According to the feds they still believe the Philadelphia mafia is led by Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino from Florida although the man on streets running day to day operations is Steven Mazzone. Whether or not Joey Merlino is currently running things may be up for debate but there is no doubt the respect level for current acting boss Steven Mazzone is holding the Philly mob together. Mazzone is said to be respected across the board by various factions now in play in the Philly underworld and along with his current under boss John “Johnny Chang” Ciancaglini seem to have control of things but many wonder for how long according to author Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport.
“Steven Mazzone“
Mazzone seems to have plenty of support from a loyal inner circle and is firmly in control at the top but a faction of 1980’s era mobster are back on streets and despised the former Merlino leadership. Many believe this could eventually lead to unrest in the cities underworld sooner or later. Mazzone has been the long time right hand man of Merlino which was despised by the old school wiseguys now being called the Scarfo faction some of which are reportedly led by Phil Narducci. Seems for now the Narducci lead contingent is operating autonomously and kicking up a piece out of respect for Mazzone even with though they are at odds with Merlino and Johnny Chang.
Former acting boss Joseph Ligambi has seemingly taken a lesser role in the family now believed to quietly be holding the number three position under Mazzone and Johnny Chang in somewhat of a consigliere role. But it seems that long time Philly mafia capo Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini wants back in now back on streets from a long prison stretch. The father of current under boss Johhny Chang Ciancaglini was released this spring and is a highly respected member of the mafia in Philadelphia and may be in line to take a role in the current administration. It is believed that Ligambi is ready to step down and go into at least partial retirement and surrender his post to Chickie if he so desires it.
“Joseph (Chickie) Ciancaglini“
According to many mob insiders Chickie has enough respect on the streets that if he wants back in he could fill any of the positions in the current administration. As the family dynamic in the Philly mob continues to change it will be interesting to see how long everyone remains happy and peaceful. The current leadership base of the family definitely has to be very diplomatic with the multiple factions all wanting a piece of the pie as the possibility of blood shed over old and current grudges remains a possibility.
