Tommy DeVito: The Life and Legacy of a Legendary Mobster
Tommy DeVito, a name that resonates with both the criminal underworld and pop culture enthusiasts, is a figure who remains etched in history due to his association with the infamous Gambino crime family. His life story, immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, is one of ruthless ambition, betrayal, and ultimately, a tragic downfall. In this article, we explore the real-life Tommy DeVito, his role in organized crime, his portrayal in film, and the lasting impact he left on both the world of crime and Hollywood.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Tommy DeVito was born on August 19, 1928, in the rough neighborhoods of New York City. Growing up in a volatile environment, Tommy was exposed to crime from an early age. As a child, he quickly learned the ways of the streets, associating with small-time criminals and eventually becoming involved in the world of organized crime. His childhood was marked by poverty, violence, and the struggle to survive in a world where lawlessness was often the only way to get ahead.
By his teenage years, Tommy had already begun making a name for himself within the criminal underworld. He was known for his violent tendencies, fearlessness, and the ability to quickly climb the ranks of the Mafia. His early involvement in petty crime soon evolved into more serious ventures, including extortion, robbery, and racketeering.
As Tommy’s reputation grew, he eventually caught the eye of powerful figures within the Gambino family. The Gambinos, one of the Five Families that ruled organized crime in New York City, would become the backdrop for much of Tommy’s criminal career. His connections within the Mafia allowed him to move up the ranks rapidly, and he eventually became a trusted associate of one of the most feared mobsters in history, James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke.
The Goodfellas Connection
Tommy DeVito’s name became known to a broader audience thanks to the iconic film Goodfellas (1990), directed by Martin Scorsese. In the film, the character of Tommy DeVito is portrayed by actor Joe Pesci. The film, based on the real-life experiences of mobster Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta), tells the story of the rise and fall of several members of the Mafia, with Tommy DeVito being one of the key figures.
In Goodfellas, Tommy is depicted as volatile, unpredictable, and quick to anger. His explosive temper is legendary, and the film’s portrayal of him is one of the most memorable aspects of the movie. The character of Tommy in Goodfellas was based on the real-life Tommy DeVito, although some aspects of the film were dramatized for cinematic effect.
The real Tommy DeVito, much like his on-screen counterpart, was known for his brutal nature and his readiness to resort to violence. He was infamously involved in several murders, both for personal reasons and as part of the Mafia’s criminal activities. His unpredictable behavior made him both a valuable asset and a dangerous liability within the Gambino family.
Tommy DeVito’s Involvement in the Lufthansa Heist
One of the most infamous events associated with Tommy DeVito was the Lufthansa Heist, which took place in 1978. The heist, which involved the theft of millions of dollars from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, remains one of the largest and most successful robberies in history. The heist was masterminded by James Burke, with Tommy DeVito and other members of the Gambino family acting as key players in the operation.
The Lufthansa Heist was a monumental success for those involved, but it also set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to Tommy DeVito’s downfall. As with many high-stakes crimes, the aftermath of the Lufthansa Heist was fraught with betrayal, paranoia, and violence. Several members of the crew involved in the robbery were murdered by the Mafia in order to silence them and prevent them from talking to authorities.
Tommy DeVito’s involvement in the Lufthansa Heist, combined with his violent nature and unpredictability, made him a marked man within the world of organized crime. The people around him began to fear him as much as they respected him, and the inevitable consequences of his actions were soon to catch up with him.
Tommy DeVito’s Downfall
Tommy DeVito’s criminal career came to a tragic end in 1979. After being arrested and convicted for his role in several murders, Tommy found himself on the wrong side of the law. His violent behavior and connections to notorious figures made him a target within the Mafia, and his fate was sealed when he became the subject of internal Mafia retribution.
In an event that mirrored his volatile temperament, Tommy DeVito was brutally murdered by his former associates within the Gambino family. His death was part of a larger pattern of violence that often plagued the Mafia, where betrayal and power struggles led to a constant cycle of killings.
Tommy’s murder, while not entirely surprising given his reckless behavior, highlighted the dangerous nature of the world in which he had operated for so many years. In the end, it was his own ruthless personality that led to his demise—Tommy DeVito’s unpredictability was as much a curse as it was a strength.
Legacy and Pop Culture Impact
Though Tommy DeVito’s life was short and violent, his impact on pop culture has been significant. The portrayal of his character in Goodfellas has cemented his place as one of the most memorable and iconic mobsters in cinematic history. Joe Pesci’s portrayal of DeVito won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, further elevating Tommy’s character in the public consciousness.
The legacy of Tommy DeVito also lives on in the world of organized crime. He is remembered as a prime example of the dangers of living a life of crime—where loyalty is fleeting, and violence is always lurking just beneath the surface. His story serves as a cautionary tale of how ambition, temper, and betrayal can lead to a tragic end.
Conclusion
Tommy DeVito was a complex and dangerous figure within the world of organized crime. His life was marked by violence, betrayal, and a meteoric rise to power, but it was also defined by his untimely and brutal death. While his name is often associated with the film Goodfellas, the real Tommy DeVito was far more than just a character in a movie—he was a living embodiment of the volatility and danger that defined the Mafia. His story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of power in the criminal underworld and the inevitable consequences of a life built on violence and deceit.