Dominick Montiglio | |
|---|---|
| Born | Dominick Anthony Santamaria (1947-07-17)July 17, 1947 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | June 27, 2021(2021-06-27) (aged 73) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Occupations | Mobster,Soldier |
| Allegiance | Gambino crime family,United States Army |
Dominick Montiglio (bornDominick Anthony Santamaria; July 17, 1947 – June 27, 2021) was an American soldier,mobster and associate of theGambino crime family who eventually became a government witness. In later years he became an artist and podcaster, through which he chronicled his life story. He has also appeared in and been featured on various television shows related to theAmerican Mafia.
Montiglio was born inNew York City to Anthony Santamaria and Marie Gaggi, both of Sicilian origin. When his father became estranged, he was raised by his uncleNino Gaggi. His mother remarried to Anthony Montiglio, and Dominick took his surname. He was also a cousin ofFrank Scalice.[1]
In 1967, Montiglio served in theVietnam War as a sniper who reportedly killed dozens of men (unconfirmed).[1][2]
Upon his return from Vietnam, he started working for the Gambino family in drugs, extortion and murder, reportedly earning $250,000 per week at his peak in theRoy DeMeo crew.[2] In 1983, Montiglio was arrested for racketeering, and the Gambinos, fearing he would talk, reportedly took out a $1 million contract on his life;[2] Montiglio decided tocollaborate with theFBI.[3] He testified against the family and Gaggi in various trials, and reportedly helped send 56 mobsters to prison.[4][2] He later changed his identity and entered thewitness protection program,[5] where he and his family stayed for the next decade as they moved between various locations in Wyoming, Alabama and Colorado; they withdrew from the program in 1993 when they could no longer cope with the constant moving.[2]
In his later life, Montiglio devoted himself to art.[5] He also appeared in the 1994 documentary filmLoyalty & Betrayal: The Story of the American Mob.[6]
On June 27, 2021, Montiglio died at the age 73 inAlbuquerque, New Mexico, and is buried atSanta Fe National Cemetery.[7]
