Remembering Don Stefano

(Editor's Note: As we get into the dog days of summer and news is a bit slow, I have been working on collection stories/writing an off-the-beaten path tour guide that should become a book. I will share one piece at a time. Submissions, suggestions and stories are welcome.)

The legend of Don Stefano

Stefano Maggadino was known in the community as “The Undertaker.” Hey, it was no big deal. His family ran a funeral parlor. It was also involved in vending, trucking, union management, construction, grocery supply. 

Maggadino was loved by some, loathed by some and feared by all. As much as law enforcement came for him, nothing ever seemed to stick. He died in 1974.

There are numerous stories about his legacy, some of which may be true.

Here’s one:

In the early 1970s, Don Stefano was under consistent surveillance, investigation and prosecution. There was infighting as some people thought Maggadino hadn’t been sharing enough profits.

Stefano avoided prosecution because of cardiac issues often being too sick to appear in court.

In about 1970 or so, he was at Niagara Falls Memorial for treatment when a pair of nurses were helping him bathe.

They excitedly chattered about one of them getting married on Saturday at St. Joseph’s on Pine Avenue.

“I will come to your wedding,” Maggadino allegedly said.

The women grew nervously quiet. How do you tell the mafia leader his presence would make you nervous?

Saturday came. Maggadino did not show. Until after, as the bride and groom and wedding party celebrated post ceremony, a Lincoln came by.

The rear window went down and the groom was called over. Maggadino handed him an envelope with $1,000 in it. If it happened in 1970, $1,000 adjusted for inflation would be worth about $8,300 today.