Sonny was the youngest son born to Carmine (Turiddo di Leone) Franzese aka “Turi the Lion”, who was an early associate of the Camorra of Downtown Brooklyn. His father was associated with other “Napolitani” hoodlums such as Vito Genovese (an early idol and mentor of Sonny), Mike Miranda, and other Camorristi, who later became inducted mafiosi.