June 21, 1947

Staff

Published Thursday, June 20, 2002

The lead story in the Suffolk News-Herald on this date 32 years ago:

Gunman kills Bugsie Siegel

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Gangland bullets last night snuffed out the life of Benjamin "Bugsie" Siegel, 41-year-old gambler and one-time public enemy, as he sat quietly at home here reading a newspaper.

Police Capt. William H. White said an unidentified gunman sneaked up to an open window shortly after Siegel and a party of friends returned from dining at an Ocean Park beach restaurant, and fired through the curtains. At least four shots entered the body of Siegel as he sat reading on a divan

Beside him one of the guests, Allen Smiley, well-known sports figure here.

Simonetti returning to native Italy after 41 years

A long-cherished desire of Frank Simonetti, of 190 Cedar Street, is about to be realized.

In 1906, Simonetti left his native land of northern Italy to seek fortune in America, the land of golden opportunity.

He was just 16 years old when he landed in New York City, but he soon traveled on to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he went to work in a cotton mill for $5 a week. Dissatisfaction with that work led him to the office of the then small Planters Nut and Chocolate Co. where he met the late Amedeo Obici. The two spoke in their native tongue concerning Simonetti's desire for employment.

Frank went to work for Obici and Planters, where he made candy bars for $6 a week. After two weeks, his salary was raised to $7 per week and at the end of two months, his pay jumped to $13 per hour.

Then he said to himself: "We're getting along pretty good here."

Nurney given Chamber post

Jack W. Nurney, president of the National Bank of Suffolk, yesterday was appointed by the board of the Chamber of Commerce to represent that organization as national chancellor with the United States Chamber of Commerce.

He fills the vacancy created by the death of Amedeo Obici, who served in the position for the past 26 years

Nimmo to head Planters Club

Members of Planters Club, meeting in their twice-monthly session Saturday night, elected G.A. Nimmo president for the coming year.

Other officers elected include R.E. Murphy, vice president; H.J. Pettit, secretary; and H.M. Haynes, treasurer.

Members named to the board of directors include T.J. LoCascio, O.H. Parker, Frank Krize, A.W. Boykin, and J.W. Taylor.

Local sailor back from trip

Eddie D. Seymour, fireman, first class, husband of Mrs. Eddie D. Seymour of Route 3, Suffolk, has returned to the United States aboard the air craft carrier USS Leyete after an extensive tour of duty.

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