Title: Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano: A Life Between Crime and Wealth
Introduction
Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, an infamously renowned figure in the world of organized crime, has been etched deeply in the annals of American history. With an unorthodox career trajectory that saw him ascend the ranks of the notorious Gambino crime family, Sammy’s life story is a turbulent tale of power, betrayal, and wealth.
Childhood and Early Life
Born on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrant parents, Gravano had a tough upbringing that was far from idyllic. His childhood was spent among the gangs of Bensonhurst, an Italian-American stronghold. He dropped out of New Utrecht High School in the ninth grade and ventured into the cloak-and-dagger world of the Mafia, where he quickly gained a reputation as a fearless and ruthless enforcer.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Salvatore Gravano
Age: 76
Birthday: March 12, 1945
Nationality: American
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Former Underboss of the Gambino crime family
Known For: Cooperating with the Prosecution against John Gotti and the Gambino Family
Net Worth: Estimated to be $2 million
Career Recap
Sammy the Bull’s criminal career began in the early 1960s as he joined the Colombo crime family. His ferocious reputation and dedication to “the life” brought him to the attention of the Gambino family in the mid-1970s. He soon switched his loyalties and began his ascension to power, eventually becoming the underboss of the family. Gravano was known for his role in the infamous hit on Paul Castellano, which propelled John Gotti to the top of the family hierarchy.
Nevertheless, Sammy the Bull is perhaps best remembered for his monumental act of betrayal. As law enforcement closed in on Gotti and the Gambino family in the 1990s, Gravano turned state’s evidence. His testimony culminated in Gotti’s conviction on murder and racketeering charges.
After his cooperation with prosecutors, he was placed in the Witness Protection Program. However, he left the program and was soon convicted for drug trafficking, dealing a pivotal blow to his reputation and wealth.
In Conclusion
Despite his controversial path in life, Sammy the Bull Gravano remains a pivotal figure synonymous with organized crime in America. His life is a testament to the drastic turns life can take, from being the underboss of one of the most powerful criminal organizations to becoming a government witness. It is a tale of power, wealth, notoriety, and ultimately, a fall from grace.