Former Resort Figure Joey Cusumano Dies at 90
Funeral services are scheduled for November 14 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Casino
Joey Cusumano, a former lieutenant in Tony Spilotro's crew who later landed in Nevada's Black Book, has died at age 90. Cusumano moved to Las Vegas in 1968 and became a figure in the city's resort history after working at Caesars Palace.
Why it matters
Cusumano was a notable part of the citys mid-century era, famously delivering skimmed casino profits to crime bosses before his racketeering conviction in 1987. His life illustrates a transition period for the valley that led to the creation of the Black Book as authorities moved to clean up the gaming industry.
Cusumano reached age 90 after living in the valley for 58 years, having arrived from New York in 1968. He was placed in the state's Black Book in June 1990.
The players
Joey Cusumano
A former lieutenant in Tony Spilotro's crew who was later included in Nevada's Black Book.
Tony Spilotro
A crime figure who commanded the crew where Cusumano served as a lieutenant.
The details
After moving to the region in 1968, Cusumano worked at Caesars Palace and became known for diverting funds from the Culinary Union's life-insurance program. Following his 1987 conviction for labor racketeering and a 1990 shooting incident at his townhouse, his public life was marked by his inclusion in the Nevada Black Book. Services are scheduled for November in the valley.
Timeline
1968: Cusumano moved to Las Vegas.
1987: Cusumano was convicted of labor racketeering.
June 1990: Cusumano was placed in the Black Book.
October 20, 2026: Cusumano died at age 90.
November 14, 2026: Funeral and committal services are scheduled.
Beyond the Strip
Cusumano's life is tied to the history of Nevada's Black Book, which prohibits designated individuals from entering licensed casinos. His death marks a final chapter for a figure who lived through the intense regulatory oversight that defined the late-20th-century resort era.
Traffic around the funeral services on November 14 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church may be impacted during the morning. Residents planning to visit the church or the cemetery for committal services should check local transit alerts for the area.
The takeaway
Cusumano represents a specific era of Las Vegas history that eventually necessitated strict state regulatory oversight. Residents interested in the history of the gaming industry can review public records regarding the formation of the state's Black Book.
What happens next
A visitation is scheduled for November 13 at Palm Mortuary-Cheyenne, followed by a funeral on November 14 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and a committal at Bunker's Memory Gardens.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry's evolution in the casino section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Casino.
