Clara’s dad, Frank Russo, was a serious man, a good father and husband. Frank Russo knew Al Capone and others like him. Through these connections Frank Russo found employment for his young daughter at the old Rock Garden in Cicero, Illinois, which was located at Cermak and Cicero Ave. The Rock Garden was a highline gambling parlor that featured a supper club and had entertainment. Al Capone had a man by the name of Jimmy Patimus, as his managing partner of the Rock Garden. Through Frank Russo’s connections Clara’s safety was guaranteed, as it became well known to the others that Clara was untouchable. Well, untouchable to almost everyone, accept for a young, good-looking (but bald) man by the name of Jack Cerone.
Jack Cerone was a dealer at the Rock Garden, a humble beginning for the man who would become one of the most powerful Mob bosses in world history, much like Al Capone. The devastatingly beautiful Clara Russo caught Jack’s eye immediately. The enterprising young man that he was, Jack insisted on driving her home from work one night while Clara was waiting for a ride. It was the beginning of a relationship that would ultimately culminate in marriage.
Clara loved being a wife and mother. Although she expressed her disappointments to me about her husband, among them his lack of hair and inability to dance, I am a witness to the fact he was an excellent provider. Together they raised their two children, Jack and Jill, gifting them with names synonymous with the nursery rhyme. While it might seem this naming scheme was planned, it was advice from Marie Capezio that caused Clara to name her daughter Jill. Jack Sr. was Tony Capezio’s apprentice, which understandably explains the influence Marie would have over the Cerones. Later on Clara had her chance to do the same honor when Joe ‘Gags’ Gagliano’s wife asked for advice on a name for her new son. Clara named the baby boy Tore.
She did a fine job raising her children. She taught her son Jack to cook better than most adults by age 12.
15 Comments
I have just read one of the most sweetest articles of all time.
I grew up in Elmwood Park, Illinois and remember seeing Clara Cerone in different restaurants. I always wanted to talk to her but I was told by others not to bother her. I always wondered what it was like to be her.
Fosco, I think you are full of shit! You were never close to the Cerones!
Dear John,
Please watch your language, I run a respectable internet magazine. As to your accusation that I am pretending that I was close with Clara Cerone, please visit the following link:
http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/joefosco/filing2/Second%20Day%20Of%20Trial/slides/Second%20Day%20Of%20Trial_Page_30.html
You will find an official court transcript containing the sworn testimony of Clara Cerone’s son, Jack P. Cerone, Esquire. His testimony will show that I have traveled out of town to visit Clara Cerone, which I have several times. I believe this should satisfy your suspicions.
On behalf of KTF Media Group, I thank you for your readership.
Sincerely,
Joseph Fosco
Joe…a friend of mine in high school date Jackie’s daughter. But her name was Jackie, not Jill. Could this be the same person? I truly enjoy this website!
Dear Mike,
Jackie (the lawyer) Cerone has 4-daughters. Each of them was born between the early to mid 1960’s. None of them is named Jackie. From oldest to youngest you have Debbie (or Debby), Gina, Jill and Carla. His adopted son was born in 1972 is named John, but everyone calls him Jackie. The family resided in Barrington, Illinois during their high school days. I hope this information helps you.
Joe…I meant Jackie The Lackey’s daughter, not the lawyer.
Dear Mike,
Yes, old man Jack Cerone’s daughter is named Jill, not Jackie.
Joe, I never really read this article until now. This was a beautiful article and I commend your sensitivities. Very well written and heart felt. Does Clara Cerone have a sister or cousin living in Las Vegas or somehere out west? Would the husband of this female relative have the first name of ‘Jim’?
Dear The Don,
Jack Cerone, Esq., Joe Lombardo, John DiFronzo and I have a bond. We love and miss Clara. She loved me as a son and I loved her as a second mother. All of Clara’s siblings are deceased as far as I can recall. No one from out west rings a bell.
Joe, refresh my memory–how did you come to associate with Esq., initially? Was it something that happened after your dad died and you started becoming acquainted with those people who were part of his Outfit life?
Dear Merlin,
Jack was a friend of my parents. I had limited exposure to him during my father’s life, mainly due to my young age. In my early 20s, my dear friend Willie Messino (who grew up with my family on Taylor Street) had caused the reconnection between Jack and me. Shortly after our reconnection, Jackie pulled me on the side and told me that I “come from good stock” and that he wanted me under his wing. The rest is history.
Dear Merlin,
If you are wondering about my explanation that Clara taught young children how to dance, yes, I was one of her students; however, I was not a young child when she gave me lessons. I apologize for not clarifying it better. My relationship with Aunt Clara was around 7 or 8-years in the making before Jack (her son) caused it to end. We continued with our friendship for a while behind his back because she knew that he wronged me, but he eventually figured out that we were getting together. Sadly, she called me one day to tell me that her son struck her, twisting her arm because he discovered that we went to Dr. Giacchino’s wedding together. She had to go to the emergency room because of it. In fact, I reported (anonymously) it to the Public Guardian; however, she must have covered for him because nothing ever became of it.
Jack Junior must have learned that behavior from his father. I heard some of those kinds of stories that supposedly occured between Clara & Jack Senior.
Any relative named Marlene Cerone?