38 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. His early years set the stage for his rise in the Mafia world.

1. Born on November 27, 1897, in Risigliano, Italy, Vito Genovese emigrated to the United States in 1913.
2. Genovese's family settled in New York City, specifically in the Little Italy neighborhood, where many Italian immigrants lived.
3. He dropped out of school at a young age, opting to work and support his family instead.
4. Genovese quickly became involved in criminal activities, starting with petty crimes and gradually moving up the ranks.

Rise to Power

Vito Genovese's ascent in the Mafia world was marked by strategic alliances and ruthless actions. His rise to power is a tale of ambition and cunning.

5. He became an associate of Lucky Luciano, one of the most influential mobsters of the time.
6. Genovese played a key role in the Castellammarese War, a bloody power struggle between rival Mafia factions in New York.
7. In 1931, he helped Luciano establish the Commission, a governing body for organized crime in the United States.
8. Genovese was appointed underboss of the Luciano crime family, solidifying his position in the Mafia hierarchy.

Criminal Activities

Vito Genovese was involved in numerous illegal enterprises, from drug trafficking to extortion. His criminal activities were vast and varied.

9. He was heavily involved in narcotics trafficking, establishing connections with international drug cartels.
10. Genovese orchestrated numerous murders, including the infamous hit on Ferdinand Boccia in 1934.
11. He engaged in extortion and loan sharking, exploiting businesses and individuals for financial gain.
12. Genovese also dabbled in gambling operations, running illegal casinos and betting rings.

Legal Troubles and Exile

Despite his power, Vito Genovese faced significant legal challenges. His troubles with the law led to a period of exile in Italy.

13. In 1937, he fled to Italy to avoid prosecution for murder charges in the United States.
14. While in Italy, he became close to Benito Mussolini, leveraging this relationship to continue his criminal activities.
15. Genovese was involved in black market operations during World War II, profiting from the chaos of the war.
16. He was eventually extradited back to the United States in 1945 to face trial for murder.

Return to Power

After his return to the United States, Vito Genovese worked tirelessly to regain his influence in the Mafia. His return to power was marked by strategic moves and brutal tactics.

17. He was acquitted of murder charges in 1946, allowing him to resume his criminal activities.
18. Genovese orchestrated the murder of Frank Costello, the then-boss of the Luciano family, in 1957.
19. He renamed the Luciano family to the Genovese family, marking his complete takeover.
20. Genovese expanded his influence, establishing connections with other crime families across the country.

Downfall and Imprisonment

Despite his efforts to maintain power, Vito Genovese's reign eventually came to an end. His downfall was a result of both legal actions and internal betrayal.

21. In 1959, he was convicted of drug trafficking, a charge that would lead to his imprisonment.
22. Genovese was sentenced to 15 years in prison, marking the end of his active involvement in the Mafia.
23. He continued to exert influence from behind bars, maintaining control over the Genovese family through intermediaries.
24. Genovese's health deteriorated in prison, leading to his eventual death.

Legacy and Impact

Vito Genovese's legacy in the world of organized crime is undeniable. His actions and influence left a lasting impact on the Mafia and beyond.

25. He is considered one of the most powerful mob bosses in American history.
26. Genovese's establishment of the Commission helped shape the structure of organized crime in the United States.
27. His involvement in drug trafficking set a precedent for future Mafia operations.
28. Genovese's ruthless tactics became a model for other mobsters seeking power.

Personal Life

Beyond his criminal activities, Vito Genovese had a personal life filled with drama and intrigue. His relationships and lifestyle were as complex as his criminal endeavors.

29. He was married twice, first to Donata Ragone and later to Anna Petillo.
30. Genovese had five children, balancing his family life with his criminal activities.
31. He lived a lavish lifestyle, often flaunting his wealth and power.
32. Genovese's personal relationships were tumultuous, marked by infidelity and betrayal.

Death and Aftermath

Vito Genovese's death marked the end of an era in the Mafia world. The aftermath of his death had significant implications for the Genovese family and organized crime.

33. He died on February 14, 1969, in a federal prison in Missouri.
34. Genovese's death led to a power struggle within the Genovese family, as various factions vied for control.
35. His influence continued to be felt long after his death, with many of his policies and practices remaining in place.
36. The Genovese family remains one of the most powerful Mafia families in the United States, a testament to his enduring legacy.
37. Genovese's life has been the subject of numerous books and films, highlighting his impact on popular culture.
38. His story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers and consequences of a life of crime.

Final Glimpse into Vito Genovese

Vito Genovese's life was a whirlwind of power, crime, and influence. From his rise in the Mafia to his eventual downfall, his story is both captivating and cautionary. Genovese's impact on organized crime in America can't be overstated. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Mafia's structure and operations.

Despite his criminal activities, Genovese's life offers valuable insights into the complexities of power and ambition. His legacy, though tarnished by illegal deeds, remains a significant chapter in the history of organized crime. Understanding his life helps us grasp the broader context of the Mafia's influence in the 20th century.

Genovese's story is a reminder of the thin line between power and corruption. It serves as a testament to the far-reaching consequences of one's actions, both for themselves and society.