Rosario DeSimone facts for kids

Rosario DeSimone (born December 11, 1873 – died July 15, 1946) was a notable figure who led an Italian-American organization in the Los Angeles area from the 1920s to the 1940s. This group was a predecessor to what later became known as the Los Angeles crime family. Rosario DeSimone was also the father of Frank DeSimone, who would later become a leader of a similar organization in California. It's important not to confuse him with Timothy Rosario DeSimone from Chicago.

Early Life and Leadership

Rosario DeSimone was born in Salaparuta, a town in Sicily, Italy, on December 11, 1873. He first moved to the United States, settling in New Orleans, before moving to Pueblo, Colorado. In Pueblo, he was involved with a local Italian-American organization and was well-regarded within that community.

He later became a close associate of Vito Di Giorgio, another influential figure in Los Angeles. After Di Giorgio's death in Chicago in 1922, Rosario DeSimone took over the leadership role. His influence extended across Los Angeles County.

Transition and Later Years

DeSimone's time as a leader in Los Angeles was relatively short, as he stepped down around 1925. After this, he became a regular businessman, focusing on legal ventures. He settled in Downey, California, where he lived out his later years.

Rosario DeSimone passed away from natural causes in 1946. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles.

His Family Life

Rosario DeSimone was married twice and had several children. His second son, Frank DeSimone, followed a different path initially, becoming a criminal attorney. However, Frank later took on a leadership role within the same type of organization his father had led, from 1956 to 1967.