Gaetano lisi biography of martin
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Image courtesy of Gaetano Lisi on Facebook.
Gaetano Lisi and Katharine Ross had been married for almost four years when they split up. Her on-screen presence has been admired by audiences worldwide, making her a timeless beauty.
Discover the Lesser-Known Facts about Katharine Ross
While we all know about her exceptional acting skills and her role in “The Graduate,” there are several unknown facts about Katharine Ross that many of her fans are unaware of.
He had a large still on a farm in Seaford, Long Island. This was raided by Police in 1932. The authorities believed the farm contained a “Mob” burial plot, containing some of the Murder Incorporated victims. Believed to be associated with the Mule and Alfano families. R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933.
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The sources for this member are very vague, a mention of him on the Real Deal forum from JD, Ect. We are not even sure of his familial connection to Joseph, a future Capo. Also, various different spellings of his name [DiFilippo, DeFilippi, DeFilippo, ect.] make him difficult to trace. The best fit is a man from Castellammare, heading to his Brother Giuseppe on the LES in 1906. He was possibly married in 1912. According to his WW1 Registration, he was a Presser in a Garment shop and lived on Rivington Street. This was confirmed on the 1920 Census. After this we can find no record of him, including his date of death.
DIFILIPPI-GIUSEPPE 1899 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1922.
Relations : - Giovanni [?].
We have a much more reliable source for Joseph DiFilippi, the NARA Records. Entered America in 1922 from Castellammare, and listed his trade as a Shoemaker. Possibly Naturalized in 1916, when he was living in Harlem [East 107th Street]. However, both his WW1 + WW2 Registration cards state he lived on Roebling Street in Brooklyn. At some point he owned a Dress firm in Brooklyn, and was a power in the Garment Industry. By the 1950’s he was a Capo, and is mentioned as such in NARA Records. There is no mention of him during the “Banana War”, and he was probably retired by his death in 1972.
DIGAETANO-SEBASTIANO 1866 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1898.
Alias : - Don Sebastiano.
Relations : -S + G.Ruffino [M].
This man could be the first known leader of the Family, and is mentioned in Secret Service reports from the 1900-10's period. He arrived in America in 1898, travelling with a member of the DeBenedetto family. He settled in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and owned a barber shop on North 5th Street [1910 Census]. His daughter married Joseph Ruffino, who was jailed with Joseph Masseria in 1914. In a 1911 SS report it stated that he also owned a pool hall. After the jailing of Lupo + Morello in 1910, DiGaetano may have been acting head of the US Mafia. In 1912 Salvatore D'Aquila was elected as national head, and Nicola Schiro replaced DiGaetano as head of the Family. Another SS report[1912] claims he lost his nerve, and was demoted. Nothing more is known about him, so he may have returned to Sicily.
DIGIOVANNA-JOSEPH 1904 USA.
Alias : - Joe Chick.
This member is listed on numerous sources [1950 FBN Report, FBI book, NARA records, ect.]. Born in NYC in 1904, he lived on Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, an area full of Bonanno social clubs. In the 1920 Census he was living with an Uncle in Brooklyn. He started his criminal record as a teenager in 1922.
Lisi’s ashes were laid to rest at the National Ceremony on Long Island.
Lisi appeared to be single after her divorce from Ross until his death in 2020. S.Catalanotte [Detroit]. As we look back at her impressive body of work, it is clear that Katharine Ross is not just a talented actress but also a trailblazer who has paved the way for women in the industry.
Throughout her career, Katharine Ross has taken on a wide array of roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
By the 1920 Census he was living in Philadelphia, possibly associating with Salvatore Sabella, the local Capo. In early 1921 he, and Magaddino, were anbushed in Brooklyn by the Buccellato faction. Some bystanders were injured, but Milazzo and Magaddino escaped. Several Buccellato adherents were killed in retaliation, possibly including the Caiozzo murder. Milazzo removed himself from danger, moving to Detroit. There he established himself as an associate of Salvatore Catalanotte, the Head of the local Mafia. His murder in 1930, along with Rosario Parrino, is considered a starting point of the “Castellammarese War”.
MORALE-JOHN 1912 USA.
Alias : - Johnny Burns.
Relations : - Rosario [Brother], V.Bonventre [in-law].
Associates : - J + S.Bonanno.
Born in NYC in 1912, to parents from Siracusa, Sicily, who lived in Manhattan. By the 1940 Census he lived in Brooklyn, and worked as a Chauffeur. Probably joined the Family in the 1940’s, becoming a driver, and protégé, of Family Boss Joseph Bonanno. His marriage to Vito Bonventre’s daughter was the link to the Family. His closeness to the Bonanno’s allowed him to succeed Frank Garofalo as Under-Boss in 1957. Rosario joined the Family in the 1950’s,and the brothers shared business interests in Manhattan [Florist + Club] and Brooklyn [Tavern]. Morale stayed loyal to Bonanno during the “ Banana War” of 1963-68. When the Bonanno’s retired in 1968, he was sidelined by the new Family leadership. He died in 1984 in Queens, NYC.
MORSELLINO-VINCENZO 1898 Calatafimi, Sicily / USA 1927.
Alias : - Vincent Adamo.
Relations : - M.Adamo [?], S.Accardi [Cousin] Lucchese.
Associates : - P.Licata, G.DiBella.
Born in Trapani Province, close to Castellammare, and came to America in 1927. Travelling with him was a Cousin, Settimo Accardi, a future Luchese Capo. His Mother’s maiden name was Adamo, the name of several Mafiosi with Trapani origins. A 1929 visit, coming back through Havana, lists him as a Mechanic. His criminal record starts in 1931, and contains several arrests for Bootlegging, Disorderly Person and Labour Agitation. In 1941a Pietro Morsellino, the owner of a Garment firm in Brooklyn, was murdered. Vincenzo was Naturalized in 1948 in Brooklyn. In 1950-51 he spent some time in Italy, returning with John DiBella. Listed in NARA Records, and the book Heroin Trail, as a Bonanno member. The book also alleged he imported drugs into the USA. Probably served under Capo Pietro Licata in the 1950-70’s, when he lived in Elmont, L.I. Died in Italy in 1986.
MULE-VITO 1886 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1903.
Alias : - William Lombardi.
Relations : -Prospect [Son], DiBenedetto family [?], S.Vultaggio + N.Guastella [in-laws].
Associates : - S.Maranzano, P.Sciortino.
Born in Castellammare in 1886, his Mother’s maiden name was DiBenedetto, a common Family name. Lived in America from 1903 to 1910, then for a short time in Argentina. By 1917 he lived on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn [WW1 Reg.]. On the 1920 Census he stated he owned a Maccaroni factory. He was arrested for Bootlegging in 1926. Became associated with Salvatore Maranzano, helping to run his Wappingers Falls bootleg still. In1931 he, and in-laws Santo Vultaggio + Nicolo Guastella, were arrested for a murder in this area. Despite this he gained his Citizenship in 1937. By the 1940 Census he was living on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn. Owing to his age and ill-health, he retired to Tucson, Arizona. This is where several members, including Joseph Bonanno, retired to. Mule died there in 1971, his Son Prospect was a later member in California.
PARRINO-GIUSEPPE 1886 Alcamo, Sicily / USA 1910.
Relations : - Rosario [Brother].
Came to the US in 1910, with his brother Rosario, and settled in Brooklyn. Originally from Alcamo, in Trapani Province, not far from Castellammare. May have been Naturalized in the mid-1920’s. Described in newspapers as a Tiling Contractor, operating in Brooklyn. His brother moved to Detroit at some point, and was killed there in 1930. Joseph Bonanno, in his book, states Joseph Parrino was a traitor to the Family. He says he was prepared to overlook his brother’s murder, and collaborate with the Masseria faction. But new Family Boss Salvatore Maranzano ordered his murder, and he was killed in a Manhattan restaurant in January 1931.
PARRINO-ROSARIO 1890 Alcamo, Sicily / USA 1910.
Alias : - Sam /Sasha.
Relations : - Giuseppe [Brother].
There is some confusion about when he left Brooklyn, and moved to Detroit. Most sources [Bonanno, ect.] state he went with Gaspare Milazzo in the early 1920’s. The 1920 Census supports this, as he is listed as resident in Brooklyn. However, a Samuel Parrino was a resident of Detroit as early as 1911. What we know for sure is that by 1930 he was a close associate of Milazzo, a wealthy Castellammarese supplier of corn sugar and power in the local Mafia. Milazzo was involved in both national and local Mafia disputes. In 1930 he accompanied Milazzo to a meeting to arbitrate a local fued between East and West side factions. The meeting, at a Fish wholesalers store, was a trap and both Parrino and Milazzo were killed.
PETRONE-GIOVANNI 1896 USA.
Alias : - John Bennett.
Associates : - M.Angelina, C.Galente, M.Consolo, J.Notaro.
Listed on the Valachi charts [1963] and named in NARA Records as a long-time Family member. Also mentioned on FBI wiretaps, as a member since the 1920’s. Born in NYC to immigrant parents, he settled in the Bronx. On his WW1 Registration card he is listed as an unemployed machinist.
Related to the ruling faction of the Castellammare Cosca, including his father, with whome he lived in Brooklyn from 1908 to 1911. Returned to Sicily, father died, then moved back to Brooklyn in December 1924. Lived with, and worked for, his Bonventre relatives before joining the DiGregorio brothers in a bootlegging racket. Inducted into Family in 1926-28 period, sponsored by Salvatore Maranzano. One of Maranzano's inner circle during the "Castellammarese War", he was arrested in 1930 for possession of firearms. Elected Head of the Family, after Maranzano's murder, in 1932. Ruled till 1960's, and was a founder member of the Commission. Left USA in 1938, then re-entered at Detroit, to gain citizenship in 1945. Many business interests, including the Colorado Cheese company and garment centre firms. Attended an important meeting in Palermo in 1957, but claims not to have been at Apalachin conclave. Possibly tried to create a powerbase in California for his son Salvatore [Bill]. Supported Profaci in internal struggle, and came into conflict with Magaddino, Gambino and Lucchese. They used their control of the Commission to fracture the Bonanno Family by supporting Magaddino's in-law Gaspare DiGregorio to revolt. There followed the"Banana War" [1964-68], with Joe Bonanno's kidnap, an attempt on Bill Bonanno, and several killings. A truce was agreed in 1968, with father, son and followers relocating to Tucson Arizona. In retirement both Joe and Bill wrote memoirs, causing Joe's prosecution and jailing. Joseph died in 2002, and Bill in 2008.
Sources : - A Man of Honour - Joseph Bonanno
Bound by Honour + The Last Testament - Bill Bonanno
BONANNO-SALVATORE 1879 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1908.
Relations : - Joseph [Son], Salvatore [G/Son], Bonventre + Magaddino families [M].
Associates : - S.Saracino.
The Father of Joe Bonanno, and a leader of the Bonanno-Bonventre-Magaddino faction in Castellammare in Sicily. As a leader in Sicily, he soon became a power in the Family stronghold of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He fled Sicily to avoid prosecution, and settled on North 5th street and Roebling. He opened a pasta factory, and a tavern. The family only stayed for 3 years [1908-11], before returning to Castellammare. The reason for his return was a new outbreak of the vendetta with the Buccellato faction. In 1915 he was drafted into the Italian Army, and was badly wounded in a battle against the Austrians. Sent home, his health got worse and he died in 1916.
BONOMO-FRANK 1901 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1909.
Relations : - M.Adamo [Cousin].
Associates ; - J.Morale, P.Sciacca, F.Mari, A.Salvo.
From the Families hometown of Castellammare, he arrived in 1909 and settled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A 1920 arrest, for carrying a knife, shows he was active early. Known as a Bootlegger and Loan-shark, active in the Bushwick and Greenpoint areas of Brooklyn. Naturalized in 1948, he was employed first as a Presser, and later as a partner in a Garment firm. By the 1960’s he had moved to Long Island, and operated under Capo John Morale. In 1962 his son Anthony was murdered in NYC. With the start of the “Banana War” he allied to the DiGregorio faction. In 1966 he was questioned after the Troutman street attempt on Bill Bonanno. Under the new Family leadership, he was a driver/bodyguard to Frank Mari, the Under-Boss. In 1969 he drove Mari and Mike Adamo, his cousin, to a meeting they never returned from.
Started in Endicott, under Joe Barbara, for 2 years. Then moved to Brooklyn, and became a partner with Frank Garofalo in a Garment firm. Arrested as an Alien, for Illegal Entry in 1940.
STABILE-JOSEPH 1900 ?
Associates : - J.Bonanno, G.DiGregorio, N.Evola, S.Domingo, V.Danna.
Mentioned in Joe Bonanno’s book as one of the “ boys of the first day”, along with Bonanno,DiGregorio, Evola, Domingo + Danna.
Two of his sons and a grandson became members. Both brothers were listed on the Dead by 1975 list.
BARRANCA-STEFANO 1894 Villafranca, Sicily / USA 1920.
Relations : - Frank, Pasquale, Joseph + Gaspare [Sons] Gambino.
NARA Records state he was a Bonanno member, but his origin and familial connections suggest differently. Arrived in 1920 from Villafranca, in Agrigento Province. Settled in Brooklyn, and worked as a Longshoreman on the docks there. Still listed as an Alien on the 1940 Census. We have no criminal record for him, nor any known associates. This, plus the fact his 4 sons became members of the Gambino Family, point to his possibly also being a Gambino member. Either that or he somehow fell-out with the Bonanno leadership, and transferred his membership. No more is known until his death in 1987.
BELLO-ANTONIO ?
We only know of this member from a report in NARA Records, dated 1968. It states that Bello was a Bonanno member, living in San Diego California. Until the mid-1960’s, he ran a Restaurant there. At this time Joseph Bonanno was attempting to set-up his son Salvatore [Bill] as a power in California. He devised a scheme whereby Bello told Frank Bompensiero, a Los Angeles member living in San Diego,that the LA Family leadership were going to kill him. Bonanno hoped that Bompensiero, an impulsive, violent type, would eliminate the LA Family leadership and allow Bill Bonanno to seize power in California. However the plan fell apart when Bompensiero forced Bello to tell him the truth, and took his case to the Commission. This was the start of Bonanno’s troubles with the Commission, and led to his retirement. Bello fled to NYC in poor health, and died there around 1966-67. The name Bello [and DiBello, DiBella, ect.] is too common to trace him any further.
BONANNO-JOSEPH 1905 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1924.
Alias : - Joe Bananas.
Relations : - Salvatore [Father + Son], F.LaBruzzo [in-law]. S.Magaddino [Cousin] Buffalo.
Visited Sicily in 1908. Ross started her career in the 1960s and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the years. She later married Gaetano Lisi in 1974, but they divorced in 1979. An in-law to Salvatore, and Uncle to Joseph, Bonanno, he was married to a woman called Anello [1911]. Never ”officially” listed as a member, he fit the description of a small businessman with familial connections. When Joseph Bonanno arrived in 1924, he went to live with Pietro, who introduced him to his future wife. Pietro gave-up his Barber shop and joined the Anello-Bonventre undertaking firm. He became a Naturalized citizen, and moved to Queens, where he died in 1971.
Sam Elliott married Katharine Ross shortly after Ross and Lisi’s divorce was finalized, and they are now happily married.
Katharine was also married to Oscar-winning cinematographer Conrad L. Hall, as well as actors John Marion and Joel Fabiani, before marrying Gaetano Lisi and Sam Elliott.
Gaetano Lisi, Katharine Ross’ ex-husband, has a few film credits to his name.
Gaetano Lisi, Katharine Ross’s ex-husband, has a few movie credits under his belt.
R.Dionisio [Colorado].
As a part of the Bonventre-Bonanno-Magaddino extended family, he was probably already a “made” member by the time of his arrival in 1933.
Alias : - John.
Relations : - Vito + Giuseppe [Brothers], J.Bonanno [Nephew], S.Bonanno + S.Magaddino [in-laws].
Associates : - F.Garofalo, C.Galante. They have one daughter together, named Cleo Rose Elliott.
Later Career and Achievements
Later Acting Career
Ross continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Another of those anonymous members, that suddenly emerge after decades in the shadows. Born in Illinois in 1906, we do not even know when, or how, he joined the Family. His parents may have originated in Agrigento Province. By the 1940 Census he was living in New Jersey, and running a Pastry shop in Hackensack. Probably served under several NJ Capo’s, like Antonio Riela + Joseph Ziccarelli. Believed to operate Gambling and Loan sharking rackets. Not known to be active on either side in the “Banana War” of the 1960’s. He was appointed a Capo during the years of Carmine Galante’s supremacy in the 1970’s. His Regime, of mostly older members, was split between NJ + NYC members and operated out of lower Manhattan. Salvo died in 1984.
SCIORTINO-PIETRO 1903 USA.
Associates : - S.Maranzano, J.Bonanno, N.Guastella, V.Mule, S.Vultaggio.
Born in NYC to parents from Bagheria in 1903, this member was an intimate of both Salvatore Maranzano in NY and Joseph Bonanno in Tucson, Arizona. In 1921 he made a trip back to his parents birthplace, and on returning he settled in Brooklyn. He was first arrested in 1924, for Bootlegging, and soon became active in Maranzano’s upstate operations. In 1931 a body was found near Wappingers Falls, and Sciortino, Nicolo Guastella, Vito Mule + Santo Vultaggio were all arrested on suspicion of murder. After Bonanno became the Family Boss in 1932, and Prohibition ended, Sciortino resorted to gambling and became a Bookmaker, for which he had a further arrest. In 1957 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Bonanno had a home, and opened a Bakery. After being forced out of NYC in 1968, Bonanno and several other members retired to Tucson and formed an “unofficial” Family. Sciortino remained part of this until his death in 1995.
SPADARO-JOSEPH 1906 USA.
Relations : - F.Labruzzo [B-in-L].
Associates : - J.Bonventre, F.Garofola, J.Bonanno.
Born in NYC, and grew-up in Brooklyn. Very little is known about his early life, and he had no criminal record. At some point he married into the Labruzzo family, and became Joseph Bonanno’s relative. Bonanno used him as an accountant, looking after his business interests. Spadaro had his own interests in Clothing firms, and was a power in the Garment centre. He may also have infiltrated the Unions in this trade. Lived on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, and visited Italy in 1948. Was loyal to Bonanno during the 1960’s “Banana War”, and was sidelined later by the new Family leadership. Listed on the Dead by 1975 list, he died in 1968.
AMARI-SALVATORE 1892* Trapani, Sicily / USA 1910.
We only know of this member from Bill Bonanno’s book. Although there were many immigrants of this name, the one from Trapani fits best. Amari violated Family rules in 1931, by skimming the Family profits on his numbers operation, and was banished back to Sicily. Stupidly, he returned and was killed in the mid-1930’s.
ANELLO-VITTORIO 1893 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1903.
Alias : - Victor.
Relations : - Bonventre + Curatolo families [ in-laws ].
Although never listed on any “official” membership chart, Anello was just the sort of connected small businessman that made-up the early Family membership. The 1920 + 1930 Census has him living in Brooklyn, and a Naturalized citizen. He became a partner in an Undertaking business with Vito Bonventre, an early Family member and Bonanno relative. Joseph Bonanno also became a partner in this firm. He may also have been related to Giuseppe Anello, an early Buffalo member, as his Father was named Giuseppe. Apart from a visit back to Italy in 1952, we hear nothing more from him until his death in 1972.
ANGELINO[A]-MICHAEL 1901 NYC, USA.
Alias : - Mike Angelo.
Listed as a deceased Capo on the 1963 Valachi charts. Little is known about his early activities, the 1910 Census states he lived on Manhattan. His only known arrest was for Recieving stolen property in 1950 in Tucson, Arizona. This crime might have been connected to a Jewelry shop he owned. By the time of his death in 1963, he lived in Nassau, NY.
AQUARO-JOHN 1898 NYC, USA.
Associates : - T + J.DiAngelo.
Like many of the early Family members, Aquaro was virtually unknown until the 1960’s. All we know of his origins, are that he was born in NYC, and lived in Brooklyn. According to his WW1 Registration card, he worked in an Ordnance Factory in New Jersey. Like Alfano, he first came to attention as one of the Family Capo’s involved in the struggle between the Bonanno and DiGregorio factions. As a close associate of Thomas DiAngelo, he probably supported DiGregorio. The conflict eventually ended by 1970 leaving several dead, including DiAngelo. The new leadership reorganized the Family, and Aquaro was one of those replaced. Featured prominently in FBI tapes, known as the “DeCavalcante Tapes”. He lived on in retirement until his death in 1979.
ASARO-GIUSEPPE 1892 Castellammare, Sicily / USA 1903.
Relations : - Vincenzo [Brother], V.Bonventre [M].
The founder of a dynasty of future Family members, he came from the Family stronghold of Castellammare. With brother Vincenzo, he settled in the Castellammarese enclave around East 12 to 14th streets in Manhattan. He is listed on both his WW1 +2 Registration cards as a Tailor.
She has worked as a writer, producer, and director, using her platform to advocate for greater representation of women on screen.