Philadelphia mafia has been a hot topic for debate of late as to who is actually currently running the infamous crime family. With multiple factions now on the streets of Philadelphia there are more options then there have been in years for the top spot in the Philly mob. The Philly crime family has always been an interesting and treacherous organization and that remains true today with old and new era mobsters on the streets. Who do you think is a top the Philly mafia hierarchy ?
Some believe the most likely candidate for current boss of the Philadelphia mafia is Joseph Merlino. Could he possibly be running the family from down in Florida where he has lived since his release from prison. There are plenty of people who believe he is in control of the mafia in Philly through his long time friend Steven Mazzone who has been mentioned as the current acting boss of the family. Merlino denies any ties to the mob and claims he has retired from the life. He is currently doing a few months for violating his supervised parole so we may know more once he is released and free of any parole stipulations.
Philip Narducci a Scarfo-era mobster who is said to be well respected and a stone cold killer has also been mentioned in unsubstantiated rumors as to recently taken over top spot. Many believe after his release from prison he felt he was owed for time served and has enough influence on the streets to be boss. There have been other former Scarfo guys recently released who may agree to fall in line behind Narducci and strengthen his position.
“Steven Mazzone“
Steven Mazzone who many believe is just a front man for his childhood pal Merlino is well respected across the board according to sources. It Merlino has as he claims left the mob life then plenty of people on streets in Philly feel like Mazzone could be a steady force as acting boss on his own. Whether or not he has enough of the family behind him to take over as the official boss of the family is still in question.
Joseph Ligambi is still believed by many people to be the boss of the mob in Philly even though rumors on the streets is that he has semi-retired. Word of late is Uncle Joe has taken more of an advisory role in the family but perhaps its just a way of staying low key while still running things and avoiding more indictments. Ligambi held the reigns for years and kept the family profitable and in line before his recent legal troubles.
Recent reports of a 3 man ruling panel leading the Philadelphia crime family have surfaced and many believe this to be the most likely possibility. The panel is said to be made up of Narducci, Mazzone, and Johnny Chang Ciancaglini. This kind of power sharing structure would seem to keep things from blowing up and having blood shed over control of the family and at least for now satisfy all factions.
With more mobsters from both the Merlino crew and the Scarfo era crew among others still hitting the streets there is definitely a possibility for violence as they fight for a piece of a shrinking pie. The Philly mafia glory days are long gone but they are still a viable criminal organization with money to be made so the top spot still has its benefits. But with less out there then in years past it makes for a much more volatile situation there is no doubt about it.
We may have a much clearer view of the mob landscape in Philly when Merlino gets released in a couple of months and is free of all restrictions. Either way there are very interesting times ahead for the organized crime family there. So who do you think is now in control of things in Philly? Cast your vote!
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