Why Sinatra Was Buried With a Bottle of Whiskey, a Pack of Cigarettes, and 10 Dimes

Promo still for the 1957 film “Pal Joey”, showing Frank Sinatra. Photo by Columbia Pictures. Public domain.

In December 1963, a chilling crime shook one of America’s most beloved families. Frank Sinatra Jr., a budding musician and son of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra, was kidnapped. The ordeal not only left a permanent mark on the Sinatra family, but also led Frank Sinatra Sr. to carry a curious memento for the rest of his life: a pocketful of dimes.

A Night of Terror in Lake Tahoe

The harrowing incident began on Dec. 8, 1963. Frank Sinatra Jr., just 19 years old and following in his father’s musical footsteps, was performing at Harrah’s Club Lodge in Lake Tahoe. After his performance, he retired to his dressing room, where two armed men burst in. The intruders blindfolded him, bundled him into a car, and sped away, leaving the venue in chaos.

Left to Right: Little Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and Mom (Nancy Barbato), 1946. Photo courtesy of Dell Publishing. Public domain.

The Ransom Demands

The next day, Frank Sinatra Sr. received a chilling phone call. The kidnappers demanded $240,000 (equivalent to over $2.4 million today) for his son’s safe return. They instructed Sinatra to communicate exclusively through payphones, which required dimes to operate in 1963. Sinatra, desperate to ensure his son’s safety, followed the instructions to the letter, keeping 10 dimes on hand at all times to make the necessary calls. This practice became a lifelong habit, and when Sinatra passed away in 1998, he was buried with a bottle of whiskey, a pack of cigarettes, and 10 dimes in his pockets as a poignant reminder of that traumatic period.

A Flawed Plan

The kidnappers - Barry Keenan, Joe Amsler, and John Irwin - had meticulously planned what they deemed the “perfect crime.” Keenan, a former classmate of Sinatra Jr.’s sister, Nancy Sinatra, masterminded the plot. Financially ruined after a car accident and grappling with substance addiction, Keenan saw the kidnapping as a way to recover and later repay his debts. However, their plan unraveled almost as quickly as it began. When Sinatra delivered the ransom on Dec. 11, his son was released unharmed, and the FBI quickly apprehended the trio.

Fallout and Legal Consequences

The trial that followed captivated the nation. Keenan and Amsler were sentenced to life in prison plus 75 years, while Irwin received a 75-year sentence. However, their sentences were significantly reduced, and the kidnappers served just three to four and a half years behind bars. Despite their release, the crime left an indelible scar on the Sinatra family, with speculation about the ordeal lingering for decades.

The Legacy of 10 Dimes

Frank Sinatra’s habit of carrying dimes became a powerful symbol of his resolve and love for his family. It also stood as a testament to his resilience in the face of a terrifying ordeal. The story of Sinatra’s dimes is a reminder of how a seemingly small object can carry profound emotional weight, transforming a moment of pain into a lasting act of remembrance.

References: 61 Years Ago Today, Frank Sinatra Jr. Was Kidnapped: Why His Dad Began Carrying Dimes in His Pockets | The True Story of the 1963 Kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr.