The Mangione family, long seen as “beloved” royalty in Baltimore, is reeling from the recent arrest of Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Known for their vast wealth, philanthropy and long history in the healthcare industry, the Mangione family's legacy now stands in contrast to the shocking crime allegedly committed by Luigi, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
Luigi's family history is one of immigrant success. His late grandfather, Nick Mangione Sr, often shared his rags to riches story, proudly recounting his rise from humble beginnings. “I didn't have a penny to scrape together when my father died when I was 11, and I still became a millionaire,” Nick had told The Baltimore Sun, recalling his father's struggles as an Italian immigrant and his own determination . 'In what other country can you do that? None that I can think of.”
Nick Mangione's empire spanned a range of industries, from owning local resorts and country clubs to operating nursing homes and even a radio station. He and his wife, Mary, were also philanthropists, donating millions, including more than $1 million, to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, where all 37 of their grandchildren were born. In honor of their contributions, the hospital even named its obstetrics department after the Mangione family.
The Mangione Family Foundation has also made significant donations to institutions such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Loyola University's swimming pools are named after them, and several family members, including six of Nick and Mary's children, attended the local university.
The family's influence also extends into the political sphere, with Nick's grandson, Nino Mangione, serving in the Maryland House of Representatives.
Despite their excellent reputation, the Mangiones were blindsided by Luigi's arrest. The motive is said to stem from Luigi's anger towards the American healthcare system – an industry that his family has greatly supported.
According to reports, Luigi Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Brian Thompson during a sidewalk attack in Midtown, allegedly fueled by his disdain for what he perceived as a “mafioso” of greedy healthcare companies. His uncle, Jerry O'Keefe, told the NY Post: 'It's a shock to all of us. I can't say more. The statement summed it up for all of us. We don't know more than what is reported in the media.”
