Vinny's grandfather Vincenzo (an old timer mafioso from Castellmare) was a capo and was demoted by Bonanno. His son Jerome (Vinny's father) was at one point also shelved by Bonanno.

Bonanno was stingy and bled his family members dry with high tributes (DiGregorio included). His traditionalist methods originating from the old county were out of place in the new era, the nepotism associated with his son being promoted was just the trigger for all the thing to come. Also the rebellion was stirred by other families, his relative Maggadino included (he fell out with him apparently due to moving in on rackets on his territory). Well, DiGregorio also wasn't the best choice for a leader.