How many members/associates are there?
Most official estimates put the DeCavalcantes at 40-50 made members. The Family also has a relatively low associate ratio, of about 1 to 1. In other words, they have about 50 associates.
Where does it rank among other families?Is it considered small time?
Compared to the five New York Families they are certainly small time. The New Jersey faction of the Genovese Family is larger and more powerful than the entire DeCavalcante Family. The DeCavalcantes would be more comparable to New England, Philadelphia, and Detroit.
Does it(or did it ever) hold a seat in the Mafia Commission?
No, they never had an official seat but, like other East Coast Families, were represented on the Commission by the Genovese Family.
Did they ever have any conflicts with other families?
Not really. From decades past to the present day, the DeCavalcantes have always worked with the New York Families for mutual profit. Especially in the New Jersey construction industry.
Are "The Sopranos" based on them?
The "Soprano Family" is based on the DeCavalcante Family, both being the only indigenous LCN Family in New Jersey. But much of Sopranos creator David Chase's original inspiration came from members of other Families, especially the Genovese, who operated in New Jersey when he was growing up. As the show progressed, the writers borrowed from both the New York and New Jersey underworlds for plot material.
