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One of Canada’s most notorious mobsters, Vito Rizzuto, has died of natural causes after being admitted to a Montreal hospital early Monday morning. He was 67.
Rizzuto reportedly entered the hospital after suffering chest pains.
The crime boss was not known to have suffered any health problems. His father, Nicolo Sr., lived to be 86. The elder Rizzuto was murdered while Vito served a 5 ½ years prison term for his role in three gangland slayings in Brooklyn. He was released from prison in October of last year.
“The Mafia will change now,” says Antonio Nicaso, an international Mafia expert. “There is not a man who can replace him, with the same charisma. There is no one else who can enjoy the respect of all. The structure of the Mafia in Canada now will be more horizontal than vertical.”
Rizzuto's eldest son, Nick Jr.; and trusted confidant, Agostino Cuntrera, were also murdered while Vito served his prison term.
His brother-in-law Paolo Renda vanished in what’s believed to be a kidnapping and murder.
Since his arrival back into Canada from a Colorado prison, numerous enemies of Rizzuto have been either beaten up or murdered.
Rizzuto’s organization was heavily involved in illegal gambling.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
