professional boxer. According to both FBI and newspaper reports, Vitale, in addition to other underworld crime figures, "reportedly controlled Liston's contract," by owning approximately twelve percent of the boxer's contract. However, when a congressional committee inquired into the matter, he refused to answer any questions. Other activities Vitale was sent to federal prison once on a narcotics charge during the 1950s. In 1958, he was charged with the federal crime of transporting firearms across state lines, which he appealed. In February 1959, he was called to testify regarding mafia-controlled coin machine rackets, but invoked the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution against self-incrimination. In 1977, he was charged with assault and sentenced to the St. Louis City workhouse. Final days Two sources claim that Vitale later became an FBI informant following the death of boss Anthony "Tony G." Giordano. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate this claim. Further, Vitale remained the boss after Giordano's death, dying of natural causes in St. Louis as an elderly man. He died on June 5, 1982 and was buried on June 9, 1982 in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his wife Fara, who was buried on July 20, 1973 in Calvary Cemetery. References External links St. Louis Family. AmericanMafia.com. "Giordano", The St. Louis Crime Family. Crime Library. 1909 births 1982 deaths American crime bosses American gangsters of Sicilian descent Gangsters from St. Louis Burials at Calvary Cemetery (St. Louis)