John Scalish was a interesting mob boss that in SOME ways was similar
To John LaRocca of Pittsburgh.
Scalish always perfered not to use violence to solve any issues.
He was not a impulsive, pull the trigger, ask questions later kind
Of boss.
One reason (or reasons )why I think Scalish kept the family membership small
was due to on going health issues starting in his late 40s
And let's be honest keeping the made men in his family to
A low count meant a bigger share of the profits for him
And his small circle trusted senior members.
I don't ever recall reading or hearing about any attempt made
To have Scalish removed as boss at any time .
Scalish knew sharing the wealth and letting others earn was
A sensible way to keep peace
He made so much money he let Angelo Lonardo and Tony Panzarella over see and
Control the numbers racket. Panzarella was also I think engaged
To Scalish's daughter at one time.
Before Scalish died in May 1976 , he was already contemplating stepping
Down as boss of the family. After Frank Brancato died in 1973
Scalish started to let other senior members make more decisions
And was content to go into semi retirement.
It's my opinion he wanted Angelo Lonardo to take over.Maishe Rockman
Knowing James Licavoli was ignorant to mafia protocols
Would be easier to influence pertaining to the LV skim and
Pulling the strings who would leading the Teamsters.
Angelo Lonardo in my opinion was no fan of Bill Presser or Jackie.
For me a choice good on short period and bad in long period.
Dont made new blood took to old wiseguys that in Cleveland case cant read of a binch of irishmen and must call a hitmen from outside to salve the problems.
And if Lonardo was so true lcn why flipped in 1982?
Another thing is that strong fbi operation can easly almost disband a small family.
What year did they close the books ...was it 63 or 64??
So up until 1963 ish , Cleveland had medium Sized but
Strong family. I think it was 50 made guys and many associates.
After Appalachian and Valachi , Scalish I think was only concerned
With the short term and in his mind the most logical replacement for him
Was Lonardo given Lonardo's resume and how respected he was nationwide
Why did Ange flip..I think cause he was bitter when Rockman
Lied about Scalish saying he wanted Jack Licavoli to be the boss.
Number 2, Licavoli choose Leo Moceri to be the underboss over Lonardo
So right there Big Ange is disrespected in 2 cases
Ange I think while he did get rich from the narcotics
The Cleveland Outfit got into , I don't think he gave his approval
To venture down that road.Ange was very old school
Old school to the point he told Rockman to find the door
When it came to discuss certain family matters
And lastly Ange was facing life in prison.
I don't think he could trust anyone to make sure his
Wife Mary was taken care of if he was locked up.
Tronolone was the boss and he ran the family from Miami
Ange put his wife above the family.
Easy choice.
If Ange was made boss in 1976 I think the family could
Still be around today
