New York Mafia Captain’s Strange New Life 🇺🇸

A New York City Mafia captain who went from mob hitman to epic fink before disappearing into witness protection has popped up once again - in yet another strange new life. Let me tell you about it.
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The Mob Reporter here with the strange evolution of Richard Cantarella, once nicknamed Shellackhead - although apparently never to his face - one of the most important cooperating witnesses against the notorious Five Families of the New York Mafia. Once a powerful mobster, once a rat; once in witness protection, once on reality TV; and today he is president of an American Italian Club in suburban Arizona, running bingo, bocci, dancing and charity rummage sales. All without shedding any of his mobster vibes.
Cantarella was a captain in the Bonanno Family, one of the notorious Five Families of New York City. His nickname was Shellackhead, although apparently never to his face. An interesting story was recently published in the Arizona Republic newspaper and online at AZCentral.com. Reporter Joseph Duhownik sat with Cantarella and his family in the social club where he finally gets to be the boss.
I reported on Cantarella’s mobster past and star turn as government witness over the years. When he became a government cooperator in 2002, he went on to testify on the stand against two bosses of the Bonanno Family - Joe Massino, and Massino’s replacement, Vincent Basciano, known as Vinny Gorgeous. Prosecutors said the Cantarella family finked on more than 30 mobsters from all five of the NY Mafia Families and one from new Jersey, helping secure two dozen convictions.
Canttarella told the feds about the fallout mobsters after Donnie Brasco was introduced into the Bonanno Family, a man they thought was a clever gangster but was really undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone. That’s the story told in the mob movie Donnie Brasco, starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Cantarella was a part of the real-life world the movie depicts.
Watch to hear all about his wild life and what he’s doing now.
CREDITS:
Music is “Warzone” by Anno Domini Beats, “The Moon Drops" by Nathan Moore, and “Bushwick Tarantella” by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/... Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: incompetech.com/;
Joseph Duhownik’s story on Cantarella is in AZCentral.com at www.azcentral.com/story/news/...
Short clip from Donnie Brasco is by Sony Pictures (1997) from the promotional movie trailer, used to show the depiction of the real mobsters in a Hollywood film;
Clips from Unprotected are by Oxygen and are from promotional trailers;
Cantarella’s club promotion is from Sal DiCiccio at / 1392929887107706881
Map animations created using Google Earth Studio
New York at night on bridge video by CityXcape, street sewer video by Pablo Diaz, Brooklyn Bridge from water video and NYC buildings daylight by Kurt Von, NYC inside cab video by Tim Samuel, and Scottsdale Arizona drone Video by Advancer Films, all at Pexels;
New York traffic on Brooklyn Bridge, nighttime signs videos, and Brooklyn Bridge in daylight all by Videvo
Saguaro cactus in Scottsdale photo by Ray Redstone - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Club photos and events from the Arizona American-Italian Club at azaiclub.org
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Thanks for watching!
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Genius jewel heist wrecked by sloppy mistakes": • Genius Jewel Heist Wre...
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[@TheMobReporter]

For insider information, bonus content, early video access, books and other perks, join my Patreon: patreon.com/TheMobReporter

[@petermosherthepoet]

Mob Reporter, you’re the best. When I want to find a good story about the underworld, I go to you. The seriousness of all that you report, as well as the comical side of things, you don’t miss a beat. Thanks for your hard work in making these videos.

[@cams6759]

KZbin is hiding your content from me

[@IBENOUTMYMIND]

We need merch. I would wear a shirt with the logo and "let me tell you about it" on the back.

[@charlesgale4257]

Did you see the club has bingo machines? he is still participating in illegal gambling.

[@TheMobReporter]

@@petermosherthepoet PM, re-reading this with pleasure. Thank you.

[@CoochieGrabberTrump]

"Let me tell you about it" Please do sir

[@Thought.You.Had.A.Friend_74]

I'm dying 😭😂...

[@stormworks4882]

he thinks its too late to get "did" for grassing on the 5 families

[@arealgem9404]

Another 20 years and “ NY Mobsters” will be knocking on doors selling Girl Scout cookies and moonlighting as stand up comedians

[@fearlessjoebanzai]

This "man" is literally the worst of the worst.

[@greggsiano5920]

He could to the crime but not the time !!!

[@classactkirk]

All I can say is WOW! What the he'll is going on? I swear everyday I feel like I'm in the twilight zone.

[@SouthOfSanity79]

It's not the Twilight zone this is modern day America where former mafia members have their own KZbin channel and the Democratic crime syndicate led by the Biden crime family is fucking destroying everything and getting away with it and they've recognized the FBI and the CIA and the ATF all of them. That's normal that's not Twilight zone. All of this is normal now. Until we take it back.

[@minnigmanmad]

Good functioning mafias are slowly becoming a dying breed. Cartels seem to have the upper hand when it comes to consistency and keeping their members in check

[@Raymondapples]

Been waiting for the notification

[@toxicosam]

he got balls to be under the spot light like this after ratting on mobsters.

[@chardin1900]

The Italian mob in the U.S been soft since the GOtti days. After Sammy all rats 🐀 came out.

[@itsjustmyopinionfred831]

"Everybody's money is green"!🤌

[@craxd1]

Yes, those deals that are cut ("you'll work for us now, or it's the slammer"), and "witness protection," have led to much more crime.

[@mrnickisntaprick]

government encourages crime without it government would be unnecessary. Its like a mafia protection racket... government I mean.

[@craxd1]

@@mrnickisntaprick Take, for example, Mr. Bulger, and what he was allowed to do as an informant. That is one thing that I left out, protected informants. Some are used for other nefarious purposes, after a deal, especially against politicos and other governments. Several learned that if they became an informant, they could do business as usual, and not worry about any consequences.

[@jimmybooki4281]

Well someone has to rope in the suckers.

[@davekennedy6315]

Love this, a great and humorous look into a mobsters life after The Life.

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, DK. That was my intent. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@DaveSCameron]

How times have changed and almost to the reverse of the original notion of omerta! 😎

[@Juilliand4545]

Yup. Mob is zero threat these days. Cartels run the show now.

[@gaeldesmontagnesnoires1711]

I see a TMR vid, I click "Like" then I watch.

[@alexanderwilliamson6780]

Rats have nine life's real dogs only get one

[@DaveSCameron]

😉😎

[@TheCryptonaught]

You're talking about cats. Rats are lucky to live ONE full life.

[@Editnamehere]

Oh you’re so tough.

[@flightsimguy1483]

Super 3dgy

[@alexanderwilliamson6780]

@@TheCryptonaught real dogs are loyal! A rat would live 9 different lives you clearly don't have a clue what am talking about

[@matubeful]

Great to hear your voice is back to normal and can now "let me tell you about it" as usual. Appreciate your good work always. Good health to you bro.

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, M2, I appreciate it very much.

[@munizgringo4556]

Great Work 🎯 No Pedestals For Government Cooperating Witnesses 💪💯

[@anthonypie9509]

Another interesting piece from the man with golden voice 🛣️

[@TheMobReporter]

Ahhh, shucks... Thank you, AP.

[@anthonypie9509]

@@TheMobReporter Great work mate

[@sirkatarsirkatar7332]

Always enjoy watching your videos. greetings from the UK

[@TheMobReporter]

Greetings back, SS. Thanks for watching.

[@darrenforest1492]

What a "reality show " that would've been. I just love the quirky presentation yet factual information you provide. Cheers from Australia

[@TheMobReporter]

It seems to be available on paid streaming services online, at least in some regions. If you're interested you should have a look.

[@jimmybooki4281]

I'll wait for the one when he eats a lead sandwich.

[@igotgame1621]

He really didn’t want to go to jail murdered them til he got caught then rated , no honour among thieves

[@JuulOrDie]

I have been to the club for a car show a time or two. Always nice people. Great work Mob Reporter

[@panosgamithis8868]

Loving your work.. "AGAIN"..!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RichardBaran]

Favorite channel on TV. Awesome work.

[@TheMobReporter]

That is great to hear, RB. Thank you. I appreciate your vocal support.

[@sharpshooter012345]

Ngl, I'm addicted to this channel.

[@TheMobReporter]

I’ll allow that, SS.

[@wethenorth269]

Everyone wants the spoils of crime but very few will do the time for the crime they commit.

[@hamzak2181]

The only way one can enjoy the spoils of crime if by not going to jail lmaoo

[@justinspringstun5836]

Shellack head hahaha!!!!

[@jamaljames2578]

Love the video mob reporter keep it up always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@loverandhawa6942]

I think you also watch og shadow is it you or i am worng?

[@13699111]

Thank you for posting all the great videos on your channel

[@TheMobReporter]

You are welcome, 1, thanks for watching them.

[@euanscotland]

Is that a Bannano in your pocket?

[@shawnw5242]

Awsome Video

[@Richking213]

Glad your doing New York Mob reporting🔥💯

[@anthonypeter8280]

You smashed it ounce again! Great channel bro, keep’er up buddy! ✔️

[@Nick-fy1zp]

It's almost the norm

[@---do2qd]

DRAG QUEEN BINGO????? LMAO

[@go5582]

Hi, the mob reporter. Great video.

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, GO. Hello back and thanks for watching.

[@petermosherthepoet]

Absolutely hilarious that clip of Cantarella admonishing his friend for putting the plastic bottle in the wrong bin. “Don’t you care about the environment,” he spits out. I was rolling.

[@jimmybooki4281]

He is rehabilitated.Hooked up with Greta to save the world.🤣🤣🤣

[@nagone11]

lol

[@CanadianTommy]

Another amazing video Adrian, keep up the great work. I'm always eagerly waiting for your next video.

[@jadengrant]

Is he not afraid of being got?

[@jasontodd2647]

Guess not 🤷‍♂️

[@jadengrant]

@Luso do you know where to find Sammy? I don't. I do know exactly where this guy is. Did you think before responding?

[@stonelightning8d965]

Ty for these nice videos 🤝🏻

[@BrazenBreeds]

The mob attracts a lot of narcissistic individuals and Cantarella seems to have displayed those narcissistic traits in just about every area imaginable.

[@someguy7046]

I recently watched the Sopranos again years after the 1st time. The narcissism captured in that show's characters through the lens of humor has exactly the same feel as this episode of The Mob Reporter & that rat's character is as ridiculous as any of the roles played in that show

[@TheMobReporter]

Interesting comparison. I like it.

[@TheMobReporter]

True.

[@dailydoseofsydney]

Awesome upload once again TMR setting the bar very high as usual keep it up my brother 👍

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you TZ!

[@dailydoseofsydney]

@@TheMobReporter 🙏

[@LieutenantDan]

Marone !

[@sujirorecords]

Hope your keeping well mob reporter appreciate the video

[@DaveSCameron]

PS. Well done here and thanks for the upload 😉👋

[@TheMobReporter]

@@DaveSCameron Thanks for watching it, DC.

[@TheMobReporter]

You are welcome, SR. Glad you like it.

[@BalloonSchool]

This is the first time its hard to follow all the story as there are so many different names :)... but I love your videos!

[@billjordan3952]

Arizona is a rat Haven Sammy this guy Bill cottolo Jr all the rats It's My Blue Heaven over there in Arizona

[@C1ark33]

Pretty much got there own rat family out there.

[@henrikschultze1668]

. . . . . . love you'r video's !!!

[@nicetrydick]

Well, you are the mob reporter.

[@daveboss2164]

Everybody's money is green this guy 😂!!

[@bloodyblade916]

They haven't forgotten him !

[@cheddaty5173]

Thanks!

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, CT, much appreciated.

[@mrspero4353]

Welcome to Arizona, home of the witness protection programme 🤣

[@jasontodd2647]

I'm Suprised they don't use that in a Tourist Commerical .

[@oldspecviews]

Rat’s in London are always 1 Meter away so guard -up.

[@gaeldesmontagnesnoires1711]

woopwoop

[@chisel83]

Thanks Adrian. Tell us about it 🤫

[@lavidawithjoey]

Love your content. I'm not subscribed but I watch every video. I thought you went on vacation when youtube was hiding your videos from the front page. I imagine I am not the only person experiencing this

[@TheMobReporter]

I get suppressed with some frequency. I highly recommend subscribing and turning on full bell notifications -- it's the only way to reliably know when I post new videos.

[@lavidawithjoey]

@@TheMobReporter I am now a subscriber! I really appreciate your work so I wanted to make you aware of the circumstances. It's a damn shame they can hide your work from those who are looking for it. Keep on pushing

[@martinedwards4522]

you took an oath!!!

[@HamiltonRb]

Big deal, screw the oath. They are all murderers, con men, thieves, drug dealers & back stabbers anyway, so should be surprised if there are rats too. You want to play in the mud with snakes your going to get bitten.

[@hughmorris00]

the music was really hittin in this episode

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, HM. Thank you.

[@konradschnell6136]

I always thought people who snitched on the mob got wacked. I guess that's only in the movies.....

[@danieljacot3083]

It used to be that way til around the late 90s

[@TheMobReporter]

It got to the point where there were so many, they almost outnumbered the mobsters 😂

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Thx for the steer!!

[@DAC666]

Where did you find that pic of him at the toy land social club? Never seen it before

[@TheMobReporter]

It’s from my own collection of photos I took of FBI photos when I was in New York.

[@TM-yn4iu]

Interesting story, seems to mirror "reality" any more. So happy you are doing well and back - not for just me, moreso you....and your health/voice.

[@thesauce7289]

Fink is slang for a rat in the US? Never heard that word used in that way

[@doosh_magoosh2563]

Fink is an insulting name that commonly refers to someone who informs the police or other authorities when others break the law or the rules-an informant or snitch. It can also be used as a verb in the same way that snitch can.

[@doosh_magoosh2563]

It's old slang

[@thesauce7289]

@@doosh_magoosh2563 oh true thanks for the info. Here in Australia it’s a completely different connotation

[@doosh_magoosh2563]

@@thesauce7289 what does it mean in Australia?

[@thesauce7289]

@@doosh_magoosh2563 one of the main gangs here are the Finks

[@ghostgreen6601]

The grim reaper will be disguised as a drag when he comes to collect.

[@revemuprev241]

He doesn't seem concerned about getting "whacked "

[@johnzee691]

interesting story. why, how, can he still be alive? I would think.... 👍

[@HamiltonRb]

Because the mafia is on life support itself

[@mihnainud115]

Because his enemies are dead or in prison😅

[@TheMobReporter]

@@mihnainud115 And many -- if not most -- became rats themselves.

[@TheMobReporter]

He said that it doesn't matter anymore because many of those he ratted on became rats themselves -- including the underboss and boss of his family. It's not like he is the only or most wanted fink or anything.

[@KeyserSoze685]

Ahhhhh...NY Mafia...almost everyone turns into a Government whiteness when looking at long jail time. Thanks for the report....MOB REPORTER 😎

[@myview5840]

Witness

[@oldspecviews]

Not always true, we only have heard of the Rats the Good fellas we never get to know.

[@billynomates920]

when life gives you lem.......

[@jgazrcnstuff549]

Definitely subbing out dawggy

[@marshalllapenta7656]

GIVE this man a MEDAL!

[@jaymxu]

6:40 It was released by oxygen? WHAT? 😂

[@Stopes.]

Hello Adrian, I just saw your post there about the 9 lives and the 18+ and monetization issues. Great content and work ethic. I’ve been following your work for at least a decade now. On work trips in hotels all over Ontario, I’d be getting my complimentary breakfast, I’d grab the National Post to read and sit with my coffee after breakfast and whenever I’d see your name, I knew it would be worth a read. I figured I’ll throw in a few bucks at least for all the time I’ve spent on and the time you’ve spent providing videos for my entertainment. Keep it up my man. And good luck with the health, hope you get back to 100% ASAP. Keep it up, you got a lot of fans out there. In Canada (shout out ontariyah, I’m a bit north of you, just south of Sudbury) and of course, globally. With a small subsection in Italy I’m sure for your Italy coverage hah. Thanks again. V/r, Stopes

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, man, this is such a nice note. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me about it.

[@Stopes.]

@@TheMobReporter No problem! I wasn’t aware this was going to comment publicly lol. When I bought the thanks tip thing I thought it was just a private note deal to you. No worries though! Have a good one Mr. Mob. Edit: Nice subtle insertion of your “let me tell you about it” motto/tagline there. I like it. Intentional or not, it works. Hah.

[@mullyfla]

Your videos are awesome. Let me tell you...

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, SM!

[@whoareyouyouareclearlylost323]

The world is becoming more and more like a scenario written by a 15 year old wanna be gansta from the suburbs...

[@JSacc]

ShellackHead himself

[@chaddsteinberg3758]

Drag Queen Bingo will go great with tonight’s Sausage & Peckha’s!

[@bobheyotue9850]

What was our facination of “retired” mobsters in reality tv you don’t see ex bikers or gangsters(then again they are usually rappers) doing reality tv shows.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

Damn. As soon as that name clicked, "Cantarella" my ears started ringing.

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

I am wondering what is the definition of Italian language for these guys?

[@DarkCaseDocumentaries]

I make true crime documentaries too - it's given me a whole new respect for what you do!

[@nicholasali2182]

Subbed immediately 🙏🏿

[@DarkCaseDocumentaries]

@@nicholasali2182 thank you Nicholas 🙏

[@kevinberdis161]

Notification gangggg 🔥🔥🔥

[@wex1123]

This guy is trying to be the next Michael Franzese, yet what he has done is way more recent and doesn't watch his back like Mike, you will probably find the guy sitting in that club tomorrow making him a way too easy target

[@alaskansummertime]

Well at least he's concerned about the environment.

[@Imabeatyouman]

Well hey good for him, turning his life around. He did some bad shit but I respect that he’s adapted

[@o0GrayMatters0o]

TELL ME ABOUT IT!

[@GunakillyaOG]

And what's the price for this highly exposed individual I wonder. Lol . Awesome story, I never heard of this little bit of mob history, as we watch it develop and unfold in real time now.

[@TheMobReporter]

There were so many rats from within the Bonanno Family at the time it would be hard to chase them all down.

[@mrbbqcraig]

Obviously didn't make any enemies from ratting 🤔

[@kaynefryday1251]

People change

[@voytech3892]

Multiple murders smh

[@aw6379]

Hopefully they get him

[@connormcgregor6814]

Once again I'm just leaving my comment to help a little bit your chanel.

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, CM.

[@karlashdown5228]

This guy is the probably has nothing to worry about with his own ex-family but there's another Five organisations some still quite active that may want a quick word involving two to the head & one to the heart. I guess there's no ocean's near Arizona or he might have met a few fishy characters of his ilk whilst taking a long-term nap. Great piece funny & informative as always Boss, always a pleasure watching The Mob Reporter.

[@Nick-fy1zp]

it will often take years b4 anyone associated in way shape or form will allow anything to happen to the person like this guy.

[@karlashdown5228]

@@Nick-fy1zp It may not happen to him even as rules like Omerta & not hitting family members have been thrown out with the passage of time in the so called Honorable Societies. What gets me is how nobody has done it sooner it's not like he's in hiding but as the line goes "It will come when least expected" either that or someone will just knock him off for being the King Of Stool Pigeons & a male Karen to boot. You have a good day man.

[@cameron1988]

The mobster life is trash. You will be taken out by your own crime family one way of the other. If you take a look at all the history, one is killed by one they know. Or ratted out.

[@karlashdown5228]

@@cameron1988 Correct but sadly they are insidious as any form of parasitic life popping up when least wanted or expected & some even embrace what these miscreants do as glamorous especially with the Drugs & Money made from etc... The reality is somewhat different as channels like TMR highlight. You have a good day.

[@ajdecaomusic]

Crazy

[@georgefloyd4143]

Thanks. I was wondering when you'd make a video about the CIA

[@spilledfeed]

[@stuffandjunkandthings364]

This guy is just begging to not come home one night. Too many guys did time (or are still doing it) because of him, I don't think making my location, face, and schedule public knowledge is a particularly smart move.

[@henrikschultze1668]

let me hear about it . . . . .

[@lot6129]

CANTARELLA BROTHERS!!

[@Liferoad371]

He looks like he has never seen the inside of a gym in his life yet he is 88 years old. 😮 Must be the olive oil.

[@kooskoos8181]

Wow, what a joke.

[@somethingextra7336]

I live in Phoenix I’m gonna pull up to there an ask if they serve rats