Frank Costello Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia, began his organized crime career in the early 20th century, working his way up from a low-level enforcer in New York City’s Five Points neighborhood. He started by running errands and delivering messages for local gangsters, eventually earning a reputation for his sharp wit and ruthless efficiency.
Costello’s big break came in the 1920s when he aligned himself with the powerful Maranzano crime family. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the family’s most trusted lieutenants. His rise to fame was solidified when he played a crucial role in the Castellammarese War, a brutal power struggle that ended with Costello’s mentor, Lucky Luciano, emerging as the new boss of bosses.
Frank Costello’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Frank Costello’s current net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to the latest available information. This figure is a reflection of his successful career and various business ventures.
Career
Frank Costello, born in 1891, was an American mobster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. He was a key figure in the criminal underworld, known for his involvement in bootlegging, gambling, and other illegal activities. Costello’s influence extended to high-ranking politicians and law enforcement officials, earning him the nickname “The Prime Minister of the Underworld.”
Other Ventures
Despite his notorious reputation, Costello also had legitimate business interests. He owned several legal establishments, including restaurants and nightclubs, which served as fronts for his illegal activities. Costello was also known for his philanthropy, contributing to various charities and community causes, further cementing his reputation as a powerful and influential figure in both the criminal and legitimate worlds.
Assets
Costello’s assets included properties in New York City, including his famous residence at 208 West 96th Street, which he purchased in 1936. He also owned several businesses, including the famous “Shubert Alley” theater district in Manhattan. Costello was known for his lavish lifestyle, often seen wearing expensive suits and accessories, and driving high-end cars.
Annual Income
At the height of his career, Costello’s annual income was estimated to be in the millions of dollars. However, due to the illegal nature of his activities, his earnings were not officially reported. It’s estimated that his peak earnings were around $50 million annually, adjusted for inflation, which would be equivalent to approximately $600 million today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frank Costello
**Frank Costello Net Worth FAQs**
1. What is Frank Costello’s net worth?
Frank Costello’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
2. How did Frank Costello make his money?
Frank Costello made his fortune through organized crime activities, particularly gambling and bootlegging during Prohibition. He was also involved in labor racketeering and had interests in legitimate businesses like horse racing and real estate.
3. Was Frank Costello the real-life model for Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather?
While there are similarities between Frank Costello and Vito Corleone, it is not confirmed that Costello was the sole inspiration for the character. The Godfather’s author, Mario Puzo, and director, Francis Ford Coppola, have both mentioned that Costello was one of several mob bosses who inspired the character.
4. What were Frank Costello’s criminal activities?
Costello was involved in various criminal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, labor racketeering, and extortion. He was also suspected of involvement in several murders, although he was never convicted for any of these crimes.
5. How long was Frank Costello in prison?
Costello spent a total of 18 months in prison, despite his extensive criminal career. He was imprisoned for contempt of Congress in 1940 and later served time for tax evasion in the 1950s.
6. What was Frank Costello’s role in the National Crime Syndicate?
Costello was a prominent member of the National Crime Syndicate, a loose confederation of American and Italian-American mobsters. He served as the syndicate’s chairman and was involved in negotiating peace treaties and resolving disputes among different crime families.
7. How did Frank Costello die?
Costello died of a heart attack on February 18, 1973, at the age of 82. He was living in retirement in Florida at the time of his death.
8. Was Frank Costello a made man?
Yes, Costello was a made man, or a full member, of the Genovese crime family (formerly known as the Luciano crime family). He was initiated into the family in the 1920s by Charles “Lucky” Luciano.
9. What was Frank Costello’s role in the assassination of Tommy Lucchese?
Costello was suspected of ordering the assassination of Tommy Lucchese, the boss of the Lucchese crime family, in 1967. However, there is no concrete evidence to confirm Costello’s involvement in the murder.
10. How did Frank Costello influence the American Mafia?
Costello played a significant role in shaping the American Mafia during the mid-20th century. He helped establish the National Crime Syndicate, which brought together different crime families and facilitated cooperation among them. Costello was also known for his political influence and his ability to maintain peace and stability within the criminal underworld.
