Lefty Ruggiero, born on February 1, 1930, was an American mobster associated with the Genovese crime family. He gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s for his involvement in organized crime activities, including loan sharking and racketeering. Ruggiero was known for his charismatic personality and was often seen as a key figure in the New York City underworld. Ruggiero's life was marked by his connections to various criminal enterprises and his eventual arrest. He became a central character in the book and film Donnie Brasco, which depicted the undercover work of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone. Ruggiero's story highlights the complexities of organized crime in America.