Remembering "Joey Doves" Aiuppa: The Chicago Mob Boss

What do you get when you combine the ruthlessness of the Chicago Outfit with a fondness for feathered game? The answer, as history now confirms, is Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa, a name synonymous with both mob power and, surprisingly, a certain avian infamy.

The announcement came on a Sunday, a hospital spokeswoman confirming the passing of Aiuppa at the age of 89. His death marked the end of an era, a final curtain call for one of the last vestiges of the Chicago Outfit's grip on power, a legacy that spanned decades and a criminal empire.

Born Joseph John Aiuppa on December 1, 1907, in Melrose Park, Illinois, Aiuppa's life was a stark contrast between the public and private worlds. He started as an amateur boxer, fighting under the name "Joey O'Brien" a moniker adopted to capitalize on the higher purses afforded to Irish fighters in the boxing circuits of the time. This early adaptation to the game of deception and adaptation foreshadowed the life he would carve out in the underworld.

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Aiuppa's career trajectory quickly shifted from the squared circle to the shadowy realm of organized crime. He ascended through the ranks of the Chicago Outfit, the notorious criminal syndicate that had its roots in the Prohibition era. His rise coincided with the Outfits expansion into various illegal activities, cementing its place as one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in the United States.

Reference: Wikipedia

Aiuppa's infamous nickname, "Joey Doves," stems from an incident that underscored his disregard for the law and his uncanny ability to find himself entangled in unexpected circumstances. In 1966, he was convicted for the unlawful possession and transportation of mourning doves across state lines. The details are as unique as the man himself: in 1962, as part of Robert Kennedys crackdown on the Chicago Outfit, FBI agents in Kansas, while searching Aiuppas car, discovered 563 frozen doves. This event, more than any other, cemented his place in the annals of criminal lore. It's a story that highlights the strange intersection of violence, law, and the absurd that often characterized the lives of these gangsters.

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His association with the world of organized crime was not a sudden turn. Aiuppa started working as a bodyguard for none other than Al Capone, the notorious "Scarface" himself. This initial involvement foreshadowed his later ascendancy within the Chicago Outfit. His proximity to Capone provided him with a firsthand education in the strategies, tactics, and ruthless decision-making that characterized the mob's operations.

The transition from bodyguard to boss was a gradual but steady climb. In 1971, Aiuppa took the reins as boss of the Chicago Outfit, succeeding Felix "Milwaukee Phil" Alderisio. He held this position until his 1986 conviction, a testament to his influence and the Outfit's enduring power. During his tenure, Aiuppa oversaw a vast criminal enterprise involved in gambling, skimming profits from casinos, and, as alleged, a series of violent acts to maintain control.

The story of "Joey Doves" is also a story of the Outfit itself, and the power of its reach. The Outfit's history is replete with instances of violence and intrigue, from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre to the ongoing investigations into its activities. The men at the top of this organization wielded unimaginable power, influencing everything from local politics to legitimate businesses.

Aiuppa's influence extended beyond the realm of criminality. His connections and power permeated the social fabric of Chicago and its surrounding areas. He and his associates were involved in many facets of public life, from supporting charities to investing in businesses. This blend of criminality and social integration became a hallmark of the Outfit's strategy, allowing it to operate with a level of impunity that was shocking even by the standards of the time.

The Outfit's power was built on a foundation of fear, violence, and a ruthless code of silence. The assassination of Sam Giancana, another major figure in the Chicago mob, remains an unsolved mystery to this day. It is often speculated that Aiuppa, along with other Outfit bosses, may have ordered the hit, further illustrating the lengths to which the organization would go to maintain its dominance. This era was one of constant internal struggle and external pressure from law enforcement.

His downfall, like the end for many mobsters, was marked by a series of indictments and convictions. Aiuppas illegal activities eventually caught up with him, resulting in his imprisonment. This brought a dramatic turn, as his once invincible empire started to crumble. Even during his incarceration, Aiuppa remained a figure of respect, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Outfit.

The tales surrounding Aiuppa and the Outfit often involved exaggeration, typical of the world of organized crime. There are countless stories, often embellished, of his exploits and the extent of his influence. The line between fact and fiction becomes blurred, especially given the nature of the Outfit's operations and the code of silence that prevailed.

His connection to the world of fishing, especially in the context of the Chicago Outfit, highlights a particularly interesting aspect of his character. He was an angler with his own boat. The story highlights how individuals in both worlds -- mobsters and fishermen -- are prone to exaggerations. The tale of Louis Spray, who reportedly caught the largest muskie ever at the Chippewa Flowage in Wisconsin, adds an element of folklore to the story.

The narrative of "Joey Doves" is not just the story of one man; its a microcosm of the larger narrative of organized crime in America. Aiuppa's story echoes with the broader history of the Chicago Outfit, the rise and fall of empires, and the enduring allure of the criminal underworld. The story continues to fascinate, offering a dark glimpse into the power and influence of the mob.

The legacy of Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa is complex. He was a ruthless man who used violence, intimidation, and cunning to rise to the top of a criminal enterprise. However, the story of "Joey Doves" also reveals the intricate interplay of power, ambition, and human frailties that shaped the life of a man who, in his own way, became a legend.