., both in Brooklyn. At one point in the 1960’s his clothing firms won a government contract worth over $1,000,000. to manufacture military uniforms. This was a huge sum of
money for that era, and reflects on the size capacity of his “contract shops” to service the contract bid. Sciacca was such a low profile mob member, that he was able to infiltrate and control the Hackensack Bank and Trust Co., of Hackensack, New Jersey, becoming a “director” on the board of the bank. Sciacca blended into the “woodwork” so to speak for many decades. With the advent of the “Bonanno War” conflict, Sciacca was forced to take sides, choosing to support his “compare” Gaspare DiGregorio in his bid for the big seat. It’s unclear when Paul was “bumped up” to capo di decina, but by the time of conflict he was indeed a “skipper”, supervising a crew that included a brother. As the conflict progressed, Di Gregorio was clearly not up for the fight, he was a “weak sister”. In time, Di Gregorio stepped down, and Sciacca was promoted almost out of left field to the “Acting Boss” position. He promoted several of his associates within the hierarchy, Michele (Mikey Adams) Adamo, Frank (Frankie T) Mari and Gaetano (Smitty) D’Angelo among them. These men were among the “powers” in the family, “capable” as they say for the street fighting that would follow. Each were promoted to “Capo” status or higher. In time, each would meet his maker, Adamo and Mari “disappearing” in one of the biggest blows to Sciacca’s position in 1969 and “Smitty” D’Angelo machine-gunned to death in a high-profile triple killing at the Cypress Gardens Restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens in 1967. (the other two murder victims being Smitty’s brother James and Frank (Frankie 500) Telleri, a major policy banker for the family). Another casualty of the fighting was Pietro (Skinny Pete) Crociata, a old timer who had only been promoted to consigliere a short time before Joe Bonanno’s gunman shot him six times near his Ridgewood home. Crociata was a close friend and advisor to Sciacca, counted on for swaying some of the “old timers” toward the Sciacca “rebel” faction. In spite of support by “commission” members Stefano Magaddino, Carlo Gambino and the young boss Joe Colombo, Sciacca found it hard to consolidate the splintered factions of the family. The massive publicity generated over the years by the bloodletting also exposed Sciacca to a level of LE scrutiny that unsettled him. He was called before several local and federal grand juries investigating the war, by DA’s and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Nassau, which resulted in “contempt of court” charges. A year or two later he was indicted in a nationwide sweep of dozens of wholesale heroin traffickers, getting picked up at dawn by agents at his home at 31 Lake CT., in Massapequa. He and close aide Michael Casale charged with drug conspiracy. Despite the big splash arrest, the charges were quietly dropped in the ensuing months for lack of evidence. All this was too much for Sciacca, who wanted nothing more than to fade quietly into the rafters in his retirement years. Subsequently, he stepped down in favor of Natale (Joe Diamond) Evola, a influential and highly respected “Capo” from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Evola was able to consolidate the troops in large part, thanks to his reputation and the respect he carried. The commission fully supported Evola, a veteran garment racketeer and heroin dealer (Evola was a defendant in the 1959 heroin trial of Vito Genovese, Carmine Galante, etc). Unfortunately Evola didn’t last long dying in the early 1970’s..... (but that’s a story for another day). Sciacca quietly lived out his days in the south shore of LI. I believe he died late 70’s-early 80’s. Having only sustained a burglary arrest in his youth, a contempt of court charge and the ill-fated narcotics conspiracy charge in 71’, Sciacca had a relatively smooth “career” in his chosen profession! ..... just one more storied tale in the saga that is organized crime!

[maxiestern11]

Paul Sciacca - Reluctant Representante
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Post Fri May 24, 2019 8:45 am

Paul Sciacca - born in Sicily in 1909, lived in Brooklyn for many years until settling in Massapqaua, LI. by the early 1960’s. Very low profile longtime member who only sustained one arrest well into his 60’s. He was a business oriented soldier, gaining partnership in several large garment factories early in his career. First operating Sands Fashions, and later expanding with a second operation under the name S. & S. Garments Inc., both in Brooklyn. At one point in the 1960’s his clothing firms won a government contract worth over $1,000,000. to manufacture military uniforms. This was a huge sum of
money for that era, and reflects on the size capacity of his “contract shops” to service the contract bid. Sciacca was such a low profile mob member, that he was able to infiltrate and control the Hackensack Bank and Trust Co., of Hackensack, New Jersey, becoming a “director” on the board of the bank. Sciacca blended into the “woodwork” so to speak for many decades. With the advent of the “Bonanno War” conflict, Sciacca was forced to take sides, choosing to support his “compare” Gaspare DiGregorio in his bid for the big seat. It’s unclear when Paul was “bumped up” to capo di decina, but by the time of conflict he was indeed a “skipper”, supervising a crew that included a brother. As the conflict progressed, Di Gregorio was clearly not up for the fight, he was a “weak sister”. In time, Di Gregorio stepped down, and Sciacca was promoted almost out of left field to the “Acting Boss” position. He promoted several of his associates within the hierarchy, Michele (Mikey Adams) Adamo, Frank (Frankie T) Mari and Gaetano (Smitty) D’Angelo among them. These men were among the “powers” in the family, “capable” as they say for the street fighting that would follow. Each were promoted to “Capo” status or higher. In time, each would meet his maker, Adamo and Mari “disappearing” in one of the biggest blows to Sciacca’s position in 1969 and “Smitty” D’Angelo machine-gunned to death in a high-profile triple killing at the Cypress Gardens Restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens in 1967. (the other two murder victims being Smitty’s brother James and Frank (Frankie 500) Telleri, a major policy banker for the family). Another casualty of the fighting was Pietro (Skinny Pete) Crociata, a old timer who had only been promoted to consigliere a short time before Joe Bonanno’s gunman shot him six times near his Ridgewood home. Crociata was a close friend and advisor to Sciacca, counted on for swaying some of the “old timers” toward the Sciacca “rebel” faction. In spite of support by “commission” members Stefano Magaddino, Carlo Gambino and the young boss Joe Colombo, Sciacca found it hard to consolidate the splintered factions of the family. The massive publicity generated over the years by the bloodletting also exposed Sciacca to a level of LE scrutiny that unsettled him. He was called before several local and federal grand juries investigating the war, by DA’s and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Nassau, which resulted in “contempt of court” charges. A year or two later he was indicted in a nationwide sweep of dozens of wholesale heroin traffickers, getting picked up at dawn by agents at his home at 31 Lake CT., in Massapequa. He and close aide Michael Casale charged with drug conspiracy. Despite the big splash arrest, the charges were quietly dropped in the ensuing months for lack of evidence. All this was too much for Sciacca, who wanted nothing more than to fade quietly into the rafters in his retirement years. Subsequently, he stepped down in favor of Natale (Joe Diamond) Evola, a influential and highly respected “Capo” from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Evola was able to consolidate the troops in large part, thanks to his reputation and the respect he carried. The commission fully supported Evola, a veteran garment racketeer and heroin dealer (Evola was a defendant in the 1959 heroin trial of Vito Genovese, Carmine Galante, etc). Unfortunately Evola didn’t last long dying in the early 1970’s..... (but that’s a story for another day). Sciacca quietly lived out his days in the south shore of LI. I believe he died late 70’s-early 80’s. Having only sustained a burglary arrest in his youth, a contempt of court charge and the ill-fated narcotics conspiracy charge in 71’, Sciacca had a relatively smooth “career” in his chosen profession! ..... just one more storied tale in the saga that is organized crime!

[thekiduknow]

For Bonomo, do you have any files/info about when the FBI questioned him about Mari/Adamo’s “disappearance”?

[maxiestern11]

1968, shortly after their disappearance

[maxiestern11]

Castellammare del Golfo (Buccellato Cosca) history
...... Bonanno Related thread:

There have been many notable mafiosi who originated from Castellammare into North America to become major underworld players. Many “Families” created in America were formed or led by Castellammrese ie; Maranzano/Bonanno(NYC), Palmeri/Magaddino (Buffalo), Milazzo (Detroit), etc.,..... but little is known of the origins, as well as, the “ongoing” family membership of the Castellammrese back in Sicily. The Buccellato clan seems to be either a stand alone family or major ongoing members of that towns mafia. Many of them emigrated to the US, where they had an ongoing conflict for power with the Madaddino’s both in the NY/NJ and Detroit areas among other towns. Eventually they seem to have faded from power (at least in America). But back in Sicily, in Castellammare, they seem to have thrived and continued to lead. In researching Castellammare history, from the 40’s through at least the 80’s with the Corleonese Riina, there were killings of Buccellato’s and other town mafiosi during that power play by Riina and Provenzano.
What I’d like to know is does anyone on the forum have information about the ‘composition’ of the modern day family membership in Castellammare? In researching news articles in Sicily, I know that the names Mariano Saracino, Diego Rugeri, Ambrogio Farina, and several others appear as members. And it was alleged in a Italian government document that the Castellammare cosca had appx 70-90 members. Does anyone have a list of their actual current members? And are there any Buccellato’s still active. I believe the name Bonanno are no longer there. Magaddino was a name still involved in OC in that town. Several Magaddino’s were arrested in the 80’s I think (if memory serves me). It would be interesting to get a current membership list. They have had several arrests in recent years listing some members but it’s very limited in who I’ve been able to name as a member there.

[maxiestern11]

IGNAZIO (SONNY) CANNONE - born 1925 in New York City. Nephew of Bonanno powerhouse Natale (Joe Diamond) Evola. Related to Giuseppe (Joe) Barbara, Apalachin host and Family Boss. Evola seems to have migrated to upstate Endicott-Binghamton NY early on. He was a well liked young associate with good family connections who was formally inducted by the age of 30. Mob standing was clearly evidenced by his attendance of the infamous bbq in 1957 at Barbara’s Apalachin home. Suspected of being active in local gambling operations and illegal liquor traffic. Operated several local bars and restaurants;
Nat’s Place and The Plaza Lounge. After the debacle at Apalachin, with the extensive exposure received, Cannone chose to relocate back to the NYC area. Suspected of possibly having transferred his membership back under his uncle Natale Evola, who subsequently rose to Family Boss. His brother Frank, maintained a gambling operation in the Binghamton area, under the auspices of Anthony (Gov) Guarnieri and the Bufalino family. The familial ties going back to common Castellammrese heritage bound both Bonanno, Buffalo and Binghamton members regardless of formal family affiliations, allowing for cooperation and mutual endeavors. Associates of Cannone were listed as; Pasquale Turrigiano, Angelo Sciandra, N.Evola among many others. Minor arrest record for disorderly conduct and assault, resisting arrest, conspiracy to obstruct justice (for the Apalachin meeting for which he received 3 years incarceration - but was overturned on appeal). Unfortunately, the federal authorities if unable to jail him made sure to ruin him financially, revoking his liquor licenses for both bars). A move that was a factor in his relocation back to Brooklyn..... seems to have successfully kept a low profile, avoiding any additional trouble with the law in following years. He also resided in Florida at some point, commuting back and forth to NYS as needed. Suspected as a partner of brother Frank in gambling operations. He also was referred to as “Nat” in addition to “Sonny”. Side note: his father Diego was a suspected early member of the upstate family. So his connections ran pretty deep indeed, several family leaders and old family friends were members.