ButtonGuys is pleased to announce our newest guest author, renowned organized crime expert Scott M. Deitche, to tell a South Florida underworld tale of mystery and intrigue.

Lisa and I wanna give a big shoutout to Scott and warmly welcome him aboard. We're confident that our fans will enjoy this collaboration and look forward to more of Scott's interesting stories about the Florida mob in the near future.

This particular story revolves around notorious Miami based gangster, Louis (Babe) Silvers, who, like many gangsters, was on this earth one minute but gone the next.

Scott has penned numerous books and articles on organized crime, specifically about the mob in Tampa and South Florida. His works include "Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld," "The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jr.", and his latest, "Hitmen: The Mafia, Drugs, and the East Harlem Purple Gang." Scott is also the co-founder of Tampa Mafia (http://tampamafia.com), a one-of-a-kind walking tour of Tampa's underworld. It's a must-do if you're in the area.

Check out Scott's story, "The End of Lou (Babe) Silvers" at the Button Guys website here:

https://thenewyorkmafia.com/the-end-of-lou-babe-silvers

Wow this is great news guys!!! Many props goes to Mr. Deitche, including the excellent story, and I dont know if he remembers me but back in the days we exchanged several emails. Also cheers to Lisa and NYM for the great job.

Yes, I agree TD. Lisa and I and Scott all feel that this collaboration will be well received by our collective fanbase.

He is a nice addition to our "guest authors" section of ButtonGuys of The New York Mafia.

+1

LOL + 1 more!

Glad you liked it!

Yes Scott, so far so good. People really seem to be enjoying the story.

Your work is always exceptionally good. Cheers

In addition, I see some Chicago guys were mentioned as associates of Silvers in Miami and ill say that Dave Yaras was one of the prime Chicago contacts with high level members from other families, including bosses like Trafficante. Joe Fischetti was also one of the Outfits prime contacts in Miami but I believe he was more of a "operator" while Yaras' murderous reputation preceded him in every situation.

Joe Farinella was a Gambino member based in Trenton NJ. Relatively low key but connected to quite a bit of mob history. Some of you might know who he is by his nickname… Pal Joey. Sammy Gravano has talked about him a little. He was active up until his death which was probably about 15 years ago. Good guy.

It was a great story, Scott! Thanks for sharing it on Button Guys!

+1

NYM, I found this about the Silvers hit, tell me what you think:

Gambino members Joseph Indelicato and Thomas Altamura also allegedly murdered a swindler named Louis Silvers at the Blue Bay motel in Miami. Silvers was allegedly murdered on the orders of Gambino captain Carmine Lombardozzi after he stole money from the organization. Indelicato and Altamura got away with the Silvers murder after allegedly paying the district attorney a $40,000 bribe.

Also, you named Altamura as an associate of the Trafficante Family, when he was an official member of the Gambinos, right? I'm sure he was associated with the Trafficante guys as well, but I think his official membership of another Family is more notable.

Yes, SouthShore, I have heard the name of Joe Farinella. If its the same fella I'm thinking of, Farinella was active since the 1950s-1960s era.

Same fella. He was a gentlemen but also did a lot of work. Not much is out there about him in the public and I don’t like Gravano smearing his name when talking about the Johnny Keys hit. Pal Joey should have never been that closely involved at his age. He was a standup wiseguy and lived the life without doing a lot of time. Salute.

Ok, thanks. Yes, If I'm not mistaken Joe Farinella was also active early in his career back in Brooklyn, NY. In fact, I think thats where he may have gotten his start.

Toddo oversaw a faction with a few members and dozens of associates in Trenton. I think they were on record with Brooklyn and didn’t report to a NJ crew like most of the state. Without saying too much, that’s how I became acquainted with them. I don’t know who they were with before Toddo. Maybe Petey Pumps, that’s a name I heard growing up. Pal Joey lived near Sam the Plumber and I think they had a lot of interaction. He also lived half the year in Florida.

Found his obituary and he died back in 2001. Madone… now I feel old!

I here ya....and I feel the same way. lol