Frank Fitzsimmons
Frank Edward Fitzsimmons (born April 7, 1908 in Jeannette , Pennsylvania , † May 6, 1981 in San Diego , California ) was an American union leader and president of the transport workers' union International Brotherhood of Teamsters until his death .
biography
Frank Fitzsimmons was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania , in April 1908, to Frank and Ida May Fitzsimmons. His father was a brewer and moved to Detroit , Michigan in 1924. After his father died of a heart attack a year later, Fitzsimmons had to leave high school at the age of 17 to provide for the family. Between 1932 and 1935 he was a bus driver until he became a truck driver. He joined the union and befriended Jimmy Hoffa . Fitzsimmons was initially vice president of the "Teamsters" under Jimmy Hoffa and thus vice president when he was arrested in 1967.
He was a good friend of Richard Nixon , who became US President in 1968, and is said to have organized a million dollar donation for his election campaign with the help of the Cosa Nostra .
Hoffa had actually been appointed "President for Life" by the Teamsters due to his 13-year sentence , but when he was released early from prison in 1971 by Nixon, this was only on condition that he resign and ten years long not to strive again.
As boss, Fitzsimmons was apparently more comfortable for the Mafia and the leading "Teamsters" than the already biased and well-informed Hoffa, who did not stick to the bargain and collected votes against Fitzsimmons, who had officially become President of the Teamsters in 1973. Fitzsimmons, however, managed to get the foster son and close friend of Jimmy Hoffa, Charles "Chuckie" O'Brian, to his side. In addition, there was the former bodyguard and confidante of Hoffa Rolland McMaster , who also fought the Pro-Hoffa faction with violence.
On June 30, 1975, Hoffa disappeared without a trace, and although Fitzsimmons was also suspected of being involved in the alleged murder or conspiracy, he came out completely unencumbered from the investigations.
Fitzsimmons liked to play golf and was considered a good "showcase president" as he remained unencumbered by any allegations.
Nevertheless, he would be in the context of new studies (from 1979) on mob ties of trade unions ( "labor racketeering" well but) for his - as a " blank check " designated management has been legally held responsible, but already in 1980 came a serious condition with him on - and prevented a possible punishment.
Frank Fitzsimmons died of cancer in 1981, six years after Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance.
Movies
- JT Walsh played him in the 1992 film Jimmy Hoffa .
- In the 2019 film The Irishman by Martin Scorsese , he was played by Gary Basaraba .
Individual evidence
- ^ Obituary in the New York Times
| predecessor | Office | successor |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Hoffa | President of the " Teamsters " -Union 1973 - 1981 |
George Mock as interim president then Roy Williams |
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Fitzsimmons, Frank |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Fitzsimmons, Frank Edward (full name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American union leader |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 7, 1908 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Jeannette , Pennsylvania |
| DATE OF DEATH | May 6, 1981 |
| Place of death | San Diego , California |