Hidden In Plain Sight—The Mafia Members You Might Be Overlooking
The Mafia's imprint on American pop culture is undeniable, with iconic representations ranging from "The Godfather" series to "The Sopranos" painting a complex picture of organized crime that's as enthralling as the legends of Expansion-era cowboys. These portrayals, rich in drama and moral ambiguity, have fascinated audiences worldwide, embedding the Mafia as a staple of American storytelling.
Hollywood's narrative often zooms in on the notorious Five Families of New York City and the formidable Chicago Outfit, showcasing their power struggles, codes of honor, and intricate operations. However, the reality of organized crime in the U.S. extends far beyond these groups. Numerous other mafia organizations operate across the country, each with their own territories, hierarchies, and criminal enterprises.
These include the Philadelphia crime family, the Detroit Partnership, and the New England-based Patriarca crime family, among others.
Originating from Sicily in the late 19th century, the Mafia's influence expanded to the United States with Italian immigrants. They swiftly established themselves in the fabric of American society, engaging in various illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
The Mafia's influence reached its peak in the mid-20th century, though law enforcement's crackdown has significantly weakened many families. Despite this, they remain active, adapting to new criminal ventures and maintaining their grip on certain aspects of both the underworld and, through various front businesses, the legitimate economy.
Just take a look at these...
The Licavoli Crime Family of Cleveland
In the early 1900s, the Lonardo and Porrello siblings relocated from Licata, Sicily, to Ohio, initially engaging in lawful ventures. However, they eventually delved into illicit pursuits, notably supplying bootleggers with corn sugar for alcohol production during Prohibition.
Following a conflict with Irish mobster Danny Greene in the late 1970s, the gang's influence gradually waned. Presently, the FBI deems this organization defunct.
The Pirano Crime Family of Dallas
Carlo Pirano hailed from the same Sicilian hometown as Giuseppe Morello, a prominent figure in the Morello Crime Family. Upon relocating to Dallas in 1921, Pirano established his own syndicate, overseeing numerous gambling operations in the area.
Following Pirano's demise, Joseph Civello emerged as a prominent figure within the organization. Notably, Civello maintained a longstanding friendship with Jack Ruby, the individual who infamously shot Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas.
The Smaldone Crime Family of Denver
During the 1920s and 1930s, Colorado boasted numerous prosperous liquor bootleggers, including the Carlino brothers and the inaugural mob leader of Denver, Joseph Roma.
From 1975 to 2006, the Smaldone brothers, advanced in age, presided over the family's affairs.
Following the passing of Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone in 2006, it is speculated that the lone surviving member of the group is the grandson of Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone.
The Detroit Partnership
Until the 1930s, the Detroit mafia endured a tumultuous period marked by conflict among various factions. However, local families eventually unified to establish what is now recognized as the Detroit Partnership.
This syndicate has maintained considerable strength and is widely regarded as one of the nation's most active criminal organizations, engaging in activities such as gambling, extortion, and narcotics trafficking.
Presently, Jack "Jackie the Kid" Giacalone leads the Partnership as its boss.
The Civella Crime Family of Kansas
Following the end of Prohibition, the Kansas City mafia sustained its influence by leveraging extortion tactics on local bars. Boss Nicholas Civella played a pivotal role in the organization's growth during the 1970s, facilitating alliances with other criminal syndicates and contributing to the financing of Las Vegas casinos.
It is speculated that the current boss is John Sciortino, who is reputed to be Civella's great nephew.
The Philadelphia Mob
The Philadelphia Mob has earned a reputation for its brutality and relentless internal conflicts. A period of relative peace endured from 1969 to 1980 under the leadership of Angelo "Gentle Don" Bruno.
However, following Bruno's demise, the Scarfo era unfolded, characterized by chaos instigated by Nicodemo Scarfo's involvement in narcotics. Scarfo's ruthless directives led to the deaths of approximately 30 of his own associates, attracting significant attention from the FBI.
Subsequently, between 1993 and 1994, another violent feud erupted between the Stanfa and Merlino factions. However, with John Stanfa's arrest, Joey Merlino ascended to the position of mob boss in Philadelphia.
The New Orleans Crime Family
The New Orleans family stands as one of the oldest mafia organizations in the nation, tracing its roots to the 19th century. By the 1870s, they had already begun employing extortion tactics on local enterprises.
Carlos "The Little Man" Marcello, their preeminent leader, ascended to power by cultivating a friendship with Frank Costello of the New York Mob and consolidating control over the illicit gambling networks in Louisiana.
So, while Hollywood's lens might focus on the glitz of the Five Families and the Chicago Outfit's notorious deeds, the Mafia's tapestry in America is wider and more intricately woven than a Scorsese plot twist. It seems organized crime's real godfather is diversity—ironic, isn't it?
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