The Duck Takes Over the Nest

The Duck Takes Over the Nest

Suffering from the effects of an operation on his brain tumor and a degenerative heart condition, Thomas Lucchese finally died on July 13th, 1967. For thirty-six years Lucchese led his crime family as boss and underboss. He was a multi-millionaire and had been investigated by numerous state and federal commissions. Yet, his only criminal conviction had been that auto-theft, years before in the early 1920's. He had been present at the founding of the national organization meetings of organized crime. He had been able to survive in a world in which all too often was marked with quick death at the hands of others involved in organized crime. And if they could "dodge the bullet" in many cases they ended their life in the confines of a jail cell. Lucchese was able to avoid both and would die from complications following an effort to remove a brain tumor along with the weakness of old age. To many he was viewed as a founding father in the world of organized crime. Aware that his funeral would attract a large contingent of law enforcement presence checking car number plates and photographing everyone who attended, announced that they would understand if Tommy's friends decided not to come along. However, the reach of his empire was such that many felt they could not afford to stay away. And come they did. Members of virtually every major crime family figure in the Northeast appeared to display homage and loyalty to the fallen Don. Also taking part in the act of respect dozens of judges, magistrates, public officials, politicians and businessmen came to pay their respects. Over 600 cars had their license plates checked by cops assigned to intelligence gathering activities interested in gaining knowledge of the organization and connections of organized crime. And even before the body was put into the ground discussions were underway to reach a consensus in the selection of a replacement for the fallen leader. Should they go with experience or utilize one of the younger organization members displaying promise to help the mob adapt to a new and changing world. Although Thomas Lucchese had hoped for an orderly succession to his throne following his death, circumstances made that a lot more complex than he had anticipated. Names of possible replacement began to arise including Johnny Dioguardi, Paul Vario and Vincent Rao the family consigliere. The obvious successor should have been Lucchese second in command, Carmine Tramunti, but he was approaching the age of seventy and was in ill health causing many to feel that his succession would only create the same problem in the near future. The final choice was Antonino "Ducks" Corallo, a tough hood from East Harlem. But, as he was being elevated or raised into the seat of power, he went down on an extortion charge. This could be a solution to the problem of succession. Let Tramuni hold the seat of power while "Ducks" carried out his obligations to the state. When his time was up things could be arranged to carry out a truly acceptable succession. Corallo worked his way into the rackets and was involved in gambling, bookmaking, narcotic trafficking, loan-sharking and extortion. His money lending skills were well thought of that he was known as a "loan shark's loan shark." He was a master in the use of fear to aid in the collection process. Even the previous Don knew that a nasty look from "Ducks" often was enough to put fear the hearts of many organization members. However he displayed his highest skills in manipulating legitimate enterprises that were connected to the trucking industry. He was also connected to the Painters and Decorators Union, the Conduit Workers Unions along with the United Textile Workers. His stock also rose quickly because he was a close friend of Jimmy Hoffa, providing opportunities to obtain the low interest union loans to finance additional enterprises. He had the connections needed to function in the new world of organized crime while at the same time had the street background needed to keep the troops in line. This seemed like the new type of leader to deal with changing world. And at first the choice seemed heaven sent, until things began to catch up with the "Ducks."

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