Former Mob Boss to Visit West Orange/Livingston

Michael Franzese is a former New York mobster and captain of the Colombo Crime family. He was a rising star who raked in millions through diverse legal and illegal ventures involving sports agents, car dealerships, union kickbacks and an infamous gasoline tax scheme. In 1986, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the “50 Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.” According to a Federal report, Franzese made more money for a crime family than anyone since Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone. At his most affluent, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week.
Briefly portrayed in the Oscar-nominated film, Goodfellas, Franzese says, “I should either be dead or in prison for the rest of my life.” Yet, while in prison during the late 1980’s, he made a decision to walk away from organized crime. While prosecutors sought his cooperation against his former associates, he was ultimately not considered to be a cooperating witness. He remains the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away without protective custody and survive.
For many years, Franzese could not return to the New York City metropolitan area for fear of assassination. But this Father’s Day he returns to tell the story of a life of power, luxury, violence and ultimately, redemption. He will appear as a guest speaker at The Life Christian Church, 747 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ on Sunday, June 21 at 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:45am.