Yes Crazy Joey was a caporegime in the Colombo family.
A caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to capo or informally referred to as "captain", "skipper" or "lieutenant", is a leadership position in the Mafia (both the Sicilian Mafia and Italian-American Mafia). A capo is a "made member" and has major status and influence in the organization.
The common perception is that Joey Gallo had been a caporegime of the Colombo Family. But that's actually incorrect.
In fact, neither Joey nor his older brother Larry had ever been capos.
Despite the fact that they led their own crew, and to some, were even viewed as bosses of their own rebel "Family" because of their forceful nature, the influence they exerted, and all the men who followed them, Larry and Joey never rose above the rank of soldiers.
Oddly enough, the only Gallo brother who became more was Albert, who, at the time, was only ranked an associate.
It was only after Larry and Joey's demise that Albert was later transferred into the Genovese Family, inducted by Chin Gigante, and soon bumped up to a capodecina position heading his own South Brooklyn crew (some of whom were former Gallo Gang members).
The only other former Gallo Gang member who was selected to join Albert, was Frank (Punchy) Illiano, who was also made by Gigante. In fact, Punchy was so well thought of, that he and Albert allegedly "co-captained" the regime as equals. They went on to live relatively peaceful and prosperous careers and lives as Genovese members.
