Indeed he was a very intelligent, and not to mention shrewd old man. But not just in his golden years, also as a young man who was still making his bones he learnt how to screw people out anything. Someone educated (or at least a fan of the Italian philosopher, Machiavelli), he could often quote entire parables, as could one of his protegés, John Gotti. He was as close as a mob boss ever got to be capo de tuti capi or boss of bosses. He was a powerful force on the commission and no decisions occured without his approval. It was said that a raised eyebrow or even a long stare from this little old man could invoke the deepest fear even into the biggest and toughest mafiosi. He died quietly in his home, at 74, in 1976 while watching the game. He was often called "the nodding don" because in his old age had the habit of tipping his head forward in conversation over a cup of coffee. He was unconvictable, only once brought to trial and then released due to poor health (though he lived 6 years, he must've pulled some strings at least).

Gambino was admired by many, especially John Gotti in his day. Years later, bugs would pick up Gotti describing Gambino in his Ravenite appartment, as a "Back door motherfucker, and a weasel motherfucker". Gambino's funeral had an attendance of over 1000 and he was buried near his home, on "boot hill", the Mafia's cemetery.

[ August 30, 2001: Message edited by: Joey Montana ]