Joseph D. Pistone

Date of Birth: September 17, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: (Alive)

Biography

Joseph D. Pistone, born on September 17, 1939, is a renowned American former FBI agent who went undercover to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family and the Colombo crime family—two of the Five Families of the Mafia in New York City. Operating under the alias “Donnie Brasco,” Pistone’s undercover work lasted six years, from 1976 until 1981, and led to over 200 indictments and more than 100 convictions of Mafia members and associates. His work significantly disrupted organized crime operations and is considered one of the most successful infiltration operations in the history of law enforcement. Pistone was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later served in the United States Navy before joining the FBI in 1969. His undercover operation began in the mid-1970s when he was assigned to infiltrate the Mafia. Pistone’s detailed and meticulous work earned him the trust of high-ranking members of the Mafia, and his evidence was instrumental in numerous criminal cases. After his undercover assignment ended, Pistone lived under an assumed identity for many years due to threats against his life. His story was later chronicled in the book “Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia” and adapted into the 1997 film “Donnie Brasco,” starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph D. Pistone

1. Joseph D. Pistone’s undercover name, “Donnie Brasco,” has become synonymous with deep-cover operations in law enforcement.

2. The information Pistone gathered led to the Mafia’s recognition that they could no longer trust outsiders, significantly changing their operations.

3. Pistone’s work was so effective that it led to the Mafia putting out a $500,000 contract on his life.

4. He has written several books about his experiences, including “Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia,” which provides an in-depth look at his operation.

5. Pistone has served as a consultant for various law enforcement agencies and has been involved in training FBI and police officers on undercover techniques.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph D. Pistone

1. “You can’t be half a gangster. You have to be all in or all out.”

2. “The whole time you’re undercover, you live in fear of being discovered.”

3. “The Mafia is built on trust, and my job was to destroy that trust.”

4. “My life was always on the line, but I knew I was doing something important.”

5. “Going undercover in the Mafia was like walking a tightrope without a net.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Joseph D. Pistone’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from book sales, consulting, and speaking engagements.

Children

Joseph D. Pistone has three children. Due to the nature of his undercover work and the subsequent threats to his life, Pistone has kept his family’s details private to ensure their safety.