38 Facts About Anthony Casso

Who Was Anthony Casso?

Anthony Casso, also known as "Gaspipe," was a notorious figure in the American Mafia. His life was filled with crime, betrayal, and violence. Here are some intriguing facts about him.

1. Born on May 21, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Casso grew up in an environment steeped in organized crime.

2. His nickname "Gaspipe" came from his father, who used a gas pipe as a weapon during his own criminal activities.

3. Casso was a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, one of the "Five Families" that dominated organized crime in New York City.

4. He started his criminal career as a young man, engaging in theft, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Rise to Power

Casso's rise within the Lucchese family was marked by ruthless ambition and strategic alliances.

5. By the 1980s, he had become the underboss of the Lucchese family, second only to the boss.

6. He was known for his violent methods, reportedly involved in over 36 murders.

7. Casso played a key role in the "Windows Case," a massive bid-rigging scheme involving the installation of windows in New York City public housing.

8. He was instrumental in forming alliances with other crime families, strengthening the Lucchese family's power.

Criminal Activities

Casso's criminal activities were diverse and far-reaching, impacting many aspects of New York's underworld.

9. He was heavily involved in drug trafficking, particularly heroin and cocaine.

10. Casso orchestrated numerous robberies, including armored car heists.

11. He was known for his involvement in labor racketeering, controlling unions to extort money from businesses.

12. Casso also engaged in loan sharking, lending money at exorbitant interest rates and using violence to collect debts.

Betrayal and Downfall

Despite his power, Casso's life took a dramatic turn due to betrayal and legal troubles.

13. In 1993, he was arrested after a lengthy investigation by federal authorities.

14. Facing life in prison, Casso became an informant, providing information on other mobsters.

15. His decision to cooperate with authorities led to the arrest and conviction of several high-ranking Mafia members.

16. However, Casso's cooperation was short-lived; he was kicked out of the witness protection program for continuing criminal activities while in custody.

Life in Prison

Casso's life in prison was as tumultuous as his life on the streets.

17. He was sentenced to multiple life terms without the possibility of parole.

18. While in prison, Casso continued to face legal challenges, including additional charges for crimes committed while incarcerated.

19. He was held in various high-security prisons across the United States.

20. Casso's health deteriorated in prison, suffering from multiple ailments.

Legacy and Impact

Anthony Casso's life left a lasting impact on organized crime and law enforcement.

21. His cooperation with authorities provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the Mafia.

22. Casso's betrayal of his fellow mobsters led to a significant weakening of the Lucchese family.

23. His story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and TV shows.

24. Casso's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of a life of crime.

Personal Life

Despite his criminal activities, Casso had a personal life that was complex and often contradictory.

25. He was married and had children, who were kept largely out of his criminal dealings.

26. Casso was known to be a family man, often spending time with his wife and kids when not engaged in criminal activities.

27. He maintained a facade of a legitimate businessman, owning several businesses as fronts for his illegal operations.

28. Casso was known for his lavish lifestyle, owning expensive cars, homes, and other luxury items.

Death

Anthony Casso's life came to an end in 2020, but his story continues to fascinate many.

29. He died on December 15, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19.

30. At the time of his death, Casso was serving his sentence at a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona.

31. His death marked the end of an era for the Lucchese crime family.

32. Casso's passing was noted by law enforcement and criminal circles alike, reflecting his notorious reputation.

Interesting Tidbits

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

33. He was known for his paranoia, often changing his appearance and using disguises to avoid detection.

34. Casso had a reputation for being a meticulous planner, often spending months or even years planning his criminal activities.

35. Despite his violent nature, he was known to be charming and charismatic, often winning over allies and associates.

36. Casso was an avid gambler, frequently betting large sums of money on sports and casino games.

37. He had a deep-seated mistrust of law enforcement, often going to great lengths to avoid capture.

38. Casso's life has inspired numerous fictional characters in movies and TV shows, reflecting his larger-than-life persona.

Final Thoughts on Anthony Casso

Anthony Casso, also known as "Gaspipe," was a notorious figure in the world of organized crime. His life, filled with violence, betrayal, and power struggles, offers a glimpse into the dark underbelly of the mafia. From his rise within the Lucchese crime family to his eventual downfall and cooperation with authorities, Casso's story is both fascinating and chilling. His actions left a lasting impact on the criminal landscape and law enforcement's approach to tackling organized crime. While his life was marked by infamy, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of a life steeped in crime. Understanding Casso's history helps shed light on the complexities and dangers of the mafia world.