I have to admit i thought Ligambi was the de facto boss, not just an acting one after Merlino got locked up. I was pretty surprised when it came out Merlino still held the official position. I thought it was the best move that family made, putting Ligambi in charge and just sending Merlino's family and later him a nice envelope every month.

But i wasn't living in south philly so i really don't know what the neighborhood guys knew at the time.