Stefano Bontade

Stefano Bontade (April 23, 1939 – April 23, 1981) was a powerful member of the Sicilian Mafia. Some sources spell his surname Bontate. He was the capomafia of the Santa Maria di Gesù Family in Palermo. He was also known as the Prince of Villagrazia - the area of Palermo he controlled - and Il Falco (The Falcon).

He had links with several powerful politicians, including Giulio Andreotti. In 1981 he was killed by the rival faction within Cosa Nostra, the Corleonesi. His death sparked a brutal Mafia War that left several hundred mafiosi dead.

Read more about Stefano Bontade:  Early Career, Cigarette Smuggling and Heroin Trafficking, The Mattei Affair, Sindona’s Bogus Kidnapping, Political Connections, Sicilian Mafia Commission, Second Mafia War