When we think of the American Mafia, names like Al Capone, John Gotti, and Lucky Luciano often come to mind. But among the lesser-known yet equally fascinating figures is Thomas DeSimone, a notorious mobster whose life was fill with violence, loyalty, and betrayal. If you’ve watched Goodfellas, you might recognize him as “Tommy DeVito,” the hot-headed gangster played by Joe Pesci. But who was the real Thomas DeSimone, and what made him such a feared figure in the underworld?
In this blog, we’ll uncover the life and crimes of Thomas DeSimone, his role in the Lucchese crime family, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.
Early Life of Thomas DeSimone
Born on June 24, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, Thomas DeSimone grew up in a world where organized crime was a way of life. From an early age, he was drawn to the power and money that came with being part of the Mafia. Unlike many mobsters who came from Italian immigrant families, DeSimone was of half-Italian and half-Irish descent, which later cause problems for him in the mob, as full Italian heritage was often require for full membership.
Despite this, Thomas DeSimone quickly made a name for himself as a ruthless enforcer. His violent tendencies and willingness to kill earned him respect—and fear—among his peers.
Rise in the Lucchese Crime Family
Thomas DeSimone became associated with the Lucchese crime family, one of the “Five Families” that dominated organized crime in New York. He worked under Paul Vario, a powerful capo who controlled illegal activities like loansharking, gambling, and truck hijacking.
DeSimone’s reputation grew as he carried out brutal hits and robberies. One of his most infamous crimes was the 1978 Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in U.S. history, where $5 million in cash and nearly $1 million in jewelry were stolen from JFK Airport. Although he wasn’t one of the main planners, his involvement in the aftermath—including silencing witnesses—cemented his status as a dangerous mobster.
Thomas DeSimone’s Violent Streak
What set Thomas DeSimone apart was his unpredictable and explosive temper. Unlike other mobsters who follow a code of discipline, DeSimone was known for killing without approval, which was a major violation of Mafia rules.
One of his most notorious acts was the murder of Billy Batts, a made member of the Gambino crime family. Batts had insulted DeSimone, and in retaliation, Thomas DeSimone and his associates (including Henry Hill, whose life inspired Goodfellas) brutally beat and shot him. This unauthorized hit angered mob leaders, as Batts was a “made man,” meaning only the bosses could sanction his death.
DeSimone also participated in the killing of Robert “Bobby” DeSimone (no relation), another mobster who had fallen out of favor. These reckless actions made him a liability.
How Thomas DeSimone Died: A Mob Mystery
In the Mafia, disloyalty and reckless behavior often lead to one outcome—death. By January 1979, Thomas DeSimone had become a problem for the Lucchese family. His unpredictable nature and unauthorized killings put him on the hit list.
According to mob informant Henry Hill, DeSimone was lured to a meeting under the pretense that he would finally be “made” (officially inducted into the Mafia). Instead, he was ambush and kill. His body was never found, a common fate for mobsters who cross the line.
Some theories suggest he was shot and buried in a New York basement, while others believe his remains were dispose of in a more gruesome manner. Whatever the case, Thomas DeSimone’s disappearance served as a warning to others in the mob: no one was untouchable.
Thomas DeSimone’s Legacy in Pop Culture
While Thomas DeSimone may not be as famous as other gangsters, his life became immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990). In the film, he is portraye as Tommy DeVito (play by Joe Pesci), a psychotic yet charismatic killer. The movie captures DeSimone’s violent tendencies, including the infamous “Funny how?” scene, which was based on real encounters.
Despite Hollywood’s dramatization, the real Thomas DeSimone was far more dangerous. His story remains a chilling example of how quickly power in the mob could turn into a death sentence.
FAQs About Thomas DeSimone
1. Was Thomas DeSimone a real person?
Yes, Thomas DeSimone was a real mobster associate with the Lucchese crime family. He was famously depicted in Goodfellas as Tommy DeVito.
2. How did Thomas DeSimone die?
He was likely kill by his own crew in early 1979 after becoming too unpredictable. His body was never found.
3. Was Thomas DeSimone a made man?
No, despite his reputation, Thomas DeSimone was never officially “made” due to his mix Italian-Irish heritage and reckless behavior.
4. What was Thomas DeSimone’s role in the Lufthansa heist?
He wasn’t a main planner but helped in the aftermath, including silencing potential witnesses.
5. Why was Thomas DeSimone kill?
His unauthorized murders (like Billy Batts) and violent outbursts made him a liability to the Lucchese family.
Final Thoughts
Thomas DeSimone lived a short, brutal life, embodying the dangers of mob loyalty. His story is a reminder that in the Mafia, power could be fleeting, and betrayal was always around the corner. Whether through Hollywood or true crime history, his name remains etched in the dark legacy of organized crime.
What do you think about Thomas DeSimone’s life? Was he a victim of the mob’s ruthless rules, or did he bring his fate upon himself? Let us know in the comments!
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