Frank “The Prime Minister” Costello

Frank Costello / The Prime Minister
Frank Costello / The Prime Minister

Frank “The Prime Minister” Costello was the smooth-talking diplomat of the mob world, born in Italy in 1891 and raised in New York’s tough streets. This guy was the brains behind the operation, wielding power not through brute force but through political connections and sheer cunning. Costello ran the Luciano crime family, later known as the Genovese family, and turned it into a powerhouse by focusing on gambling and legitimate businesses. He was the mob’s go-to guy for dealing with politicians and keeping things running smoothly. Despite multiple brushes with the law, he managed to stay out of prison for the most part, earning his nickname for his ability to navigate the legal and political landscapes. His luck changed in 1957 when he survived an assassination attempt but decided to step down, paving the way for Vito Genovese. Frank Costello died of natural causes in 1973, leaving behind a legacy as the mobster who made organized crime a sophisticated business.

Click the links below to see where he is buried.

FIND A GRAVE –  Frank Costello