The Rise and Fall of Salvatore Sabella: A Notable Member of the Genovese Crime Family

Salvatore Sabellawas a significant figure in American organized crime, particularly as a member of the Genovese crime family. This article delves into his life journey, the organizations he was associated with, and the influence he had on the mob landscape of the 1920s.

Debunking the Myth of "Italian-American" Crime Families

It is important to note that the term "Italian-American" mobsters is a common misconception. While many European immigrants to the United States became involved in various criminal enterprises, they were typically associated with specific Italian-American crime families based on their regional origins. In the case of Salvatore Sabella, he was ldquo;Italianrdquo; in origin, not ldquo;Italian-American.rdquo; Moreover, due to immigration laws and his illegal status, he was ultimately deported to Italy, marking the end of his American criminal career.

Rise to Prominence in Philadelphia

Salvatore Sabella was an integral part of the infamous Castellammare del Golfo gangsterswho gained prominence in the United States during the 1920s. His criminogenic journey in the United States began in Philadelphia, where he established a significant presence and influence. Between 1919 and 1927, Sabella was active in Philadelphia, setting up a criminal organization that benefited from the illegal alcohol trade during the Prohibition era.

His"domain"extended beyond Philadelphia, with close alliances:Sabella was not alone in his criminal activities but had strong connections with other Castellammare Del Golfo gangsters. Key associates included Salvatore Maranzano, Joe Bonanno in New York, Joe Aiello in Chicago, Stefano Maggadino in Buffalo, Joseph Siragusa in Pittsburgh, and Joe Ardizzone in Los Angeles. These alliances were crucial in establishing and maintaining his criminal empire.

The Prohibition Era and Proactive Criminal Strategies

During the 1920s, Prohibition provided a fertile ground for criminal activity. Sabella leveraged the opportunity to build a solid base for his criminal operations. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, he initially established a legitimate front: an olive oil business. This provided a cover for his illegal activities while he developed his underworld network. His proactive approach to criminal enterprise ensured that his organization was well-funded and equipped to handle challenges.

Training the Next Generation:Sabella was a mentor to future mob leaders, grooming John Avena, Joe Dovi, and Angelo Bruno to take over as the leaders of their respective criminal groups. His strategic grooming of promising young gang members laid the foundation for the future dominance of these organizations.

National Notoriety and the 1929 War

Beyond Philadelphia, Sabella also had a notable presence in New York, thanks to his alliance with Salvatore Maranzano. The 1920s saw the turbulent Castellamarese warfor control of New York, and Sabella played a crucial role in this conflict. In 1929, he temporarily relocated to New York with a small force to support Maranzano against his rival, Charles "Lucky" Luciano and his ally, Vincent "Tommy" Masseria.

At the close of the 1920s, the war between Luciano and Masseria escalated, leading to Luciano's eventual victory and the downfall of Masseria in April 1931. With Masseria's death came a period of stabilizing the criminal landscape, and it was during this time that Maranzano was murdered. Luciano's power consolidation led to the end of the Castellamarese faction, and many of its members, including Savella, were allowed to retire, marking the end of their active years in organized crime.

Deportation and Later Years

Due to his illegal status, including involvement in multiple murders, Salvatore Sabella was deported in 1927. However, even after deportation, he did not wholly exit the criminal world. For a brief period, he reestablished himself in Philadelphia, where he continued to lead his organization. In 1931, facing the harsh reality of Luciano's ascension, he was allowed to retire: a mark of respect for his contributions and a means to prevent open conflict within the mob structure.

Post-Criminal Life:After his active years in organized crime, Salvatore Sabella led a relatively peaceful life until he was arrested for assault in 1931. Following his release from jail, he pursued legitimate employment as a butcher, a stark contrast to his previous life as a gangster. He died in 1962 at the age of 71, having served his criminal career and then moved on to another chapter in his life.

Conclusion

Salvatore Sabella's life is a fascinating chapter in the history of American organized crime. His journey from a small-time operator in Philadelphia to a prominent figure in the Castellamare del Golfo criminal network offers insight into the dynamics of mob politics and the lasting impact of the Prohibition era. Despite the various alliances and conflicts he was involved in, his legacy remains a critical piece of the complex web that shaped the criminal underworld of the 1920s and beyond.