Gangland Cleveland Style: The Rise and Demise | Frank Monastra

Gangland Cleveland, Their Rise, and Demise; is an exciting look through the vast history of the Cleveland Mob. Their hard-fought rise of power from the many men who wished to control the city. Their courageous battles and struggles with law enforcement and the enemies within the city who continue to attack them from every angle, to manage a more significant share of the city’s underworld wealth. The feared Sicilian immigrants of the early twenties struggled to meet the day-to-day rival gangs, which would often bring about their death, just to earn a living on the tuff urban streets. These real stories will prove how Cleveland became the third highest-ranking and most influential Mafia town in the country behind New York and Chicago. “Gangland Cleveland Style” showcases the ambitious drive, their rise in respect across America, and of course their incredible demise in the late 1970s. I focus on Lonardo’s, Porrello’s, Frank & Anthony Milano's “Mayfield Road Gang” to Al Polizzi, and of course John Scalish. The ongoing fight with Danny Greene and the aftermath of James Licavoli and the dramatic testimony of a Protected Federal Witness, “Underboss” Angelo Lonardo. The astonishing true stories of the Prohibition and the Circulation Wars, illegal Casino operations along with the Policy, clearinghouse, and Drug rackets will fascinate you as you learn more about their protected inner circle of friends. Men like Mickey McBride, Ray Ferritto, Alex Shondor Birns, the Angersola Brothers, John DeMarco, and of course their connection with the powerful Jewish Syndicate, developed by Moe Dalitz. I include Morris Kleinman and Tommy McGinty along with many others. I dive into their brilliant and impressive relationship with the various powerful labor unions, and of course, the great Teamster Union where William and Jackie Presser along with Babe Triscaro ruled over the flock of disciples. Read about the numerous stories of other union leaders who were a pivotal connection to the Mafia across the country and to Cleveland. Cleveland’s role in the famous Apalachin Summit with their colorful, yet complicated friendships and relationship with many of the high-level Mafia Bosses across the country and how Cleveland became a principal player in the Los Angeles Mafia.