Lauretta Giegerman, though rarely in the limelight, led a life of quiet complexity and extraordinary personal significance. As the wife of infamous mob boss Frank Costello, her life became intricately tied to the underworld. Yet, Lauretta remained a largely private figure, distant from the sensationalism that surrounded her husband’s rise to power. In this article, we explore the life of Lauretta Giegerman, the woman behind the notorious name, and uncover the various facets of her existence, from her early years to her legacy after her death.
Early Life and Family Background
Lauretta Giegerman was born on October 28, 1894, in Manhattan, New York City. Her birth name was Loretta B. Geigerman, and she came from a Jewish family of German descent. Growing up in early 20th-century New York, a city rich in diversity and culture, Lauretta was shaped by the immigrant experience. Her parents, Jacob H. Geigerman and Cecelia Josephs, had emigrated from Europe, bringing with them the hopes and struggles that defined the immigrant experience in America.
Though much about Lauretta’s early life remains private, historical records suggest that she spent her childhood in the bustling neighborhoods of Manhattan, which was then teeming with newly arrived immigrants. It was in this environment that she developed a sense of identity tied to both her Jewish heritage and the emerging American culture. With the rise of industrialization and the growth of New York as a cultural hub, Lauretta was positioned to experience the vibrancy of urban life during a transformative era.
Career as a Showgirl
Before her marriage to Frank Costello, Lauretta Giegerman led a fascinating life on stage. During the early 1910s and 1920s, she performed as a showgirl in New York’s vibrant entertainment scene. It was an era that saw the rise of vaudeville, musical revues, and cabarets, and Lauretta was part of this flourishing world of theatrical performance. Under the stage name of “Bobbie”, Lauretta made a name for herself in New York’s theater district.
Her time as a showgirl likely shaped her character, teaching her the arts of performance, charm, and poise, all of which would serve her well later in life, particularly in her role as the wife of one of New York’s most feared mob bosses. In these formative years, Lauretta’s career as “Bobbie” might have been her greatest outlet for self-expression, where she enjoyed the glamour and excitement of stage life.
Meeting Frank Costello and Marriage
In the late 1910s, Lauretta’s life would take a drastic turn when she met Frank Costello. The details surrounding their first meeting remain unclear, but sources suggest they met through mutual friends or social connections. Frank Costello, who would later rise to power as the underboss of the Genovese crime family, was already involved in organized crime by the time he crossed paths with Lauretta. While some narratives suggest they were introduced through family connections, others indicate that Lauretta and Frank’s connection may have been based on social or business ties in the world of New York’s elite.
In 1918, Lauretta and Frank Costello married, beginning a partnership that would last over fifty years. Frank, born into an Italian immigrant family, was a notorious figure in organized crime, his influence growing steadily throughout the years. Lauretta, on the other hand, became a steadfast and silent figure in the background, rarely seen in public but always by Frank’s side.
Their marriage, though not widely documented in the media, was one based on mutual respect and enduring affection. Lauretta was known to be fiercely loyal to Frank, and her quiet presence in his life was a constant amid the chaos of the criminal world. Their union was a juxtaposition of glamour and danger, with Lauretta embodying the quiet strength of a woman supporting a husband embroiled in the underworld.
Life in the Shadow of Organized Crime
Throughout her marriage, Lauretta lived in the shadow of Frank’s criminal empire. Frank Costello’s rise to power within the Genovese crime family was marked by his control over illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and extortion. However, Lauretta was not publicly involved in these illicit dealings, and she remained largely out of the public eye.
Their life together was one of contrast: while Frank navigated the violent and dangerous world of organized crime, Lauretta’s role was to provide the stability and support of a traditional wife. She kept their home on Central Park West, a comfortable, private retreat, where Frank could escape from the demands of his criminal enterprises. Their residence was known for its quiet elegance, reflecting the understated style that Lauretta preferred, away from the flashiness of mob life.
While Frank was often seen socializing with other crime figures and making deals with politicians, Lauretta maintained a low profile. She was rarely photographed, and there are very few public accounts of her personal life. This privacy, however, was deliberate. Lauretta was protective of her family and her relationship with Frank, refusing to let outsiders into the most intimate corners of their lives.
The Costello Household
The Costello household was a sanctuary for Lauretta and Frank. They maintained a seven-room apartment on Central Park West, which was described by some as modest compared to other mafia bosses’ lavish homes. Despite the wealth Frank accumulated from his criminal activities, Lauretta chose to live in a home that was not ostentatious, but rather practical and serene. Their private life was one that centered around family, love, and quiet comfort.
During the warmer months, the couple also spent time at their summer home in Sands Point, New York, where they could enjoy the peace of the countryside away from the pressures of city life. It was in these spaces that Lauretta could embrace a more personal and intimate side of her relationship with Frank.
Though Frank was a mob boss feared by many, he was also a devoted husband who loved Lauretta deeply. He would later credit her support as a significant factor in his ability to navigate the dangerous world of organized crime. Lauretta’s calm and composed demeanor provided the stability Frank needed, and her loyalty remained unwavering, even as his world became increasingly perilous.
The 1957 Shooting Incident
One of the most dramatic moments in Lauretta’s life occurred on May 3, 1957, when Frank Costello was shot in the head outside their apartment building. The assailant was Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, who attempted to kill Frank in what was believed to be an effort to take over the Genovese crime family. The bullet, however, did not kill Frank but instead grazed his skull.
Lauretta’s role during this time was one of quiet support. While Frank recovered, she maintained her position as a private figure, offering him the comfort he needed during his period of recuperation. Despite the danger of Frank’s position in the mob, Lauretta continued to be a steady presence in his life, providing him with emotional and psychological support.
The shooting incident also marked the beginning of a more public life for the Costello family, as media outlets began to take a keen interest in Frank’s activities. However, Lauretta still chose to remain out of the media spotlight, protecting her family’s privacy while navigating the dangers of her husband’s criminal world.
Later Years and Frank Costello’s Death
Frank Costello’s health declined over the years, and in 1973, he passed away from a heart attack. Lauretta, who had spent decades by his side, continued to live in the same quiet, private manner that had characterized their life together. Following Frank’s death, Lauretta largely disappeared from the public eye. There are few records or interviews that document her life after 1973.
Her choice to remain out of the spotlight in the years following Frank’s death was in line with the way she had lived her life—private, reserved, and far removed from the sensationalism that often surrounded the Costello name.
Legacy of Lauretta Giegerman
Lauretta Giegerman’s legacy is one of quiet dignity and steadfast loyalty. While she never sought fame or public attention, her life is a testament to the strength and complexity of women who lived in the shadows of powerful men. Lauretta’s role in Frank Costello’s life was critical, as she provided the emotional and personal support he needed to rise to power. Her legacy, though not widely known, is felt through the enduring influence of her partnership with Frank Costello, and through the privacy and grace with which she lived her life.
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Conclusion
Lauretta Giegerman’s life, though largely spent out of the public eye, is a profound testament to loyalty, resilience, and the complexity of living in the shadows of a notorious figure. As the wife of Frank Costello, one of the most powerful mob bosses in American history, Lauretta navigated the challenges of being associated with organized crime while maintaining a life rooted in privacy and dignity. Her story challenges the typical narratives surrounding the wives of notorious criminals, showing that strength often comes in quiet forms.
Though not driven by fame or public attention, Lauretta’s legacy is shaped by her steadfast devotion to her family, her calm presence during turbulent times, and her ability to maintain a sense of normalcy in a world that thrived on chaos. Her life remains a powerful example of the often-overlooked role women played in the complex web of 20th-century organized crime, and her story continues to intrigue and inspire those who seek to understand the human side of the most infamous figures in history.
