Albert Anastasia, one of the most notorious figures in the history of organized crime, was born on September 26, 1902, in the region of Calabria, Italy. His parents, Raffaelo Anastasio and Louisa Nomina de Filippi, were hardworking immigrants who instilled a strong work ethic in their son from an early age. Growing up in poverty, Albert learned to fend for himself on the tough streets of Italy before deciding to seek his fortune in the United States.
At the young age of 17, Albert Anastasia boarded a freighter bound for America in 1919. It was a risky move, as he had no legal documentation to enter the country, but Anastasia was determined to make a better life for himself and his family. Upon arriving in New York City, he quickly joined the ranks of the burgeoning Italian immigrant community.
Although he began as a low-level enforcer for various crime syndicates in New York, Albert Anastasia soon proved himself to be a ruthless and cunning individual. His reputation for violence and efficiency caught the attention of powerful mob bosses, who quickly promoted him through the ranks of their organizations. Anastasia eventually founded his own criminal empire, which would later become known as the American Mafia.
One of Anastasia's most notorious ventures was his creation of Murder, Inc., a ruthless group of contract killers who carried out hits on behalf of the Mafia. Under his leadership, Murder, Inc. became a well-oiled machine, eliminating anyone who stood in the way of the mob's interests. Anastasia's iron grip on the organization solidified his reputation as one of the most feared men in the criminal underworld.
Despite his criminal activities, Albert Anastasia also left a lasting impact on popular culture. The character of Johnny Friendly in the 1954 film On the Waterfront was inspired by his larger-than-life persona, immortalizing him in cinematic history. Additionally, rapper Rick Ross paid tribute to Anastasia by naming his Albert Anastasia EP after the infamous mobster.
Albert Anastasia's reign of terror came to a violent end in 1957, when he was gunned down in a barbershop in New York City. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, with many theories suggesting that rival mob factions were responsible for his assassination. Despite his brutal demise, Anastasia's legacy as a cunning and ruthless crime boss continues to captivate the public imagination to this day.
Outside of his criminal activities, Albert Anastasia led a relatively quiet personal life. He was married to a woman named Elsa Barnesi, with whom he had several children. Despite his lavish lifestyle and connections to the criminal underworld, Anastasia remained fiercely protective of his family, going to great lengths to shield them from his illicit activities.
Albert Anastasia's death has long been the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories. Some believe that his assassination was orchestrated by former associates who saw him as a threat to their own power. Others suggest that law enforcement agencies may have had a hand in his murder, seeking to dismantle the Mafia's grip on New York City.
In the end, Albert Anastasia's life serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of getting involved in the world of organized crime. His ruthless tactics and cunning strategies may have earned him power and influence, but they ultimately led to his downfall. Today, his name lives on as a reminder of the dark side of human nature and the corrupting influence of power.