38 Facts About Sammy The Bull Gravano

Early Life and Background

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a name synonymous with organized crime, has a life story filled with twists and turns. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. Born Salvatore Gravano on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in a tough neighborhood.

2. Gravano earned the nickname "The Bull" because of his tenacity and strength, even as a young boy.

3. He struggled with dyslexia, making school difficult, but he excelled in physical activities and street smarts.

4. At age 13, Gravano joined a local street gang, the Rampers, marking the beginning of his criminal career.

5. His father owned a small dress factory, but Gravano was more interested in the allure of the streets.

Rise in the Mafia

Gravano's ascent in the Mafia world is nothing short of dramatic. His journey from a street gang member to a high-ranking mobster is filled with intrigue.

6. In the early 1970s, Gravano became an associate of the Colombo crime family.

7. He later switched allegiance to the Gambino crime family, one of the most powerful Mafia families in New York.

8. Gravano quickly rose through the ranks, thanks to his loyalty and effectiveness in carrying out orders.

9. By the mid-1980s, he became the underboss of the Gambino family, second only to John Gotti.

10. Gravano was involved in numerous criminal activities, including racketeering, loan sharking, and extortion.

Infamous Crimes

Gravano's criminal record is extensive and notorious. His involvement in various illegal activities cemented his reputation as a feared mobster.

11. He admitted to participating in 19 murders, a staggering number that highlights his ruthlessness.

12. One of his most infamous crimes was the murder of Paul Castellano, the Gambino family boss, in 1985.

13. Gravano played a key role in orchestrating Castellano's assassination, paving the way for John Gotti to take over.

14. He was also involved in the murder of Frank Fiala, a nightclub owner who crossed the Gambino family.

15. Gravano's violent actions earned him respect and fear within the Mafia community.

Turning Informant

Gravano's decision to turn informant shocked the Mafia world. His cooperation with the government had far-reaching consequences.

16. In 1991, Gravano agreed to testify against John Gotti and other Mafia members in exchange for a reduced sentence.

17. His testimony led to the conviction of Gotti and several other high-ranking mobsters.

18. Gravano's cooperation marked one of the most significant betrayals in Mafia history.

19. He entered the Witness Protection Program but struggled to adjust to a life away from crime.

20. Despite his cooperation, Gravano continued to face legal troubles, including drug-related charges.

Life After the Mafia

Gravano's life after leaving the Mafia has been tumultuous. His attempts to start anew have been met with mixed success.

21. After leaving the Witness Protection Program, he moved to Arizona and started a construction business.

22. Gravano published a memoir, "Underboss," detailing his life in the Mafia and his decision to turn informant.

23. In 2000, he was arrested for running an ecstasy ring in Arizona, leading to a 20-year prison sentence.

24. He was released from prison in 2017, after serving 17 years of his sentence.

25. Gravano has since tried to maintain a low profile, though his past continues to haunt him.

Personal Life

Despite his criminal activities, Gravano's personal life has its own set of interesting facts.

26. He married Debra Scibetta in 1971, and they had two children together.

27. His daughter, Karen Gravano, appeared on the reality TV show "Mob Wives," bringing renewed attention to the family.

28. Gravano's son, Gerard, was also involved in criminal activities and faced legal troubles.

29. He has expressed regret for his actions, particularly the impact on his family.

30. Gravano's relationship with his children has been strained due to his criminal past.

Legacy and Impact

Gravano's legacy is a complex one, marked by both infamy and a significant impact on the Mafia world.

31. His decision to turn informant led to a wave of defections within the Mafia, weakening its structure.

32. Gravano's testimony provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of organized crime.

33. He remains a controversial figure, both reviled and respected for his actions.

34. Gravano's life story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and TV shows.

35. His actions have had a lasting impact on law enforcement's approach to tackling organized crime.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the well-known facts, there are some lesser-known tidbits about Gravano's life that add to his intriguing persona.

36. Gravano was an avid bodybuilder in his youth, which contributed to his imposing physical presence.

37. He once owned a popular nightclub in Staten Island called "The Plaza Suite."

38. Despite his violent past, Gravano has expressed a desire to live a peaceful life in his later years.

Final Glimpse into Sammy The Bull Gravano

Sammy The Bull Gravano's life is a whirlwind of crime, betrayal, and survival. From his early days in the Mafia to his role in bringing down the Gambino crime family, his story is nothing short of gripping. Gravano's decision to turn informant shocked many, but it also highlighted the complexities of loyalty and self-preservation in the criminal underworld. His testimony was pivotal in convicting numerous mobsters, reshaping the Mafia landscape forever. Despite his criminal past, Gravano's life continues to fascinate, offering a unique glimpse into the world of organized crime. Whether viewed as a villain or a survivor, his impact on Mafia history is undeniable. For those intrigued by crime stories, Sammy The Bull's tale is a must-know. His life serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes and harsh realities of the mob world.