Carlo Gambino's 1976 Succession Choice of Paul Castellano Reshaped the Gambino Crime Family
The passing of Carlo Gambino in 1976 resulted in Paul Castellano taking over from underboss Aniello "Neil" Dellacroce. Gambino, who advanced within the Mangano crime family, collaborated with Vito Genovese in 1957 to orchestrate the assassination of Albert Anastasia. By 1973, the Gambino family boasted around 800 made members and 1,400 associates. A 1975 article from the Daily News forecasted Castellano's ascent, attributing it to his marital connections and profitable ventures in construction and meat. In August 1982, FBI agent Joseph Pistone referred to Dellacroce as "Castellano's No. 2 aide." Following Dellacroce's death from cancer in December 1985, Castellano was absent from the wake and was killed on December 16, 1985, under Gotti's orders, who then earned the nickname "Dapper Don." This history was chronicled by Christian Cipollini.
Key facts
- Carlo Gambino died in 1976 and named his brother-in-law Paul Castellano as successor instead of underboss Aniello "Neil" Dellacroce.
- Gambino conspired with Vito Genovese in 1957 to eliminate Albert Anastasia, who was shot in the barbershop of Manhattan's Park Sheraton Hotel.
- By 1973 the Gambino family had roughly 800 made members and 1,400 associates, the largest of New York's Five Families.
- A 1975 Daily News article predicted Castellano would take over when the ailing Gambino stepped aside.
- In August 1982 FBI undercover agent Joseph Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, called Dellacroce "Castellano's No. 2 aide."
- On June 15, 1982, the Daily News described Dellacroce as "the current board chairman of the national crime syndicate."
- Dellacroce died of cancer in December 1985 and Castellano did not attend the wake.
- On December 16, 1985, Castellano and driver Thomas Bilotti were killed outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan on John Gotti's orders.
Entities
Artists
- Carlo Gambino
- Paul Castellano
- Aniello "Neil" Dellacroce
- Vito Genovese
- Albert Anastasia
- Joseph Valachi
- Joseph Pistone
- John Gotti
- Sammy "The Bull" Gravano
- Thomas Bilotti
- Christian Cipollini
- Charles "Lucky" Luciano
Institutions
- Mangano crime family
- Gambino crime family
- Five Families
- McClellan hearings
- Daily News
- FBI
- Mafia Commission
- Staten Island Advance
- Telegraph
- Sparks Steak House
- The Mob Museum
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Manhattan
- Park Sheraton Hotel
- Queens