Frank T. "Skids" Caruso (December 26, 1911–December 31, 1983) was a Chicago mobster involved in illegal gambling and racketeering activities for the Chicago Outfit criminal organization during the 1950s.
Originally from Chicago's Near Southwest Side (known as "The Patch"), his relatives include brothers Joseph (Joe Shoes), Leo and Bruno Caruso, including his brother-in-law First Ward alderman Fred Roti, and son Frank (Little Frankie) Caruso Jr. . As a youth, Caruso ran with the infamous Forty-Two Gang, which included future gangsters such as Sam "Momo" Giancana.
Starting in 1935, Caruso amassed a criminal record of at least 13 arrests on charges including grand larceny, illegal gambling and conspiracy. In 1956, on the death of his father-in-law, Bruno Roti, Caruso became the owner of several South Side, Chicago casinos and became the head of the 26th Street/Chinatown "crew". Caruso now became involved in illegal gambling in Chicago's First Ward. On the side, Caruso operated a legitimate business, Caruso Plumbing, in the Chicago suburb of Hillside, Illinois. In 1983, Caruso died of natural causes.
In March 1997, Frank T. Caruso's grandson, Frank Caruso Jr, was arrested with two other accomplices in connection with the beating of Leonard Clark in Armour Square, Chicago. It gained worldwide attention, and even intervention by former President Bill Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Subsequently, Frank Caruso Jr was sentenced to eight years in prison. The presiding judge for the trial was under full protection as his life was threatened. One witness was murdered in an alleged robbery attempt. He was present at the time of the initial beating incident.
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