Grand dad: The Mobster

Every now and then when bored I try to find out more about granddad. I knew he was deep in the mob during prohibition and was president of the Molaska Corporation ( Mo Dalitz was his partner). Dad told me that most of the mob big wigs would meet at his Cleveland house. I had no idea he was a minority partner in the Las Vegas Stardust Casino (Dalitz was the majority partner). I had no knowledge that Nixon and Eisenhower were involved. JFK was a friend of Grand Dads and ate at one of his restaurants along with Hilton (of the Hotels).

This is an interesting read. John Drew is my Grandfather

https://www.mail-archive.com/ctrl@li.../msg11633.html

Arnold Rothstein was a bad dude. But, he wasn't stupid. He's considered notorious, "...as the person who first realized that Prohibition was a business opportunity, (Wikipedia).

My Grandfather spent much of his Law Enforcement career trying to take guys like Rothstein down. Sadly, he was stymied in his efforts. But, business associates of Rothstein killed him when the cops could not.

Hunter

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Originally Posted by UTAH

Arnold Rothstein was a bad dude. But, he wasn't stupid. He's considered notorious, "...as the person who first realized that Prohibition was a business opportunity, (Wikipedia).

My Grandfather spent much of his Law Enforcement career trying to take guys like Rothstein down. Sadly, he was stymied in his efforts. But, business associates of Rothstein killed him when the cops could not.

Hunter

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Dad said that at one of the Cleveland get togethers all he other mobsters seemed to get along until Dalitz showed up. No one took their eyes off of him, he was part of the Purple gang. they did hits on everyone for anyone for a price.

JFK came into One of my Grandads beach restaurants, He was staying up the beach at Peter Lawford's place. Hilton came over and they all sat in the garden shoot the bull with my grand dad.

When I turned 18 a city maint manager knocked on my door looking for me. Offered me a city job, said he was a friend of grand dads. Took the job. told my dad. Who then educated me on his dad and that they guy who gave me the city job dumping garbage was part of the the old Vegas group. He told me I could keep the job but if they asked me to do other things to say no and tell them that we are no longer in the business. If they insisted then tell him and he would make a call to someone that would set them straight.....

Thanks for sharing.. glad that your family was able to get out of “the business “..

My grandmother had siblings and in-laws who were active but very minor players in the North Jersey “businesses” .. they always acted important and flashy but never really did well. But we do have some great family stories..

On edit.. my moms cousin married into “the business “. Her second husband died/disappeared (I actually met the guy) and her third husband outlived her..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Manna

"In December 2020, the 91-year old Manna requested compassionate release, but was denied."

I get a warm feeling knowing our system worked regarding Manna. :cool:

Hunter

Years ago the leader of the North Jersey Family died.. they wanted a Knights of Columbus honor guard at the funeral but security was a concern.. My Uncle Joe, also uncle to Bobby’s wife was the Grand Knight at the Ridgefield Park NJ KofC (5 or so miles from Jersey City).was “asked” to provide the requested support..

The KofC honor guard took taxis to the funeral, they figured that the FBI and the New York Families would be recording license numbers and they didn’t want anyone to know who the were..

I didn’t intend to hijack Eric’s thread..

Eric’s stories of growing up in SoCal and the family restaurant on the beach are fascinating .. more stories please..

Sounds like Grandpop wasn't too keen on the Jewish heritage, hey? Stein to Drew----I can see that :rolleyes2:

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Originally Posted by Sandman

...more stories please...

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I strongly agree. Our shared family histories are far more interesting and exceedingly worthwhile. :cool:

Hunter