Michael Franzese Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Children

Michael Franzese Sr. is an American former mobster who was a caporegime of the Colombo crime family and a prominent figure in organized crime history.

He gained notoriety for masterminding a large-scale gasoline tax evasion scheme, reportedly generating up to $8 million per week.

In 1986, Fortune magazine recognized him as one of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.”

Following his conviction and subsequent prison sentence, Franzese made the rare decision to leave the Mafia, becoming a born-again Christian.

He has since reinvented himself as a motivational speaker and author, sharing his experiences to educate others about the dangers of organized crime and the power of personal redemption.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael Franzese Sr.
• Stage Name: Michael Franzese
• Born: 27 May 1951
• Age: 73 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American former mobster
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Sonny Franzese, Cristina Capobianco-Franzese
• Siblings: John Franzese Jr. and Lorraine Franzese
• Spouse: Camille Garcia (m. 1985)
• Children: Julia Marie Franzese, Miquelle Franzese, Amanda Franzese
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million and $8 million

Early Life And Education

Michael Franzese Sr. was born on May 27, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He is the son of John “Sonny” Franzese, a high-ranking underboss of the Colombo crime family, and Cristina Capobianco-Franzese.

He grew up alongside his two siblings, John Franzese Jr. and Lorraine Franzese, in a household deeply connected to organized crime. Franzese attended Hofstra University, where he pursued a pre-med program with aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, his plans changed in 1971 when his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery.  

Franzese is of Italian-American descent. He was raised in the Roman Catholic faith but underwent a significant spiritual transformation during his time in prison. While serving his sentence for racketeering, he became a born-again Christian, a decision that ultimately led him to leave organized crime.

Career

Michael Franzese initially pursued a pre-med program at Hofstra University but dropped out in 1969 to support his family after his father, Colombo crime family underboss John “Sonny” Franzese, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery.

Under Joe Colombo’s mentorship, Michael was formally inducted into the Mafia in 1975, taking the blood oath of omertà. His intelligence and business acumen helped him rise quickly through the ranks, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in organized crime during the 1980s.

As a caporegime, Franzese oversaw a crew of approximately 300 soldiers and orchestrated one of the most lucrative scams in Mafia history. This gasoline tax evasion scheme defrauded the government of billions of dollars.

At its peak, the operation reportedly generated between $5 million and $8 million per week, earning him the nickname “The Yuppie Don.” His wealth and influence placed him 18th on Fortune magazine’s 1986 list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses. “

However, his success also attracted scrutiny from law enforcement. After multiple indictments and legal battles, he was convicted of racketeering in 1986 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released in 1989 but was rearrested in 1991 for parole violations, ultimately serving time until 1994.

Franzese experienced a profound transformation during his incarceration, influenced by his wife, Camille Garcia, and his growing Christian faith. Against all odds, he made the unprecedented decision to leave organized crime—a move that often results in severe consequences or death.

After relocating to California, he dedicated his life to motivational speaking, writing, and crime prevention advocacy. He has authored books such as Blood Covenant and Quitting the Mob and appeared in media productions like Netflix’s Fear City: New York vs. The Mafia.

Today, Franzese remains one of the few high-ranking mobsters to successfully leave the Mafia and survive, using his platform to educate corporate leaders, students, and at-risk youth about the perils of organized crime.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @michaelfranzese_
• Facebook handle: Michael Franzese Official
• Twitter handle: @MichaelFranzese

Personal Life

Michael Franzese has been married to Camille Garcia since 1985. The couple met in 1984 while filming Knights of the City in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Camille, a dancer and devout Christian, played a key role in inspiring Franzese to leave the Mafia.

Her faith significantly influenced his transformation into a born-again Christian. They have remained together for decades and reside in Newport Beach, California.

The couple has seven children, though their names are not publicly known. Camille is known for her strong Christian beliefs and dedication to her family, which aligns with Franzese’s commitment to his faith and new life path.

Net Worth

Michael Franzese’s net Worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $8 million, reflecting his past earnings and current business ventures.

At the height of his criminal career in the 1980s, he reportedly made between $5 million and $8 million per week through his gasoline tax evasion scheme. Today, his wealth primarily comes from his work as a motivational speaker, author, and media personality.