It has long been debated as to whether or not Joseph “Skinny Joey Merlino was still the boss of the Philadelphia mafia. The recent bust of what the feds have called the ”
The recent bust of what the feds have called the “East Coast La Cosa Nostra Enterprise” which included Merlino seemingly holds the answer. In a court memo authorities allege that Merlino, from Florida, was “working in earnest to rebuild the Philadelphia crime family.” The Philly mafia has seen somewhat of a resurgence in the last few years the most made men on the streets since the 1980s. Now the question many are asking is if Merlino is convicted what impact would that have if any on the hierarchy of the current Philadelphia mob.
“Joey Merlino”
According to reports and mafia sources, the one time semi-retired Joseph Ligambi has resumed his role as acting boss with longtime Merlino pal Steven Mazzone acting as underboss. Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini rounds out the hierarchy as the families consigliere a unit that has kept the peace between varying factions. The 1980s Scarfo era guys led by Phil Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore were never fans of Merlino which many believed could fracture the current harmony. Even with the lingering bad blood, the Merlino led Cosa Nostra family has found a way to keep the recent peace and get back to business.
“Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi”
Now with Merlino possibly in line for an extended prison term if convicted the hierarchy of the mafia family in Philly may be in for another shake-up. If Merlino is set to once again be a guest of the government could he lose his long-held grip over the mob family? Ligambi and Mazzone are reportedly respected across the board including the 80s era mobsters so they could seemingly hold things together for Merlino as they did during his last prison stretch. But the void at the top may be an opening for leaders of the Scarfo era faction like Narducci or anyone else to make a play for the big chair or at least push for an end to the Merlino era if they so desired. Perhaps even an overly ambitious guy like George Borgesi who was recently bumped back up to capo could make some waves.
“Phil Narducci”
With the stability of the family increasing and business smoothly moving along of late everyone involved may decide it better to leave things as is and not risk upsetting the new balance. But this is the Philly mafia and history has proven this family is extremely unpredictable and could become unraveled at any point and time. It will definitely be something worth keeping an eye on as the East Coast LCN Enterprise case moved forward.
Hmmmm i had not considered that and it is somewhat interesting. I don’t think anyone would step up against Ligambi and Mazzone but then again as mentioned this is Philly so I guess we never know. Not sure Narducci or Pung want the top spot but they could very well push to end the Merlino era and have someone else take over. It is definitely worth watching for sure esp if Merlino gets 15-20 yrs.
Nobody but Joey wants it. Too much heat for little reward. With Joey in crosshairs everyone else is free to earn. Not to mention kick up less because he’s distracted.
Well I think someone is gonna sit at the top of the mountain no matter what. It may not be Joey anymore but those guys are a bit more stabilized now and earning some decent money if things are still “organized” someone is gonna take a shot at getting an extra piece and cash is still going to be getting kicked up to somebody. Not sure who besides Ligambi would step into that role at this moment but someone likely will.
These days being boss is not insulated. Rico eradicated that idea beyond family structure. Joey has such an ego I can’t see him letting the title go. Plus, it gurantees his wife income while he’s in prison. Also, if anyone will resort to violence, it’s Joey. Once a hot head, always a hot head. His best friends since childhood will keep his role secure despite prison sentence. I think we have a Persico in our hands. He’s leaving boss role in a box.
That may very well be the case. Joey keeps the stripes and Ligambi and Mazzone keep things in line from here on out like they did the last go around with Joey in the can.
Doesn’t Merlino’s wife have a high paying job?
He’s the housewife in that relationship.
She has the title on all the cars.
not many can live like Don Carlo lived.
Carlo was no doubt in another class. But in all fairness, he never had to contend with RICO laws. That one tool deflated the mafia. That and dna. You can’t kill people like they did back then. This weakens their power, as violence is not easy to use anymore. Without violence, you can’t shake people down as easily. Carlo was a fox, but also easier times to be a boss.
Good point about the Rico, but I beg to differ on the killing. Georgie Borgesi brags he’s got 11 hits. If there’s one thing these guys know how to do it’s kill and get away with it.DNA definitely puts a snag in things, but if they want you gone…
Why do you think Borgesi brags about having 11 hits?
People are hardly going to be intimidated by someone who looks like Mr. Peanut, so if people think you murder on a whim they will be easier to control and dominate.