MJP –
For decades, New York City was home to some of the most infamous crime families in the United States. These families built empires through organized crime, using tactics like bribery, extortion, and violence to control industries from unions to casinos.
Their influence stretched beyond New York, shaping the American underworld as they vied for dominance.
Here, we take a look at eight of the most infamous crime families whose legacies live on in history, and in some cases, pop culture.
1. The Gambino Family
The Gambino family, one of the “Five Families” that controlled organized crime in New York, rose to power under the leadership of Carlo Gambino. Known for their brutal tactics and secrecy, they were involved in racketeering, loan-sharking, and narcotics.
The family’s influence was cemented when John Gotti took over in the 1980s. Gotti, often referred to as the “Teflon Don” due to his repeated acquittals, brought the family into the spotlight before his eventual conviction.
2. The Genovese Family
Considered the most powerful of New York’s Five Families, the Genovese family was known for its strategic maneuvers and alliances. Led by Vito Genovese, the family maintained influence by positioning itself as a “kingmaker” in New York’s underworld.
Their members were involved in gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking. Nicknamed the “Ivy League” of organized crime due to their sophistication, the Genovese family preferred to operate in the shadows, often avoiding the media’s glare.
3. The Lucchese Family
The Lucchese family made its mark by infiltrating labor unions and industries, including construction and garment. Known for its lucrative heists and racketeering operations, the family was led by figures like Gaetano “Tommy” Lucchese, who fostered close ties with both politicians and businessmen.
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Their reputation was further solidified by high-profile crimes like the Lufthansa heist of 1978, one of the largest cash robberies in U.S. history.
4. The Bonanno Family
Founded by Joseph Bonanno in the early 1900s, the Bonanno family was known for its internal conflicts and was one of the first families to face expulsion from the Mafia Commission in the 1960s. Despite their turbulent history, they became notorious for their involvement in narcotics trafficking and violent power struggles.
The family’s story served as the basis for the book and film Donnie Brasco, highlighting the FBI’s infiltration and exposure of their inner workings.
5. The Colombo Family
The Colombo family experienced significant turmoil due to power struggles and factionalism. Named after Joe Colombo, the family gained attention when Colombo led Italian-American civil rights efforts, attempting to distance Italians from Mafia stereotypes.
However, his activism eventually led to his shooting at an Italian-American rally in 1971. Despite the internal conflicts and public scandals, the Colombo family continued to exert influence through extortion and illegal gambling.
6. The DeCavalcante Family
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Often called the “Sixth Family,” the DeCavalcante family operated primarily in New Jersey but had strong connections with New York’s crime families.
Known for their roles in construction, gambling, and loan-sharking, they were often overshadowed by the Five Families but were instrumental in East Coast organized crime.
The family’s story later inspired elements of the hit TV show The Sopranos, highlighting the real-life drama behind their criminal enterprise.
7. The Profaci Family
Before merging with what would become the Colombo family, the Profaci family was a powerful force in New York’s underworld. Joseph Profaci, the original founder, maintained close ties with other mob families and was involved in extortion and money laundering.
However, his old-fashioned values and rigid control led to internal strife, setting the stage for future conflicts and eventual rebranding of the family.
8. The Gallo Crew
While not a formal family, the Gallo Crew was a renegade faction within the Profaci (and later Colombo) family, led by the infamous Joey Gallo. Known for his unpredictable personality and willingness to break traditional Mafia rules, Gallo challenged mob authority, leading to violent feuds.
His defiance earned him a reputation as a maverick in New York’s criminal underworld, and his life story became legendary, inspiring characters in films and books.
The Legacy Lives On
Though the golden age of organized crime may be over, the legacies of these families live on in American culture and history. Their influence reshaped New York and impacted the nation, leaving a lasting imprint on everything from law enforcement practices to entertainment.
Today, their stories serve as a sobering reminder of a time when crime families ruled New York, demonstrating both the allure and the dangers of power in the underworld.
