John Avena
? to 1936.

Avena took over the Philadelphia Mafia Family after founding boss Salvatore Sabella stepped down at the conclusion of the Castellammarese War in 1931. The Philly Mob had sided with the momentarily victorious Maranzano faction in that underworld conflict.

Avena appears to have had Sabella's full support as boss, but a rebellious faction arose in the region. That group was led by the Lanzetti brothers. A civil war erupted in the Family during the mid-1930s.

The Lanzetti brothers are believed to have been responsible for the shooting death of Avena at the corner of Washington and Passyunk Avenues in 1936. Joseph "Bruno" Dovi succeeded Avena as boss.

Related Links:

• Crime boss listing

© 2007 T.Hunt
The American "Mafia"