He wears tasselled leather loafers without socks. Santo Jr., who had inherited the leadership of the Tampa Mafia around 1950 when his father, Santo Sr., fell ill, had now completed his consolidation of power in Tampa and beyond. But according to declassified documents released in 1992, Santo Trafficante Jr. made a deathbed confession of his involvement in the Presidents murder. As we all know, he was right, and Kennedy was assassinated by a sniper in November 1963. You have been in pain too long. Mrs. Gerry, Gina, Dino, Joe and Marisa - they broke the mold with Traff. In February 2016, many of Trafficante's personal belongings were sold at an auction in St. Petersburg, Florida. 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. English However, by the late 1920s, facing little pressure, Sicilian gangsters began setting up lucrative gambling and narcotics rackets. "You hope things will just disappear two or three years from now.". [14], After a grant of immunity from prosecution, Trafficante testified before the HSCA the following day, September 28, and denied the allegation that he told Aleman that "Kennedy was going to be hit. Santo Trafficante Jr. was a reserved, modest man married to the same woman for 49 years. 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. [14] He stated that he was concerned for his safety and was not certain that he had ever correctly heard or understood Trafficante's comment. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. She was born on March 24, 1920. I laughed _ until I realized it was a total f------ disaster," Trafficante says. The east coast of Florida was a loosely knit conglomerate of New York family interests with links to Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, Angelo Bruno, Carlos Marcello, and Frank Ragano. Still, he lives comfortably enough to give his sons Jaguar sports cars, red for Dino and white for Joseph. Love, Jimmy Schaffer. 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. Please check your entries and try again. "There's no such thing as organized crime in Hillsborough County," Trafficante says, clapping his hands for emphasis. He returned to Tampa for the last time for internment in the LUnione Italiana Cemetery. Many of the familys gangsters were in prison, or too old to be effective. Santo was known to have been deeply involved in the CIA efforts to involve the underworld in assassination attempts on Fidel Castro. However, while the Latin American drug trade has figured prominently in the sunshine states less savory history, so has the Mafia. Many fond memories of Santo will continue with me. While he had several close calls with law enforcement including the famed FBI, Late in life LoScalzo denied any connections to organized crime. 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. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Trafficante Jr. controlled his Tampa-based crime network for over three decades. 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. Authorities also said he urged former bank vice president Michael Pupello to impersonate him in calls to federal bank regulators. When his father died in 1954 he took control of these establishments. Learn more about merges. Trafficante was apprehended in November 1957, along with over 60 other mobsters, at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New York. Santo was one of the FBIs targets in that case. 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. A system error has occurred. Josephine Marchese Trafficante, 95, died peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday morning at her home. 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. After this look at Santo Trafficante Jr., read the gruesome story of the murderous American dentist, Benjamin Salomon, of World War II. Upon his return to the United States, he became determined to bring down the man who ended his empire. In a 1978 legal testimony, Trafficante discussed how quickly Castro shut it all down, then reopened the casinos on his own terms. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. The CIA came to Trafficante, and asked for his help in enlisting the Mafia to assassinate the Cuban leader. Daughters: Mary Josephine Sarah Ann Brothers: Frank, Salvatore (Sam), Epifanio and Enrico (Henry) Uncle: Joseph M. CACCIATORE (convicted narcotic trafficker) CRIMINAL HISTORY: Wife : Josephine MARCHESE (Santo TRAFFICANTE Jr. married Josephine in Tampa, Florida on April 17, 1938). In 1965, Giancana was convicted of contempt of court, serving one year in prison. Still, theres a fine line between exploring a topic and glorifying it. "I still don't think I did anything wrong," Trafficante says. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. So, who was this so-called Silent Don who wielded enough power to allegedly kill the President? "He's very creative in terms of the combination of things he eats," Alessi says. My heart goes out to the family. To use this feature, use a newer browser. According to some, he was even involved in the infamous assassination of President John F. Kennedy. And while cocaine-fueled Latin American criminal networks have been a serious problem in Florida for decades, the Trafficante familys illicit activities were quite infamous as well. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Trafficante scrambled out the passenger-side door. They lived in modest, ranch-style houses in quiet neighborhoods in Tampa and Miami. Today, Santo Trafficantes criminal legacy lives on through his nephew and namesake, Santo Trafficante III, who was charged with organized fraud in 1992. Santo Trafficante grew up in the Florida underworld, working his father's gambling rackets and getting experience in the business. . 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. He maintained close working ties with the Lucchese crime family and the Bonanno crime family from New York City. Santo Trafficante arrives at Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens. Getty ImagesSanto Trafficante was wanted in 48 states by the time he was 43. In Trafficante's food chain, reporters rank only marginally higher than prosecutors and bank regulators, whom he likes to refer to as "rat bastards.". [15] He repeated the claim two days later on ABC's Good Morning America,[16] in Newfield's Frontline report entitled JFK, Hoffa and Mob broadcast in November 1992,[17] and again in his 1994 autobiography Mob Lawyer. He went to Jesuit High School and played some football. After the Kennedy hubbub, Trafficante kept a low profile or, lower that is. ). [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. [4] All were fined, up to $10,000 each, and given prison sentences ranging from three to five years. [13] Trafficante said that he introduced the trio to Cuban exiles in Florida. Associates: Sam Giancana, Charlie Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Cuba, Fidel Castro, Johnny Rosselli, Robert Maheu. Afterwards, the son he had groomed to take his place, Santo Trafficante Jr., took the reins of the Trafficante crime family. Until last year, the younger Trafficante had never been accused of anything more dramatic than bookmaking, a charge that a judge dismissed. It never did exist.". He headed the . gerry,i am so sorry to hear about santo. Santo Trafficante was wanted in 48 states by the time he was 43. the daughter of immigrants from the Italian region of Basilicata. Trafficante was one of the last surviving members of the original Luciano mob era upon his death, and the truth behind the JFK assassination may have perhaps died with him. Shop eBooks and audiobooks at Rakuten Kobo. His new attorney general his beloved brother, Robert F. Kennedy went after organized crime with a vengeance. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, Mr. Traffi-cante is survived by his loving family, wife, Geraldine "Gerry" L. Trafficante; sons, Dino Jose and Joseph Frank Trafficante; daughters,. After that, he ordered casino owners to cough up employee back pay, then shut them down again. He dropped out of high school and spent time in New York learning the trade from some of the countries toughest mobsters. According to Scott M. Deitche in The Silent Don, the family was profiting not only from its offshore casinos but from narcotics trafficking. You'll learn about bolita, the rumored tunnels of Ybor, and the Era of Blood.Join us for this one-of-a-kind walking tour of Tampa's most storied neighborhood. Santo Trafficante Sr. was a Florida mobster who survived a series of vicious gang wars to become the leader of a powerful Mafia crime family based in Tampa. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If the decision is upheld on appeal, charges against Trafficante may be dismissed. Trafficante had now not only lost an ally but a significant portion of his income as his casinos were closed by the Marxist revolutionary. "Even my uncle (Santo Jr.) told me, "Santo, why don't you change your name?' 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. On the day that investigators raided Key Bank, a cardiologist at St. Joseph's Hospital was inserting a catheter in Trafficante's groin. [20], In 2005, Lamar Waldron and Thom Hartmann's book Ultimate Sacrifice said that Trafficante was behind an aborted plot to kill Kennedy in Tampa on November 18, 1963. You've got to be a fool to marry wrong," he says. We never paid cash. But considering the fiercely anti-Soviet atmosphere of the Cold War, its not that hard to believe. For the U.S. government, it was a classic case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend.. Make sure that the file is a photo. Phil Alessi, a childhood friend, marvels at Trafficante's taste and capacity. In 1954, Santo Sr. died of natural causes (at a time when some of his remaining rivals were still being violently dispatched), and his son took over leadership of the crime family. The IRS was unsuccessful, according to Fernandez, Trafficante's attorney. But he was also the most powerful crime boss in pre-Castro Cuba, with influence that extended into Florida and the rest of the United States. The mafiosos that made up the family are either retired, in prison, or have died due to old age. Trafficante was a ruthless mob boss, and quickly consolidated control over the criminal networks in Tampa. 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. After a lifetime in organized crime, Trafficante Jr. died of national causes in 1987. Alongside Chicago boss Sam Giancana, Roselli and Trafficante came up with some truly insane plots to kill Fidel Castro. [1] Trafficante maintained several residences in New York City and Florida. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. There was a problem getting your location. My prayers are with all of you. Send your deepest condolences with fresh flowers. Please try again later. Organized Crime Figure. 93461.". They never returned. I will never forget him as a fellow stroke survivor. Drag images here or select from your computer for Santo Trafficante Jr. memorial. 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. His son was turned away from a date's house and his daughter has been refused jobs. This account has been disabled. 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. The choice was nothing more than honoring a tradition. 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. He is just a businessman, he says, his money tied up in wholesale automobiles, an orange grove and real estate. But the news was not good on the Key Bank front. He flew to Houston on March 15 for heart bypass surgery. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. In the mid-2000s, he would say he was a legitimate businessman, citing his ownership of a car dealership, and employment at various restaurants and night clubs over the years. Now in his late 70s or early 80s, LoScalzo is reported to be retired. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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. 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. In the early 20th Century, Tampa was a small but growing city, and the organized crime it faced was modest. Several were wounded. Email blog@themobmuseum.org. 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. Son of Santo Trafficante and Maria Giuseppa Trafficante Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Our thoughts and prayers with you. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 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. [21], Trafficante was summoned to court in 1986 and questioned about his involvement with the King's Court Bottle Club operated by members of the Bonanno crime family, including undercover FBI agent Joseph D. "Joe" Pistone, a.k.a. Our deepest condolences to the Trafficante family. The guy really tried to do it right.". After his father died in 1954, he became the head in Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba.