John Gotti

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John Gotti

John Joseph Gotti Jr. (October 27, 1940 – June 10, 2002) was an American mobster who became the boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. Gotti and his brothers grew up in poverty and turned to a life of crime at an early age. Gotti quickly rose to prominence within the Gambino family, becoming one of the most powerful and dangerous crime bosses in the United States.

Early Life

John Gotti was born in the Bronx, New York, to John Joseph Gotti Sr. and Philomena "Fannie" DeCarlo. He was the fifth of 13 children in a family of Italian immigrants. The family moved frequently before settling in East New York, Brooklyn, where Gotti became involved in street gangs and petty crime.

Criminal Career

Gotti's criminal career began with small-time thefts and hijackings. He became a protégé of Aniello Dellacroce, the underboss of the Gambino family. Gotti's first major crime was the 1973 murder of James McBratney, a rival gang member. This act earned him a reputation within the Gambino family.

Rise to Power

In 1985, Gotti orchestrated the murder of then-Gambino boss Paul Castellano, which allowed him to take control of the family. Gotti's flamboyant style and outspoken personality made him a media sensation, earning him the nickname "The Teflon Don" because charges against him often failed to stick.

Legal Troubles

Despite his efforts to avoid prosecution, Gotti was eventually convicted of numerous crimes, including murder, racketeering, and tax evasion. In 1992, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gotti was incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Marion, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Personal Life

Gotti married Victoria DiGiorgio in 1962, and the couple had five children: Angela, Victoria, John A. "Junior" Gotti, Frank, and Peter. His son, John A. Gotti, also became involved in the Gambino family but later claimed to have left the life of crime.

Death

John Gotti died of throat cancer on June 10, 2002, at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri. He was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Queens.

Legacy

Gotti's life and criminal career have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. His rise to power and subsequent downfall remain a significant chapter in the history of organized crime in the United States.

Related Pages

• Gambino crime family
• Paul Castellano
• Aniello Dellacroce
• John A. Gotti
• Organized crime
• Racketeering