Table of Contents
John Gotti, the notorious American gangster and boss of the Gambino crime family, who earned the nickname “The Teflon Don,” rose to power, orchestrated a major mob murder, and eventually faced a downfall. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing story of John Gotti, from his rise to notoriety to his ultimate fate. Let’s begin our journey with the burning question: Where is John Gotti now?
Introduction
John Gotti, also known as “The Teflon Don,” was a formidable figure in the world of organized crime. His life was filled with intrigue, crime, and power, making him a captivating character to study. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of his life, highlighting key events, and answering the question of where John Gotti is now.
| Name | John Joseph Gotti Jr. |
| Born | October 27, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 10, 2002 (aged 61) |
| Place of Death | MCFP Springfield, Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Resting Place | St. John Cemetery, Queens, New York City |
| Other Names | The Teflon Don, The Dapper Don, Johnny Boy, Crazy Horse |
| Occupation | Crime boss |
| Predecessor | Paul Castellano |
| Successor | Peter Gotti |
| Spouse | Victoria DiGiorgio (married in 1962) |
| Children | 5, including John A. Gotti and Victoria Gotti |
The Rise of a Crime Boss
John Joseph Gotti Jr. came from humble beginnings, growing up in poverty. Together with his brothers, he ventured into a life of crime at an early age. However, his criminal journey took a different turn when he became associated with the Gambino crime family, mentored by Aniello Dellacroce, the Gambino underboss. This marked the beginning of his ascent to power.
The Teflon Don
Gotti earned his infamous nickname “The Teflon Don” due to his remarkable ability to evade convictions in court. Despite being charged with various crimes, he repeatedly walked away from trials unscathed, which only added to his mystique and power.
Gotti’s Criminal Activities
Gotti’s criminal portfolio was diverse, including involvement in drug dealing. His illicit activities sparked fear of retribution from his boss, Paul Castellano. Fearing for his life and amid dissent within the family, Gotti orchestrated Castellano’s murder, effectively taking control of the Gambino crime family.
The Fall of a Crime Lord
John Gotti’s reign came to an end in 1992 when his close associate, Salvatore Gravano, turned informant. This pivotal moment led to his conviction on multiple charges and a life sentence without parole. Gotti’s life took a tragic turn as he battled throat cancer while serving his sentence.
John Gotti’s Age and Background
John Gotti passed away on June 10, 2002, at the age of 61, while serving his sentence in a prison hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was the fifth of 13 children born to John Joseph Gotti Sr. and Philomena “Fannie” DeCarlo. While his parents were New York natives, it’s believed that their heritage traced back to San Giuseppe Vesuviano, in Naples, Italy.
The Gotti Family Legacy
Remarkably, all five of John Gotti’s brothers became members of the Gambino crime family. This family connection added another layer to his criminal legacy. Eugene “Gene” Gotti was initiated before John, and Peter Gotti joined the family under John’s leadership in 1988, while Richard V. Gotti was recognized as a caporegime by 2002. The fifth brother, Vincent, joined in 2002.
The Decline of the American Mafia
John Gotti’s rise and fall were emblematic of a broader trend in the American Mafia’s history. His notoriety and the subsequent decline of the Cosa Nostra marked a significant moment in the history of organized crime in the United States.
FAQs about John Gotti
1. Who was John Gotti?
John Gotti was a prominent American gangster who led the Gambino crime family in New York City. He’s known for orchestrating the murder of his predecessor, Paul Castellano, in 1985 and becoming the Gambino family boss.
2. What was Gotti’s early life like?
Gotti grew up in poverty and turned to a life of crime at a young age, eventually becoming a major earner for the Gambino family.
3. Why did he become known as “The Teflon Don”?
Gotti earned this nickname after being acquitted in high-profile trials during the 1980s, despite later revelations of jury tampering and misconduct.
4. How did Gotti’s reign end?
His underboss, Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, cooperated with the FBI and testified against Gotti, leading to his 1992 conviction for multiple crimes.
5. Where did John Gotti die?
John Gotti died of throat cancer in 2002 at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
Conclusion
The story of John Gotti, “The Teflon Don,” is a tale of power, crime, and ultimate downfall. His life and legacy remain a significant part of the history of organized crime in the United States. While John Gotti is no longer alive, his story continues to captivate the imagination of those intrigued by the world of organized crime.
