He flew to Houston on March 15 for heart bypass surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. Share to let others add their own memories and condolences. Trafficante was apprehended in November 1957, along with over 60 other mobsters, at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New York. Indeed, he owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreclosures to local banks, which he says treat him "like I had leprosy" because of Key Bank. One of the last surviving mobsters from the Luciano era, he died of heart disease in a Houston, Texas, hospital in 1987. Please try again later. Trafficantes father was the lucky survivor of what was called the Era of Blood, when rival gangs based in Tampa fought for control of Prohibition-era nightclubs and, crucially, the local numbers rackets called bolitas. Battling Mob rivals in South Florida essentially weakened each other financially and, through murder, the number of available soldiers. He escaped conviction all but once, receiving a five-year sentence for bribery in 1954, but his conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court before he entered prison. Send your deepest condolences with fresh flowers. Our thoughts and prayers with you. All the convictions were overturned on appeal in 1960. Try again later. The beachfront properties were the site of many parties and barbecues. While shouldering the legacy of his father and. To add further credence to this theory of JFKs assassination, famed prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi (who also wrote the infamous true crime novel on the Manson Family, Helter Skelter), who penned Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, quoted a witness who said that New Orleans boss Marcello had quipped: The dog [JFK] will keep biting you if you only cut off its tail [RFK]., The final piece of evidence for the theory that Santo Trafficante was involved in JFKs assassination was a witness who reported that the mobster had once said himself that JFK not going to make it to the [1964] election. [1] Trafficante maintained several residences in New York City and Florida. Getty ImagesSanto Trafficante was wanted in 48 states by the time he was 43. Nicknames: The Silent Don Santo Trafficante 5 10 (1.78 m) Born November 15, 1914 Tampa, Florida, USA Died March 17, 1987 Spouse Josephine Marchese April 17, 1938 - March 17, 1987 (his death, 2 children) Publicity listings 2 Portrayals Did you know Edit Trivia Represented by Frank Ragano. In the early 1980s Trafficante was ensnared in two major cases that could have sent the aging don to prison for the first time in his life, apart from his time in the Triscornia detention camp in Cuba following Castros takeover in 1959. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Trafficantes partnership with Batista was profitable for both parties and so the mobsters fate became inextricably tied to that of Cubas political climate. Born: November 15, 1914, Tampa, Florida Santo Jr. succeeded his father as the boss of Tampa upon his death. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime's history and impact on American society. Seven people were murdered. He dropped out of high school before the 10th grade. Harris & Ewing/Library of Commons/Wikimedia Commons. [22], sfn error: no target: CITEREFDouglass2010 (, Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 15:02, United States House Select Committee on Assassinations, Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, "With Santo Trafficante, an era is ending", "SANTO TRAFFICANTE, REPUTED MAFIA CHIEF, DIES AT 72", "Why mob bigs who met to crown a king had to run like roaches", "For Sale, a House WithAcreage.Connections Extra;Site of 1957 Gangland Raid Is Part of Auction on Saturday", "20 Apalachin Convictions Ruled Invalid On Appeal", "Narcotic Traffic Called Topic In Apalachin Talks", Memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence, Subject: Roselli, Johnny, "Witness denies assassination, Cuba tied", "Mafia Linked In JFK Probe; By Cuban Exile", "Hoffa Lawyer: Jimmy Recruited Mob for JFK Hit", "Lawyer Says Hoffa Told 2 Mob Bosses to Have President Kennedy Killed", "Frank Ragano, 75, Lawyer for Mob and Hoffa", "The Sins of the Godfather? Scott M. Deitche, Mob Museum Advisory Council member and mob http://www.scottdeitche.com/books.htmlauthor of Tampa's favorite books, Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld & The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jror Manny Leto, previous Editor of Cigar City Magazine and Tampa historian, will guide you on a 1.5 -2 hour walking tour to old gambling palaces, street corners, and alleys where some mobsters met their demise, and restaurants where wise guys, like famed boss Santo Trafficante Jr, held court. Oops, something didn't work. Trafficante Jr. was nonetheless a ruthless and old-school mob boss. While the senior Trafficante had been a major mobster in his own right, nobody could have expected the heights that were going to be reached by his son. [15][16] He stated he was chosen by Hoffa because, as both Hoffa and Trafficante's lawyer, he could be assured of attorneyclient privilege. Or does he just look like one? [19] He claimed three witnesses could support his statement that he met Trafficante in Tampa, but refused to name them, adding: "One guy is afraid of retaliation. Thanks for your help! While he had several close calls with law enforcement including the famed FBI, Late in life LoScalzo denied any connections to organized crime. With over 30 years experience in the field of Mechanics, I will work with you on a personal basis, I will discuss with you your specific needs pertaining to your motorcycle. Please reset your password. He was a well-respected boss, even among the far larger New York crime families. Sorry! He worked to expand the crime familys business holding and territory he was particularly interested in Cuba as a location for gambling, hotels and night clubs and worked to cement good ties with his fellow mobsters in. While the plot never came to fruition, Trafficante later testified that he did help the CIA recruit other mobsters for the surreal plot. THE CHARLIE WALL STORY Kingpin Charlie Wall (center holding bottle, right of child) and his notorious gang. After that, he ordered casino owners to cough up employee back pay, then shut them down again. [18] According to Ragano, he met Hoffa at the Teamsters' headquarters in Washington, DC, then delivered the message to Trafficante and Marcello in a meeting at the Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans. "The Mob? U.S. Treasury Department documents indicate that law enforcement believed Trafficante's legitimate business interests to include several legal casinos in Cuba; a Havana drive-in movie theater; and shares in several restaurants and bars in Trafficante's hometown of Tampa, Florida. "[1][13] He stated that he was positive that he did not say it because he always spoke to Aleman in Spanish, and said that there was no way to state the phrase in Spanish. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. The report was given to the District Attorney's office. Getting in bed with Trafficante and other leading members of Americas organized crime seems like a strange thing to do for the CIA. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. From bolitaan illegal version of the now-legal Florida lotteryto narcotics, Tampas experience with organized crime is as notable as Chicagos or New Yorks. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Bankruptcy court documents show that Trafficante is owed $500,000 by a business partner. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. "I'm in the I.O.U. The CIA came to Trafficante, and asked for his help in enlisting the Mafia to assassinate the Cuban leader. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? He had a big heart and will be missed. Perched on the edge of a leather chair in his attorney's office, Santo J. Trafficante III wears a pained expression on his jowly face. Rosselli later claimed to be involved with or to actually be a shooter in a Mob conspiracy to kill President John F. Kennedy, and some accounts have Trafficante involved in the alleged, and unproven, conspiracy. Santo Trafficante Jr. was a reserved, modest man married to the same woman for 49 years. When Fidel Castro began his ascent to power in the 1950s, Santo Trafficante feared the radical Marxist revolutionary wouldnt cooperate with him. [5][6] Cuba was one of the Apalachin topics of discussion, particularly the gambling and narcotics smuggling interests of La Cosa Nostra on the island. Share Santo's life story with friends and family. On the day that investigators raided Key Bank, a cardiologist at St. Joseph's Hospital was inserting a catheter in Trafficante's groin. He drove a forklift for 20 years. Upon his return to the United States, he became determined to bring down the man who ended his empire. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Santo Jr.'s daughters still owns 3610, where Santo spent time when he wasn't in Tampa or Miami. "They'll sleep under trees on you.". "You hope things will just disappear two or three years from now.". Santo Trafficante Jr. continued to develop his interests in Cuba serving as Luciano and Lanskys local liaison. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. [4] All were fined, up to $10,000 each, and given prison sentences ranging from three to five years. After Fidel Castro's revolutionary government seized the assets of Trafficante's Cuban businesses and expelled him from the country as an "undesirable alien," Trafficante came into contact with various US intelligence operatives, and was involved in several unsuccessful plans to assassinate Castro. So is Santo Jose Trafficante III a mobster? He has thought about it. Those were some of the greatest memories growing up. "Banks are my greatest enemy. ", Christopher Sabella elected as Hillsborough Countys next chief judge, Tampa man arrested in death of person found in apartment with unharmed infant, deputies say, Suspect in Hillsborough slaying of woman IDd, man known as Ya Dig, deputies say, After nearly a century of fixing Tampas flat tires, downtown Firestone closes, Under investigation, HART CEO proposes settlement, payout and exit, Dead body found in Hillsborough apartment with unharmed infant, deputies say, NAACP wants reparations for Tampas Black cemeteries that governments stole, Latin Kings gang leaders among 21 arrested in Hillsborough drug operation, sheriff says, Estimated 630,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Hillsborough River, records show, Tampa man who was first to face trial for Florida voter fraud in 2020 election gets probation. But considering the fiercely anti-Soviet atmosphere of the Cold War, its not that hard to believe. Desr Gerry, please know that I am thinking of you and never forget the kindness bestowed on me in my difficult time but especially the generosity and affection shown to my daughter and grandson. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. He is hardly the "Dapper Don." This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. My aim is to provide you with the best Service experience for you and your motorcycle. After his father died in 1954, he became the head in Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba. For all the power he wielded, Trafficante was often described as quiet and reserved. Dr. Dennis Pupello was looking for heart disease, brought on by his overweight and diabetic patient's "voracious eating.". Santo Trafficante Jr Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Trafficante Jr. controlled his Tampa-based crime network for over three decades. [13] During his testimony, Trafficante also admitted for the first time that he had worked with the CIA from 1960 to 1961 for an attempt to poison Castro but stated that his role was only as an interpreter between CIA officials and Cuban exiles. It never did exist.". His sons, Dino and Joseph, run it for him, though he worries that sometimes they don't work hard. The elder Trafficante set up illegal casinos in Cuba in the 1940s, which were sanctioned by Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. In the mid-2000s, he would say he was a legitimate businessman, citing, Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo - De Facto Boss of the Chicago Outfit, Giacomo Black Jack Tocco - Last of the Old School Detroit Partnership, Joseph Iacobacci - "Joe Loose" of the Cleveland Mob, John "Sonny" Franzese - A Colombo Family Legend. In January 1963, he married Geraldine Valenti, the daughter of J.C. Valenti, who owned a thriving produce business. Reputed 'boss of bosses' dies at 72 TAMPA, Fla, "' Trafficante dies at age 72 TAMPA. For the last 20 years, everyone knew her as JuJu. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Scott M. Deitche is the author of six books on organized crime, including a biography of Santo Trafficante Jr., and has written dozens of articles on organized crime for magazines and newspapers. Santo Trafficante Jr. had long followed in his fathers footsteps, and proved to be an even more effective Mafia kingpin. His son was turned away from a date's house and his daughter has been refused jobs. More troubling for Trafficante was a court document that listed him for the first time as "a member of the Trafficante crime family.". Our deepest condolences to the Trafficante family. You have been in pain too long. Though his prison sentence wasnt long and he returned to a strong position in Florida, Trafficante never forgave Castro. Santos married Josephine Marchese in 1938, they would have two daughters. After the death of his wife, the Trafficante family sold their Tampa 1970-built home for $950,000. In addition, "on January 23, 1958 the Cuban Department of Investigation, Havana, Cuba notified the Bureau of Narcotics that Santo Trafficante was registered in their Alien Office under No. His son, Santo Trafficante Jr., took over the crime family and became tangled in a web of conspiracies to kill the leader of revolutionary Cuba and, it is rumored, President John F. Kennedy. She touched all who knew her, and upon meeting her, she would embrace you, and you would instantly become part of the family. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Donnie Brasco. Claiming association with the CIA, Roselli knew of Trafficantes vendetta and told his new pal that the U.S. government also wanted to take down Castros Communist regime. However, by the late 1920s, facing little pressure, Sicilian gangsters began setting up lucrative gambling and narcotics rackets. The mafiosos that made up the family are either retired, in prison, or have died due to old age. Year should not be greater than current year. One bank filed suit in November against him and a business partner, alleging that they defaulted on an $85,000 loan for a piece of property. In a final disappointment, he sold a filly named "Run Marisa Run" (after his daughter) for $7,500. Mob Lawyer Frank Ragano Says He Knows Who Killed JFK", "Book alleges plot to kill JFK in Tampa, cover-up", "At Santo Trafficante auction, a chance to buy a piece of Tampa's mob history", Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, Associated Press report on Trafficante's death, "Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life" By Robert Lacy, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Santo_Trafficante_Jr.&oldid=1140940042, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 15:02. Santo Jr. was indicted several times through the 1950s but was convicted only once, on state charges in 1954 for bribery, and that conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court. Then, check out these photos of the aftermath from some of the bloodiest mob hits. A car registered to former state attorney and current state appellate judge E.J. [3] Trafficante moved to Cuba in 1955, where he came into contact with Batista and Meyer Lansky. RIP Santo. Anthony Accardo & Santo Trafficante Jr - Labor Union Kickbacks (1977- 1981)https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/05/us/16-indicted-over-union-fund-use.htmlCredit:. based on information from your browser. Finally, in 1987, Trafficante died at the age of 72. Undercover detectives ran a gambling sting operation there, hoping to nab a circle of Tampa men they said were making illegal sports bets. Instead of Italian suits, he wears horizontally striped golf shirts. And despite relatively small time beginnings, Trafficante proved to be a shrewd mobster. He was going to be hit.. Born Tampa, Florida March 24, 1920 Under pressure of a court order granting him immunity from prosecution, but threatening him with contempt if he refused to talk, Santos admitted to a Congressional committee in 1975 that he had in the early 1960s recruited other mobsters to assassinate Castro. Hey, they have more convicts at the track than straight people," Trafficante says. [5] "He's very creative in terms of the combination of things he eats," Alessi says. Santo Trafficante, Sr., the powerful Trafficante crime family's patriarch, was born on May 28, 1886, in Alexandria Della Rocca, Sicily. Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 16th, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, with service to follow at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL. He moved to Cuba in 1955 where he met the countrys authoritarian ruler Fulgencio Batista. Ed Giorandino/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesSanto Trafficante arrives at Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo Paniello and Sarah Ann Valdes; her grandchildren, Dr. Santo Paniello and wife Susan; Dina Smith and husband Don; Melissa Castellana and husband John; and Valerie Cordell and husband Ian; her great-grandchildren, Michael Sierra, Elizabeth Paniello, Sam Paniello, Christopher Paniello, Christina Castellana, Augie Castellana, Alexa Cordell, Anna Cordell Drew Smith, Allison Hunt and husband Joey; as well as endless extended family. ". During a recent trip to Lake Tahoe he bought two basketballs autographed by Michael Jordan. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. She was a wonderful cook, and she loved to crochet and travel with her husband, but she lived her life for her family. The Trafficante family formed a strong alliance with the Batista government in Cuba and profited from their investments, although they never achieved the goal of dominating gambling on the island. TAMPA CRIME BOSS SANTO TRAFFICANTE JR PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN THRILLER MAFIA SPIES. In 1959, the Cuban Revolution toppled the corrupt Batista government and the rebel leader, Fidel Castro, nationalized foreign-owned properties and shuttered the casinos, a huge financial blow to Trafficante, who was second only to Meyer Lansky in the depth of his investments in Havana. The Unbelievable Story Of Richard Lee McNair The Man Who Mailed Himself Out Of Prison, What JFK's Mob-Affiliated Mistress May Have Known About His Assassination, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. [7], In January 1958, Trafficante was questioned by the Cuban police regarding the Apalachin meeting. I think it was a case of mistaken identity.. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. However, LoScalzo was nonetheless able to expand the families criminal reach into new locations across Florida, and took advantage of alliances with other Mafia families to ensure the mob maintained its hold on criminal activities. He walked outside and got into a 1951 Mercury sedan driven by one of his associates. I laughed _ until I realized it was a total f------ disaster," Trafficante says. Trafficante enjoyed life in Cuba, developed a relationship with its strongman, the dictator Fulgencio Batista, and helped the Trafficante Crime family garner even more profits from its legitimate gambling operations there. Harris & Ewing/Library of Commons/Wikimedia CommonsCuban leader Fulgencio Batista in Washington, D.C. in 1938. You'll learn about bolita, the rumored tunnels of Ybor, and the Era of Blood. "I thought all this would end when my uncle died. tampa crime boss santo trafficante jr plays a central role in thriller 'mafia spies' Bolita , Mob Hits , Scott M. Deitche , Tampa Mafia SANTO TRAFFICANTE SR, A 'Sicilian of the Old School,' RULED TAMPA'S UNDERWORLD FOR MORE THAN A DECADE! Husband of Private I thought you might like to see a memorial for Santo Trafficante Jr. This is a carousel with slides. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Trafficante enjoyed life in Cuba, developed a relationship with its strongman, the dictator Fulgencio Batista, and helped the Trafficante Crime family garner even more profits from its legitimate gambling operations there.