Former Mob Boss Michael Franzese Shares Story of Redemption

It sounds like the plot of an implausible movie: Former mob boss finds God while in prison, re-enters the outside world spreading the word of Jesus—while still making time to coach Little League on the side.

Well, it is going to be a movie soon.

But this is no studio-concocted plot.

It’s the true story of Michael Franzese, former boss for New York's Colombo family, whom Forbes magazine once named the 18^th most powerful man in the mafia.

Franzese shared his journey from corruption to redemption Wednesday with the parishioners at Four Corners Community Church in Darien.

In the nearly two decades since he left the Colombo family, Franzese has created an empire out of inspiration, with audiences that include everyone from at-risk youth to professional athletes to corporate executives.

His talk at Four Corners focused on faith and how his acceptance of Christianity coincided with his departure from the mob.

“I should either be dead or in prison,” he said. “It’s what I deserved. The only reason I’m standing here is that God had a plan and a purpose for me.”

Pastor Brian From said Franzese’s story shows the power of Christianity to change people.

“We often talk about God transforming lives,” he said. “[Franzese] is such a great example of that.”

Born the son of the Colombo family’s underboss, Franzese entered the mob at 21 after dropping out of Hofstra University, where he was studying to be a doctor. His father, John "Sonny" Franzese, has been in and out of jail five times and was sentenced six weeks ago, at age 94, to eight more years in prison.

It was during his father’s first prison sentence that Franzese made the decision to join the Colombo family.

“Go home. Somebody’s going to be in touch with you. Do what you’re told,” his father responded.

Franzese worked his way up through the family, most famously orchestrating a racketeering scheme in which he skimmed taxes from gasoline sales.

Through five indictments, Franzese sidestepped prison.

But his commitment to a life of crime changed when he met his future wife, Camille, on the set of a movie he was producing.

Camille, a born-again Christian, helped persuade Franzese to plead guilty the next time he was indicted. He served a five-year prison sentence, followed by two more years for violating parole.

On the night he was arrested on the parole violation, Franzese hit rock bottom. But that first night in a solitary prison cell was also the start of his transformation.

A guard slid a Bible into Franzese’s cell, which he says now contains more of his own notes than it does scripture.

“I surrendered because I was desperate,” Franzese said. “But God will take you anyway he can get you.”

Following his revelation, Franzese committed to leaving the mob—perhaps a more dangerous proposition than being in it.

Assuming he was going to testify against them, the Colombo family put a contract on his life.

But he didn’t testify. And nearly 20 years later, he’s alive.

Of the six men initiated into the Colombo family same night as he was, Franzese said he is the only one still living.

“None of them died of natural causes,” he said.

Today Franzese has written four books and regularly tours the country as a motivational speaker. Production on a film adaptation of his book Blood Covenant starts in August.

Congregation member Matt Alley said while he was drawn to the event to hear Franzese’s stories of the mob, he also relished in the chance to hear about his inspirational journey.

“It’s amazing the terrible things people are able to get through with God’s help,” Alley said. “It’s a hopeful story. It’s very cool.”

Sabrina Riemer, who also attends Four Corners, said she hoped Franzese sold a DVD so she could share his stories with others.

“Coming in I was really skeptical,” she said. “But I definitely believe his story now. It’s really amazing just seeing how God … really turned his life around.”