John Gotti, an infamous figure in American organized crime, was the boss of the Gambino crime family, one of the most powerful Mafia families in the United States. His life was marked by a series of criminal activities, high-profile trials, and a notorious reputation that earned him the monikers “The Teflon Don” and “The Dapper Don.” At the peak of his criminal empire, Gotti’s net worth was estimated to be around $30 million, a figure that reflects both his illicit earnings and the lifestyle he maintained.
Born on October 27, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, Gotti grew up in a large family that struggled with poverty. His father worked sporadically as a day laborer, and Gotti’s early life was characterized by a lack of stability and education. He dropped out of school at 16 and quickly became involved in street gangs, which set the stage for his future in organized crime. By the time he was a teenager, Gotti was already running errands for members of the Gambino family and participating in criminal activities such as truck hijackings.
Gotti’s rise to power within the Gambino family was marked by a series of strategic moves and violent actions. After the death of Carlo Gambino in 1976, Gotti became a made man and was promoted to capo of the Bergin crew. His crew was known for its profitability, and Gotti’s leadership style was characterized by a mix of charisma and brutality. He orchestrated the murder of Paul Castellano, the boss of the Gambino family, in 1985, which allowed him to take control of the family.
Wealth and Earnings
The Gambino crime family was involved in a variety of illegal activities, including loan sharking, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. According to estimates, the family’s annual turnover was around $500 million. Gotti himself was reported to earn between $5 million and $20 million per year during his reign as boss. His wealth was not only a result of his criminal activities but also his ability to evade law enforcement for many years, earning him the nickname “The Teflon Don” because charges against him seemed to slide off without consequence.
However, Gotti’s luck eventually ran out. In 1992, he was convicted of multiple federal offenses, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, and tax evasion. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, marking the end of his reign as one of the most powerful mobsters in America.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
John Gotti was born into a large Italian-American family, the fifth of thirteen children. His upbringing in the Bronx was marked by poverty, and he quickly fell into a life of crime. By the age of 12, he was involved with street gangs, and his criminal activities escalated from there. Gotti’s early encounters with the law included arrests for hijacking and theft, which ultimately led to his imprisonment in the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary.
After his release in 1972, Gotti resumed his criminal activities and quickly rose through the ranks of the Gambino family. His close relationship with Aniello “Neil” Dellacroce, the family’s underboss, helped him gain influence and power within the organization. Gotti’s involvement in high-profile crimes, such as the Lufthansa Heist in 1978, further solidified his reputation as a formidable figure in organized crime.
Leadership of the Gambino Family
Gotti’s ascension to the position of boss of the Gambino family was marked by violence and betrayal. After orchestrating the murder of Castellano, Gotti took control of the family and became known for his flamboyant lifestyle and public persona. He was often seen in expensive suits and was unafraid to flaunt his wealth, which drew significant media attention.
Despite his initial success, Gotti’s leadership was fraught with challenges. His insistence on holding regular meetings at the Ravenite Social Club ultimately led to his downfall, as the FBI was able to bug the premises and gather incriminating evidence against him. In 1991, his underboss, Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, turned state’s evidence against him, providing crucial testimony that led to Gotti’s conviction.
Personal Life and Death
Gotti married Victoria DiGiorgio in 1962, and the couple had five children together. Despite his criminal lifestyle, Gotti attempted to keep his family life separate from his activities in organized crime. However, his children have since gained notoriety through reality television shows, further perpetuating the Gotti legacy in popular culture.
John Gotti’s life came to an end on June 10, 2002, when he died of throat cancer while serving his sentence at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri. His death marked the end of an era in organized crime, and his legacy continues to be a subject of fascination in American culture.
FAQs
What was John Gotti’s net worth at the time of his peak?
John Gotti’s net worth was estimated to be around $30 million at the peak of his criminal empire.
How did John Gotti earn his wealth?
Gotti earned his wealth through various illegal activities, including loan sharking, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking, as well as through his leadership of the Gambino crime family.
What were some of John Gotti’s notable crimes?
Some of Gotti’s notable crimes include orchestrating the murder of Paul Castellano, involvement in the Lufthansa Heist, and multiple charges of racketeering, conspiracy, and murder.
What happened to John Gotti’s family after his death?
After Gotti’s death, his family members, particularly his children, gained fame through reality television shows, which kept the Gotti name in the public eye.
When did John Gotti die?
John Gotti died on June 10, 2002, from throat cancer while serving a life sentence in prison.