39 Facts About Tommy Desimone – Facts.net

Who Was Tommy DeSimone?

Tommy DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy" or "Tommy D," was an infamous mobster associated with the Lucchese crime family. His life of crime inspired the character Tommy DeVito in the movie "Goodfellas."

1. Born in 1950, DeSimone grew up in Queens, New York, in a family with deep mafia ties.
2. His brother, Anthony DeSimone, was also a mobster, while his sister, Phyllis, married mobster Henry Hill.
3. DeSimone earned the nickname "Two-Gun Tommy" because he always carried two guns.
4. He joined the Lucchese crime family in his early 20s, quickly rising through the ranks.
5. Known for his violent temper, DeSimone was involved in numerous murders and assaults.

Tommy DeSimone's Criminal Activities

DeSimone's criminal career was marked by a series of high-profile crimes that cemented his reputation as a ruthless enforcer.

6. He participated in the infamous Lufthansa heist of 1978, which netted over $5 million in cash and jewelry.
7. DeSimone was involved in the murder of William "Billy Batts" Bentvena, a Gambino family associate.
8. He also killed Ronald "Foxy" Jerothe, another Gambino associate, in a fit of rage.
9. DeSimone's violent actions often put him at odds with other mobsters, leading to tensions within the mafia.
10. Despite his violent nature, he was known to be loyal to his crime family.

Tommy DeSimone in Popular Culture

DeSimone's life and crimes have been immortalized in various forms of media, most notably in the film "Goodfellas."

11. Joe Pesci portrayed DeSimone's character, Tommy DeVito, in "Goodfellas," earning an Academy Award for his performance.
12. The film depicted many of DeSimone's real-life crimes, including the Lufthansa heist and the murder of Billy Batts.
13. DeSimone's character in the movie was known for his unpredictable and violent behavior, mirroring his real-life persona.
14. "Goodfellas" brought DeSimone's story to a wider audience, making him a well-known figure in popular culture.
15. The film's success led to renewed interest in DeSimone's life and criminal activities.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Tommy DeSimone

DeSimone's life ended as mysteriously as it was violent. His disappearance remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in mafia history.

16. In 1979, DeSimone vanished without a trace, leading to widespread speculation about his fate.
17. Some believe he was killed by the Gambino family in retaliation for his crimes against their members.
18. Others suggest he was murdered by his own crime family due to his increasingly erratic behavior.
19. DeSimone's body was never found, adding to the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
20. His wife reported him missing, but no concrete evidence ever surfaced regarding his fate.

Tommy DeSimone's Legacy

Despite his violent life, DeSimone left a lasting impact on both the mafia world and popular culture.

21. His story continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts and historians.
22. DeSimone's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a life of crime.
23. His portrayal in "Goodfellas" remains one of the most iconic depictions of a mobster in film history.
24. DeSimone's violent actions and mysterious disappearance have inspired numerous books and documentaries.
25. His life and crimes are often studied by those interested in the inner workings of the mafia.

Interesting Facts About Tommy DeSimone

Beyond his criminal activities, there are several lesser-known facts about DeSimone that paint a fuller picture of his life.

26. DeSimone was known for his love of fine clothes and often dressed in expensive suits.
27. He had a passion for gambling, frequently betting large sums of money on horse races.
28. Despite his violent nature, DeSimone was known to be charming and charismatic.
29. He was a skilled marksman, often practicing his shooting skills at local ranges.
30. DeSimone had a close relationship with his mother, who was reportedly devastated by his disappearance.

The Impact of Tommy DeSimone's Crimes

DeSimone's actions had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only his victims but also the broader mafia landscape.

31. The Lufthansa heist remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history.
32. DeSimone's murder of Billy Batts led to increased tensions between the Lucchese and Gambino families.
33. His violent behavior contributed to the FBI's increased focus on the Lucchese crime family.
34. DeSimone's disappearance led to numerous theories and investigations, keeping his story alive in the public eye.
35. His life of crime serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the mafia world.

Tommy DeSimone's Influence on Future Generations

DeSimone's life and crimes continue to influence future generations, both within the mafia and in popular culture.

36. His story has been used as a case study in criminal justice courses.
37. DeSimone's portrayal in "Goodfellas" has inspired countless other films and TV shows about the mafia.
38. His life serves as a warning to those considering a life of crime, highlighting the inevitable consequences.
39. DeSimone's legacy lives on through the continued fascination with his life and the enduring popularity of "Goodfellas."

The Legacy of Tommy DeSimone

Tommy DeSimone's life was a whirlwind of crime, violence, and notoriety. Known for his ruthless nature, he became a feared figure in the New York Mafia scene. His actions inspired characters in popular culture, most notably Joe Pesci's portrayal in "Goodfellas." Despite his brutal reputation, DeSimone's story fascinates many due to its mix of real-life drama and Hollywood glamor. His mysterious disappearance in 1979 only adds to the intrigue, leaving many questions unanswered. DeSimone's life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and allure of organized crime. While his legacy is far from heroic, it continues to captivate those interested in the darker side of history. Understanding his life offers a glimpse into the complexities of crime and its impact on society.