Truth is, we’ve never even heard of anything like him.” “He killed with guns, poison, bats, knives, strangulation, his fists, ice picks, screwdrivers, hand grenades, and even fire. “He’s responsible for over two hundred murders-I mean personally responsible.” He represents the worst of who we are-yet, he is absolutely fascinating to listen to.” “Richard is both fascinating and as frightening as your worst nightmare. All my children’s friends are always saying they wish they had a dad like my husband-like Richard.” “My husband is a good man, a kind man-a great father. Giovane d’honore: Mafia associate, typically a non-Sicilian or non-Italian member
Picciotto: lower-ranking soldier, enforcer also known in the streets as the “button man” Sgarrista: a foot soldier who carries out the day-to-day business of the family, a “made” member of the Mafia Sotto Capo/Capo bastone: underboss, second in commandĬaporegime or capodecina: lieutenant, typically heads a “crew” comprising ten or more soldiers Also, Sergeant Rob Anzalotti and his partner, Detective Mark Bennul, were very helpful in shining light on the dark, violent phenomenon that was Richard Leonard Kuklinski’s life.Ĭapo crimini/capo di tutti capi: superboss/boss of bossesĬonsigliere: trusted adviser or family counselor Lieutenant Patrick Kane of the New Jersey State Police was an invaluable source of detail, facts, emotion, times, and places. I also wish to thank Barbara, Merrick, Chris, and Dwayne Kuklinski for their honest feelings and kind input. My gratitude to Crystal Proenza for her patience and good cheer in turning my voluminous handwritten drafts into flawless manuscripts. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my parents, Dante and Nina Carlo, for their unwavering support. Also, thanks to Anna Bierhouse for her suggestions, and all the good people at Sanford Greenburger, the best literary agency in the world they still treat writers like sensitive artists, a rare thing these days. I also wish to thank Trenton State Prison for allowing me access to Richard Kuklinski at the facility. Many thanks to my loyal friend and confidant, Mike Kostrewa, for all his guidance and expertise about Jersey City and the Polish people and culture. Gaby Monet at HBO was an invaluable friend and assisted me greatly with understanding the enormous complexities of this story. Many thanks also to John Murphy and Gregg Sulivan for their belief in and support of this book. Also his right-hand man, Joe Cleemann, was a huge help, on numerous levels. Martin’s Press, for all his expert advice, his guidance, and his belief in this book from the moment it arrived on his desk. I first wish to thank my editor, Charlie Spicer at St. The names of certain individuals connected with this story have been changed. In my estimation, Richard was always honest and truthful, sincere and forthright in the extreme. Indeed, much of what is contained in this book had to be prodded and encouraged out of him.
When Richard and I discussed his life and the crimes he committed over a forty-three-year period, he never bragged or boasted. When and where possible all the crimes and murders Richard and I discussed were verified with underground Mafia contacts, police sources, documents, crime-scene reports, and photographs. This book is based on over 240 hours of one-on-one interviews with Richard Kuklinski at Trenton State Prison. This work is dedicated to my agent and dear friend, Matt Bialer,įor always being there, for his constant help, guidance, and unwavering support.This has been a long, bumpy road, Matt, a harrowing journey
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