Who Is Roy DeMeo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Roy DeMeo lived a tumultuous life until his tragic death on February 18, 1983. At the time, he was just 42 years old. Renowned for his association with the Gambino crime family, DeMeo was involved in various illegal activities, including loan sharking, drug trafficking, and ultimately, murder. His ruthless reputation contributed to his legend, cementing him in the annals of American organized crime. Although he passed away decades ago, his story continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.
| Occupation | Family Members |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1940 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | New York, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 January, 1983 |
| Died Place | New York, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Roy DeMeo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Roy DeMeo stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighed around 160 pounds (72 kg). His physique, characterized by a lean yet muscular build, was suited to the demanding lifestyle he led. Specific body measurements remain largely undocumented, as the focus remains on his notorious life events rather than personal details.
DeMeo, sensing an opportunity to create a vast source of income for the Gambino family, persuaded Gaggi to consider a partnership with the Westies.
Shortly afterwards, Coonan and his second-in-command Mickey Featherstone were called to a meeting with Castellano, in which they agreed to become a de facto arm of the family and share ten percent of all profits. In exchange, the Westies would be privy to several lucrative union deals and take on murder contracts for the family.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Information about Roy DeMeo's family life remains scarce, though it's known that he was married to a woman named DeeDee. The couple had children, but their details have been kept private. There are no significant records of romantic relationships outside of his marriage. Due to his criminal activities, DeMeo's family dynamics were likely strained, and he often kept them away from his life as a gangster.
Between the ages of 15 and 22, DeMeo worked at a local grocery store, where he trained as an apprentice butcher. His older brother Anthony Frank "Chubby" DeMeo, a United States Marine Corps corporal, was killed in action during the Korean War on April 23, 1951, aged 20.
DeMeo's father died of a heart attack on December 12, 1960, and his mother subsequently returned to Italy with Roy's youngest brother to live with relatives near Naples.
Net Worth and Salary
At the peak of his criminal career, Roy DeMeo's net worth was estimated to be several million dollars, primarily generated from his illegal undertakings. However, precise figures regarding his earnings remain elusive, partly due to the secretive nature of organized crime. His assets were likely confiscated or diminished after his death, particularly given the law enforcement's crackdown on his operations.
In the latter half of 1975, DeMeo became a silent partner in a peep show and prostitution establishment in Bricktown, New Jersey, after the owner of the business became unable to pay his loansharking debts.
DeMeo also began dealing in bestiality and child pornography, which he sold to his New Jersey establishment as well as connections in Rhode Island. When Gaggi found out about DeMeo's involvement in such taboo films, he demanded that DeMeo stop under the threat of death. However, DeMeo defied Gaggi and continued the practice.
Gaggi did not retaliate, and, according to his nephew Dominick Montiglio, the subject was never mentioned again as long as DeMeo continued making payments to Gaggi.
Career, Business and Investments
Roy DeMeo's career was steeped in the underworld. He was a key player in the Gambino crime family and was involved in various criminal enterprises. Notably, DeMeo was notorious for his role in the “DeMeo Crew,” which was responsible for numerous high-profile crimes, including a series of murders that earned him infamy. DeMeo's business acumen extended beyond traditional illegal activities; he was rumored to have invested in various fronts for laundering money, although these ventures were seldom discussed in public due to their illicit nature.
The fourth of five children of Antonio Joseph "Anthony" DeMeo, a laundry company deliveryman, and Eleanor DeMeo (née Colarullo), a housewife, Roy graduated from James Madison High School in 1959, during which time he began earning money as a loanshark. Economist Walter Block and future presidential candidate Bernie Sanders were among DeMeo's graduating year classmates.
Social Network
Roy DeMeo's social network was primarily comprised of fellow criminals and associates within the Gambino family. His connections with other figures in organized crime, including John Gotti and other mobsters, solidified his status within the criminal hierarchy. Despite his notorious life, DeMeo had a reputation for being personable, often mixing with various influencers and power brokers in New York.
The process of the Gemini Method, as revealed by multiple crew members and associates who became government witnesses in the early 1980s, was to lure the victim through the side door of the lounge and into the apartment in the back portion of the building.
At this point, a crew member, almost always DeMeo according to crew member-turned-government witness Frederick DiNome, would approach with a silenced pistol in one hand and a towel in the other, shooting the victim in the head then wrapping the towel around the victim's head wound like a turban to stanch the blood flow.
Immediately after, another member of the crew, originally Rosenberg, would stab the victim in the heart to prevent more blood from pumping out of the gunshot wound. By then, the victim would be dead, at which point the body would be stripped of clothing and dragged into a bathroom, where the remaining blood drained out or congealed within the body.
This was to eliminate the messiness of the next step, when crew members would place the body onto plastic sheets laid out in the main room and proceed to dismember it, cutting off the arms, legs and head.
Education
Details about Roy DeMeo's formal education are scant. There are no credible records indicating he attended college or university. His knowledge about organized crime was likely self-taught, gleaned from his experiences and interactions within the underbelly of society. DeMeo's street smarts and savvy contributed more to his rise in organized crime than any formal education could have.
In conclusion, Roy DeMeo remains an enigmatic figure in the realm of organized crime. His life was marked by triumphs in the criminal world but ultimately ended in tragedy. As of 2025, his influence lingers in popular culture, and he continues to be a subject of intrigue for those fascinated by the darker sides of American history.
DeMeo's son Albert wrote that in his final days, DeMeo was depressed and paranoid, aware that he would soon be killed. In the winter of 1982–1983, DeMeo rarely left his mansion and wore a leather jacket with a sawn-off shotgun concealed underneath whenever he did venture outside.
DeMeo considered faking his own death by having his son shoot him and laying low. On January 10, 1983, DeMeo went to crew member Patty Testa's house for a meeting with his men. That night, he failed to attend his daughter Dione's birthday party, which caused his family to be suspicious.
Albert later found DeMeo's personal belongings such as his watch, wallet and ring in his study room, along with a Catholic pamphlet.
