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?
I agree if he were an associate his family enemies would still go after him but why become an associate when you can be made. He said he didn't want the headaches and wanted to make money, an associate usually earns less and has more headaches.
