Births on January 26

Frank Costello, Italian-American mob boss (d. 1973)

Who Was Frank Costello: The "Prime Minister of the Underworld"?

Born Francesco Castiglia on January 26, 1891, in Cosenza, Italy, Frank Costello, often known as "The Prime Minister of the Underworld," emerged as one of the most influential and respected Italian-American crime bosses in United States history. His formidable career spanned decades, establishing him as a key figure within the American Mafia. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied primarily on violence, Costello earned his moniker due to his sophisticated approach, extensive political connections, and keen business acumen. He preferred diplomacy and negotiation to brute force, cultivating relationships with politicians, judges, and businessmen, thereby extending his influence far beyond traditional illicit activities into legitimate enterprises.

Frank Costello's Rise to Power and the Luciano Crime Family

Costello's criminal career began early after his family emigrated to New York City. He quickly aligned himself with powerful figures like Charles "Lucky" Luciano and Meyer Lansky, forming a strategic alliance that would reshape the landscape of organized crime. Costello became a trusted consigliere and eventually the acting boss of what was known as the Luciano crime family, one of the original "Five Families" that dominated organized crime in New York City. Under his leadership, the family diversified its operations, delving into gambling, bootlegging during Prohibition, and various legitimate businesses, accumulating immense wealth and power.

The Pivotal 1957 Assassination Attempt

Despite his diplomatic nature, Costello could not entirely escape the violent internal power struggles characteristic of the Mafia. A significant turning point in his career came in 1957 with a dramatic assassination attempt ordered by his ambitious underboss, Vito Genovese. Genovese, recently released from prison, was determined to seize control of the Luciano crime family, which would later be renamed the Genovese crime family in his honor.

The Plot and the Perpetrators

The hit was carried out by Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, a future boss of the Genovese family who would later feign mental illness to avoid prosecution. On May 2, 1957, as Costello returned to his apartment building on Central Park West in New York City, Gigante confronted him in the lobby. Gigante fired a single shot at Costello's head. Miraculously, the bullet only grazed Costello's scalp, inflicting a minor wound rather than proving fatal. This near-death experience sent a clear, undeniable message to Costello.

The Aftermath and Costello's Retirement

While physically recovering, the assassination attempt profoundly impacted Costello's willingness to fight for control of the family. Realizing the intense ambition of Genovese and preferring to avoid a protracted, bloody internal war, Costello made a strategic decision. He agreed to relinquish his leadership role to Vito Genovese, effectively stepping down and retiring from the daily operations of the family. This peaceful transition of power, albeit under duress, allowed Costello to live out his remaining years largely unmolested by the underworld's violent conflicts. He continued to serve as an elder statesman and advisor to various figures within the Mafia, maintaining a degree of influence without holding formal power.

Later Life and Legacy

Frank Costello lived a relatively quiet life after his retirement, passing away from a heart attack on February 18, 1973, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of an era for a unique figure in organized crime history. Costello is remembered not just as a mob boss, but as a shrewd strategist who navigated the complex worlds of crime, politics, and legitimate business with remarkable finesse. His legacy emphasizes the intellectual and diplomatic aspects of power within the underworld, contrasting sharply with the more violent reputations of some of his contemporaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frank Costello

Who was Frank Costello?

Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia, was a prominent Italian-American crime boss who led the Luciano crime family (later known as the Genovese crime family). He was widely known as "The Prime Minister of the Underworld" due to his sophisticated approach to organized crime, extensive political connections, and preference for diplomacy over violence.

Why was Frank Costello called "The Prime Minister of the Underworld"?

He earned this nickname because of his unique style of leadership. Costello possessed exceptional diplomatic skills, cultivated powerful connections with politicians, judges, and businessmen, and strategically invested in legitimate enterprises. He preferred to resolve conflicts through negotiation and influence rather than relying on brutal force, which set him apart from many other mobsters of his era.

What happened to Frank Costello in 1957?

In May 1957, Frank Costello survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by his ambitious underboss, Vito Genovese. Vincent Gigante carried out the shooting, firing a bullet that grazed Costello's scalp. Although not fatal, the incident was a clear message from Genovese indicating his intent to take full control of the crime family.

Did Frank Costello retire after being shot?

Yes, the 1957 assassination attempt significantly influenced Frank Costello's decision to relinquish his power. To avoid a bloody internal war, he agreed to step down and retire, effectively handing over control of the Luciano crime family to Vito Genovese. While he remained an influential figure, he largely withdrew from the day-to-day operations of organized crime.