Patriarca Jr. was born to Raymond Patriarca. and Rit. His mother died in 1965 and Raymond married a former nightclub hostess moved in with her in a home in Johnston, Rhode Island Although supported by the majority of family in favor of Boston racketeer Gennaro Angiulo, Patriarca's reign was considerably weaker compared to his father's leadership. Within the family, Angiulo was demoted and underboss William Grosso was later killed. With the support of the New York Gambino crime family, Patriarca managed to maintain stability within the family over the next several years.