Mafia memories: Creative guru Scott Donaton on his childhood in mob-controlled South Brooklyn
Growing up in 1970s South Brooklyn (now Carol Gardens), Scott was surrounded by the mob. Wiseguys named Fat Freddie and Big Red drank their espressos and smoked their cigars at the social clubs on the corner. It was idyllic in its own way and he was safe as long as he didn&apost stray too far.
His uncle Frankie, a tough guy&aposs tough guy, was like a father to Scott. Later in life, Frankie had a quadruple bypass surgery and Scott came to visit. Frankie was frail and almost unrecognizable.
As Scott stood there taking it in, Frankie beckoned him over to the bed and whispered in his ear words that Scott would never forget.
