38 Facts About Joe Colombo

Early Life and Background

Joe Colombo, a name synonymous with both design and organized crime, led a life filled with intrigue and innovation. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. Born on June 16, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, Joe Colombo grew up in a bustling Italian-American neighborhood.
2. His full name was Joseph Anthony Colombo Sr., a name that would later become infamous.
3. Colombo's father, Anthony Colombo, was a member of the Profaci crime family, which influenced Joe's future.
4. Despite his family's criminal ties, Joe initially pursued a legitimate career, working as a longshoreman.
5. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, showcasing his patriotism and bravery.

Rise in Organized Crime

Joe Colombo's transition from a legitimate worker to a crime boss is a tale of ambition and cunning. Here are some key moments in his rise within the underworld.

6. After his father's murder in 1938, Joe began to involve himself more deeply in organized crime.
7. By the 1950s, he had become a made man in the Profaci family, solidifying his status in the mob.
8. Colombo played a crucial role in the Gallo-Profaci War, a violent conflict within the family.
9. In 1963, he became the boss of the Colombo crime family, one of the Five Families of New York.
10. As boss, he focused on expanding the family's influence and operations, including gambling and loan sharking.

The Italian-American Civil Rights League

Joe Colombo's involvement in civil rights was unexpected for a mob boss. His efforts to combat discrimination against Italian-Americans were both controversial and impactful.

11. In 1970, he founded the Italian-American Civil Rights League to fight against the negative portrayal of Italian-Americans.
12. The league organized large rallies, including one in Columbus Circle that drew over 50,000 people.
13. Colombo's activism brought him into the public eye, making him a media sensation.
14. His efforts led to the FBI ceasing the use of the term "Mafia" in official documents.
15. Despite his criminal background, many Italian-Americans supported his cause, seeing him as a defender of their rights.

Assassination Attempt and Decline

Joe Colombo's life took a dramatic turn with an assassination attempt that left him incapacitated. This event marked the beginning of his decline.

16. On June 28, 1971, Colombo was shot three times at an Italian-American Civil Rights League rally.
17. The shooter, Jerome A. Johnson, was killed immediately by Colombo's bodyguards.
18. Colombo survived the attack but was left paralyzed and in a coma for seven years.
19. The assassination attempt is believed to have been orchestrated by rival mobsters, possibly with the involvement of the FBI.
20. Colombo's incapacitation led to internal strife within the Colombo family, weakening their power.

Legacy and Impact

Joe Colombo's life and actions left a lasting impact on both the world of organized crime and the Italian-American community. Here are some key aspects of his legacy.

21. Colombo's efforts in civil rights brought attention to the discrimination faced by Italian-Americans.
22. His assassination attempt highlighted the violent nature of mob life and the constant danger faced by crime bosses.
23. The Colombo crime family, despite internal conflicts, remains one of the Five Families of New York.
24. His life has been depicted in various films and TV shows, cementing his place in popular culture.
25. Colombo's story serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between crime, activism, and personal ambition.

Personal Life and Family

Beyond his public persona, Joe Colombo had a personal life filled with family and relationships. Here are some insights into his private world.

26. Colombo married Lucille Faiello, with whom he had five children.
27. His sons, Joseph Jr. and Anthony, later became involved in the Colombo crime family.
28. Despite his criminal activities, Colombo was known to be a devoted family man.
29. He was a practicing Catholic, often attending church and contributing to religious causes.
30. Colombo's family remained loyal to him even after his incapacitation, caring for him until his death.

Death and Aftermath

Joe Colombo's death marked the end of an era for the Colombo crime family. Here are some details about his final years and the aftermath.

31. Colombo remained in a coma for seven years following the assassination attempt.
32. He passed away on May 22, 1978, at the age of 54.
33. His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including many prominent mobsters.
34. After his death, the Colombo family experienced a power struggle, leading to further violence.
35. Colombo's death did not end the family's criminal activities, but it did mark a significant turning point.

Interesting Tidbits

Joe Colombo's life was filled with fascinating and sometimes bizarre moments. Here are a few interesting tidbits that add color to his story.

36. Colombo once appeared on the cover of Time magazine, a rare feat for a mob boss.
37. He had a passion for art and collected various pieces, including works by famous Italian artists.
38. Colombo's activism inspired other ethnic groups to form their own civil rights organizations, showing the broader impact of his efforts.

The Last Word on Joe Colombo

Joe Colombo's life was a mix of ambition, controversy, and influence. From his rise in the Mafia to his unexpected role as a civil rights activist, his story is anything but ordinary. His leadership in the Italian-American Civil Rights League showed a different side, one that fought against discrimination. Yet, his criminal activities couldn't be ignored. The Colombo Crime Family remains a significant chapter in organized crime history.

Colombo's assassination attempt in 1971 marked a dramatic end to his public life, leaving a legacy that's both fascinating and complex. His impact on both the criminal underworld and the fight for civil rights makes him a unique figure worth studying. Whether seen as a villain or a hero, Joe Colombo's life offers a compelling glimpse into the dualities of human nature.