From Millions in Mob Rackets to Personal Redemption: the Survival of a Former Colombo Boss
The Colombo organization was born in conflict. Formed under Joseph Profaci in 1928, the syndicate endured repeated rebellions, most notably the bloody Gallo-Profaci war of the 1960s and the assassination of Joseph Colombo at Columbus Circle in 1971. By the time Carmine "Junior" Persico took undisputed control behind the scenes, the family was notorious for internal bloodletting. Paranoia shaped every crew. Loyalty was constantly tested at gunpoint.
Michael Franzese entered this environment under the heavy shadow of his father, Sonny Franzese, a legendary enforcer celebrated on the streets for his absolute silence through a 50-year prison sentence. Inducted as a "made man" on Halloween night in 1975, the younger Franzese understood the strict discipline demanded by the administration. Yet his ambitions diverged from street-level intimidation. He recognized that while street rackets produced steady cash, they carried disproportionate police scrutiny for relatively small payouts.
