Notorious Brooklyn-based mobster who orchestrated high-profile heists and violent turf wars, earning a reputation as one of the most feared and flamboyant gangsters of the 1960s and 1970s.
Joseph Gallo, infamously known as "Crazy Joe," was a powerful Italian-American mobster and Caporegime of the Colombo crime family in New York City. He was notorious for his brazen tactics, involvement in high-profile murders, and his tumultuous relationships within the organized crime world.
Born on April 7, 1929, Gallo grew up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood, where he developed a reputation for being ruthless and fearless. In his youth, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia after an arrest, which would later become a defining characteristic of his life and criminal career.
Gallo's rise to power began as an enforcer in the Profaci crime family, where he eventually formed his own crew with his brothers Larry and Albert. In 1957, he allegedly orchestrated the murder of Albert Anastasia, the boss of the Gambino crime family, at a barber shop in midtown Manhattan.
In 1961, Gallo and his crew kidnapped four of Profaci's top men, demanding a more favorable financial scheme for their release. This incident sparked the First Colombo War, a bloody and violent conflict within the Colombo crime family. During this time, Gallo was convicted of conspiracy and extortion, and was sentenced to seven-to-fourteen years in prison.
While Gallo was imprisoned, Profaci died of cancer in 1962, and Magliocco took over as the boss of the Colombo crime family. Upon his release from prison in 1971, Gallo rejected a peace agreement negotiated by Patriarca family boss Raymond L.S. Patriarca and instead demanded $100,000 from Colombo. This led to a violent confrontation, resulting in the attempted assassination of Colombo at an Italian-American Civil Rights League rally in Columbus Circle, New York City.
Despite his brutal reputation, Gallo was known to be a devoted family man and was close to his brothers, Larry and Albert. His personal relationships, however, were often marked by violence and betrayal, reflecting the turbulent nature of his life and career.
Joe Gallo's life was marked by violence, crime, and controversy, leaving an indelible mark on the world of organized crime. His brazen tactics and violent actions continue to fascinate and horrify, making him one of the most notorious mobsters in American history.
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 1902
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.
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 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.
98 Years Old
A notorious American boxer-turned-mobster who led the Genovese crime family, notorious for feigning mental illness to avoid prosecution. He was known for his clever tactics and evasive maneuvers.
Born in 1915
Notorious head of the Gambino crime family, known for his ruthless tactics and lavish lifestyle. He played a significant role in shaping the American Mafia's modern era.
