Italian American organized crime outfits were the most influential and best organized from the 1930s to the late 1980s, said Mahoning Valley Historical Society Executive Director Bill Lawson. Nothing gave him greater joy than to cook for his family, especially grilling and using herbs from his garden. ''Notorious Youngstown mob boss Lenny. [12] On September 13, 1931, Siragusa was murdered in his Squirrel Hill home, just days after Salvatore Maranzano was murdered. [3] LaRocca's influence also grew through close ties to Gambino crime family boss Carlo Gambino, Bufalino crime family boss Russell Bufalino, Philadelphia crime family boss Angelo Bruno and Kansas City crime family boss Nick Civella. (20072011) lacndb.com, La Cosa Nostra: Gariel Mannarino. Not only was Strollos enterprise responsible for the death of Strollo rival Ernie Biondillo but also for the conspiracy to murder Gains before he took office, federal documents stated. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Dear brother of Peter Hovde & Jonathan Hovde. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio A former mob boss whose criminal enterprise helped earn Youngstown the name Crimetown U.S.A before turning federal witness has died at age 90. The men Strollo testified against received life in prison without parole. [6] In 2021, the boss Thomas "Sonny" Ciancutti died, he was also the last known made member of the family. Former Youngstown crime boss, Lenny Strollo, dead at age 80 715 views May 20, 2021 8 Dislike Share Save WFMJ Former Youngstown crime boss, Lenny Strollo, dead at age 80 3 Children found. [7], The last known made member was boss Thomas "Sonny" Ciancutti who died on July 8, 2021. [7][28][29] Ciancutti was the last known made member in the Pittsburgh family. The business later expanded to include vending machines and gambling. Though our words can do little, we hope our thoughts and prayers will encourage you this period and . Father of Pamela Fedor (Cary Broniszewski). His passing is an end of an era. He was 91 years old. In the Mahoning Valley of the 1960s and 70s, I suspect someone in his position would not have lived to take the witness stand. Lenny Strollo Death | Obituary | Dead | Died | Funeral Plans - We heard about the great loss, that Lenny Strollo is no more and has passed away. Dear nephew of Lindsey (Ric Probst) Nix, Amy (James) Williams, Jim (Becky) Hovde, Clint (Cindy) Hovde. In 2019, Robert Iannelli, a longtime Pittsburgh area sports gambling and bookmaker, was arrested along with his son and others. " Gordon Flowerdew VC, Canadian Expeditionary Force officer (31 March 1918), mortally wounded at the Battle of Moreuil Wood in World War I "But we coped with . In 1999, three men who arranged the shootings of two prosecutors were convicted of working for the mafia in Youngstown. Lenny Strollo obituary is not public at the time, we will share more as we learn about the obituary and possibly the funeral. [12], In the late 1980s, the FBI increased its investigation into Pittsburgh's top cocaine traffickers, Charles "Chucky" Porter and Louis Raucci, Sr.[22] In March 1990, an indictment charged Charles "Chucky" Porter and Louis F. Raucci Sr., along with seven associates, on charges of drug distribution, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, gambling and racketeering. [1], The earliest known Pittsburgh Sicilian Mafia boss was Salvatore "Banana King" Catanzaro, who during the early 1900s, operated wholesale produce firm in downtown Pittsburgh. It was unbelievable, in my mind, all of the people that either held office, elected office or appointed office who were just greedy in taking their money. Born in Glen Ellyn June 17, 1945, to parents William and Barbara Ferrone passed peacefully surrounded by her five children on January 25th , 2023. Gains was shot Dec. 24, 1996, by an intruder in his home. Funeral Home website by. Riddle and Altschuler never cooperated and both died behind . Strollo testified in the U.S. District Court trial that Altshuler arranged the Biondillo killing. You will have many memories to cherish. Lenny Strollo told him he heard that money went from Biondillo through Vic Calautti to the Randall Wellington campaign and that Biondillo had . God bless you all.Vinnie Mantegna. Married for 49 years, she was preceded in death by her husband Bruno Holmgren, father and mother Otto and Mary Erl, siblings Ann, Frank, Walter and Lucille and daughter Lori. [3][5][15] LaRocca and capo Mannarino became partners with Tampa crime family boss Santo Trafficante, Jr. in the Sans Souci hotel-casino in Havana, Cuba. In 1996, Gains was running for his first term in office against incumbent prosecutor Philomena, who ultimately admitted to accepting mob bribes to fix criminal cases in their favor. Strollo was a former Pittsburgh mobster "who ran the Youngstown rackets," according to Cleveland Scene. In 1998, the U.S. attorneys office said a large part of Strollos operation was dedicated to protecting Strollo and hiding his profits. [1], After Monastero's murder Giuseppe Siragusa became the new boss of the Pittsburgh family. In 1990, Strollo pleaded guilty to running the largest illegal casino in the country the city of Campbell's All-American Club according to the FBI. Lenine "Lenny" Strollo, 90, of Youngstown, was called home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. I recall each member of the conspiracy, the people indicted, turned on each other all the way up through where Mr. Strollos brother became a states witness. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Strollospent 13 years behind bars, convicted of bribes, money laundering and racketeering. The federal justice department, armed with the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 which was designed to combat organized crime made La Cosa Nostra, or the Sicilian Mafia, a primary target in Boston, New York, Cleveland and other hotbeds across the country. Nothing gave him greater joy than to cook for his family, especially grilling and using herbs from his garden. We were going to get together for coffee. Lots of good memories growing up watching the guys play cards around the pool, drinking & laughing; Uncle Lenny n Toni thought I was so sweet & cute they would say they wanted to adopt me away from my family, lol, of course my dad said you can have her, lol; just knowing Toni so very sorry for your loss, I remember uncle Lenny coming to our house to visit my mom and dad. YOUNGSTOWN One-time Valley mob boss Lenine "Lenny" Strollo, 90, the former organized crime boss who cooperated with the FBI and provided testimony on several Youngstown area killings and. Prohibition presented a very lucrative opportunity for both Mafia factions, as they began bootlegging, the illegal making, selling and transporting of alcohol. He is survived by his wife, Antoinette Strollo; his daughters, Janice (Ron) King, Sharon (Gary) Luc and Lisa Licata; his son, Raymond Hertz; his two sisters, Jennie Dundee and Vilma Cramer; his grandchildren, Angela, Pamela, Jamie, Jodi, Michelle, Anthony, Nicholas, Corey, Shannon, Kristy, Alexis, Raeanna, Raymond, Jr. and Braden; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Strollo was a former Pittsburgh mobster "who ran the Youngstown rackets," according to Cleveland Scene. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to sign the guest book and send condolences to Lennys family. Gains, who was badly wounded, remains county prosecutor. (20072010) lacndb.com, La Cosa Nostra: Stefano Monastero. Lenine "Lenny" Strollo's crime career ended in the 1990s when he . Prosecutors agreed to drop 11 other charges against him. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. John Stoll, a retired FBI agent who lives in Poland, was involved in Strollo's arrest in the mid-1990s. The family would like to thank them for their sympathetic professionalism throughout this difficult time. BROUGHT TO YOU BY Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home Lenine "Lenny" Strollo Boardman, Ohio April 21, 1931 - May 19, 2021 Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of Lenine "Lenny" Strollo. [12][20] John Bazzano Jr. took over as boss, until his death on July 28, 2008. Nothing gave him greater joy than to cook for his family, especially grilling and using herbs from his garden. 

He is survived by his wife, Antoinette Strollo, his daughters, Janice (Ron) King, Sharon (Gary) Luc, Lisa Licata, his son Raymond Hertz; his two sisters, Jennie Dundee and Vilma Cramer; his grandchildren Angela, Pamela, Jamie, Jodi, Michelle, Anthony, Nicholas, Corey, Shannon, Kristy, Alexis, Raeanna, Raymond Jr., Braden, eighteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his daughter Gale Rudolphi, two sisters Alvina Palermo and Edina Strollo, and his two brothers Dante and Dominic. 

Private services were held for family at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. Prosecutors claimed Strollos three employees arranged the 1996 killing of Biondillo and the woundings of Gains days before he took office and former Prosecutor Gary Van Brocklin. Remains of the Day: Why the sudden renewed interest in Hoffa's body? [7], In the city of Pittsburgh the Italian Mafia was divided into two ethnic factions the "Sicilian's" and the "Neapolitan's". Its believed he spent his remaining years living in Canfield. "Lenny Strollo is the last of the main characters in the long, sordid history of crime in the Valley. Lenine "Lenny" Strollo, 90, of Youngstown, was called home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Thank God that his organization has been completely abandoned., 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Architect named to Pittsburgh's revamped Art Commission, Oakland zoning package gains final approval, Pittsburgh man pleads guilty to robbing a Dormont bank in December, Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Heinz offers to buy boat for sailor who survived on ketchup while lost at sea, Pa. Chick-fil-A bans customers under 16 from dining in restaurant without adults, Review: Michael B. Jordan delivers a brawler in Creed III, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Great-Uncle of Justin & Kristin Fedor. Lenny strollo funeral. She was born and raised on a farm Medford, WI and after completing high school moved to Chicago, IL and later to Dear daughter of Evelyn Calvino and Carlos Castillo. Bartlett and CO- 251 North Clark. Gains, gunned down in his Boardman home Dec. 24, 1996 -- on Strollo's order -- spoke at the Canfield Township man's sentencing Tuesday in U.S. District Court. "It had a real negative effect on all of us," Lawson said. At the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Morford said Strollo wanted Gains dead because he had an in with former Mahoning County Prosecutor James Philomena and could fix cases. [10] On January 17, 1920, Prohibition began in the United States, banning all production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. "I think the prosecutors very effectively used the threat of very long prison sentences against each other. BOARDMAN One-time Valley mob boss Lenine "Lenny" Strollo, 90, the former organized crime boss who cooperated with the FBI and provided testimony on several Youngstown-area killings and . [12][13] Amato began expanding his influence over the gambling rackets in and around Allegheny County, and formed a strong alliance with the Genovese family in New York City, who represented Pittsburgh at meetings of the eastern Commission. (20072010) lacndb.com, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The American Mafia.com "Pittsburgh crime family", Chapter 5 "Mafia Families Poison the Northeast", "Rick Porrello's AmericanMafia.com - 26 Mafia Families and Their Cities", "Pittsburgh Mafia Leader "Sonny" Ciancutti Dead At 91, LaRocca Crime Family Officially Closed For Business", "From Monastero to Genovese, Five Pittsburgh Mob Bosses Who Made the News", "As Mafia ranks dwindle nationwide, one of Pittsburgh's last living mobsters dies", "Operation Pork Chop mastermind Melocchi sentenced to probation", "Mon Valley gambling arrests reflect old mob connections", "Thomas "Sonny" Ciancutti Arnold, Pennsylvania August 3, 1929 - July 8, 2021", "AmericanMafia.com 26 Mafia Cities - Pittsburgh, PA", Laborers local 1058 (Pittsburgh) order and Memorandum imposing supervision in lieu of trusteesh, "Ohio Mob Briefs: Youngstown & Cleveland", "Organized Crime in Pennsylvania a Decade of Change: 1990 Report", "Who Is Bobby Iannelli? Recommend Lenine's obituary to your friends. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) - Lenine "Lenny" Strollo, 90, of Youngstown, was called home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Strollo was released from prison in 2008, according to WKBN. Funeral services will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home. [12] He started a business selling beer equipment and concrete blocks in Oakland. A true stand up man. The violence of the 1990s "opened wounds in our city," Lawson said. Genovese pursued members of the Pittsburgh family to create a large illegal drug trafficking network. After high school, Barb met her soon to be husband Joe Ferrone, while on vacation in Chicago with her girlfriends. Private services were held for the family at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman. Sorry for your loss. You remember Tyler Vargas-Andrews, of course. Copyright The Vindicator | https://www.vindy.com | 240 Franklin Street SE, Warren, OH 44482 | 330-841-1600 | Terms of Service. In February 1999, Strollo cut a deal with federal prosecutors that let him keep his money and spend 10 to 12 years in prison in exchange for telling all. Bernard Altshuler, 68 at the time; Lavance Turnage, then-26; and Jeffrey Riddle, then-38, were convicted in an investigation that also brought a deal with Strollo and indictments against public officials. They have to operate even further below the surface," Lawson said. Strollo said he grew in power until he was made head of the Youngstown family after the death of boss Naples. 77-1861.appeal of Thomas Fanell in No. In addition to her husband, she is survived Mary Anderson, 77, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023, at Atria Park of Glen Ellyn where she had been in residence for four years. [12] Monastero and his brother Sam Monastero were murdered on August 6, 1929 in front of St. John's hospital. Backer Bros - 562 West Madison. It was part of the business, Strollo replied. He was released in 2012. Greenman said other factors contributing to Strollos plea decision were the amount of evidence prosecutors had against him, and the possible life-in-prison sentence Strollo could have faced if convicted at trial. Antoinette, I spoke with Len on the phone about 10 days before he passed. Strollo reportedly rebuffed him, adding de Souza "owes me a lot of money for all those newspapers he sold writing about me.". Strollo, 68, at the time, pleaded guilty to running the operation in eastern Ohio, plotting to kill a rival gang leader, running a numbers game and bribing officials. La Cosa Nostra: John Sebastian La Rocca. [8] This allowed Catanzaro's protege Gregorio Conti to assume control of his Sicilian Hill District Mafia family. On August 19, 1991, mob figure Joey Naples was killed in a mob hit in Youngstown so Strollo then became the boss of the Mahoning Valley operation: bookmaking, poker machines, narcotics trafficking and vending machines aided by his brother Dante. [11] Two of the surviving Volpe brothers went to the "Commission" in New York, and it was decided Bazzano would be held responsible for his unsanctioned hit. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. As a result, the arrests accumulated at that time, and "Strollo got caught up on that net," said Lawson. He had been stabbed and strangled to death. His arrangements are being handled by Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, which confirmed his death and said details are pending. The former organized crime leader, who faced 12 years in prison on federal and state charges including racketeering and murder and who stunned by breaking a mafiosi vow of secrecy to become a federal informant, has died at age 90. [17] Through bribery LaRocca became a powerful Mafia boss by controlling politicians, police officers and other officials in the Pittsburgh area. A wide-ranging FBI investigation in the 1990s led to the prosecution of dozens of Strollo associates, attorneys and public officials. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. As bootlegging operations expanded throughout America violence erupted as criminals fought for dominance. Lenny Strollo, the former mobster once credited by the FBI with operating America's biggest illegal casino, has died at age 90. [11] It was recorded that between 1926 to 1933, there were over 200 murders in Allegheny County. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Lenny Strollo, the former mobster once credited by the FBI with operating America's biggest illegal casino, has died at age 90. Strollo pleaded guilty to racketeering and tax charges in 2004 and was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison. [14] Bazzano formed an alliance with the eight Volpe brothers, the leaders of the "Neapolitan faction" who controlled illegal rackets throughout the Turtle Creek Valley and Wilmerding. Janice, Sharon and Lisa I send my deepest sympathy. CAMPBELL Dante D. "Danny" Strollo, 89, who once played a role in the Mahoning Valley's organized crime past, died Tuesday. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - Notorious Youngstown mob boss Lenny Strollo has died. Within the city of Pittsburgh, the Italian neighborhoods of Larimer, Homewood, the Hill District and Downtown became battle grounds as Mafia factions fought for territorial control of bootlegging rackets. Bernard Altshuler, 68, at the time; Lavance Turnage, then 26; and Jeffrey Riddle, then 38, were convicted in an investigation that also brought a deal with Strollo and indictments against public officials. He was shot dead in 1991, allowing Strollo to rise.