The first of a new five-part series about the Pittston-Scranton Mob:
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Bufalino Crime Family Soldier Gaspare “Cappy” Guimento

After researching Cappy Guimento’s long career in the Italian underworld, arguably, as one of the closest aides and confidantes to Russ Bufalino, one of most important and powerful Cosa Nostra bosses in the entire United States, it seems that although he was an inducted soldier and required to follow all given orders, including orders to kill on command, at his core, Guimento doesn’t seem to have been “that guy.” Nothing in his background suggests otherwise.

Nor does it appear that he was ever viewed as such by the Family’s hierarchy. Although I’m certain he would do, or did, what was required of him. To the contrary, it seems Cappy’s real value to the boss and their borgata was his unwavering loyalty, fealty, and dedication to his fellow mafiosi, and his ability at running gambling operations and assisting the boss as asked of him.

https://thenewyorkmafia.com/bufalino-family-soldier-cappy-guimento/

He is mentioned many times in Billy d'Elia's book and as you said he was probably one of the closest people to Russ Bufalino.

Hi Malavita, I never read D'Elia's book, but what you said is very correct. Guimento was one of the closest and most trusted aides to Russ Bufalino, for decades. Maybe even his most trusted.

Thats one of the main reasons why I chose him for the subject of a biography. Cappy was there for nearly everything!...nearly every pivotal event in Mafia history regarding that crew...and by extension, the nationwide makeup of Cosa Nostra.

You should read the book. I 'm sure you'd like it.

D'Elia talks a lot about the main people around Buffalino like the Sciandras, Cappy Guimento, James Osticco, Guv Guarnieri.

Based on your review and recommendation of it, maybe I'll try and pick it up. Thank you.

Malavita, did you buy the book in a book store? Or online?

I wouldn't even bother with the book. I know very little about Pittston and still didn't learn anything. Its only like 200 pages, so unless you just want the pictures (they are pretty good) or find a good deal, I don't think its worth it. If you do want it, you can find it here https://www.amazon.com/Life-We-Chose-Americas-Powerful/dp/006323467X

Online.

Thanks Malavita.

I should have figured. Traditional "brick and mortar" bookstores are quickly going the way of the Pony Express, like so many other businesses nowadays.

What's the exact title of the book?

Oh, I see it now. "The Life We Chose." I just Googled it. Depending upon where you buy it, it's running $15-20. Not bad.

I dont know shit about the Bufalinos, but still this was an excellent story. Guimento’s life and criminal career as influental soldier reminds of Tommaso Buscetta, without the role as informant of course.

Glad you enjoyed it TD. Because Guimento was another guy I also enjoyed researching.

It's a great analogy which could be extended to the whole Bufalino Family. Bufalino and his inner circle built their strength and influence through their ability to broker deals between other families, much like Buscetta was known for his ability to talk with every factions.

In his book, Billy D'Elia talks about his weekly schedule and one day he'll be in Youngstown to do business with Joey Naples then he would go to Philly to meet Nicky Scarfo, the next days he'd meet with John Gotti or Fat Tony Salerno in New York then with Joe Todaro in Buffalo... That's what they did in this family.

Bufalino was the master of that and most of the main guys around him like Cappy Guimento, Eddie Sciandra or Billy D'Elia also had that ability to deal with all these families.

Most of these guys came from Montedoro.
The rise and fall of the sulfur market in 1896 began emigration flows to the United States of America, principally to the coal mining area centered around Pittston, Pennsylvania, and from 1946 to the European countries and industrial cities of northern Italy.

Correct, Hollander. They were known as "The Men of Montedoro"

Nice video of the town.

BUFALINO ROSARIO
4.7
6 reviews
Livestock feed trade
Service options: Offers same-day delivery
Address : C.DA PIETREVIVE, SNC, 93010 Montedoro CL, Italy
Opening hours :
Open ? Closes at 6:00 PM

This was an interesting video, Hollander. Thank you. Great addition for this thread.

It's unbelievable those guys worked long days in the sulfur mines bare naked, they are the toughest.

Thats also why natives of Montedoro, upon entering the U.S., sought out Northeastern PA's mining towns to make their new homeland. It was what they knew.

And, Hollander, nearly to a soldier, the original membership of this borgata were born in Montedoro. A generation or two later, their second and third wave of membership? Many of them were still descendants of that lineage as well.

The Pittston-Scranton Family were a very tight-knit bunch.

Thanks NYM this article said Santo Volpe. for example, began as a coal miner himself.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-russell-bufali/28350148/

You're welcome, Hollander. And yes, thats correct. Soon after immigrating to the U.S., Santo Volpe took a job as a miner....by the time he was done, decades later, he had become the "owner" of record for at least 6-12 major mining companies, held the leases for key shafts, and became the head of the Coal Miners Association, not to mention the power behind the United Mine Workers Union (AFL-CIO) and the overall voice of the Northeastern PA. industry.

He was an underworld and upperworld titan!