Philip Rastelli, born on January 13, 1918, in New York City, was a notorious American mobster who would later become the boss of the Bonanno crime family. He grew up in the tough neighborhood of Masbeth, Queens, where he was exposed to a life of crime from an early age. Rastelli's criminal activities began with loansharking, extortion, and drug smuggling, paving the way for his ascent in the criminal underworld.
Rastelli's reputation as a ruthless and cunning criminal caught the attention of the Bonanno crime family, one of the five major mafia families in New York. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted member of the family known for his sharp business acumen and willingness to resort to violence when necessary.
In 1953, Rastelli was allegedly involved in the shooting of Michael Russo, a rival mobster, which led him to go into hiding to avoid retaliation. Despite the heat on his trail, he continued to operate in the shadows, biding his time until the opportunity arose to assert his dominance.
By 1969, Rastelli had solidified his position within the Bonanno crime family and was appointed to a three-man panel to lead the organization. His leadership style was characterized by a mix of fear and respect, with those who crossed him facing swift and brutal consequences. Under his command, the family expanded its operations and influence, solidifying its standing in the criminal underworld.
Despite his power and influence, Rastelli was no stranger to the law. He spent a total of three years in prison during his time as the boss of the Bonanno crime family. In 1976, he was convicted on extortion charges and served time until his release in 1983. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was indicted for parole violations in 1984 and charged with labor racketeering in 1986. Rastelli remained behind bars until 1991, where he continued to exert his influence over the family from the confines of a cell.
Outside of his criminal activities, Rastelli was a family man. He was married to a woman named Connie and had a home in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he lived until his incarceration. Despite the dangers and risks associated with his lifestyle, he maintained a sense of normalcy within his personal life, shielding his loved ones from the darker aspects of his criminal empire.
Joseph Bonanno had retired as the leader of the Bonanno crime family before Rastelli assumed control. His reign as boss was marked by both prosperity and turmoil, as he navigated through legal battles and internal power struggles. However, his legacy as a formidable and influential mobster endures, cementing his place in the annals of organized crime history.
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