35 Facts About Tony Accardo

Early Life and Family

Tony Accardo's journey into the world of organized crime began in the bustling streets of Chicago. His early life set the stage for his future in the Chicago Outfit.

1. Tony Accardo was born Antonino Leonardo Accardo on April 28, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Francesco and Maria Tilotta Accardo, were Italian immigrants from Sicily.

2. Accardo was the second of six children. Growing up in the Near West Side of Chicago, he experienced the challenges of a poor neighborhood.

Education and Early Career

Accardo's formal education was brief, but his street education was extensive. He quickly found his way into the world of crime.

3. At the age of 14, Accardo left school. He began spending time in neighborhood pool halls, where he joined the Circus Cafe Gang.

4. The Circus Cafe Gang was one of many street gangs in Chicago. These gangs often served as recruitment grounds for larger criminal organizations.

Recruitment into the Chicago Outfit

Accardo's entry into the Chicago Outfit marked the beginning of his rise to power. His association with notorious figures helped him climb the ranks.

5. Jack "Machine Gun" McGurn recruited Accardo into his crew. McGurn was a hitman for Al Capone, and he saw potential in the young Accardo.

6. Accardo earned the nickname "Joe Batters" from Al Capone. This nickname came after he used a baseball bat to beat two men to death, impressing Capone with his brutality.

Rise to Prominence

Accardo's loyalty and violence quickly earned him a place of prominence within the Outfit. He became one of Capone's most trusted associates.

7. Accardo's involvement in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre remains unclear. However, it is widely believed that he played a role in the infamous event.

8. In 1931, Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion. This conviction led to a shift in leadership within the Chicago Outfit, with Accardo gaining more control.

Leadership of the Chicago Outfit

Accardo's leadership saw the Outfit expand its operations and increase its wealth. He managed to stay out of the spotlight, maintaining a low profile.

9. Accardo officially became the day-to-day boss of the Chicago Outfit in 1947. He moved the organization into new operations and territories.

10. During his tenure, Accardo expanded the Outfit’s operations into Las Vegas. He was involved in skimming operations at casinos, significantly increasing the Outfit's wealth.

Policy Rackets and Labor Racketeering

Accardo's strategic thinking led to the Outfit's involvement in various illegal activities, further solidifying its control over Chicago.

11. Accardo moved into policy rackets in Chicago’s black ghettoes. These illegal lotteries were popular among the local population.

12. He was also involved in labor racketeering, particularly with the Teamsters union. This allowed the Outfit to exert control over various labor unions.

Relationship with Sam Giancana

Accardo's influence remained strong even after he stepped down as boss. His relationship with Sam Giancana demonstrated his continued control over the Outfit.

13. In 1957, Accardo relinquished his role as boss to Sam Giancana. However, he continued to pull the strings behind the scenes.

14. Accardo overruled Giancana when he wanted to hit FBI agent William "Zip" Roemer. This act showed Accardo's ultimate authority within the Outfit.

Legal Troubles and Retirement

Accardo faced legal challenges but managed to maintain his influence. His retirement was more of a formality, as he continued to guide the Outfit.

15. In 1960, Accardo was indicted for tax evasion. He was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $15,000, but his conviction was later overturned.

16. Although he retired from being a Mafia boss in the late 1950s, Accardo continued to act as a consigliere. This role allowed him to maintain his influence without holding a formal position.

Personal Holdings and Investments

Accardo's business acumen extended beyond illegal activities. He made numerous legal investments, showcasing his ability to diversify his interests.

17. By the late 1970s, Accardo’s personal holdings included investments in various industries. These included commercial office buildings, retail centers, lumber farms, paper factories, hotels, car dealerships, trucking companies, newspaper companies, restaurants, and travel agencies.

Final Years and Death

Accardo spent his final years away from the public eye, living with his family. His death marked the end of an era for the Chicago Outfit.

18. Accardo spent his final years living with his daughter and son-in-law in Barrington Hills, Illinois. He died on May 22, 1992, at the age of 86 due to respiratory and heart conditions.

19. Accardo is buried in a crypt in the mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. His legacy continues to fascinate historians and crime enthusiasts alike.

Legacy and Impact

Tony Accardo's influence on the Chicago Outfit was profound. His strategic thinking and quiet demeanor allowed him to maintain control over one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the United States.

20. Accardo's ability to move the organization into new operations and territories significantly increased its power and wealth. His quiet demeanor and strategic thinking allowed him to climb the ranks of the Outfit faster than anyone had ever done before.

21. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Accardo shunned the media spotlight. He wrote no autobiographies and kept no diary, preferring to operate in the shadows.

22. Many experts believe that Accardo’s intelligence and strategic thinking were key factors in his success. Unlike Al Capone, who flaunted his status, Accardo remained in the shadows.

23. Accardo was known by several nicknames, including "Joe Batters" and "Big Tuna." "Joe Batters" was given to him by Al Capone after he used a baseball bat to beat two men to death. "Big Tuna" was a reference to his love of fishing and his ability to catch large fish.

24. Paul Ricca, another prominent figure in the Chicago Outfit, played a significant role in Accardo’s rise to power. Ricca mentored Accardo and helped him gain the trust of Al Capone.

25. Accardo’s involvement in labor racketeering allowed the Outfit to exert control over various labor unions. This further solidified its grip on Chicago’s economy.

26. Accardo expanded the Outfit’s operations into policy rackets in Chicago’s black ghettoes. These rackets involved operating illegal lotteries, which were popular among the local population.

27. During his tenure, Accardo was involved in skimming operations at Las Vegas casinos. This practice involved stealing a portion of the casino’s profits without being detected.

28. In 1957, Accardo relinquished his role as boss to Sam Giancana. However, his influence remained unchallenged.

29. In 1960, Accardo was indicted for tax evasion. He was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $15,000, but his conviction was later overturned.

30. Although he retired from being a Mafia boss in the late 1950s, Accardo continued to pull the strings as a consigliere. This role allowed him to maintain his influence over the Outfit without holding a formal position.

31. In 1978, while Accardo was vacationing in California, burglars entered his River Forest home. The incident turned violent when the burglars were found strangled and with their throats cut.

32. By the late 1970s, Accardo’s personal holdings included legal investments in various industries. These investments were a testament to his business acumen and ability to diversify his interests.

33. Accardo spent his final years living with his daughter and son-in-law in Barrington Hills, Illinois. He died on May 22, 1992, at the age of 86 due to respiratory and heart conditions.

34. Accardo is buried in a crypt in the mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. His legacy continues to fascinate historians and crime enthusiasts alike.

35. Tony Accardo’s life and career serve as a testament to the enduring power of organized crime in America. From his humble beginnings as a small-time hoodlum to his rise as the day-to-day boss of the Chicago Outfit, Accardo’s strategic thinking and quiet demeanor allowed him to maintain control over one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the United States.

The Lasting Impact of Tony Accardo

Tony Accardo's life paints a vivid picture of power, strategy, and influence in organized crime. From his early days in Chicago's tough neighborhoods to becoming the quiet yet formidable boss of the Chicago Outfit, Accardo's journey is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to stay in the shadows while pulling the strings allowed him to expand the Outfit's operations and amass significant wealth. Despite his low profile, his actions left a lasting mark on the world of organized crime. Accardo's strategic thinking and business acumen ensured the Outfit's dominance for decades. His legacy continues to intrigue historians and crime enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the complex world of the mafia. Tony Accardo may not have sought the spotlight, but his impact on organized crime remains undeniable.