Salvatore Gravano Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Children, Books

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Salvatore Gravano, famously called Sammy the Bull, rose to notoriety as one of the most infamous figures in American organized crime.

His prominence was solidified during his tenure as the underboss of the Gambino crime family, one of New York’s most potent organizations.

Sammy’s infamy peaked, and Sammy became a government informant, providing testimony that led to the conviction of John Gotti, his former boss, and numerous other high-ranking mobsters.

His story of betrayal and cooperation with law enforcement marked a significant turning point in the history of organized crime in the United States.

Profile

•   Full name: Salvatore Gravano
•   Nickname: Sammy the Bull  
•   Date of birth: March 12, 1945  
•   Age: 79 years old
•   Gender: Male  
•   Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Nationality: American  
• Profession: Former mobster, author, podcaster
•   Height: N/A  
•   Parents: Giorlando Gravano, Caterina Gravano
•   Siblings: Two older sisters  
•   Spouse: Divorced (former spouse Debra Scibetta)
•   Children: Karen Gravano, Gerard Gravano  
•   Relationship status: Single  
•   Religion: Roman Catholic  
•   Ethnicity: Italian-American  
•   Net worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Sammy Gravano was born on March 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to Giorlando and Caterina Gravano, Sicilian immigrants. His father operated a small dress factory, while his mother managed the household.

Sammy, now 79, grew up in Bensonhurst, a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood. He struggled academically due to dyslexia, often labeled a “slow learner” by his “eachers. Thi” frustration contributed to his combative nature, leading to altercations with peers and even school staff.  

After being expelled from several schools, Sammy attended a school for troubled youth but dropped out before turning 16. Despite his father’s attempts to ensure discipline, including regular church attendance, Sammy gravitated toward street life.

At age 13, he joined a gang called the Rampers, marking the start of his criminal trajectory. In 1964, Gravano was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years as a mess hall cook at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before receiving an honorable discharge.  

Personal Life

Sammy Gravano married Debra Scibetta in 1971. Together, they had two children: Karen Gravano, who later gained attention through the reality TV show Mob Wives, and Gerard Gravano, who faced legal issues related to drug trafficking. The marriage dissolved amid Gravano’s increasing involvement and eventual cooperation with authorities.  

In the years following his testimony, Gravano entered the Witness Protection Program but struggled to adjust to a life outside of crime, leading to further legal entanglements. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a low-profile personal life in recent years.  

Career

Sammy Gravano’s criminal carGravano’s with petty crimes like hijacking and armed robbery. By the late 1960s, he had joined the Colombo crime family but later switched allegiance to the Gambino family to avoid internal conflicts. Gravano quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a trusted enforcer and eventually the underboss of John Gotti.  

Gravano was instrumental in the 1985 murder of Paul Castellano, paving the way for Gotti’s rise to power. However, their relationship soured, and 1991, Gravano turned government witness.

His testimony led to Gotti’s conviction and a significant blow to the Mafia’s operations. Mafia serving a reduced sentence, Gravano attempted to reintegrate into civilian life but was arrested again in 2000 for running a drug ring. Released in 2017, he launched a podcast sharing his life experiences.

Net Worth

Sammy Gravano’s net worth is $2 million. This wealth primarily stems from his book sales, construction business, and podcast ventures, despite his significant earnings being lost to legal settlements and incarceration.

Controversy

Gravano’s life is entirely of controversy. His involvement in 19 murders, including his brother-in-law, Nicholas Scibetta, highlights his ruthless nature. His betrayal of John Gotti and cooperation with law enforcement shocked the Mafia world, earning him both admiration and animosity.  

In 2000, Gravano was arrested for a drug trafficking operation, which further tarnished his reputation. He pleaded guilty to running an ecstasy ring in Arizona, leading to a 20-year sentence.

Additionally, his book Underboss sparked legal challenges, including a $25 million lawsuit from victims’ families and his attempts to profit from his criminal past.

Social Media

•   Instagram: N/A  
•   Twitter: N/A  

Books

• Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano’s Story of LifGravano’sMafia

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