Former Mob Boss Finds God in Prison, Walks Away from ‘Evil Lifestyle’: ‘My Faith Is Rock Solid’

Michael Franzese, the ‘Yuppie Don,’ Speaks Out in ‘American Godfathers: The Five Families’

In a remarkable story of transformation and redemption, Michael Franzese, once a feared and wealthy mob boss, has walked away from his criminal past after finding God in prison. Known as the “Yuppie Don” for his business acumen and clean-cut image, Franzese was a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family, one of New York’s notorious Five Families. Now, decades after leaving the Mafia behind, Franzese is speaking out about his journey in the documentary series American Godfathers: The Five Families, where he shares how his faith has become the cornerstone of his new life.

This article explores Michael Franzese’s rise in the Mafia, his eventual fall, the profound spiritual awakening that led him to abandon his life of crime, and the impact his transformation has had on his life and the lives of those around him.

The Rise of Michael Franzese: The ‘Yuppie Don’ of the Colombo Crime Family

A Legacy of Crime

Born in 1951, Michael Franzese grew up steeped in the world of organized crime. His father, John “Sonny” Franzese, was the underboss of the Colombo crime family, a position that placed him among the most powerful Mafia figures in America. Growing up in Brooklyn, Michael was exposed early to the wealth, power, and respect that came with being part of the Mafia.

Despite initially pursuing a legitimate career—he attended college with aspirations of becoming a doctor—Michael was eventually drawn into the Mafia’s fold. The allure of the lifestyle, coupled with the expectations placed on him by his father and others in the criminal world, led him to abandon his medical studies and embrace the life of a mobster.

The ‘Yuppie Don’ and His Criminal Empire

Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on traditional Mafia rackets like loan sharking, gambling, and extortion, Michael Franzese leveraged his intelligence and business skills to build a vast criminal empire. His most lucrative scheme was a gasoline tax fraud operation that defrauded the government out of billions of dollars in tax revenue. The scam was highly sophisticated, involving shell companies and fake documents, and it made Franzese one of the wealthiest mobsters in history.

Franzese’s clean-cut appearance and business acumen earned him the nickname “The Yuppie Don” in the media, setting him apart from the more stereotypical image of a Mafia boss. By the mid-1980s, he was reportedly generating millions of dollars per week, living a life of luxury that included mansions, cars, and private jets.

However, with success came increased scrutiny from law enforcement. Franzese’s operations drew the attention of federal investigators, and he soon found himself facing a barrage of legal challenges that would ultimately lead to his downfall.

The Fall: Arrest, Imprisonment, and a Crisis of Conscience

The Beginning of the End

In 1985, Michael Franzese was indicted on federal charges of racketeering, extortion, and tax fraud. The government’s case against him was strong, bolstered by wiretaps, informants, and mountains of financial evidence. Faced with the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison, Franzese made the decision to plead guilty to a variety of charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution. The plea deal also required him to forfeit his criminal earnings and testify against his co-conspirators, a decision that would sever his ties with the Mafia forever.

A Crisis of Conscience in Prison

Prison marked the beginning of a profound transformation for Michael Franzese. The isolation, the loss of his empire, and the reality of the life he had built began to weigh heavily on him. Stripped of the wealth and power that once defined him, Franzese was forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the emptiness of the life he had led.

During his time in prison, Franzese began to read the Bible, initially out of boredom but later with increasing interest and conviction. He found himself drawn to the teachings of Christianity, particularly the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of a new beginning. The more he read, the more he realized how far he had strayed from any sense of moral or ethical grounding.

This spiritual exploration led to a deepening faith that would eventually become the foundation of his new life. In what he describes as a “crisis of conscience,” Franzese began to see the Mafia lifestyle for what it was: an “evil lifestyle” that brought nothing but pain and destruction. It was during this time that he made a vow to God that if he ever got out of prison, he would leave the life of crime behind for good.

A New Beginning: Embracing Faith and Rejecting the Mafia

Walking Away from the Mafia

After serving nearly eight years in prison, Michael Franzese was released in 1993. True to his word, he walked away from the Mafia, a decision that was both dangerous and unprecedented. Leaving the Mafia is not something that is done lightly; it’s a world where betrayal is often met with violence and death.

Franzese’s departure was unique in that he did not turn state’s evidence against his former associates in a traditional sense, nor did he enter a witness protection program. Instead, he simply stepped away, making it clear that he was done with the life. Remarkably, he was not targeted for retribution, something he attributes to the respect he had earned within the organization and what he believes was divine protection.

Walking away from the Mafia was not just about leaving behind criminal activities; it was about a complete transformation of identity. Franzese had to rebuild his life from scratch, without the wealth, influence, or network that had previously defined him. His faith became the cornerstone of this new life, guiding his decisions and providing him with the strength to stay the course.

The Role of Faith in His New Life

Michael Franzese’s faith has become the central pillar of his life. He has dedicated himself to sharing his story of redemption with others, particularly those who are on the wrong path or struggling with their own moral dilemmas. He has become a sought-after speaker, addressing audiences at churches, conferences, schools, and prisons, where he shares his journey from Mafia boss to born-again Christian.

In his talks, Franzese emphasizes the power of faith to transform even the most hardened individuals. He speaks openly about the mistakes he made and the pain he caused, but also about the forgiveness he has found through his relationship with God. His message is one of hope: that no one is beyond redemption, and that a life of purpose and integrity is possible, no matter how far one has fallen.

Franzese has also written several books, including Blood Covenant and The Good Life: What They Don’t Want You to Know About Wealth, Fame, Power, and Sex. These works delve into his experiences in the Mafia, his spiritual awakening, and the lessons he has learned along the way. His books have been well-received, particularly by readers who are looking for inspiration and guidance in their own lives.

‘American Godfathers: The Five Families’ – A New Chapter in Franzese’s Story

The Documentary Series

Michael Franzese’s story is featured prominently in the new documentary series American Godfathers: The Five Families, which explores the history, rise, and fall of New York’s Five Families: Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese. The series provides an inside look at the world of organized crime, tracing the origins of the Mafia in America and the impact it has had on society.

Franzese’s narrative serves as a focal point in the series, illustrating both the allure and the dangers of the Mafia lifestyle. His journey from a powerful mob boss to a man of faith provides a unique perspective on the choices and consequences that define a life of crime. The series delves into his early days in the Mafia, his rise to power, his eventual downfall, and his ultimate redemption.

American Godfathers also addresses the broader themes of power, loyalty, and the cost of living outside the law. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, the series offers a comprehensive view of the Mafia’s influence on American culture and the individuals who were caught up in its web.

Franzese’s Reflections on His Past and Present

In the documentary, Michael Franzese reflects on his past with a sense of clarity and remorse. He speaks candidly about the moral compromises he made, the people he hurt, and the emptiness that accompanied his wealth and power. At the same time, he expresses gratitude for the second chance he has been given and the peace he has found through his faith.

Franzese’s reflections are not only about his personal journey but also about the broader lessons that can be drawn from his experience. He warns against the seductive pull of money and power, particularly for young people who may be tempted by the allure of a glamorous lifestyle. He also speaks about the importance of integrity, honesty, and living a life that is aligned with one’s values.

For Franzese, the past is something he cannot change, but it is also something that has shaped him into the person he is today. His focus now is on using his story to inspire others to make better choices and to seek redemption and purpose in their own lives.

The Impact of Franzese’s Transformation on His Family and Community

Rebuilding Family Relationships

One of the most significant aspects of Michael Franzese’s transformation has been the impact on his family. During his years in the Mafia, his relationships with his loved ones were strained by the demands and dangers of his

criminal lifestyle. However, his decision to embrace faith and leave the Mafia behind has allowed him to rebuild those relationships and reconnect with his family on a deeper level.

Franzese is now a devoted husband and father, and his family has become a central part of his life. He has spoken publicly about the challenges of rebuilding trust and the importance of making amends for the past. His journey has been one of reconciliation, not just with God, but with the people who were affected by his choices.

Giving Back to the Community

In addition to his work as a speaker and author, Michael Franzese has dedicated himself to giving back to the community. He is involved in various charitable activities, including programs that support at-risk youth and initiatives that promote awareness of the dangers of organized crime. His efforts are focused on helping others avoid the pitfalls that he fell into and providing support for those who are trying to turn their lives around.

Franzese’s transformation has also had a broader impact on the communities he interacts with. His story serves as a powerful example of the possibility of change, and it has inspired many to seek help for their own struggles, whether they be related to crime, addiction, or personal challenges. His message of hope and redemption resonates with people from all walks of life, making him a respected figure not just within the faith community, but beyond it.

The Legacy of Michael Franzese: A Life Redeemed

A Life of Faith and Purpose

Michael Franzese’s life today is a stark contrast to the one he led as a Mafia boss. Where once he was driven by greed and ambition, he is now motivated by a desire to live a life of purpose and service. His faith has become the guiding force in his life, helping him to navigate the challenges of his past and the responsibilities of his present.

Franzese’s story is a testament to the power of redemption and the possibility of change. It shows that no matter how far one has fallen, it is never too late to turn one’s life around and to seek forgiveness and peace. His journey is an inspiration to many, and it serves as a reminder that the choices we make have the power to define us, but they do not have to determine our future.

The Impact on Society

The story of Michael Franzese also has broader implications for society. It highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and the allure of easy money. It also underscores the need for compassion and support for those who are trying to escape a life of crime and find a new path.

Franzese’s life serves as a reminder that the criminal justice system is not just about punishment, but also about rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption. His transformation challenges the notion that people are defined by their worst actions and offers hope that even those who have made terrible choices can find a way to make amends and contribute positively to society.

A Legacy of Hope

As Michael Franzese continues to share his story, his legacy is one of hope and transformation. He has shown that it is possible to leave behind a life of crime and to find meaning and purpose through faith. His journey from the “Yuppie Don” to a man of God is a powerful example of the potential for change that exists within all of us.

Franzese’s story is a reminder that no one is beyond redemption, and that with faith, determination, and support, it is possible to overcome even the darkest of pasts. His life today is a testament to the power of grace and the possibility of a new beginning, no matter where one has come from or what one has done.

Conclusion

Michael Franzese’s journey from a high-ranking Mafia boss to a man of faith is a story of transformation, redemption, and the power of change. His decision to walk away from the “evil lifestyle” of organized crime and to embrace a life of faith has not only changed his own life but has also had a profound impact on those around him. Through his work as a speaker, author, and advocate, Franzese continues to inspire others to seek redemption and to live lives of purpose and integrity.

As he shares his story in American Godfathers: The Five Families, Franzese offers a unique and powerful perspective on the world of organized crime and the possibility of change. His faith, which he describes as “rock solid,” is the foundation upon which he has built his new life, and it serves as a beacon of hope for those who are looking for a way out of darkness and into the light.