Though never charged, it’s widely believed that the powerful Falcone brothers were behind the unsolved murders of Pietro Lima and Dominick Aiello.
Omerta in Utica
Northampton, MA: Free presentation on Stonewall and the Mafia on 5/2/18
What is the connection between the Stonewall riots and organized crime? Find out May 2 at Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. 7 PM. Free.
Domenic Sarno, son of immigrants
Although Mayor Sarno calls himself a first generation Italian-slash-American, the truth is more complicated. The mayor’s paternal great-grandparents lived in West Springfield as early as 1906, and his grandfather was born here.
Vengeance for the Barrel Murder
Benedetto Madonia was killed for defending his brother-in-law from Giuseppe Morello. While he is known forever as the victim of “the Barrel Murder,” the story of what happened after his death is rarely told.
The detective’s private stenographer
In a letter dated 7 February 1911, James V. Ortelero asks for a favor from the superintendent of the federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia: obtain a murder confession from Giuseppe Morello.
Mafia genealogy on Patreon
Mafia Genealogy, the blog, is now supplemented with even more fun and engaging content on Patreon. Become a member today.
The bosses of Springfield, Massachusetts
The Springfield Crew is led by Amedeo’s son, Ralph Santaniello, with his father’s backing. However Ralph, charged last year in a federal extortion case, is expected to plead guilty on 6 November 2017.
Los Angeles, 1915: Jack Dragna and Sam Streva
Jack Dragna, the first boss of Los Angeles under Luciano's Commission, was convicted of extortion with ringleader Sam Streva, a gangster whose life story has been conflated with another man's.
The Piranio brothers of Dallas
Along with Giuseppe Morello, Leoluca “Mr. Luke” Trumbatore, and Ignacio “Jack” Dragna, Carlo and Joe Piranio are among the first Mafia bosses in the United States.
Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Genovese connection
The Genovese crime family has had a presence in Springfield, MA, since the 1920s.
