Vito Andolini was born in Corleone, Sicily on December 7, 1891. In 1901, the local mafia chieftain, Don Ciccio, after murdering Vito's father and brother also attempts to kill Vito who is smuggled on a ship bound for New York. Due to an error at Ellis Island he became Vito Corleone.

In 1920, Vito becomes acquainted with Peter Clemenza and Salvatore Tessio, who teach him how to survive by selling stolen dresses and performing various favors in exchange for loyalty.

By the early 1930s, Vito had organized his criminal operations as the Corleone crime family He married Carmela and had three sons, Santino, Fredo and Michael. He also adopts an orphan who had befriended his eldest son Santino, Tom Hagan.

Virgil Sollozzo, a heroin trafficker, asks Vito to invest in his operation. Sollozzo is backed by the rival Tattaglia family. Vito refused and Sollozzo, aka "The Turk" decides to murder Vito and try his luck dealing with Santino.

Around Christmas, as Vito attempts to buy some oranges from a vendor, Sollozzo's hitmen come at him with guns drawn. Vito attempts to flee, but is shot five times. Miraculously he survives and watches as his son Michael takes over and control "the family".

More Info: en.wikipedia.org