In 1981, longtime Genovese boss Philip Lombardo went into semi-retirement. Vincent "Chin" Gigante and Santora were the prime candidates to succeed Lombardo as boss, being two of the most respected and influential members of the family. Lombardo made Gigante the boss and Santora the underboss. Santora continued as underboss of the family until his death in 1987.
Current Genovese boss Liborio Bellomo was considered a protegeé of Santora.