Stefano Bontade | |
---|---|
Born | Stefano Bontate 23 April 1939 Palermo, Italy |
Died | 23 April 1981 Palermo, Italy | (aged 42)
Cause of death | Multiple gunshots wounds |
Body discovered | In a car |
Nationality | Italian |
Other names | Principe di Villagrazia, Il Falco |
Allegiance | Sicilian Mafia |
Stefano Bontade (23 April 1939 – 23 April 1981), born Stefano Bontate, was a powerful member of the Sicilian Mafia. He was the boss of the Santa Maria di Gesù Family in Palermo. He was also known as the Principe di Villagrazia (Prince of Villagrazia) − the area of Palermo he controlled − and Il Falco (the Falcon).[1] He had links with several powerful politicians in Sicily, and with prime minister 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.