Dominick Montiglio

Dominick Montiglio (born Dominick Anthony Santamaria; July 17, 1947 – June 27, 2021) was an American soldier, mobster and associate of the Gambino 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 the American Mafia.

Early life

Montiglio was born in New York City to Anthony Santamaria and Marie Gaggi, both of Sicilian origin. When his father became estranged, he was raised by his uncle Nino Gaggi. His mother remarried to Anthony Montiglio, and Dominick took his surname. He was also a cousin of Frank Scalice.

Military service

In 1967, Montiglio served in the Vietnam War as a sniper who reportedly killed dozens of men. He survived the Battle of Dak To and returned to the United States in 1973.

Gambino crime family and informant

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 the Roy DeMeo crew. He testified against the family and Gaggi in various trials, and reportedly helped send 56 mobsters to prison. 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.

On June 27, 2021, Montiglio died at the age 73 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery.