Peter Gotti, born on October 15, 1939, in The Bronx, New York, was an American criminal and a prominent figure in the American-Italian mafia. He was the older brother of John Gotti, a former boss of the Gambino family, one of the most powerful mafia groups in the United States. Peter grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a large family with a total of 13 siblings.
From a young age, Peter was drawn into a life of crime and by the time he was 21, he was already involved with the mafia. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a key player in the criminal underworld of New York City.
In 2004, Peter Gotti's criminal activities caught up with him when he was formally charged with extortion, money laundering, and racketeering. These charges stemmed from his involvement in the Gambino family's illegal activities, including acts of violence, extortion, and illegal gambling.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Peter was convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. He was incarcerated in a federal prison in North Carolina, where he remained until his death.
Throughout his criminal career, Peter Gotti was known by the nickname "One Eye" due to his partial blindness. Despite his status as a feared mafia boss, Peter was also a family man. In 1960, he married his wife Catherine, with whom he had one child. The couple eventually divorced in 2006.
Despite his criminal activities, Peter Gotti was also involved in various legitimate businesses, using them as a front to conceal his illegal operations. He was a shrewd businessman and a skilled manipulator, able to navigate the complexities of both the criminal and legitimate worlds.
Peter Gotti's reign as a mafia boss was marked by violence, corruption, and intimidation. He was known for his ruthless tactics and his willingness to do whatever it took to maintain his power and influence. His attempts to extort actor Steven Seagal were just one example of his brazen criminal behavior.
Despite his criminal activities, Peter Gotti was a complex figure, with both loyal followers and bitter enemies. His legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a ruthless criminal and others as a skilled strategist who was simply playing the hand he was dealt.
Ultimately, Peter Gotti's life was defined by his criminal activities and his involvement in the underworld of organized crime. His death in prison marked the end of an era for the Gambino family and the broader world of organized crime in America.