Russell Bufalino, also known as “McGee,” was an American mobster and Mafia leader who had a net worth of roughly $30 million at the time of his death in 2020. Russell is best known as the leader of a powerful crime family that operated in Pennsylvania and other states, including New York, Ohio, and Michigan. He was also associated with Mafia figures such as Angelo Bruno and Joe Bonanno.
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Russell Bufalino Net Worth at Death
Russell Bufalino had an estimated net worth of $30 million. Russell was a major mobster, who worked as a mafia boss in Northeastern Pennsylvania and served as an adviser to some of the most powerful figures within La Cosa Nostra. Russell’s influence extended far beyond his home, with many high-ranking mobsters turning to Russell for advice.
Russell was estimated to have made millions of dollars during his lifetime, mainly through illegal means such as loan sharking and extortion. Russell’s net worth at death was the result of a long and lucrative career in the world of organized crime. Russell will always be remembered as one of America’s most notorious mobsters and his legacy lives on through his sizable fortune.
Biography Of Russell Bufalino
Russell Bufalino (born Giuseppe Bufalino; November 25, 1903 – February 25, 2020) was an American mobster who became the boss of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family.
Bufalino was born in Montedoro, Sicily, and emigrated to America on April 21, 1920, at age 17. His parents were Lorenzo and Maria Bufalino, and he had two siblings. He reportedly stood 5’7″ tall and weighed around 165 lbs.
Bufalino’s criminal career began when he associated himself with some of the more influential Mafiosi in New York City, including Vito Genovese, Joseph Profaci, and Joe Bonanno. He soon established himself as a major figure in the criminal underworld of northeastern Pennsylvania.
In the 1950s, Bufalino began to consolidate power in his home state and formed alliances with other mob families. He eventually became one of the most powerful figures in organized crime at the time, maintaining close ties with many high-ranking mobsters from various mafia families.
Russell Bufalino Early Life and Family Background
He was the youngest of seven children raised by Antonio and Caterina (Rizzotto) Bufalino. Russell’s father was a hardworking blacksmith who instilled in his children a passion for work that Russell held dear throughout his life. Russell’s siblings all worked in the family business as blacksmiths and Russell himself would often help out.
The Bufalino family was close-knit and Russell grew up surrounded by extended family members, both on his mother’s side of the family and his father’s. Russell also grew up with a strong sense of empathy for others and a commitment to the family’s Sicilian culture, both of which shaped Russell throughout his life. Russell was also known for being loyal and generous, often offering support to those in need. Russell’s strong work ethic, loyalty, and empathy would all serve him well in his future career as an organized crime figure.
Russell left Sicily at the age of 16 in search of the American Dream. He eventually settled in Pittston, Pennsylvania, where he would eventually become a leader of the region’s organized crime operations. Russell quickly established himself as an influential figure and rose to power within the criminal underworld with his shrewd tactics and strong connections.
Education
Russell Bufalino was an influential crime boss who is best known for his position as head of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family. He had a long-standing criminal career, beginning in the 1920s when he first became involved with the mob. Later, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful figures in organized crime.
Growing up, he worked odd jobs to support his family. Despite his lack of formal education, Bufalino had a knack for business and was able to use his skills to get ahead in the criminal world.
After moving to Detroit, Michigan in the mid-1920s, he began working with mob boss Joe Zerilli and soon became involved in illegal activities such as bootlegging and gambling. During this time, Bufalino also attended the Detroit Institute of Technology where he studied law.
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Personal Life
Russell Bufalino was married to the late Nancy Barbato, who passed away in 1987. They had three children, two sons, and a daughter. He kept his personal life quite private, preferring to keep secrets away from the public eye.
In his free time, he enjoyed gardening as it gave him great relaxation. He also enjoyed playing chess and spending time with his family. On the weekends, he could be found in his garden working on projects or enjoying a game of cards with friends. He was an avid reader, loving to read both fiction and non-fiction books. He treasured spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.
Reference: Russell Bufalino – Wikipedia