Maxie's Bonanno Profiles

[maxiestern11]

GIOVANNI (THE AMBASSADOR) PETRONE - born 1896. Resided in the Bronx for many years. A shadowy Bonanno figure alleged to have been made in his 20’s. Named by Valachi and several subsequent government records as a member. His Capo was alleged to be Michael Angelina, whom he was said to be in business with, owning a jewelry store in the 47th Street Diamond Exchange. He was suspected of being a diamond/gold smuggler and fence. Petrone was a unique figure in that he operated somewhat unconventional operations. International smuggling of both narcotics and jewels, bankruptcy frauds (for which he had an arrest), counterfeiting U.S. currency, etc., not your typical street hood. Seems to mostly have operated under the radar although when indicted on one occasion, authorities described Petrone as “one of the most important criminals in both the US and Canada”. Indicted in a fraudulent bankruptcy conspiracy in 1938 for which he served (a year and a day). During a raid on his home, agents discovered $5,100. In counterfeit notes. He received a 15 year sentence and $5,000. fine. (the spurious money was discovered to be part of a load printed by Buffalo Family members. Sam Salli, a notorious Magaddino soldier was connected to this activity). After his release from prison he relocated for a time to Long Island where he lived in Massapequa, an enclave where several other key Bonanno operatives also lived (Mike Adamo, Mike Casale) among others. Arrest record for violation national bankruptcy act, interstate transporta-
ruin of stolen property, disorderly conduct (twice), possession of counterfeit currency. Eventually he relocated back to the Bronx/Yonkers area. Associates included Carmine Galante, Joseph (Little Joe) Notaro - both of whom may have been his Capo at some point, and Michael Consolo. By the early 1970’s he seems to have faded from active racket involvement. Petrone died in 1974.

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Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

[thekiduknow]

Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

Can’t wait!

[maxiestern11]

MICHAEL (MIMI) SABELLA - born 1910, in NYC to Sicilian parents. Grew up in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. Active in NYC Little Italy section, Brooklyn and South Florida (Miami area). Longtime member and a “capo di decina” since appx the late 1950’s. Originally came up under Giovanni (John) Bonventre, who is said to have been his sponsor, a family power and uncle of Joseph Bonanno. Sabella lived downtown NY, Brooklyn and eventually moved into the Long Beach area of LI, living at 84 Boyd Street (his home and car were registered to someone else). Primarily engaged over the years in the gambling rackets, shylocking and fencing stolen jewels and property. Suspected of being active in the heroin trade (for which he had an arrest). Sabella held ownership interests over the years in a Miami boat company and clothing store. In the early 1970’s Sabella converted a building he owned at Mulberry and Hester street into a small cafe. It did so well that he expanded into several more storefronts, upgrading the decor and cuisine, naming the restaurant Ca Sabella (in Italian meaning “Here’s Sabella” - a play on his surname). Ca Sabella became wildly popular, serving excellent food for decades and doubled as his base of operations. In later years, Sabella would also run a high-stakes dice game in a upstairs lounge area. Sabella was a top figure in the Bonanno Family for many years. During the Bonanno War of the mid-1960’s Sabella switched sides several times after he got word of a murder contract on him. With the murder of his close friend Michael Consolo, he was so wary that he often would stay close to his home, not venturing out into the city. With word of a murder contract on his head, during this tumultuous period, Sabella utilized Paul Vario, a Lucchese capo and close friend as a “rabbi”, negotiating at the highest levels in several families to transfer Sabella to the Lucchese Family for his safety. But Sabella eventually chose to stay put and maintained his Bonanno status. By the mid-1970’s, with the release from federal prison of Carmine Galante, former underboss (and close friend of Sabella), Sabella’s star rose, being named a “Capo” again. Sabella became one of several favored “key” Galante family leaders, heading one of the largest crews. Among Mike’s soldiers were Benjamin (Lefty) Ruggiero, Sonny Esposito, Joe Puma, Tony Mirra, Steve Maruca, and Willy Dara, a distant cousin who Sabella was said to have sponsored to membership in appx 1950 (who became a top-echelon confidential informant several years later). Active for over 50 years in the mob, Sabella had arrests for homicide (twice), gun possession, assault and robbery, vagrancy, sale of heroin.....and the kind of record his bosses like “no convictions”! With his mentors execution, having been one of Lilo’s close associates, Sabella was one of several Capo’s demoted back to “soldier” status (some others being Nicky Marangello and Moe Presinzano). The Donnie Brasco investigation also brought Sabella problems. He was indicted in Milwaukee with Family Boss Frank (Frankie Bal) Balistrieri in an extortion conspiracy case. Mike was luckily cleared of the charges.....
By this time Mike was getting older. Between Galante getting killed and his demotion, and realizing his luck in beating the Rico case, the “Brasco Fiasco” as he called it, Mike wisely chose to slow down. He sold his beloved restaurant and retired to his Long Beach home. He quietly lived out his days, dying at age 79 in 1989 from complications of diabetes..... having never served a day in jail! “A charmed mob career
if there ever was one”!

[maxiestern11]

sources/ MF, Newsday, various OC books.

[Frank]

Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

Nice as are all these mini biographies. Do you know if Sabella originally stayed loyal to Bonanno or sided with Di Gregorio? I see you had him more of a flip flopper. Seems like he wanted to stay out of the war, but got stuck in the middle.

[maxiestern11]

Not sure honestly. But at one point with DiGreforio, he was targeted. For Galante to favor him, I have to believe he stayed with Bonanno no?

[Frank]

Not sure honestly. But at one point with DiGreforio, he was targeted. For Galante to favor him, I have to believe he stayed with Bonanno no?

That would make sense. Which side targeted him? I would guess that he stayed loyal to Bonanno at first, maybe defected by force, and then ended up back with Bonanno till Bonanno retired from N Y But that is a guess. But the Galante factor is definitely strong evidence that he was loyal to Bonanno and kind of forced to support the new regime.

[thekiduknow]

Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

Nice as are all these mini biographies. Do you know if Sabella originally stayed loyal to Bonanno or sided with Di Gregorio? I see you had him more of a flip flopper. Seems like he wanted to stay out of the war, but got stuck in the middle.

According to an informant, I believe Darra, Sabella first defected and was under the protection of Paul Vario, the Lucchese capo who was once a Bonanno associate. After the wounding of Peter Crociata and the killing of Michael Consolo, Sabella wanted to return to the Bonanno faction and it seems that Vario was, as Maxi said, his “rabbi”, and possibly helped facilitate his return.

I’ll have to check later, but I think Sabella was maybe looking to transfer to the Luccheses, so he might not have been with DiGregorio directly.

[thekiduknow]

Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

Nice as are all these mini biographies. Do you know if Sabella originally stayed loyal to Bonanno or sided with Di Gregorio? I see you had him more of a flip flopper. Seems like he wanted to stay out of the war, but got stuck in the middle.

According to an informant, I believe Darra, Sabella first defected and was under the protection of Paul Vario, the Lucchese capo who was once a Bonanno associate. After the wounding of Peter Crociata and the killing of Michael Consolo, Sabella wanted to return to the Bonanno faction and it seems that Vario was, as Maxi said, his “rabbi”, and possibly helped facilitate his return.

I’ll have to check later, but I think Sabella was maybe looking to transfer to the Luccheses, so he might not have been with DiGregorio directly.

[Frank]

Michael Sabella ..... born 1910. Longtime Bonanno powerhouse. Profile to follow.... stay tuned!

Nice as are all these mini biographies. Do you know if Sabella originally stayed loyal to Bonanno or sided with Di Gregorio? I see you had him more of a flip flopper. Seems like he wanted to stay out of the war, but got stuck in the middle.

According to an informant, I believe Darra, Sabella first defected and was under the protection of Paul Vario, the Lucchese capo who was once a Bonanno associate. After the wounding of Peter Crociata and the killing of Michael Consolo, Sabella wanted to return to the Bonanno faction and it seems that Vario was, as Maxi said, his “rabbi”, and possibly helped facilitate his return.

I’ll have to check later, but I think Sabella was maybe looking to transfer to the Luccheses, so he might not have been with DiGregorio directly.

Ok thanks. And yes Maxi mentioned that Vario was his Rabbi

[thekiduknow]

Found a report where an informant, again most likely William Darra, says that Sabella was under the protection of the Lucchese/Gambino circa April 1968.

[maxiestern11]

[maxiestern11]

ANGELO (LITTLE MOE) PRESINZANO - born 1908 on the Lower East Side, Manhattan. Frequented the “4th Ward” section of LES, particularly Catherine Street. A vicious and feared hoodlum, known as a strong-arm and killer. FBI #187717, NYCPD #B71432. Record starts 1927 for rape, homicide, narcotics violations, harboring a fugitive (Carmine Galante). Held ownership in several businesses at the Fulton Fish Market. Close associates include Galante (reputed to be a cousin), Angelo (Little Angie) Tuminaro, Frank Prisinzano (his brother) and Anthony (Tony) Lisi. Alleged to be a financier of narcotics deals, supplying several traffickers in the Lower Manhattan area. Presinzano was an intimate of his cousin Lilo Galante, and was considered one of Galante’s top capo’s during the 1970’s. In fact, Prisinzano was supposed to meet Galante for lunch the afternoon Lilo was assasinated. Little Moe just missing the carnage by showing up late for their meal. Prisinzano seems to have faded into retirement after Galante’s Murder. (he may have been shelved)...... no record of his death, although he is believed to have passed only several years after Galante.

[thekiduknow]

Any info on vito DeFilippo?