The October 2006 arrest of William “Big Billy” D’Elia represnted the culmination of his 40 year involvement with organized crime and signalled the death knell of the Bufalino crime family. D’Elia was born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Billy grew up in the hardworking town while his one-day boss and surrogate father Russell Bufalino rose to become boss of the Pittston Mafia Family. Bufalino was a man of respect, admired and feared in equal measure. Billy would briefly meet the powerful mafioso as a young boy, but would cement his ties to Bufalino when he became his driver in his late teen years.

D’Elia was granted access to the inner sanctum of the Mafia with the sage Bufalino as his guide. D’Elia would drive Bufalino to Buffalo, Philadelphia and New York City and witness Bufalino congregate with fellow bosses, union leaders and entertainers. As time went on, Bufalino saw D’Elia as a possible successor to assume the throne.

“The Life We Chose” functions well as a biography of D’Elia and a further view into the life of Russell Bufalino. Birkbeck(“The Quiet Don”) covers his subjects well and crafts a true crime narrative that is dramatic, tragic, funny and informative.

*The Life We Chose* by Matt Birkbeck is a gripping, no-holds-barred memoir that pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of organized crime. Through the eyes of William "Big Billy" D’Elia, a top Mafia insider, the book dives into decades of power, influence, and secrets—including the infamous disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Packed with larger-than-life characters, shocking revelations, and ties to Hollywood and politics, it’s a must-read for true crime fans and mob history buffs. If you love stories about power, loyalty, and the blurred lines of morality, this one delivers.

I love myself a good mafia tale. I grew up on Goodfellas and The Godfather as an Italian girl I am obsessed!

The LIfe We Chose was a fast-paced interesting read. Even though I think of myself as a mafia expert this book was still fresh as it was told through the perspective of William D'Elia the last boss of the Bufalino family. I could not put this book down.

A great book that will be loved by anyone who is a fan of the genre. The ties to events we all know about are very interesting.

This was a good mafia book by Matt Birkbeck, the 2nd true crime book I’ve read by him. It tells about Billy D’Elia and his history coming up, becoming close to childless mob boss Russell Bufalino. D’Elia began driving Bufalino where he needed to go on a regular basis. They became so close that eventually Bufalino began introducing D’Elia as his boy or son and would later pronounce Billy a “made” man. Lots of mob history and name dropping as Russell was very influential and well known in many areas and types of businesses.