You make a good point, it is not definite that he turned his button.
In my opinion, the fact that he was killed proves that he accepted.
Find below an Italian article written by Antonio Nicaso. He does mention in this article that the Violi's wanted to bring back the Bonanno family back in Canada.
Also, he still may have been involved as an associate, even if he turned down his button. Deosnt mean he wasnt or hadnt been in the streets at all just because he decided not to be made.
Unless he had been entirely legit and was offered a button based on his name along, without having ever put in any work?
"It wasn't very good parsley to begin with, and then the cat went and peed on it." -Sicilian proverb
