The Five Families of the Mafia in New York City: A Comprehensive Overview

After the infamous Castellamarese War, the position of Boss of Bosses was occupied by Salvatore Maranzano in 1928. However, the younger generation was not content with this leadership. Maranzano was eliminated in 1931, leading to the rise of the original New York Five Families: Luciano, Bonanno, Mangano, Gagliano, and Profaci.

Although the current names of these families include enduring names as well as newer ones, various members have left the scene over the decades. The current composition includes the Genovese, Luciano (Bonanno), Gambino, Mangano, Lucchese, Gagliano, and Colombo families. In this article, we will explore the leadership, current status, and heritage of these families.

The Five Families Today

Genovese Crime Family heads the mafia hierarchy, with the title of the Don of Dons. The current leader of the Genovese Family is Liborio Bellomo, who continues his leadership from behind bars. The family remains a strong force within the criminal underworld.

The Gambino Family, however, has taken a step backward under the leadership of Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, John Gotti, and Gotti's family members. Samperi, in particular, was an influential figure until his defection to the Witness Protection Program (WITSEC). Currently, Dom Cefalu stands as the boss of the Gambino Family.

The Luchese Crime Family finds itself in a difficult position, with no clear leadership due to the imprisonment of its leaders. Similarly, the Colombo Family is currently leaderless as its head, Joseph Massino, passed away from COVID in April 2023.

The Bonanno Family has also undergone upheaval, with the current leader recently released from jail while Mikey the Nose remains imprisoned for parole violations.

The Nine Families Nationwide

According to reliable sources, the five families in New York represent only a fraction of the nine Italian families operating in the United States. These families include the Colombo (formerly Persico) Family, the Gambino Family, the Genovese Family (formerly Luciano crime family), the Bonanno Family (formerly Maranzano family), and the Luchese Family (formerly the Gagliano family).

The remaining four families are less well-known and are not as extensively documented in popular culture or media.

Historical Context

The infamous ‘Five Family’ system was born in the aftermath of a major power struggle within the New York-based mafia in 1931. When Salvatore Maranzano, the reigning boss, was eliminated, the younger generation of mobsters, including figures like Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, and Vito Genovese, decided to create a hierarchical structure to consolidate power.

This system allowed for a clear chain of command, where each family had its own distinct regional influence but also operated under the broader umbrella of the organized crime syndicate. Since then, these families have played significant roles in shaping the modern mafia landscape in the United States.

The growth and dominance of these families have been continuously influenced by political changes, personal rivalries, and shifting alliances. Each family has faced its share of internal conflicts and legal challenges over the decades, but they remain deeply entrenched in the criminal underworld.

The Five Families of the Mafia in New York City continue to captivate the public imagination and influence the narrative of organized crime in America. Their history and ongoing influence serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the mafia in the United States.