Who Is John Gotti? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Gotti was born on October 27, 1940, and passed away on June 10, 2002. As of 2025, he would have been 84 years old. Gotti is best known as a prominent figure in the Gambino crime family, which he led during the peak of organized crime in New York City. His flamboyant style and notorious reputation made him a household name, often referred to as "The Teflon Don" due to his ability to evade convictions. His life story has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and films, contributing to his legacy as one of America’s most infamous mobsters.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1940 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 June, 2002 |
| Died Place | MCFP Springfield, Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
Popularity
John Gotti's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While John Gotti's exact height and weight during his lifetime are not extensively documented, he was known to maintain an imposing presence. Many sources estimate his height to be around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and his weight fluctuated around 190 pounds (86 kg) based on reports and photographic evidence from his appearances in public.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Gotti was married to Victoria DiGiorgio in 1962, and together they had five children: Angela, Victoria, John Jr., Frank, and Peter. In terms of romantic relationships, Gotti was primarily known for his long-standing marriage. Even after his death, his family has remained in the spotlight, with his son, John "Junior" Gotti, also making headlines within the world of organized crime and more recently as a public figure.
He was the fifth of the thirteen children (two had died at birth) of John Joseph Gotti Sr. and Philomena "Fannie" DeCarlo. Both of Gotti's parents were born in New York, but it is presumed that his grandparents were from San Giuseppe Vesuviano, in the Naples province of Southern Italy, because his parents were married and lived there for some time.
Gotti was one of five brothers who became made men in the Gambino crime family: Eugene "Gene" Gotti was initiated before John due to the latter's incarceration, Peter Gotti was initiated under John's leadership in 1988, and Richard V. Gotti was identified as a caporegime (captain, or head of a "crew") by 2002.
The fifth, Vincent, was initiated in 2002.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, John Gotti’s estimated net worth was around $10 million, mainly derived from his criminal enterprises and various investments. After his convictions, the federal government seized many of his assets, yet his legacy has continued to yield income through media portrayals and public interest in his story. By 2025, his estate may have accrued additional earnings through continued media rights, documentaries, and portrayals in film and television.
In 1976, the Gambino family's membership books were reportedly reopened. Gotti was released in July 1977, after two years' imprisonment; he was subsequently initiated into the family, now under the command of Castellano, and immediately promoted to replace Fatico as capo of the Bergin crew.
Gotti's crew reported directly to Dellacroce as part of the concessions given by Castellano to keep Dellacroce as underboss, and Gotti was regarded as Dellacroce's protégé. Under Gotti, the crew were Dellacroce's biggest earners.
Besides his cut of his subordinates' earnings, Gotti ran his own loansharking operation, and held a no-show job as a plumbing supply salesman. Unconfirmed allegations by FBI informants claimed that Gotti also financed drug deals.
Career, Business and Investments
Gotti's career in organized crime started at a young age, leading to his rise within the Gambino family. As the head of the family, he was deeply involved in various illegal activities, including racketeering, loan sharking, and extortion. His operations extended into legitimate businesses such as bars and restaurants, which were often used to launder money. Even after his imprisonment, Gotti's name continues to be linked with various business ventures, and his story remains a point of fascination in popular culture, further solidifying his controversial legacy.
On October 15, 1976, Carlo Gambino died at his home of natural causes. Against expectations, he had appointed Paul Castellano to succeed him over his underboss Dellacroce. Gambino appeared to believe that his crime family would benefit from Castellano's focus on white-collar businesses.
Dellacroce was in prison for tax evasion at the time and was therefore unable to contest the succession. Castellano's position as boss was confirmed at a meeting on November 24, with Dellacroce present. Castellano arranged for Dellacroce to remain as underboss while directly running the family's affairs.
While Dellacroce accepted Castellano's succession, the deal effectively split the Gambino family into two rival factions.
Social Network
While John Gotti himself did not engage with social media as we know it today, his family and affiliated entities have maintained a presence online. His sons and other family members occasionally post about his life and legacy on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, sharing memorabilia and historical insights about their father. Additionally, numerous fan pages and discussion forums revolve around Gotti’s impact on crime and popular culture.
At his peak, Gotti was one of the most powerful and dangerous crime bosses in the United States. While his peers generally avoided attracting attention, especially from the media, Gotti became known as "the Dapper Don" for his expensive clothes and outspoken personality in front of news cameras.
He was later given the nickname "the Teflon Don" after three high-profile trials in the 1980s resulted in acquittals, though it was later revealed that the trials had been tainted by jury tampering, juror misconduct, and witness intimidation.
Law enforcement continued gathering evidence against Gotti, who reportedly earned between $5million and $20million per year as Gambino boss.
Education
John Gotti attended public schools in New York City but dropped out in the early years of high school, ultimately choosing the path of organized crime over traditional education. His lack of formal education did not hinder his ability to navigate the complexities of the criminal underworld, showcasing a unique skill set that blended charisma with cunning.
Gotti was involved in street gangs associated with New York mafiosi from the age of 12. When he was aged 14, he was attempting to steal a cement mixer from a construction site when it fell, crushing his toes; this injury left him with a permanent limp.
After leaving school, Gotti devoted himself to working with the Mafia-associated Fulton-Rockaway Boys gang, where he met and befriended fellow future Gambino mobsters Angelo Ruggiero and Wilfred "Willie Boy" Johnson.
