George (Big George) DeCicco a long time Gambino crime family mobster has passed away at the age of 85. He was a long time lieutenant for former Gambino boss John Gotti and a leading member of the Gambino’s inner circle for years. He was the leaders of the family’s infamous Bensonhurst Crew for years and one of Gotti’s most trusted captains.
“George DeCicco (second from left) with Family”
He was also the uncle of former Gambino under boss Frank DeCicco who was killed in a 1986 car bombing as retaliation for the unsanctioned murder of Gambino boss Paul Castellano. According to sources including law enforcement Big George was a fearsome Bath Ave presence for decades. His last arrest was back in 2007 for extortion charges.
Joseph Benfante a former defense attorney said his client was a gentleman and even detectives and FBI Agents used to say George always greeted them with respect and was very cordial. But prosecutors at his last trial in 2007 painted a darker portrait of a hard core mobster.
He was a ruthless mobster right up to his old age.He was not like many old mobsters pushed to the side he kept his crew going and was also not softened like some mobsters as they got older.He is linked to several gang land killings and had reputation as a hardcore exotornoist.He came from a different era and has brought his family into the mob notably his son who was shot four times in 2007 and survived. The reason is still unclear why he was shot but a member of the crew was moved to protective custody the day he got shot.