NEVER SAW THE FOREST FOR THE TREES!

    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH., 2019
  NEVER SAW THE FOREST FOR THE TREES!

    There's been a lot of comments on social media
over the past week or so about the release of the
movie "The Irishman." Based on the book "I
Heard You Paint Houses" it recounts the
criminal career of Frank Sheeran who claimed to
have been the man who killed former Teamster's
Union President Jimmy Hoffa.
      Sheeran claimed that the hit was ordered by
Northeastern Pennsylvania Mob boss Russell
Bufalino.
       The late Kingston resident is the subject of
another mafia themed book by Matt Birkbeck
entitled "The Quiet Don."
        That publication is filled with references
to people and places in our area said to be tied
with  the mob,
         It would seem the mafia was a lot closer
than I thought!
         Our area press club, the Professional
News Media Association of NE PA was
invited to hold its monthly meetings at the
former Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge in
Pittston Township. After reading Birkbeck's
book I learned the motel was actually owned by
Bufalino!
         I grew up in Hazleton and always heard
talk about Jack Parisi. Most of it was about
what a nice guy he was.
         But the state crime commission identified
  him as a member of the Bufalino crime family
and an associate of Albert Anastasia considered
the head of "Murder Incorporated."
        Unbeknownst to me Bufalino and I also
shared a lawyer! Sort of. The late Charles Gelso was
helping me get some engineering documents
on a radio station I was looking into starting
in the 1970's. He also represented Bufalino
in his unsuccessful attempt to escape prison
time.
         I've been to many of the places named
as mafia meeting or drop off spots during my
years in the area and never once knew about
any of these reported connections.
         Makes you want to know more and look
twice doesn't it?
         Hope all your NEWS is good!