Luck was involved for sure but he also was able to keep himself pretty well insulated. As some have already said, the Rizzuto's were more like "international gangsters" which is why I find them so fascinating. I don't understand how they got away with half the stuff they did. It sounds like they had some major international political connections though, like with the Saudi leadership etc. I'm not sure what "The Sixth Family" is like, but you should read "Mafia Inc." It's a really good (very long) book about the Rizzuto crime family. I've heard people say it's better than "The Sixth Family" but I really don't know. It also includes the more recent events like Rizzuto Senior's murder, and the stuff with Sal Montagna from NY coming up to gain control in Montreal.