Book SummaryThe Life We Chose, by Matt Birkbeck

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Life We Chose

The rise to power of the Bufalino criminal organization.

This part delves into the captivating beginnings and rise of the Bufalino criminal organization, charting their journey from humble beginnings in Pittston, Pennsylvania, to their emergence as a powerful entity in the underworld, under the enigmatic leadership of Russell Bufalino.

The Bufalino syndicate had its origins in Pennsylvania.

Birkbeck portrays the community of Pittston as being intrinsically connected to both the allure and the risks associated with anthracite coal mining. In this setting, a tightly knit community with Italian heritage, bound by shared aspirations and cultural ties, laid the foundation for their criminal enterprise, signifying the inception of the Bufalino crime organization.

Immigrants from Sicily founded a criminal syndicate that rose to prominence within the coal mining and garment sectors.

The book identifies Stefano LaTorre, Calogero "Charles" Bufalino, and Santo Volpe as the original architects of the criminal empire that originated in Pittston. Upon reaching the shores of the United States, the Sicilian natives from Montedoro carried over their Mafia traditions, taking advantage of their compatriots from Italy. They wielded significant control in Pittston and nearby areas by employing intimidation, exerting force, and displaying aggressive conduct. Initially, their dominance was evident in the realms of gambling, illicit sex trade, and the practice of coercing payments. Their ambitions, however, were unstoppable. They swiftly took control of coal deposits, using their significant power to sway local labor organizations and strengthen their hold on the power sector. The family's reach spread out from Pittston, with kin founding offshoots in urban centers like Buffalo and Detroit. Strategic marriages further solidified their grip on these territories, emphasizing the paramount importance of family loyalty over geographical boundaries.

Context

• Pittston, located in Pennsylvania, was a strategic location due to its rich coal deposits, making it an attractive target for organized crime to establish a foothold and expand their operations.
• Immigrant communities often faced discrimination and limited opportunities, which organized crime groups exploited by offering protection and employment, further entrenching their influence within these communities.
• The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant wave of Italian immigration to the United States, driven by poverty and lack of opportunity in Italy. Many immigrants settled in industrial areas where they could find work, such as coal mining and garment manufacturing.
• In Sicilian culture, family loyalty is paramount, often superseding other social or legal obligations. This cultural value was leveraged by Mafia families to maintain internal cohesion and control over their operations.
• Gambling was a popular but illegal activity in many parts of the United States during this period. Organized crime groups often ran underground gambling operations, which were lucrative due to the lack of legal alternatives.
• By controlling coal deposits and labor organizations, the syndicate could manipulate coal prices and supply, impacting local and national economies. This control also allowed them to exert significant political influence.
• During the early to mid-20th century, many Mafia families expanded their operations beyond their original territories to capitalize on new opportunities in growing urban centers. This expansion was often driven by the pursuit of control over lucrative industries and markets.
• Through marriage, families could combine their economic resources, facilitating investments in legitimate businesses and expanding their criminal enterprises. This pooling of resources was crucial for maintaining and growing their power base.
• By prioritizing family loyalty, the syndicate could effectively expand its operations beyond local areas. Family members were trusted to manage new territories, ensuring that the core values and objectives of the organization were upheld.

The Bufalino crime family underwent considerable expansion and diversification of their activities under Russell Bufalino's guidance.

Birkbeck shifts the focus of the story to highlight Russell Bufalino, Charles' nephew, whose crucial role was pivotal in enhancing the family's prominence.

Russell Bufalino secured a prominent role and established his control over illegal activities throughout the Northeastern United States.

Russell honed his illicit skills under the tutelage of seasoned mob personalities like John Montana and Stefano Magaddino, as he came of age in Pittston and Buffalo. Russell expanded his Buffalo-based reputable automotive service enterprise to include illegal pursuits like hijackings, theft, and contraband distribution. His marriage to Carolyn "Carrie" Sciandra fortified bonds with powerful clans, subsequently elevating his stature throughout the northeast.

With the decline of coal mining post-World War II, Russell capitalized on the emerging opportunities within the regional clothing production industry. He established numerous dress shops, exploiting their non-union status for maximum profit. As Russell's business ventures expanded, so too did his ambitions, which led him further into the secretive world of organized crime. He forged a solid alliance with Jimmy Hoffa, who was rising to prominence within the Teamsters, and positioned himself alongside powerful figures like the Medico brothers. Russell significantly...

The Life We Chose Summary The involvement of the Bufalino Family in politics extended to their connections with prominent individuals and their associations with labor unions, as well as their influence in the entertainment and music sectors.

Birkbeck explores the intricate dynamics within the Bufalino Family, scrutinizing how they maneuvered their power across political, union, and entertainment circles to further their interests.

The Bufalino Family wielded considerable influence in both political and local community spheres.

This section explores how the family sought to project an image of community involvement while simultaneously manipulating the political landscape for their benefit.

The Italian American Civil Rights League was significantly shaped by the family's guidance.

The author details how the Bufalino Family cleverly employed what seemed to be a benign entity, the Italian American Civil Rights League, to protect their own agendas. This entity, initially established to fight bias towards Americans with Italian heritage, evolved into a significant entity capable of influencing political decisions, quieting detractors, and promoting personal objectives.

Context

• The League gained national attention by organizing large rallies and events, which helped it become a powerful social and political force.
• The League's formation was partly a response to the negative stereotypes...

The Life We Chose Summary The downfall and subsequent disintegration of the Bufalino criminal empire followed a series of legal entanglements and thorough investigations.

Birkbeck highlights the relentless pursuit by federal authorities to take apart the criminal syndicate referred to as the Bufalino Family. Despite their careful planning and considerable influence, the family ultimately succumbs to the unyielding chase by law enforcement.

Authorities relentlessly worked to dismantle the criminal organization known as the Bufalino family.

This section of the narrative details the relentless efforts of the authorities to disrupt the illicit activities orchestrated by Russell Bufalino.

The United States authorities persistently sought to deport Russell Bufalino.

The story reveals the stringent measures taken by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in collaboration with the FBI to begin the process of deporting Russell because he was an immigrant from Sicily without proper authorization. Russell consistently denied the accusations, maintaining that he was born in Pittston. However, Birkbeck discloses that officials found records confirming his Italian birthplace. After the 1957 Apalachin meeting, the efforts of the authorities to imprison Russell intensified, leading to his 1978 sentence for coercing a jeweler named Jack...

The Life We Chose Summary Billy D'Elia took over the leadership of the Bufalino crime family, signifying a shift in the group's command structure.

This section explores the inner workings of the Bufalino Family, charting Billy D'Elia's rise from a low-level affiliate to the head of a criminal syndicate.

Billy's initiation into the underworld was characterized by his close ties to Russell Bufalino.

Birkbeck recounts Billy's tale, emphasizing the profound fatherly bond that provided him with personal direction from Russell.

Russell Bufalino took D'Elia under his wing, providing guidance and mentorship.

The author reveals a critical turning point that took place within a pool hall during the initial years of the 1960s, setting off a chain of events that permanently altered the course of the person's life. Russell, captivated by the youthful and impressive Billy, gradually drew him into a world where they engaged in illegal activities, including betting and providing loans with exorbitant interest rates. Russell began grooming the young man, recognizing his potential for future leadership.

Practical Tips

• Start a peer mentoring group with colleagues or friends where you can share knowledge and support each other's growth. Meet regularly to discuss challenges, successes, and strategies for professional...