Vincent Gigante, American boxer and mobster (d. 2005)

In the annals of New York City’s notorious organized crime history, few figures loom as large and as enigmatic as Vincent Louis Gigante. Born on March 29, 1928, and passing away on December 19, 2005, Gigante, better known by his chilling moniker "The Chin," rose through the ranks to become the undisputed boss of the powerful Genovese crime family, a position he held from 1981 until his death. His life was a remarkable blend of street brawn, strategic cunning, and an elaborate, decades-long deception that captivated both law enforcement and the public.

Before he donned the mantle of a mob boss, Gigante initially found his calling in the boxing ring. From 1944 to 1947, he was a professional boxer, participating in 25 matches. This early career undoubtedly honed his physical prowess and resilience, traits that would serve him well in the brutal world of the Mafia. He was one of five brothers, and interestingly, three of them—Mario, Pasquale, and Ralph—followed in his footsteps into the criminal underworld. A stark contrast was his brother Louis, who chose a path of faith, becoming a priest, a detail that adds another layer of complexity to the Gigante family narrative.

The Rise of a Mob Enforcer

Gigante’s transition from boxer to mobster began when he started working as an enforcer for what was then known as the Luciano crime family, the direct precursor to the Genovese family. His early career saw him involved in some of the most pivotal moments in Mafia history. In 1957, Gigante gained significant notoriety as the triggerman in the infamous, albeit failed, assassination attempt on long-standing Luciano boss Frank Costello. This bold act, targeting one of the most powerful figures of the time, cemented his reputation as a formidable and fearless operator.

His journey continued with a setback in 1959 when he was sentenced to seven years in prison for drug trafficking. This period, however, proved to be instrumental in his ascent. During his incarceration, Gigante shared a prison cell with Vito Genovese, Costello's formidable rival. This close proximity to Genovese allowed Gigante to forge a crucial alliance, and upon his release, he emerged as a caporegime, overseeing his own crew of Genovese soldiers and associates who primarily operated out of New York City’s vibrant Greenwich Village. It was from this base that he would build his formidable power base.

Consolidating Power and "The Oddfather" Persona

From Capo to Boss: The Genovese Reign

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Gigante meticulously consolidated his power within the Genovese crime family. By 1981, his strategic maneuvering and ruthless ambition paid off, and he officially became the family’s boss. To maintain a facade and deflect law enforcement scrutiny, he appointed Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno as a front boss during the first half of the 1980s, a common tactic in organized crime to shield the true leader. Gigante’s reach and influence were vast, so much so that in 1986, he even ordered a failed murder attempt on the flamboyant boss of the rival Gambino crime family, John Gotti. This daring move underscored his position at the apex of the New York underworld. Following the arrest and subsequent conviction of Gotti and several high-ranking Gambino members in 1992, Vincent Louis Gigante was widely recognized by authorities as the most powerful crime boss in the United States, a true testament to his strategic prowess and ability to evade justice.

The Enigma in the Bathrobe: Feigning Insanity

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Gigante’s career was his elaborate, nearly three-decade-long charade to avoid prosecution. He shrewdly feigned insanity, a tactic that earned him the media monikers "The Oddfather" and "The Enigma in the Bathrobe." For years, residents of Greenwich Village would routinely see Gigante wandering the streets in his bathrobe and slippers, muttering incoherently to himself, a spectacle that made him seem harmless and mentally unfit. This performance was incredibly convincing, initially throwing law enforcement off his trail.

Despite the theatrics, federal authorities eventually caught on. In 1990, he was indicted on federal racketeering charges, but his "mental incapacity" successfully delayed justice as he was determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial. However, the legal net tightened, and in 1997, Gigante was finally brought to trial and convicted of racketeering and conspiracy, receiving a sentence of 12 years in prison. The final act of his deception unfolded in 2003. Facing additional obstruction of justice charges, The Chin finally pleaded guilty and, in a shocking admission, confessed that his supposed insanity had been nothing more than an elaborate, calculated effort to evade prosecution. He was subsequently sentenced to an additional three years in prison, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable deceptions in criminal history. Vincent Louis Gigante died while incarcerated at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners on December 19, 2005, taking with him many secrets of the New York organized crime world he once commanded.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vincent Louis Gigante

Who was Vincent Louis Gigante?
Vincent Louis Gigante, often known as "The Chin," was an influential American mobster who served as the boss of the powerful Genovese crime family in New York City from 1981 until his death in 2005.
What was Vincent Gigante's nickname?
He was widely known by his primary nickname, "The Chin." He also earned the media monikers "The Oddfather" and "The Enigma in the Bathrobe" due to his long-running feigned insanity.
What crime family did Vincent Gigante lead?
Vincent Gigante was the boss of the Genovese crime family, one of the Five Families of New York City organized crime.
Did Vincent Gigante have a career before the Mafia?
Yes, before fully immersing himself in the Mafia, Vincent Gigante was a professional boxer, fighting in 25 matches between 1944 and 1947.
Why was Vincent Gigante called "The Oddfather"?
He was dubbed "The Oddfather" by the media because he famously feigned mental illness for nearly 30 years to avoid prosecution. He would often wander the streets of Greenwich Village in a bathrobe and slippers, mumbling to himself.
When did Vincent Louis Gigante die?
Vincent Louis Gigante passed away on December 19, 2005, while he was incarcerated at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners.