38 Facts About Vito Rizzuto

Early Life and Background

Vito Rizzuto, a name synonymous with organized crime in Canada, led a life filled with intrigue and mystery. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. Born on February 21, 1946, in Cattolica Eraclea, Sicily, Vito Rizzuto was destined for a life intertwined with the Mafia.
2. His father, Nicolo Rizzuto, was a prominent figure in the Sicilian Mafia, which significantly influenced Vito's path.
3. The Rizzuto family immigrated to Canada in the mid-1950s, settling in Montreal, Quebec.
4. Vito attended École Saint-Viateur, a local school in Montreal, where he learned French and English.
5. Despite his criminal future, Vito was known to be a polite and well-mannered student during his school years.

Rise to Power

Vito's ascent in the criminal underworld was marked by strategic alliances and ruthless decisions. Here are some key moments in his rise to power.

6. In the 1970s, Vito began working closely with his father, Nicolo, to establish the Rizzuto crime family in Montreal.
7. The Rizzuto family quickly became a dominant force in the Montreal Mafia, rivaling the Cotroni family.
8. Vito's leadership style was characterized by diplomacy and violence, earning him respect and fear.
9. By the 1980s, Vito had solidified his position as the head of the Rizzuto crime family.
10. Under his leadership, the Rizzuto family expanded its operations to include drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal gambling.

Criminal Activities

Vito Rizzuto's criminal empire was vast and diverse. Let's explore some of the illegal activities he was involved in.

11. The Rizzuto family controlled a significant portion of the drug trade in Montreal, importing cocaine and heroin from South America.
12. Vito was known for his involvement in money laundering, using legitimate businesses to clean dirty money.
13. The family also ran illegal gambling operations, including sports betting and underground casinos.
14. Extortion was another lucrative venture for the Rizzuto family, targeting local businesses for protection money.
15. Vito's criminal activities extended beyond Canada, with connections to the Mafia in the United States and Italy.

Major Incidents

Throughout his life, Vito Rizzuto was involved in several high-profile incidents that shaped his legacy. Here are some notable ones.

16. In 1981, Vito was implicated in the murder of three Bonanno crime family capos in New York City.
17. The infamous "Three Capos Murder" solidified Vito's reputation as a ruthless and powerful mobster.
18. In 2004, Vito was arrested in Montreal and extradited to the United States to face charges related to the 1981 murders.
19. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to racketeering charges in 2007.
20. Vito was released from prison in 2012 and returned to Montreal to reclaim his position in the Mafia.

Personal Life

Despite his criminal activities, Vito Rizzuto had a personal life that was relatively private. Here are some insights into his personal life.

21. Vito married Giovanna Cammalleri, and the couple had three children: Leonardo, Bettina, and Libertina.
22. He was known to be a family man, often seen attending family gatherings and events.
23. Vito enjoyed playing golf and was a member of several exclusive golf clubs in Montreal.
24. Despite his criminal background, he maintained a low profile in his personal life, avoiding unnecessary attention.
25. Vito was fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, French, and English.

Downfall and Death

Vito Rizzuto's life was marked by a dramatic downfall and a mysterious death. Here are some key events leading to his demise.

26. After his release from prison, Vito faced numerous challenges in re-establishing his control over the Montreal Mafia.
27. Several members of the Rizzuto family were killed in a series of violent attacks between 2009 and 2013.
28. Vito's son, Nicolo Rizzuto Jr., was murdered in 2009, a significant blow to Vito and his family.
29. In 2010, Vito's father, Nicolo Rizzuto Sr., was also assassinated, further weakening the family's power.
30. On December 23, 2013, Vito Rizzuto died of natural causes, reportedly from complications related to lung cancer.

Legacy and Impact

Vito Rizzuto's legacy continues to influence the criminal underworld in Canada and beyond. Here are some lasting impacts of his life and actions.

31. The Rizzuto crime family remains a significant player in the Montreal Mafia, despite Vito's death.
32. Vito's leadership style and strategic alliances have been studied by law enforcement and criminologists.
33. His life has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and TV shows, including the popular series "Bad Blood."
34. Vito's ability to balance diplomacy and violence set a new standard for Mafia leadership.
35. The power struggles and violent incidents during his reign have had lasting effects on the criminal landscape in Montreal.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts and interesting tidbits about Vito Rizzuto's life and career.

36. Vito was known to have a keen interest in architecture and often invested in real estate projects.
37. Despite his criminal activities, he was known to donate to local charities and community organizations.
38. Vito's nickname, "Montreal's Teflon Don," was inspired by his ability to avoid conviction for many years, similar to New York mobster John Gotti.

Final Thoughts on Vito Rizzuto

Vito Rizzuto's life was a whirlwind of power, crime, and influence. Known as the "Teflon Don" of Canada, he managed to evade conviction for many years. His reign over the Montreal Mafia left a lasting impact on organized crime in Canada. Despite his criminal activities, Rizzuto was also seen as a family man, deeply involved in his community. His story is a complex mix of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Understanding his life offers a glimpse into the shadowy world of organized crime. Though his empire eventually crumbled, Rizzuto's legacy continues to intrigue and captivate those interested in the underworld. His life serves as a reminder of the thin line between power and downfall.