Historian Salvatore Lupo says D'Aquila sent assistance to Grillo in the mid-1920s because Grillo had previously come to the US twice on D'Aquila's behalf.
We know Grillo came to the US three times before the mid-1920s:
1910 (by himself)
1911 (with brother-in-law Manfredi Mineo)
1922 (with Ignazio Lupo)
If two of these instances were to mediate on D'Aquila's behalf, it is likely during the 1911 and 1922 visits, as 1911 is closer to when D'Aquila became boss and obviously in 1922 D'Aquila was already boss (and boss of bosses) involved in a high-level political dispute.
If the 1911 visit involved Grillo acting on D'Aquila's behalf, it indicates Grillo was influential in both D'Aquila and Mineo becoming bosses of the newly separated Palermitani-NYC families.
Salvatore Lupo also says Grillo was involved in the maritime industry with non-Italians in the US. Fits what Grillo's grandson said about his grandfather being successful in the vessel business.
Enzo and Piddu's Excellent Adventure
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