Who Is Joseph Valachi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joseph Valachi was born on September 22, 1904, in New York City, USA. He became known as an infamous American mobster and is most recognized for his revelations about the Italian-American Mafia. Valachi’s testimony in the late 1960s marked a significant turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States. He passed away on August 13, 1971, but his legacy as a whistleblower continues to resonate within criminal justice and mafia studies.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1904 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 April, 1971 |
| Died Place | Anthony, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Joseph Valachi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although exact body measurements for Joseph Valachi during his active years are not extensively documented, he was estimated to be around 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed approximately 180 pounds. His appearance and demeanor reflected the rugged toughness often associated with mobsters of his time.
In 1930, Valachi was inducted as a made man into the American Mafia. He soon became a soldato (soldier) in the Reina family, now known as the Lucchese family, led by Gaetano Reina.
Valachi joined during the height of the Castellammarese War, a violent power struggle within Italian organized crime between the factions of Joe Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano over control of operations in the United States. Reina was assassinated after he had switched allegiances from Masseria to Maranzano.
Valachi fought as part of the Reina family on the side of Maranzano, which eventually emerged victorious after Masseria's assassination on April 15, 1931. Maranzano proclaimed himself capo di tutti i capi ("boss of all bosses") in the Italian-American Mafia, and Valachi became one of his bodyguards.
That position was short-lived, as Maranzano himself was assassinated five months after the end of the Castellammarese War by a coalition of his subordinates, led by Charles "Lucky" Luciano. Valachi then became a soldier in the family headed by Luciano, eventually known as the Genovese family, in the crew headed by Anthony "Tony Bender" Strollo.
In July 1932, Valachi married Carmela Reina, the eldest daughter of Gaetano Reina.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Valachi was married to his wife, Marie, with whom he had three children. Given the clandestine nature of his life as a mobster, details about his dating life outside of marriage remain largely undisclosed. The family endured significant challenges due to Valachi's criminal activities and later his decision to cooperate with law enforcement, which had drastic repercussions for their safety and well-being.
His parents were impoverished Italian immigrants from Cervinara, in the region of Campania. His father was a violent alcoholic, and Valachi later blamed his background for his having turned to organized crime.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1971, Joseph Valachi's net worth and earnings were intricately tied to his illegal activities. Though exact figures remain elusive, his involvement with the Genovese crime family and other criminal enterprises likely provided him with significant financial gains. However, much of Valachi's wealth was lost due to the aftermath of his decision to testify against the Mafia.
Career, Business and Investments
Valachi's early career in organized crime spanned decades, with his main involvement being the Genovese crime family. He was active in numerous criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, and narcotics. His career took a dramatic turn in 1963 when he became a key informant, providing essential information that would assist the government in prosecuting the Mafia. His testimonies led to a greater understanding of organized crime operations and contributed to significant reform in law enforcement strategies targeting the Mafia.
Valachi's criminal career began with a small gang, known as the Minutemen, which was so called for carrying out smash-and-grab burglaries and escaping within a minute. Valachi was the driver for the gang, and his ability to make a quick getaway earned him a reputation as a rising star in the New York City criminal underworld.
In 1921, Valachi was arrested on grand larceny charges, and in 1923, he was arrested in the aftermath of a botched robbery. He pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at Sing Sing but was released after he had served only nine months.
Valachi returned to discover he had been replaced with a new driver by the Minutemen and so he formed a new burglary gang.
Social Network
While there are no active social media accounts for Joseph Valachi, his story continues to be shared and analyzed across various platforms. Numerous documentaries, books, and films have depicted his life, and his name frequently appears in discussions regarding organized crime in America.
Valachi and Genovese were both serving sentences for heroin trafficking. On June 22, 1962, using a pipe left near some construction work, Valachi bludgeoned an inmate to death whom he had mistaken for Joseph DiPalermo, a Mafia member whom he believed Genovese had contracted to kill him.
After time with FBI handlers, Valachi came forward with a story of Genovese giving him a kiss on the cheek, which he took as a "kiss of death." Valachi claimed a $100,000 bounty had been placed for his death by Genovese.
Education
Information about Joseph Valachi's formal education is limited. He had a modest educational background and began working at an early age, often becoming involved in the streets of New York rather than pursuing higher education. His experiences in the criminal underworld served as his education in organized crime.
In conclusion, Joseph Valachi's life story is a complex narrative of crime, betrayal, and the search for redemption. As we reflect on his legacy in 2025, it is essential to recognize both his impact on the criminal justice system and the lasting implications of his choices.
