1976 Commission Meeting (and 1976 Gambino Family Meeting)

[Snakes]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

[Snakes]

High level CI provided information concerning a Gambino Family meeting in October 1976.

In attendance were Paul Castellano, Joe N. Gallo, and several capos. In this meeting, it was agreed that Castellano and Gallo would run the organization until Neil Dellacroce was released from prison, at which point he would take over as boss. It was also agreed among the attendees that payments would be funneled to Gallo who would in turn make Castellano aware of what each crew was kicking up.

The capos in attendance were David Amoedo, Nick Patti, Terry Zappi, Frank Piccolo, Frank Perrone, and three redacted names (one of whom may be Nino Gaggi).

Source also provided information that Gallo was a popular choice among the capos to take over as boss and had the support of the majority but made it known that he didn't want the position. It appears that Dellacroce also refused if the earlier information about Castellano and Gallo saving the spot for Dellacroce is believed.

A later meeting was held in December 1976, after Dellacroce's release from prison. After dining, Castellano made the announcement that he had been "nominated" to head the family, appointing Dellacroce as underboss. Castellano wished to install Gallo as consigliere and the capos approved of both choices.

Castellano went on to say that the family would be run the same as it was under Gambino and that prostitution and narcotics would be forbidden. Castellano was also interested in making contacts in Atlantic City so that when the hotels and casinos opened in the near future the Gambinos would have "friends." Castellano made it clear that any contact made with Atlantic City would have to be reported to the administration.

At the end of the meeting, Casellano stated that this would be the last gathering of "all" the capos and went on to tell Frank Piccolo to go to Providence and inform Raymond Patriarca that Castellano was the new boss of the Gambinos.

Despite Gallo being voted in as consigliere at this meeting, it appears that a few individuals wanted Joe Zingaro appointed instead but were overruled. Amodeo and one or two (it's hard to tell) redacted names backed Zingaro. In addition to Amodeo and Piccolo, other capos present at the meeting Zappi, Perrone, Zingaro, and Peter Stincone, along with three redacted names.

Both of these meetings were at private residences so I wonder if either was the one described in Murder Machine with Montiglio in the attic? It would need to be the December meeting, right? I can't find my copy at the moment so I can't remember his exact story.

[Pogo The Clown]

Great stuff. Here is an old post by JD that goes into more detail on the Colombo family shakeup during this period.

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Family setup as of late 1976:

Boss: Thomas DiBella (71y)
Underboss: Anthony Abbatemarco (54y)
Consigliere: Alphonse Persico Sr. (47y)

Captains
1. Joseph Brancato (59y)
2. James Clemenza (65y) (Florida)
3. Vincent Gugliaro (48y)
4. Salvatore 'Turi' Lombardino Jr. (45y) (NJ)
5. Charles Panarella (54y) (Acted as Consigliere)

Aniello Giannattasio was demoted and his crew members split amongst these other groups, ie Jiggs Forlano went with Jimmy Clemenza's crew in Florida.

The books opened around late January/early February 1976 and at this point new members were being brought in who would step up to positions of authority the following year. Before these inductions the Colombos had about 75 members left, several old and inactive.

Around February 1977 things were changed around and younger Persico faction members were put in place. Here's how the Family was organized at that time:

Administration: Abbatemarco demoted, no Underboss in place

Captains
1. Gennaro Langella (38y)
2. Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio (68y) (Given back his rank after demotion few months prior)
3. Charles Panarella (55y)
4. Salvatore Profaci Jr. (41y) (NJ)
5. Vincenzo Randazzo (76y)
6. Andrew Russo (43y)


Joseph Brancato, James Clemenza, Vincent Gugliaro and Salvatore Lombardino Jr. were replaced by and put under these younger guys. There was some conflict with how the Persico faction was increasing their hold, and this led to Salvatore Albanese being murdered in May 1977, possibly by Greg Scarpa's crew. Things continued to be moved around in the next year or two.

I know some of the dates don't agree with other info on the books being opened earlier, or for example Andrew Russo as captain in 1975, I've already posted elsewhere why I disagree with those sources.

The most interesting figure in this shuffle of crew leaders is Vincent Randazzo. He was a low key, mostly legitimate old timer who came out of nowhere to be given a title and barely had a crew, all of whom were also up there in age. Probably an attempt by the younger guys to placate the older element.

[PolackTony]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

Snakes would '76 be the last Commission meeting that we have definite evidence of Chicago directly sitting on? My understanding is that they may have continued to do so into the '80's but I don't know that I've seen confirmation of this. I'm also interested to contextualize Aiuppa's presence for the Colombo talk when no other non-NYC families were present. Was this just to have a powerful non-New York boss present as a relatively disinterested arbiter (or maybe because the Gambinos weren't present and they need another vote), or did Chicago have any interests at stake?

[Snakes]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

Snakes would '76 be the last Commission meeting that we have definite evidence of Chicago directly sitting on? My understanding is that they may have continued to do so into the '80's but I don't know that I've seen confirmation of this. I'm also interested to contextualize Aiuppa's presence for the Colombo talk when no other non-NYC families were present. Was this just to have a powerful non-New York boss present as a relatively disinterested arbiter (or maybe because the Gambinos weren't present and they need another vote), or did Chicago have any interests at stake?

Aiuppa attended other meetings in the 70s and 80s, and I know he attended one in Florida that had a couple NY families and Detroit but I can't find those specifics right now. I have also seen evidence of Carlisi attending a meeting in Florida as late as the 1980s so if it furthered their interests, I'm sure they weighed in. Chicago was traditionally involved in the Teamsters and have always been close to the Genovese so perhaps they took care of other business while they were in New York. Also, we don't know who the source was. It could have been someone that was only privy to the Colombo business and may not have been aware of whatever else was discussed.

Also, I meant to add this in the blurb above but forgot. The source described the "boss of Chicago" as being in attendance but didn't say a name. It's possible he did not know or was not familiar with Aiuppa (although I guess it could have been Accardo but Aiuppa had gone to other meetings as representative so it was most likely him).

[Villain]

Good stuff Snakes.

I remember reading somewhere that the NY families were in contact with Accardo but as you already said, it seems that Aiuppa was their rep during commission meeteings. Also wasnt there one 70s or 80s meeting on which Cerone was Chicagos rep?

[Chaps]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

It surprises me Galante was at this meeting. I thought the Bonanno’s were banned from the Commission at this time.

[CabriniGreen]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

It surprises me Galante was at this meeting. I thought the Bonanno’s were banned from the Commission at this time.

Bruuh! Great point! Maybe that's why the Gambinos wernt there? Didnt he hate them? Was actively undermining them in the street?

Not only that, but this would have been legitimizing Galante, no wonder he challenged Rastelli, the Commision opened the door for him if this is true...

[Angelo Santino]

It's all very interesting.

I reckon my biggest takeaway or point of interest is Tom DiBella. From everything that's come out about him, he wasn't recognized by law enforcement as a gangster, allegedly when he became boss he didn't know how certain rackets worked and I believe worked a legitimate job (am I off on anything?) Such an individual represents everything "street guys" like an John/Gene probably wouldn't like. And yet, when it came to politics none of that mattered. This Commission rule went with "the boss of the boss" and instructed everyone to accept that and go along with what DiBella decides, which included demoting everyone who tried to go against him. DiBella's father Salvatore was boss between Mineo and Profaci, beyond that there's little on him.

It reminds me of the Asaros/Giallanzo comments made by Gene who openedly wondered how in the hell did they get their positions. The Asaros Mafia involvement is documented as far back as 1880 and they are direct ancestors of Bartolomeo Asaro in the revolution. I'm not suggesting whoever made Asaro knew his entire family history or even if the Asaros view themselves rightfully as some of the founders of the mafia in Castellammarese but bloodlines matter.

Thank you for posting this. Very cool stuff. I'd almost like to represent some of these short-term changeovers visually.

Here's two charts I made around this time-
1963 (Revised)- viewtopic.php?f=29&t=3951&hilit=magliocco+1963+chart
1979- viewtopic.php?f=29&t=4025&p=93445&hilit ... art#p93445

[Angelo Santino]

High level CI provided information concerning a Gambino Family meeting in October 1976.

In attendance were Paul Castellano, Joe N. Gallo, and several capos. In this meeting, it was agreed that Castellano and Gallo would run the organization until Neil Dellacroce was released from prison, at which point he would take over as boss. It was also agreed among the attendees that payments would be funneled to Gallo who would in turn make Castellano aware of what each crew was kicking up.

The capos in attendance were David Amoedo, Nick Patti, Terry Zappi, Frank Piccolo, Frank Perrone, and three redacted names (one of whom may be Nino Gaggi).

Source also provided information that Gallo was a popular choice among the capos to take over as boss and had the support of the majority but made it known that he didn't want the position. It appears that Dellacroce also refused if the earlier information about Castellano and Gallo saving the spot for Dellacroce is believed.

Ok, so we have conflicting sources revolving the Gambino-Castellano transition. The first stories we heard involved Gaggi having his nephew Montiglio (the guy who thought Chuckie English's murder photo was his uncle?) was across the street with a sniper ready to start steady gunnin' Dellacroce guys if "the pug nosed thug said 'fuck what Carlo wants, I'm boss' but instead went with it. The narrative was that Dellacroce was passed over due to nepotism.

Then we get new reports that Castellano was functioned as Gambino's street boss for since the late 60's which lead to the idea that maybe Castellano's promotion wasn't so controversial.

And now we got an informant saying Neil didn't want it, no contention? So more and more likely it's looking like the Montiglio's sniper story might be bullshit.

I seem to recall a NYT article from the 80's that had wiretaps of Dellacroce statating he should have listened to Junior (Persico) and killed Paul years ago. It exists, just not sure how accurate the info is.

[Extortion]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

There is also a theory that Tony Shots Abbatemarco died in 2005 and was basically fed up with the mob life...He essentially hated everyone. Gallo for suspecting hit on his father, Profaci and Colombo and also DiBella so he took off. I read this in an old book about Joey Gallo that was written in the late 70s or early 80s and the death in 2005 (but its the internet) is stated a few places online so put two and two together. However obviously he could have been murdered but wouldnt have scarpa reported this (unless he was involved?) or maybe he didnt know and it was kept hush or he didnt report it...No other informants ever came forward with info but there isnt much info surrounding DiBella. DiBella seemed to be quite low key.

It also seems quite odd that the boss was calling him twice and he didnt show up. Usually only a boss can order a underboss killed so it seems unlikely that he wouldnt show up twice and they found him afterwards and killed him because he would have known a third time is death penalty and that the commission said dibella could not retaliate against anyone for being demoted. My guess is that he either just took off and lived out his retirement or went into witness protection but didnt testify.

[Extortion]

High level CI provided information concerning a Gambino Family meeting in October 1976.

In attendance were Paul Castellano, Joe N. Gallo, and several capos. In this meeting, it was agreed that Castellano and Gallo would run the organization until Neil Dellacroce was released from prison, at which point he would take over as boss. It was also agreed among the attendees that payments would be funneled to Gallo who would in turn make Castellano aware of what each crew was kicking up.

The capos in attendance were David Amoedo, Nick Patti, Terry Zappi, Frank Piccolo, Frank Perrone, and three redacted names (one of whom may be Nino Gaggi).

Source also provided information that Gallo was a popular choice among the capos to take over as boss and had the support of the majority but made it known that he didn't want the position. It appears that Dellacroce also refused if the earlier information about Castellano and Gallo saving the spot for Dellacroce is believed.

A later meeting was held in December 1976, after Dellacroce's release from prison. After dining, Castellano made the announcement that he had been "nominated" to head the family, appointing Dellacroce as underboss. Castellano wished to install Gallo as consigliere and the capos approved of both choices.

Castellano went on to say that the family would be run the same as it was under Gambino and that prostitution and narcotics would be forbidden. Castellano was also interested in making contacts in Atlantic City so that when the hotels and casinos opened in the near future the Gambinos would have "friends." Castellano made it clear that any contact made with Atlantic City would have to be reported to the administration.

At the end of the meeting, Casellano stated that this would be the last gathering of "all" the capos and went on to tell Frank Piccolo to go to Providence and inform Raymond Patriarca that Castellano was the new boss of the Gambinos.

Despite Gallo being voted in as consigliere at this meeting, it appears that a few individuals wanted Joe Zingaro appointed instead but were overruled. Amodeo and one or two (it's hard to tell) redacted names backed Zingaro. In addition to Amodeo and Piccolo, other capos present at the meeting Zappi, Perrone, Zingaro, and Peter Stincone, along with three redacted names.

Both of these meetings were at private residences so I wonder if either was the one described in Murder Machine with Montiglio in the attic? It would need to be the December meeting, right? I can't find my copy at the moment so I can't remember his exact story.

Who tf is David Amodeo? Nothing on Amodeo On Google it appears...I thought Frank Piccolo was the capo in CT so why is Nick Patti from Ansonia (my dads family grew up there and Seymour CT, my aunt still lives in Ansonia...Very Blue collar lower middle class area)...Was Nick Patti a capo too?

[Snakes]

High level CI provided information concerning a Gambino Family meeting in October 1976.

In attendance were Paul Castellano, Joe N. Gallo, and several capos. In this meeting, it was agreed that Castellano and Gallo would run the organization until Neil Dellacroce was released from prison, at which point he would take over as boss. It was also agreed among the attendees that payments would be funneled to Gallo who would in turn make Castellano aware of what each crew was kicking up.

The capos in attendance were David Amoedo, Nick Patti, Terry Zappi, Frank Piccolo, Frank Perrone, and three redacted names (one of whom may be Nino Gaggi).

Source also provided information that Gallo was a popular choice among the capos to take over as boss and had the support of the majority but made it known that he didn't want the position. It appears that Dellacroce also refused if the earlier information about Castellano and Gallo saving the spot for Dellacroce is believed.

A later meeting was held in December 1976, after Dellacroce's release from prison. After dining, Castellano made the announcement that he had been "nominated" to head the family, appointing Dellacroce as underboss. Castellano wished to install Gallo as consigliere and the capos approved of both choices.

Castellano went on to say that the family would be run the same as it was under Gambino and that prostitution and narcotics would be forbidden. Castellano was also interested in making contacts in Atlantic City so that when the hotels and casinos opened in the near future the Gambinos would have "friends." Castellano made it clear that any contact made with Atlantic City would have to be reported to the administration.

At the end of the meeting, Casellano stated that this would be the last gathering of "all" the capos and went on to tell Frank Piccolo to go to Providence and inform Raymond Patriarca that Castellano was the new boss of the Gambinos.

Despite Gallo being voted in as consigliere at this meeting, it appears that a few individuals wanted Joe Zingaro appointed instead but were overruled. Amodeo and one or two (it's hard to tell) redacted names backed Zingaro. In addition to Amodeo and Piccolo, other capos present at the meeting Zappi, Perrone, Zingaro, and Peter Stincone, along with three redacted names.

Both of these meetings were at private residences so I wonder if either was the one described in Murder Machine with Montiglio in the attic? It would need to be the December meeting, right? I can't find my copy at the moment so I can't remember his exact story.

Who tf is David Amodeo? Nothing on Amodeo On Google it appears...I thought Frank Piccolo was the capo in CT so why is Nick Patti from Ansonia (my dads family grew up there and Seymour CT, my aunt still lives in Ansonia...Very Blue collar lower middle class area)...Was Nick Patti a capo too?

Not really sure. I'm not a novice on New York but I'm no expert, either.

[Snakes]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

It surprises me Galante was at this meeting. I thought the Bonanno’s were banned from the Commission at this time.

Bruuh! Great point! Maybe that's why the Gambinos wernt there? Didnt he hate them? Was actively undermining them in the street?

Not only that, but this would have been legitimizing Galante, no wonder he challenged Rastelli, the Commision opened the door for him if this is true...

I got the impression that perhaps the Gambinos did not send anyone because they were dealing with their own leadership issues at the time. Gambino, who was a huge influence on the Commission, was now dead. If this was while he was still alive, it would have been acceptable for Castellano to attend as acting. If this was after his death but before the Gambinos had decided who would take over, it is possible that they just weren't sure who should attend at that point.

[Snakes]

Mostly concerned with Chicago but occasionally I'll come across something interesting from other families.

An informant advised that an LCN Commission meeting was held in New York in 1976 (month not given but probably late 1976).

The purpose of the meeting was to settle a leadership dispute among the Colombo Family, presently bossed by Thomas DiBella.

The others present at the meeting were Frank Tieri (Genovese), Carmine Galante (Bonanno), Tony Corallo (Lucchese), and Joey Aiuppa (Chicago). It did not appear that the Gambinos sent anyone (see next post). Several others from the Colombo Family were also present, including underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and capos Joseph Brancato and James Clemenza. One additional attendee was redacted. Another redacted member of the Colombo Family failed to show up.

After dinner, the Commission discussed some of the dissatisfaction that the Colombos had with DiBella's leadership. Abbatemarco seemed to have been speaking on behalf of those members who had beef with DiBella. The Commission did not rule in favor of removing DiBella and stated that there was to be no conflict over this decision. Additionally, there was to be no bloodshed if or when DiBella decided to demote anyone who had spoken out against him.

After the Commission meeting, DiBella made the following personnel changes in the Colombo Family:

-Demoted Joe Brancato and placed his crew directly with him (DiBella).
-He decided to leave James Clemenza on as a capo as he was moving to Florida, where his entire crew was.
-Salvatore Lombardino was demoted from capo.
-Allie Giannatassio was given his old crew back but was told he would be demoted again should he not control his drinking.
-DiBella intended to demote Abbatemarco as underboss but Abbatemarco did not show up when requested. The source claimed that this was the second time Abbatemarco had failed to show up when called and that a third failure would result in his murder. Abbatemarco disappeared in 1977, so we can assume that he got his third strike.
-Two other captains (redacted) also failed to show when called. One of them had also failed to show up to two meetings already.
-Two other members were promoted to capo (both names are redacted).

Source advised that when a change in leadership is made (both promotions and demotions), the capo and his entire crew are called before the boss and informed of the decision.

Source closed by stating that now that the Colombos have resolved their leadership issues they will make new members and issue additional promotions.

It surprises me Galante was at this meeting. I thought the Bonanno’s were banned from the Commission at this time.

Bruuh! Great point! Maybe that's why the Gambinos wernt there? Didnt he hate them? Was actively undermining them in the street?

Not only that, but this would have been legitimizing Galante, no wonder he challenged Rastelli, the Commision opened the door for him if this is true...

It was noted in a related record that Rastelli had served as acting boss since Evola's death in 1973 but was serving a four-year prison term and that Galante was the new head. They also described Nicholas Marangello as the underboss and Stefano Cannone as the consigliere but also noted that none of these decisions had been "approved" by the Commission.