What is lefty ruggiero?

Lefty Ruggiero, born as Benjamin Ruggiero Sr. in 1926, was an Italian-American mobster and a member of the Bonanno crime family. He earned his nickname "Lefty" for being left-handed. Ruggiero was involved in various criminal activities, including loan sharking, gambling, and drug trafficking.

Ruggiero became known for his close association with undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family under the alias Donnie Brasco. Ruggiero took a liking to Pistone and mentored him in the ways of the Mafia, unknowingly revealing sensitive information about the inner workings of the organization.

Ruggiero was eventually arrested and convicted on racketeering charges in the late 1980s. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison but was released early due to health issues. Ruggiero passed away in 1994 at the age of 68. His life and criminal activities have been depicted in various books, films, and TV shows, most notably in the film "Donnie Brasco" starring Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero.