Who Is Sonny Franzese? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sonny Franzese was born on February 6, 1917, and passed away on February 24, 2020, making him 103 years old at the time of his passing. As a prominent figure in the Italian-American Mafia, Franzese was known for his significant role in organized crime and his leadership in the Colombo crime family. Despite his criminal background, his life story has been a subject of fascination, reflecting both the dark undertones of organized crime and the complex character of its members.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1917 |
| Age | 103 Years |
| Birth Place | Naples, Campania, Italy |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Italy |
| Date of death | 24 February, 2020 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Sonny Franzese's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his prime, Sonny Franzese stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight fluctuated through the years, as is common with individuals leading high-stress lifestyles. While exact measurements have not been documented in detail, it is known that he maintained a robust physique, which was typical for leaders in his line of work.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sonny Franzese was married to his wife, Phyllis, whom he wed in 1958. The couple had four children together: Sonny Jr., Lenny, and the twins, John and Anthony. Throughout his life, Sonny maintained a level of privacy regarding his family relationships, though sources indicate that he was devoted to his family. There is no public information regarding any relationships outside of his marriage, and it can be inferred that his focus was primarily on his family and criminal enterprises.
He was convicted of extortion in 2011, and sentenced to eight years in prison. His son John Franzese Jr. testified against him, becoming the first son of a New York mobster to turn state's evidence and testify against his father.
At the time of his release on June 23, 2017, at the age of 100, he was the oldest federal inmate in the United States and the only centenarian in federal custody. He died in a New York City hospital on February 24, 2020, at the age of 103.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Sonny Franzese's net worth was estimated to be around $500,000. However, it's important to acknowledge that this figure does not wholly represent his financial dealings. As a mobster involved in various illegal businesses, his earnings and assets may have been hidden or unreported. Given the complexity of his financial landscape, the true extent of his wealth may remain unknown.
In 1967, Franzese gained a financial interest in a new recording company, Buddah Records. He used Buddah to launder illegal mob earnings and to bribe disc jockeys with payola. He also infiltrated and began to make money through the owner of Calla Records, Nate McCalla, until the recording label ceased operations in 1977, and McCalla was murdered execution style in 1980.
Career, Business and Investments
Sonny Franzese's criminal career began in the late 1930s and spanned over several decades. He was heavily involved in various organized crime activities, including loan sharking, racketeering, and extortion. Franzese's business acumen allowed him to navigate the criminal underworld successfully, earning him respect and notoriety amongst his peers and law enforcement alike.
Not only was he known for his criminal enterprises, but he was also a key figure in the Colombo crime family, taking on leadership roles that significantly impacted their operations. His ability to evade serious convictions for many years, despite numerous arrests, contributed to his legendary status.
Franzese's career in organized crime began in the 1930s and spanned over eight decades. He served as underboss of the Colombo family from 1963 until 1967, when he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating a number of bank robberies across the country. He was paroled in 1978.
He was re-jailed at least six times on parole violations in the decades that followed. He became Colombo family underboss again in 2005.
Social Network
While known for his connections in the criminal world, Sonny Franzese also gained notoriety for his appearances in popular culture, including television and film. His legacy has been explored in documentaries and books, which have kept his story alive in the public consciousness. However, as a figure from the crime world, his social media presence was limited during his lifetime. In 2025, discussions surrounding him continue primarily through these cultural reflections rather than active social networking.
Education
Sonny Franzese's formal education is not thoroughly documented, reflecting a common narrative within organized crime figures of that era, many of whom came from challenging backgrounds. His early life experiences shaped his entry into the criminal world, which often did not require traditional education but rather street smarts and survival instincts.
As we reflect on Sonny Franzese’s life, it becomes apparent that his story is one of intrigue, complex family dynamics, and a formidable presence in the world of organized crime. His legacy continues to evoke discussions surrounding morality, the law, and the human experience within the mafia.
