Making History Come Alive Newsletter Frank Costello was a prominent American mobster who played a significant role in organized crime during the mid-20th century

Known as the "Prime Minister of the Underworld," Costello was a key figure in the Luciano crime family and later in the Genovese crime family. His life and criminal activities provide insight into the operations of organized crime, the dynamics of power, and the socio-political context of his era.

Early Life

- Background: Frank Costello was born on January 26, 1891, in Lauro, Italy. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1895, settling in East Harlem, New York City.
- Rise to Criminal Activity: As a young man, Costello became involved in petty crime and soon connected with the criminal underworld. His early experiences in the streets shaped his later activities in organized crime.

Criminal Career

1. Association with the Luciano Crime Family:
- Costello initially worked with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, who was instrumental in modernizing organized crime in the United States. Luciano's approach included establishing relationships with other crime bosses and creating a more structured organization, which embraced lucrative illegal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and narcotics.

2. Leadership:
- After Luciano was imprisoned in the early 1930s, Costello became more influential within the crime family, eventually taking over leadership after Luciano was deported to Italy post-World War II. Costello was known for his adeptness at managing relationships, not only within the crime world but also in legitimate business and politics.

3. Criminal Enterprises:
- Costello's criminal enterprises included gambling operations and control over various illegal activities in New York. His reputation for avoiding violence distinguished him from other mob leaders. He favored negotiation and manipulation over outright conflict.

Political Connections

- Influence and Relationships: Costello understood the importance of political connections and maintained strong ties with various political figures, often leveraging those relationships to protect his interests and operations.
- Testimony and Senate Hearings: In the early 1950s, his connections came under scrutiny during the McClellan Committee hearings investigating organized crime. Costello famously refused to answer questions regarding his criminal activities, resulting in significant public interest and media coverage.

Decline and Death

1. Violence and Betrayal:
- Costello's relatively peaceful approach began to wane as inner rivalries in organized crime intensified. His power diminished after a botched assassination attempt in 1957, orchestrated by rival mob leaders, notably Vito Genovese, who sought to take control of the family.
- By the late 1950s, Costello had lost significant influence, leading him to retreat from the limelight.

2. Retirement:
- Costello semi-retired from active crime in the 1960s. He ultimately lived in relative obscurity, avoiding many of the violent retributions faced by his contemporaries.
- Frank Costello died on February 18, 1973, in his New York home from natural causes, ending his remarkable but tumultuous life steeped in organized crime.

Legacy

- Cultural Impact: Costello's life and career have been dramatized in various films and television shows, most notably in “The Godfather” franchise and series like "Boardwalk Empire," which take inspiration from his activities and persona.
- Criminal Studies: Costello's methods of operation and his ability to navigate both criminal and legitimate worlds serve as case studies in organized crime theory, illustrating the interplay of power, influence, and the importance of perception in criminal enterprises.

In summary, Frank Costello was a notable figure in the landscape of American organized crime, exemplifying the complexities and dynamics of power within the underworld. His life reflects the intricate relationships between organized crime and legitimate society, underscoring the pervasive influence of mobsters in various facets of American life during the 20th century.