Aniello Dellacroce
March 14, 1914, to Dec. 2, 1985.
"Neal"

Dellacroce, who learned his craft under Albert Anastasia, was the longtime leader of a faction within the Gambino Crime Family of New York.

As the representative of the second most powerful wing of the family, Dellacroce served as underboss to Carlo Gambino. Though Gambino is widely thought to have had a hand in the 1957 death of Anastasia, there was no open conflict between Gambino and Dellacroce.

Upon Gambino's death, the old Anastasia faction felt Dellacroce should be elevated to Family boss. However, he stepped aside for Gambino relative Paul Castellano. If there were hurt feelings, Dellacroce hardly let on. He insisted that his supporters, who were based at the Ravenite Social Club on Mulberry Street, remain loyal to Castellano.

Dellacroce died of natural causes on Dec. 2, 1985, clearing the way for his followers to act against Castellano.

© 2007 T.Hunt
The American "Mafia"