Notorious leader of Murder, Inc., a ruthless gang of hitmen, known for his brutal tactics and role in shaping organized crime in the United States.
Albert Anastasia, aka "The Earthquake" or "Lord High Executioner", is renowned for being one of the most feared and ruthless organized crime figures in American history. As a co-founder and later boss of the notorious Murder, Inc. organization, Anastasia rose to prominence in the world of organized crime, eventually becoming the boss of the modern Gambino crime family.
Born Umberto Anastasio on September 26, 1902, in Parghelia, Calabria, Italy, Anastasia grew up in a family of nine children after his father, Bartolomeo Anastasio, passed away following World War I. With his brothers, Anastasia illegally entered the United States in 1919, where they began working as longshoremen on the Brooklyn waterfront.
In 1921, Anastasia was convicted of murdering longshoreman George Turino, earning him a death sentence. However, due to a legal technicality, he was granted a retrial in 1922 and eventually released from custody. This early brush with the law set the tone for Anastasia's future dealings in the criminal underworld.
Anastasia's involvement with Murder, Inc. began in the 1920s, an organization that would go on to become the enforcement arm of the American Mafia. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and fear of his peers. Anastasia's power and influence extended beyond Murder, Inc., as he came to control New York City's waterfront through the dockworker unions.
Anastasia's reputation for ruthlessness and cunning earned him nicknames like "The One-Man Army" and "Mad Hatter". His ability to carry out high-profile hits and manipulate those around him cemented his position as a formidable force in organized crime.
On October 25, 1957, Anastasia met his demise in a hail of bullets at a Manhattan barber shop. The assassination, orchestrated by Vito Genovese and Carlo Gambino, marked the end of an era in the American Mafia. Gambino would go on to become the boss of the family, solidifying Anastasia's legacy as a pivotal figure in the history of organized crime.
Anastasia's impact on modern society is undeniable. His reign of terror and manipulation of the criminal underworld has been immortalized in literature, film, and popular culture. His name continues to evoke a sense of fear and respect, serving as a testament to the power and influence he wielded during his lifetime.
In conclusion, Albert Anastasia's life and legacy serve as a stark reminder of the darker side of human nature. His rise to power, built on a foundation of violence and intimidation, continues to captivate and disturb us to this day.
Born in 1897
Notorious Italian-American mob boss who established the modern American Mafia and shaped organized crime in the United States. He's known for his cunning and innovative approach to criminal enterprise.
Born in 1902
Notorious organized crime figure and one of the most important figures in the history of American organized crime, known for his involvement in bootlegging, gambling, and murder.
Born in 1906
Notorious mobster and co-founder of Las Vegas, known for his ruthless tactics and instrumental role in developing the city's casino industry.
Born in 1902
Notorious head of the Gambino crime family, known for his cunning and ruthless tactics in organized crime, particularly in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s.
Born in 1886
An Italian-American mob boss who founded the Five Families of New York City and established the modern Mafia hierarchy. He's infamous for his role in the Castellammarese War and his brutal tactics.
Born in 1901
Notorious bootlegger and racketeer who dominated organized crime in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s, infamous for his brutal tactics and flamboyant lifestyle.
