Former mob boss to share life-changing story in Bellevue

Former Mob Boss Michael Franzese will share his life-changing story during a free event at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 and 10 a.m. Oct. 29 at Bellevue Foursquare Church, 2015 Richards Road, Bellevue.

Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious under boss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. He generated an estimated $5-$8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. In 1986, mafia boss Franzese was named one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, by Vanity Fair.

At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed him as No. 18 on its list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses,” just five behind John Gotti. While producing “Knights of the City,” a break dance movie filmed in Florida, Franzese met a beautiful dancer from Anaheim, California whose innocent beauty and faith turned his world upside down. After falling in love and eventually marrying this woman, Franzese took the rap on racketeering charges. He pled guilty, accepted a 10-year prison sentence and vowed to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob. Nobody of his rank had ever just walked away — and lived. Until now. Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of corporate executives, professional and student athletes, at-risk youth, church audiences, and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives, he has become a highly regarded motivator.

For more information, visit www.bellevuechurch.org.