Thomas Lucchese

Published: Dec. 6, 2023, 10 a.m.

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. The Lucchese family, sometimes referred to as the “Brogada,” was involved in a wide array of criminal activities such as extortion, loan sharking, and gambling. As a cunning and violent leader, Lucchese aligned himself with Vito Genovese during Genovese’s bid to become the boss of bosses. However, Lucchese later allied with Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky, and Carlo Gambino. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating a narcotics conviction against Genovese, which ultimately led to Genovese’s downfall and marked the beginning of the Mafia’s decline.
\nInterestingly, connections between families exist even within the criminal underworld. An example of this is seen in the feudal world where Thomas Gambino, Carlos Gambino’s son, married Frances Lucchesi, the daughter of Three Fingers Brown. It is these intricate webs of relationships that add further complexity to the fabric of organized crime.
\nDespite his involvement in nefarious activities, Lucchese garnered a level of respect within the community due to his charitable donations to local organizations. He passed away in New York City in 1969, leaving behind a notorious and influential legacy as one of the most dominant mobsters of the 20th century. While not as widely recognized as figures like Lucky Luciano or Frank Costello, Lucchese operated behind the scenes, exerting significant influence.
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\nTranscript
\n[0:00] Well, hey guys, Gary Jenkins here, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective.
\nBack here with one of my little short bios. I, you know, I did Vito Genovese recently.
\nThis is gonna be about Thomas Lucchese, better known as Tommy Brown or Three Fingers Brown.
\nHe was a prominent American mobster and the founding member of the Lucchese crime family.
\nHe was born June 10th, 1889 in Palermo, Italy and immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. So he’s like a real Sicilian.