John Gotti
John Gotti
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Full Name and Common Aliases
John Joseph Gotti Jr., also known as the "Teflon Don" or "The Dapper Don," was a notorious American mobster.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 27, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, Gotti died on June 10, 2002, while serving a life sentence at the US Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Mobster, Organized Crime Leader
Early Life and Background
Gotti grew up in a poor Italian-American family in Brooklyn. His father was a truck driver and a union leader, but his true influence came from his mentor, Carlo Gambino, the powerful boss of the Gambino crime family. Gotti dropped out of high school to join his family's business as a "soldier" for the Gambinos.
As he rose through the ranks, Gotti became involved in various crimes, including loan-sharking and extortion. His charisma, good looks, and flamboyant style earned him attention within the organization, but also drew unwanted scrutiny from law enforcement.
Major Accomplishments
Gotti's ascension to power began when he orchestrated the murder of Paul Castellano, the Gambino boss at the time, in 1985. He took over the family and expanded its operations through a combination of violence and strategic alliances with other crime families.
During his reign, Gotti was known for his ability to evade law enforcement, earning him the nickname "Teflon Don" due to his repeated acquittals on charges related to organized crime.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable events during Gotti's tenure as Gambino boss include:
The Castellano Assassination: In 1985, Gotti orchestrated the murder of Paul Castellano, marking the beginning of his rise to power.
The RICO Trial: Gotti was involved in a high-profile trial in 1992 for racketeering and other charges. Although he was acquitted on some counts, he was convicted on others and sentenced to life in prison.
Impact and Legacy
Gotti's influence extended beyond the Gambino family. His flamboyant style and media savvy helped popularize the image of the "made man" among Americans. However, his reign also brought increased scrutiny from law enforcement and a growing public awareness of organized crime.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gotti's quotes and interviews often highlighted his swaggering confidence and disregard for authority. He was known to boast about his crimes and flaunt his wealth, which helped maintain his public image as the "Teflon Don." His infamous trial and conviction served as a cautionary tale about the consequences of organized crime.
Today, Gotti remains a figure of fascination among those interested in true crime stories and the American underworld.
Quotes by John Gotti
How much nonsense and lies you gonna get away with this guy before he really does do something with your people? ... You've gotta be taken to task. I mean, you're there to inform the public, not to lie to the public, you know what I mean?
If I ever used my client's name in a question he would take care of me, ... I took it as a threat.
If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn't have a job if he was any smarter.
If you look it up on the Internet, it is cancer, ... They refer to it as noninvasive cancer.
Don't carry a gun. It's nice to have them close by, but don't carry them. You might get arrested.
Always be nice to bankers. Always be nice to pension fund managers. Always be nice to the media. In that order.
You're calling the shots around here. I explained to this f------ moron more than two weeks ago, before I got sick ...