Lupara wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 6:09 pm
SantoClaus wrote:Papalia is an interesting character, anyone know if it’s true his mother was Sicilian? If so, then he was part Sicilian, part Calabrese??
He was born and died on a historical street Railway, which had legendary bootleggers like Rocco Perri visit, etc. Those type of connections are one of a kind.
He was mentored by Galante, knew all the Calabrese from Hamilton, Toronto and Montreal. He was referred as ‘The Enforcer’ for beating down that Bluestein. Had maybe one of the biggest betting books in Canada, and was well know in New York and other circles. I even think he was buddy’s with Scarfo.
Was part of the French Connection, multiple prison terms, never talked. Pretty sure, he might be the only Canadian that was called to testify during Kefauver.
If he wasn’t a Capo, guy was durable and versatile, a mob legend. Maybe the greatest one ever born in Canada, Rizzuto was born in Sicily.
He was a real scumbag from what I've read.
Definitely an unsavoury character, I knew people born on the same street, same era, that witnessed John Papalia and one of his brothers, both under 10 years old or so, beat a grown man up with bats, as Antonio Papalia, screamed at his sons to hit the man. Early 1930’s or so.
He was one of the biggest drugs guys, as well, basically helped created the market in Canada. His family along with others helped do the same with alcohol.
I’ve heard that murder of Starkman, seizing of Rocco Perri’s business, was in conjunction with the murders of Masseria and Marazono. Enabled all Southern Italians to join ‘one thing’ Cosa Nostra in 1931 or so? Could be bs tho?
