>>119550204>Would kids at the time even understand the references or find them funny?Yes.
Goodfellas was a big movie when I was a kid, so even though my knowledge of the movie was superficial at best, I vaguely understood the reference. Same with Marlon Brando and the Godfather, and other things they referenced. But more than that, the jokes were good, the characters were fun, and segment was easily enjoyed without getting any references. Hell, I think that the the Goodfeathers were what introduced me to West Side Story.
I don't even know why you would think this is an issue. There are tons of references in cartoons now that may or may not go over kids' heads, too.
