Joseph Bonanno — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Led the Bonanno crime family of New York City from 1931 to 1968.
Became one of the youngest crime family bosses at age 26.
Authored 'A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno' in 1983.
Involved in the 'Banana War' which lasted until 1968.

Biography

Joseph Charles Bonanno, born Giuseppe Carlo Bonanno on January 18, 1905, in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, was an Italian-American crime boss. His family, including uncles and his father, were involved in the Sicilian Mafia. Bonanno emigrated to New York City at age three, living there for about ten years before returning to Italy. He later re-entered the United States in 1924 by stowing away on a Cuban fishing boat.