Robin Hood Crime Figure Dies

By Stephen M. Silverman

10/27/1997 at 12:00 AM EST

Reggie Kray, 66, the last surviving brother of a ruthless family trio that ran London's underworld during the '50s and '60s, died of bladder cancer on Sunday. Considered Robin Hood figures in their old Cockney neighborhood, the Krays (who inspired books and movies) sported smart suits and mingled with the show business gliteratti, though they also spent half of their lives in prison. Reggie had served 32 years on a murder conviction when his cancer was diagnosed. Granted parole on compassionate grounds, he died in an English seacoast town, reportedly surrounded by his wife from a prison marriage and four of his old organized crime cronies.