Lucchese crime family

The Lucchese crime family (pronounced [lukˈkeːze]) is one of the "Five Families" that were key figures organized crime activities in New York City, United States.

The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano Reina serving as boss up until his murder in 1930.^[1] It was taken over by Tommy Gagliano during the Castellammarese War, and led by him until his death in 1951.

Known as the Gagliano crime family under Gagliano, was peaceful and low key. The next boss was Tommy Lucchese who served as Gagliano's underboss for over 20 years, who turned the family around to become one of the most powerful families to sit on the Commission. Lucchese teamed up with Gambino crime family boss Carlo Gambino to control organized crime in New York City.^[2]

When Lucchese died of a brain tumor in 1967, Carmine Tramunti controlled the family for a short time. He was arrested in 1973 for funding a major heroin network and died five years later.^[3] Anthony Corallo then gained control of the family. Co

Origins (Reina-Gagliano Family) The origins of the Lucchese crime family trace back to the early 1920, specifically during the Prohibition era in the United States. It began as a relatively small criminal gang operating in East Harlem and the Bronx, led by Gaetano "Tommy" Reina. Their initial activities primarily focused on bootlegging, illegal gambling, and some forms of extortion.In 1930, during the bloody Castellammarese War—a violent conflict between rival Sicilian-Italian factions vying for control of organized crime in New York—Gaetano Reina was assassinated. Following his death, Tommy Gagliano assumed leadership of the gang. Gagliano was a key "negotiator" in the conflict, and after its conclusion, his gang became one of the five crime families that formed "The Commission," the ruling body of the American Mafia.

Upon Tommy Gagliano's natural death in 1951, Thomas "Tommy" Lucchese took over as the family's boss. Lucchese, who had served as Gagliano's underboss for an extended period, was an intelligent and discreet figure, known for his ability to forge alliances and avoid public attention. Under his leadership, the family reached the zenith of its power and influence, and it was subsequently named after him. Lucchese's tenure was marked by stability and economic growth for the family. He expanded the family's activities to include:

* Labor Union Control: The family infiltrated key unions such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and garment industry unions, allowing them to control supply chains and impose protection rackets.
* Garment Industry: The family exerted significant influence in Manhattan's Garment District, extorting businesses and engaging in large-scale smuggling operations.
* Idlewild Airport (later JFK International Airport): The family gained control over numerous service contracts at the airport, facilitating drug and merchandise smuggling operations.
* Loan Sharking, Illegal Gambling, and Extortion: These activities remained core sources of revenue for the family.

Lucchese was renowned for maintaining good relations with other families, which minimized internal conflicts and boosted the family's standing within "The Commission." Lucchese died of natural causes in 1976, bringing an end to a golden era for the family.

Post-Lucchese Leadership After Thomas Lucchese's death, the family went through a succession of bosses, some proving to be weak and others facing increasing legal pressures:

* Carmine Tramunti: Briefly took over leadership but passed away shortly thereafter.
* Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo: A powerful and influential boss who led the family through the 1970s and early 1980s. Corallo faced numerous legal challenges and was eventually convicted in the infamous "Commission Case" of 1986.

The Rise of Vittorio Amuso and Anthony Casso (The Violent Shift)

In the late 1980, Vittorio "Vic" Amuso ascended to leadership, alongside his underboss, Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso.

Their reign was characterized by extreme violence and numerous internal
assassinations. Amuso and Casso were known for their brutality and their readiness to eliminate anyone suspected of disloyalty.

During this period, Amuso ordered the murders of several prominent family members, including figures within the family's administration. This ruthless policy led to defections among members, with some turning into government informants, delivering severe blows to the family. Amuso was eventually convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Decline and Modern Challenges Throughout the 1990 and into the 21st century, the Lucchese family continued to face immense pressure from law enforcement. The arrests and convictions of many of its high-ranking members, coupled with informant infiltration, significantly weakened its structure. Despite these challenges, the family still exists and engages in criminal activities, albeit on a smaller and less overt scale than in its heyday.

Organizational Structure The Lucchese family, like the other Five Families, adheres to a traditional hierarchical Mafia structure:

* Boss: The head of the family, making final decisions and holding ultimate authority.
* Underboss: The second-in-command, assisting the boss in managing the family and serving as a potential successor.
* Consigliere: A trusted advisor to the boss, offering counsel and often acting as a neutral party in internal disputes.
* Caporegime (Capo): The leader of a crew of soldiers, managing criminal activities in their assigned territory and collecting revenues.
* Soldier (Wiseguy): A "made" member of the family, carrying out criminal activities and pledging loyalty to their capo.
* Associate: Not an official member but works with the family on specific activities.

Major Criminal Activities Historically, the Lucchese crime family engaged in a wide array of criminal activities:

* Extortion and Racketeering: Demanding protection money from businesses and commercial activities, especially within labor unions and the garment industry.
* Illegal Gambling: Operating sports betting rings, card games, and slot machines.
* Loan Sharking: Lending money at exorbitant interest rates, using violence to collect debts.
* Drug Trafficking: Involvement in the smuggling and distribution of narcotics, particularly cocaine and heroin.
* Fraud: Organized fraud schemes, including construction fraud and government contract manipulation.
* Robbery and Heists: Large-scale robberies, such as the infamous "Lufthansa Heist" at JFK Airport in 1978.
* Corruption and Labor Union Manipulation: Controlling union pension funds and diverting them for illicit investments or personal gain.

Notable Figures

* Gaetano "Tommy" Reina: The founding boss.
* Tommy Gagliano: The second boss of the family, who solidified its position as one of New York's five families.
* Thomas "Tommy" Lucchese: The most influential boss, after whom the family was named.
* Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo: A powerful boss in the 1970 and 1980.
* Vittorio "Vic" Amuso: A violent boss whose policies significantly weakened the family.
* Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso: Underboss and later government informant, who exposed much about the family's activities.

The Lucchese Family in Popular Culture The Lucchese family has appeared, directly or indirectly, in numerous cultural works, including films, television series, and books about organized crime. Their stories are often woven into the broader narrative of the American Mafia. For instance, the "Lufthansa Heist" served as inspiration for parts of the film Goodfellas.

American Mafia

Five Families

Genovese crime family

Bonanno crime family

Colombo crime family