Former New York City mafia boss Albert Anastasia personally killed a lot of guys in his day, and ordered the killings of many more. So many in fact, that he earned the bloody nickname "The Lord High Executioner."

But what particular gangland murder did Anastasia order that later led to his own demise in that barber's chair at The Park Sheraton Hotel in 1957?
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1. Vincent Mangano
2. Benedetto Macri
3. Frank Scalici
4. Giuseppe Scalici
5. Vincent Squillante

Note: Take your best guess fellas. The correct answer will be posted up by me in a few days to give everyone a chance to vote.

None of the above. It was likely part of Vito Genovese's plan to wrest control of the former Luciano borgata from Frank Costello, be named Capo di Tutti Capi, and get approval for nationwide drug trafficking. Anastasia had taken Willie Moretti's place as Costello's principal ally and protector. Though Costello was shot (by Gigante, on Genovese's order) and stepped aside prior to Anastasia's assassination, Genovese still had to get rid of The Mad Hatter to stay safe. Carlo Gambino was part of it, since he became boss of Anastasia's family and was allied with Genovese.

Another theory: Anastasia was planning to move into Havana gambling--he had set up a meeting on the day he died with Santos Trafficante, looking for a share of the casino in the the new Havana Hilton. Trafficante disappeared for several weeks right after the shooting.

I think squillante was killed years after Anastasia. By all accounts, Squillante was an Anastasia loyalist.

Anastasia was killed by the East Village 14th St Crew because Biondo, Riccobono, and others believed Anastasia was gonna kill them without cause.

OC Shortz put out a couple of episodes about this topic with some plausible scenarios. One is that Joe Riccobono, Joe Biondo and Charles Dongarra conspired to murder Anastasia after learning he had marked them for death. Biondo then recruited Stephen Armone who assigned Stephen Grammauta and Joe Cahill to be the shooters.

Those are the usual story lines we've heard over the decades. Most of those may have a bit of truth in them. But I don't any of them were the "cause" for his death. Was it a combination of things? Possibly. Probably. Over time these things can add up. (The Tampa/Trafficante/Cuban casino thing....I don't believe for a split second). Doesn't sound feasible to me.

But none of the above reasons were the actual catalyst that sparked the fuse that led to them planning his murder. But down below I'm gonna tell you the best I know ok.

Believe it or not, the actual murder that put into gear the plans that led up to Anastasia's murder in the barber chair was the killing of soldier Giuseppe (Joe) Scalici.

Joe Scalici was the younger brother of former interim-family boss/and later the official-underboss Francesco (Don Cheech) Scalici. Anastasia ordered the killing of his own underboss. The very loyal and very respected Frank Scalici, or Scalise. This was a major move that created much controversy within the family among the troops to begin with. Frank Scalici was well liked. Especially by his fellow Sicilians.

After Frank's killing, his kid brother Joe swore revenge against Anastasia. With "blood in his eyes," the inconsolable Joe Scalici told everyone who would listen that he was gonna kill Albert.

But as the days passed goodfellas close to him consulted Joe and told him he's signing his own death warrant with his big mouth. Joe quickly came to realize that he was in real hot soup, and was at a tremendous disadvantage with Anastasia. He immediately went on the lam, disappearing from his Bronx home and usual haunts. He then tried sending out word to Albert that he was heartbroken, had spoken out of turn, apologized profusely, and begged his forgiveness.

The Palermitani "oriented contingent" of top capos led Carlo and Paolo Gambino, and other important Palermo-based members approached Albert asking him to spare the life of Joe Scalici. The Scalici family had already lost one brother. They felt that was enough. Joe posed no real harm or threat to Anastasia or his power. With Frank now dead, Joe was now only a lowly soldier among the troops anyway. So they now asked the boss to show some compassion for the lowly "soldato."

Albert gave his solemn promise to these men that no harm would come to Joe Scalici. They sent back word to Joe that he would be ok. Albert had given him a "pass" so to speak.

Joe Scalici came out of hiding and returned home to his wife and kids in the Bronx...Less than two weeks later he disappeared forever!

With Joe's killing, the Sicilians of the family (which made up the largest continent of the borgata by far) had been slapped directly in the face by their upstart devious Calabrian-born boss. They now felt they could never take him at his word again. Nor could any of them feel "safe" ever again. The thinking was, if Albert could do it once, then he could do it again.

THIS was the true catalyst that set the plans into motion to dispose of Anastasia and return the family to its rightful heirs....the Sicilian faction.

THAT is the story the best I know it. (and I think you can take that to the bank).
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So Giuseppe (Joe) Scalici was the correct answer here.

I will have a bit more on mafioso Joe Scalici's life coming down the pike...

It may not be the reason that many people want to believe. Or the most dramatic of reasons. But always remember one thing folks. 99.999% of the time a member of a given family is killed by other members of the same family. NOT by members of other crews which in and of itself within Cosa Nostra is considered a slap in the face and a sign of disrespect that "others" would kill one of their own.

Especially a boss. Thats why the Gallo Gang theory is all bullshit. Joey and Larry Gallo, and Carmine Persico had absolutely zero involvement in Anastasia's death. It's the same with Vito Genovese. He may have unofficially backed Carlo's play, but Vito was NOT the architect nor the main antagonist in the Anastasia plot. Trafficante had even less to do with it than Vito.

These are "facts" backed up by the age-old "rules" of CN. I'm sure there has been a few guys "who copped a sneak" on a guy in another family. But its rare, and certainly not with a boss.

That would start a war between families within no time!

I can believe that NYMafia is on the money in one aspect regarding the Sicilian Faction but I also believe there is some credence to the Riccobono, Biondo, Alberti, Dongarra connection. But Gambino is quietly missing from this side of the equation. Any there's as to how both scenarios can be related??? Was Gambino particularly close before or after the Anastasia hit with any of these guys???

TNYM, out of all the theories I've heard, your Joe Saclici theory makes the most sense. Are you going to do a profile on Joe Saclici, and if so, do you have any photos of him?

It seems either way, the majority of the Family turned against Albert. This goes to my theory that only when you lose respect (and strength), you get killed in the street as a boss.

It also makes me wonder about The Mangano Brothers and why the Family just went with it. I kinda believe Frank Dimatteo's recounting of his uncle telling him Albert himself whacked Don Vincenzu' Mangano. (I personally believe it was a crew of guys who whacked the brothers and dropped Phil in public as the message. Albert may have actually been there.) It would seem either some other people were in on it or ok with them going. Or The fear for Albert was so paramount at the time. But if thats the case, how much of his powerbase did he lose between 50' and 57'?

Is it possible that Tommy Rava were involved at that time? Jimmy Jerome and some other guys who were close to Anastasia that got clipped subsequently, possibly involved in the actual Mangano bros hit.?

Riccobono, Biondo, Alberti, and Dongarra were all part of the same conspiracy with the Gambino brothers and the others. So were the Castellano, Masotto, Scarpulla, Sciandra, Arcuri, Traina families. Not to mention many other "original" Sicilian-born mafiosi as well. They were all "one" in unity and solidity, and became even more so in the days after the murders of the Scalici brothers, and then leading up to the day Anastasia died in Midtown Manhattan.

They were the power in this family and always had been. The rule of this single Calabrian-born racketeer was somewhat of an enigma, and can also be viewed as a weird abomination of sorts if you will. Only with the ascension of Gotti in the mid-1980s does the power again shift to a non-Sicilian (Gotti was Neopolitan, and a poorly made American version at that). Other than those two men, those at the top were always Sicilians, mostly from the Palermo district to boot.

There is something to be solidly understood by that fact. Don't discount it.

At some point I was thinking about doing a profile on him (actually, I've been toying with that idea for quite some time. Debating whether or not I wanna do it).

And yes, I have a few photos. One of which is an extremely rare photo, a personal photo that'll knock your socks off....we'll see how it shakes out and how I feel about it down the road a bit.

But I tell ya now so nobody complains to me later on ok. [IF, and WHEN] I choose to write something about him (and especially if I decide to put up an exclusive photo or two, it'll only be posted up on TNYM website and behind our paywall). Because it's not stuff I want every Tom, Dick, and Harry, to read and steal so later on they can claim the work and photos were "theirs" as has been happening to us over and over lately). I've had enough of all that cheap phony bullshit already.

The vast majority of my writings and work IS exclusive to me and ME alone. There is only one "The Other Guy." But there are so many bullshitters out there who first try to knock me, yet then go and sneak behind our backs and look to rob my stuff so they can use it for themselves that it's not even funny. And I'm tired of it.

PS: If you only knew how much more rare and interesting content (exclusive to me alone) that I DON'T put out for this very reason you'd fall out of your chair. And I'm not joking either!

I might as well mention one more thing while I'm at it. I don't imagine that you or many others here have actually paid the few bucks required to subscribe to ButtonGuys yet. But I tell you candidly that thats another mistake on the parts of those people in my opinion. Because what I've put up on that site since we converted into a paid site is well worth it. Both in rare, rare, photos, and in the rare "exclusives" I've released. And we didn't even get started yet.

But like the man once said, "you can only lead a horse to water, but you can't force him to drink." (no truer words have ever been spoken)...Que Sera', Sera'

So, Anastasia's murder was all about a Sicilian vendetta against a Calabrian boss? And, as a result, Genovese no longer had to worry about Costello's former ally and protector; Gambino became boss of the Mangano/Anastasia family, and Trafficante didn't have to deal with a demand for a cut of his Havana casino wealth--that was all a happy coincidence for those three lucky Dons?

Not so much "a coincidence" as you say Turnbull, but it can be viewed that many others also benefitted from his demise, which is quite often the case with these types of things in that life.

Certainly Frank Costello wasn't a happy camper. Neither was Albert's brother Tony and many others who had tied their wagons to his fortunes. But as far sa the huge Sicilian contingent in the D'Aquila/Mangano/Scalici/Anastasia family? Definitely!

Vito benefitted for a time because Carlo viewed him as a very important ally. Maybe his most important "boss" ally at that time outside of members of his own borgata. Carlo and his entire brood certainly benefitted. Tommy Lucchese was happy for his in-law. Many others too I'm sure.

But Albert and his devoted followers....not so much.

The rest has been mostly wild conjecture and theories not based on true knowledge or reality by writers and law enforcement personnel who "guessed" and hypothesized about what truly took place. Add in bullshit claims by guys like Joey Gallo and Persico over the years and there ya go.

what about the theory that someone in Anastasia's brugad was selling buttons for $50,000?

Don Cheech was selling membership. Nice theory on Joe Scalici, but his murder just help Biondo crew get more support. Vito Genovese and Tommy Lucchese were already planning on killing Double A long before Joe Biondo crew, and Joe Riccobono were put on a hit list. Not a sicilian Vendetta. Anastasia was just crazy to deal with and a killer. I dont know about Joe Riccobono, but Joe Biondo and his crew were protecting Alberti who was raking in money from narcotics, and was not kicking up a lot to Albert Anastasia, so Anastasia put hits out for Joe Biondo and anyone else protecting Alberti. Biondo crew also had strong connections to the Genovese and Lucchese families. One of the stupidest moves on Albert Anastasia part was ordering the murder of his underboss, who actually kept both Vito Genovese and Tommy Lucchese at bay. I would not doubt Anastasia was getting a cut of the money and feared Frank could out him to the Commission. After the smoke was cleared, Tommy Lucchese approached Carlo Gambino who despite what is written about his involvement of the murder, evidence points to Carlo Gambino being far removed from being involved, Tommy Lucchese pulled strings and started the gossip mill turning to allow Carlo Gambino to ascend to Underboss and later to Boss of the Gambino family. Honestly Tommy Lucchese is truly an underrated boss. Trafficante did not know about the hit. He was surprised by it and got out of New York as fast as he could.

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What you have related here is a "well worn" (and incorrect) theory that has been regurgitated over and over for over fifty-years already. And in truth it holds little merit. Aside from my explaining in great detail about the true events that actually took place which "directly," and indirectly, led to Anastasia getting whacked out. Consider this. It is often said that sometimes by looking at the chronology of how things play out can "speak" to us abut what really took place. In this particular case the chronology does not speak to us, it "screams" to us about what truly took place. Let's take a real good look shall we?
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A) June 17, 1957, Anastasia's underboss, Frank Scalici, is shot to death inside a Bronx fruit and vegetable market.
B) Also June, 1957, Carlo Gambino is almost immediately elevated by Anastasia to be underboss in Scalici's place. (to appease the Palermo faction)
C) Also June,1957, within days the remaining Scalici brothers (all mafiosi themselves) go on the lam after Frank's killing. Just previous to this Joe Scalici vows to kill his brother's murderer.
D) Within a month, by July, 1957, the Palermo faction intercedes with boss Anastasia to try and get him to rescind the murder contract put on Joe Scalici. Albert solemnly grants this request to his underboss Carlo Gambino who is representing all the Palermo/Sicilian factions. Albert verbally promises no harm will befall Joe Scalici.
E) Sometime in late August, 1957, after his receives word from key members of the Palermo faction (whom Joe completely trusts and has put his very life in their hands) promises him that all has been forgiven by Anastasia and its now finally safe for Joe to return home. Formal promises have been made between "made men" so they tell Joe to come home.
F) September 10, 1957, less than three weeks later Joseph Scalici disappears forever from his Bronx neighborhood.
G) Once Joe Scalici disappears it becomes obvious to the Sicilians that Anastasia has broken his word. They decide they cannot coexist with him any longer and plans are immediately set in motion to kill the boss. Over a period of several weeks they decide on a firm assassination plan and proceed to set it in motion which will change the course of underworld history in this country.
H) October 25, 1957, less than one month later Albert Anastasia is shot to death at the Park Sheraton Hotel in Midtown.
I) Only days after Anastasia is killed, underboss Carlo Gambino is formally "elected" to serve as "represenante." He is elevated to become boss of the borgata, renaming it the Gambino Family.
J) Three weeks later the infamous "Apalachin Meeting" is held to explain to bosses across the entire country what actually took place with the bloody events and turmoil in NYC. (during this same time period Vito Genovese has also seized power from Costello).
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Side Note: Underboss Vito Genovese making his move against boss Frank Costello months earlier in May, 1957, was NOT the reason Carlo and the others moved against Anastasia. But can be viewed as "emboldening" underboss Gambino and his faction. Two underbosses both moving on their superiors, but for two completely different reasons. With Costello removed from power, Gambino and his men could breath easier. Especially since they also gained a strong ally in Genovese.
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Now people are free to believe whatever gets them through the night. But do I really need I say more to prove my point here? The events pretty much speak for themselves. (not to mention all the other information I've provided here to explain why Anastasia was murdered).

Yes, from that point 9f view it does make sense for a Junior High school student.
Can you explain some details then?
1. Johnny Connecticut
2. What did Joe Riccobono and Domenico Arcuri discussed "After" Albert Anastasia was killed. This has been verified by two informants.
3. Who tipped off Charles Dongarra about Albert Anastasia motives towards his crew.
4. Why did Joe Gallo get Consigliere later on.
5. What three meetings took place before Anastasia was killed and the two after.

...If you're "a junior high school student?" Really?
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You make it sound as though all of your points from 1 through 5 are mutually "exclusive" to what I have written above...Why is that? When they are not. In fact, in some ways what you said only serves to further bolster my explanation about why and how it happened. It also serves to strengthens my position.

When a murder contract is handed out it is "in fact" more often than not assigned to a crew somewhat removed from the tense events going on at the time. To both throw shade on the plot, as well as utilize men who may need to prove themselves or are brought in for the very reason, They can be trusted. The vast majority of plotters were in fact "Sicilians" themselves. Biondo, Dongarra, Gallo, etc., were ALL Sicilians tied in together by that common thread.

You never hear Carlo Gambino's name being mentioned in the plot to kill Anastasia. Only that he was "elected" boss afterwards. DO you REALLY think that as the current underboss to Albert (a Sicilian no less, from Palermo district, in league with ALL the Sicilians no less) that he wasn't well aware of the plot? That he wasn't in on it? That he didn't give the "green light" for it? Of course he was and did! To think otherwise is to defy logic.

For that matter we never hear of his brother Paolo Gambino, Giacomo Scarpulla (Scalici's own relative), David (Papa Dave) Amodeo, or any of the dozens of other top Bronx-based Sicilian born family members around the Crescent Avenue section where they all operated (including the Scalici brothers). What do you make of that?

Carlo and the others laid in the background while the dirty deed was done. Out of both a mixture of caution and fear should the plot fail.
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So how does any of what you put forth above, in any way, shape, or form, change what I wrote about the true events of this plot? The correct answer is of course, "That it Doesn't"

I stand by what I've written.

PS: If a reader intelligently dissects what I've written and matches it against any other so-called "explanation" for Anastasia's murder, I'm confidant that any somewhat knowledgable reader on the mob will agree with me. Because what I explained just has "the ring of truth to it." That cannot be denied. Unless of course the reader just wants to be obstinate for the sheer sake of doing so.

One last point while I'm on a roll here. Lol.

After Carlo became the boss, he installed Joseph (Joe Bandy) Biondo as his underboss, and Joseph (Staten Island Joe) Riccobono as his consigliere. Do you think those two guys, and the people who backed them, would have ever allowed Gambino to ascend to boss if they did all the plotting and work? Especially if Gambino wasn't involved in the plot from the get-go?

I think not my friend!

Thats like John Gotti, Frank Locascio, and Sammy Gravano killing Paul Castellano and then handing over the hierarchy reins to the likes of Danny Marino or Nicholas Corozzo. (Ain't never gonna happen). Not in this lifetime at least....I rest my case!

For the record TNYM, I am a paid subscriber.

You're not on a roll by any stretch of the imagination, your explanation reads like a Mario Puzo novel instead of a chronological documentation of historical facts. I am a member of other historical groups where members cite credible historical documented facts from credible sources not suppositions like this "Do you think those two guys, and the people who backed them, would have ever allowed Gambino to ascend to boss if they did all the plotting and work? Especially if Gambino wasn't involved in the plot from the get-go?" It's not important what anybody cares, what's important is what the historical facts are, not what anybody "thinks" or "feels".

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Believe what you like (or what you feel you need to). Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. As I stated above, I'm not here to twist anyones arm to believe what I put forth. I only write what I believe (or know for a fact) to be true. Those who think my words ring "true" will believe. Those who don't are free to think whatever they want. Period.

Good. Glad to hear it DD. I'm sure we've been keeping you very busy with all of our content, especially our newest stuff.

So you're saying that Genovese, Gambino and Trafficante had nothing whatsoever to do with ordering, planning or carrying out Anastasia's murder? That all the benefits they reaped from Don Umberto's death were serendipitous byproducts of a Sicilian vendetta against him?

I've already stated that Gambino was fully complicit in the plot. And I'm sure that Don Vito Genovese spoke to Carlo privately (maybe a few other among them as well like Joe Biondo), and encouraged them to go forward with the plot. Very, very possible. Probable. But did he plan, plot, organize, or have active participants in that plot? I seriously doubt it.

But Trafficante? Highly unlikely. What are they go do? Tell every boss in country what coming? Of course not.

I keep an open mind and if you took the time to support your premise and make your case I could be inclined to agree with your story. I mean you can even share a link to one of your own articles from your website instead of taking things personally. We're having a discussion, if someone isn't in full agreement with you position, educate them by providing independent facts for others to to review for their information. Your smart and well written, don't interpret disagreement with an attack on your intellect, there's a lot of information out there and we all make mistakes and forget.

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CNote, I already provided extensive documentation in support of my position. Thats what "letters A through J" were in my post above in this same thread. I also posted up other facts (aside from educated opinion). They listed the exact dates, names, and events that actually took place (all well documented and accepted historical facts). What more am I supposed to provide here? LOL. Bake you guys a cake? Ya kidding right?