@NYMafia

You’re fine; I was looking forward to you responding sooner or later; I don’t think this topic Has ever been talked about in my 8 years on this forums. Thanks for the interesting insight.

@Turnbull or NYMafia

Why was Sal Catalano considered the Acting boss of the Bonanno family when Galante got “whacked”

Did Rastelli put him in that position or was (Catalano) the most powerful guy on the street at the time?

Acting bosses are usually "installed" by the official boss, who in this case was Rastelli. In the case where there's upheaval in the administration sometimes a group of capos and top members will select one of their own to lead.

At the time Catalano became the "acting street boss" he had been a pivotal figure in Queens for years, and a top international trafficker and wholesaler of heroin into NYC under the Bonanno flag. (plus remember, Amato and Bonventre were Sicilian immigrants like Catalano and were probably selected by him to help whack Galante under Commission orders). So as a reward he was "given" that position.

But due to his lack of speaking the English language and his limited communication skills because of it, he later stepped down from that post to allow an American-born and bred member who spoke English better to step up. It was for the good of the borgata, to better facilitate its activities and flow.

Good topic. Another name is Leo Giamona of the Lucchese. He was made in Sicily and remade in New York Lucchese. Was with Paolo Gambino as he was a cousin, but was made with the Lucchese family. Was a very influential member and as far as I can tell, never rose above soldier.

Those oldschool turncoats in Sicily mostly tell the truth in their mind they are still men of honor you cannot lie.

I agree, we already know Riina wanted to kill Giuliani , add Gotti to that list would change nothing , that's nothing when compared to other ideas Riina had.