At almost 84, he was slight and stooped, but government sources said the frailty of his appearance contradicted the power he still held over the Chicago mob. Tony Accardo, the man reputed to be the city’s top mob boss, was seldom seen by anyone, but he made a rare public appearance one weekend in Chicago for a special occasion. It was five minutes before four in the afternoon when a white stretch limousine pulled up to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in the western suburb of River Forest. Its principal passenger was Accardo, who was normally in Palm Springs, California at that time of year.
Anthony Joseph Accardo, originally named Antonino Leonardo Accardo and famously nicknamed Joe Batters and Big Tuna, was a prominent figure in American organized crime. Over a career spanning nearly eight decades, he ascended from a minor street thug to become one of the most influential leaders of the Chicago Outfit. In 1947, he took on the role of day-to-day boss, and by 1972, he was the force behind the Outfit’s leadership, guiding its operations and expanding its influence across various regions. Under Accardo’s strategic leadership, the Outfit branched into new and profitable ventures, significantly boosting its wealth and power.
Accardo was born on April 28, 1906, on the near west side of Chicago, the second of six children to Sicilian immigrants Francesco and Maria Tada Accardo. His parents had moved from Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, to the US just a year before his birth, seeking a better life. However, life in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago offered young Accardo limited options. At 14, he dropped out of school and began spending time around local pool halls, where he became involved with the Circus Cafe Gang, a group led by Claude Maddox and Tony Capio.
This gang, one of several that roamed the streets of Chicago’s rougher areas, served as a recruiting ground for the city’s more organized and influential crime syndicates. Accardo’s ruthless potential soon caught the eye of Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn, a top enforcer for Al Capone, who saw Accardo as a valuable asset. Alongside his longtime associate Tony Maslac of Gary, Indiana, Accardo joined Capone’s crew. This marked the beginning of his rise in Chicago’s underworld, as he became known not only for his loyalty but also for his unflinching dedication.
During the Prohibition era, Tony Accardo earned the nickname Joe Batters after reportedly using a baseball bat to eliminate three mobsters who had crossed the Outfit. Al Capone supposedly remarked, “This kid’s a real Joe Batters. ”
In 1939, Chicago newspapers added another nickname, The Big Tuna, after Accardo caught an enormous 400-pound tuna during a fishing trip to Wedgeport, Nova Scotia. He posed proudly with his catch, and the photo made headlines.
Over the years, Accardo hinted on federal wiretaps that he had been involved in the infamous 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, where Capone’s men allegedly wiped out seven members of Bugs Moran’s Northside gang. Accardo also claimed a role in the hit on Brooklyn gang boss Frankie Yale to settle a long-standing feud. Still, most experts believe Accardo had only minor involvement in the massacre and no involvement in Yale’s death, which is more likely attributed to hitmen Gus Winkler, Fred Burke, and Lewis Campagna.
However, Accardo may have taken part in the assassination of Northside leader Hymie Weiss in 1926, just outside the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. In 1932, notorious gangster Al Capone faced his downfall when he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to serve 11 years in prison. With Capone behind bars, Frank “the Enforcer” Nitti, who had recently completed an 18-month sentence for the same crime, stepped in to take over as boss of the Chicago Outfit. Around this time, Nitti took notice of Tony Accardo, an emerging figure within the Outfit who had proven to be both highly resourceful and profitable.
Impressed by Accardo’s ability to bring in substantial earnings for the organization, Nitti granted him permission to form his own crew. Accardo’s loyalty and success also earned him the title of head enforcer, a role that came with considerable influence within the syndicate. Accardo wasted no time expanding his reach. Under his leadership, his crew launched a series of profitable ventures that included gambling rings, loan sharking, bookmaking operations, and extortion schemes.
They also controlled the distribution of untaxed goods such as alcohol and cigarettes, making Accardo’s crew a major revenue source for the Outfit. In line with the Outfit’s structure, Accardo collected a mandatory street tax, a five percent cut of his crew’s earnings. This payment was a cornerstone of the Outfit’s financial model, as Accardo himself forwarded a portion of these earnings up the chain to the boss. Non-compliance, however, was not tolerated.
If a crew member refused to pay or attempted to undercut the organization, the punishment was severe and often fatal. Among Accardo’s ranks were up-and-coming mobsters who would go on to become prominent figures in the Outfit, such as Gus “Gussy” Alex and Joseph “Joey” Aiuppa. With their support, Accardo strengthened his influence, establishing himself as a pivotal leader within the Outfit and laying the foundation for future power and wealth. In the 1940s, Tony Accardo continued his swift rise through the ranks of the Chicago Outfit, becoming one of its most influential figures.
As the decade advanced, the Outfit’s senior leaders came under scrutiny for using their control over labor unions to extort millions from Hollywood studios, threatening strikes to get their way. Facing a second prison term, an ailing Frank Nitti tragically took his own life in 1943. Paul “the Waiter” Ricca, who had been the de facto boss since Al Capone’s imprisonment, officially assumed the top role and appointed Accardo as his underboss. For the next 30 years, Ricca and Accardo would dominate the Outfit’s leadership.
When Ricca was sentenced to a decade in prison for his role in the Hollywood scheme, Accardo took over as acting boss. Three years later, Ricca’s parole barred him from contact with mob associates, making Accardo the official boss. Despite this, the two maintained a unique balance of power, with Accardo as the public face and Ricca quietly influencing decisions as a trusted adviser. Under Tony Accardo’s leadership in the late 1940s, Chicago’s Outfit took on new ventures that would expand its reach and cement its influence across the United States.
Recognizing the potential for profits in various illicit markets, Accardo steered the Outfit into the slot and vending machine businesses, counterfeit cigarette and liquor tax stamps, and a lucrative expansion of narcotics trafficking. He strategically placed slot machines in gas stations, restaurants, and bars throughout the Outfit’s territory, creating a steady flow of income. Beyond Chicago, the Outfit also expanded its grip into Las Vegas, wresting control of gambling operations from New York’s Five Families. Accardo cleverly negotiated deals to ensure that his slot machines filled the floors of all legitimate Las Vegas casinos, effectively monopolizing the city’s gaming infrastructure.
In Kansas and Oklahoma, Accardo exploited Prohibition-era sentiments by capitalizing on the official ban on alcohol, flooding the market with bootlegged liquor. This venture contributed significantly to the Outfit’s growing dominance over organized crime in the western United States. To minimize law enforcement scrutiny, Accardo phased out traditional high-risk criminal activities like labor racketeering and extortion, which had often drawn unwanted attention. He transformed the Outfit’s brothel operations into discreet call girl services, an innovation that not only reduced legal risk but also increased profitability.
This era of calculated expansion and modernization brought a golden age of wealth and influence for the Outfit. Accardo, alongside his trusted associate Paul Ricca, emphasized the importance of maintaining a low profile. They let figures like the flamboyant Sam Giancana attract the spotlight, preferring to manage things quietly from behind the scenes. Accardo’s caution even extended to popular culture.
When professional wrestlers Lou Albano and Tony Altomare brought a mafia-themed gimmick to Chicago in 1961, Accardo urged them to abandon the act, wary of drawing any public association with organized crime. Accardo’s strategic vision and Ricca’s loyalty allowed them to maintain control far longer than Al Capone had. Accardo’s intellect and shrewd decisions inspired admiration within the Outfit, with Ricca once noting that Accardo had more brains for breakfast than Capone had in a lifetime. Following 1957, Tony Accardo, facing mounting pressure from the IRS, chose to step back from his official role as the head of the Chicago Outfit, passing the title to his protege Sam Giancana.
Though no longer directly managing day-to-day operations, Accardo retained significant influence as the organization’s consigliere. This role allowed him to wield substantial power as he continued to command respect and made final decisions on major matters within the Outfit. Giancana, despite his position as boss, was still required to seek Accardo’s and former boss Paul Ricca’s approval for critical decisions, including life-or-death matters like sanctioning murders. However, tensions soon began to simmer beneath the surface.
Giancana’s approach sharply contrasted with Accardo’s discreet style. A widower with a taste for the high life, Giancana became a fixture in upscale clubs and embarked on a highly publicized romance with singer Phyllis McGuire. His flashy lifestyle not only distanced him from the Outfit’s more traditional values but also attracted undue attention from law enforcement. Outfit members became frustrated, feeling that Giancana’s refusal to share profits from lucrative casinos in Iran and Central America created resentment within the ranks.
Additionally, the FBI’s relentless surveillance of Giancana’s every move only intensified concerns that he was putting the entire operation at risk. By 1966, these tensions came to a head when Giancana faced jail time on contempt of court charges. Seizing the opportunity, Accardo and Ricca decided it was time for a change in leadership, replacing him with Joseph Aiuppa. Giancana would spend the next several years in exile in Mexico until he was forcibly deported back to the United States in June 1975.
He met a violent end in his own Oak Park, Illinois home, where he was gunned down while cooking Italian sausages and escarole. With Ricca’s passing in 1972, Accardo had risen to an almost legendary status as the undisputed overseer of the Outfit, his authority unchallenged as he continued to shape the underworld with a calculated, formidable presence. During the winter of 1978, while Chicago crime boss Anthony “Big Tuna” Accardo enjoyed a relaxing getaway in sunny California, a group of burglars decided to target his luxurious River Forest estate. The break-in was not only bold but also a deeply personal affront to Accardo, who had spent years building an empire marked by strict loyalty and ruthless discipline.
It was a crime that couldn’t go unanswered, especially given the high-profile nature of the victim. Soon after the break-in, a chilling series of events followed. Over the next several weeks, the three suspected burglars, along with four individuals linked to them, were found dead, strangled and with their throats brutally slashed. These grisly murders sent shock waves through the underworld and beyond, reinforcing the ominous message that crossing Accardo would lead to severe consequences.
While no one was directly convicted of these particular murders at the time, law enforcement had little doubt that Accardo had orchestrated the retaliatory slayings. This suspicion was confirmed decades later in 2002 during the infamous Family Secrets trial, a case that finally shed light on the dark depths of Chicago’s organized crime network. Outfit insider Nicholas Calabrese, who had become a government witness, revealed on the stand that he had been involved in all seven murders. Calabrese’s testimony exposed not only the truth behind these killings but also helped lead to the conviction of several other assassins who were sentenced to long prison terms, marking a significant victory in the fight against the Chicago Outfit’s violent reign.
In 1934, Tony Accardo, an influential figure in organized crime, crossed paths with Clarice Pordziany, a talented Polish-American chorus girl who would later become his wife. Their union blossomed into a large and tightly knit family, with the couple welcoming two daughters and adopting two sons. As time went on, several of Accardo’s descendants made notable careers in the National Football League, adding a fascinating athletic legacy to the family. One of their daughters, Marie, married Palmer Pyle, a skilled guard who played professionally for the Baltimore Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders.
The Pyle family’s NFL connection continued with their son Eric Kumerow, who followed his father into the league, playing as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins. Eric’s athletic talents were passed down to his son Jake, who played as a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, carrying the family name into yet another NFL generation. The sports legacy extended further through Eric’s sister Cheryl, who married John Bosa, a defensive end who also played for the Miami Dolphins. Cheryl and John’s sons, Joey and Nick Bosa, would go on to make impressive names for themselves in the NFL, both excelling as defensive ends like their father.
Joey currently represents the Los Angeles Chargers, while his younger brother Nick has become a powerhouse for the San Francisco 49ers. Today, the Accardo family stands out not only for its colorful history but also for its enduring mark on the world of professional football. For much of his married life, Accardo resided in River Forest, Illinois, in a luxurious six-bedroom, six-bath home on Franklin Avenue. This lavish property featured unique amenities, including two private bowling lanes, an indoor swimming pool, and even a pipe organ.
As the IRS began scrutinizing his apparent wealth, Accardo moved to a more discreet ranch-style home on North Ashland Avenue, where he added a secure vault. Living nearby was his close friend and neighbor, Dr. Jim Cardo, who owned the Mars candy mansion on Ashland Avenue. Due to their similar last names, people often confused Cardo with Accardo.
Over time, Dr. Cardo became a respected figure within Accardo’s circle, alongside his wife Rose, a nurse, and her brother Leon Kendo. It was rumored that Dr. Cardo offered off-the-record medical assistance to Accardo.
Despite the intrigue surrounding his lifestyle, Accardo maintained an official role as a beer salesman for a Chicago brewery. During the late 1970s, Anthony “Big Tuna” Accardo expanded his reach beyond Chicago, purchasing a retreat in Palm Springs, California, where he could enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle while still holding firm control over his organized crime empire. Despite the distance, Accardo frequently traveled back to Chicago to oversee sit-downs, the meetings in which he arbitrated disputes and resolved conflicts within the Chicago Outfit. His investments grew considerably over the years, extending into a diverse range of legitimate businesses.
By this period in his life, Accardo’s portfolio included ownership stakes in commercial office spaces, shopping centers, and extensive agricultural assets such as lumber farms and paper mills. His ventures also branched out into hotels, car dealerships, trucking firms, newspapers, restaurants, and travel agencies, solidifying his influence far beyond the criminal underworld. Accardo spent his later years in Barrington Hills, Illinois, residing with his daughter and son-in-law, living in quiet luxury while his reputation loomed large. On May 22, 1992, at the age of 86, Accardo passed away from complications related to respiratory and heart conditions, marking the end of a criminal career that spanned decades.
His final resting place is in a crypt at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery’s mausoleum in Hillside, Illinois, a dignified site for a man who had evaded the justice system remarkably well. Despite an arrest record that began as early as 1922, Accardo’s time behind bars amounted to just a single night, an impressive testament to his influence and strategic intelligence in a dangerous world. Although Accardo was known to be highly strategic and secretive, his leadership also had a violent edge. While he preferred to operate behind the scenes, Accardo was known for his ruthlessness when it came to eliminating rivals or dealing with betrayal within the Outfit.
Under his watch, the Chicago Outfit continued to engage in violent acts, including murders, extortion, and other forms of intimidation. Yet Accardo’s style was less overtly brutal than some of his predecessors, and he was able to avoid significant legal scrutiny by remaining behind the scenes, using intermediaries and keeping his hands clean of direct criminal acts. Despite his criminal activities, Accardo managed to avoid conviction on serious charges for much of his life. His ability to avoid prosecution, coupled with his deep understanding of the law and the workings of the criminal justice system, reinforced his reputation as a savvy and untouchable figure in organized crime.
Even in the 1970s and 1980s, as law enforcement increasingly targeted organized crime, Accardo maintained influence over the Outfit. Accardo’s legacy extends beyond his role in the mafia. He was the embodiment of the classic cold-blooded, strategic gangster who operated with a mix of intelligence, pragmatism, and violence. His life and career became the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, helping to shape the public’s understanding of mafia culture.
Accardo’s influence can also be seen in the way the Chicago Outfit operates today, with many of the practices he developed still in place. As a symbol of power, Accardo’s impact was also felt in the way he navigated relationships with law enforcement, politicians, and business figures. He was known for his ability to avoid direct conflict with law enforcement and to use his political connections to protect the Outfit’s interests. In sum, Tony Accardo’s legacy in the American Mafia is one of strategic brilliance, criminal innovation, and ruthless leadership.
He was not only one of the most powerful mafia bosses of the 20th century but also one of the most enduring figures in the history of organized crime in America. His ability to maintain control over the Chicago Outfit for decades while avoiding legal consequences and managing its criminal enterprises with sophistication set him apart as a central figure in the Mafia’s legacy in America. One striking example of his legal evasion came on June 21, 1984. A frail-looking 78-year-old man entered a hearing room in the United States Capitol.
He was Chicago mob legend Tony Accardo, the most powerful man in the Outfit for 40 years. All his life, he had shied away from the limelight. Now, in declining health, he was forced to testify before a Senate committee investigating organized crime. His hearing was not the best at that particular point, and officials sometimes had to repeat questions to him so he could know what they were.
But anyone hoping that his testimony would unlock the secrets of the Chicago mob would be sorely disappointed. When questioned by Senator William Roth of Delaware about the Giancana murder, Accardo said, “I don’t know anything about it. ” Asked if he had any knowledge, direct or indirect, he said, “None. ” Asked if he had anything to do with it, he said, “No, sir.
” Asked if he had ever directed anybody to commit murder, he said, “No, sir. ” Asked if he had ever killed anyone, he said, “No, sir. ”
Wait a minute, Tony Accardo talking. I can’t believe that people are saying that.
But what he did, he orchestrated something very clever. He admitted that he was a gambler and that he was at the racetrack. His profession, he claimed, was a beer salesman. That’s what he did for a living.
Asked about his association with Al Capone, he said, “No association at all. Just friendly, hello and how are you. ” Asked if he was aware that he was reputed to be Capone’s chauffeur and bodyguard, he said, “No, sir. Outside of the newspapers.
”
Once again, Tony “Joe Batters” Accardo beat the rap. He skirted it. He fooled the government. The government was not able to bring perjury charges or pursue any other challenge to the questions because they just didn’t have any evidence that what he told them was not true.
The fact that a senator doesn’t believe they’re true doesn’t make it so. Outwardly, Accardo bore no resemblance to the gun-toting thug who once earned the nickname Joe Batters and allegedly took part in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. But appearances are deceiving.
He was an old man who looked like a benign grandfather, and to his grandchildren, he surely was one.