Tony Accardo

Tony Accardo (April 28, 1906 - May 22, 1992) was the boss of the Chicago Mafia from about 1945 until shortly before he died of natural causes. By keeping a low profile and allowing flashier figures such as Sam Giancana to attract attention, Accardo ran the Chicago outfit many times longer than Al Capone, yet remains virtually unknown to the general public.

A Chicago native, Accardo worked his way up through Al Capone's gang, eventually becoming his bodyguard. It was during this time that Capone gave him the nickname "Joe Batters." He is rumored to have been peripherally involved in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. In 1931 Capone was succeeded by Frank Nitti who was followed by Paul Ricca in 1943. When Ricca went to jail in 1945, Accardo ran the outfit for him, eventually becoming the boss himself.

Under Accardo's leadership, the Chicago outfit enforced a strict street tax and expanded quickly, taking Las Vegas, Nevada away from the New York mob, and eventually controlling most of the western United States. When the FBI began to investigate the Mob in Chicago, Accardo worked out a gentleman's agreement that neither side would target the other's family members.

Tony Accardo died in 1992 of heart problems. He never spent a night in jail.

References

• Roemer, William F. Jr. Accardo: The Genuine Godfather. Ivy Books, 1996