John Franzese, also known as "Sonny," was born on June 6, 1917, in Italy. He immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Franzese got involved in petty crime on the streets of New York City, eventually catching the attention of local mobsters.
By the 1950s, Franzese had become a prominent figure in the Italian-American Mafia, particularly known for his ties to the Colombo crime family. He quickly gained a reputation for his involvement in various criminal activities, including extortion, loan sharking, and illegal gambling.
In 1970, Franzese was convicted of multiple bank robberies and sentenced to fifty years in prison. However, he was released in 1978 due to overcrowding in the prison system. Despite his time behind bars, Franzese continued to operate as a powerful and influential crime boss within the Mafia.
Despite his criminal pursuits, Franzese also had a family life. He had a son named Michael Franzese, who would later follow in his father's footsteps and become involved in organized crime. The father-son duo worked closely together, engaging in criminal enterprises and expanding their influence within the Mafia.
One of the most infamous incidents involving John Franzese was his interaction with Gaetano "Guy" Fatato. Unbeknownst to Franzese, Fatato was actually an undercover agent recording their conversation. Franzese gave tips on how to dispose of a corpse, unaware that his words were being documented as evidence of his criminal activities.
Throughout his criminal career, Franzese was known for his ruthless tactics and willingness to do whatever it took to maintain his power within the Mafia. His connections to other notorious mobsters, such as Albert Anastasia, further solidified his reputation as a formidable figure in the world of organized crime.
John Franzese's legacy as a crime boss continues to be remembered in the annals of Mafia history. His ability to navigate the treacherous world of organized crime and evade lengthy prison sentences is a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness. While his criminal activities may have garnered him notoriety, Franzese's impact on the underworld of organized crime cannot be denied.