The Angiulo Brothers: A Notorious Reign of Crime in Boston

The Angiulo Brothers: A Notorious Reign of Crime in Boston
#### Introduction
The Angiulo Brothers, an infamous family rooted in organized crime, left an indelible mark on Boston's criminal underworld. Dominating the city from the 1960s through the early 1980s, their operations included loan-sharking, drug trafficking, and extortion. This life story delves into their rise, their reign, and their eventual fall, highlighting key events and figures within their empire.
#### Early Life and Family Background
Gennaro "Jerry" Angiulo, the most prominent of the Angiulo brothers, was born on March 20, 1919, in Boston, Massachusetts. The Angiulo family hailed from the town of Bracigliano in the Campania region of Italy. Jerry, along with his brothers Donato, Francesco, Nicolo, Michele, and Antonio, grew up in the North End, a neighborhood heavily populated by Italian immigrants. Their parents, Cesare and Giovannina Angiulo, instilled in them traditional Italian values but also exposed them to the harsh realities of life in a struggling
immigrant community.
#### Rise to Power
Jerry Angiulo began his criminal career in the 1940s, initially engaging in small-time hustles and petty crimes. However, it wasn't long before he recognized the lucrative potential of organized crime. By the 1950s, Jerry had forged connections with prominent figures in the New
England Mafia, particularly with Raymond L.S. Patriarca, the powerful boss of the Patriarca crime family based in Providence, Rhode Island. Jerry’s keen business acumen and ruthless efficiency quickly earned him the respect and trust of Patriarca, allowing him to establish himself as a key figure in Boston’s criminal landscape.
#### Expansion of Criminal Activities
*Loan-Sharking*
Loan-sharking became one of the primary sources of income for the Angiulo brothers. They lent money at exorbitant interest rates to individuals who were often unable to secure loans through legitimate means. The Angiulos were known for their brutal enforcement methods; those who failed
to repay their debts faced severe consequences, ranging from threats and intimidation to physical violence. This ruthless approach ensured that their clients remained compliant and that the Angiulo brothers maintained a steady flow of income.
*Drug Trafficking*
In addition to loan-sharking, the Angiulo brothers expanded into the drug trade. They capitalized on the growing demand for narcotics in the 1960s and 1970s, establishing a vast network for the distribution of heroin, cocaine, and other illicit substances. By leveraging their connections within the criminal underworld, they ensured a steady supply of drugs into Boston and its surrounding areas.
*Extortion*
Extortion was another significant aspect of the Angiulo brothers’ criminal empire. They targeted local businesses, offering “protection” in exchange for regular payments. Those who refused to comply often faced vandalism, arson, or physical assaults. The brothers' reputation for violence made it nearly impossible for business owners to resist their demands, thus expanding their influence and control over the local economy.
#### The Angiulo Brothers’ Syndicate
The Angiulo brothers operated their criminal enterprise with a level of sophistication and organization that rivaled legitimate businesses. Jerry Angiulo, as the de facto leader, oversaw operations from their headquarters at 98 Prince Street in the North End. Each brother played a crucial role in maintaining the syndicate’s operations:
- **Donato "Danny" Angiulo**: Known for his hot temper, Danny was involved in overseeing loan-sharking operations and ensuring debt collection.
- **Francesco "Frank" Angiulo**: Frank managed the family’s gambling interests, which included illegal bookmakers and numbers rackets.
- **Nicolo "Nicky" Angiulo**: Nicky was responsible for drug trafficking activities, coordinating the import and distribution of narcotics.
- **Michele "Mikey" Angiulo**: Mikey handled the extortion rackets, making sure local businesses adhered to the Angiulo brothers' demands.
- **Antonio "Anthony" Angiulo**: Anthony, the youngest, played a supporting role, assisting in various operations as needed.
#### Conflict and Rivalries
While the Angiulo brothers maintained a firm grip on Boston’s underworld, they were not without rivals. Conflicts with other criminal factions occasionally erupted, leading to violent confrontations. One notable adversary was James “Whitey” Bulger, the notorious leader of the Winter Hill Gang. Though initially maintaining a tenuous peace, tensions between the Angiulos and Bulger’s gang escalated, contributing to the volatile nature of Boston’s criminal underworld.