Nicodemo Scarfo

Nicodemo Scarfo
Born
Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo

(1929-03-08)March 8, 1929
New York City, U.S.
DiedJanuary 13, 2017(2017-01-13) (aged 87)
Butner, North Carolina, U.S.
Other names
  • "Little Nicky"
  • "Little Lethal Nicky"
  • "Lethal Nicky"
  • "The Little Guy"
  • "The Little Guy Down The Shore"
Occupations
SpouseDomenica Scarfo (second wife)
Children3, including Nicodemo Scarfo Jr.
RelativesPhil Leonetti (nephew)
AllegiancePhiladelphia crime family
Conviction(s)conspiracy, racketeering, first-degree murder (1987–1989)
Criminal penalty14 years imprisonment, 55 years imprisonment, life imprisonment (1987–1989)

Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo Sr. (March 8, 1929 – January 13, 2017) also known as "Little Nicky", was an American mobster who served as boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1981 to 1990. Infamously known for his murderous reputation, Scarfo led the family through its bloodiest period until his conviction in 1988.[1][2]

During his criminal career Scarfo engaged in organized crime activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, labor union racketeering and gambling.[3] In 1988, he was convicted of multiple charges including conspiracy, racketeering and first degree murder. His trial consisted of the damaging testimonies of several informants, who had carried out his murders. Scarfo died in prison on January 13, 2017, while serving his 55-year sentence.[4][5]

He was the father of Nicky Scarfo Jr., a Lucchese family soldier, who was sentenced in 2015 to 30 years in prison for security fraud, racketeering, and illegal gambling.

  1. ^ "On the anniversary of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, a look at history's most fearsome mob bosses". Nicholas Parco. The New York Daily News. February 14, 2016. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  2. ^ "Nicodemo - Little Nicky - Scarfo". La Cosa Nostra Database. LCNDB. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference life was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "NICODEMO SCARFO". Federal Bureau of Prisons. USA Gov. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  5. ^ "Always A Joker, Never A Rat. In Mobster's Obituary, Unexpected Family". Philly.com. George Anastasia. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.