But is it for real or is it a mirage?
In the spirit of speculating based on known movie characters, here's a theory for you: Michael had Don Altobello manage things in NYC until he stepped aside for Joey Zasa.
That's an interesting one, Woltz. He came in out of nowhere in III. He was Connie's godfather, which means he was close to Vito. He also was aligned with Zasa in his betrayal of Michael. Anyway, it's the best answer to a question that has no provable answer.
As I crawl across the scorching desert sands in my efforts to answer this Forum's question, exhausted and dehydrated,I reach for the water canteen labeled Altobello.
But is it for real or is it a mirage?