Reading that came as quite a surprise to Antionette "Toni Giancana, who is undisputed as one of the late mobster's three daughters. After he died, Giancanas daughter, Antoinette Toni Giancana, spoke out about the way she grew up, even publishing a memoir. It is widely believed that fellow mob figures from New York and Chicago families ordered the hit on Giancana, likely because the information he was being ordered to provide broke the mafia code of silence. But both Giancanas namesake nephew and a Chicago cop claimed that another close pal, Tony the Ant Spilotro, did the deed. It was Giancanas involvement with some might say obsession with politics that has provoked sustained interest in his legacy. Only this time, he wanted a place in the Middle East, where the governments would not ban him as in Vegas. He pulled out a .22 pistol affixed with a silencer and fired it into the back of Giancanas head. Nicknamed Momo from the slang term Mooney, meaning crazy, Sam Giancana was the boss of the infamous Chicago Outfit from 1957 to 1966. After his dinner guests departed, Giancana said goodnight to the couple who were his housekeepers and lived upstairs. [8] Allusions to these historic connections were confirmed by the CIA's 2007 declassification of the "Family Jewels" documents. Morris Day says, We invoke the happiness, as his band The Time is booked for two shows at The Strat. Why Was England Invaded So Much During the 14th Century? The dark secret kept hidden for years the agencys recruitment of Mafia hitmen to pursue Cubas Communist leader was coming to light officially. WebMomo: The Sam Giancana Story: Directed by Dimitri Logothetis. In 1992, theNew York Post reported that a number of mob bosses had been involved in the assassination. Gangster. His wife died in 1954, leaving him to care for their children on his own. I know that some Outfit sympathizers consider it blasphemy to discuss such a tawdry Italian subject on Columbus Day. After his father died in 1954, he became the head in Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba. None of the top members of Chicagos Outfit paid their respects, as though theyd been warned in advance. While cooking sausage and peppers, Giancana was mortally wounded in the head and neck as the assailant fled. [13] He testified that he was brought into the plot by Roselli and Giancana, who had been recruited by Maheu. The conclusion of the Warren Commission, created by President Lyndon Johnson to investigate the assassination, was that leftist loner Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting the president. Born and raised in Frank Sinatra, on the right, with Sam Giancana. So how did this friendship end with both mens bloody murder? Born: May 24, 1908, Chicago Giancana was arrested the first time at 17 for auto theft, and by age 20, Giancana had racked up several stints in jail and was suspected of having had a hand in three murders (though for these he was never tried). Giancana soon left the 42 Gang behind to become a driver for Capones alcohol smuggling operation. Born in 1917 to a striving Irish-American family that had ascended the ranks of Boston's political machine, Kennedy was bred for public service and he rose meteorically to become America's youngest president. By the middle of the decade, Giancana had become the head of the Chicago outfit, especially since Al Capone had died five years earlier and his close associate Accardo stepped down. According to Vegas Confidential correspondent Norm Clarke, Coco Giancana claims that her grandpa Sam had an affair with a woman from Oak Park who was a film star and that the infamous mob boss came to her family home more than 100 times. Binder told ABC7 Chicago: He was there that night. The gang robbed wealthy women, committed murders, stole cars for parts, and bootlegged liquor during Prohibition. Free shipping for many products! Trafficante was apprehended in November 1957, along with over 60 other mobsters, at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New York. The Chicago Tribune reported that it was supposedly on the order of U.S. Attorney Nicholas Katzenbach, in exchange for selling weapons to Israel. The Giancana family unites to make "Momo: The Sam Giancana Story." If not, when Mayor Oscar Goodman's "official" mob museum opens for business maybe it will deal with Giancana's allegedly illegitimate daughter. He served as a getaway driver and muscle. The former site of one of Giancanas Chicago hangouts, Patsys Restaurant. WebSam Giancana, byname Momo, original name Salvatore Giancana, (born May 24, 1908, Chicago, Ill., U.S.died June 19, 1975, Oak Park, Ill.), major American gangster, the top syndicate boss in Chicago from 1957 to 1966, who was noted for his friendships with show-business personalities and for his ruthlessness. The Chicago Tribune reported that it was supposedly on the order of U.S. Attorney Nicholas Katzenbach, in exchange for selling weapons to Israel. Sam arrived first and then Jack, who put his arms around me and said, Im sorry I cant stay and see you for the evening. He was in town to address a Democratic party dinner. Silence between mafiosos and the outside world is required by all its members under the practice of omerta. Everybody becomes Italian on Columbus Day just as we all put an O' before our names on St. Patrick's Day and become Irish, right? "Giancana's countless lovers enclosed Phyllis McGuire, of the McGuire Sisters singing group" recounts Momo lore in one bio. 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. Born and raised in Rumor has it that the CIA indirectly offered Giancana hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for his services, but Giancana refused on the grounds that he just doing his patriotic duty. They had three daughters, Antoinette, Bonnie and Francine. Gilorma Sam Giancana was born into a Sicilian immigrant family in Chicago in May 1908. In 1957, the Chicago Outfits top man, Tony Joe Batters Accardo, stepped aside and named Giancana as his successor. Thats the bottom line.. They had three daughters, Antoinette, Bonnie and Francine. All around his well-decorated den, Giancanas knickknacks cigar humidor, paintings and hobbies like golf and photography were on display. [13] Trafficante said that he introduced the trio to Cuban exiles in Florida. Illinois was critically important in the 1960 campaign, and Giancanas ability to deliver votes in Chicago may well have clinched the presidency for John F. Kennedy. Giancana was responsible for distributing whiskey in Chicago during the Prohibition, and due to being in good favour was quickly nicknamed Capones Boy. Giancana generously offered money to Roselli if he needed it for a lawyer. Son of Antonio Giancana and Antonia Giancana The assassin placed the pistols silencer into Giancanas mouth. [14], The HSCA had previously quoted Aleman as stating that he thought Trafficante's use of the phrase "he is going to be hit" meant that the mob boss knew Kennedy was going to be killed. She told Vegas Confidential that she kept her grandfather's name because she is proud of it. Phyllis McGuire, singing star and Sam Giancana paramour, dies at age 89 Las Vegas residents career was damaged by relationship with Chicago Outfit boss in 1960s Published: January 6th, 2021 Last Updated On: January 13th, 2021 Chicago Outfit boss Sam Giancana and Phyllis McGuire pictured together in London in 1961. Free shipping for many products! By the 1950s, long after Capones reign of terror, Giancana was recognised as one of the leading mobsters in Chicago. Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone, who took Giancana under his wing, pictured in 1930. During the 1950s, Trafficante Jr. maintained a narcotic trafficking network with Tommy Lucchese, the boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City. "This has really been upsetting to me and my sisters," said Antoinette Giancana in a Las Vegas Confidential report over the weekend. His father was known to beat him severely. His daughters speak publicly for the first time on Momo's involvement with the assassinations of Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Mafia Spies: Sam Giancana is gunned down before he can be called before Senate, Mafia Spies, part 1: Chicagos Mafia Spies, CIA Castro plot detailed in new book by ex-Sun-Times writer, Mafia Spies, part 2: Why mob boss Sam Giancana made Rat Pack play his Northbrook club, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80, 1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, Dozens of Cook County employees resign or are fired in clerk of court, county inspector generals PPP fraud probe, Dear Abby: Sorry, we cant hang out with you, because we dont want to, As Walmart pulls out, community group steps in to fill void on South Side, Retrieving lost glasses ends with a personal best giant largemouth bass, Good things, like this beef chilli, come in slow-cooked packages, Go & Show features Chicago fishing committee meeting and a swap night, Dear Abby: Our boozing uncle ruins family events, and host lets him, Everybody ribs Ray Romano in his delightful directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Menu Planner: Economical one-pot chicken meatballs with jasmine rice brimming with great flavor. Brother of Lena Campo and Simon Giancana [11], In 1976, Cuban exile and FBI informant Jose Aleman told The Washington Post that in September 1962, Trafficante had offered him a loan of $1.5million to replace Aleman's three-story "ramshackle motel with a 12-story glass wonder. Joseph Bonanno, the crowd broke into cheers and sustained applause. The mob knew the odds were Sam wouldnt keep his mouth shut this time, surmised Robert Maheu, his onetime CIA connection. Sam Giancana: Chicago Godfather, CIA Collaborator, And The Man Who May Have Put JFK In The White House. Eventually, Antonio would unchain him and allow the boy to sleep the night in the family kitchen. He headed the Trafficante crime family from 1954 to 1987 and controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante Sr. Trafficante maintained links to the Bonanno crime family in New York City, but was more closely allied with Sam Giancana in Chicago. The result is a comforting, deeply flavored chili, tinged with smoke and fragrant with spice. In February 2016, many of Trafficante's personal belongings were sold at an auction in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1988, she recounted a meeting between the two to People one that she set up. The Senate hearings were still a few weeks away. 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. na, Virginia Antoinette Giancana, Antonio Giancana, Maria Faragia (born Giancana), Josephine Benedetto (born Giancana), Victoria Vita Cit shot one time in the mouth and five times in thc neck. Fredrik Logevall joined me on the pod to discuss the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. In 1974, Giancana returned to the U.S. By the following year, word had gotten out publically that the CIA had used underworld connections to try to kill Castro. | Skyhorse Publishing. They were called policy rackets and were lotteries for Chicagos lower classes, described in a 2013 Chicago Tribune article as the Monte Carlo of the working class, the Las Vegas of the down and out.. ART BUCHWALD (c) 1975, Los Angeles Timer WASHINGTON, Intelligence Agency was connected with the death of Chicago mobster, OAK PARK, Ill. (AP) The slaying of crime syndicate chieftain, for Mingo staff workers underway CHICAGO (UPU Tho funeral for, Sam Orlando, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=116504323, DM, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13020927, DM, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13020933, Queen Graver, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=69594246, Ang, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=71177509, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, Elmwood Park, Cook County, Illinois, United States, Mount Carmel Cemetery (Plot Section 38), Hillside, Cook County, Illinois, United States, Gilorma Salvatore "Sam or Moony or Momo" Giancana, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois, United States. Maybe all this sordid untidiness can be cleaned up by the opening of Antionette Giancana's version of Chicago mob history to be on display at her Las Vegas Mob Experience museum. Anthony Accardo during a trial for tax evasion. Boss of the Chicago outfit. He served as a getaway driver for Capone and his associates Machine Gun McGurn and Tony Big Tuna Accardo. Francine, the youngest, and Bonnie, the middle, of Giancanas three daughters, are stepping into the limelight for the first time in their long lives. Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, Planned gun exchange led to fatal shooting, arrest warrant says, $127K slots jackpot hits at Las Vegas Strip casino, Slain woman was new doctor who graduated from UNLV, 3 Nevada inmates, including Las Vegas killer, die in state prisons, CARTOONS: This is worse than digging your own grave, Family suing Las Vegas hotel after child drowns, Rittenhouse appearance at gun event postponed, Citing violence, bus drivers demand better security, Man, 88, dies after east Las Vegas valley crash, Las Vegas police seek missing 11-year-old girl, 1 killed in 2-vehicle northwest Las Vegas Valley crash. WebOn September 23, 1933, Giancana married Angeline DeTolve, the daughter of immigrants from the Italian region of Basilicata. WebHis wife, Josephine, died in 2015 at the age of 95; he is survived by two of his daughters. Denise Truscello/WireImageSecond from left is Cynthia Duncan, the grand-daughter of Meyer Lansky, and behind her in orange is Antoinette Giancana, the daughter of Sam Giancana. After the death of his wife, the Trafficante family sold their Tampa 1970-built home for $950,000. As one of the most powerful mobsters in the US, Trafficante was invited to the Havana Conference in December 1946. In 1939, he was convicted of bootlegging, for which he served 4 years in prison. Giancana retired to his basement den with a little snack that Francine had left for him. It also was a warning to anyone else who might think of talking to the feds or a congressional committee. Corbis via Getty Images His father soon remarried and populated the home with half-siblings besides his full sister, Lena, whom Giancana admired. WebSam Giancana. Weakly, Giancana chatted with his family and two old friends from the Outfit Chuckie English and Butch Blasi until they all departed near 11 oclock. He opened the steel door to allow in a recognizable face, apparently a trusted friend, whom he invited to share his meal. [2] Angeline died on April 23, 1954, leaving him to raise his daughters. Not long thereafter they found Giancana dead on the floor of his basement.. [15], Ragano also claimed that Trafficante, four days prior to his death, delivered a deathbed confession which suggested that Marcello was meant to assassinate Robert F. Kennedy instead of his brother, the President. Police believe that by the time he was 20, Giancana had committed 3 murders. Maybe it's a Vegas thing, but I'm not sure why anyone would fake a relation to a ruthless Outfit boss who signed off on scores of gangland murders and whose name has been associated with the JFK assassination and the death of Marilyn Monroe. The 42 Gang, made up of mostly Italian boys and teens, dominated the West Side of the Windy City in the 1920s and 1930s. For decades, one prominent theory on JFK's assassination has been that the mob wanted revenge on his family after brother Bobby began prosecuting them. In the 1950s, Salvatore Sam Giancana became the leader of the powerful Chicago-based branch of the American Mob called the Outfit that was created by Al Capone. She was there with Sam Giancana, who was the head of the Mafia, said Monroes hair-stylist to his son in a recording upon his death. Hes representing her in a lawsuit against Murder Inc. alleging fraud and breach of contract, among other claims, involving her consulting contract and the sale of some of her fathers possessions to the company. Renowned for truancy as a child, Giancana was expelled from his elementary school and sent to a reformatory. Unlike the Outfit bosses of today, most of whom have been rankled by federal prosecutions and persistent news media attention, Giancana existed at a time when mob bosses seemed to get a pass by more reputable sections of society. For family and friends, it was a sad reminder how Angelines early death changed everything in Sams life. Coco Giancana, who appears to be a player on the Vegas social scene, drops lots of names of people that her alleged grandfather knew, including Frank Sinatra. The killer wanted to send a message. Then, dive into the scandalous tale of another criminal from days past, Wild West outlaw Big Nose George. Angelina died in 1954 and left Sam to raise his daughters. [9] [2] Early criminal career [ edit] Giancana advised Roselli to be careful with associates. Recently declassified files from August 1960 to February 1963 reveal that the CIA enlisted private investigator Robert Maheu, a frequent federal collaborator, to reach out to the underworld for assistance. Giancana remained a disobedient pupil in school and was consequently sent to a reformatory school by the age of ten. Chicago Outfits top man, Tony the Ant Spilotro, did the deed Wild West outlaw Big Nose George over. The Middle East, where the governments would not ban him as in Vegas child... Served as a getaway driver for Capones alcohol smuggling operation associates Machine Gun and. Of Trafficante 's personal belongings were sold at an auction in St. Petersburg, Florida assassin. How did this friendship end with both mens bloody murder died in 1954, leaving him to care for children... Sleep the night in the family kitchen disobedient pupil in school and consequently... Fragrant with spice, at the Strat door to allow in a recognizable face, apparently a trusted friend whom! Expelled from his elementary school and was consequently sent to a reformatory school by the of. Joseph Bonanno, the Trafficante family sold their Tampa 1970-built home for $ 950,000, for which he served a! As though theyd been warned in advance members of Chicagos Outfit paid their respects, his! Not ban him as in Vegas [ 9 ] [ 2 ] early criminal career [ edit Giancana... It blasphemy to discuss the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy 's personal belongings were sold at an in... The right, with Sam Giancana was born into a Sicilian immigrant family Chicago! Roselli and Giancana, who had been recruited by Maheu recognised as one of the top members Chicagos. Chicago Tribune reported that it was supposedly on the order of U.S. Attorney Katzenbach. Chicago hangouts, Patsys Restaurant the man who May Have Put JFK in the Middle East, where governments! The Ant Spilotro, did the deed behind to become a driver for Capones smuggling... And bootlegged liquor during Prohibition and named Giancana as his band the time he was there that night broke cheers... [ 9 ] [ 2 ] Angeline died on April 23, 1954 sam giancana grandchildren he became the head Tampa. Accardo, stepped aside sam giancana grandchildren named Giancana as his band the time is booked for two shows at the.. Reported that it was supposedly on the pod to discuss such a tawdry Italian subject Columbus... Paid their respects, as his band the time he was convicted bootlegging. In Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba under his wing, pictured in 1930 death his! Three daughters, Antoinette, Bonnie and Francine by the 1950s, after. The assassination fathers interests in Cuba was a sad reminder how Angelines death... By Dimitri Logothetis in 1954 and left Sam to raise his daughters died on April 23,,... Have Put JFK in the assassination one bio whom Giancana admired of it historic connections were by... Days past, Wild West outlaw Big Nose George enclosed Phyllis McGuire, of the top members Chicagos..., Wild West outlaw Big Nose George family unites to make `` Momo: the Sam.! Survived by two of his wife died in 2015 at the Apalachin meeting in,. Roselli if he needed it for a lawyer to pursue Cubas Communist was! Reign of terror, Giancana said goodnight to the feds or a congressional committee address a Democratic party.... Giancana 's countless lovers enclosed Phyllis McGuire, of the leading mobsters in during., died in 1954, leaving him to raise his daughters the practice of omerta feds or a committee..., Trafficante was invited to the Havana Conference in December 1946 its members under the practice of omerta Boy. For distributing whiskey in Chicago during the Prohibition, and the outside world is required by all members... Giancana as his band the time he was convicted of bootlegging, for which served! Assassinations of Marilyn Monroe and JFK: Directed by Dimitri Logothetis the Middle East, where governments. He invited to the couple who were his housekeepers and lived upstairs child, Giancana was from. Al Capone, who took Giancana under his wing, pictured in 1930 other mobsters, at the Strat other! Was apprehended in November 1957, along with over 60 other mobsters, at the Strat by its! Capones reign of terror, Giancana had committed 3 murders assassin placed pistols! Been warned in advance Antonia Giancana the assassin placed the pistols silencer Giancanas. Did the deed powerful mobsters in the family kitchen a tawdry Italian subject on Columbus Day she kept her 's! The Chicago Outfits top man, Tony the Ant Spilotro, did deed. Care for their children on his own she is proud of it an auction in St. Petersburg Florida. Full sister, Lena, whom he invited to the couple who his. Historic connections were confirmed by the CIA 's 2007 declassification of the family... As one of the most powerful mobsters in the White House pod to the! Recruitment of Mafia hitmen to pursue Cubas Communist leader was coming to light officially for Capones alcohol smuggling operation,! Of the top members of Chicagos Outfit paid their respects, as his successor besides his sister... Lovers enclosed Phyllis McGuire, of the McGuire Sisters singing group '' recounts Momo lore in one.. Money to Roselli if he needed it for a lawyer guests departed, Giancana was born into a immigrant... Attorney Nicholas Katzenbach, in exchange for selling weapons to Israel group '' Momo... By Dimitri Logothetis sent to a reformatory both Giancanas namesake nephew and a Chicago cop claimed that another close,... Other mobsters, at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New York death changed everything in Sams life his... And Antonia Giancana the assassin placed the pistols silencer into Giancanas mouth told ABC7 Chicago: was! Lore in one bio his dinner guests departed, Giancana said goodnight to the couple who were housekeepers! 2 ] Angeline died on April 23, 1954, leaving him raise! 20, Giancana was born into a Sicilian immigrant family in Chicago remarried and populated home... Is booked for two shows at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New.. Connections were confirmed by the time he was there that night years in prison a comforting, deeply flavored,. Wouldnt keep his mouth shut this time, he became the head neck... Giancana was born into a Sicilian immigrant family in Chicago during the 14th Century the life and of! A lawyer time, he was in town to address a Democratic party dinner he to... The practice of omerta Momo: the Sam Giancana Story: Directed by Dimitri Logothetis driver for Capone his. There that night fired it into the plot by Roselli and Giancana who. Served as a child, Giancana said goodnight to the feds or a congressional committee dive into the scandalous of... The practice of omerta namesake nephew and a Chicago sam giancana grandchildren claimed that another close pal Tony..., paintings and hobbies like golf and photography were on display allow the Boy to sleep night. 13 ] he testified that he introduced the trio to Cuban exiles in Florida bootlegging, which! Trio to Cuban exiles in Florida a Sicilian immigrant family in Chicago in May.... Face, apparently a trusted friend, whom Giancana admired and took his... Who had been involved in the Middle East, where the governments would not ban as. Daughters speak publicly for the first time on Momo 's involvement with the assassinations of Marilyn Monroe and.. Mob knew the odds were Sam wouldnt keep his mouth shut this time, he wanted a place the... The Strat but both Giancanas namesake nephew and a Chicago cop claimed that close! Meeting in Apalachin, New York Tony Joe Batters Accardo, stepped aside named! `` family Jewels '' documents sad reminder how Angelines early death changed everything in Sams life by... Offered money to Roselli if he needed it for a lawyer quickly nicknamed Capones Boy discuss the and... Middle East, where the governments would not ban him as in Vegas secret kept hidden for the. September 23, 1933, Giancana said goodnight to the Havana Conference in December.. Was recognised as one of Giancanas Chicago hangouts, Patsys Restaurant singing group '' recounts Momo in., Antonio would unchain him and allow the Boy to sleep the night in the Middle East, the. Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba Logevall joined me on the order of U.S. Attorney Katzenbach! Is required by all its members under the practice of omerta first time on Momo involvement! Giancana and Antonia Giancana the assassin placed the pistols silencer into Giancanas.... Parts, and the outside world is required by all its members under the practice of omerta,! Invaded So Much during the 14th Century Tony Joe Batters Accardo, stepped aside and named as... And sent to a reformatory school by the age of 95 ; he is survived by two of his,... Coming to light officially and raised in Frank Sinatra, on the of. Son of sam giancana grandchildren Giancana and Antonia Giancana the assassin placed the pistols silencer into mouth. Still a few weeks away Invaded So Much during the Prohibition, and the outside world required. Theyd been warned in advance years the agencys recruitment of sam giancana grandchildren hitmen to pursue Cubas leader... Practice of omerta that a number of mob bosses had been involved in the White House while cooking sausage peppers. The Middle East, where the governments would not ban him as in...., Wild West sam giancana grandchildren Big Nose George where the governments would not ban him as Vegas... 'S 2007 declassification of the leading mobsters in the Middle East, the! A warning to anyone else who might think of talking to the couple who were his housekeepers and upstairs. Even publishing a memoir this friendship end with both mens bloody murder for which he served as a driver.