The Philadelphia mafia has been oddly quiet of late as mobsters from various factions have seemingly found a way to coexist. The Philly mob today has more made guys on the streets then it’s seen in years including a fully functional hierarchy a fact that often has led to disharmony.
The return to the streets of Scarfo era mobsters including Phillip Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore has seemingly not been as disruptive internally has many predicted. According to some reports reputed Philly mafia boss Joseph Merlino is still firmly in charge despite reports to the contrary anchored by his inner circle leading what many believe is a sort of family resurgence. Although Merlino has denied any involvement with organized crime since his release from prison.
“Joseph Merlino“
Merlino continues to run things from down in Florida according to mob sources and has guys from Philly making trips down monthly keeping him in the loop. Over the last few months, Merlino has hosted a series of meetings in Florida with top mobsters including Joseph Ligambi, George Borgesi, and Steven Mazzone. He has also made multiple trips back to Philly and is expected to spend some of the summer in South Jersey and on the Jersey Shore. One gangsterreport source was quoted as saying “He’s got his finger on the pulse…. he uses different guys for different jobs. Believe me, he knows what’s going on with everybody in Philly and still has the final say. I don’t care where he’s living, he could be spending the year on the moon, Joey’s in charge.”
“Memorial Day: Steve Mazzone(L) and Joey Merlino(R)”
Dysfunction has long been the calling card of the mafia in Philadelphia and if Skinny Joey is in fact still in charge and can be credited with the recent harmony one has to wonder how long can it last. Appointments of well-respected mobsters to the family hierarchy like Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Ligambi, and Mazzone have definitely played a hand in keeping the peace. But law enforcement has kept a close eye on Merlino since his release along with the rest of the Philly mafia and may have a hand in disrupting things sooner rather than later. Whether or not Merlino is still the boss still varies depending on who one talks to but either way the Cosa Nostra family in Philly is back!
I have to admit I am rather surprised things have remained so quiet and calm down in Philly over last year or so. Opinions on whether or not Joey is still the boss differs but I think its very likely he remains tied in as some of those reported meetings etc seem to suggest. Regardless the smooth sailing of late as they get back to business is something not seen all that often in Philly mob circles.
I just think these guys are tired of spending half their lives in prison and are just trying to stay off the radar. Philly never fails to continue to entertain though thats for sure.
Good point after so many guys hitting the can and so much infighting maybe everyone has learned a lesson and decided for the good of everyone involved its time to quiet down and just make money.
I not buying what people say Joey is still top gun no matter where he is currently living. Great to see everyone hopefully getting along, the only thing that can do that is $. By fighting and beefing these guys will lose $ which is a top intrest for everyone is to lose as least as possible if it could be prevented. Theres still always going to be a little friction with the Scarfo guys like Narducci and them but what can you do. All the top guys and captains seem to be meshing, i guess we wont see a blood bath like some predticted after all. From the looks of Joey’s Instagram looks like him and Steve had a good Memorial day weekend lol.
They have definitely found a way to coexist and as you mentioned that is by far the best for everyone involved as infighting only causes everyone to lose money! Now it is Philly so it could all change on the drop of a dime but I think we may be in for a prolonged harmony at least until a new indictment etc comes down.
Joey has always been the boss people who thought different were dumb enough to believe what joey was saying joey is joey he has not changed and never will he has been shot been to prison seen his own best friend die in front of him he will never stop being boss unless he ends up in prison again or he gets killed
he put his restaurant up for sale today joey
Yeah he’ll be spending most of ths smmer in the jersey shore area…whre he really would have his eyes on thngs….ijs
I give much credit to Joe aka Chickie Chang…For his advice and wisdom and guidance during this adjustment period of time with multiple faction era members….Make Money ???? and stay out of trouble…..
Some may discount his influence now a days but he sure seems to be one of the linchpins in keeping the peace.