Eddie Paradise
Encyclopedia
Edward 'Eddie' Paradise is a fictional character in the novels The Godfather Returns
and The Godfather's Revenge
.
He is a Sicilian gangster and Soldato
in the Corleone crime family
under Nick Geraci
.
Eddie Paradise grew up in the same neighborhood as friend as fellow Soldato Cosimo 'Momo' Barone
. He was 'made
' after Geraci took over the regime of Salvatore Tessio
. He was recognized as a tough enforcer for the family.
Paradise got his nickname, "the turtle", as in "slow and steady wins the race".
After Geraci is expelled from the family in 1962, Eddie became the junior caporegime
in the family. He is chosen over 'Momo' Barone, an event that came back to haunt Michael Corleone
.
He is never put in charge in the effort to locate Geraci, but rather is made to keep an eye on Barone. In 1963, he is put in charge of a commission meeting on his territory, the BQE expressway. After the police arrest Tom Hagen
, everybody blames Paradise for the misfortune.
In 1964, Geraci is lured to a meeting that he thinks will make him the boss of the Corleone family. It is an ambush, however; Paradise is forced to kill Geraci and Barone. He then regains his standing in the family.
The Godfather Returns
The Godfather Returns is a novel written by author Mark Winegardner, published in 2004. It is the sequel to Mario Puzo's The Godfather, which was originally published in 1969, and The Sicilian...
and The Godfather's Revenge
The Godfather's Revenge
The Godfather's Revenge, a 2006 novel written by author Mark Winegardner, is the sequel to The Godfather, The Sicilian, and The Godfather Returns. The story takes place from 1963–1964, and picks up the story from where The Godfather Returns left off...
.
He is a Sicilian gangster and Soldato
Soldato
A Soldato is the lowest level of the formal Mafia hierarchy, both in America and in Sicily. However, a soldier is much greater in rank and prestige than any ordinary associate of the crime family. In order to become a soldier, the primary requisite for an associate is to become a made man...
in the Corleone crime family
Corleone family
The Corleone family is a fictional Sicilian Mafia family settled in New York City. The family was created by Mario Puzo and appears in his 1969 novel The Godfather, as well as the acclaimed film trilogy of the same name directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The family was founded by Vito Corleone , who...
under Nick Geraci
Nick Geraci
Fausto Dominic 'Nick' Geraci Jr. is a central character in the Mark Winegardner novels The Godfather Returns and The Godfather's Revenge. He is a caporegime in the Corleone crime family, but later betrays the family, and becomes a sworn enemy to Don Michael Corleone.-Biography:The Godfather Returns...
.
Eddie Paradise grew up in the same neighborhood as friend as fellow Soldato Cosimo 'Momo' Barone
Momo Barone
Cosimo "Momo" Barone is a fictional character in the novels The Godfather Returns and The Godfather's Revenge. He grew up in the Bronx alongside boyhood friend Eddie Paradise...
. He was 'made
Made man
A made man, also known as a Mafioso , made guy, man of honor, or uomo d'onore , is someone who has been officially inducted into the Sicilian or American Mafia . They may also be referred to by some as a goodfella or wiseguy...
' after Geraci took over the regime of Salvatore Tessio
Salvatore Tessio
Salvatore "Sal" Tessio is a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather and the film based on it. In the film, Tessio was portrayed by Abe Vigoda. In the sequel, Vigoda reprised the role in a flashback, set in late 1941, at the end of the film...
. He was recognized as a tough enforcer for the family.
Paradise got his nickname, "the turtle", as in "slow and steady wins the race".
After Geraci is expelled from the family in 1962, Eddie became the junior caporegime
Caporegime
A caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to just a capo, is a term used in the Mafia for a high ranking made member of a crime family who heads a "crew" of soldiers and has major social status and influence in the organization...
in the family. He is chosen over 'Momo' Barone, an event that came back to haunt Michael Corleone
Michael Corleone
Michael Corleone is a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novels, The Godfather and The Sicilian. He is also the main character of the Godfather film trilogy that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, in which he was portrayed by Al Pacino, who was twice nominated for an Academy Award for his...
.
He is never put in charge in the effort to locate Geraci, but rather is made to keep an eye on Barone. In 1963, he is put in charge of a commission meeting on his territory, the BQE expressway. After the police arrest Tom Hagen
Tom Hagen
Thomas "Tom" Feargal Hagen is a fictional character in the Godfather books and films. He was portrayed by Robert Duvall in the films. He is the informally adopted son of Don Vito Corleone and serves as the family lawyer and consigliere . Mild-mannered and soft-spoken, he often serves as a voice of...
, everybody blames Paradise for the misfortune.
In 1964, Geraci is lured to a meeting that he thinks will make him the boss of the Corleone family. It is an ambush, however; Paradise is forced to kill Geraci and Barone. He then regains his standing in the family.