Who Was Lauretta Giegerman? the Secret Woman Behind Mob Kingpin Frank Costello
By Chloe Bennett
The contrast between Lauretta Giegerman and other prominent mafia wives of the era became most striking during the 1951 Kefauver Senate hearings. Millions of television viewers tuned in to watch federal prosecutors grill organized crime figures. Costello famously refused to allow his face to be televised, leaving cameras trained exclusively on his twitching, nervous hands. While the proceedings ruined his political clout, Giegerman never broke under subpoena threats or media harassment.
Six years later, the ultimate test arrived. On May 2, 1957, Vito Genovese ordered a hit on Costello. As Costello entered the lobby of The Majestic, Vincent Gigante stepped forward, shouted, "This is for you, Frank!" and fired a bullet into Costello's head. The shot merely grazed Costello’s scalp, but the bloodied kingpin staggered into the building’s entryway while doormen screamed. Upstairs, Giegerman faced the violent reality she had spent forty years deliberately tuning out.
| Historical Figure | Marital Dynamic | Public & Legal Footprint | Historical Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauretta Giegerman | Protective, quiet, insular partnership (1914, 1973) | Total refusal to cooperate with press; zero public court testimony | Maintained estate assets; lived privately following Costello's peaceful death |
| Anna Genovese | Combative, public, openly rebellious (1932, 1953) | Sued for separation; testified about syndicate earnings and hidden vaults | Severely weakened Vito’s domestic standing; lived under constant mafia threat |
| Mae Coughlin (Capone) | Devout, traditional, family-focused (1918, 1947) | Avoided criminal queries; guarded Al Capone through neurosyphilis decline | Retreated to Florida; forced family to burn Capone's private records |
Costello survived the assassination attempt and recognized the writing on the wall. To spare his life and protect Giegerman from protracted gang warfare, he ceded operational control of the family to Vito Genovese. It was a calculated retreat. By stepping down as active boss, Costello preserved his wealth, stayed out of federal prison graves, and ensured Lauretta could live out her remaining years unburdened by street retaliation.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
