Rosario DeSimone | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1873-12-11)11 December 1873 Salaparuta,Sicily, Italy |
| Died | 15 July 1946(1946-07-15) (aged 72) |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Other names | The Chief |
| Known for | Mobster |
| Spouse | Rosalie DeSimone |
| Children | 3, includingFrank DeSimone |
| Relatives | Thomas DeSimone (grandson) |
Rosario DeSimone (Italian pronunciation:[roˈzaːrjodesiˈmoːne]; 11 December 1873 – 15 July 1946) was the head of an Italian American crime family during the 1920s to 1940s that was the predecessor to theLos Angeles crime family of theAmerican Mafia. Rosario was the father of the future California mob boss,Frank DeSimone. He is not to be confused with the Chicago Italian Timothy Rosario DeSimone.[1]
DeSimone was born inSalaparuta,Sicily, Italy, on 11 December 1873. After immigrating to the United States, he initially settled inNew Orleans before moving toPueblo, Colorado. In Pueblo he was part of that city's Mafia organization. He became a close ally ofVito Di Giorgio in Los Angeles. Upon Di Giorgio's death in Chicago in 1922, DeSimone took power. His empire spanned overLos Angeles County. His rule in Los Angeles was brief, and he stepped down around 1925. He later became a legitimate businessman who settled inDowney, California. DeSimone died of natural causes in 1946 and is buried inCalvary Cemetery.
DeSimone married twice and fathered several children. His second son,Frank DeSimone, became acriminal attorney and later don of the crime family, reigning from 1956 to 1967.
| American Mafia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Vito Di Giorgio (1920-1922) | Los Angeles crime family Boss 1922-c1925 | Succeeded by Joseph Ardizzone (1925-1931) |
