Meyer Lansky II, grandson of the notorious mobster Meyer Lansky, has detailed his childhood experiences with organized crime figures in a new book, "The Lansky Legacy: The Life and Letters of Meyer Lansky." He recounted his time spent with his grandfather in Florida during the 1970s, describing Lansky as a "serious-minded" businessman who emphasized proper etiquette, even during summer vacations.
Lansky II recalled that during these visits, he would often spend time with Philip "The Stick" Kovolick, a longtime associate of his grandfather and a rumored hitman who acted as a bookie. Kovolick, who also served as Lansky's driver during Prohibition, was found dead in a steel drum at the bottom of a rock pit in Hallandale Beach, Florida, in April 1971, three weeks after he disappeared. He was 62 years old.
At the time of his death, Kovolick was under investigation by a grand jury for illegal gambling, corruption, and bribery. A 36-year-old man, John Alvin Baxter, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Kovolick's killing and sentenced to life in prison. However, Lansky II's father, Paul, believed Kovolick was killed after an altercation over money owed to a mob associate.
Lansky II stated that he rarely discussed his grandfather's business dealings. When he once asked about Frank Sinatra, his grandfather responded cryptically, leading him to refrain from further inquiries.
Lansky's Business Acumen
According to Lansky II, his grandfather, often called the "mob's accountant," differed from his contemporaries. He claimed Lansky was morally opposed to drug dealing and prostitution, and did not advocate violence, viewing it as detrimental to business. Lansky II likened his grandfather's approach to business competition to that of rival car manufacturers, suggesting that success came from outbidding competitors rather than resorting to violence.
Lansky II also recounted an encounter with Albert "Tick Tock" Tannenbaum, a feared hitman for Murder Inc. Describing Tannenbaum as "just a killer," Lansky II recalled feeling uneasy after shaking his hand.
Meyer Lansky played a significant role in developing the modern gambling scene in Las Vegas. He helped finance his friend Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's Flamingo Hotel, which opened in 1946. Lansky implemented strategies to enhance the casino experience, such as requiring tuxedo-clad dealers and removing clocks from the gaming floor to encourage patrons to stay longer. He also ensured the hotel offered restaurants and shops, contributing to the allure of the Las Vegas Strip.
In the late 1940s and 1950s, Lansky expanded his operations to Cuba, partnering with dictator Fulgencio Batista to control gambling. This arrangement allowed Lansky to operate several casinos, including the prestigious Hotel Nacional in Havana. However, the rise of Fidel Castro in 1959 led to the collapse of Batista's regime and the seizure of the casinos, resulting in Lansky losing control of his Cuban ventures and a significant portion of his fortune.
Despite his association with organized crime, Lansky II believes his grandfather's intentions in Cuba were to help the local population by creating jobs and alleviating poverty. He stated he does not wish to reclaim the seized hotels, believing they should remain with the Cuban people.
Cinematic and Personal Reflections
Meyer Lansky served as the inspiration for the character Hyman Roth in "The Godfather: Part II." Lansky reportedly called actor Lee Strasberg, who portrayed Roth, after the film's release to compliment his performance and suggest a more sympathetic portrayal.
In his later years, Lansky struggled financially, dispelling rumors of a hidden $300 million fortune. Lansky II mentioned that his grandfather was always preoccupied, making him difficult to understand. He learned of his grandfather's death in 1983 from a lung cancer diagnosis through a television broadcast.
Now 69, Lansky II, who leads tours at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas, wrote the book to honor the personal relationship he had with his grandfather, aiming to present a more complete picture of Meyer Lansky beyond his criminal activities.