Anthony Russo (mobster)

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This article is about the Genovese crime family figure. For the Gambino crime family figure Tony Russo, see Ettore Zappi. For other people named Anthony Russo, see Anthony Russo.

Anthony Russo (July 13, 1916 – April 26, 1979), also known as Little Pussy, was an Italian-American Genovese crime family figure who was a reputed Boss of Monmouth County, New Jersey. He is also the supposed inspiration behind the fictional character Gennaro "Little Pussy" Malanga from The Sopranos.[citation needed]

Background[]

Russo was a skilled cat burglar, which is how he earned his nickname "Little Pussy", short for "Little Pussycat". He was a made man in the Newark, New Jersey, crew of the Genovese crime family which was run by veteran mobster Ruggiero "Richie the Boot" Boiardo.

From 1976 to 1978, Russo was a hidden owner in the Jolly Trolley Casino in Las Vegas (now the site of the Bonanza Gift Shop). During that time, he was involved in skimming the profits from the casino.[1]

Death[]

Russo was shot to death in Long Branch, New Jersey, on April 26, 1979, while on an Easter furlough from prison.[2] His killers were identified in FBI reports as Thomas "Pee Wee" DePhillips, a capo in the Genovese family, Anthony DeVingo, a soldier and enforcer in the Genovese family who controlled gambling and loansharking in parts of Essex County, and Joseph "Joe Z" Zarro, an alleged Genovese associate whose operation spread into Passaic County. "It was a typical mob contract", said one investigator familiar with the case. "It was obvious from the start it was someone he knew, someone he trusted." Federal authorities indicated they always suspected DeVingo, but couldn't produce enough evidence to charge him. No weapons were ever recovered.[3]

References[]

  1. ^ Former casino head says he paid Russo out of fear. UPI Archives. October 13, 1981 [1]
  2. ^ Sullivan, Joseph F. (April 27, 1979). Anthony Russo, Jersey Crime Figure, Found Slain; No Comment on Motive. The New York Times[2]
  3. ^ The Dark Past of Long Branch "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2010-12-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) The Death of Anthony Russo Anthony


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