A CENTURY OF “OFFICIAL" MAFIA FAMILY BOSSES

This is a general batting lineup of “officially” recognized Family “bosses” for New York City’s notorious Five Families, and for the sixth Family, based in New Jersey. These men represented/represent the formal leadership of their respective borgatas from their earliest formation during the 1920s-1930s era, up through the more current decades.

Note: We welcome your opinions and welcome you to make additions and/or changes to this list. We also welcome our fellow forum members to add similar lists for the other 20+/- Families that operated throughout the United States to expand this thread as well..

GAMBINO FAMILY:
Manfredi Mineo ?
Salvatore D’Aquilla
Francesco Scalici
Vincenzo Mangano
Albert Anastasia
Carlo Gambino
Paul C. Castellano
John Gotti Sr.
Domenico Cefalu (reputed)

GENOVESE FAMILY:
Giuseppe Masseria
Salvatore Lucania
Francesco Castiglia
Vito Genovese
Philip Lombardo
Vincent Gigante
Liborio S. Bellomo (reputed)

BONANNO FAMILY:
Nicola Schiro
Salvatore Maranzano
Giuseppe S. Bonanno Sr.
Gaspare Di Gregorio
Paul Sciacca
Natale Evola
Philip Rastelli
Joseph Massino
Vincent Basciano
Michael Mancuso (reputed)

COLOMBO FAMILY:
Salvatore Di Bella
Giuseppe Profaci
Giuseppe Magliocco (interim)
Joseph A. Colombo Sr.
Thomas Di Bella
Carmine J. Persico
?

LUCCHESE FAMILY:
Gaetano Reina
Gaetano Gagliano
Gaetano Lucchese
Carmine Tramunti
Antonio Corallo
Vittorio Amuso

DeCAVALCANTE FAMILY:
Stefano Badami
Filippo Amari
Nicholas Delmore
Simone R. DeCavalcante
John M. Riggi Sr.
Charles Majuri ? (reputed)

Vincent Basciano was never Official Boss.
Peter Gotti after John Gotti.
Andrew Russo after Carmine Persico.
Joseph Magliocco was never recognized by the Commission.

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After Massino became a rat, I believe Basciano was considered the "new" boss by the general rank and file, until his own troubles.

You are correct in reference to Peter Gotti. I forgot about him.

You are also correct about Andrew Russo, after Junior died. (although there is still much controversy regarding the 'true' boss during that time)

Joe Magliocco, although never officially ratified by the Commission, was the official underboss to Profaci, and did indeed control the that family as the "de facto" boss for upwards of one year, until he was finally told to step down in favor of Joe Colombo.

If anybody has the chronological order of "bosses" for the 20 or so other families throughout the U.S., by all means please contribute your knowledge. I think it would make for an interesting discussion on the forum.

Philadelphia, Buffalo, New England, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Springfield, Milwaukee, the 3 crews out in California, etc., etc., etc....

Are you wanting official Bosses are you including de facto Bosses?

Vincent Basciano was the Acting Boss and off the street already when it was revealed Joe Massino became a cooperator. The Family never confirmed a new Boss and Vincent Basciano was never officially recognized as Boss. He quickly lost his power to Michael Mancuso who was the Acting Underboss at the time and they didn't get around to confirming a new Boss until 2010/2011 when Michael Mancuso got the spot. Michael Mancuso was the de facto Boss during this period just as Vincent Basciano was briefly before his conviction.

Andrew Russo was the official recognized Boss although Teddy Persico had some type of de facto role as he was slated to take over after his supervised release was over.

The Colombo Family voted Joe Magliocco in but the Commission didn't confirm it so he wasn't official.

I think that "officially" installed bosses by The Commission, as well as "de facto" bosses (if only because of mob strife and confusion within the mob itself over the years) makes sense to include.

By this criteria, I think a plausible argument could also be made that Carmine Galante should, in fact, be included on the Bonanno list. Because for all intents and purposes, Galante WAS the boss during that time period, until he got whacked out. He was a ferocious guy, and nobody but nobody was arguing with him regarding Family policy and machinations. Thats why they had to clip him. He was unswayable.

Note: I, for one, notwithstanding what some have claimed to the contrary (so-called good fellows and otherwise), dispute the claim that Andrew Russo was, in fact, the "official" boss of that family....I know I may be in the minority on this point. Nonetheless, I stand by my guns.

I disagree because if you're adding de facto Bosses where do you draw the line? Salvatore LoVerde was the official Boss of Chicago in 1930 but Al Capone was the de facto Boss. Do we add Salvatore LoVerde? Do we add Al Capone? Do we add them both? I think you're better off leaving official Bosses only on the list. A lot easier that way instead of having every de facto Boss on the list and then having someone ask why and having to explain it.


Why do you dispute Andrew Russo being the official Boss when he was indicted as Boss and there's recordings of other members recognizing him as Boss? You have law enforcement and wiseguys agreeing on it.

Well, you do make a good point. Once you include "de facto' bosses, it widens the playing field tremendously. Yet, in my mind there were many acting or temp bosses, many of whom were weak sisters IMO. And then of course, there were, in fact, true "de facto" bosses. Powerful leaders who really ruled the roost.

As far as Russo goes? Thats a very slippery slope, lol. Because despite what many say, even guys who you'd think would, or should, be in the know, I have my doubts. Thats all I'll say about that for now.

Maybe the Pittsburgh "experts" that made a podcast about Pittsburgh can add to the mix? They can let you know who of the Pittsburgh guys they actually met?

I'm not familiar with whom you're referring to? Pittsburgh Mob podcast? I didn't even know one existed. Lol.

Is it a good podcast? Or are they full of baloney?

One of the Durable Myths of Mafia is that you have to kill someone, on orders from higher-ups, to be inducted. How many of the bosses named actually killed one or more people with their own hands in their "line of work"? It's not possible to know for sure, but it's obvious, for example, that Anastasia, Genovese, Persico, Colombo and Gotti did. But, I wonder about many (most) of the others, particularly the old-timers like Charlie Lucky and Uncle Frank.

In Philly mob Natale was the official boss but was just a figured of Merlino,so he would be put in lin or just Merlino from 1995 to today?

There was a steadfast rule, up until a few years ago. that a recruit had to have put in 'work,' in one way or another before he was 'brought in.' Being the actual shooter, driving the crash car or backup car, setting the victim up for the kill, getting the weapons to be used, disposing of the body, acting as a lookout, etc. Not everyone was necessarily 'on the murder' scene.

And most members (most, not all), especially the 'old-timers' as you say, all 'made their bones.' Some, many times over, in fact.

Were there exceptions? No doubt there were. Many times, relatives of guys, such as sons, brothers, cousins, grandchildren, were sometimes given a 'pass' on such things. Especially if they knew a guy wasn't prone to that sort of thing to begin with. Also, there were so-called "earners" who were also not recquired to get their hands dirty. Their value was in their moneymaking abilities, not their trigger finger.

But I suspect, with few exceptions (if any at all), that fellas who became the actual bosses of Families did some 'work' during their lifetime. Otherwise, I don't think the rank-n-file under them, especially the top gunsels of a borgata, would have followed their lead. These are not soldiers were speaking of, or even capos for that matter. To have risen that high in the hierarchy, I would imagine the overwhelming majority did their share of 'dirty work.'

@NYMafia I definitely agree, but it's funny that @Turnbull made me realize Umberto Valenti is the only one I can think of right now credited personally to Lucky (which is even disputed) hahaha

I think the view new-school bosses put in more hands-on-work than the old-school bosses is just from the continuing rise of mass communication/media in the 1900's resulting in public finding out who's attributed to which murders a lot easier

It was way easier to find out who's attributed to what murder in the 80's than it was in the 20's when Lucky and Costello would of been putting in hands-on-work

But I agree @Turnball that it does seem that way with just the facts we have

I agree with that assessment. The expansion of worldwide coverage of events, and especially with the creation of the internet, has 'enlightened' the general masses to every little nuance that goes on, not only in the mob, but the world in general.

Back in the 1920s-1960s era, there was no such thing. Especially back in the 1920s-30s.

Chicago Mafia Official & Acting Bosses 1898 - 1992

1898 - 1901 Salvatore DiGiovanni (not confirmed) (killed in 1901)

1902 - 1909 Mariano Zagone (allegedly confirmed by other researchers) (killed in 1909)

1910 - 1914 Rosario Dispenza (killed in 1914)

1914/15 - 1921 Anthony D'Andrea (killed in 1921)

1921 - 1924 Mike Merlo (died of natural causes in 1924)

1925 - 1928 Anthony Lombardo (killed in 1928)

1928 - 1929 Pasquale Lolordo (killed in 1929)

1929 - 1930 Salvatore Loverde (killed in 1930)

1931 - 1932 Al Capone (imprisoned in 1932)

1932 - 1943 Paul Ricca (imprisoned in 1943)

1944 - 1946 Charles Fischetti (acting under Ricca) (stepped down)

1947 - 1955/56 Tony Accardo (acting under Ricca (released in 47)) (elevated next to Ricca)

1956 - 1964 Sam Giancana (acting under Ricca and Accardo) (imprisoned and later fled the country)

1965/66 - 1967 Sam Battaglia (acting under Ricca and Accardo) (imprisoned)

1967 - 1970 Jack Cerone (acting under Ricca and Accardo) (imprisoned)

1971 - 1972 Ross Prio (died in 72) or Joey Aiuppa (acting under Ricca (died in 72 ) and Accardo)

1973/74 - 1985 Joey Aiuppa (acting under Accardo) (imprisoned)

1986 - 1992 Sam Carlisi (acting under Accardo (died in 92)) (imprisoned)

I actually think the rise of mass communication/media, climaxing with the internet, was one of the biggest contributors to the decline of the mob (Italian-only Mafia definitely)

One of the biggest weapons for the mob (black hand groups before them, etc.) was mystery
Mystery is not only a great weapon against the law, but it's almost necessary for successful rackets like extortion
All mystery began to be be lost as the 1900s progressed, and now we have the fucking internet hahaha

True...not to mention the plethora of rats, starting with the public testimony of infamous cooperator Joe Valachi back in 1963 before the U.S. Senate Committee which was publicly televised on T.V.s across the nation.
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On another note, I like your list. But don't forget about Aiello, who was, in fact, the boss of Chicago's 'true' Mafia Family back in the 1920s, until Capone assassinated him on behalf of Joe Masseria in NYC.

Aiello was Lombardos underboss and when Lombardo got killed, story goes that Aiello lost his power because he belonged to the former D'Aquila regime and was against the rising Masseria regime. Thats why Lolordo backed Masseria and officially succeeded Lombardo, and was later killed by Aiello's men. Later Aiello was killed while Toto Loverde was the new official rep. Aiello was killed in October, while Loverde was hit in November the same year.

In addition, it is possible that sometime from the 1910's until 1925 there was allegedly a "second" crime family in Chicago mainly located around Chicago Heights, Calumet City and northwest Indiana. This is not confirmed but instead its an educational guess.

Fair enough. I had always read that Aiello, was, in fact, the leader of the city's Mafia faction and that he was killed as a favor to Masseria. But I also know that Tony Lombardo was a top boss also. His killing is what later spurred Pasty's brother Joe Lolordo (who was Lombardo's bodyguard) to return east, to NY, where he joined up with their former Ribera 'compare' who had since formed a Elizabeth NJ borgata, which later became known as the DeCavalcante Family. Joe Lolordo rose to become a highly respected capo di decina within that family.

Philadelphia Mafia


1920–1931 Salvatore Sabella
1931–1936 John "Nazzone" Avena — murdered on August 17, 1936
1936–1946 Giuseppe "Joseph Bruno" Dovi
1946–1959 Giuseppe "Joseph" Ida
1958–1959 Antonio "Mr. Miggs" Pollina — removed by the Commission
1959–1980 Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno — murdered on March 21, 1980
1980–1981 Philip "the Chicken Man" Testa — murdered on March 15, 1981
1981–1990 Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo Sr.
1990–1995 Giovanni "John" Stanfa
1995–1999 Ralph Natale — figurehead for Joseph Merlino
1995–Today Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino — arrested in 1999, released in 2011

Thanks for the additional info bud.

When Lombardo arrived in Chicago to keep the peace, he invited Aiello (Near North Side) to the Taylor St area (West Side) and as I already said, Lombardo made Aiello his number two guy. The main problem was back in New York between DAquila and Masseria, and so the same conflict simply reflected in Chicago.

Regarding Lolordo's brother...he was involved in the St Valentines Day massacre in 1929. In fact he and Tony Capezio dismantled the getaway police cars. And yes, later Lolordo fled to NY.

Yes, I'm familiar with his involvement with the St. Valentines Day massacre.

Joe Lolordo actually intrigued me so much that I researched and wrote a pretty in-depth biography about his life and underworld career. If you're interested to read it, just type his name into the 'search' bar on our website to retrieve his bio.

Thanks again bud and will do 100%.

Most of these were not acting under Paul Ricca/Tony Accardo.

Chicago Heights was a confirmed Family.

And DiFronzo and DeLaurentis?

Thats right Fur, but as you can see I limited the chart until 1992 on purpose, while they became bosses after that. In fact, later DiFronzo also had ACTING bosses under his rule (some call it street bosses).

That means no "de facto" and no "organizational vs spaceship, cockroach and vampire" or any other fantasy shit like that Lol.

Ah ok. You're the expert. Why Colosimo isnt in the list?

Because I dont have any evidence regarding Colosimo being representative for the SICILIAN Mafia. We have information regarding he and Torrio being connected to Merlo, and possibly with his predecessor D'Andrea too. Both Colosimo and Torrio probably belonged to a different group aka the Camorra, which means that neither of them were ever considered as official reps for the national Sicilian network, although they were 100% partners/associates of the Sicilians. We have Diamond Joe Esposito being made by the Sicilians, but he also was never a official rep. Later everything changed with Capone and Joe the Boss Masseria.

The new Colombo boss is missing

So, as you can see, this is a 'group' effort that the entire forum is encouraged to participate in. So why don't you contribute that name for us Ralphie? I think I speak for everyone here when I say, we welcome your input.

I thought you were gonna do it. Aren't you a captain in the Colombo crime family? Spill! You already talk more about this life than Sammy Gravano

Ralphie, there's no reason to get derisive, or defensive.

As I tried pointing out to you in my previous post, I started this thread so that everybody who felt they had any knowledge about the subject at hand could contribute and expand this for everyones mutual benefit. Not only regarding the NY/NJ crews, but for all the families that existed throughout the entire United States. Understand?

So if you have nothing constructive to contribute to the discussion. Thats quite ok. Thats not a problem at all.

But like a wiseman once said, "If you have nothing positive to contribute, then it's better to say nothing at all."

For sure is surname is Persico.

Anyone care to provide a chronological list for another Family, regardless of what city or state? Because I think it would be interesting to eventually do em all

The Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Family

Giuseppe (Joe) Di Carlo Sr. Early 1910-1920
Giovanni (Big John) Montana ?
Angelo (Buffalo Bill) Palmieri 1920s
Stefano (The Old Man) Magaddino 1920s-1974
Salvatore (Sam) Pieri 1970s ?
Joseph (Lead-Pipe Joe) Todaro Sr. Late 1970s-2012
Joseph Todaro Jr. 2012 forward

This is the best I can deduce for the "official" lineup of bosses for the Buffalo Family. There were, of course, many acting and temporary interim bosses installed after Magaddino was deposed from leadership, and as the family went through a realignment of powers and factions. After all the smoke cleared, Joe Todaro Sr. was elected by the rank-n-file to become the new boss of the Family. And subsequently, after his death, his son Joe Jr. is believed to have stepped into the breach.

Note: I welcome everyone on the forum to contribute any additional information they may have about the chronology of this iconic Cosa Nostra network.

Buffalo is at bat...Next on deck...what was the chronological hierarchy of the Cleveland, Ohio Family from the 1910s, forward

Los Angeles.
Sam Matranga 1905-1917 Killed
Pietro Matranga 1917 Killed
1917-1920 unknown, debatable.
Vito Di Giorgio 1920-1922 Killed in Chicago.
Rosario DeSimone 1922-1925
Al Marco 1925-1928 arrested
1928-1931 Contested
Joe Ardizzone 1931
Jack Dragna 1931-1956
Frank DeSimone 1956-1967
Nick Licata 1967-1974
Dominic Brooklier 1974-1984
Peter Milano 1984-2012

San Francisco.
The San Francisco earthquake in 1906 decimated the leadership in the city. Before that it represented all west coast mafia, then the Colorado families represented all mafia west of them. The Camorra still remained strong, and the Calabrians were becoming stronger.
Early 1910s the closest to a mafia family was the Alioto/Ingrassia/Lazio family connection. 1914 feud with the Pedone/Lafata group, a Camorra gang that lasted till 1924 with the killing of Rosalino Lafata.

Lorenzo Lazio 1917-1919
Nunzio Mannina 1920-1924, sent by New Orleans, then stepped down once the Pedone and Lafata group were no longer a threat. Remained in Bay area until his death in the 1960s.
1924-1928 unknown, possible that Giuseppe Alioto or Luciano Sabella may have taken over. By 1928 Frank Lanza was firmly in control of the Sicilians in the Bay area.
1928-1932 mainly Calabrians versus the Camorra, with Salvatore Lima head of the Calabrians aligning with Frank Lanza and Joe Pizza (Dominic Lonardo) in 1928.
Frank Lanza 1932-1937
Anthony Lima Sr 1937- 1953
Mike Abate 1953-1961
Jimmy Lanza 1961-1986
Anthony Lima Jr 1986-1993.

Excellent addition Giacomo! Thank you for your contribution to this thread.

I was generally aware of S.F. chronology. But I must admit, that I had no idea that Anthony Lima Jr. later became a force within the local Family, much less the 'Representante.'

Cleveland
Joe Lonardo 1920-1927 Killed
Joe Porrello 1927- 1930 Killed
Vincenzo Porrello 1930 Killed
Frank Milano 1930- 1935
Al Polizzi 1935-1945 Retired.
John Scalish 1945-1976 Died
Jack Licavoli 1976- 1985
John Tronolone 1985- 1991 Natural Causes
Joe Iacobacci 1991- 2004 Retired.

LOL, you go GV!...Excellent!

Giacomo...

How bout San Jose? and Colorado?

Here's a doozy for the forum.

Who can list the proper chronology for the tiny Family based in Madison, Wisconsin?

Here's a general "Boss" lineup for the Cosa Nostra Family based in the City of Rockford, Illinois

"The Rockford, IL Family”

Antonio (Tony) Musso, 1920s-1958 Official Boss
Giuseppe (Joe Z) Zammuto, 1958-1980s Official Boss
Gaspare (Jasper) Calo, 1930s-1960 Underboss (deposed)
Charles (Charlie Vince) Vinci, 1960-1990s Underboss/Acting Boss ?
Frank (Frankie Bush) Buscemi, 1980s Underboss/Acting Boss ?
Sebastian (Knobby) Gulotta, 1980s/90s-2000 Official Boss
Salvatore (Sam) Galluzzo, 2000-2010s Acting Boss (Official ?)

There is some debate about whether or not fellas like Vinci, Buscemi, or Galluzzo were ever 'officially' installed as "Representante." But each of these men were thought to be leading the borgata at one time or another.

The Family's two most iconic and recognized bosses were, undoubtedly, Musso and Zammuto.

Colorado had a lot of small families, that would become defunct or merged with the Colorado family (Pueblo). Denver had two families or organizations, Fort Collins had one, Pueblo had 4, Colorado Springs had one, Trinidad had two, Canon City had one. Not going to get into the early history too deep, but the Scaglia family of Pueblo is important as it was the first official family from the 1910s to 1922. It caused a war with Kansas City from 1918 to 1920, which is why New Orleans, and New York were sending guys to the west coast. When Pelligrino Scaglia the undisputed boss was killed in 1922, his family was disbanded, with members transferring to other families in Colorado and across the states, shelved, or marked for death, Rosario DeSimone of Los Angeles was one of these men who was marked and stayed in Los Angeles and transferred to that family permanently. When the war was over in New York City, it took a about a month, maybe till November for Colorado to pick its leaders when all mergers were done. The Calabrians had a small group in western Colorado but remained their own group, no hostilities between them and Colorado family. Not so much for the Denver Calabrians led by Joe Roma. Charles Blanda was the official recognized boss after he killed the Carlino brothers, had wanted Denver as well. So he had the Mortellaros from Fort Collins go after Roma, when Vincenzo Mortellaro was killed in 1932, Blanda had to switch tactics. I dont believe the Smaldones were involved, it was just a perfect opportunity for them that they got the cash from Roma hours before Joe was killed. I believe Carlo Amato was one of those involved. He became capo right after and stepped down in favor of Gaetano Smaldone for Capo sometime in the 1940s. Ralph Smaldone was from Potenza and was made in Italy with the Calabrians. His sons even though there is nothing on them going through the ceremony, they were still recognized by the families across the nation.

Colorado Crime Family.
Calogero Blanda 1931- 1950 Retired.
Vincenzo Colletti 1950- 1969 Retired.
Joe Spinuzzi 1969- 1975 Died
Gaetano Smaldone 1975- 1998 Died
Clearance Smaldone 1998- 2006 Died

According to one quite knowledgeable forum member known as Cavita (many props to him), who is a expert on the Rockford fam, said that Buscemi never received the boss position because of his close ties to the Chicago Outfit, meaning he was their guy in Rockford.

Good breakdown and analogy Giacomo. Colorado was an interesting group.

That makes sense about Buscemi. Rockford wanted to keep their independence and installing Buscemi would have usurped that goal.

I agree again and I think that Cavita mentioned something similar. One thing is to be represented, while being controlled is another. Although the info regarding Giancana being quite mad at Milwaukee's boss and also had one quite heated convo with Balistrieri because he was making deals with Bonanno without Giancanas knowledge, something which gives us another view, meaning I still dont know much about the level of influence Chicago had over these small families. Maybe it was because Chicago placed Balistrieri as boss and thats why the Rockford fam was smarter.

Edit: heres one interesting file regarding Rockford and Chicago...

A couple mistakes on the early years, here's how I believe it should go:

Bonanno:
Paolo Orlando: 1900?-1903? left america, came back in 1906 and was deported 3 years later
Sebastiano DiGaetano: 1909? or 1910- 1912 (acting capo dei capi)
Nicolo Schiro: 1912-1930
Salvatore Maranzano: 1930-1931
Angelo Caruso: acting boss 1931
Joseph Bonanno: 1931-1964


Colombo:
Manfredi Mineo 1912-1928
Salvatore DiBella: 1928?-1930?
Giuseppe Profaci:??-1962


Gambino family:
Nicola Taranto (possible): ?-1896
Ignazio Lupo: ?-1910
Giovanni Lupo (possible acting boss): 1910-1912
Salvatore D'Aquila: 1912-1928
Manfredi Mineo: 1928-1930
Frank Scalice: 1930-31?
Vincenzo Mangano: 1931-1951
Albert Anastasia: 1951-1957
Carlo Gambino: 1957-1960 acting boss; 1960-76 official

Genovese:
Giuseppe Masseria: he began as boss sometime between 1921 to 1924, he remained as boss until his murder
Salvatore "charlie Lucky" Luciano 1931-1936; went to jail, but remained as boss until 1946?
Chee Gusae [ph]- 1936, acting
Frank Costello 1937-1946 acting; 1946-1957 official
Vito Genovese: 1936 acting; 1957-1969 official

Luchese:
Giuseppe Morello-began as boss sometime between 1897 and 1903; remained as boss until 1910
Giovanni Pecoraro: 1910-1912 acting boss
Fortunato LoMonte: 1912-1914
Ippolito Greco: possible boss until 1915 murder
Salvatore Loiacano: ?- December 1920 murder
Gaetano Reina- began as boss sometime between 1921-1924; ruled until 1930 murder
Bonventura Pinzolo: 1930; killed in coup by Dominick"the gap" Petrilli
Tommaso Gagliano: 1930-1951

It is confirmed by Nicola Gentile that Chicago Heights had a family

The second Chicago family had two or maybe three bosses (Sanfilippo, Piazza and possibly Martino or Nerone) and by 1925 they were eliminated by the mainlanders such as the Robertos and Emery. It seems the Chi Heights family was in close alliance with the Gennas from the West Side which were also exterminated during 1924/25 or during the same time. Love these stuf, especially when I read regarding mainlanders killing old school or traditional mafia sicilians.

Ill add something on Manfredi Mineo. He had his own gang, merged with Salvatore D'Aquila, then broke away, this is when Salvatore DiBella was head of his own family. Which means and this is something I believe in, is that D'Aquila was dealing with a renegade faction in his family for a time. I believe Mineo was also involved in Salvatore D'Aquila killing since Manfredi took over D'Aquila family soon after, and had support from Giuseppe Masseria, and Gaetano Riina. It is easy to say well we have two families from Palermo area so Manfredi had to he a boss of that one, than it broke away. Truthfully that part of its history gets complicated as we have very little to work with. I still stand by with what I said. By far 1912 is an interesting year for organized crime, not just in New York City, but across the nation.

where are you getting he merged with Salvatore D'Aquila? Also by gang do you mean family? the mafia families pre-1931 certainly weren't gangs in the way the bloods and crips are. They were highly organized, even more organized than they currently are.

In addition, I would also like to add that Chicago's Mike Merlo (possibly), Tony Lombardo and Joe Aiello were probably under the D'Aquila regime.

lol what are you talking about? Chicago had its own family, they werent under anyone.

Sully, I believe you are correct in some of your additions here. I definitely forgot a few. But as far as Manfredi Mineo goes, I do not believe he ever had anything to do with the early development of what later became the Profaci/Colombo group. In my mind, (unless I'm mistaken here), I always had him connected to what later developed into the Mangano/Scalice Family (Anastasia/Gambino).

I suggest you read the Informer May 2014 edition. Their evidence for him being boss is when Giuseppe Fontana was murdered. Salvatore Clemente (a made member in Morello's borgata) reported that Fontana was killed by Mineo's family.

Thats possible. But it still isn't proof, nor does it mean that Manfredi Mineo was necessarily part of the old Profaci group. There could have been, and often was, inter-family conflicts during those years.

In fact, I believe that it's been well documented that future Colombo capo Tommy DeBella's father, Salvatore DeBella, was the founding 'father' of what later become the Profaci/Colombo borgata. Before Joe Profaci became/was ratified the boss of this Family.

And even earlier than that, there is strong evidence that from the ashes of early Brooklyn strife and gang warfare, (before the development of the 5 families, per se) both amongst themselves, and in conflict with each other, separate Napolitani and Sicilian factions (whose relatives became later powers within the Profaci group) fought for turf and power., and were the early 'seeds' of power. I'm speaking about such men as Michael (The Sweetheart) Abbatemarco (brother of Frank 'Frankie Shots' Abbatemarco, Giuseppe (The Clutch Hand) Paraino (the father of future Profaci hoods Anthony and Joseph Peraino), and a few others.

As I say, notwithstanding what you may have read, I suspect Manfredi Mineo was not part of that Family.

But hey, to be fair about it. At this stage of the game, over 100 years later, with the scant information we have to go on, there leaves a lot of unanswerable questions of out there. So who of us can truly say with absolute certainty, what was really what?

I think you'll agree that the correct answer to that particular question is, 'nobody'

Sully, If I may ask you. What was the criteria they used to connect Mineo as a member of the early Profaci Family, per se?

Because Giuseppe Morello was an early power from Downtown and Uptown in Harlem (not Brooklyn territory.) And having been killed by Fontana being killed by Mineo's family could just as easily point to the Salvatore D'Aquila Family (future Gambino Family), no?


If it's possible, could you please post up that portion of the article that speaks to this? I'd enjoy seeing it.

If you can, I thank you in advance.

Clemente made a clear distinction between D'Aquila and Mineo. They had two seperate families (the family split sometime before Fontana's murder).

Im surprised you havent read the book. Its by far the greatest piece on the early mafia aside from Critchley's book. Informer is shorter and has much newer info though. its only $5

Thank you for that Sully. I just read it.

But to be honest with you, these particular statements, allegedly made by Clemente, open up more questions than they answer. And they also open up a Pandora's box so to speak. Because, despite saying he was a member, either Clemente was confused (or ignorant of where the 'true' powers laid in these families), or the person documenting his remarks copied them down incorrectly.

The D'Aquila Family (although they had men all over the city), were always considered Brooklyn based, along with what later became the Bonanno and Profaci crews. And we know (or think we know) that Manfredi Mineo was neither a Masseria or Morello member.

So there are lots of conflicting words and thoughts in that paragraph you posted form Informer. Clemente's statement are inconsistent with what went know to be true.

I don't necessarily buy it.

Um... so? He was literally a made member, why does it matter what wikipedia says? Instead of saying Clemente is confused, why dont you first read his statements? If you did, you would see he furnished great info. Originally Ignazio Lupo was head of the Palermitani family, Giuseppe Morello was head of the Corleonesi family, and Paolo Orlando was head of the CDG/Camporeale family. The Palermo family was probably the largest as they had the most immigrants.Angelo Santino, one of the authors of the magazine, theorized that maybe the Palermo family split into two groups (D'Aquila and Mineo) because they had the most, maybe double. the members of the other groups. Or judging by the later war, the family split due to a internal war.

Sully, we must also keep in mind that there were lots of shifting alliances during the bloody period while guys maneuvered for power. So when we place a name within a certain group and try to etch it in stone, we may not be doing the correct thing here. We may be doing our own research an injustice by being so rigid. Understand what I'm trying to say here?

Michele Abatemarco, Giuseppe Peraino, Salvatore DeBella, etc., etc. The so-called "Brooklyn" crew, the early Profaci crew, had a very murky beginning to say the least. In fact, truth be told, it's the one family of NY's Five that we know the least about.

Its beginnings were on shifting sands, and many of its key early members jumped to the Masseria/Luciano Family as killings took place. Others aligned elsewhere. Some stayed, and solidified into what became the "DeBella Family" (Profaci Family). Its murky at best.

What I can say, is that, Stefano Ferrigno, who was murdered with "Al" Mineo, has a very interesting surname. Because years later, there was a veteran Profaci soldier, a real 'old-timer' by the name of Bartolo (Bart) Ferrigno.

Was he a brother? A son? A relative? I never checked into it, but I believe he was a brother. So there's another potential link for us.

Side note: But also keep in mind that the fact they got killed together doesn't necessarily mean they were part of the same family! Because in that apartment that day, their killers, were also part of several different crews, who worked together, during the war to win it. These fellas later became members of the Genovese, Lucchese, Bonanno and Profacii Families. So go figure, right?

Like I say, its a murky history (at best)

I don't disagree with you on that. In fact, I truly believe (based on what happened in NYC and many other cities during that era) that there were many factions from the same areas who split from one another, or competed with one another. We're not on opposite sides about that Sully. At all.

Because after the Castellammarese War ended, and the families formed the Commission, one of the many dictates and rules they declared was that these smaller families, and formally splintered factions, meld themselves into, and align with, the 'newly' recognized Families and powers that were set in place.

Anyway, it was nice chatting with you, and interesting and informative too.

Thanks you for that.

1.) Mineo later transferred to the Gambino family after D'Aquila's death.

2.) if we have a made member reporting something contrary to what books/wiki says we should first question the books/wiki. so i ask, where are you getting that he wasn't a boss?

No disrespect to anyone on this thread, but one name which was mentioned as "author" (angelina somethin somethin), is not an expert at all. "She" just theorize without any real proof or evidence, or in plane words "she" lives in fantasy land. If you ask me, Rick is the real and only expert in that project.

TD, I meant to ask Sully who this Angelo guy is he referred to? Because I've never even heard that name before and I'm very familiar with most of the recognized and respected authors in the mob genre who have written books and such. I'm drawing a complete blank as far as that name goes.

And from what you just explained it seems this Angelo character is a half-a-fraud who concocts his own 'theories' and conclusions about mob history and then tries putting it out there like its gospel and hard facts?

Sully, you must have misunderstood what I wrote or meant to convey in my previous posts. I never said he wasn't a leader, because I believe that he was. Now whether that means he was the official capo, an interim capo, a sottocapo, a capo di decina, or served in some other capacity in between, that's up for debate and we'll probably never know Mineo's 'true' official status.

That said, I personally believe he was always affiliated with the borgata that we now refer to as the Gambino Family. Regardless of who he might have been 'partners with, 'partnered' with, was in 'business' with, or chose to 'ally' himself with during those tumultuous times.

Because a mafiosi was partnered or connected with, even closely connected with, or fought on the same side as other guys, does not mean he necessarily carried the same 'flag,' understand what I'm saying here? Thats a very common mistake that many so-called 'researchers' have made over the years.

In fact, more times than not, mafiosi from completely different families often 'partner' up in business and the rackets because they were boyhood friends or came from the same village back in Italy, or had aligning interests so they become close. And law enforcement (and yes, even other so-called 'made' guys often think they are part of the same crew because of this constant affiliation. Yet, they weren't.)
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PS: You mentioned gathering information from wiki. Lol. I don't pay attention to anything that may be on "wiki." In fact, I never even bother to source it because its mostly garbage. IMO, thats a 'source' for folks who haven't a clue. For that matter, through the years I've started to read more than one book about the mob, only to realize that the author didn't know what he was talking about. So I've ended up closing that book and using it for firewood. Many so-called mob 'authors' haven't a clue about what's really what and will put out anything to try and turn a buck

The 'Family' that formed around Elizabeth, New Jersey;

Stefano 'Steve' Bedami (1910s-1920s)
Filippo 'Phil' Amari (1930s-1940s)
Nicholas 'Nicky Dell' Delmore (late 1940s-early 1960s)
Simone 'Sam the Plumber' DeCavalcante (early 1960s-early 1980s)
Frank 'Big Frank' Majuri - official NJ-based underboss for many years through several administrations
Joseph 'Joe Buff' LaSelva - another top figure who allegedly served in the capacity as underboss for their CT membership. A co-underboss with Majuri.
Giovanni 'John' Riggi Sr. (early 1980s-2015)
Vincent 'Jimmy' Rotondo - official underboss by the mid-late 1980s. Later murdered.
Francesco 'Frank' Guarraci (acting during 2000s)

Note: At a certain point after massive indictments came down against this family during the late 1980s and 1990s, there were many acting and interim bosses installed, as well as 'family panels' headed by capos that were formed to try and steer the ship. I did not bother to list each and every man who served within this 'acting' capacity.
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How about the Detroit crew? I think that was a pretty straight forward hierarchy, wasn't it? At least by the mid-1930s anyway, after Zerilli and Tocco took over.

Yup. A total fraud who theorize on why the sky is blue and why wall paint dries faster. I really feel awful when people look at that hermaphrodite (he is 100%) as credible researcher, i mean its like they all fall into hell's pit. As I already said, Rick is the only credible guy in that "crew". Theres not much difference between that freak angelina and known liars such as Alite.

Angelo is just as knowledgeable as Rick on the early years. Lennert is also incredibly knowledgeable. Not sure why you're disrespecting his like that though.

Angelo Santino is more knowledgeable on the early years than anyone on here. Im not sure how his character is in question. He's one of the guys on the mob archaelogists and one of the authors of the May 2014.

TD back up your claims that he's a fraud? He literally has more secret service files than anyone i've seen. He has info on everyone from that era, so back up your claim

Have you read about the information Salvatore Clemente furnished?

You're wrong. Rick and the rest of the guys carried "her" on their backs her whole life and they are the ones with the info, not angelina. Remember that. So the "creature" is a fraud.

Also, no disrespect but are you Eric? Angelinas friend and main helper? You really sound like him...

Thats actually not true. What was considered the 'overall' Chicago "Outfit" was actually considered an 'independent' gang from the Mafia. And even afterwards, they were but a single 'crew' of NY's Masseria Family until 1931. And the actual Mafia groups located around Chicago were much smaller entities who, although were Sicilian borgatas in their own right. Nonetheless were subservient to, and took direction from, the larger Families based in NYC and back east.

It was only after Chicago, under Capone, became recognized as a Family in their own right, that these other Mafia groups either melded into Capone's Family, or left the area altogether and realigned with other Families outside of Chicago, per se.

Nicely said NYM and thats one helluva info which is confirmed countless times by us.

lol i wish i knew as much as Eric, but no im not eric.

Good for you for not being him, because right now you were going to have lots of bruises on your veins.

Btw, if angelina is so credible than anyone around here, what the fuck are you doing here then? First you disrespected this forum and second, you are doing internet commercials regarding known liars. Stay with your own "people" and go away. Why are you coming here and haunting us?

Do you know why I love this forum? Two things....first, its the best place for all credible mob researchers and NORMAL people (since almost everyone started at the RD and GBB)....and second, the ignore button.

Goodbye

"It was only after Chicago, under Capone, became recognized as a Family in their own right, that these other Mafia groups either melded into Capone's Family, or left the area altogether and realigned with other Families outside of Chicago, per se."

NYmafia, are you joking? Chicago had a family dating back much longer than Capone. I'm guessing you haven't heard of Nicola Gentile. Nicola Gentile reported that there was a family in Chicago before Capone and I believe he said Merlo and Antonio D'Andrea were bosses.

Stefano Magaddino reported there being two factions in Chicago, one being Sicilian and one being Americanized (link: https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=127672#relPageId=24&search=toto_loverti)

Joe Bonanno also reported that there was a family in Chicago headed by Giuseppe Aiello. This is wrong as the family was headed by Antonio Lombardo, Aiello was an underboss, but it still shows Bonanno knew of a family there before 1931.

"Do you know why I love this forum? Two things....first, its the best place for all credible mob researchers and NORMAL people (since almost everyone started at the RD and GBB)"

TD, I dont know Angelo or any of the BHF guys personally, but i do know that they are good, credible researchers. You disrespected Santino's research skills which i believe was uncalled for, you havent listed your reasonings yet.


If this place is for "all credible mob researchers," then first why do you get mad when i call out things that are contrary to informant accounts? you should be happy im holding you guys to a high standard, i expect you guys to be able to backup your claims and so far i haven't noticed you guys backing up your claims. Also, why is Giacomo Vacari on here if you value credible researchers? Did you guys not get the memo that hes a known liar? he even admitted it, here's the screenshot.

First of all, I suggest you learn how to read. Because if you read my previous post properly, then you'd know that I said there were, not one, but several early Mafia borgatas in Chicago. But they had nothing to do with Capone or "The Outfit."

So don't try and twist my words to fit your twisted narrative and agenda. Ok?

And secondly, with all due respect Sully. You don't know what the hell you're even talking about. But you are free to believe whatever you like, or whatever you need to, in order to fit in with your narrative. I really don't care either way.
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On another note, this thread seems to have taken a turn for the worst. So I think at this point, regarding this particular thread, it may be better for all parties involved to just, "agree to disagree" on the issues at hand. Yes or no? Do you agree?

Lol i cant read shit because im ignoring this asshole but i bet 100 bucks someones feelings got hurt lol the guy is an obvious arse-licker lol