For many years, Michael was the only son of the official boss of the crime family, Carmine (Junior) Persico, who has not been charged with mob crimes. He denied numerous claims that he was involved with the Colombos and says that he is only a hard-working legitimate businessman. Persico owns a restaurant and oversees Romantique Limousines, a Bensonhurst, Brooklyn car service company. He lives in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn with his two daughters. His former father-in-law is Colombo soldier Thomas Petrizzo.