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Crime & Justice • Organized Crime

Joe Gallo

Joe Gallo, also known as “Crazy Joe” Gallo, was an Italian-American mobster associated with New York organized crime and the Profaci family, later known as the Colombo crime family.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joe Gallo, also known as “Crazy Joe” Gallo, was an Italian-American mobster associated with New York organized crime and the Profaci family, later known as the Colombo crime family. He became known for his role in internal Mafia conflict and was killed in New York City in 1972 on his 43rd birthday.

Early life

Joe Gallo was born in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1929. Sources identify him as an Italian-American from New York.

Organized crime career

Gallo became associated with the Profaci crime family, later renamed the Colombo crime family. He became widely known for his role in Mafia violence and internal power struggles.

Death

Gallo was killed by gunfire in Little Italy, Manhattan, in 1972. Accounts commonly note that he was shot while celebrating his birthday at a restaurant.

Legacy

Gallo became a well-known figure in accounts of American organized crime. His nickname and reputation made him a recurring subject in books, films, and popular culture.

Key facts

  • Joe Gallo was an Italian-American mobster associated with the Profaci/Colombo crime family.
  • He was nicknamed “Crazy Joe” for his reputation for unpredictability and violence.
  • He was involved in violent internal Mafia disputes and factional conflict.
  • He was shot and killed in Little Italy, Manhattan, in 1972 on his 43rd birthday.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Joe Gallo?
Joe Gallo was an Italian-American mobster linked to the New York Profaci, later Colombo, crime family.
Why was he called “Crazy Joe”?
He was widely known by the nickname “Crazy Joe” because of his reputation for unpredictability and violence.
When was Joe Gallo born?
He was born on April 7, 1929.
How did Joe Gallo die?
He was shot and killed in Manhattan, New York City, in 1972.
What crime family was he associated with?
He was associated with the Profaci crime family, which later became known as the Colombo crime family.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Gallo
    Supports: Birth, death, nickname, and association with the Profaci/Colombo crime family.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Gallo
    Supports: Identification of Joseph Gallo as an American crime boss.
  3. The Mob Museum — https://themobmuseum.org/blog/joe-gallos-crazy-celebrity-status/
    Supports: Reputation, cultural legacy, and status in organized crime history.
  4. History Defined — https://www.historydefined.net/joe-gallo/
    Supports: Background on Gallo's career, gang conflict, and death in Little Italy.