Who Is Joseph D. Pistone? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joseph D. Pistone, born on September 17, 1939, is a renowned American former FBI agent famous for his undercover work in infiltrating the Mafia. As of 2025, he is 85 years old. Pistone's legendary operation, known as "Donnie Brasco," was pivotal in securing numerous convictions and shedding light on organized crime in the United States. His life has been chronicled in various books and films, making him a notable figure in both law enforcement and popular culture.
| Occupation | Memoirist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1939 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Joseph D. Pistone's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a seasoned professional who spent years undercover, Pistone has maintained a fit appearance. While specific measurements are often not publicly disclosed, he is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm) and has an athletic build, reflecting his active lifestyle during his years with the FBI.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph D. Pistone is known to be a private individual. He has been married to his wife, Mary Pistone, for many years, and the couple has children together. As of 2025, there is no public information regarding any dating status or extramarital relationships, as he continues to maintain a focus on family life and personal discretion.
He is of Italian heritage: his father was from Calabria while his mother from Sicily, and grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where he attended Eastside High School. He attended Paterson State College (now William Paterson University), obtaining a degree in anthropology in 1965.
Net Worth and Salary
Joseph D. Pistone's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $500,000. His income primarily stems from his career in law enforcement, speaking engagements, and royalties from his books, including "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia." His work has also made him a sought-after speaker, providing insights into the complexities of undercover operations.
The FBI then ordered the end of Pistone's operation. He wanted to continue until he was set to become a made man that December; Napolitano would lie about his "making his bones" (participating in a Mafia-ordered hit) to prove his loyalty.
However, Pistone's superiors decided that the operation was becoming too dangerous and set an end date of July 26, 1981. Only after Pistone departed did FBI agents Doug Fencl, Jim Kinne, and Jerry Loar inform Napolitano that his longtime associate was an FBI agent. Pistone received a $500 bonus at the end of the operation.
Career, Business and Investments
Pistone's career with the FBI spanned over two decades, during which he pioneered several undercover operations. His most notable role was as an undercover agent infiltrating the Colombo crime family. After retiring, he transitioned into a successful career as an author and consultant for film and television. His life story was adapted into the 1997 film "Donnie Brasco," further cementing his place in pop culture.
Today, Pistone remains active in consulting and often participates in speaking events where he shares his experiences and insights on crime and law enforcement. There is no public record of investments outside of his writing and consulting endeavors.
In the spring of 1976, Pistone volunteered to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family, a job for which his fluency in Italian, Sicilian heritage, and the knowledge of mafia idiosyncrasies gleaned from his Paterson background were well suited.
For the undercover operation, the false identity of Donald "Donnie" Brasco was created, with a backstory that involved work as a low-level jewel thief. After extensive preparation including FBI gemology courses, he went undercover as a jewel thief.
Social Network
Joseph D. Pistone is not particularly active on social media. He tends to keep a low profile, focusing on his personal life and drawing from his experiences as a former undercover agent. However, his official pages related to his books and speaking engagements can often be found on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
He worked for a year as a teacher at Paterson School No. 10 and at the Office of Naval Intelligence for three years before being sworn into the FBI on July 7, 1969, and assigned to Jacksonville, Florida. In 1974, he was transferred to New York to work in the truck and hijack unit.
Because of his ability to drive 18-wheeler trucks and bulldozers, he was eventually given undercover work infiltrating a vehicle theft ring, an assignment that resulted in over 30 arrests and a greater profile for Pistone within law enforcement.
Education
Pistone graduated from high school and later attended college, although details about his specific degrees and institutions are limited. He received thorough training through the FBI Academy, equipping him with the necessary skills for his undercover work.
