Joseph Barbara (1905-1959)

Joseph “Joe the Barber” Barbara was the boss of the Buffalino crime family located in the upstate New York area. He is most notable for being the host of the Apalachin meeting. Unfortunately the meeting was raided by the cops and some of the biggest names in organized crime were apprehended at Barbara’s house. Many of the people arrested told the cops that they were there to check up on Barbara after his recent heart attack.

After the raid Barbara was ordered to testify by the New York State Investigation Committee. Due to his heart condition, his lawyer was able to postpone his appearance in court. Eventually Barbara died in June of 1959 without ever testifying in court.