40 Facts About Russell Bufalino

Early Life and Immigration

Russell Bufalino's journey from Sicily to the United States set the stage for his rise in the world of organized crime.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on October 29, 1903, in Montedoro, Sicily, Russell Bufalino was the son of Angelo Bufalino and Cristina Buccoleri.

2. Immigration to the United States: His family immigrated to the U.S. when he was very young. Angelo arrived in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in July 1903, while Russell and the rest of the family entered through the Port of New York in December 1903.

3. Family Tragedy: After his father's death in a mine accident in 1903, the family returned to Sicily. Russell came back to the U.S. in January 1906 and again in February 1914, settling in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

4. Move to Buffalo: At 14, Bufalino moved to Buffalo, New York, where he got involved in petty crimes during his teenage years.

Rise in the Criminal World

Bufalino's early criminal activities and associations laid the groundwork for his future as a powerful mob boss.

5. Marriage: On August 9, 1928, Bufalino married Carolyn "Carrie" Sciandra, a woman from a Sicilian Mafia family.

6. Early Career in Crime: He worked alongside many Buffalo mobsters, some of whom became top leaders in the Buffalo crime family and other future Cosa Nostra families along the East Coast.

7. Association with Joseph Barbara: In the early 1920s, Bufalino started working with Joseph Barbara, another upstate New York bootlegger in Endicott, New York.

8. Rise to Power: Bufalino's reputation as a burgeoning crime lord grew, and he eventually took control of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Italian-American Mafia crime family, which he ruled from 1949 to 1994.

The Infamous Apalachin Meeting

Bufalino's role in organizing the Apalachin Meeting marked a significant moment in Mafia history.

9. Apalachin Meeting: In 1957, Bufalino organized the infamous Apalachin Meeting, intended to settle disputes among mobsters. The meeting was raided by state troopers, leading to the arrest of 60 accused mafia members and forcing the FBI to acknowledge the existence of the mafia.

Legal Troubles and Convictions

Despite his influence, Bufalino faced numerous legal challenges throughout his life.

10. Convictions and Deportation Attempts: Bufalino was imprisoned in 1978 for extortion and later in 1982 for conspiring to kill a mobster turned informant. The U.S. government attempted to deport him several times, but Italy refused to accept him, allowing him to remain in the U.S.

Business Ventures and CIA Involvement

Bufalino's criminal activities extended beyond traditional organized crime, involving business ventures and even alleged CIA collaborations.

11. Business Ventures: Bufalino controlled operations involving loan sharking, gambling, and racketeering in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York. He also did business in Cuba before the revolution and was rumored to have been recruited by the CIA to aid in the Bay of Pigs invasion.

12. CIA Involvement: Evidence suggests Bufalino was involved in a covert plot to assassinate Fidel Castro in the months leading up to the Bay of Pigs Invasion. He was part of a group that included Sam Giancana, Johnny Roselli, and Santo Trafficante.

Personal Life and FBI Surveillance

Despite his powerful position, Bufalino maintained a low profile and was constantly under FBI surveillance.

13. Personal Life: Bufalino lived in a humble abode on East Dorrance Street in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and was described as a "perfect gentleman" by a former police chief.

14. FBI Surveillance: Bufalino was constantly under surveillance by the FBI. His 114-page FBI file described him as "one of the two most powerful men in the Mafia of the Pittston, Pennsylvania area."

Connections and Influence

Bufalino's connections with other influential figures in the Mafia world further solidified his power.

15. Family Ties: Bufalino's cousin, William Bufalino, was the personal attorney for Jimmy Hoffa, the Teamsters union president.

16. Jimmy Hoffa Connection: Bufalino and Hoffa were close associates. However, there is ongoing speculation about whether Bufalino ordered the killing of Jimmy Hoffa, which remains a topic of debate.

17. Frank Sheeran's Account: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran, in his memoir "I Heard You Paint Houses," described Bufalino as a significant figure in his life. Sheeran claimed that Bufalino hated to see his name in the press and kept a low profile.

Later Years and Death

Bufalino's later years were marked by health issues and continued legal troubles.

18. Extortion Conviction: In 1978, Bufalino was sentenced to four years in federal prison for extortion. After his release, he was convicted of attempted murder for trying to arrange a hit on the witness who testified against him in his first trial.

19. Release and Later Conviction: Bufalino was released from prison in 1989 but was imprisoned again in 1982 for conspiring to kill a mobster turned informant. He served time at the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, before being transferred to the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, due to health issues.

20. Health Issues and Release: Bufalino's health deteriorated quickly while in prison. He was released on parole in May 1989 and died of natural causes on February 25, 1994, at the age of 90.

21. Burial: Bufalino is buried in Denison Cemetery in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania.

Legacy and Portrayal in Popular Culture

Bufalino's life and influence have been immortalized in various forms of media, highlighting his lasting impact on American Mafia history.

22. Portrayal in Popular Culture: A modified version of Bufalino is portrayed by Joe Pesci in Martin Scorsese's 2019 film "The Irishman." Pesci's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

23. Book by Matt Birkbeck: "The Quiet Don: The True Story of Mafia Kingpin Russell Bufalino" by Matt Birkbeck was published in October 2014 by Berkley Books. The book provides detailed insights into Bufalino's life and career.

24. FBI File Details: Most of Bufalino's FBI file consists of documents dealing with his status as a U.S. citizen and the government's unsuccessful efforts to deport him. The file also highlights his involvement in various criminal activities.

Immigration Issues and Business Operations

Bufalino's complex immigration status and extensive business operations further illustrate his multifaceted life.

25. Immigration Issues: Despite being born in Sicily, Bufalino claimed to be a U.S. citizen multiple times. He used forged documents to support his claims, which were eventually ruled invalid by immigration courts in 1973.

26. Business Operations: At his most powerful, Bufalino controlled operations in the garment industry, gambling, and loan sharking in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He also had silent partnerships with Medico Industries, the largest supplier of ammunition to the U.S. government.

27. Cuban Operations: Before the Cuban Revolution, Bufalino was involved in business operations in Cuba. This involvement further solidified his reputation as a powerful crime lord with international connections.

28. CIA Recruitment: There is evidence suggesting that Bufalino was recruited by the CIA to aid in covert operations, including the assassination plot against Fidel Castro. This involvement adds another layer to his complex and intriguing career.

Influence on the Film Industry

Bufalino's reach extended beyond organized crime, even influencing the American film industry.

29. Film Industry Influence: Bufalino reportedly had sway over the American film industry, particularly in the casting of actors. For example, when singer Al Martino was rejected for the part of Johnny Fontaine in "The Godfather," Bufalino personally intervened with Paramount Pictures to secure the role for Martino.

30. Script Approval: According to Wanda Ruddy, the wife of the movie’s producer, Russell Bufalino had final script approval of "The Godfather." This level of influence underscores his significant reach and power in various sectors.

Personal Preferences and Continued Surveillance

Bufalino's personal preferences and continued FBI surveillance paint a picture of a man who balanced a life of crime with simple pleasures.

31. Personal Preferences: Bufalino was known to enjoy prosciutto bread, red wine, and boxing. His love for these simple pleasures contrasts sharply with his life of crime and power.

32. FBI Surveillance Continuation: Despite his advanced age and declining health, Bufalino remained under constant surveillance by the FBI. His activities were closely monitored until his death in 1994.

Historical Significance and Family Support

Bufalino's historical significance and strong family ties contributed to his enduring legacy.

33. Legacy in Popular Culture: Bufalino's life has been immortalized in various forms of media. His portrayal in "The Irishman" by Joe Pesci is particularly notable, earning Pesci an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

34. Historical Significance: The Apalachin Meeting, which Bufalino organized, marked a significant moment in American history. It forced the FBI to acknowledge the existence of the mafia, leading to increased scrutiny and legal challenges for organized crime groups.

35. Family Support System: Bufalino's success in the mafia was largely due to his strong family ties and clan relationships. These connections created a secretive support system that outsiders or law enforcement found difficult to infiltrate.

Early Career Challenges and Mob Leadership

Bufalino's early career challenges and leadership in the mob world highlight his resilience and strategic thinking.

36. Early Career Challenges: Bufalino faced numerous challenges early in his career. He worked as a bootlegger, small-time thief, and fence for stolen jewelry during the Prohibition era. These experiences helped him establish a reputation as a skilled and resourceful crime lord.

37. Mob Leadership Gathering: The Apalachin Conference, which Bufalino helped organize, brought together 101 of the top American mobsters representing 27 known La Cosa Nostra families. This gathering was a testament to Bufalino's influence and organizational skills.

FBI File and Deportation Attempts

Bufalino's FBI file and multiple deportation attempts illustrate the government's persistent efforts to bring him to justice.

38. FBI File Description: According to his FBI file, Bufalino was described as "one of the two most powerful men in the Mafia of the Pittston, Pennsylvania area." This description highlights his significant influence within the organized crime community.

39. Deportation Attempts Failure: Despite multiple attempts by the U.S. government to deport him, Italy refused to accept Bufalino. This refusal allowed him to remain in the United States, further solidifying his position within the American mafia.

40. Legacy and Impact: Russell Bufalino's legacy extends beyond his involvement in organized crime. His influence on popular culture, particularly through his portrayal in "The Irishman," continues to captivate audiences. His complex and intriguing life serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of figures from the American mafia on both history and popular culture.

Russell Bufalino's Lasting Impact

Russell Bufalino's life paints a vivid picture of a powerful crime lord who managed to stay under the radar. From his early days in Sicily to becoming a key figure in the American Mafia, Bufalino's influence was undeniable. His role in the infamous Apalachin Meeting forced the FBI to recognize the Mafia's existence, changing law enforcement's approach to organized crime. Despite numerous legal battles, including convictions for extortion and attempted murder, Bufalino's low profile and strong family ties kept him a formidable force. His connections with figures like Jimmy Hoffa and involvement in covert CIA operations add layers to his complex legacy. Even after his death in 1994, Bufalino's story continues to captivate, especially through portrayals in popular culture like "The Irishman." His life remains a testament to the enduring impact of organized crime figures on American history.