A New York City man passed away recently after a tragic accident where he was decapitated by a truck while crossing a street. The victim was identified as Antonio Conigliaro, an 86-year-old former captain for the Genovese crime family. Known as “Tony Cakes” and “Tony the Dessert Man,” Conigliaro was a well-known figure in the mafia world.
The incident occurred on June 12 when Conigliaro was crossing the street against a signal and was struck by a city Department of Transportation truck in Brooklyn. Despite the driver staying at the scene, Conigliaro was pronounced dead on the spot. No arrests have been made in connection with the accident.
Conigliaro was involved in the wholesale cake business for many years and also operated an Italian ice and gelato stand in Little Italy. In 2005, federal prosecutors accused him of being a soldier in the Genovese crime family, leading to a guilty plea on racketeering conspiracy charges and a 13-month sentence. He also had previous run-ins with the law for criminal usury and grand larceny.
Despite his criminal past, Conigliaro’s lawyer described him as a kind and gentle person who turned his life around after serving time in prison. He became successful in the dessert business and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.
The Genovese crime family is one of the Five Families that have historically dominated organized crime in New York City, along with the Gambino, Lucchese, Bonanno, and Colombo families. The mafia world has always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with figures like Tony Cakes leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The tragic death of Antonio Conigliaro serves as a reminder of the dangers of crossing the street without paying attention to traffic signals. It is a cautionary tale of a man who lived a life filled with both success and controversy, leaving behind a complex legacy that will be remembered by those who knew him.