Who Is Joseph Colombo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joseph Colombo was born on June 16, 1923, in the vibrant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. His early life was marked by the influences of Italian immigrant culture and the tumultuous socio-economic conditions of post-war America. Colombo rose through the ranks to become a notorious American mob boss known for his leadership within the Colombo crime family. Despite his criminal ties, he was a charismatic figure whose influence permeated beyond the shadows of organized crime.
As of 2025, Joseph Colombo would have been 102 years old. However, sadly, he passed away on May 22, 1978. His legacy continues to be a focal point of fascination regarding mob history and crime families in the United States.
| Occupation | Civil Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1923 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 22 May, 1978 |
| Died Place | Newburgh, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Joseph Colombo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Joseph Colombo’s physical stats are scant, it's known that he had a robust build typical of men in his profession. Reports suggest that he stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and had a weight that fluctuated around 200 pounds throughout his life. His imposing presence was both commanding and intimidating, reflective of his status in the criminal underworld.
On June 28, 1971, Colombo was shot three times in the head and neck by Jerome A. Johnson, a 24-year old African American man at the second Italian Unity Day rally in Columbus Circle sponsored by the Italian-American Civil Rights League; Johnson was immediately killed by Colombo's bodyguards.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph Colombo was married to his wife, Catherine Colombo, and together they had a family that included several children. While details about his personal life remain somewhat private, it’s said that Colombo maintained close familial ties, a trait valued in Italian culture. His family has frequently been referenced in discussions regarding the impact of organized crime on personal relationships and legacy.
Joseph Colombo's relationships were often marred by the lifestyle he led, but he was known to be a family man at heart. The complexity of his existence often blurred the lines between familial love and the harsh realities of mob life.
Joseph Colombo Sr. His mother was from Naples, Italy and his father, Anthony Colombo, from Potenza, Italy, was an early member of the Profaci crime family, which would eventually be renamed after his son. In 1938, he was found strangled in a car with his mistress.
Joe Colombo attended New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn for two years, then dropped out to join the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1945, he was diagnosed with neurosis and discharged from the service. His legitimate jobs included ten years as a longshoreman and six years as a salesman for a meat company. His final job was that of a real estate salesman.
Net Worth and Salary
Joseph Colombo's financial dealings primarily stemmed from his extensive criminal enterprises within organized crime. Estimates of his net worth, at the pinnacle of his power, reached millions of dollars. Although specific figures are hard to come by due to the covert nature of mob activities, it is clear that Colombo's wealth would have reflected his high-ranking position as a mob boss.
In today’s currency, his estimated net worth could be approximated in the range of $100 million, emphasizing the lucrative but dangerous world of organized crime.
In late November 1961, Joe Gallo was sentenced to seven-to-fourteen years in prison for murder. On June 6, 1962, Profaci died and was succeeded by longtime underboss Joseph Magliocco.
In 1963, Joseph Bonanno, the head of the Bonanno crime family, made plans to assassinate several rivals on the Mafia Commission—bosses Tommy Lucchese, Carlo Gambino, and Stefano Magaddino, as well as Frank DeSimone. Bonanno sought Magliocco's support, and Magliocco readily agreed.
Bonanno was not only bitter from being denied a seat on the Commission, but he and Profaci had been close allies for over 30 years prior to Profaci's death. Bonanno's audacious goal was to take over the Commission and make Magliocco his right-hand man.
Magliocco was assigned the task of killing Lucchese and Gambino, and gave the contract to one of his top hit men, Colombo. However, the opportunistic Colombo revealed the plot to its targets. The other bosses quickly realized that Magliocco could not have planned this himself.
Remembering how close Bonanno was with Magliocco (and before him, Profaci), as well as their close ties through marriages, the other bosses concluded Bonanno was the real mastermind. The Commission summoned Bonanno and Magliocco to explain themselves.
Fearing for his life, Bonanno went into hiding in Montreal, leaving Magliocco to deal with the Commission. Badly shaken and in failing health, Magliocco confessed his role in the plot. The Commission spared Magliocco's life, but forced him to retire as Profaci family boss and pay a $50,000 fine.
As a reward for turning on his boss, Colombo was awarded the Profaci family.
Career, Business and Investments
Colombo's career as a mob boss began in the early 1960s when he emerged as a prominent figure within the Colombo crime family. His ambitious nature allowed him to expand operations across various illegal enterprises, including loan sharking, racketeering, and gambling. Colombo’s unique approach often involved public relations efforts to reshape the mob's image, encouraging a perception of respectability.
He was also involved in various legitimate businesses, using them as fronts to launder money and integrate into lawful society. Some of these ventures included restaurants and clubs, which further solidified his presence in both the criminal and legitimate worlds.
On March 11, 1971, after being convicted of perjury for lying on his application to become a real estate broker, Colombo was sentenced to two and half years in state prison. The sentence, however, was delayed pending an appeal.
Social Network
Over the years, Joseph Colombo forged various relationships within the domain of organized crime. His connections with other crime families and criminal figures were crucial to his success and influence. Colombo also ventured into community activism, notably founding the Italian-American Civil Rights League in the 1970s, showcasing his interest in integrating his dual life of mob dynamics and community involvement.
Despite his criminal past, Colombo’s efforts to present a more favorable public image display the complexities of his character and ambitions.
At the age of 41, Colombo was one of the youngest crime bosses in the country. He was also the first American-born boss of a New York crime family. When NYPD detective Albert Seedman (later the NYPD chief of detectives) called Colombo in for questioning about the death of one of his soldiers, Colombo came to the meeting without a lawyer.
He told Seedman, "I am an American citizen, first class. I don't have a badge that makes me an official good guy like you, but I work just as honest for a living."
Education
Joseph Colombo's formal education was limited. He came from a working-class background, and like many in his generation, he prioritized survival and upward mobility over academic pursuits. Much of his knowledge about business and organization came from real-world experience within the mob, which he navigated with cunning and adaptability.
In summary, Joseph Colombo's life remains a captivating chapter in the history of organized crime in America. His legacy is a stark reminder of the dualities within his existence—an esteemed mob boss and a devoted family man—leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the time.
