Arguably one of the most unique and significant mafiosi to ever exist and operate in the entire United States was a shrewd and shadowy mafioso by the name of Luigi (Lou) Pagnotti Sr.
Originally starting out as a bootlegger during the Prohibition era, Pagnotti eventually expanded into various illicit rackets like slot machines. But his claim to fame was his business and financial acumen and his expansion into the legitimate business world where his numerous holdings made him a multimillionaire.
Not only that, Pagnotti excelled in other ventures as well including making inroads as a local politician, a boxing promoter, and a philanthropist, among many other endeavors.
But nestled within all this success was his secret association with Pennsylvania’s Russell Bufalino Crime Family – at that time known as the Santo Volpe Crime Family – in which law enforcement believed Pagnotti operated as a high-ranking member.