The Castellammarese War involved two ambitious rivals who vowed to become the Boss of Bosses in New York City. Salvatore Maranzano was a very sophisticated Sicilian who spoke seven languages and looked more like a banker than a mobster. Giuseppe Masseria was a crude figure who had became Boss after taking over the old Morello crime syndicate. By early 1931 Masseria defections combined with the attrition of Masseria followers made Maranzano the favorite to gain total supremacy in the gang war. The murders of Masseria Boss Al Mineo and Steve Ferrigno were crucial as events played out to soon make Salvatore Maranzano the Boss of Bosses.