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Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, we dive into the captivating life and legacy of Ruggerio “Ritchie the Boot” Boriardo, an infamous figure in organized crime. From his humble beginnings to his rise to power, we explore the triumphs and tragedies that defined his existence. Join us as we uncover the story of a man who became an emblem of a criminal empire.
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Transcript
[0:00] Hey, guys, here’s a little bonus episode for you. The untold saga of Ritchie the Boot Boriardo.
In a dimly lit underworld of crime and betrayal, one name echoed through the decades like a haunting refrain.
Ruggiero Boriardo, also known as Boot, Ritchie the Boot.
Born on December the 8th, 1890 in Naples, Italy, Boriardo’s life unfolded like a gripping drama, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of organized crime.
From the gritty streets of Newark, New Jersey to the sprawling territories of North Jersey, Richie the Boot emerged as a formidable force, a capo regime in the New Jersey faction of the infamous Genovese crime family.
His ascent to power was marked by a web of intrigue and ruthlessness that captivated the criminal underworld for over three tumultuous decades.
[0:48] Boyardo’s early years were shrouded in mystery. He painted a vivid picture of a man molded by adversity.
Placed in an orphanage as a child, he spun tales of being the illegitimate son of an Italian nobleman claiming descent from Matteo Maria Boiardo.
His ominous moniker, the Boot, hinted at a heavy-footed disposition that struck fear in the hearts of his gangland foes.
Richie the Boot: A Rollercoaster of Violence and Vendettas
[1:11] In other words, he kicked their butt every once in a while.
[1:15] Richie the Boot had a career criminal that was a rollercoaster of violence and vendettas.
In In the early 1930s, he survived a vicious ambush, leaving him with 12 buckshot pellet wounds in his chest.
There was speculation surrounding this attack, and this speculation pointed fingers at rival gang leaders, including the notorious Abner Zwilman or the Mazzocchi brothers.
The attempt on Boyardo’s life thrust him into an unusual position.
He was a victim turned the accused, and if prosecutors sought answers to a crime, it would remain shrouded in mystery because he didn’t get to talk.
As the 1930s unfolded, prohibitions over, gambling’s coming in, Biordaro or Richie the Boot will ascend the rank of made man in the Luciano crime family.
By the 1950s, when Vito Genovese rises to the boss of the old Luciano family and makes it into the Genovese family, Richie the Boot will become a key player for this new Genovese family.
Richie the Boot’s Criminal Reign and Downfall
[2:12] With the death of Aids Wilman in 1959, Richie the Boot sees control of Newark and all the rackets therein. Richie the Boot will wield power over gambling activities all the way to Cuba and Florida.
The pinnacle of Boyardo’s criminal reign came crashing down in April 1969 when he was convicted of a conspiracy to violate gambling laws.
He was sentenced to state prison and fined $1,000.
[2:36] The once mighty mob boss found himself behind bars for really the first time in his life.
And this investigation showed an association with Newark’s mayor, Hugh Adesanio.
[2:48] And this implicated him in racketeering charges which led to a cascade of legal consequences that shook the foundation of New Jersey politics.
Richie the Boot Boyardo will die in 1984 and it’s marked the end of an era.
The legacy of crime and corruption persisted after his death though.
His son Anthony Tony Boyardo continued the family’s involvement in organized crimes and he faced legal battles of his own.
The Boyardo saga, a gripping tale of power, betrayal and bloodshed left an indelible mark on the criminal underworld.
In the realm of popular culture, the legacy of Ritchie the Boot lived on.
The creator of The Sopranos, David Chase, drew inspiration from the Boriado crime family. He will immortalize their dark saga on the small screen.
Richard Lennart’s biography, In the Godfather Garden, the long life and times of Ritchie the Boot Boriado delves into the enigmatic life of this notorious figure.
Mr. Lennart weaves a narrative based on classified FBI files, interviews, and the haunting recollections of Boiardo’s own grandson, Roger Hanos.
Richie the Boot may have departed this world, but his shadowy presence lingers, a reminder of a bygone era when crime ruled the streets, and one man with a heavy boot and an iron will carved his name into the annals of infamy of organized crime. Thanks, guys.
Just a little fun, little extra bit about Richie the Boot. You don’t see much about him.
[4:13] And don’t forget, if you got a problem with drugs or alcohol, go see Anthony Ruggiano down in Florida.
[4:19] If you got a problem with PTSD and you’ve been in the service, go to the VA website. Don’t forget to look out for motorcycles when you’re out there.
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It’s after Thanksgiving. So that’d be Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks, guys.