I figured I would try a different topic. Instead of a asking about a mobster or a certain family I would make one on a law enforcement officer who is as heavily tied into investigating the mob. Obviously guys like Joe Pistone and even Joe Coffey have been talked about a little bit. But I don’t think Remo Franceschini has. Most would recognize him from some mob documentaries like Crime Inc and fir the book a Matter of Honor. He was mostly known for targeting the Gotti crew. Also things like the Mott Street Raid. I know according to my father when he was on the curve he was well liked and respected. He passed away a few years back but left a honorable legacy. Interested to hear others thoughts on Remo!!

Remo was a very decent man. Well liked and respected by both LE and wiseguys. He could bust balls, and he did. But he was honest and never disrespected guys by trying to pull underhanded tactics. And he was decent. Typically wouldn't cuff a guy in front of his wife and kids. Didn't lie to a judge to try and fuck up bail on a defendant. That sort of thing.

Even John Santucci was a very decent guy from what I was told. He actually did my cousin a good turn and helped him get sentenced to probation instead of doing a bid. And he could've hurt him.

In the old days many of those guys were (although on the other side of the fence from street guys - obviously), had a mutual respect for one another. DA Tom Mackell was another very decent fella who extended an olive branch to more than one guy, when he could have buried them.

Those type of episodes often allowed for a mutual understanding and a 'give and take' so to speak. Not that any of them were corrupt per se, thats not what it was about. But because many guys came from the same neighborhoods, whether they became cops or robbers later in life, unless you were a real mutt you looked out for one another. After all, these guys knew each others moms and dads, grandparents, siblings, etc.

Street guys also extended 'courtesies' when they could. It was the proper thing to do.

Nowadays, most people have no clue about one another, or their backgrounds. And don't care either. So it's much colder when dealing with each other. But if you came from the 'old neighborhhod,' regardless of which direction you ended up going in, there was generally a little courtesy given where you could, for old times sake.

Yeah that’s what I’ve heard as well. I think my old man says he met him only once in 80-81 but most cops knew of him and respected his way of doing things

He was a tough piece of work too. A no-nonsense cop. Dedicated to investigating OC, etc.

He knew soooo many wiseguys too. He'd even shake hands with them when he bumped into them in a restaurant, etc. Send a drink over to him, etc. (and he accepted that drink on more than one occasion too). NOT out of corruption, because he was straight. But if it was sent over with good intentions, he'd even send a toast. Thats the type guy he was. (from what I hear) Lol

Yes he was very tough, dedicated, and fair. I think even some mob guys respected that.

There was a top detective. A top guy (who shall remain nameless out of respect for him, he's dead now anyway) who could be a real ballbuster to all the guys. And he was too!

Yet, when my friend's young son tragically passed away, which was a heartbreaking affair, this particular detective not only sent flowers, but actually showed up at the funeral home and came into the wake to pay his respects with his partner.

And this was a guy who tortured guys with steady surveillance, interviewing neighbors, etc. He knew, and used, all the harassment tactics.

But he turned out to be a very decent guy.

I'm not even gonna go further, but I believe in my heart that he actually backed off breaking this fellas balls after that tragedy. Because surveillance and other measures clearly lightened up after that.

Read into it the way you like, but I for one think this detective gave my buddy a half a pass. So on occasion 'cops and robbers' come to common ground. Only when a guys a real prick, on either side of the road, that he gets no leeway.

PS: my friends wife fell apart after the death of her boy. had a breakdown. And I'm not sure, but I think this cop had a similar situation in his personal life as well, So maybe he saw himself, and his family, when he looked into the eyes of my friend and his wife. Who knows

It’s not like cops have total hatred of mobsters. They obviously disagree with their “line of work”but it’s not like they want to kill them and hurt their families. They recognize that mobsters are still people with families BUT they still got involved in a violent criminal life that is a danger to society

Absolutely. As I believe I've said before, In my family I have LE. two of whom reached the highest levels of the department. I got guys on the other side also. Know what? They're all great guys. every single one of them. I kid you not. And we all totally love each other. The way family should be.

. That’s great. I’m Italian so family is obviously very important especially to us. But I will admit that I’m happy all my family members have lived a straight life. Also proud to have many cops and military in my family

Why not. So long as they're happy in their lives, thats what counts in the end. And yes, we Italians are very big on family. There are very few Italians who I've ever met who don't consider family their number one priority. They surely love their family with a passion. As they should. We're known for that.

I personally consider my family to have been one of the greatest blessings God has ever bestowed on me. And I feel that I've been blessed in my life maybe more than any one person deserves, lol. But for sure, of all those blessings, my immediate, and extended family, is first and foremost in my thoughts.

It has enriched my life to no end. And I'm sure your family has done the same for you.

THAT'S a legacy worth leaving!

Remo and Joe Coffey ate two of my favorites I see on mob documentaries. Remo is more of the serious one but Joe is hilarious. Some of the things he said about certain mob guys made me crack up 😂

I know I touched on it briefly but I think his book, a Matter of Honor is one of the better books in this genre. It’s gives you another perspective from a guy who was well respected by his peers and even by some of those he was investigating

Sgt Ralph Salerno (NYPD) doesn't get enough credit for his work against the mob, this guy led the way. If I'm not mistaken, he RETIRED from the force in the late 60's. Was born and raised in Italian Harlem and knew all the players until his death in the early 2000s. If you never heard of him look him up very interesting.

yes 100%..he wrote a book around that time frame on the mob very good book..forget the name...

. Absolutely great cop as well

Salerno was an extremely respected cop. Ralph Salerno WAS the singular authority on OC for any years and the grandaddy so to speak, who broke in a new generation of organized crime investigators. He testified before numerous senate hearings and committees probing OC. Wrote books on the subject, etc

. Well Said NYMafia.

You can also find interviews of his where he's very articulate and goes into detail of his youth and experience.

Yup he is a great listen. Him and Remo Were/are certainly idolized by many cops in NY

Reno was not only a great cop but a great guy who went down the right path.

Was just scrolling through some things online and found Remo’s obituary. Really sums up what a Gray man and cop he was

Remo Franceschini, 82, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2015 with his wife, Christine, by his side.

Remo was born in the Bronx to the late Leo and Teresa (Rubiano) Franceschini. Remo was a member of the Air Force, serving from 1951-1957. He joined the NYPD in 1957 and served as an officer for 35 years. Remo earned the heroic Combat Cross for Valour in 1961 and worked his way up to Commander of the Queens DA Squad. He dedicated his life’s work to the fight against organized crime. Remo retired in 1991 and was approached to chronicle his lifelong pursuit of John Gotti and the mafia in his book A Matter of Honor.

Remo met his wife, Christine, in retirement and spent his time as a golfer, beach lover, traveler and political enthusiast, enjoying life to the fullest in Florida. Remo was well known to be the last one on the dance floor. He also became an instant family man, embracing Christine’s three children and four grandchildren who were crazy about Papa and to whom he was the closest thing to a super hero they will ever know. Matthew, Pia and Cosima Constantino of New York City; JD, Jill, Quinn and Dennis Smith of East Greenwich, RI; Michael, Carlene and Milena Esposito of Hoboken, NJ. Remo loved all of the family dogs and they loved him more.

Remo is also survived by his sister Priscilla Thomas of Bronx, NY and his brother George and wife Sandy of Port St Lucie, Florida. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews, who he was lovingly known as Uncle Sonny. He is predeceased by his first wife, Barbara.

Remo was fortunate in friendship and is survived by many dear and loyal friends who helped make much of the adventurous life he led. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday March 8,2015 from 2-6pm at Waterbury & Kelly, 1300 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10am at the Parish of St. Theresa’s, 1394 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, N.

Interview with Remo from 1986. Interview lasts about the first 10 minutes followed by footage about Gambino members

Just reading his book for the 2nd time....Good book

. Loved his book. Read it multiple times. Good guy and good cop

Remo is the one who had the famous quote about Carmine Galante, "the rest of them are copper, he's pure steel".

Reno was certainly a straight shooter who told it like it is

If you want to talk about good cops, then you have to mention Det. Ken McCabe. It was Kenny McCabe who was chosen to put the cuffs on Paul Castellano when he was arrested for the Commission Trial.

Tommy Dades is very down to earth and really got into the mix of things back in the day.

. Absolutely

Recently read “A Matter of Honor” again. One of the better books in the genre and Remo was a great cop who was really looked up to by many cops!