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Joseph Gallo

American crime boss

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Joseph Gallo was an American organized crime figure involved in a gang war with Joseph Profaci, one of the bosses of New York's Five Families. This conflict, known as the Profaci-Gallo war, began in 1960 when Gallo and his brothers challenged Profaci's leadership, seeking a larger share of criminal profits. The violence between their factions resulted in numerous murders over two years.1

Joseph Colombo, who later led the family that bore his name, was likely targeted by Joseph Gallo's followers. Colombo was shot in 1971 at an Italian-American rally, an event that occurred after years of conflict between him and Gallo. Colombo died seven years later, having been paralyzed by the shooting.2

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