Benjamin Ruggiero, also known as "Lefty," "Lefty Guns," "Lefty Two Guns" (April 19, 1926 - November 24, 1994), was a soldier in the Bonanno crime family best known for his close association and mentorship of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undercover agent Joseph D. Pistone, also known as "Donnie Brasco."
Born in the "Fourth Ward" neighborhood of Manhattan, Ruggiero grew up in the Knickerbocker Village private housing development in Little ...
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Benjamin Ruggiero, also known as "Lefty," "Lefty Guns," "Lefty Two Guns" (April 19, 1926 - November 24, 1994), was a soldier in the Bonanno crime family best known for his close association and mentorship of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undercover agent Joseph D. Pistone, also known as "Donnie Brasco."
Born in the "Fourth Ward" neighborhood of Manhattan, Ruggiero grew up in the Knickerbocker Village private housing development in Little Italy, Manhattan. Knickerbocker Village was home to many future members of the Bonanno family. Ruggiero joined the Bonanno family as a young man, serving as a street soldier under Caporegime Michael Sabella. Ruggiero soon became successful in bookmaking, extortion and loansharking rackets. During this period, Ruggiero became good friends with future family boss Philip "Rusty" Rastelli and fellow mobster Anthony Mirra. Ruggiero was also a hitman, allegedly murdering at least 26 people during his criminal career.
Ruggiero became the part owner...
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