Lansky, Meyer, II, 1957-

At the time of this oral history, Meyer Lansky II had found a sentimental attachment to his namesake, Meyer Lansky, his grandfather. Though it was considered against Eastern European Jewish tradition, Meyer II’s parents had named him after the grandfather.

The Lansky’s were of Russian background and had immigrated in 1911 through Ellis Island. For the first Meyer Lansky, this resulted in a tough neighborhood upbringing on the streets of New York City. As he grew up he became highly regarded for his financial skills and became known as the “Mob’s Accountant.” He led a notorious life that included friendships with Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Lucky Luciano.

It would be years before Meyer II fully grasped the legacy of his grandfather. However, in his youth he lived under the pseudonym of Bryan Mason. His sister, too, would go by the surname of Mason.

Meyer II’s parents were Paul Lansky and Edna Shook Lansky. Paul attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the Air Force. The parents divorced and Meyer was raised in Tacoma, Washington.

Meyer II talks of his current activities with the Las Vegas Mob Museum and the Bugsy and Meyer’s Steakhouse at the Flamingo.