37 Facts About Carlo Gambino

Early Life and Family

Carlo Gambino's roots trace back to Sicily, where he was born into a family deeply entrenched in the Mafia. His early years set the stage for his future in organized crime.

1. Carlo Gambino was born on August 24, 1902, in Palermo, Sicily. His parents, Tommaso Gambino and Felice Castellano, were part of the Sicilian Mafia gang from Passo di Rigano.
2. Gambino had two brothers. Gaspare, who stayed away from Mafia activities, and Paolo, who became involved in what would later be known as the Gambino crime family.

Immigration to the United States

Gambino's journey to America marked the beginning of his rise in the world of organized crime.

3. Gambino entered the United States on December 23, 1921. He arrived as a stowaway on the SS Vincenzo Florio and settled in New York City with his cousins, the Castellanos.
4. He worked for a small trucking firm owned by his family. This job helped him establish connections and gain a foothold in the American underworld.

Marriage and Family

Gambino's personal life intertwined with his criminal activities, further solidifying his position within the Mafia.

5. In 1932, Gambino married Catherine Castellano. She was his cousin and the sister of future Gambino family boss Paul Castellano.
6. They had four children. Sons Thomas, Joseph, and Carlo Jr., and a daughter, Phyllis Gambino Sinatra.

Early Involvement in Organized Crime

From a young age, Gambino was deeply involved in Mafia activities, setting the stage for his future dominance.

7. Gambino began carrying out murder orders in his teens. By 1921, at just 19, he became a “made man” in Cosa Nostra.
8. He was an “original” member of the modern American Mafia. This term refers to one of the first members inducted into the Mafia in the United States.

Rise to Power

Gambino's strategic moves and alliances helped him climb the ranks of the Mafia, eventually leading one of the most powerful crime families.

9. Gambino worked for East Coast Prohibition-era Mob boss Salvatore “Toto” D’Aquila. After D’Aquila's death in 1928, Gambino aligned with Giuseppe “Joe the Boss” Masseria.
10. He became part of the Masseria gang. This placed him in the middle of a four-year war for control of New York's underworld against Salvatore Maranzano.
11. The modern American Mafia was formed after the deaths of Masseria and Maranzano. Gambino became an original member of one of the five New York crime families, which would later bear his name.

Leadership and Influence

Gambino's leadership style and strategic alliances made him a formidable force in organized crime.

12. Gambino took control of the Gambino crime family in 1957. This followed the Apalachin Meeting and the imprisonment of Vito Genovese in 1959.
13. He emphasized loyalty, careful planning, and strict adherence to the Mafia code. His disciplined approach set him apart from other mob bosses.
14. Gambino's business acumen solidified his influence. He was involved in loan sharking, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal gambling.

Avoiding Capture and Legal Troubles

Gambino's ability to evade law enforcement was legendary, contributing to his long reign as a mob boss.

15. Gambino rarely spoke on the phone and conducted business discreetly. This helped him avoid capture and maintain a low profile.
16. He was convicted of running an illegal liquor still in the 1930s. This resulted in almost two years in federal prison, the last time he would serve time behind bars.
17. In 1970, Gambino was convicted of tax evasion. Despite this, he remained a revered figure within the Gambino crime family.

Personal Life and Health

Despite his notorious career, Gambino maintained a relatively quiet personal life.

18. Gambino lived in a modest house in Brooklyn. He also had a summer home in Massapequa, New York.
19. He battled health problems in his later years. Heart disease eventually led to his death on October 15, 1976, at his Long Island waterfront home.

Succession and Legacy

Gambino's decisions regarding his successor led to significant changes within the Gambino crime family.

20. Gambino bypassed his No. 2 in charge, Neil Dellacroce, in favor of Paul Castellano. This controversial decision left the syndicate on shaky ground.
21. Dellacroce’s death and Castellano’s actions led to a coup. John Gotti staged the murder of Castellano and his right-hand man Tommy Bilotti, marking a significant shift in the family's power dynamics.

Influence on Popular Culture

Gambino's life and career have left a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous portrayals in media.

22. Gambino has been portrayed in various films and TV series. These include Between Love and Honor, Gotti, Boss of Bosses, The Making of the Mob: New York, and Godfather of Harlem.
23. The title character in The Godfather was inspired in part by Gambino. This film's portrayal of a powerful and respected mob boss aligns with Gambino's reputation.

Continued Influence and Modern Legacy

Even decades after his death, Gambino's legacy continues to shape the world of organized crime.

24. The Gambino crime family still exists today. Despite a federal crackdown during the Gotti era, the family remains involved in various criminal activities.
25. The family was structured into various crews. By the 1960s, the Gambino family had 500 soldiers within 30 crews, making it a $500,000,000-a-year enterprise.
26. Gambino was involved in various business ventures beyond traditional organized crime. He made a sizable profit during World War II by bribing officials for ration stamps, which he then sold on the black market.

Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics

Gambino's personal relationships played a significant role in his rise to power and the dynamics within the crime family.

27. Gambino had close relationships with other notable mob figures. He was a brother-in-law of Paul Castellano and a close associate of Charles “Lucky” Luciano.
28. In 1972, Gambino’s nephew Manny was kidnapped and murdered. This incident led to a violent retaliation by Gambino, involving John Gotti.
29. The incident marked the beginning of John Gotti’s rise to power. Gotti's actions eventually led to his prominence within the Gambino crime family.

Gambino’s Position on The Commission

Gambino's status and power within the Mafia were further solidified through his role on The Commission.

30. Gambino’s status on The Commission was elevated after the deaths of Vito Genovese and Tommy Lucchese. He became the head of The Commission, a position only Charles “Lucky” Luciano had held before him.
31. Gambino was the only mob boss of the “Five Families” who attended Luciano's burial. This act highlighted his respect and influence within the American Mafia.

Respect and Fear

Gambino commanded both respect and fear, earning him the nickname “The Godfather.”

32. Gambino was known for his quiet demeanor and razor-sharp criminal savvy. He commanded respect and fear from both his allies and enemies.
33. His career spanned over fifty years. During this time, he witnessed significant changes in the American Mafia and navigated the transition from the old-school Mafia to the modern, more organized structure of La Cosa Nostra.

Business Ventures Beyond Crime

Gambino's business acumen extended beyond traditional organized crime activities, helping him maintain a clean public image.

34. He was involved in various legitimate businesses. These included real estate and construction, which helped him launder money.
35. Gambino’s decision to bypass Dellacroce in favor of Castellano led to a succession crisis. This crisis eventually led to John Gotti’s rise to power.

Cultural Significance and Modern Legacy

Carlo Gambino has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the power and influence of organized crime.

36. His life and career have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and documentaries. This has cemented his place in American popular culture.
37. Despite the decline of the Gambino crime family following the Gotti era, Gambino’s legacy continues to influence modern organized crime. His strategic approach and business acumen remain models for aspiring mob bosses.

The Legacy of Carlo Gambino

Carlo Gambino's life was a masterclass in strategic planning, ruthless ambition, and a deep understanding of organized crime. Born in Palermo, Sicily, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful Mafia bosses in American history. His disciplined approach, business acumen, and ability to avoid public scrutiny set him apart from his peers. Gambino's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with the Gambino crime family still bearing his name and continuing to operate. His legacy is cemented in popular culture through books, movies, and TV shows, making him a symbol of the American Mafia. Despite his criminal activities, Gambino's life offers valuable lessons in leadership, loyalty, and strategic thinking. His story remains a fascinating chapter in the history of organized crime, illustrating the complexities and enduring power of the Mafia.