Vincent R. Impellitteri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincent R. Impellitteri
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Impelliteri in 1951
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| 101st Mayor of New York City | |
| In office November 14, 1950 – December 31, 1953 Acting: August 31, 1950 – November 14, 1950 |
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| Preceded by | William O'Dwyer |
| Succeeded by | Robert F. Wagner, Jr. |
| President of the New York City Council | |
| In office January 1, 1946 – August 31, 1950 |
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| Preceded by | Newbold Morris |
| Succeeded by | Joseph T. Sharkey (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Vincenzo Impellitteri
February 4, 1900 Isnello, Sicily, Kingdom of Italy |
| Died | January 29, 1987 (aged 86) Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Saint Peter Catholic Cemetery, Derby, Connecticut |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Agnes McLaughlin
(m. 1926; died 1967) |
| Education | Fordham University (LL.B.) |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 (active) |
| Rank | Petty officer third class |
| Unit | USS Stockton |
| Battles/wars | World War I
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Vincent Richard Impellitteri (born Vincenzo Impellitteri; February 4, 1900 – January 29, 1987) was an American politician and judge. He served as the 101st Mayor of New York City from 1950 to 1953.
He was first elected as a Democrat to the position of President of the City Council in 1945. When Mayor William O'Dwyer resigned in 1950, Impellitteri became the acting mayor. He then ran for mayor on a new ticket called the "Experience Party" and won. After his term, he became a judge.
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Early Life and Education
Vincent Impellitteri was born Vincenzo Impellitteri in Isnello, Sicily, in 1900. When he was a baby, his family moved to the United States in 1901. They settled in Ansonia, Connecticut, where he grew up. He was a Catholic.
During World War I, he joined the United States Navy. He worked as a radioman on the destroyer USS Stockton. This ship helped protect other ships from enemy submarines. After the war, he left the Navy and became a U.S. citizen in 1922.
Impellitteri then studied law at Fordham University School of Law. He earned his law degree in 1924. While studying, he worked at a Broadway hotel. In 1926, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Agnes McLaughlin.
Start of His Public Career
After becoming a lawyer, Vincent Impellitteri worked in private law practice. He then served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1929 to 1938. This role meant he helped the government in legal cases.
He later worked as a legal secretary for judges in the New York Supreme Court. Impellitteri was known for opposing corruption. He did not want to be involved with organized crime.
In 1945, Mayor William O'Dwyer chose Impellitteri to run for President of the City Council. He won this election. He was reelected in 1949.
Some historians say that Impellitteri was chosen for his first elected role by political leaders. They needed an Italian American from Manhattan to balance their team. They thought he would be easy to work with.
Becoming Mayor of New York City
On August 31, 1950, Mayor O'Dwyer resigned. He was appointed as an ambassador to Mexico. According to the city rules, City Council President Impellitteri became the acting mayor.
The main political party did not want Impellitteri to be the official candidate for mayor. They chose Judge Ferdinand Pecora instead. But Impellitteri decided to run on his own. He created a new political group called the "Experience Party." His campaign slogan was "unbought and unbossed." This meant he would not be controlled by political bosses.
Impellitteri won the special election in November 1950. He was the first mayor of New York City since 1898 to be elected without a major party's support. His victory showed that many people wanted a change from the usual political system.
The election results were:
- Vincent Impellitteri (Experience Party) 1,161,175 votes
- Ferdinand Pecora (Democratic/Liberal) 935,351 votes
- Edward Corsi (Republican) 382,372 votes
- Paul L. Ross (American Labor) 147,578 votes
Impellitteri's inauguration took place on November 14, 1950. It was a simple ceremony outside City Hall. He promised to do his best for the city.
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As mayor, Impellitteri worked to control the city's budget. He increased the bus and subway fare to fifteen cents. He also added parking meters on city streets to bring in more money. He raised the sales tax too.
He strongly supported efforts to fight corruption in the city. He fired anyone in his administration who was linked to the previous mayor's issues.
Impellitteri ran for a full term as mayor in 1953. However, he lost the Democratic primary election. Robert F. Wagner, Jr. won the nomination and became the next mayor.
Later Career and Retirement
After his time as mayor, Impellitteri was appointed as a New York City Criminal Court judge by Mayor Wagner. He served as a judge until he retired in 1965.
After his wife passed away in 1967, he lived at the New York Athletic Club. In 1983, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He then lived mostly in special care homes.
Death and Burial
Vincent Impellitteri passed away from Parkinson's disease on January 29, 1987. He died at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was buried at Mount Saint Peter Catholic Cemetery in Derby, Connecticut.
See also
- List of mayors of New York City
- List of members of the American Legion
