I'll have to go with Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo because he ran the Chicago Outfit from 1947-1992, and spent only one night in jail or avoided the inside of a cell entirely.

Now that wouldn't happened to today because heat from the feds, but he knew how to avoid L.E.

joe massino hands down fbi said he was the most powerful boss in the 90's.

Tony Accardo and Carlo Gambino

Tony Accardo in America and probably Calogero Vizzini in Italy.

carlo g and tommy l

Frank Costello,Carlos Marcello and Angelo Bruno.Choose one...

Joe Massino, Russel Bufalino, Carlos Marcello, amd no other then the boss of bosses "Fat tony"

Joe Batters retired didn't he though ? I thought he went down to Florida or Arizona to chill

Ye Fat Tony invented LCN and even elektricity.He was also the nephew of Genghis Khan

Carlo Gambino. A lion and a fox.

But these ones all went to jail.

Joe Massino? I think he lost that title the day he flipped.

Was thinking the same thing.

Id have to say Costello or Luciano. Just because they helped formed the modern american mafia and both died out of the can and spend limited time in the can.

His response to a similar comment while in the PC Unit at a Fed. Lockup. " I got Stripes, I got several."

If I had to replace Massino if that doesn't count then I would say

Carmine "E.T." Galante

1. Carlo Gambino
2. Anthony Accardo
3. Tommy Lucchese
4. Joe Zerilli
5. Santo Trafficante
6. Joe Profaci

The main factors are stability, longevity, and dying in your own bed - not prison.

1. Carlo Gambino
2. Anthony Accardo
3. Tommy Lucchese
4. Joe Zerilli
5. Santo Trafficante
6. Joe Profaci

The main factors are stability, longevity, and dying in your own bed - not prison.

It really depends. I would say The Chin.

I'd agree with that.

I would agree with SilentPartnerz but add a few more qualifying factors: treachery, cunning, deceitful, lots of street smarts, and the ability to stay below the radar.

Same names.

Profaci in my opinion wasn't that good as a boss, considering the Gallo situation. Too greedy.

Many ppl think that Accardo was the real deal,but my opinion is that Joey B. couldnt lift a finger without Riccas permission.Many say that Riccas reign was from 1943 to 1947...wrong,he was the boss till his death in 1972 i think....You see after Riccas death Accardo,again,wasnt the real boss of the Chi outfit,cuz where you gonna put Joey Aiuppa than?!Cuz after Riccas death,many of his underlings such as Giancana or Mad Sam went "cold".Accardo was always more of a acting boss or consigliere for the ruling panel...but hands down,the dude was pure hardcore

Accardo always said Ricca was in charge. But Ricca and Accardo made most of the the big decisions. Ricca had to be careful because he was forbidden to associate with known criminals (RIGHT !). But he did have to use caution and as a result pushed Accardo to "announce" decisions to outfit members. Ricca and Accardo established the position of "Boss of The Outfit." They (Accardo&Ricca) remained in the background with final say on important matters. By doing this they were insulated (to some degree) from possible criminal charges and prosecution.

From my readings it didn't seem to matter who the day-to-day boss was because Accardo assumed a role similar to Ricca. Accardo never sought the position of "Boss" of the Outfit, even though he took charge when Ricca went to prison. But there were times when he was the interim boss. He tried several times to retire but Ricca told him "The Outfit needs you." So Accardo acted more as an adviser or consigliere than the boss. But his power was enormous and he made most major decisions, or at least had the final say. He used other members such as Gus Alex, Murray Humphreys, et. al. In the decision-making process. But it was common knowledge by all govt. anti-crime agencies that Tony Accardo was at the top echelon of The Chicago Outfit. The exact title Accardo assumed depends on different agencies, newspapers, etc. Some referred to him as Chairman or Boss of Bosses, or simply as consigliere.

There will always be controversy about Accardo and his status within The Outfit. My suggestion would be to read all the information available on the Internet including FBI files, newspaper articles, books by John Binder, Gus Russo, Richard Lindberg and Bill Roemer (I know, Romer kinda gets carried away with Roemer). Also read some stories by former FBI agents Wayne Johnson, James Wagner and Lee Flosi. There are many more but these guys are well-informed about Accardo.

Finally, don't take my word or anybody's word about Accardo; just do some research and I believe you will develop a picture of his role and status within The Chicago Outfit."

Sorry for the long post.

No one has said Johnny Torrio from Chicago he helped form the LCN as well and the structure behind it.

Also they must of thought very highly of him after he left Chicago he went to Italy for awhile then he went back to N.Y to consult with the 5 families.

Very intelligent and crafty and well respected man.

Although Charlie Luciano comes close because he founded the Commission, I go with Frank Costello. His contribution was to make the Mafia a political powerhouse. Previously, the Irish dominated urban political machines and rented their services, often grudgingly, to Mafia families. Costello stepped in and, through money and sophistication, turned the tables. He was smart enough to maintain Irish ward heelers and officeholders because he knew the public at that time distrusted Italian names in politics. But they were subordinate to him. He made judges and district leaders whenever he needed to, and even elected two mayors of NYC. That's how he earned his nickname, "The Prime Minister of the Underworld."

nobody has mentioned scarfo

Now that's funny, lol...

Gambino in my book-

Stefano "The Undertaker" Magaddino
50 years on top

in all honesty has to be trafficante the man is given credit for whacking the president, plus i might be a little bias since im from central florida

You are so correct. An oversight on my part. I should have typed it this way:

Accardo/Ricca