The Colombo Family is actually in an extreme state of restructuring, today. At one time, though, the Colombo Family was as powerful as in family out there. Joe Profaci was the original don of this family, which once was identified by his name. Profaci ruled over the family for an unprecedented time, from 1930 to 1962.
After several boss changes, Joe Colombo took over the family, thus the name Colombo that is now used to identify the family. He ruled the family until 1971, when he was shot and slipped into a coma. It was later revealed that Carlo Gambino was behind this attempted murder.
The Colombo saw itself go through a civil war in the 1980's. Two factions existed, one supporting Persico (who was actually in prison at the time), and the other faction supporting Vic Orena (the acting boss at the time). The two sides killed each other for many years. Finally, a peace of some sort was achieved when Andrew Russo was appointed as boss. But he soon was convicted on racketeering charges. Now Persico's nephew, Alfonso 'Allie Boy' Persico, is in position to take the family reigns.
Next Family