At this point in our collective history, we're not sure anyone would be surprised to learn that there is, in fact, something called The Mafia. What you might be surprised to learn, however, is how prevalent-even rampantorganized crime in Tampa was in the early and mid-20th century. TAMPA CRIME BOSS SANTO TRAFFICANTE JR PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN THRILLER MAFIA SPIES. She touched all who knew her, and upon meeting her, she would embrace you, and you would instantly become part of the family. The CIA came to Trafficante, and asked for his help in enlisting the Mafia to assassinate the Cuban leader. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. She lived an exciting life dividing her time between her multiple family members and friends in Tampa, Miami and Havana. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. "If my uncle knew I was talking to the press, Christ, he'd shoot me," Trafficante says, half-laughing. 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. But those werent even their most ridiculous ideas. 0 cemeteries found in Ybor City, Hillsborough County, Florida, USA. But according to declassified documents released in 1992, Santo Trafficante Jr. made a deathbed confession of his involvement in the Presidents murder. When you think of Florida and organized crime, it is difficult to avoid conjuring up images of Tony Montana in Scarface, or the heyday of Miami Vice. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Florida Today, Santo Trafficantes criminal legacy lives on through his nephew and namesake, Santo Trafficante III, who was charged with organized fraud in 1992. wills o' nats last of the summer wine. [3] Trafficante moved to Cuba in 1955, where he came into contact with Batista and Meyer Lansky. Other Mafia leaders, as well as newer organized crime networks, took over many of the rackets the family ran throughout the 20th Century. Sorry! He dropped out of high school and spent time in New York learning the trade from some of the countries toughest mobsters. Chris and I will never forget Santo's presence at Leia's welcome home party. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. The idea behind the assassination wasnt just to punish JFK but also to get his brother off the Mobs back. 2023, Tampa Mafia. And the Trafficante Crime family found out that it had an unusual ally in their concerns about Castro: the Central Intelligence Agency. We found ourselves in a love affair with Tony Soprano and we could not stop watching. While he had several close calls with law enforcement including the famed FBI, Late in life LoScalzo denied any connections to organized crime. Harris & Ewing/Library of Commons/Wikimedia Commons. [8] Allusions to these historic connections were confirmed by the CIA's 2007 declassification of the "Family Jewels" documents. Let others know about your loved one's death. You and Santo will always have a special place in my heart. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. In 1963, the Mob allegedly had enough of Kennedy. Afterwards, the son he had groomed to take his place, Santo Trafficante Jr., took the reins of the Trafficante crime family. His health had declined in his later years. He was the lynchpin in Tampa Charlie Wall The Kefauver hearings arrived in Tampa in December of 1950. In 1946, Santo Sr. sent his son, already a family underboss, to Cuba to invest in the growing number of nightclubs and casinos in the island nation. When you think of Florida and organized crime, it is difficult to avoid conjuring up images of Tony Montana in. He will be sorely missed and his heart of gold will be remembered by all who new him. On March 17, 1987, Trafficante died at the age of 72 at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston where he had gone for heart surgery. Trafficante Jr. controlled his Tampa-based crime network for over three decades. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. I think it was a case of mistaken identity.. He has been featured on the History Channel, A&E, Discovery Channel, AHC, Oxygen Network and many local and national news shows. The gunmen drove off, unaware they had failed to kill Trafficante, merely grazing his arm. Trafficante admitted his anti-Castro activities to the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978, and vehemently denied allegations that he had knowledge of a plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. ", 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. [13] Trafficante also stated that he had no recollection of meeting Oswald or Oswald's assassin, Jack Ruby. She was a native of Tampa, a second-generation Sicilian immigrant who grew up in Ybor city. As we all know, he was right, and Kennedy was assassinated by a sniper in November 1963. Please reset your password. He drove a forklift for 20 years. "I'm in the I.O.U. He sought treatment for stomach cancer and was ready to hand power over to a trusted lieutenant. He walked outside and got into a 1951 Mercury sedan driven by one of his associates. Trafficante along with 56 other mobsters was arrested in New York while discussing what to do about the recent death of Gambino family head, Albert Anastasia. Over the next 30-plus years, Trafficante, Jr. rose to oversee Mafia operations across the state of Florida. Make sure that the file is a photo. Trafficante's appetite and his legal woes seem linked like the strands of a cruller. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. His business ventures have not always been successful. 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. Like Trafficante Jr. before him, had many close calls with law enforcement, but always escaped serious charges. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. I laughed _ until I realized it was a total f------ disaster," Trafficante says. Frank Ragano and Santo Trafficante Jr. (right). He is just a businessman, he says, his money tied up in wholesale automobiles, an orange grove and real estate. According to some, he was even involved in the infamous assassination of President John F. Kennedy. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. 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. It wasn't somebody going into a back room to kiss somebody's ring. Santos Trafficante Jr. was the son of Santos Trafficante Sr., who owned several casinos in Havana. That horse won $161,080 for its new owners, according to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Santo, Jr. never spent a day in jail, and he died of natural causes in 1987. Santo Trafficante Jr. was a reserved, modest man married to the same woman for 49 years. Now in his late 70s or early 80s, LoScalzo is reported to be retired. Santo Trafficante Jr. had long followed in his fathers footsteps, and proved to be an even more effective Mafia kingpin. There was an error deleting this problem. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Castellana, Malio Iavarone, FrankCookie Fava, Antonino Marchese, Derek Iavarone, Frank Albano, Drew Smith, Joey Hunt, Michael Sierra, Tony Marchese, Peter Albano, Mario Pullara, Frank Miranda, Dino Trafficante, and Joseph Trafficante. He is hardly the "Dapper Don." Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. [2] Trafficante Jr. would frequently meet with Lucchese in New York City for dinner.[2]. Join us for this one-of-a-kind walking tour of Tampa's most storied neighborhood. But Santo knew who was behind the killing a rival Mafia faction. Trafficante was jailed and deported when Fidel Castro rose to power, leading him to spend a good portion of his adult life hatching a plan of revenge. The Trafficante Family Under Santo Junior . After months of wiretapped phone conversations, investigators seized boxloads of documents, some with Trafficante's name on them. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Santo Trafficante Jr. continued to develop his interests in Cuba serving as Luciano and Lanskys local liaison. THE CHARLIE WALL STORY Kingpin Charlie Wall (center holding bottle, right of child) and his notorious gang. It never did exist.". After the death of his wife, the Trafficante family sold their Tampa 1970-built home for $950,000. GREAT NEWS! Some people also alleged that Trafficante Jr played a role in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy due to his anti-organized crime efforts, but Trafficante Jr. always denied it. "I still don't think I did anything wrong," Trafficante says. Don Santo Trafficante Jr. the godfather from Tampa, Florida, USA. Finally, after the infamous failed Bay of Pigs Invasion, the CIA gave up on their attempts to kill the Cuban dictator and thus Trafficantes attempts at revenge never materialized. He dressed nicely but not ostentatiously, and his choice of cars was never flashy. He has thought about it. Mobster Johnny Rosselli, who worked for both Trafficante and the Chicago Outfit, was another associate involved in the unsuccessful efforts to kill Castro and, according to some biographies, was the man who put Trafficante and Giancana together with Maheu. 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. 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. Those were some of the greatest memories growing up. Try again. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista in Washington, D.C. in 1938. He had a big heart and will be missed. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. My uncle, never wore a ring," Trafficante says. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Try again later. He moved to Cuba in 1955 where he met the countrys authoritarian ruler Fulgencio Batista. Trafficante Sr. passed away four years later, leaving Jr. his Tampa and Cuba-based criminal empire. All the while, he lives in a palatial lakeside compound in rural northwest Hillsborough. Failed to remove flower. He was again called to testify in April 1976 on the alleged conspiracy to kill Kennedy, but Rosselli never made it: His body was found in a barrel floating in Biscayne Bay off the coast of Florida. Died: March 17, 1987, Houston, Texas 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. Many fond memories of Santo will continue with me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Whether or not a Mafia conspiracy was behind the assassination of Kennedy is still up for debate. As Jimmy Hoffas former lawyer Frank Ragano would later recall, Jimmy told me to tell [New Orleans boss Carlos] Marcello and Trafficante they had to kill the president. The original Malio's Restaurant located on South Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Florida. While he had several close calls with law enforcement including the famed FBI Donnie Brasco investigation he never spent a single day of his life in jail. Consequently, while generally recognized as the most powerful organized crime figure in Florida throughout much of the 20th century, Trafficante was not believed to have total control over Miami, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, or Palm Beach. He flew to Houston on March 15 for heart bypass surgery. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Florida, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1823-1982, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. But once Kennedy actually entered the White House, he didnt live up to his end of the bargain. He died on March 17, 1987. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Santo Trafficante (53540265)? [1] Trafficante maintained several residences in New York City and Florida. He was right, and when Castro took power in 1959, Trafficantes burgeoning gambling-and-drugs empire went under siege. [4] All were fined, up to $10,000 each, and given prison sentences ranging from three to five years. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. At age 16, he boarded the S.S. Lombardia and set sail for American in search of a better life. In January 1963, he married Geraldine Valenti, the daughter of J.C. Valenti, who owned a thriving produce business. TRAFFICANTE, Santo Jose, 72, of Tampa, passed away July 13, 2010, To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our, All my Love to the family Michael R. Tartaro. 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. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 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 New York City. Please try again later. After Cuban revolution, the Mafia saw Castro as a threat to their business. Trafficante would be charged with bank fraud, perjury and disclosure of criminal investigation. 93461.". Robert F. Kennedy even taunted those mobsters he brought into court, telling Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana that I thought only little girls giggled, Mr. Giancana.. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Thanks for your help! I can answer any questions you . By Santo III's own estimation, this was a wise move. Mrs. Gerry, Gina, Dino, Joe and Marisa - they broke the mold with Traff. [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? 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. He headed the Trafficante crime family and controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante Sr. Reputedly the most powerful crime boss in Batista -era Cuba, he . Passing before her were her parents Antonino and Sarafina Marchese; her beloved husband Santo Trafficante Jr.; her son-in-laws Augie Paniello and Richard Valdes; and her brothers, Bennie Marchese, Tommy Marchese, and Peter Marchese. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. To use this feature, use a newer browser. At Boxer Cycle Works. Pupello determined that his diabetic patient's arteries were healthy. Trafficante again escaped conviction. She misses him, but she's making do. "The Mob? 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. When you start talking about organized crime, things can get dicey. So, who was this so-called Silent Don who wielded enough power to allegedly kill the President? Don Santo Trafficante Jr was one of the last of the old-time American Mafia bosses in the United States. Dennis Caruso/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesFrank Ragano and Santo Trafficante Jr. (right). Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. During the 1950s, Trafficante Jr. maintained a narcotic trafficking network with Tommy Lucchese, the boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City.
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