Danny Greene: The Life And Legacy Of The Notorious Mobster (1933-1977)

Have you ever wondered how one man's rise in the criminal underworld could impact an entire city? Danny Greene, also known as "The Irishman," was one of the most feared and notorious figures in organized crime during the 20th century. His life story is filled with drama, ambition, and ultimately, a tragic end that sparked a crackdown on crime in Cleveland.

Who Was Danny Greene?

Danny Greene was a prominent figure in organized crime, known for establishing his own loan-sharking, gambling, and racketeering operations. His fierce competition with other crime figures made him a target within the criminal underworld. Speculation has arisen that Greene may have acted as an FBI informant, which could explain his ability to evade serious legal consequences for many of his illicit activities. He met his end in Lyndhurst, Ohio, in 1977.

Early Life

Born on November 14, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio, Daniel John Patrick Greene faced significant hardships from a young age. Tragically, his mother passed away shortly after his birth, leaving his father unable to care for him. Consequently, Greene spent his formative years in an orphanage, a tough start that shaped his later life choices.

After dropping out of high school, Greene enlisted in the U.S. Marines, where he served for a few years. Following his military service, he became a longshoreman on Cleveland's docks. His passion for his Irish heritage was evident, as he expressed it through his work as a union organizer, eventually rising to the position of union boss.

Criminal History

Greene's ascent in the criminal world was not without its challenges. His reign as a union boss came to an abrupt end when he was discovered embezzling funds, leading to a $10,000 fine. Shortly after, he transitioned into organized crime, working as an enforcer for mobster Alex "Shondor" Birns. This marked the beginning of his notorious reputation.

Establishing his own loan-sharking and racketeering business, Greene was viewed as a formidable threat by other crime figures. Reports suggest he may have taken over some of Birns's operations while the mobster was incarcerated. Greene's involvement with Teamster official John Nardi further solidified his position in the criminal hierarchy.

Life in Jeopardy and Death

Greene's life was marked by numerous assassination attempts, including a bombing at a building where he resided. Miraculously, he and his girlfriend survived. In another incident in 1971, Greene defended himself against an attacker, killing his assailant and subsequently being acquitted of manslaughter. He often attributed his survival to the "luck of the Irish."

The battle for control over Cleveland's criminal landscape intensified, leading to the elimination of several rivals. One of Greene's former allies, Birns, was killed in a car bombing in March 1975. Ironically, Greene himself would meet a similar fate two years later, succumbing to a car bomb on October 6, 1977.

Legacy

Greene's death triggered a significant law enforcement crackdown, resulting in approximately 22 convictions linked to his murder. His life story inspired various works, including the book To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia by Rick Porrello, which was later adapted into the film Kill the Irishman, featuring Ray Stevenson as Greene.

Personal Life

Despite his criminal lifestyle, Greene was a family man, having been married twice and fathering five children. His eldest son, Danny Kelly, described him as "truly intrepid" and believed he could have pursued a legitimate political career had he chosen a different path.