John Gotti

About John Gotti

John Joseph Gotti, Jr. (October 27, 1940 – June 10, 2002), commonly known by the media as "The Dapper Don" and "The Teflon Don", was the boss of the Gambino crime family, one of the Five Families in New York City after the murder of his former boss Paul Castellano. He became widely known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant style that eventually caused his own downfall. In 1992, Gotti was convicted of racketeering, 13 murders, obstruction of justice, hijacking, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal gambling, extortion, tax evasion and loansharking among others largely helped by testimony of his Underboss Salvatore Gravano, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, where he would eventually die in 2002.

John Joseph "Johnny Boy" Gotti Jr. was born October 27, 1940 to Italian parents John Gotti Sr. and Philomena "Fannie" Gotti. When Gotti was twelve, his family moved to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. With his brothers Peter and Richard, he became part of a local street gang. In the early summer of 1954, while trying to steal a cement mixer, the mixer tipped over, crushing Gotti's foot. In 1962, Gotti married Victoria DiGiorgio. They had five children; Angela (Angel),Victoria Gotti, John A. Gotti, Frank Gotti, and Peter Gotti. John and his family lived on 85th Street in Howard Beach.

On March 18, 1980, his 12-year old son, Frank, while riding a mini bike around Howard Beach was accidentally knocked down and killed by neighbor John Favara's car. Frank and Favara's son, Scott, were friends, often having sleepovers at each other's homes. Although the death was viewed as accidental by the authorities, Favara was kidnapped and murdered by eight members of Gotti's crew while Gotti and his wife were conveniently out of town.