Stefano Bontade

Stefano Bontade (April 23, 1939 - April 23, 1981) was a powerful member of the Sicilan Mafia. Some sources spell his surname Bontate. He was alleged to have links with several powerful politicians, including Giulio Andreotti.

Related Topics:
April 23 - 1939 - 1981 - Sicilan - Mafia - Politicians - Giulio Andreotti

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His home town was the Sicilian capital, Palermo, and he came from a family of Mafiosi. His father and grandfather were both powerful mobsters. In 1964, at the age of 25, he became the boss of the Santa Maria di Gesù Mafia Family when his father, Francesco Bontade, passed away from ill-health.

Related Topics:
Palermo - 1964

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During the 1970s, Stefano Bontade was on the commission with Gaetano Badalamenti and the Corleonisi boss Luciano Leggio. The commission was meant to settle disputes and keep the peace, but Leggio and his successor, Salvatore Riina, were plotting to decimate the Palermo clans, including Bontade and Bontade's ally, Salvatore Inzerillo.

Related Topics:
1970s - Gaetano Badalamenti - Luciano Leggio - Salvatore Riina - Salvatore Inzerillo

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On April 23, 1981, whilst driving home from his 42nd birthday, Bontade was machine gunned to death in his car in Palermo. It is believed the slaying was carried out by Riina's favorite hitman, Pino Greco. It was the first of up to a thousand mob slayings carried out by Riina and the Corleonisi in their savage Mafia war. Many of Bontade's friends, fellow mobsters and relatives were cut down in the coming months to prevent them from avenging the death of their boss. One of Bontade's close friends was Tommaso Buscetta, who subsequently became an informant.

Related Topics:
April 23 - 1981 - Pino Greco - Tommaso Buscetta

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