Tommy Lucchese
Italian-American mob boss of the Lucchese crime family.
Thomas Gaetano Lucchese, born Gaetano Lucchese on December 1, 1899, in Palermo, Sicily, was an Italian-American gangster who became a key figure in the Mafia in the United States for more than thirty years. Nicknamed 'Tommy Three-Finger Brown', he served as the boss of the Lucchese crime family, one of the Five organized crime families in New York City, from 1951 until his death in 1967.
- born
- December 1, 1899, Palermo, Sicily
- died
- July 13, 1967
- field
- Organized crime
- nationality
- Italian-American
- known_for
- Boss of the Lucchese crime family (1951–1967)
Lore & Background
Gaetano Lucchese emigrated to the United States in early 1911 with his family, settling in Manhattan's East Harlem. After an industrial accident in 1915 amputated his right thumb and forefinger, he became more involved with the 107th Street gang, which operated under the protection of boss Gaetano Reina. By the early 1920s, Lucchese had allied with Charlie 'Lucky' Luciano and became a top member of Reina's crime family. His first arrest was in 1920 for auto theft, leading to a conviction and thirteen months in Sing Sing; it was his only conviction. During the Castellammarese War, Lucchese alerted Luciano that Salvatore Maranzano planned to kill him, and on September 10, 1931, Maranzano was murdered by hitmen. Afterward, Luciano created The Commission, and Tommy Gagliano headed one of the five families, with Lucchese as his underboss.
Reader's Guide
Tommy Lucchese's significance lies in his long tenure as a Mafia leader and his role in shaping the modern structure of organized crime in New York City. As underboss to Tommy Gagliano from the early 1930s, he served as the family's public face and formed alliances with Louis Buchalter, controlling unions in the garment district and dominating trucking, construction, and food industry unions. He made millions through knockdown loans to garment manufacturers and had ownership interests in garment shops. After Gagliano's death in 1951, Lucchese became boss, renaming the family the Lucchese crime family. He formed an alliance with Vito Genovese and Carlo Gambino to gain control of the Commission. His political connections helped him become a naturalized citizen in 1943 and obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct. Lucchese's legacy includes his role in the Castellammarese War and his influence on post-war Cosa Nostra, though he was only arrested six times and never served a lengthy prison sentence.
Did You Know?
- Lucchese's nickname 'Three Finger Brown' is widely believed to have been coined by other gangsters or associates, though the exact origin is disputed; some sources suggest it may have been inspired by baseball pitcher Mo
- He was arrested only once in his criminal career, for auto theft in 1920, which resulted in his sole conviction and thirteen months in Sing Sing.
- Lucchese's daughter Frances married Tommy Gambino, son of Gambino crime family boss Carlo Gambino, forming a strong bond between the two families.
- He alerted Charlie Luciano that Salvatore Maranzano planned to kill him, leading to Maranzano's murder on September 10, 1931.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tommy Lucchese?
Thomas Gaetano Lucchese was an Italian-American mob figure born in Palermo, Sicily, in 1899, who went on to lead one of New York City's five major organized crime families for over a decade.
What was Tommy Lucchese's nickname and where did it come from?
He was widely known as 'Tommy Three-Finger Brown,' a colorful moniker that followed him throughout his long career in organized crime.
What role did Tommy Lucchese hold in the Mafia?
He served as the boss of the Lucchese crime family, one of the five principal organized crime syndicates based in New York City, a position he occupied from 1951 until his death.
How long did Tommy Lucchese lead his crime family?
He held the top position for roughly sixteen years, spanning 1951 to 1967, which made him one of the longer-tenured bosses in New York's organized crime landscape.
When and where did Tommy Lucchese die?
He passed away on July 13, 1967, bringing to a close a career in American organized crime that stretched back more than thirty years.
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