Garafolo was born in 1891 in Castellammare Del Golfo, a town in the province of Trapani which was known for it's massive Mafia activity. The Garafolo's were related, amongst others, to the Bonanno family. Garafolo left Sicily in 1910 and headed for New York where he would become a wholesaler and importer of cheese. In 1926 he was arrested for the first time for bootlegging. He was described as a man who loved opera, good food and a lively conversation. He also was the owner of High Grade Packing Co. in California and was a wealthy man. He eventually became a naturalized citizen in 1931.