Jerry Catena propelled up the ranks, becoming the first New Jersey mobster to lead a New York crime family, and his decades-long reign left an unparalleled legacy of crime, violence, and corruption.
Gerardo "Jerry" Catena was the boss of New Jersey. His reign lasted for decades, and he left an unparalleled legacy of crime and power and corruption. He was part of major moments of twentieth century America, from the mob's infiltration of labor unions to their control of Las Vegas and pre-Castro Cuba. Jersey Boss: The Rise of Mafia Power Jerry Catena is fast-paced and deeply researched look into the life of this enigmatic Mafia powerhouse. This book draws from law enforcement reports, interviews with former law enforcement and underworld figures, as well as people who knew Jerry personally.