The Colombo Family - Andy Petepiece

The Colombo Family

The Colombo Family is a well-researched book on the nearly 100-year history of one of New York City's infamous La Cosa Nostra organizations. It begins with the USA arrival of Joe Profaci, the first Boss, and ends in the confusion of the passing of Boss Carmine Persico in 2019.

Some of the essential events covered include the 1928 meeting of mobsters in Cleveland, the Castellammarese War of the early 1930s, the Apalachin fiasco of 1957, plus three Colombo Family rebellions. Boss Carmine Persico dominates the narrative as he retained control of the Family from the mid-1970s until 2019. It was an incredible feat for most of the time he was behind bars. 

The book includes profiles of many Acting Bosses that Persico appointed to carry out his wishes. Also provided are summaries of many mob trials that the reader will find interesting. Individual chapters contain information on some lesser-known characters, some of whom you hope you never meet. 

Most readers, familiar with La Cosa Nostra, will recognize many of the characters from this history. The book provides details on well-known hoods such as Joe Profaci, Joe Colombo, Carmine Persico, Joey Gallo, and Michael Franzese.