<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0eDs49_0wGMh5WI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0eDs49_0wGMh5WI00" width="1280" height="720" ></figure><p>Source: Youtube.com</p><p><b>Who was Tommy DeSimone?</b> Tommy DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy" or "Tommy D," was a notorious mobster affiliated with the Lucchese crime family. Born in 1950, he became infamous for his violent temper and ruthless actions. <b>Why is he famous?</b> His life of crime inspired the character Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, in the iconic film "Goodfellas." <b>What did he do?</b> DeSimone was involved in numerous criminal activities, including the infamous Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport in 1978, which remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history. <b>What happened to him?</b> His life ended mysteriously in 1979, with rumors suggesting he was killed by his own associates. <b>Why should you care?</b> Understanding DeSimone's life offers a glimpse into the dark, thrilling world of organized crime.</p><h2>Key Takeaways:</h2><ul><li>Tommy DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy," was a notorious mobster whose violent actions and mysterious disappearance continue to captivate both true crime enthusiasts and Hollywood, inspiring the iconic character Tommy DeVito in the movie "Goodfellas."</li><li>Despite his charming demeanor, Tommy DeSimone's life of crime and violent behavior left a lasting impact on the mafia world and popular culture, serving as a cautionary tale about the brutal realities of a criminal lifestyle.</li></ul><p>Table of Contents</p><h2>Who Was Tommy DeSimone?</h2><p>Tommy DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy" or "Tommy D," was an infamous mobster associated with the Lucchese crime family. His life of crime inspired the character Tommy DeVito in the movie "Goodfellas."</p><ol><li>Born in 1950, DeSimone grew up in Queens, New York, in a family with deep mafia ties.</li><li>His brother, Anthony DeSimone, was also a mobster, while his sister, Phyllis, married mobster Henry Hill.</li><li>DeSimone earned the nickname "Two-Gun Tommy" because he always carried two guns.</li><li>He joined the Lucchese crime family in his early 20s, quickly rising through the ranks.</li><li>Known for his violent temper, DeSimone was involved in numerous murders and assaults.</li></ol><h2>Tommy DeSimone's Criminal Activities</h2><p>DeSimone's criminal career was marked by a series of high-profile crimes that cemented his reputation as a ruthless enforcer.</p><ol><li>He participated in the infamous Lufthansa heist of 1978, which netted over $5 million in cash and jewelry.</li><li>DeSimone was involved in the murder of William "Billy Batts" Bentvena, a Gambino family associate.</li><li>He also killed Ronald "Foxy" Jerothe, another Gambino associate, in a fit of rage.</li><li>DeSimone's violent actions often put him at odds with other mobsters, leading to tensions within the mafia.</li><li>Despite his violent nature, he was known to be loyal to his crime family.</li></ol><h2>Tommy DeSimone in Popular Culture</h2><p>DeSimone's life and crimes have been immortalized in various forms of media, most notably in the film "Goodfellas."</p><ol><li>Joe Pesci portrayed DeSimone's character, Tommy DeVito, in "Goodfellas," earning an Academy Award for his performance.</li><li>The film depicted many of DeSimone's real-life crimes, including the Lufthansa heist and the murder of Billy Batts.</li><li>DeSimone's character in the movie was known for his unpredictable and violent behavior, mirroring his real-life persona.</li><li>"Goodfellas" brought DeSimone's story to a wider audience, making him a well-known figure in popular culture.</li><li>The film's success led to renewed interest in DeSimone's life and criminal activities.</li></ol><h2>The Mysterious Disappearance of Tommy DeSimone</h2><p>DeSimone's life ended as mysteriously as it was violent. His disappearance remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in mafia history.</p><ol><li>In 1979, DeSimone vanished without a trace, leading to widespread speculation about his fate.</li><li>Some believe he was killed by the Gambino family in retaliation for his crimes against their members.</li><li>Others suggest he was murdered by his own crime family due to his increasingly erratic behavior.</li><li>DeSimone's body was never found, adding to the mystery surrounding his disappearance.</li><li>His wife reported him missing, but no concrete evidence ever surfaced regarding his fate.</li></ol><h2>Tommy DeSimone's Legacy</h2><p>Despite his violent life, DeSimone left a lasting impact on both the mafia world and popular culture.</p><ol><li>His story continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts and historians.</li><li>DeSimone's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a life of crime.</li><li>His portrayal in "Goodfellas" remains one of the most iconic depictions of a mobster in film history.</li><li>DeSimone's violent actions and mysterious disappearance have inspired numerous books and documentaries.</li><li>His life and crimes are often studied by those interested in the inner workings of the mafia.</li></ol><h2>Interesting Facts About Tommy DeSimone</h2><p>Beyond his criminal activities, there are several lesser-known facts about DeSimone that paint a fuller picture of his life.</p><ol><li>DeSimone was known for his love of fine clothes and often dressed in expensive suits.</li><li>He had a passion for gambling, frequently betting large sums of money on horse races.</li><li>Despite his violent nature, DeSimone was known to be charming and charismatic.</li><li>He was a skilled marksman, often practicing his shooting skills at local ranges.</li><li>DeSimone had a close relationship with his mother, who was reportedly devastated by his disappearance.</li></ol><h2>The Impact of Tommy DeSimone's Crimes</h2><p>DeSimone's actions had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only his victims but also the broader mafia landscape.</p><ol><li>The Lufthansa heist remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history.</li><li>DeSimone's murder of Billy Batts led to increased tensions between the Lucchese and Gambino families.</li><li>His violent behavior contributed to the FBI's increased focus on the Lucchese crime family.</li><li>DeSimone's disappearance led to numerous theories and investigations, keeping his story alive in the public eye.</li><li>His life of crime serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the mafia world.</li></ol><h2>Tommy DeSimone's Influence on Future Generations</h2><p>DeSimone's life and crimes continue to influence future generations, both within the mafia and in popular culture.</p><ol><li>His story has been used as a case study in criminal justice courses.</li><li>DeSimone's portrayal in "Goodfellas" has inspired countless other films and TV shows about the mafia.</li><li>His life serves as a warning to those considering a life of crime, highlighting the inevitable consequences.</li><li>DeSimone's legacy lives on through the continued fascination with his life and the enduring popularity of "Goodfellas."</li></ol><h2>The Legacy of Tommy DeSimone</h2><p>Tommy DeSimone's life was a whirlwind of crime, violence, and notoriety. Known for his ruthless nature, he became a feared figure in the New York Mafia scene. His actions inspired characters in popular culture, most notably Joe Pesci's portrayal in "Goodfellas." Despite his brutal reputation, DeSimone's story fascinates many due to its mix of real-life drama and Hollywood glamor. His mysterious disappearance in 1979 only adds to the intrigue, leaving many questions unanswered. DeSimone's life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and allure of organized crime. While his legacy is far from heroic, it continues to captivate those interested in the darker side of history. Understanding his life offers a glimpse into the complexities of crime and its impact on society.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><p>Q<b>Who was Tommy DeSimone, and why is he famous?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Tommy DeSimone, often known as "Two Gun Tommy" or "Tommy D," was a notorious figure tied to the American Mafia, specifically the Lucchese crime family. His fame, or rather infamy, stems from his involvement in several high-profile crimes, including robberies, murders, and the infamous Lufthansa heist, which was one of the largest cash thefts in American history. His life of crime and violent demeanor were later immortalized in the hit film "Goodfellas," where Joe Pesci's character, Tommy DeVito, is based on him.</p><p>Q<b>What was the Lufthansa heist, and how was Tommy DeSimone involved?</b></p><p>A</p><p>The Lufthansa heist was a massive robbery that occurred in 1978 at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. A group of mobsters stole about $5 million in cash and nearly $1 million in jewels, making it one of the largest cash thefts on American soil at that time. Tommy DeSimone was a key member of the crew that planned and executed this daring heist. His role was crucial in the operation, showcasing his deep involvement in the criminal underworld.</p><p>Q<b>Did Tommy DeSimone have any known nicknames?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Yes, Tommy DeSimone was known by several nicknames, including "Two Gun Tommy," highlighting his preference for carrying two guns at all times, and "Tommy D," a shorthand version of his last name. These nicknames reflect his notorious reputation and feared presence within the Mafia circles.</p><p>Q<b>How did Tommy DeSimone's life end?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Tommy DeSimone's life came to a mysterious and violent end. It's widely believed that he was murdered in 1979 as retribution for several unsanctioned killings he committed, including the murder of a made man, which is a grave violation in the Mafia's code of conduct. However, his body was never found, and the exact details of his death remain a topic of speculation and intrigue.</p><p>Q<b>Was Tommy DeSimone ever portrayed in movies or books?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Absolutely, Tommy DeSimone's life and criminal exploits were famously portrayed in the 1990 film "Goodfellas," directed by Martin Scorsese. In the movie, Joe Pesci plays a character named Tommy DeVito, who is heavily based on DeSimone. This portrayal brought DeSimone's story to a wide audience, cementing his legacy in popular culture. Additionally, his criminal career has been detailed in various books and documentaries about the American Mafia.</p><p>Q<b>What was Tommy DeSimone's early life like?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Tommy DeSimone's early life set the stage for his future in organized crime. Born into a family with Mafia connections, he was exposed to the criminal lifestyle from a young age. His fascination with the Mafia world grew as he became an errand boy for mobsters, gradually working his way up the ranks. This early exposure and involvement in crime paved the way for his notorious career.</p><p>Q<b>How did Tommy DeSimone become involved with the Lucchese crime family?</b></p><p>A</p><p>Tommy DeSimone's involvement with the Lucchese crime family began through his family connections and his own ambitious pursuit of power within the Mafia. His aggressive nature and willingness to commit violent acts quickly caught the attention of the family's higher-ups, leading to his deeper involvement in their operations. Over time, DeSimone became a trusted and valuable member of the Lucchese family, participating in some of their most significant criminal endeavors.</p><p>Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.</p></div></body>

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39 Facts About Tommy Desimone

Who was Tommy DeSimone? Tommy DeSimone, also known as \"Two-Gun Tommy\" or \"Tommy D,\" was a notorious mobster affiliated with the Lucchese crime family. Born in 1950, he became infamous for his violent temper and ruthless actions. Why is he famous? His life of crime inspired the character Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, in the iconic film \"Goodfellas.\" What did he do? DeSimone was involved in numerous criminal activities, including the infamous Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport in 1978, which remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history. What happened to him? His life ended mysteriously in 1979, with rumors suggesting he was killed by his own associates. Why should you care? Understanding DeSimone's life offers a glimpse into the dark, thrilling world of organized crime.

Who was Tommy DeSimone? Tommy DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy" or "Tommy D," was a notorious mobster affiliated with the Lucchese crime family. Born in 1950, he became infamous for his violent temper and ruthless actions. Why is he famous? His life of crime inspired the character Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, in the iconic film "Goodfellas." What did he do? DeSimone was involved in numerous criminal activities, including the infamous Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport in 1978, which remains one of the largest cash thefts in American history. What happened to him? His life ended mysteriously in 1979, with rumors suggesting he was killed by his own associates. Why should you care? Understanding DeSimone's life offers a glimpse into the dark, thrilling world of organized crime.

39 Facts About Tommy Desimone

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