Who Is Paul Castellano? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paul Castellano was born on June 26, 1915, and he was a notable figure in organized crime in the United States. As the head of the Gambino crime family, he played a significant role in the expansion of organized crime during the notorious mafia wars of the 20th century. Castellano's impact on criminal enterprises leads to his positioning as a key player in the underworld until his assassination on December 16, 1985. By 2025, Castellano would have been 110 years old if he were still alive. His life, filled with crime and intrigue, has continued to be a topic of fascination and speculation in both media and popular culture.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1915 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 16 December, 1985 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Paul Castellano's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Paul Castellano's height and weight during his lifetime are not thoroughly documented, reports suggest that he stood around 5 feet 11 inches tall. He was known for his imposing presence and powerful stature, essential traits for someone in his position within organized crime.
At the height of his power, Castellano built a lavish 17-room mansion on a ridgeline in Todt Hill on Staten Island. Designed to resemble the White House in Washington, D.C., the mansion featured Carrara marble, an Olympic-size swimming pool and an English garden. Castellano engaged in an affair with his live-in Colombian maid, Gloria Olarte.
Castellano became a recluse and rarely ventured outside the mansion, requiring his capos to visit the residence to give information and receive orders. When not entertaining guests, Castellano wore satin and silk dressing gowns and velvet slippers around the house.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paul Castellano was married to Carla R. Castellano (previously known as Carla R. Ricci). Together, they had three children: two daughters, Connie and Catherine, and a son, Paul Jr. His family oriented lifestyle often contrasted with his criminal activities, as he kept his family away from the darker aspects of his life in the mafia. As the head of the family, Castellano's relationships were often influenced by obligations and loyalty typical in the world of organized crime.
His parents, Giuseppe and Concetta Castellano (née Cassata), were both Italian immigrants; his father was a butcher and an early member of the Mangano crime family, the forerunner of the Gambino crime family.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Paul Castellano's net worth was estimated to be in the range of $1 to $2 million. This wealth primarily derived from his illicit activities in various businesses, including construction, garbage collection, and illegal gambling. His capacity to generate substantial income through these enterprises positioned him as one of the wealthiest crime bosses of his era.
In January 1983, Castellano allegedly ordered the murder of DeMeo, who was found shot to death in the trunk of his Cadillac. Two months later, the FBI obtained a warrant to install secret listening devices in Castellano's mansion.
Waiting until he went on vacation to Florida, agents drugged his watchdogs, disabled his security system, and planted devices in the dining and living rooms. These devices provided law enforcement with a wealth of incriminating information on Castellano.
Career, Business and Investments
Castellano's career in organized crime began in the 1930s. He steadily climbed the ranks of the Gambino family, eventually taking over from Carlo Gambino. Under his leadership, the family engaged in various illegal activities, including extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking. Castellano was known for diversifying the family’s investments, and he initiated a shift towards more legitimate businesses to broaden their revenue stream. His high-profile meetings and connections with other mob families marked him as a significant figure in the syndicate’s operations.
Castellano identified more as a businessman than a criminal, taking over non-legitimate businesses and converting them to legitimate enterprises. However, his businesses, and those of his sons, still benefitted from their mob ties.
In his early years, Castellano used his butcher's training to launch Dial Poultry, a poultry distribution business that once supplied 300 butchers in New York City. Castellano used intimidation tactics to force his customers, which included supermarket chains Key Food and Waldbaum's, to buy Dial's products.
Social Network
Though primarily known for his underworld connections, Castellano was linked to several prominent figures in politics, business, and law. His interactions with various social circles were strategic, often aimed at solidifying partnerships beneficial to his criminal enterprises. The social dynamics within organized crime showcase the extent of Castellano's influence and reach.
In February 1978, Castellano made an agreement between the Gambino family and the Westies, an Irish-American gang from Hell's Kitchen. Castellano wanted hitmen that law enforcement could not tie directly to the family. The Westies wanted Gambino protection from the other mob families.
The Gambino–Westie alliance was set in a meeting between Castellano and Westies leader James Coonan. According to Westies gangster Mickey Featherstone, Castellano gave them the following directive: "You guys got to stop acting like cowboys – acting wild. You're going to be with us now.
If anyone is going to get killed, you have to clear it with us." Castellano also forged an alliance with the Cherry Hill Gambinos, a group of Sicilian heroin importers and distributors in New Jersey, also for use as gunmen. With the Westies and the Cherry Hill Gambinos, Castellano commanded a small army of capable killers.
Education
While there is limited information on Castellano’s formal education, it’s widely acknowledged that he possessed shrewd business acumen and street smarts that surpassed most. His intelligence and ability to navigate the complexities of organized crime demonstrated a level of self-education unmatched by traditional academic achievements.
In conclusion, while Paul Castellano’s life came to a violent end, his legacy in the world of organized crime endures. His story continues to captivate audiences seeking to understand the intricate web of loyalty, power, and betrayal that characterizes the mafia's history.
