About This Book
Through a series of interviews, journalist Mark Rem unravels the life of Sal Rossi, a 91 year-old former Godfather living in a nursing home. From the first day young Sol (later changes his name to Sal) is transferred to a Bronx Catholic high school, a gang of anti-semitic classmates systematically torture him. This experience only toughens a bitter anti-Italian resolve in Sol. As a young adult, triumphing in a conflict while bar tending, Sol meets Dom Fermago who offers a him a lucrative position with his ‘organization,’ located in the Bronx. Although the decision to move back to the Bronx was extremely difficult, the well-paying job was irresistible. So, Sol changes his name to the Italian-sounding - Sal Rossi. Hiding his true heritage, Sal works as a hit-man under the tutelage of Godfather, Joe Ernesto. A high point of his job is when he is ordered to exact revenge on former Italian high school thugs. These anti-semites joined the organization and ultimately betrayed Joe. Joe’s daughter, Mary, plays a key role in softening Sal. He and Mary wed, against Joe’s wishes. As Joe said, “family and business don’t mix.†Before a conflict arises, however, Joe’s death strikes the Ernesto household. Sal, Joe Ernesto’s trusted consigliere, is unanimously elected Godfather.
