Giuseppe Morello
First boss of the Morello crime family, later Masseria's consigliere.
via Wikipedia: Vito Cascio Ferro · see source
He also operated for several years in the United States. He is often depicted as the 'boss of bosses', although such a position does not exist in the loose structure of Cosa Nostra in Sicily. Morello's life is full of myth and mystery. He became a legend even when he was alive, and that legend is partially responsible for creating the image of the gallant gentleman capomafia (Mafia boss).
- died
- August 15, 1930, East Harlem, New York City
- field
- Organized crime
- nationality
- Italian (Sicilian)
- known_for
- Founding the Morello crime family; serving as capo di tutti capi; later consigli
Lore & Background
After becoming a suspect in a murder and his counterfeiting ring was compromised, Morello emigrated to the United States, likely around 1892. He was sentenced in absentia in Italy to six years and 45 days for counterfeiting. In the 1890s, he founded the 107th Street Mob, which became the Morello crime family. cities.
Reader's Guide
Giuseppe Morello's significance lies in his role as the founder of what became the Genovese crime family, the oldest of New York's Five Families. He pioneered organized crime techniques in the United States, including systematic extortion via weekly 'protection' payments and money laundering through legitimate businesses. His family's use of the barrel murder method became notorious. Morello's rise to capo di tutti capi marked the first consolidation of Sicilian Mafia power in New York. His death in 1930 was one of the first in that war, which ultimately reshaped the New York underworld.
Did You Know?
- Giuseppe Morello was also known as 'the Clutch Hand' and 'the Old Fox'.
- His deformed right hand, with only one finger resembling a claw, gave him his nickname.
- Morello was sentenced in absentia in Italy to six years and 45 days for counterfeiting.
- By 1905, he was recognized as capo di tutti capi by Mafia leaders in other U.S. cities.
- His death in 1930 was one of the first in the Castellammarese War.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Giuseppe Morello?
Giuseppe Morello (1867–1930) was a Sicilian-born crime boss who founded the Morello crime family in early-20th-century New York. He is best remembered as the patriarch whose organization eventually grew into the Genovese family, the oldest of the Five Families.
Why was he nicknamed 'the Clutch Hand'?
The name came from his deformed right hand, which had only one finger shaped like a claw. He also went by 'the Old Fox,' a nod to his reputation for scheming and patience in criminal negotiations.
What was Morello's role under Joe Masseria?
After his own family's leadership passed on, Morello stepped into the consigliere seat for Giuseppe 'Joe the Boss' Masseria, acting as a capo di tutti capi who advised on strategy across the broader criminal network.
How does the Morello family connect to today's Genovese family?
The Morello crime family that Giuseppe built in New York is the direct predecessor of the Genovese family. Through that lineage it claims the title of the oldest of the five major New York organized-crime families.
When and where did Giuseppe Morello die?
He died on August 15, 1930, in East Harlem, New York City, at the age of 63. His birthplace was Corleone, Sicily, on May 2, 1867.
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