Advertisement

Pasquale Barbaro ex-wife: 'Family man' by day, gangster by night

Slain gangster Pasquale Barbaro would read bible passages to his children before sending photos of naked escorts to his mates, his ex-wife has revealed.

In sharp contrast to the loving father figure image he cultivated during the day, once the sun set, the Calabrian mafia member would film escorts in his bachelor pad and proudly forward footage to his friends.

Melinda Barabaro has shared details of the 35-year-old's strong religious beliefs, telling News Corp that the former Sydney crime kingpin requested $10,000 for a mahogany coffin emblazoned with a plaque of The Last Supper, sensing his days were numbered.

His suspicions were justified and last month the underworld figure was gunned down outside the Sydney home of controversial building industry figure George Alex.

Barbaro's ex-wife said prison changed him from the loving family man he once was. Source: Facebook
Barbaro's ex-wife said prison changed him from the loving family man he once was. Source: Facebook
Melinda Barbaro said he would read bible passages to his children at night. Source: Facebook
Melinda Barbaro said he would read bible passages to his children at night. Source: Facebook

“He was typical Italian and loved everything to do with religion and food,” his ex-wife added.

“Yes he loved his Versace shirts and Rolexes but he went to church to pray and was fiercely loyal and protective to me and our children.”

RELATED:
Arrests made after Sydney gangland raids
Girlfriend "had no idea" Barbaro was gangland identity
Barbaro's mother: "I loved him, but I didn't like him"

She insisted that prison “messed up” Barbaro’s head and that the person he became in the lead up to the death did not reflect “family man” she married.

After splitting from his wife in 2013, the murdered gangster dated a string of glamorous women including his final known girlfriend, dancer Chantel Baptista, who’s family claimed they thought “he came from a good Italian family”.

Barbaro's new girlfriend reportedly knew nothing of his underworld involvements. Source: Facebook
Barbaro's new girlfriend reportedly knew nothing of his underworld involvements. Source: Facebook
Barbaro's ex-wife has spoken out about his strong religious beliefs.
Barbaro's ex-wife has spoken out about his strong religious beliefs.

Often troubled, Barbaro would go to confession on a weekly basis, with those close to him saying he sought forgiveness for his mistakes in the weeks before his execution.

“It’s way too soon to speak about Pasquale. I’m raw, I’m still in shock,” Ms Baptista told reporters.

While attempts were made on his life 2014 and 2015, Barbaro survived both and wore a bulletproof vest every day, fearing the worst was around the corner.

A string of arrests have been made following his gangland style execution as the investigation into his death continues.

Top news stories - December 8