One of the most anonymous and virtual unknowns among the original members of the old Joseph Profaci family of Brooklyn was the shadowy Charles (Charlie Brown) Clemenza. He was one of eight children and the oldest of five brothers, three of whom would gravitate to the underworld.
His two younger brothers, James (Jimmy Brown) Clemenza and Frederick (Freddy Brown) Clemenza were both long recognized by law enforcement as important underworld figures. But Charlie was not. Little did law enforcement understand at that time, or later for that matter, that Charlie was also a very respected mafioso.
Charlie Brown also had a role in the infamous 1961 attempted murder of Larry Gallo at the Sahara Lounge, along with Carmine Persico and Sally D’Ambrosio – a scene recreated in the movie The Godfather II.