Frank Costello
American mobster (1891–1973)
Frank Costello (Italian: [koˈstɛllo]; born Francesco Castiglia; [franˈtʃesko kaˈstiʎʎa]; January 26, 1891 – February 18, 1973)[1] was an Italian-American crime boss. He was the boss of the Luciano crime family. He was involved in bootlegging and gambling businesses. He had a strong influence on politicians, especially in New York. He worked closely with Lucky Luciano. Later Costello fought against the US government. The court said Costello had to go 18 months in jail for not answering questions. He spent additional years in prison for evading taxes. He was almost killed by Vincent Gigante in 1957. Costello survived this assassination attempt. He died of a heart attack in 1973.[2][3]
Frank Costello | |
|---|---|
 Costello testifying before the Kefauver Committee | |
| Born | Francesco Castiglia January 26, 1891 Cassano allo Ionio, Calabria, Italy |
| Died | February 18, 1973 (aged 82) New York City, U.S. |
| Resting place | Saint Michael's Cemetery, Queens, New York |
| Occupation(s) | Bootlegger, Crime boss, Mobster, Racketeer |
| Predecessor | Charles Luciano |
| Successor | Vito Genovese |
| Spouse |
Lauretta Geigerman (m. 1918) |
| Allegiance | Luciano crime family |
| Conviction(s) | Contempt (1951) Tax evasion (1952) |
| Criminal penalty | 18 months' imprisonment Five years' imprisonment |
References
change- ↑ David Lane (2010). Into the Heart of the Mafia: A Journey Through the Italian South. Thomas Dunne Books. ISBN 978-1847651990.
- ↑ "Frank Costello | American organized crime boss | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
- ↑ Katz, Leonard (1973). Uncle Frank: The Biography of Frank Costello. New York: Drake Publishers.