Ralph Natale

Ralph Natale
Born (1935-03-06)March 6, 1935
South Philadelphia,
United States
Occupation former Philadelphia mafia boss
Spouse(s) Lucy Natale
Children 6

Ralph Natale is a former American mobster. He was the leader of the Philadelphia crime family from 1994 until 1998, when he became the first American Mafia boss to turn state's evidence.[1][2]

Biography

According to New York Daily Times reporter and veteran gangland "insider" Larry McShane, Natale's father was an associate of the Philadelphia crime family and operated a numbers operation for them. His relationship with his father was very poor; he had once repeatedly kicked him because Natale missed his curfew. Natale was mentored by hitman Felix "Skinny Razor" DiTullio, who had previously taught Nicky Scarfo how to kill.[3] Described by himself as a friend of former Philadelphia boss Angelo Bruno, Natale's mob association began when he became boss of the Bartenders Union Local 170, allegedly running it on Bruno's behalf. One of the three former 170 union leaders, Joseph McGreal, demanded that Natale be removed as the union leader; McGreal was subsequently murdered in 1973, Andrew Thomas DelGiorno is believed to be the killer.[4][5] Sources allege that he was connected to members of the Gambino crime family and sorted out a dispute between a biker gang and the Gambino family in the late 60s. In 1970, Natale murdered conman George Feeney after he insulted Natale and his mentor Angelo Bruno. He was also known for assisting the Philadelphia mob in taking over casinos in Atlantic City during the late 1970s.

In 1979, Natale was convicted of firebombing a furniture store in an insurance fraud scheme and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.[5][6] The following year he was convicted of participating in a drug deal involving 500,000 quaaludes and ten kilos of cocaine, he received a 15-year sentence. It was during his prison sentence that he met Joey Merlino and the two allegedly conspired to take over the Philadelphia crime family from John Stanfa. In 1990, he conspired and ordered the murder of bookmaker Louis "Louie Irish" DeLuca.[7] James "Jimmy Brooms" DiAddorio was shot 6 times and murdered whilst he was talking on the phone 4 months later; his murder also directly ordered by Natale.[8]

When the leaders of the Philadelphia Mafia were arrested in March 1994, Merlino took over the local rackets and ended the war. Natale was released from prison on parole soon after.[6][9] Merlino inducted Natale into the crime family and subsequently named him the new boss. Merlino, concerned over attention from law enforcement, took the position of underboss.[10] Unknown to Natale, Merlino crew installed him primarily as a front boss for Merlino.[11]

On October 5 1995, when Philly mafia hitman-turned government witness John Veasey was set to testify against John Stanfa and his men, his brother William Veasey was fatally shot on Natale’s orders. A year later, Natale had North Jersey capo Joseph Sodano murdered because he refused to attend two separate meetings.[12] His last confirmed involvement in murder was with 61-year old Anthony Turra in March 1998, who was found shot to death in front of his home before he could arrive to trial for plotting to murder Merlino.[13]

In June 1998 Natale was jailed for parole violation when the government proved his continued association with Philadelphia mobsters; Merlino subsequently took control of the family and cut off support to the imprisoned boss.[14] Angered by this, Natale offered to secretly record conversations with Merlino,[15] but it was not until September 1999, when he was indicted for financing drug deals, that he formally struck a deal to cooperate.[2][16]

In May 2000, Natale confirmed he had murdered seven people and was guilty of five attempted murders, extortion, gambling and drug trafficking. He also said he had a strong association with the 47th mayor of Camden, New Jersey, Milton Milan; $30,000 worth of bribes and completing jobs for him in return of favors. Milan was found guilty of corruption.

Natale testified against Merlino during his 2001 racketeering trial, but was unable to secure a conviction for the murders he claimed Merlino committed.[17] In 2005 Ralph Natale was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.[18] He was released in May 2011 and is in witness protection.[19][20]

Personal life

Natale has five children with his wife Lucy Natale; 3 daughters and 2 sons. He has another daughter with a previous girlfriend, she has disowned her father. Natale has a brother who was a music conductor as of 2001 at a casino based in Atlantic City. In March 2017, Natale published a book named Last Don Standing: The Secret Life of Mob Boss Ralph Natale, alongside Larry McShane and Dan Pearson. In late 2016, it was announced that actor Frank Grillo would play as Natale in an upcoming feature film.[21][22]

References

  1. ↑ Anastasia, George (2011-05-23). "Ligambi was 6th boss to follow Bruno". Philly.com. Retrieved 2011-09-13.
  2. 1 2 Braun, Stephen (2001-05-04). "This Mob Shot Its Brains Out". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-09-13.
  3. ↑ "The Story of the First Mob Boss to Turn Rat". Vice. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  4. ↑ "THE SKINNY ON JOEY". The Trentonian. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  5. 1 2 Jim Barry; Howard Altman (2001-03-29). "Mr. Bigmouth". Philadelphia City Paper. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  6. 1 2 Kummer, Frank (2000-12-22). "After years as mob boss, trial turns the spotlight on Natale". Courier-Post. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  7. ↑ "Ralph's Mouth Silenced". My City Paper. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  8. ↑ "Philadelphia Braces for Increase in Mob Violence". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  9. ↑ "Ralph Natale owns up to 7 killings in mob career. 'Guilty' to life of crime". Rick Porrello's American Mafia. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  10. ↑ Anastasia, George (2004). The Last Gangster. New York: HarperCollins. pp. 70–72. ISBN 978-0-06-054423-2.
  11. ↑ Jim Barry; Howard Altman. "Who's the Boss?". Philadelphia City Paper. Archived from the original on 2013-02-21. Retrieved 2011-09-13.
  12. ↑ "Alleged mobster arrested, faces murder charges". Cherry Hills Media Group. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  13. ↑ "Charged With Planning Mob Hit, Reputed Gangster Slain On Street". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  14. ↑ Jim Barry; Howard Altman (2001-04-05). "Hit Recordings". Philadelphia City Paper. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  15. ↑ Anastasia (2004), p. 337
  16. ↑ Anastasia (2004), p. 263
  17. ↑ "7 Reputed Mafia Figures Are Acquitted of Murder". New York Times. 2001-07-21. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
  18. ↑ "NATION IN BRIEF". Washington Post. 2005-01-22. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  19. ↑ "About Ralph Natale". Philly.com. 2011-09-02. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
  20. ↑ Gross, Dan (2011-07-28). "Mob boss turned rat Ralph Natale working on a memoir". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
  21. ↑ "Frank Grillo to Play Ralph Natale in Last Don Standing". Variety. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  22. ↑ "Frank Grillo Takes On Made Man In 'Last Don Standing': Philly Mob Boss Biopic". Deadline. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
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