35 Facts About Nicky Scarfo

Source: Facts.net

Who was Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo? Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo was a notorious mobster who ruled the Philadelphia crime family with an iron fist during the 1980s. Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Scarfo's life was a whirlwind of violence, paranoia, and power struggles. His reign began after the assassination of Angelo Bruno and the subsequent murder of Philip Testa, paving the way for Scarfo's rise. Known for his ruthless leadership style, he imposed a "street tax" on all criminal activities in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. Scarfo's legacy is marked by numerous murders, betrayals, and a relentless pursuit of power, ultimately leading to his downfall and imprisonment.

Key Takeaways:

Nicky Scarfo's early exposure to crime and violent encounters set the stage for his notorious rise to power in the Philadelphia crime family, marked by extreme violence and ruthless leadership.
Scarfo's criminal empire eventually crumbled under legal troubles and betrayals, leading to his imprisonment and a legacy of violence and paranoia within organized crime.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Introduction to Crime

Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo's journey into the world of organized crime began early. His upbringing and initial encounters with the criminal underworld set the stage for his notorious career.

Birth and Early Life: Born on March 8, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Scarfo grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His uncles, who were involved in gangster activities, introduced him to the criminal lifestyle.
Early Involvement in Crime: Scarfo's criminal activities started young. In 1963, he was involved in a fatal altercation with a longshoreman, leading to a manslaughter conviction and a six-month prison sentence.

Rise to Power

Scarfo's ascent to the top of the Philadelphia crime family was marked by violence and strategic moves. His rise was fueled by the power vacuum created by the deaths of previous mob bosses.

Rise to Prominence: Scarfo's rise began after the assassination of mob boss Angelo Bruno in 1980. Bruno's death triggered a mob war, paving the way for Scarfo's ascent.
Assassination of Philip Testa: In 1981, Philip "Chicken Man" Testa, who succeeded Bruno, was killed by a nail-bomb. This event allowed Scarfo to become the new boss of the Philadelphia crime family.

Leadership and Reign of Terror

Scarfo's leadership was characterized by extreme violence, paranoia, and a ruthless approach to maintaining power. His reign left a bloody legacy.

Scarfo's Leadership Style: Known for his short temper and love for violence, Scarfo's leadership was marked by paranoia and a readiness to kill anyone who crossed him.
Street Tax: Scarfo imposed a "street tax" on all criminal activities in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. This tax was enforced by his soldiers and associates.
Violence and Murders: Under Scarfo's rule, organized crime-related murders increased significantly. He often ordered killings in public places to instill fear.

Control and Influence

Scarfo's influence extended beyond the criminal underworld. He controlled labor unions and used his power to extort businesses and manipulate various sectors.

Control of Labor Unions: The Philadelphia crime family, under Scarfo, maintained influence over several labor unions, using this power for extortion and theft.
Paranoia and Betrayal: Scarfo's paranoia led to numerous betrayals within his organization. He ordered the murder of his underboss, Salvatore Testa, in 1985 due to perceived threats.

Downfall and Legal Troubles

Scarfo's criminal empire eventually crumbled under the weight of legal troubles and betrayals. His downfall was marked by a series of convictions and lengthy prison sentences.

Downfall: Scarfo's downfall began in 1986 with an indictment for attempting to extort a developer. This led to multiple convictions.
Racketeering Convictions: In 1988, Scarfo and 16 others were convicted of racketeering charges, including nine murders and four extortions.
Murder Victims: One of the murder victims was a New Jersey judge. FBI wiretaps and testimonies from mobsters-turned-informants were crucial in these convictions.

Personal Life and Family

Scarfo's personal life was as tumultuous as his criminal career. His family, particularly his son, also became entangled in the world of organized crime.

Personal Life: Scarfo, standing at 5-foot-5 with a high-pitched voice, was known for his ruthless nature, earning him the nickname "Little Nicky."
Family Involvement: Scarfo's son, Nicodemo Salvatore "Nicky" Scarfo Jr., was involved in the mob and survived an assassination attempt in 1989.
Induction into Lucchese Crime Family: After the assassination attempt, Scarfo Jr. was inducted into the Lucchese crime family and became a caporegime.
Arrest and Imprisonment: Scarfo Jr. was arrested on federal charges in 1990 and received a seven-year prison sentence.

Legacy and Final Years

Scarfo's legacy is one of violence and paranoia. His final years were spent in prison, where he continued to face legal challenges and health issues.

Protective Isolation: During his imprisonment, Scarfo was placed in protective isolation due to safety concerns.
Release and Subsequent Charges: Scarfo Jr. was released in 1996 but soon faced new charges, leading to another prison sentence.
Construction Job: Despite his criminal activities, Scarfo Jr. maintained a legitimate job in construction for 27 years.
Respect Among Associates: Scarfo was respected by some associates for his loyalty, though this respect was often overshadowed by fear.
Paranoid Nature: Scarfo's paranoia was a significant factor in his downfall, leading to betrayals within his organization.
Violent Legacy: Scarfo's reign was marked by numerous murders and a relentless pursuit of power.
Federal Medical Center: Scarfo died on January 14, 2017, while in custody at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina.
No Mourners or Eulogies: Unlike traditional mob funerals, Scarfo's death was met with little fanfare, and his final resting place remains a mystery.

Complex Family Dynamics

The Scarfo family was known for its complex dynamics, with members involved in both legitimate and criminal activities.

Family Dynamics: Scarfo's position within the organization brought both benefits and challenges to his family.
Atlantic City Involvement: Before becoming the boss, Scarfo operated in Atlantic City, New Jersey, engaging in extortion and loan sharking.
Concrete Company: Scarfo's concrete company, Scarf Inc., laid foundations for many Atlantic City casinos, enforced through union associations.
Refusal to Testify: In 1971, Scarfo served time for refusing to testify about organized crime, raising his profile in the organization.
Gun Possession: Scarfo later served two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a gun.
Attempted Hit on Son: In 1989, Scarfo's son survived an assassination attempt at an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia.
Government Witnesses: Several associates turned government witnesses against Scarfo, testifying about his violent nature and numerous murders.
Riccobene War: During the Riccobene War, Scarfo ordered the murder of Pasquale "Pat the Cat" Spirito for refusing a murder contract.
Legacy in Organized Crime: Scarfo's legacy in organized crime is one of extreme violence and paranoia, leading to his downfall and imprisonment.
Influence Over Labor Unions: Scarfo's control over labor unions allowed him to extort businesses and manipulate various sectors.
Final Years: Scarfo spent his final years in prison, facing legal challenges and health issues until his death in 2017.

Scarfo's Violent Legacy

Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo's reign over the Philadelphia crime family was marked by extreme violence, paranoia, and a relentless pursuit of power. Rising to prominence after the assassination of Angelo Bruno, Scarfo's leadership style was ruthless. He imposed a "street tax" on criminal activities, controlled labor unions, and ordered numerous murders to instill fear. His paranoia led to betrayals within his organization, including the murder of his underboss Salvatore Testa. Scarfo's downfall began with indictments for extortion and racketeering, leading to multiple convictions and long prison sentences. Despite his violent nature, some associates respected his loyalty. Scarfo died in 2017 while in custody, leaving behind a legacy of fear and brutality. His story serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and violence in organized crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho was Nicky Scarfo?

Nicky Scarfo, also known as "Little Nicky," was a notorious American mobster who rose to power as the boss of the Philadelphia crime family in the 1980s. His reign was marked by a violent approach to maintaining control and expanding his criminal empire.

QWhat made Nicky Scarfo infamous?

Scarfo's infamy stemmed from his ruthless tactics, including ordering hits on rivals and perceived traitors within his own organization. His leadership style led to a significant increase in violence and murders, earning him a fearsome reputation both within and outside the mob world.

QHow did Nicky Scarfo become the boss?

He climbed the ranks of the Philadelphia crime family through loyalty, strategic alliances, and eliminating rivals. After the death of previous boss Philip Testa in 1981, Scarfo used his position and connections to seize control.

QWhat were some of Nicky Scarfo's major crimes?

Beyond the numerous murders ordered under his command, Scarfo was involved in extortion, loan sharking, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. His criminal activities extended beyond Philadelphia, impacting various parts of the United States.

QHow did law enforcement finally catch Nicky Scarfo?

Persistent efforts by federal and local authorities, combined with testimony from former associates who turned state's witnesses, eventually led to Scarfo's conviction. In 1988, he was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder and racketeering.

QWhat was Nicky Scarfo's life like in prison?

In prison, Scarfo continued to exert influence over his crime family for some time but eventually, his power waned. He spent the rest of his life behind bars, facing the consequences of his actions without the possibility of parole.

QDid Nicky Scarfo have any family involved in crime?

Yes, Scarfo's nephew, Philip Leonetti, was a prominent figure in the Philadelphia crime family. Leonetti later became a government witness, providing crucial testimony against Scarfo and others, which played a significant role in their convictions.

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