The smartest made guy I ever personally knew was Joe Falcone.The guy went back to pre Castellammarese War days. Buffalo capo, was acting under boss for two years, was the de-facto boss outside of Buffalo proper during the Randaccio years, and made those small upstate NY cities gold mines.Used the LIUNA pension fund like an investment banker and never took a pinch for it. Never served a day in prison, was vindicated by the US supreme court for his role at Appalachian, and was the broker of the fragile peace between Steve Maggadino and Russ Buffalino for decades. Died peacefully in his home of natural causes

Been there and done it
I am very much for real, so if you ask, make sure you really want to know.