Adolfo Bruno
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Adolfo Bruno | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | November 24, 1945 Bracigliano, Campania, Italy |
| Died | November 23, 2003 (aged 57) |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
| Other names | Big Al |
| Occupation | Mobster |
| Allegiance | Genovese crime family |
Adolfo Bruno (Italian pronunciation: [aˈdɔlfo ˈbruːno]; November 24, 1945 – November 23, 2003), also known as "Big Al", was an Italian-born American mobster who was a caporegime with the Genovese crime family based in New York City, who ran the Springfield, Massachusetts faction of the family.
Bruno was born in Bracigliano, Campania, Italy, on November 24, 1945, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 10, settling in Springfield.[1]
In 1984 Bruno was one of several individuals arrested in a multi-state gambling ring along with Amedeo Santaniello. In 1987, Bruno was sentenced to five years in prison.[1] Bruno's codefendants included Mario Fiore, Anthony "Turk" Scibelli, Ricky S. Songini, Felix Tranghese, Albert "Baba" Scibelli, and Donald Pepe.
In 1990, Bruno was at the center of a controversy that many believe cut short the career of longtime Hampden County District Attorney Matthew Ryan Jr. when a top aide accused the DA of being soft on mobsters like Bruno. Ryan, a frequent racquetball partner of Bruno's, denied the allegations but retired that year.[1]
In 1991, Bruno was charged with attempted murder in a gang-related shooting in Agawam, Massachusetts, but later acquitted in 1994.[1] Prosecutors claimed that Bruno and co-defendant John J. "Jake" Nettis shot convicted bookmaker Joseph Maruca in a barn owned by Bruno's brother Frank. State prosecutors used reformed Philadelphia crime family hitman Phil Leonetti as a government witness. Nettis was convicted and received a nine- to ten-year state prison sentence.
In 1993, Vito Ricciardi, a Springfield barber, shot at Bruno twice, but missed, outside the Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Club in Springfield over an unpaid debt.[1]
In 1996, Bruno and Francesco J. "Skyball" Scibelli were sentenced to 15 months in prison for illegal gambling.[2]
