October Mob Calendar of Events
October is one of the richest months in mob history. Al Capone’s conviction, the barbershop murder of Albert Anastasia, Dutch Schultz’s delirious last words, the death of Carlo Gambino and the birthday of John Gotti — October delivered some of the defining moments of the American Mafia. Click any date below to read the full account.
Key dates this month: October 15 — Carlo Gambino dies | October 17 — Al Capone convicted | October 24 — Dutch Schultz dies | October 25 — Albert Anastasia murdered | October 27 — John Gotti born
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October in Mob History — Key Events
October 17, 1931 marked the end of Al Capone’s reign. Convicted of tax evasion — not the bootlegging, murder or extortion that had made him famous — Capone was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. It was a landmark moment: the government had found a way to bring down the most powerful criminal in America when all else had failed. He was sent to Atlanta and then Alcatraz, emerging broken by syphilis in 1939. He never returned to power.
October 24-25, 1935 delivered one of the most dramatic 48-hour periods in mob history. Dutch Schultz was shot on the 23rd at the Palace Chophouse in Newark, lingered through the night delivering his legendary delirious monologue to a police stenographer, and died on October 24. The very next day — October 25, 1957 — Albert Anastasia was shot dead in his barbershop in one of the most brazen mob murders in New York history.
October 15, 1976 saw the quiet death of Carlo Gambino — the most powerful mob boss in America — of a heart attack at home. He had outlasted every rival, avoided prison and died peacefully, surrounded by family. Twelve days later, on October 27, John Gotti — the man who would eventually take over the Gambino family — turned 36. Two very different men, defined by very different approaches to power.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al Capone convicted?
Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion on October 17, 1931, and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. The conviction ended his reign as the most powerful gangster in America. He served time at Alcatraz before being released in 1939 due to deteriorating health.
When was Albert Anastasia killed?
Albert Anastasia was shot dead on October 25, 1957, in the barber’s chair of the Park Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan. Two gunmen shot him multiple times. The murder was organised by Vito Genovese and Carlo Gambino.
When did Dutch Schultz die?
Dutch Schultz died on October 24, 1935, after being shot the previous evening at the Palace Chophouse in Newark. He lingered for 22 hours delivering delirious last words recorded by a police stenographer. His murder was ordered by the Commission.
When was John Gotti born?
John Gotti was born on October 27, 1940, in the South Bronx, New York. He became boss of the Gambino family after orchestrating the murder of Paul Castellano in 1985. He was convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992 and died in prison in 2002.
When did Carlo Gambino die?
Carlo Gambino died on October 15, 1976, of a heart attack at his Long Island home aged 74. He had led the Gambino crime family since 1957 and died of natural causes — one of the very few major mob bosses of his era to do so.
Further Reading — Mob History
Want to go deeper into the stories behind these dates? These are the essential books on organised crime history.
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