The current Philly Mafia has been somewhat of a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma at least when it comes to most of its hierarchy.
There have been plenty of theories as to the Cosa Nostra family being split into at least two factions and maybe more. With key Scarfo era mobsters now back on the streets there seemed to be potential for some turbulence within the organization. The Joey Merlino crew and these Scarfo era wiseguys haven’t always seen eye to eye. So just how organized is organized crime these days in the City of Brotherly Love? Is it possible for the Mafia in Philadelphia today to just be one big happy family?
The release of Scarfo era wiseguys like Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore made headlines and had many wondering what kind of impact it would have. Speculation was rampant that these veteran guys and others wouldn’t just fall in line with Merlino and members of his Philadelphia mafia leadership. The potential for the family to be split into two separate factions now emerged with each kind of staying out the way of the other. Rumors of a ruling panel being formed that included Narducci as a way to bridge the gap between factions began circulating for a time.
But in the last couple of years since their release, there has been virtually no evidence of a rift in the family or even the existence of a separate faction. In fact, there has been nothing at all that points to the fact that either Narducci or Pungitore or even involved in the crime families activities anymore. Even though their names continue to come up within conversations surrounding the mafia family they seem to both be involved in legit businesses these days. It seems at least possible that both have simply ended their days in the mafia and gone legit. And even if they are still involved in some fashion neither of them have made any waves.
Other Scarfo era guys like former captain and street boss Francis (Faffy) Iannarella have been seen circulating amongst the Merlino crew. The now 71-year-old Iannarella is fresh off of parole restrictions and there rumors that he is now part of the families administration. It seems like Faffy could possibly be the new Consigliere of the Philly Mafia. Although Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and Joseph (Chickie) Ciancaglini have also been linked to the Consigliere position as well. But both could also be eyes semi-retirement and reduced exposure.
There have certainly been more indications of the Scarfo era guys working alongside and in conjunction with the Merlino faction than being separate from it. Now there can certainly be a debate as to just how active the Philly mob is today and if what’s left is even worth fighting for. We continue to see lots of names from both era’s tossed around for various positions within the current hierarchy with little certainty. Most seem to agree that Joseph Merlino is likely still the official boss and that Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti seems to be the new street or acting boss. While the other positions within the ranks are still unclear.
With friend and family ties existing between some of those involved, there are plenty of reasons to work together. Perhaps the theories and speculation over the Scarfo era bad blood and potential problems were simply blown out of proportion. It seems like the Philly mafia could be much more “organized” at least in a sense than expected. But when it comes to the Mafia money is always a driving factor so those at peace today may not be tomorrow and Philadelphia certainly has a history of instability.
While everyone may not be huddled together singing Kumbaya they seem to be getting along at least for now and the “family” seems like it may be intact.
