Oli, according to Harlan Lebo, Puzo started writing the novel in the late '60s, so he certainly had "the Banana Wars" in mind. I think the strongest link to Bonanno was Vito's trying to bring his sons into the business as possible successors. I don't believe any of Bonano's contemporaries were trying to do that. But, Profaci, not Bonanno, was the olive oil (and tomato paste) king; Bonanno's biggest legit business was a cheese factory in Wisconsin. Bonanno's marriage to Rosalie Profaci was a cementing of dynasties; Carlo brought nothing to the marriage bed except his own mediocrity. The Bonanno/Profaci Royal Wedding was held at NY's Waldorf Astoria; Connie's wedding was held in Vito's compound. And, Charlie Luciano was the model for killing "Maranzalla" in the novel.