On this date in 1942, Murder, Inc. hitmen Harry “Happy” Maione and Frank “Dasher” Abbandando were executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison. The two men were sentenced to die for the murder of police informer George “Whitey” Rudnick after fellow Murder, Inc. button man Abe “Kid Twist” Reles turned state’s evidence to save his own hide from a murder charge. Happy’s last meal was spaghetti and meatballs. Dasher had lamb chops.
Further reading:
truTV Crime Library – Murder, Inc.
Executed Today: February 19, 1942
Utica, NY Daily Press, February 20, 1942
Sad that their crimes don’t appal me as much as their nicknames
Good point. Happy had what you’d call an ironic nickname.
John D.:
Maybe “Dasher” should have stayed with Santa and the other “Chicago Seven”…lol.
As for Happy?
Bet he wasn’t for long as he took that long walk to “sparky”.
Good find.
Stay safe out there.
I’m certain they were regretting their occupational choices as they took the long walk to the chair. Too late to do them any good, though.