gang lost to many members and blamed the Pillow gang for betraying them. In 1931, Fresina was murdered and members of the Pillow gang continued fighting with the Russo gang and the Green Ones. The Pillow gang was taken over Thomas Buffa, who became boss of the St. Louis Mafia family. The rival gangs continued fighting until the end of Prohibition, when the various Mafia factions began functioning as one family. In 1943, Buffa fled the city and was murdered in 1947 in Lodi, California. After Buffa's murder leadership of the family went to Tony Lopiparo, Frank Coppola, and Ralph Caleca. Giordano and the Detroit family After Tony Lopiparo's death, Anthony Giordano became boss and declared independence from the Kansas City crime family. In the 1970s, Giordano, along with Detroit mobsters Anthony Joseph Zerilli and Michael Polizzi, attempted to gain control of the Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. They failed and all three men were convicted of conspiracy. In 1975, Giordano was sent to prison, his nephew Vincenzo Giammanco became the acting boss until Giordano was released in December 1977. On August 29, 1980, Giordano died from cancer in his St. Louis home. Current status The St. Louis crime family has stayed under the radar of both local and federal authorities, who have been focused on organized crime that inflicts public violence. Anthony "Nino" Parrino served as boss of the St. Louis crime family from 1997 to his death on November 3, 2014. The last known underboss was Joseph Cammarata. According to Scott Burnstein's Gangster Report website, the family has been reduced to less than 10 members. Historical leadership Boss (official and acting) 1912-1923 — Dominick Giambrone — fled, later murdered in 1934 1923-1927 — Vito Giannola 1927-1937 — Frank Agrusa — born in Cinisi, Sicily, Italy 1937-1943 — Thomas Buffa 1943-1950 — Pasquale Miceli 1950-1960 — Anthony "Tony Lap" Lopiparo — the son of a St. Louis mobster, he died in 1960. 1960-1980 — Anthony "Tony G." Giordano — as boss he declared independence from the Kansas City family. Imprisoned 1975-1977, died on August 29, 1980 from cancer Acting 1975-1977 — Vincenzo "Jimmy" Giammanco — Giordano's nephew 1980-1982 — John "Johnny V." Vitale. — died on June 5, 1982 1982-1997 — Matthew "Mike" Trupiano, Jr. — Giordano's nephew from Detroit; died in 1997 1997–2014 — Anthony "Nino" Parrino died November 3, 2014. 2014–Present – Vincent "Vince" Giordano