38 Facts About Tommy Desimone

Early Life of Tommy DeSimone

Tommy DeSimone, a notorious figure in organized crime, led a life filled with intrigue and danger. Let's delve into some fascinating facts about his early years.

1. Born on May 24, 1950, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Tommy DeSimone grew up in a family with deep ties to the Mafia.
2. His father, Rosario DeSimone, was a known associate of the Gambino crime family.
3. Tommy had two brothers, Robert and Anthony, who were also involved in organized crime.
4. His sister, Phyllis, married mobster Henry Hill, further entrenching the family's criminal connections.
5. DeSimone dropped out of high school at a young age to pursue a life of crime.

Rise in the Mafia

Tommy's ascent in the Mafia was marked by ruthless ambition and violent acts. Here are some key moments from his rise.

6. In the late 1960s, DeSimone joined the Lucchese crime family, one of New York's Five Families.
7. He quickly gained a reputation for his violent temper and willingness to commit murder.
8. Tommy was involved in the infamous Lufthansa heist of 1978, one of the largest cash thefts in American history.
9. He earned the nickname "Two-Gun Tommy" for his habit of carrying two pistols.
10. DeSimone was known for his close friendship with fellow mobster Jimmy Burke.

Infamous Crimes

Tommy DeSimone's criminal record is filled with notorious acts that cemented his place in Mafia history.

11. He was involved in the murder of William "Billy Batts" Bentvena, a made man in the Gambino family.
12. DeSimone participated in the killing of Ronald "Foxy" Jerothe, another Gambino associate.
13. He was suspected of being involved in the disappearance of Martin Krugman, a bookmaker linked to the Lufthansa heist.
14. Tommy's violent behavior extended to his personal life, where he was known for domestic abuse.
15. DeSimone's unpredictable nature made him both feared and respected within the Mafia.

Relationships and Personal Life

Beyond his criminal activities, Tommy's personal life was equally tumultuous and complex.

16. He married Angela DeSimone, with whom he had two children.
17. Despite his violent tendencies, Tommy was known to be a doting father.
18. DeSimone's relationship with Henry Hill was both a friendship and a criminal partnership.
19. He had a close bond with his sister Phyllis, who often acted as a mediator in his disputes.
20. Tommy's personal life was marred by substance abuse, particularly cocaine.

Downfall and Disappearance

Tommy DeSimone's life came to a mysterious and abrupt end, leaving many questions unanswered.

21. In 1979, DeSimone was reported missing, and his body was never found.
22. It is widely believed that he was murdered by the Gambino family in retaliation for the Billy Batts killing.
23. Henry Hill, in his later testimonies, claimed that DeSimone was lured to a meeting under the pretense of becoming a made man.
24. Tommy's disappearance remains one of the most enduring mysteries in Mafia history.
25. His death marked the end of an era of violent and unpredictable mobsters.

Legacy in Popular Culture

Tommy DeSimone's life has been immortalized in various forms of media, ensuring his story lives on.

26. The character Tommy DeVito in the film "Goodfellas," played by Joe Pesci, is based on DeSimone.
27. Pesci's portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
28. The film "Goodfellas" brought renewed interest in DeSimone's life and crimes.
29. Tommy's story has been featured in numerous books about the Mafia.
30. His violent and unpredictable nature has made him a subject of fascination for true crime enthusiasts.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts about Tommy DeSimone that add more color to his already vivid story.

31. Despite his fearsome reputation, Tommy was known to have a great sense of humor.
32. He was an avid fan of boxing and often attended matches.
33. DeSimone had a passion for fast cars and owned several luxury vehicles.
34. He was known to be a sharp dresser, often seen in expensive suits.
35. Tommy had a tattoo of a dagger on his forearm, symbolizing his readiness for violence.
36. He once attempted to rob a bank but was thwarted by a malfunctioning getaway car.
37. DeSimone was known to carry a lucky rabbit's foot, believing it brought him good fortune.
38. Despite his criminal lifestyle, Tommy was known to be a devout Catholic, often attending church services.

Final Glimpse at Tommy Desimone

Tommy Desimone's life was a whirlwind of crime, loyalty, and mystery. Known for his ruthless nature, he left an indelible mark on the mob world. His connections with the Lucchese crime family and infamous figures like Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke made him a key player in many notorious heists, including the Lufthansa heist. Despite his violent tendencies, Desimone's story captivates due to its mix of ambition and downfall. His disappearance remains unsolved, adding to his legend. Whether seen as a villain or a complex anti-hero, Desimone's life offers a gripping look into the underworld. His legacy, filled with both fear and fascination, continues to intrigue those interested in the darker side of history.