Lefty Ruggiero Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Movies, Death, Net Worth, Height, Wife, Children

Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero was an American mobster in the Bonanno crime family, best known for mentoring undercover FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, also known as Donnie Brasco.

Nicknamed “Lefty Guns” and “Lefty Two Guns” for his left-handed dice throwing and use of dual firearms, Ruggiero struggled with a gambling addiction that led to substantial debts.

Nevertheless, he was inducted as a made man in 1977 after repaying most of his debts.

His close ties with Pistone ultimately helped expose key Mafia operations, resulting in Ruggiero’s arrest on August 29, 1981.

Profile

• Full Name: Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero
• Stage Name: Lefty Ruggiero
• Born: April 19 1926
• Died: November 24, 1994
• Age: 68 years old
• Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American mobster
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Fiori Ruggiero and Frances Ruggiero
• Siblings: Dominick and Angelina
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Thomas Sbano
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero was born on April 19, 1926, in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City. He was the son of Fiori Ruggiero, a truck driver, and Frances Ruggiero, a homemaker.

He had two younger siblings, Dominick and Angelina. While specific information regarding his educational background remains undisclosed, Ruggiero was of Italian-American descent, reflecting his family’s heritage.

Career

Lefty Ruggiero began his criminal career as a street soldier under caporegime Michael Sabella, engaging in bookmaking, extortion, and loansharking. His illicit activities helped him gain respect and influence within the Bonanno crime family.

Nicknamed “Lefty Guns” for his left-handed dice throwing and tendency to carry two firearms during hits, Ruggiero’s reputation for toughness grew, even as he struggled with a mounting gambling addiction.

At one point, he owed $160,000 to Nicholas Marangello, a senior family figure. His earnings were diverted to repay the debt, and only after doing so was he officially inducted as a “made man” in 1977.

Ruggiero’s life took a dramatic turn when he befriended undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone, who infiltrated the Mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco. Introduced by fellow mobster Anthony Mirra, Ruggiero took Pistone under his wing, mentoring him and even pledging to sponsor his initiation into the Mafia.

This close relationship, built on trust and loyalty, inadvertently led to one of organized crime’s most effective FBI infiltrations. Although Ruggiero occasionally harbored suspicions about Brasco’s background, his faith in him never wavered enough to uncover the truth.

Throughout his life, Ruggiero embodied the values of the Mafia, once stating that being a “wise guy” meant living free from the rules of conventional society. He was known for his fierce loyalty and willingness to use violence when necessary, though his peers did not consider him overly aggressive.

His unwavering belief in the Mafia’s code ultimately closed his eyes to the deception around him. After the FBI ended the Donnie Brasco operation in 1981, Ruggiero was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released in 1993 due to declining health and passed away from cancer on November 24, 1994.

Social Media

Lefty Ruggiero does not have any social media accounts.

Personal Life

Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage produced a son, Thomas Sbano, and three daughters, two of whom were reportedly married to fellow mobsters.

Following the end of his first marriage in the late 1950s, Ruggiero began a relationship with Louise, whom he later married in a quiet ceremony at New York City Hall in September 1977.

His personal and family life remained deeply intertwined with his involvement in organized crime. Ruggiero died in New York City on November 24, 1994, at 68.

Net Worth

Lefty Ruggiero’s net worth is not documented, though his income was primarily derived from his involvement in organized crime with the Bonanno family.

He participated in bookmaking, extortion, and loansharking activities, though specific details about his financial earnings remain undisclosed.