In 1940, the Bonanno crime family was led by 34-year-old Joseph “Joe” Bonanno and operated as one of New York City’s stable, powerful “Five Families”.
Leadership and Stability
Joseph Bonanno took control in 1931 after the death of Salvatore Maranzano.
By 1940, Bonanno had established a firm grip on his faction, avoiding the violent internal wars that plagued other syndicates.
He sat on the Mafia Commission, the national governing body of La Cosa Nostra.
Operations and Wealth
The group profited heavily from illegal gambling, loansharking, and extortion.