Dennis Griffin Eulogized for Accurate, Compelling Books on Mob Figures

Posted on: June 22, 2021, 02:01h. 

Last updated on: June 22, 2021, 04:05h.

Dennis Griffin, the state investigator turned historian of Las Vegas mobsters and casino-related crime, died Monday from lung cancer. He was 75 years old.

Griffin was a prolific author, including a novel on the true story behind the Martin Scorsese movie “Casino,” which was later turned into a film starring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, and Don Rickles.

He also was the co-author of four books which he wrote with ex-mob figure turned government witness Frank Cullotta.

Remembered as Wonderful Friend

Also, Ronald Fino, an FBI undercover operative turned writer, said on the same Facebook group page, “We just lost a wonderful friend, a great human being, and fantastic author.”

And Ron Chepesiuk, an author, journalist, and radio host, noted on Facebook how Griffin appeared on his radio show several times.

He was to appear again July 29 to discuss his Sergeant Rust book. Denny was a very smart, likeable, and engaging man,” Chepesiuk said. “We will miss him.”

Griffin also wrote on other law enforcement topics. He also authored fictional mysteries and thrillers.

Griffin was born in 1945 in Rome, N.Y. A Navy veteran, he spent 20 years in law enforcement. In 1994, he retired as director of investigations for the New York State Department of Health. He became a writer two years later.

Well-Documented, Researched Books

Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs at Las Vegas’ Mob Museum, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Griffin’s books are “detailed, they’re well-documented, and they simply are accurate.

There are plenty of people working within the true crime genre for whom facts are optional. But, with Dennis, he has always focused on telling a good story and telling an accurate story,” Schumacher said.

Griffin is survived by his wife, Faith Finster Griffin, two daughters, Margaret Carro and Antoinette Mahoney, and his stepchildren, Pamela Ashley and Robert McAree. Another stepdaughter, Kimberly McAree, predeceased him. He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.