35 Facts About Vito Genovese

Early Life and Background

Vito Genovese, a name synonymous with organized crime, had a life filled with intrigue and power struggles. Let's delve into some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. Born in Italy: Vito Genovese was born on November 27, 1897, in Risigliano, a small village in Italy. His family later moved to the United States, seeking better opportunities.

2. Immigrated to America: At the age of 15, Genovese and his family immigrated to New York City in 1913. They settled in Little Italy, a neighborhood known for its Italian-American community.

3. Early Criminal Activities: Genovese quickly got involved in petty crimes. By his late teens, he was already making a name for himself in the criminal underworld.

4. Association with Lucky Luciano: Vito Genovese became closely associated with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, one of the most influential mobsters of the time. This partnership would shape his criminal career.

5. Naturalized Citizen: Despite his criminal activities, Genovese became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1936. This status provided him with certain legal protections.

Rise to Power

Genovese's ascent in the world of organized crime was marked by strategic alliances and ruthless decisions. Here are some key moments in his rise to power.

6. Prohibition Era: During Prohibition, Genovese capitalized on the illegal alcohol trade. This period significantly boosted his wealth and influence.

7. Murder of Gaetano Reina: In 1930, Genovese was involved in the murder of Gaetano Reina, a rival mob boss. This act solidified his position within the Mafia.

8. Underboss of Luciano Family: By the mid-1930s, Genovese had risen to the position of underboss in the Luciano crime family, second only to Lucky Luciano himself.

9. Involvement in Narcotics: Genovese expanded his criminal empire by getting involved in the narcotics trade. This move brought in substantial profits but also increased law enforcement scrutiny.

10. Fleeing to Italy: In 1937, facing murder charges, Genovese fled to Italy. He remained there until the end of World War II, continuing his criminal activities from abroad.

Return to the United States

After World War II, Genovese returned to the United States, where he continued to exert his influence over organized crime.

11. Acquitted of Murder: Upon his return, Genovese was acquitted of the murder charges that had forced him to flee. This acquittal allowed him to resume his activities without immediate legal threats.

12. Attempt to Take Over Luciano Family: Genovese made several attempts to take control of the Luciano family. His ambition led to numerous conflicts within the Mafia.

13. The Apalachin Meeting: In 1957, Genovese organized the infamous Apalachin meeting, a gathering of top Mafia leaders. The meeting was raided by law enforcement, leading to numerous arrests.

14. Conviction for Narcotics Trafficking: In 1959, Genovese was convicted of narcotics trafficking. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, marking the beginning of his decline.

15. Continued Influence from Prison: Despite being incarcerated, Genovese continued to wield significant influence over the Mafia. He managed to maintain control over his criminal empire from behind bars.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his criminal activities, Genovese had a personal life filled with drama and intrigue. His legacy continues to be a subject of fascination.

16. Married Twice: Genovese was married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce, while his second marriage lasted until his death.

17. Children: He had three children, who largely stayed out of the public eye and away from his criminal activities.

18. Lavish Lifestyle: Known for his love of luxury, Genovese lived a lavish lifestyle. He owned several properties and was known for his extravagant parties.

19. Death in Prison: Vito Genovese died of a heart attack on February 14, 1969, while serving his sentence at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.

20. Legacy in Popular Culture: Genovese's life has been depicted in various films, books, and TV shows. His story continues to captivate audiences, reflecting the enduring fascination with organized crime.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts about Vito Genovese that add more color to his already intriguing story.

21. Nickname "Don Vito": Genovese was often referred to as "Don Vito," a nod to his powerful status within the Mafia.

22. Involvement in Politics: While in Italy, Genovese reportedly had connections with the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. He used these connections to further his criminal enterprises.

23. Attempted Assassination: Genovese survived several assassination attempts throughout his life. His ability to evade these attempts only added to his reputation.

24. Influence on Mafia Structure: Genovese played a key role in shaping the structure of the American Mafia. His strategies and decisions had long-lasting impacts on organized crime.

25. Feared by Many: Known for his ruthlessness, Genovese was feared by many within the Mafia. His willingness to eliminate rivals made him a formidable figure.

Final Years

The final years of Genovese's life were marked by imprisonment and declining health, but his influence remained strong.

26. Health Issues: While in prison, Genovese suffered from various health issues, including heart problems. These issues eventually led to his death.

27. Continued Leadership: Even in prison, Genovese continued to lead his criminal organization. He communicated with his associates through visitors and letters.

28. Prison Alliances: Genovese formed alliances with other incarcerated mobsters. These alliances helped him maintain his power and influence.

29. Legal Battles: Throughout his life, Genovese faced numerous legal battles. His ability to navigate these challenges showcased his cunning and resourcefulness.

30. Impact on Future Generations: Genovese's actions and decisions had a lasting impact on future generations of mobsters. His legacy influenced the strategies and operations of organized crime groups.

Fun Facts

Finally, let's look at some fun and quirky facts about Vito Genovese that you might not know.

31. Love for Opera: Genovese had a passion for opera music. He often attended performances and even supported some opera singers financially.

32. Art Collector: He was an avid art collector. His collection included several valuable pieces, reflecting his appreciation for fine art.

33. Flamboyant Dress Sense: Known for his flamboyant dress sense, Genovese often wore custom-made suits and expensive accessories.

34. Secret Tunnels: Some of his properties reportedly had secret tunnels and hidden rooms. These features were used for quick escapes and clandestine meetings.

35. Influence on Pop Culture: Genovese's life and actions have inspired numerous characters in pop culture, including the iconic Vito Corleone from "The Godfather" series.

The Legacy of Vito Genovese

Vito Genovese's life was a mix of power, crime, and controversy. His rise to the top of the Mafia world showed his cunning and ambition. From his early days in Italy to his reign in New York, Genovese left a mark on organized crime. His involvement in major criminal activities, including drug trafficking and murder, made him a feared figure. Despite his criminal empire, he faced numerous legal battles and spent his final years in prison. Genovese's story is a reminder of the dark side of ambition and the consequences of a life of crime. His legacy continues to be a topic of fascination and study for those interested in the history of the Mafia. Understanding his life gives insight into the complex world of organized crime and its impact on society.