Now a days that may b true but 20 years ago u couldn't b more wrong. With guys like the chin gigante around u did not go against the orders from new york if u knew what was in yur best interest

There were no "orders" issued from NY on this matter. The Philly Mob makes their own decisions, they simply "reach out" to NY to see what their stance is. Look, if Merlino had killed Stanfa the NY Comission would have backed Merlino unless he was not cooperating on their joint ventures.

Just like Caponigro no?

Dont know who that is, I am assuming its an example of something to contradict what I said. I could be wrong, no doubt. One thing I am not is stubborn. If someone proves me wrong, I admit it. So I am assuming thats what your referring to? If so fill me in cause I obviously think I am right and am always open to learning!

Dont know who that is, I am assuming its an example of something to contradict what I said. I could be wrong, no doubt. One thing I am not is stubborn. If someone proves me wrong, I admit it. So I am assuming thats what your referring to? If so fill me in cause I obviously think I am right and am always open to learning!

thebarber is correct if we're talking back in the early 1980's. After Phil Testa was killed, Scarfo want to New York to make sure everyone knew he was not behind it. The Genovese family basically decided what would happen. Who would take over, who would retire in Florida, and who would die. Scarfo was put in as boss, being supported by the Genovese. They had actually wanted him to take over before but Scarfo had felt Testa deserved it more.

Fast forward and you had the Gambinos putting their guy (Stanfa) in charge. Obviously many of the local guys in the Merlino faction didn't care for this though.

Most recently, in one of his weekly videos George Anastasia was talking about how the Genovese and Gambino families have wanted Ligambi to change up his administration; replacing Mazzone and Borghese with Staino and Lucibello. But the implication was it's ultimately Ligambi's decision.

In sum, it appears there is still a certain amount of influence from New York but the ties between the families are too fractured for them to be able to call the shots like they used to.

Regarding Scarfo, didn't the Gambino's have a say in the matter of who would be the next boss? I have trouble believing that Paul Castellano would defer everything to the Genovese. After the Caponigro incident, I figured any future Philly boss would want the approval of at least two NY familes to avoid being double crossed.

Sorry I missed this thread cause all was said. Anyway, I always wondered why Stanfa wasnt questioned more or anything done to him for Bruno's murder. He was his driver and was there that night but didn't get shot. Some say he was in on it and others say he wasn't but when they found Tony and his man in the Bronx with dollar bills up there butts. How come nothing happened to STanfa? Was he in on it with New York? Because wasn't New York playing both sides trying to get there hand on AC? They already had there hands on some drug operations in Philly.

Yea I know. I was always curious about that whole situation. Good stuff Ivey! I never heard about the window thing. I was really 50/50 on it before. I use to think no one would ever be in the line of fire but who knows if he was promised something or was in on it...we have seen somewhat similar actions happen before but I am with you. I don't think he knew. I wonder why the shooters didn't take out Stanfa just in case if he knew nothing? Also, Didn't he get shot on an angle more in the back of the head towards his ear angle? So they knew they wouldn't shoot Stanfa? Like I said, from the research I have done...most seem to think he wasn't involved and from what you just said that gives good evidence of the window not being rolled down. Where did you read that George Freslone window thing? I would like to read that. Thats a very intimate detail...id like to ready more of where that came from. Thanks!

And I never heard that NY wanted Scarfo before Testa but I could be wrong. Wasn't Scarfo banned to Atlantic City by Bruno before Testa became boss? Testa brought him back in and promoted him to consigliere. It wasn't until Testa died that he went to NY to discuss that and the next boss. At least that's how I heard it. Testa was always head of Scaro in NY and Philly's eyes.