34 Facts About Johnny Martorano

Early Life and Background

Johnny Martorano, a name synonymous with organized crime, has a life filled with intriguing details. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about his early years and background.

1. Born on December 13, 1940, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Johnny grew up in a family with strong ties to the criminal underworld.
2. His father, Angelo Martorano, was a bookmaker and loan shark, influencing Johnny's future career path.
3. Johnny attended St. Clement High School, where he was known more for his toughness than his academic achievements.
4. He had a younger brother, Jimmy Martorano, who also became involved in organized crime.
5. Despite his criminal activities, Johnny was known to be a family man, often seen attending family gatherings and events.

Criminal Career

Martorano's criminal career is filled with notorious activities and alliances. Here are some key facts about his life in crime.

6. Johnny Martorano became a hitman for the Winter Hill Gang, a powerful criminal organization in Boston.
7. He was responsible for at least 20 murders, earning him the nickname "The Executioner."
8. Martorano was a close associate of James "Whitey" Bulger, the infamous mob boss.
9. He often worked alongside Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, another notorious gangster.
10. Johnny's first murder was in 1965, when he killed a bartender named Herbert Smith over a personal dispute.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Martorano's life of crime eventually caught up with him, leading to numerous legal issues and prison time.

11. In 1995, Martorano was indicted on multiple charges, including racketeering and murder.
12. He decided to become a government witness, testifying against his former associates in exchange for a reduced sentence.
13. Johnny served only 12 years in prison, a relatively short time considering his extensive criminal activities.
14. His testimony was crucial in the conviction of James "Whitey" Bulger and other members of the Winter Hill Gang.
15. Martorano was released from prison in 2007 and entered the witness protection program.

Personal Life and Relationships

Despite his violent career, Johnny Martorano had a personal life filled with relationships and family ties.

16. Johnny was married twice and had five children.
17. His first wife, Carolyn, left him due to his criminal lifestyle.
18. Martorano's second marriage was to a woman named Barbara, who stood by him during his legal troubles.
19. He was known to be a doting father, often spoiling his children with gifts.
20. Despite his criminal activities, Johnny maintained a close relationship with his siblings, especially his brother Jimmy.

Life After Prison

After his release, Martorano's life took a different turn. Here are some facts about his post-prison life.

21. Johnny moved to an undisclosed location under the witness protection program.
22. He wrote a memoir titled "Hitman: The Untold Story of Johnny Martorano," detailing his life in organized crime.
23. Martorano appeared in several documentaries and interviews, sharing his experiences and insights into the criminal world.
24. He expressed remorse for his actions, particularly the impact they had on his family and victims' families.
25. Despite his past, Johnny managed to live a relatively quiet life after his release.

Legacy and Impact

Johnny Martorano's life and actions left a significant impact on organized crime and law enforcement.

26. His testimony helped dismantle the Winter Hill Gang, one of Boston's most powerful criminal organizations.
27. Martorano's story has been featured in numerous books, documentaries, and films, highlighting his role in organized crime.
28. He is often cited as an example of the complexities and moral ambiguities within the criminal underworld.
29. Johnny's life serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of a life of crime.
30. Despite his violent past, Martorano's cooperation with law enforcement has been seen as a turning point in the fight against organized crime.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some additional interesting facts about Johnny Martorano that you might not know.

31. Johnny was known for his meticulous planning and execution of hits, often studying his targets for weeks.
32. He had a reputation for being a man of his word, both in the criminal world and in his personal life.
33. Martorano was an avid reader, often spending his free time with books on history and crime.
34. Despite his fearsome reputation, Johnny was known to be charming and charismatic, often winning people over with his personality.

Final Glimpse at Johnny Martorano

Johnny Martorano's life reads like a crime novel. From his early days in Boston to his role as a feared hitman, his story is filled with twists and turns. He was involved in over 20 murders, making him one of the most notorious figures in organized crime. Despite his violent past, Martorano managed to avoid a life sentence by turning state's witness, providing crucial testimony against his former associates. His actions led to the downfall of several key figures in the Winter Hill Gang. Martorano's life serves as a stark reminder of the brutal reality of organized crime. While he may have escaped the full weight of justice, his legacy remains a chilling testament to the dark side of human nature.