Salvatore Montagna
Encyclopedia
Salvatore "Sal the Iron Worker" Montagna (1970 or 1971 – November 24, 2011) was an acting boss of the Bonanno crime family
of the New York City
mafia families, and the Sicilian
faction-leader of the Bronx
section. At the time of his death, he had been associated with the Rizzuto crime family
of Montreal
. He was a dual citizen of Italy and Canada.
, Quebec
in 1971. He was raised in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, and became attracted by the United States
already as a teenager. Montagna and his family settled in the Bronx, New York, in the mid 1980s, when he was 15, and Montagna became quite attached to the life of crime, violence and corruption. It is unclear when Montagna was inducted
into the Bonanno crime family, however, it was during the late 1990s, under the leadership of strong Boss Joseph "Big Joe" Massino that Montagna was overheard in wiretapped conversations between other reputed members of the Bonanno crime family, such as the Underboss, Salvatore "Good Looking Sal" Vitale
.
by marriage. They had two children, but divorced shortly after the death of a son. He subsequently married Francesca Carcione and lived in a mansion in Elmont, Long Island with his wife and three daughters. He started a small metalworking company called "Matrix Steel Co.", located at 50 Bogart Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn
. Matrix Steel manufactures structural and rail mill products, gray and ductile iron foundry crucibles, foundry converters, casting machines, sizing or embossing presses, foundry mold machines and foundry dies and tooling. It was around this time that the Sicilian-raised Salvatore Montagna was given the nickname, "Sal the Iron Worker".
for illegal gambling and loansharking charges. He refused to answer questions before a grand jury and was charged with criminal contempt. He later pleaded guilty to the charge in 2003, and was placed on probation. It was in late 2003 that US law enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) listed Montagna as an "Acting Capo" and Caporegime
of the Bonanno crime family on behalf of DeFilippo and the Sicilian faction which is based in the Bronx.
was recognized as the reputed Boss of the Bonanno crime family, only to discover that Massino would testify against Basciano as well, shipping him directly off to prison. Around late 2005, Basciano stated that he would promote the Sicilian faction of the old Bonanno crew back in the family's leadership, as Montagna was recognized as the reputed acting boss of the Bonanno crime family from early 2006 until his death, with Nicholas "Nicky Mouth" Santora
as underboss
and Anthony "Fat Tony" Rabito as consigliere
, making the "Administration" of the Bonanno crime family once again whole and safe. At that time, Montagna gained the nickname "Bambino Boss" due to his relative youth, being 36.
As of 2008, Montagna was still the reputed Acting boss of the Bonannos, controlling the entire Bronx faction of the family, as the Daily News links Montagna to known Sicilian Bonanno official, Baldassare "Baldo" Amato. He resided in a modest home in Elmont
, Long Island.
In 2009, Montagna was detained by the USCIS
. He is not an American citizen and was deported back to Canada. A 2003 conviction on gambling and his refusal to turn canary had got him a 5-year probation term. This allowed USCIS to deport him, having come within 5 years of obtaining a greencard, when it expired. While in Canada he attempted to gain American residency. According to mob writer Jerry Capeci
, it was understood Montagna would have no standing or authority within Montreal's then-dominant Rizzuto crime family
.
, he had tried to convince the old patriarch to step down, and let younger blood rule. Within a few months, Nick Rizzuto Sr. was dead.
In 2011, following the assassinations of several major Rizzuto mobsters starting in 2009, Montagna was identified one of three major mobsters trying to fill the resulting power vacuum, if not take over the Montreal Mafia himself. He, along with Calabrian Joe Di Maulo and Raynald Desjardins were trying to solidify power in the Rizzuto family. At the time of his death, he had been suspected of trying to shake down Montreal-area construction companies. He was considered the heir to the throne of the Rizzuto family.
, in the city of Repentigny, Quebec
, Canada, on Montréal's north shore region (courronne nord). He had been shot once, at around 10am on November 24, 2011 on Île-aux-Tresors in the city of Charlemagne, Quebec
, across the river.
Bonanno crime family
The Bonanno crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia ....
of the New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
mafia families, and the Sicilian
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
faction-leader of the Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
section. At the time of his death, he had been associated with the Rizzuto crime family
Rizzuto crime family
The Rizzuto family is a Mafia organization based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The family territory covers most of southern Quebec and Ontario. The FBI considers the family connected to the Bonanno family, but the Canadian law enforcement considers it a separate crime family...
of Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
. He was a dual citizen of Italy and Canada.
Early life
Montagna was born in MontrealMontreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
in 1971. He was raised in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, and became attracted by the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
already as a teenager. Montagna and his family settled in the Bronx, New York, in the mid 1980s, when he was 15, and Montagna became quite attached to the life of crime, violence and corruption. It is unclear when Montagna was inducted
Made man
A made man, also known as a Mafioso , made guy, man of honor, or uomo d'onore , is someone who has been officially inducted into the Sicilian or American Mafia . They may also be referred to by some as a goodfella or wiseguy...
into the Bonanno crime family, however, it was during the late 1990s, under the leadership of strong Boss Joseph "Big Joe" Massino that Montagna was overheard in wiretapped conversations between other reputed members of the Bonanno crime family, such as the Underboss, Salvatore "Good Looking Sal" Vitale
Salvatore Vitale
Salvatore "Good Looking Sal" Vitale was a New York City caterer and former underboss of the Bonanno crime family of La Cosa Nostra before becoming a government informant.-Biography:...
.
Sal the Iron Worker
Little is known of Montagna's personal life, only that he got married sometime in the early 1990s to Kellice Gucciardo, relating him to the Gambino and the Genovese crime familiesGenovese crime family
The Genovese crime family , is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The Genovese crime family has been nicknamed the "Ivy League" and "Rolls Royce" of organized crime...
by marriage. They had two children, but divorced shortly after the death of a son. He subsequently married Francesca Carcione and lived in a mansion in Elmont, Long Island with his wife and three daughters. He started a small metalworking company called "Matrix Steel Co.", located at 50 Bogart Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick is a neighborhood in the northern part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The neighborhood, formerly Brooklyn's 18th Ward, is now part of Brooklyn Community Board 4...
. Matrix Steel manufactures structural and rail mill products, gray and ductile iron foundry crucibles, foundry converters, casting machines, sizing or embossing presses, foundry mold machines and foundry dies and tooling. It was around this time that the Sicilian-raised Salvatore Montagna was given the nickname, "Sal the Iron Worker".
Acting capo
In 2002, Montagna was arrested along with the crew of Patrick DeFilippoPatrick DeFilippo
Patrick "Patty From the Bronx" DeFilippo is a reputed high-ranking member of the Bonanno crime family.-Bonanno member:A longtime member of the Bonanno family, DeFilippo became a made man sometime in the 1970s, though his involvement with the family dates back much farther...
for illegal gambling and loansharking charges. He refused to answer questions before a grand jury and was charged with criminal contempt. He later pleaded guilty to the charge in 2003, and was placed on probation. It was in late 2003 that US law enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
(FBI) listed Montagna as an "Acting Capo" and Caporegime
Caporegime
A caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to just a capo, is a term used in the Mafia for a high ranking made member of a crime family who heads a "crew" of soldiers and has major social status and influence in the organization...
of the Bonanno crime family on behalf of DeFilippo and the Sicilian faction which is based in the Bronx.
Acting boss - The "Bambino Boss"
After longtime Bonanno Boss, "Big Joe" Massino became a witness, testifying against 60 of his fellow mobsters, Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" BascianoVincent Basciano
Vincent J. Basciano is an American mobster who rose to become acting boss of the Bonanno crime family after the arrest of Joseph Massino. He is nicknamed "Vinny Gorgeous", due to owning a Bronx beauty salon called "Hello Gorgeous," and for his fastidious grooming, hairstyle and looks...
was recognized as the reputed Boss of the Bonanno crime family, only to discover that Massino would testify against Basciano as well, shipping him directly off to prison. Around late 2005, Basciano stated that he would promote the Sicilian faction of the old Bonanno crew back in the family's leadership, as Montagna was recognized as the reputed acting boss of the Bonanno crime family from early 2006 until his death, with Nicholas "Nicky Mouth" Santora
Nicholas Santora
Nicholas Angelo "Nicky Mouth" Santora is the reputed underboss of the Bonanno crime family.-Biography:Nicholas Santora was born on June 21, 1942, and became known in his teens as a tough mobster from New York City...
as underboss
Underboss
Underboss is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The underboss is second in command to the boss...
and Anthony "Fat Tony" Rabito as consigliere
Consigliere
Consigliere is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The word was popularized by Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather , and its film adaptation...
, making the "Administration" of the Bonanno crime family once again whole and safe. At that time, Montagna gained the nickname "Bambino Boss" due to his relative youth, being 36.
As of 2008, Montagna was still the reputed Acting boss of the Bonannos, controlling the entire Bronx faction of the family, as the Daily News links Montagna to known Sicilian Bonanno official, Baldassare "Baldo" Amato. He resided in a modest home in Elmont
Elmont, New York
Elmont is an unincorporated census-designated place located in the northwest corner of the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, along its border with the borough of Queens in New York City...
, Long Island.
In 2009, Montagna was detained by the USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security . It performs many administrative functions formerly carried out by the legacy United States Immigration and Naturalization Service , which was part of the Department of Justice...
. He is not an American citizen and was deported back to Canada. A 2003 conviction on gambling and his refusal to turn canary had got him a 5-year probation term. This allowed USCIS to deport him, having come within 5 years of obtaining a greencard, when it expired. While in Canada he attempted to gain American residency. According to mob writer Jerry Capeci
Jerry Capeci
Gerald "Jerry" Capeci is an American journalist and author who specializes in coverage of the Five Mafia crime families of New York City. Capeci has been described by news organizations, such as CNN and BBC, as an expert on the American Mafia.-Gang Land:Capeci writes a column called Gang Land...
, it was understood Montagna would have no standing or authority within Montreal's then-dominant Rizzuto crime family
Rizzuto crime family
The Rizzuto family is a Mafia organization based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The family territory covers most of southern Quebec and Ontario. The FBI considers the family connected to the Bonanno family, but the Canadian law enforcement considers it a separate crime family...
.
Montreal area activities
After a slide in power of the family, Montagna started to show his power. Prior to the death of Nicolo RizzutoNicolo Rizzuto
Nicolo Rizzuto , also known as Nick Rizzuto, was the crime boss of the Sicilian faction of the Italian Mafia in Montreal who later pushed out the Calabrian Cotroni family. Rizzuto was born in Cattolica Eraclea, Sicily, in 1924, and immigrated to Canada in 1954 when the family settled in Montreal...
, he had tried to convince the old patriarch to step down, and let younger blood rule. Within a few months, Nick Rizzuto Sr. was dead.
In 2011, following the assassinations of several major Rizzuto mobsters starting in 2009, Montagna was identified one of three major mobsters trying to fill the resulting power vacuum, if not take over the Montreal Mafia himself. He, along with Calabrian Joe Di Maulo and Raynald Desjardins were trying to solidify power in the Rizzuto family. At the time of his death, he had been suspected of trying to shake down Montreal-area construction companies. He was considered the heir to the throne of the Rizzuto family.
Death
The water-drenched body of Montagna was found on 2011 November 24 on the shore of Île Vaudry on the L'Assomption RiverL'Assomption River
The Assomption River is the most important waterway in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada, is over 200 km long, and has a drainage basin of 4220 km². Its source is the Mont Tremblant massif...
, in the city of Repentigny, Quebec
Repentigny, Quebec
Repentigny is an off-island suburb of Montreal, in the province of Quebec, located north of Montreal, on the lower end of the L'Assomption River and on the Saint Lawrence River. Repentigny and Charlemagne are the first towns off the island of Montreal.-History:...
, Canada, on Montréal's north shore region (courronne nord). He had been shot once, at around 10am on November 24, 2011 on Île-aux-Tresors in the city of Charlemagne, Quebec
Charlemagne, Quebec
Charlemagne is an off-island suburb of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is located on the north shore of the Rivière des Prairies, northeast of Montreal's downtown core. As of 2006, the population was 5,594....
, across the river.
Further reading
- Crittle, Simon, The Last Godfather: The Rise and Fall of Joey Massino Berkley (March 7, 2006) ISBN 0425209393
External links
- Policeone.com: FBI arrests 19 reputed members of N.Y. crime family by Anthony M. Destefano
- http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/comment/article/215667--deportation-of-alleged-mob-boss-a-taste-of-canada-s-own-medicine
- http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/11/24/salvatore-montagna.html