Anthony ‘Tony’ Musitano of the Musitano crime family has passed away at the age of 72.
The cause of death has not been disclosed according to multiple reports. The Musitano family based in Hamilton is part of the Calabrian Mafia also known as the Ndrangheta. Anthony was the brother of former mob boss Dominic Musitano and uncle to Pasquale (Pat) Musitano and Angelo Musitano. Angelo and Pat took control of the organized crime family after Dominic’s death in 1995. In 2017 Angelo was gunned down in a mafia-style hit outside of his home. It’s still unclear as to the motive behind the hit although some experts believe it may have been retaliation for past deeds or perhaps an internal mafia power struggle for control of the Hamilton underworld. Pat has also been targeted in recent years but unlike his brother has been successful at evading those efforts.
Back in 1983, Anthony was convicted of conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to cause explosions in connection with a series of bombings that targeted local businesses. He was sentenced to 15 years behind bars and while he was away he was charged with orchestrating the murder of Toronto mobster Dominic Racco. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and was sentenced to 12 more years in prison to run concurrently. He would finally make his way back to the streets after being paroled back in 1990.
He never acknowledged any involvement or even knowledge of the Hamilton Mafia or any other organized crime family. During a 1988 interview he said “If there is (a Mafia), I don’t know about it. As far as myself being involved in an organized crime family, never have been and never will be — if there is such a thing.” The funeral for Anthony Musitano is expected to take place over the weekend according to various reports.
