Surviving the Mob: The Story of Michael Franzese

🔑Michael Franzese is a former member of the Colombo crime family who managed to leave the mafia and start a new life.

👨‍👧‍👧Franzese's father was heavily involved in organized crime, which influenced Franzese's upbringing and led to his involvement in the mafia.

💰Franzese was involved in various criminal activities, including bank robberies, extortion, and gambling, which allowed him to accumulate significant wealth.

🛡️Franzese faced numerous legal challenges and surveillance from law enforcement throughout his criminal career.

✨After a religious awakening, Franzese made the decision to leave the mafia and has since dedicated his life to helping others and sharing his story.

What was Michael Franzese's association with the Colombo crime family?

—Michael Franzese is the son of a high-ranking official in the Colombo crime family and was himself involved in various criminal activities as a member of the mafia.

How did Michael Franzese manage to leave the mafia?

—After a religious awakening, Franzese made the difficult decision to leave the mafia behind and has since dedicated his life to helping others and sharing his story.

What kind of criminal activities was Franzese involved in?

—Franzese was involved in bank robberies, extortion, and gambling, among other criminal activities, which allowed him to accumulate significant wealth.

Did Franzese face legal challenges and surveillance from law enforcement?

—Yes, throughout his criminal career, Franzese faced numerous legal challenges and was under surveillance by law enforcement agencies.

What is Michael Franzese doing now?

—Michael Franzese has turned his life around and now uses his experiences to help others and share his story as a motivational speaker and author.

00:04Michael Franzese, a former member of the Colombo crime family, shares his experiences growing up in the mafia and his journey to leaving the criminal life behind.

01:39The Colombo crime family was one of the five major crime families in New York City.

02:49Franzese's father, a prominent figure in the Colombo crime family, did not want him to get involved in the mafia.

05:24Franzese's father was convicted for masterminding a nationwide string of bank robberies.

09:41After his father's incarceration, Franzese started getting involved in the Italian-American Civil Rights League.

11:46Joey Columbo, the leader of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, was shot during a public event.