Rosario Morale – “He’s No Lay Down Sally”

Although a very low-profile guy all his life, Sally was identified by law enforcement and indicted on criminal contempt charges repeatedly in the late 1960s by a Nassau grand jury investigating the Bonanno Family, the ensuing conflict, and several related gangland murders.

Rosario (Sally Burns) Morale was born in 1916. He was a lifelong resident of Little Italy and resided for many years at 235 Elizabeth Street in Manhattan.

FBI # 856285, NYPD # B-121066

Rosario Morale

By the mid-1960s, Morale had been identified by authorities as a “soldier” in the Bonanno Family.

He was the brother of former underboss John (Johnny Burns) Morale. He also had a son Salvatore (Sally Pens) who followed him into “The Life.” He was also related through marriage to former capo Vito Bonventre.

Morale's activities included gambling (policy and card games,) extortion, and stolen goods. Over the years, he held an interest in a Little Italy florist shop and operated a private social club on Elizabeth Street, where he was a daily fixture.

His criminal associates included:

• Joseph Bonanno • Giovanni Morale - His brother and the Family member who most probably sponsored his induction. • Carmine (Lilo) Galante • Peter Di Palermo - Top Lucchese member.

Among the Family’s soldiers, Sally was known to be close to:

• Michael Sabella • Frank D’Angelo • Jerry Chilli • Anthony Parisi • John Campanella

Following his brother Johnny’s lead, Sally stayed loyal to Joe Bonanno during the “Banana War” conflict of the mid-1960s.

Although a very low-profile guy all his life, Sally was identified by law enforcement and indicted on criminal contempt charges repeatedly in the late 1960s by a Nassau grand jury investigating the Bonanno Family, the ensuing conflict, and several related gangland murders.

After being given immunity, when he still refused to answer questions citing his Fifth Amendment privilege, he was arrested and thrown in Nassau County jail, where he served multiple, revolving 30-day sentences.

Subsequently, it went from bad to worse. In 1972, he and Paul Vario were again indicted for the 1968-1969 “bribing” of 24 varied corrections officers to illegally smuggle in Italian specialty foods, prostitutes, liquor, and drugs to ease their jail stay and that of fellow mobsters from the Five Families.

After launching a two-year undercover investigation at the jail, it became a major scandal that resulted in the indictment and/or dismissal of dozens more prison guards for bribery and corruption and a total shakeup and re-structuring of that jail system.

“Sally Burns” Morale, although active, was always in his brother’s shadow, never achieving the Family status or influence John had. Nonetheless, Sally was known in the neighborhood to be a very friendly and approachable mafioso, nonetheless, and well-liked. He lived until the age of 78, dying in 1994.

Rosario Morale – “He’s No Lay Down Sally”

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Rosario Morale – “He’s No Lay Down Sally”

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Racketeer Snapshot: Lucchese Family Soldier Carlo Piccioli

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