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The Bonanno home at 255 Sierra Vista Drive is only a
few blocks away from his Elm Street home which was razed to make way
for a widened Campbell on the East side of the University of Arizona
Medical Center complex. 1-04.
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The Bonanno crypt is in the back of the monument
directly behind the 3555 North Oracle Road entrance to the Holy Hope
Cemetary in Tucson. 1-04.
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Bonanno, Joseph
(1905.01.18-2002.05.12)
Mafia godfather.
 Lived in Tucson
 Died in Tucson
Many famous figures in Arizona history came to the state for
their health. When the model for the title character in Mario Puzo's
The Godfather was forced into "retirement" by an internal
Mafia conflict in the 1960's he too came to Arizona for his health.
 The godfather in exile took
up residence at 1847 E. Elm, north of the University of Arizona Medical
Center in Tucson, and declared himself in retirement. Though
appearing unremarkable, the five story brick home had some interesting
features. Fake bricks on exterior walls offered secret views of the
outside. Inside, two small secret rooms including one off the master
bedroom afforded the godfather a hiding place should his retirement not be
honored.
In the 1970's, Bonanno moved to 255 Sierra Vista Drive, where
it is suggested that he continued to oversee worldwide underworld
activities and dodge federal agents.
Bonanno died of natural causes at the age of 97. About
500 people, many with blood ties to noted La Cosa Nostra clans, attended
the funeral mass at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Tucson.
His casket was placed in a crypt next to his wife.
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