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The Real Johnny Ola: Vincent “Jimmy Blue Eyes” Alo

As Meyer Lansky’s right-hand man and life-long liaison with the The Boys, Vincent “Jimmy Blue Eyes” Alo is unique in his longevity and influence in the American Mafia. Jimmy was ever-present in Meyer’s life. They were partners, spent family time together, and always lived near one another.

In the early days, Jimmy was said to have worked for both Salvatore Maranzano and Joe Masseria. Later, he worked alongside “Charlie Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello.

While Meyer was making headlines from the 1920’s, Jimmy managed to stay under the media’s radar. Even though, he was the model for the character, “Johnny Ola,” in The Godfather: Part II, portrayed by Dominic Chianese (Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) as well as “Victor Tellegio,” portrayed by Robert De Niro in American Hustle, the real Jimmy Alo remains an enigma.

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Jimmy Blue Eyes: The Mafia’s Miami Man

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Children of the mob have fond memories

‘Uncle Jim’ was Vincent ‘Jimmy Blue Eyes’Alo

MIAMI — Growing up in the South Lake neighborhood of Hollywood, Fla. with her Uncle Jim and Aunt Florence, life seemed pretty normal to Carole Cortland Russo.

Uncle Jim played golf. Aunt Flo kept a lovely home. They went to church and local restaurants.

But every once in awhile, something out of the ordinary happened in the family’s social circle.

“In the 50s, there was a family two blocks away — Phil Kovolick, he was a friend of Uncle Jim’s,” she said. “His wife was Minnie. His daughters Phyllis and Judy were my playmates. I found out that Phil was murdered and cut up and found floating in a receptacle… Somebody didn’t like something he did.”

Uncle Jim was Vincent “Jimmy Blue Eyes” Alo, right-hand man to Miami Beach mob boss Meyer Lansky. The men met in 1929, the same year that Jimmy met Flo. They co-operated casinos in Cuba, Las Vegas and South Florida.

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Mob memories get personal

By ELINOR J. BRECHER , Bee

Relatives of Genovese Crime Family Boss, Jimmy Blue Eyes  Alo . and mob associate  Meyer Lansky,  spill  family secrets about growing up with legendary gangsters and  expose the softer side of the Mobster tough guys  read the story

Uncle Jim was Vincent “Jimmy Blue Eyes” Alo, right-hand man to Miami Beach mob boss Meyer Lansky. The men met in 1929, the same year that Jimmy met Flo. They co-operated casinos in Cuba, Las Vegas and South Florida.

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Mob memories are personal for two women related to gangsters

Growing up in Hollywood’s South Lake neighborhood with her Uncle Jim and Aunt Florence, life seemed pretty normal to Carole Cortland Russo.

Uncle Jim played golf. Aunt Flo kept a lovely home. They went to church and local restaurants. But every once in awhile, something out of the ordinary happened in the family’s social circle.

“In the ’50s, there was a family two blocks away — Phil Kovolick, he was a friend of Uncle Jim’s,’’ she said. “His wife was Minnie. His daughters Phyllis and Judy were my playmates. I found out that Phil was murdered and cut up and found floating in a receptacle … Somebody didn’t like something he did.’’

(read more)