{{short description|Mafia family based in Philadelphia}} {{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox criminal organization | name = Philadelphia crime family | image = <!--(filename only)--> | image_size = <!--(defaults to 220px)--> | caption = | founded = {{Circa}} {{start date and age|1911}} | founder = [[Salvatore Sabella]] | named_after = [[Angelo Bruno]] | founding_location = [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania, United States | years_active = {{circa|1911{{ndash}}present}} | territory = Primarily the [[Delaware Valley|Philadelphia metropolitan area]], including [[South Jersey]] and [[Delaware]], with additional territory in [[North Jersey]] and [[Boston]], as well as [[South Florida]]<ref> * {{cite web |last= |first= |title=Crime Leaders as Cited by F.B.I. |date=August 6, 1978 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1978/08/06/archives/crime-leaders-as-cited-by-fbi.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713153251/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/08/06/archives/crime-leaders-as-cited-by-fbi.html |archive-date=July 13, 2017 }} * {{cite web |last=Winians |first=Christopher |title=New York, Philadelphia mobs vying for control of Atlantic City |date=December 20, 1980 |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/20/New-York-Philadelphia-mobs-vying-for-control-of-Atlantic-City/6071346136400/ |agency=[[United Press International]] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Tz7Sq |archive-date=March 5, 2026 }} * [https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi] [[United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations]] (1988) {{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 |title=Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi : Hearings Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, April 11, 15, 21, 22, 29, 1988 |date=1988 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604224928/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&pg=PA720&lpg=PA720&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&source=bl&ots=i4PkQYJaL8&sig=ACfU3U2Ze7Y1XdoMBV66_Srw1nGG1jCFkQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi89MnCh8CGAxVyUUEAHS31B1k4ChDoAXoECAIQAw |url-status=bot: unknown }} * {{cite web|url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|title=21st Annual Report|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=September 1990|page=21|access-date=|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601134101/https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Joseph F. |title=U.S. Lawsuit Says Mob Controls Union in Atlantic City's Casinos |date=December 20, 1990 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/20/nyregion/us-lawsuit-says-mob-controls-union-in-atlantic-city-s-casinos.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525200652/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/20/nyregion/us-lawsuit-says-mob-controls-union-in-atlantic-city-s-casinos.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 }} * {{cite web|url=https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf|title=The Changing Face of organize crime in New Jersey|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=May 2004|page=125|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=April 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211432/https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite news |last1=McMahon |first1=Paula |title=Mob crackdown shows South Florida is still home for organized crime, feds say |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-mob-arrests-south-florida-20160813-story.html |newspaper=South Florida Sun Sentinel |date=August 13, 2016 |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=January 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106081955/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-mob-arrests-south-florida-20160813-story.html |url-status=live }} * {{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=Mob Talk: Philly Crime Family Leaders Conducted Mafia Initiation Ritual In Boston In 1990s |date=November 13, 2017 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/mob-talk-philly-crime-family-leaders-conducted-mafia-initiation-ritual-in-boston-in-1990s/ |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009072500/https://gangsterreport.com/mob-talk-philly-crime-family-leaders-conducted-mafia-initiation-ritual-in-boston-in-1990s/ |archive-date=October 9, 2022 }} </ref> | ethnicity = [[Italians]] as "[[Made man|made men]]" and other ethnicities as associates | membership_est = {{plainlist| * 55 made members and 250 associates (1990){{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}} * 50 made members and 100 associates (2004){{sfn|Schiller|2004|p=129-130}} }} | leaders = | activities = Racketeering, gambling, bookmaking, sports betting, loansharking, extortion, labor racketeering and corruption, political corruption, drug trafficking, illicit cigarette trade, gunrunning, smuggling, armed robbery, fencing, fraud, money laundering, prostitution, assault, and murder<ref> * [https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi] [[United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations]] (1988) {{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 |title=Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi : Hearings Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, April 11, 15, 21, 22, 29, 1988 |date=1988 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604224928/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&pg=PA720&lpg=PA720&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&source=bl&ots=i4PkQYJaL8&sig=ACfU3U2Ze7Y1XdoMBV66_Srw1nGG1jCFkQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi89MnCh8CGAxVyUUEAHS31B1k4ChDoAXoECAIQAw |url-status=bot: unknown }} * {{cite web|url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|title=21st Annual Report|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=September 1990|page=22|access-date=|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601134101/https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Joseph F. |title=U.S. Lawsuit Says Mob Controls Union in Atlantic City's Casinos |date=December 20, 1990 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/20/nyregion/us-lawsuit-says-mob-controls-union-in-atlantic-city-s-casinos.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525200652/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/20/nyregion/us-lawsuit-says-mob-controls-union-in-atlantic-city-s-casinos.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 }} * {{cite web|url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf|title=Organized Crime in Pennsylvania: A Decade of Change|publisher=Pennsylvania Crime Commission|date=March 30, 1991|page=150-168|access-date=June 7, 2021|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607163609/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|url=https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf|title=The Changing Face of organize crime in New Jersey|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=May 2004|page=131-132|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=April 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211432/https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite web |last=Bruney |first=Gabrielle |title=The Irishman Left Out the Full Story of the Disastrous Angelo Bruno and Frank Sidone Murders |date=December 2, 2019 |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30085596/angelo-bruno-frank-sidone-irishman-true-story/ |newspaper=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206160659/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30085596/angelo-bruno-frank-sidone-irishman-true-story/ |archive-date=December 6, 2019 }} </ref> | allies = {{plainlist| * [[Bufalino crime family]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=Hoffa hoped Philly mob don Angelo Bruno could save his dying bid for Teamsters presidency |date=December 3, 2019 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/hoffa-hoped-philly-mob-don-angelo-bruno-could-save-his-dying-bid-for-teamsters-presidency/ |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012235903/https://gangsterreport.com/hoffa-hoped-philly-mob-don-angelo-bruno-could-save-his-dying-bid-for-teamsters-presidency/ |archive-date=October 12, 2022 }}</ref> * [[DeCavalcante crime family]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Ford |first=Andrew |title=Mob NJ: The Mafia is still here, tied to Port Newark and the suburbs |date=May 28, 2019 |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/investigations/2019/03/28/nj-mob-the-mafia-is-still-here-port-newark-suburbs/3268727002/ |newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200727052058/https://www.app.com/story/news/investigations/2019/03/28/nj-mob-the-mafia-is-still-here-port-newark-suburbs/3268727002/ |archive-date=July 27, 2020 }}</ref> * [[Detroit Partnership]]<ref name="burnstein">{{cite book|last1=Burnstein|first1=Scott M.|title=Motor City Mafia: A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit|date=2006|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ne9vVtYPXkC&q=philadelphia&pg=PA97|isbn=9780738540849}}</ref> * [[Gambino crime family]]<ref> * {{cite web |last= |first= |title=The Big Players On The Boardwalk |date=February 5, 1978 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-big-players-on-the-boardwalk-4-the-big-payoff-from-slot.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921153010/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-big-players-on-the-boardwalk-4-the-big-payoff-from-slot.html |archive-date=September 21, 2018 }} * [https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi] [[United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations]] (1988) {{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&pg=PA720 |title=Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi : Hearings Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, April 11, 15, 21, 22, 29, 1988 |date=1988 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604224928/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1xJqPHe8ez4C&pg=PA720&lpg=PA720&dq=nicodemo+scarfo+pornography&source=bl&ots=i4PkQYJaL8&sig=ACfU3U2Ze7Y1XdoMBV66_Srw1nGG1jCFkQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi89MnCh8CGAxVyUUEAHS31B1k4ChDoAXoECAIQAw |url-status=bot: unknown }} </ref> * [[Genovese crime family]]<ref name="Introduction">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=State Commission of Investigation Mob Report |date=1992 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-stat/graphics/politics/trump-archive/docs/state-commission-of-investigation-mob-report-1992.pdf |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901052101/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-stat/graphics/politics/trump-archive/docs/state-commission-of-investigation-mob-report-1992.pdf |archive-date=September 1, 2016 }}</ref> * [[Lucchese crime family]]<ref name="Lucchese & Philly">{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=Lucchese & Philly Mob Alliance: Perna Boys In Jersey Watching Skinny Joey’s Back In Beef With Westside, Per Sources |date=February 12, 2024 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/lucchese-philly-mob-alliance-perna-boys-in-jersey-watching-the-skinny-ones-back-in-beef-with-westside-per-sources/ |website=The Gangster Report }}</ref> * [[Patriarca crime family]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=That's what friends are for: Philly mob mover & shaker Borgesi makes more "friends" along East Coast |date=March 27, 2017 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/thats-what-friends-are-for-philly-mob-mover-shaker-borgesi-makes-more-friends-along-east-coast/ |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008233550/https://gangsterreport.com/thats-what-friends-are-for-philly-mob-mover-shaker-borgesi-makes-more-friends-along-east-coast/ |archive-date=October 8, 2022 }}</ref> * [[Pittsburgh crime family]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|title=21st Annual Report|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=September 1990|page=22|access-date=|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601134101/https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[10th & Oregon Crew]]<ref> * {{cite web |last=McGarvey |first=Brendan |title=Hitting the Hit Men |date=June 5, 2002 |url=https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2002-07-05/cb2.shtml |newspaper=[[Philadelphia City Paper]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115202427/https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2002-07-05/cb2.shtml |archive-date=November 15, 2019 }} * {{cite web |last= |first= |title=Why War Horns May Sound Over Philly, Or Not… |date=October 20, 2016 |url=https://panamericancrime.wordpress.com/2016/10/20/why-war-horns-may-sound-over-philly-or-not/ |website=Pan American Crime |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115193110/https://panamericancrime.wordpress.com/2016/10/20/why-war-horns-may-sound-over-philly-or-not/ |archive-date=November 15, 2019 }} </ref> * [[Junior Black Mafia]]<ref> * {{cite web|url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|title=21st Annual Report|publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|date=September 1990|page=22|access-date=|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601134101/https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf|url-status=live}} * {{cite news|last1=Caparella|first1=Kitty|title=Sources: Mob Buys Coke From The JBM|url=http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-30/news/26149193_1_italian-mob-mob-underboss-jbm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913190203/http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-30/news/26149193_1_italian-mob-mob-underboss-jbm|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2015|access-date=November 7, 2015|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=August 30, 1989}} </ref> * [[K&A Gang]]<ref name=k&A>{{cite news|title=The Departed|url=http://citypaper.net/article.php?The-Departed-23078|access-date=November 3, 2015|newspaper=[[Philadelphia City Paper]]|date=October 8, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162446/http://citypaper.net/article.php?The-Departed-23078|archive-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> * [[Pagan's Motorcycle Club|Pagan's MC]]<ref name=pagansmc>{{cite news|last1=Caparella|first1=Kitty|title=Mob-Pagan Pact: Joey's Bid For Philly Crime Boss Fueled By Link With Biker Gang|url=http://articles.philly.com/1999-03-11/news/25511068_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-stanfa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514223110/http://articles.philly.com/1999-03-11/news/25511068_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-stanfa|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2011|access-date=November 7, 2015|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=March 11, 1999}}</ref> * [[Philadelphia Greek Mob]]<ref name="Mafia Love">{{cite web |last=Christophers |first=Nick |title=Greek Mob: Brotherly Mafia Love in Philly |date=July 23, 2009 |url=https://usa.greekreporter.com/2009/07/23/greek-mob-brotherly-mafia-love-in-philly/ |website=[[Greek Reporter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308221358/https://greekreporter.com/2009/07/23/greek-mob-brotherly-mafia-love-in-philly/ |archive-date=March 8, 2024 }}</ref> * [[Warlocks Motorcycle Club (Pennsylvania)|Warlocks MC]]<ref name=scarfo>{{cite news|last1=Lewis|first1=Larry|last2=Colimore|first2=Edward|title=Details Emerge Of Divided Warlocks And Year-ago Killing Two Bikers Are Charged. One Was Known For Violence, The Other For Trying To Change The Club's Image.|url=http://articles.philly.com/1996-05-06/news/25625781_1_charles-shovel-staples-warlocks-motorcycle-club-parole|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529082235/http://articles.philly.com/1996-05-06/news/25625781_1_charles-shovel-staples-warlocks-motorcycle-club-parole|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 29, 2015|access-date=7 November 2015|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=May 6, 1996}} </ref> }} | rivals = {{plainlist| * [[Black Mafia]]<ref name=phillydailykitty>{{cite news|last1=Caparella|first1=Kitty|title=Sources: Mob Buys Coke From The JBM|url=http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-30/news/26149193_1_italian-mob-mob-underboss-jbm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913190203/http://articles.philly.com/1989-08-30/news/26149193_1_italian-mob-mob-underboss-jbm|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2015|access-date=November 7, 2015|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=August 30, 1989}} </ref> * [[Hells Angels|Hells Angels MC]]<ref name=pagansmc /> * and various other gangs in the Philadelphia area, including their allies }} | notable_members = }} The '''Philadelphia crime family''', also known as the '''Bruno–Scarfo crime family''',<ref name="41 Charged">[https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/22/nyregion/41-charged-in-mob-case-based-on-informer.html 41 Charged in Mob Case Based on Informer] Joseph F. Sullivan, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (August 22, 1990) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422110836/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/22/nyregion/41-charged-in-mob-case-based-on-informer.html |date=April 22, 2024 }}</ref> the '''Philadelphia–Atlantic City crime family''',<ref name="Crime Barrier">[https://web.archive.org/web/20170828101125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/01/16/atlantic-citys-organized-crime-barrier-develops-major-fissures/8726d7ca-9e00-4647-b48a-dacf7d403d27/ Atlantic City's Organized Crime Barrier Develops Major Fissures] Margot Hornblower, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (January 16, 1984) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828101125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/01/16/atlantic-citys-organized-crime-barrier-develops-major-fissures/8726d7ca-9e00-4647-b48a-dacf7d403d27/ |date=August 28, 2017 }}</ref> the '''Philadelphia Mafia''',<ref name=AP>{{cite news|url=http://triblive.com/usworld/nation/7029249-74/merlino-philadelphia-ciancaglini|title=Philadelphia Mafia figure returned to prison for meeting friend|website=TribLIVE|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402142109/http://triblive.com/usworld/nation/7029249-74/merlino-philadelphia-ciancaglini|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=phillymag>{{cite web|last1=Volk|first1=Steve|title=What Ever Happened to the South Philly Mob|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/what-ever-happened-to-the-south-philly-mob/|website=Philadelphia Magazine|date=July 29, 2009 |access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224014155/http://www.phillymag.com/articles/what-ever-happened-to-the-south-philly-mob/|url-status=live}}</ref> the '''Philly Mafia''',<ref name="Merlino"/><ref name="myfoxphilly.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Joey_Merlino_Still_Runs_Philly_Mob_Document_Shows_050312 |title=Document Says Joey Merlino Still Runs Philly Mob |access-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508065325/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Joey_Merlino_Still_Runs_Philly_Mob_Document_Shows_050312 |archive-date=May 8, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="njcoi">{{cite web|last1=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation|title=State of New Jersey 27th Annual Report|url=http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/annual27.pdf|website=State.nj|access-date=June 2, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624071643/http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/annual27.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> or the '''Philadelphia–South Jersey Mafia''',<ref name=nydaily>{{cite news|title=Mob chef Angelo Lutz hopes for a hit with New Jersey restaurant The Kitchen Consigliere|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/mob-chef-angelo-lutz-hopes-hit-new-jersey-restaurant-kitchen-consigliere-article-1.1503156|access-date=March 25, 2015|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NY Daily News|date=October 31, 2013|location=New York|archive-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330023143/http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/mob-chef-angelo-lutz-hopes-hit-new-jersey-restaurant-kitchen-consigliere-article-1.1503156|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=milan>{{cite news|last1=Anastasia|first1=George|title=Tracing Ties Between Mob And Mayor Investigators Say A Friend Of Boss-turned-informant Ralph Natale's Funneled Cash And Gifts To Milton Milan.|url=http://articles.philly.com/2000-03-31/news/25606835_1_ralph-natale-mob-philadelphia-south-jersey|access-date=March 25, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=March 31, 2000|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050400/http://articles.philly.com/2000-03-31/news/25606835_1_ralph-natale-mob-philadelphia-south-jersey|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=anast>{{cite news|last1=Anastasia|first1=George|title=Informant Is Mob Target, Officials Say|url=http://articles.philly.com/1990-11-04/news/25928202_1_philadelphia-mob-boss-philadelphia-south-jersey-mob-figures|access-date=March 25, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=November 4, 1990|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221105/http://articles.philly.com/1990-11-04/news/25928202_1_philadelphia-mob-boss-philadelphia-south-jersey-mob-figures|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an [[Italian Americans|Italian American]] [[American Mafia|Mafia]] [[crime family]] based in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]. Formed and based in [[South Philadelphia]], the [[organized crime|criminal organization]] operates throughout the [[Delaware Valley|Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area]], including [[South Jersey]].<ref name=delco>{{cite news|last1=Brady Shea|first1=Kathleen|title=17 arrests aimed at the mob in Delco The arrests ended a 6 1/2-year probe into gambling, selling drugs and loan-sharking, authorities said.|url=http://articles.philly.com/2008-07-23/news/25246922_1_bookmaking-investigators-joey-merlino|access-date=November 3, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|publisher=Philly.com|date=July 2, 2008|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094430/http://articles.philly.com/2008-07-23/news/25246922_1_bookmaking-investigators-joey-merlino|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=simmons>{{cite news|last1=Simmons|first1=Rose|title=Mafia Trial Shows Muscle Of 'Old One'|url=http://articles.philly.com/1990-02-01/news/25882787_1_mafia-members-mafia-trial-video-poker-machines|access-date=November 3, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|publisher=Philly.com|date=February 1, 1990|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162446/http://articles.philly.com/1990-02-01/news/25882787_1_mafia-members-mafia-trial-video-poker-machines|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=chesterpa>{{cite news|last1=Anastasia|first1=George|title=Rackets Said To Own Chester Pa. Crime Panel Hears 2d Day Of Testimony|url=http://articles.philly.com/1988-12-16/news/26228167_1_poker-machines-gambino-organized-crime-family|access-date=November 3, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|publisher=Philly.com|date=December 1, 1988|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073137/http://articles.philly.com/1988-12-16/news/26228167_1_poker-machines-gambino-organized-crime-family|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=newark>{{cite web|last1=Barry|first1=Jim|title=Trouble With a Capital N|url=http://citypaper.net/articles/041901/news.mob.shtml|website=Philadelphia CityPaper|access-date=November 3, 2015|archive-date=October 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014091607/http://citypaper.net/articles/041901/news.mob.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The family is notorious for its violence, its succession of violent [[Boss (crime)|bosses]], and multiple mob wars.
Operating as the '''Bruno crime family''' under the 21-year reign of boss [[Angelo Bruno]] (1959–1980), the family enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|title=Nicodemo Scarfo|url=http://www.biography.com/people/nicodemo-scarfo-396826#arrest-and-imprisonment|website=Biography.com|publisher=Bio|access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203120459/http://www.biography.com/people/nicodemo-scarfo-396826#arrest-and-imprisonment|archive-date=February 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=Joseph F.|title=41 Charged in Mob Case Based on Informer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/22/nyregion/41-charged-in-mob-case-based-on-informer.html|access-date=March 25, 2015|website=The New York Times|date=August 22, 1990|archive-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525201643/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/22/nyregion/41-charged-in-mob-case-based-on-informer.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A complex dispute involving disgruntled subordinates and territory claims by [[New York City|New York]]'s [[Genovese crime family]] led to Bruno's murder in 1980. The killing marked the beginning of years of internal violence for control of the Philadelphia family, leading to a gradual decline in the family's stability.
Bruno was succeeded as boss by his loyal friend, [[Phil Testa|Philip "The Chicken Man" Testa]]; however, within a year of Bruno's murder, Testa was also murdered, killed in a nail bomb explosion in 1981. When the dust settled from Bruno and Testa's deaths, [[Nicodemo Scarfo|Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo]] emerged as boss of the crime family. During Scarfo's reign, the family was known as the '''Scarfo crime family'''.{{efn|see the following:<ref name="Philadelphia Weekly">{{cite web |url=http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/how_the_pagans_bested_the_mob-38471804.html |title=How the Pagans Bested the Mob | Cover Story | News and Opinion |publisher=Philadelphia Weekly |access-date=2012-07-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909051142/http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/how_the_pagans_bested_the_mob-38471804.html |archive-date=September 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="phillymag"/><ref name="nydaily"/><ref name="milan"/><ref name="anast"/><ref name="nytimes"/><ref name=inquirer>{{cite news|last1=LeDuc|first1=Daniel|last2=Anastasia|first2=George|last3=Terry|first3=Robert J.|title=Mobster-informant Leads To Arrests Of Nicodemo Scarfo Jr., 28 Others|url=http://articles.philly.com/1990-08-22/news/25932082_1_scarfo-family-crime-family-nicodemo-scarfo|access-date=March 25, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=August 22, 1990|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063416/http://articles.philly.com/1990-08-22/news/25932082_1_scarfo-family-crime-family-nicodemo-scarfo|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=inq>{{cite news|last1=Tulsky|first1=Fredric N.|last2=Pothier|first2=Dick|title=Scarfo Had Sal Testa Slain For 'Honor,' Caramandi Says|url=http://articles.philly.com/1987-05-14/news/26161509_1_scarfo-and-eight-salvatore-testa-scarfo-family|access-date=March 25, 2015|agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 14, 1987|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062649/http://articles.philly.com/1987-05-14/news/26161509_1_scarfo-and-eight-salvatore-testa-scarfo-family|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} Scarfo's 10-year reign saw the family grow in power, but also become highly dysfunctional. Unlike Bruno, Scarfo was infamous for his short temper and penchant for violence. Scarfo increasingly involved the family in [[drug trafficking|narcotics trafficking]] and demanded that all criminals pay a street tax for operating in his territory. Scarfo also did not hesitate to order people murdered over moderate disputes. The dramatic rise in violence attracted increased attention from the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI), [[Pennsylvania State Police]] and [[New Jersey State Police]]. Increased violence and law enforcement prosecutions also convinced several mobsters to [[turn state's evidence|cooperate with the government]] in order to escape death or prison. Scarfo's downfall came in 1988, when he and most of his top allies were arrested and sentenced to long prison terms.
With Scarfo's imprisonment, the Mafia hierarchy was convinced that Scarfo was unfit for the position of boss. Once Scarfo was deposed due to rising tensions within the family, [[John Stanfa]] was named boss of the Philadelphia family in 1991. A faction of young mobsters led by [[Joey Merlino]] disputed Stanfa's ascension, however, launching another war in the family by 1992. The war ended in 1994, when Stanfa and most of his supporters were arrested by the FBI, though less intensified fighting continued until 1996 and began to involve violence from outside the family until the early 2000s. Merlino subsequently took control of the family and allegedly ran the family to varying degrees for the following two decades.
The Philadelphia family has been significantly weakened over the past 30 years due to internal violence, government turncoats, and law enforcement action following the passage of the [[RICO Act]].<ref name="35 Years">[https://www.phillymag.com/news/2013/02/01/35-years-philly-mob-george-anastasia-2/ 35 Years Inside the Philly Mob With George Anastasia] [[George Anastasia]], ''[[Philadelphia (magazine)|Philadelphia]]'' (February 1, 2013) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260114155819/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2013/02/01/35-years-philly-mob-george-anastasia-2/ |date=January 14, 2026 }}</ref> The crime reporter [[George Anastasia]] has described the organization as one of the two most dysfunctional Mafia families in the United States, along with the [[Patriarca crime family]] of New England.<ref name="Last Gangster">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-last-gangster/ 'The Last Gangster'] Tatiana Morales, [[CBS News]] (March 15, 2004) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260112172818/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-last-gangster/ |date=January 12, 2026 }}</ref> Despite this, the family still remains one of the most active and powerful Mafia groups in the United States.<ref name="Finckenauer">[https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/218555.pdf?ftag=MSF0951a18 La Cosa Nostra in the United States] James O. Finckenauer, [[National Institute of Justice]] (1999) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404070250/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/218555.pdf?ftag=MSF0951a18 |date=April 4, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Barrett, Devlin|author2=Gardiner, Sean|title=Structure Keeps Mafia Atop Crime Heap|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704115404576096392318489246|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 22, 2011|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216071707/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704115404576096392318489246|archive-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
==History== ===Beginnings=== {{Further|Salvatore Sabella}} In the early 20th century, several [[Italian diaspora|Italian immigrant]] and [[Italian-American]] [[street gang]]s in [[South Philadelphia]] formed what eventually became the [[Philadelphia]] crime family. [[Salvatore Sabella]] was the first leader of the group that would later bear his name. They busied themselves with [[rum-running|bootlegging]], [[extortion]], [[loansharking]], and [[illegal gambling]], and it was during the [[Prohibition era]] that Sabella and his crew were recognized as members of the wider [[Sicilians|Sicilian]] crime syndicate of [[New York City]] and [[Chicago]]. Sabella retired in late 1931.
===First Philadelphia Mafia War=== {{Further|Joseph Ida}} After Sabella's retirement, two of his top lieutenants, John Avena and Giuseppe Dovi, began a five-year war for control of the family. Avena was murdered by members of his own faction on August 17, 1936, and Joseph "Joe Bruno" Dovi became boss of the Philadelphia family.
Dovi had good connections with the [[Chicago Outfit]] and the [[Five Families]] of New York City, and he expanded operations outside of South Philadelphia to the [[Delaware Valley|greater Philadelphia area]], including [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]] and other parts of [[South Jersey]]. [[Narcotics]], illegal gambling, loansharking, and extortion activities provided the family's income, and connections to the [[Genovese crime family|Genovese]] and [[Gambino crime family|Gambino]] crime families grew throughout the 1930s and early 1940s.
On October 22, 1946, Dovi died of natural causes at a New York City hospital, and [[Joseph Ida|Giuseppe “Joseph” Ida]] was appointed by [[The Commission (American Mafia)|the Commission]] to run the Philadelphia family and its rackets.
===Vito Genovese=== {{Further|Vito Genovese|Antonio Pollina}} Joe Ida ran the family throughout the 1940s and early 1950s. Ida and the Philadelphia organization were heavily influenced by the bosses of the Five Families, especially the Genovese family, which sought to control the Philadelphia family. [[Vito Genovese]], an [[underboss]] at the time, assumed control of what would become the Genovese family in 1957 after the shooting of former boss [[Frank Costello]], who subsequently retired due to illness.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vito-Genovese | title=Vito Genovese | Family, Death, & Facts | Britannica }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://themobmuseum.org/notable_names/vito-genovese/ | title=Notable Name: Vito Genovese }}</ref>
As the Philadelphia family gained more power in Atlantic City and South Jersey, it was viewed merely as a Genovese faction due to the Genoveses' substantial amount of influence over the Philadelphia family at the time. After a 1956 Commission meeting, however, the crime families of Philadelphia and [[Detroit Partnership|Detroit]], headed by Ida and [[Joseph Zerilli|Giuseppe "Joseph" Zerilli]] respectively, were added to the Commission, establishing the Philadelphia family as its own organization independent of control by New York crime families.<ref name="Capeci guide">[[Jerry Capeci|Capeci, Jerry]]. ''The complete idiot's guide to the Mafia'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=GhfExAeLSBAC&q=commission&pg=PA43 "The Mafia's Commission" (pp. 31–46)]</ref>
Ida and his underboss Dominick Olivetto were present during the [[Apalachin meeting]] in 1957 with roughly 100 other top mobsters. The meeting was raided by U.S. law enforcement, and over 60 ''mafiosi'' were arrested and indicted for association with known [[organized crime]] members. Ida was named in the indictment and fled to Sicily not long after the meeting, leaving [[Antonio Pollina|Antonio "Mr. Migs" Pollina]] as acting boss in Ida's absence.
===Angelo Bruno=== {{Further|Angelo Bruno}} [[File:Angelo Bruno 1943 mugshot.jpg|thumb|A mugshot of [[Angelo Bruno]] in 1943]] [[File:CommissionChart1963.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] chart of La Cosa Nostra [[The Commission (American Mafia)|Commission]] in 1963]]
After Ida retired in 1959 and Pollina was demoted, [[Angelo Bruno]] was appointed by the Commission to run the Philadelphia family. Bruno, the first boss of Philadelphia with an influential seat on the Commission, was born in Sicily and was a close ally of [[Carlo Gambino]], solidifying his position as leader of the Philadelphia Mafia. Bruno used his contacts and his own business mind to maintain respect and power among other Mafia bosses in the country. He expanded the family's profit and operations in Atlantic City, which, due in part to its location within the Philadelphia metro area, had naturally become known as the Philadelphia family's turf. Bruno himself avoided the intense media and law enforcement scrutiny and kept violence down. He spent almost three years in prison for refusing to testify at a 1970 hearing on organized crime in the state of New Jersey. After his release, he spent some time in Italy before returning to the United States in 1977.<ref name="Bruno">The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mafia. Capeci, Jerry. Penguin Publishing, 2005</ref>
Bruno had a reputation for seeking peaceful solutions to family issues instead of violence.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> He was sometimes referred to as the "Gentle Don" due to his apparent reluctance to resort to violence or murder if other means of conflict resolution among family members were available, though he had no strong aversion to violence outside of the family. While he preferred negotiation, intimidation, and persuasion or coercion, he generally avoided, if possible, certain violent tactics for pragmatic reasons; mostly, he believed that excessive violence would bring police attention, disrupt cohesion among his ranks, and jeopardize his illegal businesses and ties with ostensibly legitimate businesses and politicians. Bruno oversaw the family's gambling syndicate and preferred more traditional operations such as labor racketeering and union infiltration, extortion and [[protection racket]]s, loan sharking, [[numbers game]]s, and other illegal gambling operations, including infiltrating legitimate businesses. Outside of most family issues, however, violence was still the modus operandi of the Philly Mafia; by the late 1960s, the Philadelphia family used violence and intimidation to control various unions in the food and service industry, such as Local 54 of the [[Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union]]. The crime family plundered the local's health and welfare funds and used its control to extort money from bars and restaurants.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> Mafia members owned or had a controlling interest in many restaurants, bars, and social clubs throughout the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocbars2.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214641/https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocbars2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> During the early 1960s, the Philadelphia family was officially recognized as the Bruno family.
Bruno focused mostly on low-risk crimes and gave his subordinates autonomy as long as he received a share of the profits. He prohibited any of his men from getting involved in narcotics trafficking, fearing the long prison sentences that drug trafficking charges could bring. Many of his men disagreed with this decision, seeing the large profits that could be made. Some mobsters, like [[Philip Testa|Philip "the Chicken Man" Testa]],{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=24}} [[Antonio Caponigro|Antonio "Tony Bananas" Caponigro]],{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=24}} [[Harry Riccobene|Harry "the Hunchback" Riccobene]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.crimemagazine.com/serving-harry-riccobenescarfo-war |title=Serving up Harry: The Riccobene/Scarfo War Crime Magazine |access-date=April 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417022944/http://www.crimemagazine.com/serving-harry-riccobenescarfo-war |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Raymond Martorano|Raymond "Long John" Martorano]],<ref name="Meth King">{{cite episode |title = The Mafia Meth King |series = Narco Wars |series-link = |network = [[National Geographic (American TV channel)|National Geographic]] |date = June 2, 2021 |season = 2 |number = 2 }}</ref> ran drug trafficking operations clandestinely without Bruno's knowledge. His men were further angered because Bruno accepted money from [[John Gambino|Giovanni "John" Gambino]] in order to allow the Gambino family to sell [[heroin]] on Philadelphia family turf in South Jersey.{{sfn|Reilly|1991|p=162-163}}<ref name="Last Supper">[https://jerseymanmagazine.com/after-the-last-supper/ After the Last Supper] [[George Anastasia]], ''Jersey Man'' (April 15, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251207190704/https://jerseymanmagazine.com/after-the-last-supper/ |date=December 7, 2025 }}</ref>
For decades, the Mafia controlled criminal rackets in Philadelphia's African-American neighborhoods, financing Black numbers operations and supplying heroin to Black drug dealers. In 1970, [[Samuel Christian|Samuel "Beyah" Christian]] and other [[African-American organized crime]] figures formed the [[Black Mafia]] to take control of illegal activities in the Black neighborhoods of Philadelphia from the Italian Mafia, a venture which was partially successful. After the Black Mafia began extorting Philadelphia family operatives in African-American areas, Bruno eventually acquiesced control of some gambling rackets which had historically been dominated by Italian-American mobsters. As per the agreement, Black gangsters were required to pay a "street tax" to the Bruno family in order to engage in the rackets. The Black Mafia became defunct as a result of a string of convictions and internal killings during the mid-1970s.<ref name=phillydailykitty/>
Bruno also faced pressure from New York's Five Families to let them have a cut of the business in Atlantic City, a Philadelphia Mafia-controlled city that was at the time transitioning from a city in decline to a gambling mecca.<ref name="Las Vegas East">[https://time.com/archive/6853217/nation-trouble-in-las-vegas-east/ Nation: Trouble in Las Vegas East] ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (January 16, 1978) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251206025131/https://time.com/archive/6853217/nation-trouble-in-las-vegas-east/ |date=December 6, 2025 }}</ref> Following its early 20th-century heyday as a respected resort town, Atlantic City had been suffering from a sharp decline in the decades prior to the 1970s. With the introduction of legalized casino gambling in 1977, Atlantic City once again became particularly desired turf for organized crime.<ref name="Mob Gambles">[https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-mob-gambles-on-atlantic-city-introduction-1-angelo-bruno-the.html The Mob Gambles On Atlantic] Howard Blum and Jeff Gerth, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 5, 1978) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230506195204/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-mob-gambles-on-atlantic-city-introduction-1-angelo-bruno-the.html |date=May 6, 2023 }}</ref> However, Atlantic City had long been reckoned as a fief of the Philadelphia family.<ref name="Mob Alliance">[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/01/nyregion/mob-alliance-to-share-casino-riches-reported.html Mob Alliance to Share Casino Riches Reported] Joseph B. Treaster, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (September 1, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251206025120/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/01/nyregion/mob-alliance-to-share-casino-riches-reported.html |date=December 6, 2025 }}</ref> Under longstanding Mafia rules, the Five Families could only come into Atlantic City with the Philadelphia family's permission—something Bruno was unwilling to give.<ref name="New York, Philadelphia mobs">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/20/New-York-Philadelphia-mobs-vying-for-control-of-Atlantic-City/6071346136400/ New York, Philadelphia mobs vying for control of Atlantic City] Christopher Winians, [[United Press International]] (December 20, 1980) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20240604220441/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/20/New-York-Philadelphia-mobs-vying-for-control-of-Atlantic-City/6071346136400/#selection-549.0-556.0 |date=June 4, 2024 }}</ref>
On October 15, 1976, Carlo Gambino died of a heart attack. With Gambino gone, Bruno lost his most important ally in the underworld.<ref name="Bruno"/> Many of Bruno's subordinates felt that they were missing out on money because of Bruno's old-fashioned and content ways. His ''[[consigliere]]'', Tony Caponigro, who hoped to expand the family's drug operations and was heavily involved in the drug trade largely unbeknownst to and against the wishes of Bruno, approached Genovese family boss [[Frank Tieri (mobster)|Frank "Funzi" Tieri]] in order to seek the Commission's permission to kill Bruno and take over the crime family. Tieri, sensing an opportunity to take Caponigro's [[North Jersey]] gambling operation and set up operations in Atlantic City, lied to Caponigro and told him he had the Commission's support.<ref name="PI Bruno death">{{cite news|last1=Anastasia|first1=George|title=Behind Bruno's Slaying: Tale Of A Triple-cross|url=http://articles.philly.com/1989-03-12/news/26131313_1_mob-boss-philadelphia-mob-gambino-organization|access-date=2015-12-10|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=March 12, 1989|archive-date=March 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330191740/http://articles.philly.com/1989-03-12/news/26131313_1_mob-boss-philadelphia-mob-gambino-organization|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 21, 1980, Bruno was shotgunned in the back of the head while in his car in South Philadelphia by a gunman working for Caponigro.<ref>Anastasia (1991), pp. 29-30, 88</ref> That April, Caponigro visited New York City under the assumption that he was going to be confirmed as boss. Instead, he was tortured and murdered for killing a Commission member without permission.<ref>Anastasia (1991), pp. 91-92</ref> Caponigro's co-conspirators [[Frank Sindone]], Alfred Salerno, and John Simone were also murdered for killing a mob boss without the permission of the Commission.
===Second Philadelphia Mafia War (1980–1984)=== {{Further|Nicodemo Scarfo|Philip Testa}} [[File:Nicky Scarfo.jpg|thumb|An FBI photo of [[Nicodemo Scarfo]]]] Beginning with Bruno's murder in 1980 and the subsequent murder of Caponigro and his co-conspirators, a violent struggle for power erupted within the Philadelphia Mafia. Bruno's successor, his former underboss Philip Testa, lasted just under a year as the boss of the family before he was killed by a [[nail bomb]] under his front porch on March 15, 1981. Testa's murder was orchestrated by Frank "Chickie" Narducci in yet another attempt to take control of the family.<ref>Anastasia (1991), pp. 106-109</ref> Peter Casella and [[Nicodemo Scarfo|Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo]], Testa's underboss and ''consigliere'' respectively, were both vying to take over the family. Violence between the two factions ensued. Scarfo was close with Genovese family ''consigliere'' [[Louis Manna|Louis "Bobby" Manna]] and approached the Genovese hierarchy with his suspicions that Narducci and Casella orchestrated Testa's murder. The Genovese family set up a meeting with Scarfo and Casella, where Casella confessed that Narducci killed Testa so that they could take over the family. Narducci was killed and Casella was banished from the mob and fled to Florida, leaving Scarfo the major candidate for boss of the family. However, the war continued in spite of, or because of, Scarfo's apparent nomination to boss.
Nicodemo Scarfo was a powerful Bruno family mobster who operated mostly in Atlantic City prior to his accession to boss. Atlantic City witnessed an economic boom after enacting measures allowing casino gambling in the late 1970s. Scarfo was able to expand his power base by infiltrating the expanding construction and service industries in Atlantic City. Despite Atlantic City being turf of the Philadelphia Mafia, Scarfo let the Commission and New York crime families operate in Atlantic City under his discretion in return for their support for him as boss. Scarfo named [[Salvatore Merlino|Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino]] as his underboss and [[Frank Monte]] as his ''consigliere''. Scarfo demoted Bruno's mob [[Caporegime|captains]] and replaced them with [[Phil Leonetti|"Crazy Phil" Leonetti]], Lawrence "Yogi" Merlino and Joseph "Chickie" Ciancaglini Sr., leading to further Mafia warring from disgruntled soldiers who were formerly well-situated under Bruno and Testa's reign but passed over by Scarfo, as well as from Philly Mafia soldiers in South Jersey who were angry that Scarfo was allowing New York mobsters to operate in Atlantic City. Scarfo eventually emerged triumphant despite considerable violent opposition and multiple murders.
The last person to stand in Scarfo's way was the well-respected, long-time Philadelphia crime family mobster and "[[made man]]", Harry Riccobene. Believing that Scarfo was an unfit and greedy boss, Riccobene refused to pay his tribute to Scarfo. While Angelo Bruno apparently never asked Riccobene for a regular or unreasonable share of his illicit profits, Scarfo demanded a typical "kick up" tribute, which angered Riccobene, as he did not view Scarfo as a legitimate or appropriate successor to the position of boss.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2000-12-27/news/25578799_1_joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-philadelphia-s-la-cosa-nostra-philly-mob |title=This Ain't No 'Godfather' Flick over the Bulk of the Last Century, the Philly Mob Maintained a Code of Silence - but No More |access-date=July 2, 2016 |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018061719/http://articles.philly.com/2000-12-27/news/25578799_1_joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-philadelphia-s-la-cosa-nostra-philly-mob |url-status=dead}}</ref> With Scarfo off the street serving a brief prison term in Texas, the "Riccobene War" ensued between 1982 and 1984 as part of the larger Second Philadelphia Mafia War in the 1980s. The Scarfo faction was able to kill three of Riccobene's men.<ref name="Pennsylvania">[https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf Pennsylvania Crime Commission: 1984 Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151111074731/https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf |date=November 11, 2015}}. DIANE Publishing Company {{ISBN|9780788145629}}</ref> The Riccobene faction was able to kill Scarfo's ''consigliere'' Frank Monte, while Riccobene himself survived two attempts on his life. In 1984, the two gunmen in the Monte murder, along with Riccobene's brother, were arrested and agreed to cooperate with authorities. They testified at trial that Riccobene ordered Monte's murder. Riccobene was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, ending the war.
==="Little Nicky" Scarfo's reign (1981–1990)=== [[File:Philadelphia crime family mobsters.jpg|thumb|An FBI photo of the Philly mob congregating, including [[Phil Leonetti]], Joey Pungitore, Philip Narducci, and Nicholas Milano]] [[File:Salvatore Testa.jpg|thumb|[[Salvatore Testa]], killed in [[Gloucester Township, New Jersey]], September 14, 1984, on orders from Philly mob boss Nicodemo Scarfo]] When Nicky Scarfo became boss, he wanted to unify organized crime in the area and dreamed of running a smooth criminal empire. He soon imposed a "street tax" on all criminal rackets in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Although financially extorting criminals is a common Mafia racket, it was a somewhat alien practice in Philadelphia. Enforced by soldiers and associates of the family, the tax was paid by criminals working independently from the Mafia, including drug dealers, bookmakers, loan sharks, pimps, and number runners operating in territory that Scarfo deemed his own, were forced to pay his street tax weekly. Those who refused to pay the tax were often murdered. Loan shark, drug dealer and pawn shop owner John Calabrese was killed by Joseph Ciancaglini Sr., Tommy DelGiorno, Frank Iannarella and [[Pasquale Spirito|Pasquale "Pat the Cat" Spirito]]. Frankie "Flowers" D'Alfonso was brutally beaten by Salvatore Testa and Joey Pungitore for refusing to pay the street tax. He was later murdered in 1985.
The crime family's biggest racket was the control of labor unions. During Bruno's and Scarfo's reigns, the Philadelphia Mafia maintained some degree of influence over [[International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers|Roofers Union]] Local 30, [[International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers|Iron Workers Union]] Local 405, [[Laborers Union]] Local 332 and [[Teamsters Union]] Locals 107, 158, 331 and 837.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> The crime family used this influence to extort businesses, steal from the union treasuries and receive paychecks and benefits for little to no work.
Scarfo also got the crime family heavily involved in [[methamphetamine]] trafficking, which was the drug of choice in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area. At first, the family extorted money from local meth dealers. When Greek-American gangster Chelsais "Steve" Bouras, boss of the [[Philadelphia Greek Mob]], began intruding on the methamphetamine trade in Philadelphia and refused to pay Scarfo's street tax, Scarfo had him killed. Although the Greek mob had long been a close ally and partner of the Philadelphia Mafia, and despite the fact that some Philadelphia Italian crime family members were themselves heavily involved in Bouras's methamphetamine trafficking ring, the hot-headed and ruthless Scarfo decided to send a message to all local crime organizations about respecting the street tax and the primacy of the Philadelphia crime family by having Bouras killed in public. Bouras was eating dinner with his girlfriend, friends, and Scarfo soldier Raymond Martorano when a hit team ambushed and killed Bouras along with his girlfriend.<ref name="Meth King"/>
The Philadelphia family then started controlling the meth trade in the area by supplying illicit [[Phenylacetone|P2P]] (the key meth ingredient) to meth manufacturers.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> By controlling the supply of P2P, the Philadelphia mob was generally able to control the methamphetamine trade in the Philadelphia/South New Jersey area. Some criminals borrowed money from Mafia members to finance meth operations (and benefited from working with the Mafia instead of being extorted by them).<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> The crime family also had some involvement in [[cocaine]] and [[marijuana]] trafficking.
Scarfo became notorious for his ruthless, paranoid nature. Scarfo demanded complete allegiance to him and ordered people murdered over signs of disrespect, insubordination or resistance. Described by a former crime family member:<ref name="Time"/>
{{Blockquote|text=[i]f you were in good graces with him, he loves you and you love him. You understand? But you never knew from one day to the next. He'd turn on anybody, and he drew no lines when it came to killing. Most Mob bosses were not like him. The Mob is basically run the same in every city, but our "family" was unusual in that it was a very paranoid family because we all feared each other and feared Scarfo the most. He held grudges. If you didn't say hello to him 20 years ago, he never forgot. He used to say, "I'm like the turtle. I get there." You know, we were the best of friends. He believed in me, and I believed in him. But he was very, very paranoid. He betrayed himself. His own nephew turned. |author=Nicholas "the Crow" Caramandi}}
Soon after his promotion to boss, the number of organized crime-related murders escalated in the 1980s. Philadelphia mobster-turned-government witness Nicholas "Nicky the Crow" Caramandi described Scarfo's violent nature in a 2001 interview:<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |author=RICHARD BEHAR Nicholas (The Crow) Caramandi |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,157251,00.html |title=A Crow Turns Stool Pigeon |magazine=Time |date=June 24, 2001 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=December 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225175507/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,157251,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{blockquote|text=Scarfo was a cowboy. He didn't want a guy taken in a house and shot easily in the back of the head. He wanted it outside, in broad daylight, with a million people around. Restaurants, funeral homes, anywhere. Then it gets written up in the papers, and it puts fear in people. He loved that cowboy stuff.}}
Scarfo had inducted member Pat Spirito murdered in 1983. During the Riccobene War, Spirito switched sides and aligned himself with Scarfo, but was killed for turning down a murder contract on Riccobene's brother.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> But Scarfo's downfall began on September 14, 1984, when Scarfo loyalist [[Salvatore Testa|Salvatore "Salvie" Testa]] was murdered.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Story Of Sal Testa, Former Scarfo Protege|url=http://articles.philly.com/1987-04-11/news/26193585_1_salvatore-testa-philip-chicken-man-testa-angelo-bruno|website=Philly.com|publisher=Michael B. Coakley|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322154713/http://articles.philly.com/1987-04-11/news/26193585_1_salvatore-testa-philip-chicken-man-testa-angelo-bruno|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite Testa serving faithfully under Scarfo and committing several murders on his behalf, Scarfo granted his underboss Salvatore Merlino permission to kill Testa for breaking off his engagement with Merlino's daughter. After this, other members and crime families saw Scarfo as untrustworthy and paranoid. He also started to earn a negative reputation within his organization, which led to members turning informant in the late 1980s. After Merlino's drinking problem got out of hand, Scarfo demoted him to soldier and promoted his nephew Phil Leonetti as his new underboss.
In November 1988, Scarfo and 16 of his men were convicted of racketeering, ten murders, five attempted murders, extortion, gambling and narcotics trafficking.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/> Along with Scarfo, underboss Philip Leonetti, three of the family's four ''capo''s, or captains, Joseph Ciancaglini, Francis Iannarella Jr. and Santo Idone, and soldiers such as Albert Pontani, Salvatore Merlino and Charles Iannece were arrested.<ref name="The Philadelphia Inquirer">{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1989-01-29/news/26123521_1_salvatore-testa-philip-leonetti-angelo-bruno |title=Dismantling The Philadelphia Mob |website=Articles.philly.com |date=January 29, 1989 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093118/http://articles.philly.com/1989-01-29/news/26123521_1_salvatore-testa-philip-leonetti-angelo-bruno |url-status=dead }}</ref> The prosecutions were strengthened by Mafia members Tommy DelGiorno and Nicky Caramandi agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement and testify at trial for the government in order to escape long prison terms and Scarfo's ruthless regime.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/><ref name="The Philadelphia Inquirer"/> Fifteen of the defendants received prison sentences ranging from 30 to 55 years, including Scarfo.<ref name="Pennsylvania"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20170116_Mafia_tyrantTyrannical_Mafia_boss_Nicodemo__Little_Nicky__Scarfo__87__dies_in_prison__hhospital.html|title=Tyrannical Mafia boss Nicodemo 'Little Nicky' Scarfo, 87, dies in prison hospital|first=By George Anastasia, Staff|last=Writer|website=inquirer.com|date=January 15, 2017 }}</ref>
Leonetti was the next defector who agreed to cooperate with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) after being sentenced to 45 years in prison. Many more mobsters would later be sentenced to long prison terms for crimes such as racketeering, narcotics trafficking and murder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1989-05-11/news/26114848_1_van-antwerpen-racketeering-underboss |title=Mob Underboss Gets 45-year Sentence |website=Articles.philly.com |date=May 11, 1989 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073514/http://articles.philly.com/1989-05-11/news/26114848_1_van-antwerpen-racketeering-underboss |url-status=dead }}</ref> This caused the number of Mafia members in the family to dwindle in the 1990s, with fewer new guys available to replace all those being convicted of serious crimes. By 1990, 21 members were incarcerated, 11 were under indictment, and six turned government witnesses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1992-01-30/news/26035682_1_philadelphia-mob-felix-bocchino-angelo-bruno |title=For Nearly 50 Years, An Underworld Player |website=Articles.philly.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070901/http://articles.philly.com/1992-01-30/news/26035682_1_philadelphia-mob-felix-bocchino-angelo-bruno |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Pennsylvania Crime Commission reported that there were only 24 members who were free and not facing criminal charges.
===John Stanfa and the Third Philadelphia Mafia War (1990–1996)=== {{Further|John Stanfa}} [[File:Tommy Scafidi and John Stanfa.jpg|thumb|[[John Stanfa]] (right) talking to Tommy "Horsehead" Scafidi]] [[File:John Veasey.jpg|thumb|John Stanfa recruited John Veasey as an enforcer during the war with [[Joey Merlino]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/john-john-veasey-s-life-after-the-philly-mob/?all=1 |title=Veasey's Life After the Philly Mob |website=Phillymag.com |date=October 29, 2010 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105170021/http://www.phillymag.com/articles/john-john-veasey-s-life-after-the-philly-mob/?all=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Veasey later became a government turncoat, testifying for the prosecution at Stanfa's trial.]] With many of Scarfo's loyalists serving lengthy prison terms, it became clear that Scarfo would not be able to maintain control of the crime family from prison much longer. To avoid a total power vacuum in the Philadelphia Mafia, [[John Stanfa|Giovanni "John" Stanfa]], a Sicilian-born mobster with the support and endorsement of the influential Gambino and Genovese families in New York, was named boss of the Philadelphia family in 1990. Word was sent to the imprisoned Scarfo in October 1990, with Scarfo being informed that he was no longer boss and that Stanfa had been installed as boss, though Stanfa wasn't officially installed as boss until 1991.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/ron-previte-dies-informant-mob-bosses-philly-20170829.html |title = Ron Previte, wiseguy informant who brought down Philly mob bosses, dead at 73| date=August 29, 2017 }}</ref> The New York Mafia's intrusion in Philadelphia Mafia affairs was not well received by many of the younger Philadelphia-born mobsters in the crime family, including [[Joey Merlino|Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino]], the son of former underboss Salvatore Merlino, who saw Stanfa as an outsider who had not worked his way up in the organization due to being imprisoned during the entire Scarfo era.<ref>{{cite news |last=Raab |first=Selwyn |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/22/us/jury-convicts-philadelphia-s-mob-leader.html |title=Jury Convicts Philadelphia's Mob Leader |location=Philadelphia, Pa, Usa |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 22, 1995 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=April 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413231924/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/22/us/jury-convicts-philadelphia-s-mob-leader.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
While serving prison time together in 1990, Merlino met [[Ralph Natale]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Barry |first=Jim |url=http://citypaper.net/articles/032201/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml |title=Who's the Boss? |website=Citypaper.net |access-date=2016-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001143119/http://citypaper.net/articles/032201/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml |archive-date=October 1, 2015 }}</ref> According to Natale, he and Merlino began plotting to take over the Philadelphia family during this period. Natale named Michael Ciancaglini, Steven Mazzone, George Borgesi, Gaetano "Tommy Horsehead" Scafidi and Martin "Marty" Angelina as Merlino's key associates and co-conspirators in the plan.<ref name="Recalling">Caparella, Kitty. "Recalling A Bloody Hit." ''Philadelphia Daily News.'' April 24, 2001.</ref><ref name="Descent">Anastasia, George. "Mob Boss Natale Tells of 'Descent Into Hell'." ''Philadelphia Inquirer.'' March 31, 2001.</ref> Stanfa was aware of the divide in his family and tried to find a peaceful solution. He named Michael's older brother Joseph Jr. as his new underboss. Stanfa hoped that this would appease the Merlino faction and bring them under his banner. However, tensions escalated, and in 1991 another war for control of the Philadelphia family was underway. Merlino loyalists shot and incapacitated Joseph Ciancaglini Jr., while Stanfa's faction killed Michael Ciancaglini.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyJoF1Os0UY |title=Brother Against Brother MOB SCENE |publisher=YouTube |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162446/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyJoF1Os0UY |url-status=live }}</ref> They continued attacking each other for months, including a freeway ambush Stanfa survived, and several failed attempts on Merlino's life. The Stanfa faction was still solidifying its control of the crime family and recruited many outside hitmen for the war.<ref name="query.nytimes.com">{{cite news |last=Raab |first=Selwyn |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE5DB123AF935A35753C1A963958260 |title=Brother of Mob Turncoat Is Gunned Down - NYTimes.com |location=Philadelphia (Pa) |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 6, 1995 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701034739/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE5DB123AF935A35753C1A963958260 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On March 17, 1994, Stanfa and 23 of his men were arrested on racketeering-related charges.<ref name="Decourcy">{{cite news |last=Decourcy |first=Michael |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/us/fbi-arrests-reputed-leader-of-philadelphia-mob-and-23-others.html |title=F.B.I. Arrests Reputed Leader of Philadelphia Mob and 23 Others |location=Philadelphia (Pa) |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 18, 1994 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214703/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/us/fbi-arrests-reputed-leader-of-philadelphia-mob-and-23-others.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the second major indictment on the crime family in seven years. The federal case was the largest prosecution of an organized crime group in Philadelphia history.<ref name="Decourcy"/> A key piece of evidence was two years of recorded conversations Stanfa would have with mobsters in his attorney's office and doctor's office. Believing [[attorney–client privilege]] and [[doctor-patient confidentiality]] would protect him, Stanfa openly talked about important Mafia business with his men. However, the FBI was able to get a [[Warrant (law)|warrant]] to place [[covert listening device]]s in both offices once they figured out they were being used to aid criminal conspiracies.<ref name="Decourcy"/> Stanfa, in an unusual tactic, recruited several men who were of only partial Italian heritage, including the Veasey brothers. According to the former executive director of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, Frederick T. Martens, "Stanfa brought in people, like the Veasey brothers, who had no background in the mob but who were willing to break legs and pull a trigger".<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/> John Veasey, who pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and murder, entered the witness protection program in 1994.<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/> William Veasey, John Veasey's brother, was murdered on October 5, 1995, the same day he was scheduled to testify against Stanfa at trial.<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/>
Stanfa was convicted in 1995,<ref name=life>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/22/us/jury-convicts-philadelphia-s-mob-leader.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413231924/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/22/us/jury-convicts-philadelphia-s-mob-leader.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 13, 2009|title=Jury Convicts Philadelphia's Mob Leader|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 22, 1995}}</ref> and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/09/Stanfa-given-life-term/5473836884800/|title=Stanfa given life term|publisher=upi.com|date=July 9, 1996|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214652/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/09/Stanfa-given-life-term/5473836884800/|url-status=live}}</ref> With most of Stanfa's supporters also arrested and convicted, Merlino was released from prison in November 1994 and named Natale, who had also been released from prison on parole, as the new boss. Merlino positioned himself as Natale's underboss. During Natale's reign, Merlino was the real power in the family, allowing Natale to become boss to direct law enforcement attention away from himself.<ref>{{cite book|last=Anastasia|first=George|title=The Last Gangster|year=2004|publisher=HarperCollins|location=New York|isbn=978-0-06-054423-2|pages=[https://archive.org/details/lastgangsterfrom00anas_0/page/70 70–72]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/lastgangsterfrom00anas_0/page/70}}</ref><ref name="CP front">{{cite web|title=Who's the Boss?|url=http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/032201/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml|publisher=Philadelphia City Paper|access-date=2011-09-13|author=Jim Barry|author2=Howard Altman|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221085240/http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/032201/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml|archive-date=2013-02-21}}</ref>
===Natale's "front boss" reign, Merlino's ascension, and continuing Mafia violence=== [[File:George Borgesi.jpg|thumb|George Borgesi, a childhood friend of [[Joey Merlino]] and the nephew of [[Joseph Ligambi]]]] Merlino gained notoriety as a flamboyant, celebrity gangster who often went out partying with a large entourage. The press dubbed him the "[[John Gotti]] of Passyunk Avenue" due to his candid demeanor in front of news cameras; Passyunk Avenue is a prominent street in South Philadelphia. He also invited the press when he held Christmas parties for the [[homeless]] and gave away turkeys at Thanksgiving in [[housing projects]].<ref name="bigtrial.net">{{Cite web | url=http://www.bigtrial.net/2013/04/merlino-talks-about-nicky-skins-and.html | title=Skinny Joey Talks About Nicky Skins and Life Without the Mob | access-date=2013-05-05 | archive-date=2021-01-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214651/https://www.bigtrial.net/2013/04/merlino-talks-about-nicky-skins-and.html | url-status=live}}</ref>
The arrogance and aggressiveness of Merlino's young faction turned off a lot of criminals from working with the crime family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mycitypaper.com/articles/2002-07-12/cb4.shtml|title=Sins of the Fathers|website=mycitypaper.com|access-date=2018-04-04|archive-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214738/https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2002-07-12/cb4.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Merlino would often make big bets with bookies and refuse to pay when he lost.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.bigtrial.net/2016/11/reprinted-with-permission-from-gangland.html | title=No Reservatons at Ristorante Merlino | access-date=2018-04-04 | archive-date=2021-01-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214746/https://www.bigtrial.net/2016/11/reprinted-with-permission-from-gangland.html | url-status=live }}</ref> This practice, known as "guzzling", was used on both independent and mob-run bookies. During this time, Merlino and Natale oversaw the crime family's gambling, loan sharking, extortion and stolen goods rackets.
In 1995, Louis Turra, leader of a Philadelphia drug gang, the [[10th & Oregon Crew]], was severely beaten by Merlino's men, allegedly for failing to pay a Mafia street tax on the gang's illegal earnings.<ref>"Who's the mob hit-wit" March 14, 1998. Philadelphia Daily News</ref> Angered by the beating, Turra sought vengeance. His father Anthony hosted a meeting at his house during which Anthony, Louis and his gang discussed killing Merlino. In January 1998, Louis Turra apparently hanged himself in a New York City jail while awaiting trial. In March 1998, Anthony Turra, on trial on charges of plotting to kill Merlino, was shot dead outside his home by a gunman in a black ski mask. He was shot twice as he left for the federal courthouse, where a jury was deliberating in the racketeering and drug case against him and four other men. "We consider this an organized crime assassination, a mob hit," Police Inspector Jerrold Kane said.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/03/19/charged-with-planning-mob-hit-reputed-gangster-slain-on-street/ | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Charged With Planning Mob Hit, Reputed Gangster Slain On Street | date=March 19, 1998 | access-date=2010-12-20 | archive-date=2012-09-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913142704/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-03-19/news/9803190139_1_joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-reputed-mob | url-status=live }}</ref> Three years later, Merlino was put on trial for helping orchestrate the murder, but was acquitted.
By the late 1990s, Merlino dodged more than two dozen attempts on his life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20070405_National_Geographic_takes_on_the_Philly_mob.html |access-date=June 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122158/http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20070405_National_Geographic_takes_on_the_Philly_mob.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |title=National Geographic takes on the Philly mob}}</ref> Merlino was friends with Steve "Gorilla" Mondevergine, president of the Philadelphia chapter of the [[Pagan's Motorcycle Club]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20101216_Former_Pagans_leader_Mondevergine_arrested_on_attempted-murder_charge.html?mobi=true | title=Former Pagans leader Mondevergine arrested on attempted-murder charge | date=December 16, 2010 | access-date=2018-03-18 | archive-date=2021-01-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214725/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/local/20101216_Former_Pagans_leader_Mondevergine_arrested_on_attempted-murder_charge.html?mobi=true | url-status=live }}</ref> Merlino sometimes used the Pagans to help settle underworld disputes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101216_Former_Pagans_leader_Mondevergine_arrested_on_attempted-murder_charge.html |title=Former Pagans leader Mondevergine arrested on attempted-murder charge |publisher=Philly.com |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=January 9, 2013 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214708/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/local/20101216_Former_Pagans_leader_Mondevergine_arrested_on_attempted-murder_charge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The alliance between the Philadelphia Mafia and the Pagans prevented the Pagans' rivals, the [[Hells Angels]], from expanding into Pagan territory in southeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey.<ref name=pagansmc /> During the 1990s, Merlino was also aligned with members of the [[Black Mafia#Junior Black Mafia|Junior Black Mafia]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://mycitypaper.com/articles/102501/news.underworld.shtml | title=Junior Mince | access-date=2018-03-28 | archive-date=2021-01-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214714/https://mycitypaper.com/articles/102501/news.underworld.shtml | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.ozy.com/flashback/inside-the-drug-dealing-empire-that-ruled-west-philly/82468|title = Inside the Drug-Dealing Empire That Ruled West Philly|date = 10 January 2018|access-date = 28 March 2018|archive-date = 8 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214740/https://www.ozy.com/flashback/inside-the-drug-dealing-empire-that-ruled-west-philly/82468/|url-status = live}}</ref>
In June 1998, Natale was jailed for a parole violation; Merlino subsequently took control of the family and cut off support to the imprisoned boss.<ref name="Hit Recordings">{{cite web|title=Hit Recordings|url=http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/040501/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml|publisher=Philadelphia City Paper|access-date=2011-11-23|first1=Jim|last1=Barry|first2=Howard|last2=Altman|date=2001-04-05|archive-date=December 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209053858/http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/040501/cb.citybeat.mob.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Angered by this, Natale offered to secretly record conversations with Merlino,<ref>Anastasia (2004), p. 337</ref> but it was not until September 1999, when he was indicted for financing drug deals, that he formally struck a deal to cooperate.<ref name=brains>{{cite news|last=Braun|first=Stephen|title=This Mob Shot Its Brains Out|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-04-mn-59280-story.html|access-date=2011-09-13|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=2001-05-04|archive-date=May 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528212807/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/may/04/news/mn-59280|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Anastasia (2004), p. 263</ref> In doing so, Natale became the first sitting boss in the history of the American Mafia to become government informant.<ref name=informant/>
Between 1999 and 2001, Merlino, along with his underboss Stephen Mazzone, his ''consigliere'' George Borgesi, Martin Angelina, John Ciancaglini and others were arrested and put on trial for racketeering, illegal gambling, loan sharking, extortion, murder and attempted murder.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/349/144/636851/ |title=United States of America v. Joseph Merlino A/K/A Skinny Joey Joseph Merlino, Appellant United States of America v. Steven Mazzone, Appellant United States of America v. Frank Gambino, Appellant United States of America v. Martin Angelina, United States of America v. John Ciancaglini, Appellant United States of America v. Angelo Lutz, Appellant United States of America v. George Borgesi, Appellant, 349 F.3d 144 (3d Cir. 2003) |access-date=June 10, 2017 |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926202623/http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/349/144/636851/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Natale testified against Merlino during his 2001 racketeering trial, but was unable to secure a conviction for the murders he claimed Merlino committed.<ref>{{cite news|title=7 Reputed Mafia Figures Are Acquitted of Murder|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/21/us/7-reputed-mafia-figures-are-acquitted-of-murder.html?scp=4&sq=ralph%20natale&st=cse|access-date=2011-09-14|newspaper=New York Times|date=2001-07-21|archive-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041401/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/21/us/7-reputed-mafia-figures-are-acquitted-of-murder.html?scp=4&sq=ralph%20natale&st=cse|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 3, 2001, Merlino was however convicted of racketeering charges and given a 14-year prison sentence.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06EFDE163CF937A35751C1A9679C8B63 | work=The New York Times | title=Mid-Atlantic: Pennsylvania: Mobster Gets 14 Years | date=December 4, 2001 | access-date=May 7, 2010 | archive-date=January 8, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214752/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/04/us/national-briefing-mid-atlantic-pennsylvania-mobster-gets-14-years.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Natale had admitted to committing eight murders and four attempted murders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/04/06/a-made-man-turns-into-star-witness/93c52103-ecdb-423e-a2c5-ac801939c536/|title=A 'Made' Man Turns Into Star Witness|work=washingtonpost.com|date=April 6, 2001}}</ref> In 2005, Natale was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for drug dealing, racketeering and bribery.<ref name=informant>{{cite news|title=NATION IN BRIEF|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27826-2005Jan21.html|access-date=2011-11-23|newspaper=Washington Post|date=2005-01-22|archive-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100702/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27826-2005Jan21.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was released in May 2011, and placed in [[United States Federal Witness Protection Program|witness protection]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About Ralph Natale|url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-09-02/news/30106310_1_ralph-natale-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-philadelphia-mob|work=Philly.com|access-date=2012-01-27|date=2011-09-02|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063545/http://articles.philly.com/2011-09-02/news/30106310_1_ralph-natale-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-philadelphia-mob|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="memoir july">{{cite news|last=Gross|first=Dan|title=Mob boss turned rat Ralph Natale working on a memoir|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Mob-boss-turned-rat-Ralph-Natale-working-on-a-memoir.html|access-date=2012-01-27|newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News|date=2011-07-28|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617093232/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Mob-boss-turned-rat-Ralph-Natale-working-on-a-memoir.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===The rise of Ligambi=== {{Further|Joseph Ligambi}} In 1997, [[Joseph Ligambi]] was released from prison after he successfully appealed his murder conviction and was acquitted at retrial.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1997-02-21/news/25535770_1_mob-courtroom-bookmaking-conviction |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102151709/http://articles.philly.com/1997-02-21/news/25535770_1_mob-courtroom-bookmaking-conviction |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |title=Scarfo, Pals Not Guilty But Only One Defendant Has A Shot At Freedoms |website=Articles.philly.com |date=1997-02-21 |access-date=2016-01-22}}</ref> After ten years in prison, Ligambi returned to a much different Mafia family that saw two violent regime changes and the family under the control of a group of young mobsters.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2001-12-06/news/25306499_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-ralph-natale |title=Underboss sentenced as war on mob continues Merlino associate Steven Mazzone was given a nine-year term. The probes go on, authorities say. |website=Articles.philly.com |date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222180929/http://articles.philly.com/2001-12-06/news/25306499_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-ralph-natale |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ligambi, who is Borgesi's uncle, was a Scarfo era soldier when he was imprisoned in 1987 and was also mentored by Merlino's father, Salvatore. After the arrest of Merlino, Borgesi and several others in 1999, Ligambi was chosen to take over as acting boss of the family. In 2001, Merlino was sentenced to 14 years in prison. After Ligambi took over, he remained in the shadows, rarely being mentioned in the media, while taking a much less "trigger-happy" approach to running the family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2010-12-26/news/26356691_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-law-enforcement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128161417/http://articles.philly.com/2010-12-26/news/26356691_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-law-enforcement |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |title=Still home for holidays |website=Articles.philly.com |date=2011-05-24 |access-date=2016-01-22}}</ref>
Ligambi stabilized the crime family when he took over,<ref name="Ligambi">{{cite news |title=Still Home for Holidays |first=George |last=Anastasia |url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20101226_Still_home_for_holidays.html |newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |date=December 26, 2010 |access-date=January 4, 2010}}</ref> maintained membership and restored relations with the New York families.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGarvey |first=Brendan |url=http://citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/16/happy-birthday-to-joe |title=Happy Birthday to Joe :: News :: Article :: Philadelphia City Paper |publisher=Citypaper.net |access-date=2012-07-15 |archive-date=August 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824120619/http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/16/happy-birthday-to-joe |url-status=live }}</ref> His inner circle included longtime Philadelphia mobsters Joseph "Mousie" Massimino, Gaeton Lucibello, and Anthony Staino.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Ligambi was left to deal with the damage Merlino had done to the crime family's relationship with illegal bookmakers, who refused to do business with the Philadelphia Mafia because Merlino use to make huge bets, then never paid when he lost.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGarvey |first=Brendan |url=http://citypaper.net/articles/2002-07-12/cb4.shtml |title=Sins of the Fathers |publisher=Citypaper.net |access-date=2014-02-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162446/http://citypaper.net/articles/2002-07-12/cb4.shtml |archive-date=January 22, 2016 }}</ref> By the mid-2000s, the family consisted of approximately 50 members, half of whom were incarcerated, in addition to almost 100 associates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newcriminologist.com/article.asp?cid=161&nid=2164 |title=Police data show Philadelphia mob in decline |publisher=New Criminologist |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114161004/https://content.quickto.shop/landing/paygo_ext_int_aqc_giftingsweet_LAN_01?utm_campaign=&int_id=84190004930 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |title=Waste And Abuse |publisher=State.nj.us |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219032552/http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> During Ligambi's tenure, around a dozen "made men" were released from prison, filling the ranks.<ref>[http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/mob_talk/mob-talk%3A-joey-merlino-update] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116150732/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/mob_talk/mob-talk%3A-joey-merlino-update|date=January 16, 2011}}</ref> Many of these men had been young players who fell victim to the family's unstable history and are now middle-aged. He named Anthony Staino, his closest and most loyal associate, as his underboss.<ref name="Ligambi"/> Under Ligambi's direction, the family was able to muscle in on several video poker gambling machine businesses in the Philadelphia area.<ref name="Gambling">[http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/gambling-at-heart-of-mob-indictment-052411] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527004727/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/gambling-at-heart-of-mob-indictment-052411|date=May 27, 2011}}</ref> In 2007, 23 people, including four members of the Philadelphia family, were charged with running an illegal sports betting operation out of a poker room at the [[Borgata]] Casino in Atlantic City. The illegal operation was run by the Philadelphia Mafia, who received much of the profits.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/nyregion/15bust.html |title=23 Are Charged with Illegal Sports Betting at Borgata Casino in Atlantic City |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331175107/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/nyregion/15bust.html |url-status=live |last1=Chen |first1=David W. }}</ref> The operation was accused of taking in $60 million in bets in a 20-month period.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20090405_Mob_tape_may_play_role_at_sentencing.html |title=Mob tape may play role at sentencing |date=April 5, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401003817/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20090405_Mob_tape_may_play_role_at_sentencing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Most of those involved pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from probation to five years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090227b.html |title=State of New Jersey |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709194806/http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090227b.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Merlino was released from prison on March 15, 2011, and served out his three-year parole in Florida.<ref>{{cite web |first=Maryclaire |last=Dale |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-judge-weighs-revoking-convicted-mobsters-parole-2014oct10-story.html |title=Judge weighs revoking convicted mobster's parole |work=sandiegouniontribune.com |date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=2018-05-01 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502064929/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-judge-weighs-revoking-convicted-mobsters-parole-2014oct10-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2011, Ligambi and 14 other members and associates of the crime family were indicted by the FBI on racketeering charges related to illegal gambling operations, video poker gambling machines and loan sharking.<ref name="Merlino">{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/149902935.html |title=Merlino still runs Philly mob, court document says |publisher=Philly.com |date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=2012-07-15 |archive-date=May 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507221249/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/149902935.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Walters |url=https://6abc.com/archive/8146349/ |title=Reputed Philly mob boss, 12 others arrested | 6abc.com |publisher=Abclocal.go.com |date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213041015/http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news%2Fcrime&id=8146349 |url-status=live }}</ref> Seven of those indicted pleaded guilty to lesser charges. One became a government witness and seven went to trial in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web |first=Maryclaire |last=Dale |url=https://6abc.com/archive/8839389/ |title=Ligambi goes on trial Tuesday in Philly mob case | Action News at 4pm |publisher=Abclocal.go.com |date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=2014-02-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213040615/http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/6at4/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8839389 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9005827/|title=Reputed Philly mob boss Joseph Ligambi denied bail before retrial|publisher=abc7chicago.com|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160949/https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9005827/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2014, two juries were [[hung jury|hung]] on the racketeering charges, and Ligambi and Borgesi were acquitted and released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://6abc.com/archive/9409051/|title=Reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi goes free|publisher=abc7chicago.com|date=January 28, 2014|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201093026/https://6abc.com/archive/9409051/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Current status=== Following Merlino's release from prison in 2011, the FBI and organized crime reporters believed he continued to run the Philadelphia-South Jersey Mafia. Merlino disputed this, claiming he retired from a life of crime. As of 2015, Merlino divided his time between south Florida and Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Merlino's Restaurant|url=http://merlinosbocaraton.com/|website=Merlino's|publisher=-----|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214639/http://merlinosbocaraton.com/|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Philly Mobster Merlino Now a Florida Maitre D'|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Philly-Mobster-Merlino-Now-a-Florida-Maitre-D-283654851.html|access-date=12 March 2016|agency=NBC News Philadelphia|publisher=Thomas Fitzgerald|date=November 23, 2014|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214640/https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-mobster-merlino-now-a-florida-maitre-d/2005804/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Merlino's back story as big as its food|url=http://www.southflorida.com/restaurants-and-bars/sf-boca-merlinos-010215-20141230-story.html|website=South Florida.com|publisher=John Tanasychuk|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312125243/http://www.southflorida.com/restaurants-and-bars/sf-boca-merlinos-010215-20141230-story.html|url-status=live |last1=Southflorida. Com |first1=John Tanasychuk }}</ref>
While the Philadelphia family's criminal operations have greatly reduced over the years, experts believe they have been able to quietly maintain power and stability, and the crime family remains one of the most active and powerful Italian-American Mafia families. In 2016, it was reported that some members were involved in Philadelphia's booming construction and home rehab industry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fox29.com/news/experts-philadelphia-mob-is-growing |title=Experts: Philadelphia Mob is Growing |date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331175053/http://www.fox29.com/news/experts-philadelphia-mob-is-growing |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2018, Merlino went on trial for racketeering, fraud and illegal gambling charges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.phillyvoice.com/joey-merlino-arrested-major-mob-bust/|title=Joey Merlino arrested in major mob bust|website=PhillyVoice|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=2016-10-05|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214639/https://www.phillyvoice.com/joey-merlino-arrested-major-mob-bust/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/reputed-mob-boss-joey-merlino-to-be-released-on-5-/nsFGc/|title=Reputed Philly crime boss Joey Merlino gets $5 million bond|access-date=2016-10-05|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006174032/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/reputed-mob-boss-joey-merlino-to-be-released-on-5-/nsFGc/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a trial ended in a hung jury, Merlino pleaded guilty to one illegal gambling charge and was sentenced to two years in prison.
In April 2018, four soldiers and associates in New Jersey were arrested on drug trafficking charges. They are accused of distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, [[fentanyl]] and marijuana. They eventually pleaded guilty and were given sentences between five and 15 years.
On November 23, 2020, 15 members and associates of the crime family were indicted on federal racketeering charges; among the defendants were reputed underboss Steven Mazzone and reputed ''capo'' Domenic Grande. The primary charges were illegal gambling, loansharking, drug trafficking, and extorting other criminals, including illegal sports betting operators and loan sharks. Interest rates charged on outstanding gambling debts were as high as 264%.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020">{{cite web |last1=Eastern District of Pennsylvania |first1=U.S. Attorney’s Office |title=Fifteen Members and Associates of the Philadelphia Mafia Indicted on Federal Racketeering and Related Charges |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/fifteen-members-and-associates-philadelphia-mafia-indicted-federal-racketeering-and |website=U.S. Department of Justice |date=November 23, 2020 |publisher=Department of Justice |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126191521/https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/fifteen-members-and-associates-philadelphia-mafia-indicted-federal-racketeering-and |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment">{{cite web |last1=Eastern District of Pennsylvania |first1=U.S. Attorney’s Office |title=Fifteen Members and Associates of the Philadelphia Mafia Indicted on Federal Racketeering and Related Charges |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1339101/download |website=U.S. Department of Justice |publisher=Department of Justice |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123181607/https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1339101/download |url-status=live }}</ref> After previously pleading guilty, underboss Steven Mazzone was sentenced to five years in prison on December 15, 2022.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-12-15 |title=Eastern District of Pennsylvania {{!}} Underboss of Philadelphia Mafia Sentenced to Five Years After Pleading Guilty to Leading Racketeering, Loan-Sharking and Extortion Conspiracies {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/underboss-philadelphia-mafia-sentenced-five-years-after-pleading-guilty-leading |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref>
In 2024, Merlino was reportedly "shelved" by the Philadelphia family, essentially suspending his membership and making his ''persona non grata'' after embarking on a career as a podcast host and sports betting tipster, and replaced as head of the crime family by George Borgesi.<ref name="On A Shelf">[https://ganglandnews.com/index.htm Philadelphia Mob Puts Skinny Joey 'On A Shelf'] [[Jerry Capeci]], ''Gang Land News'' (September 12, 2024) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913193226/https://ganglandnews.com/index.htm |date=September 13, 2024 }}</ref>
==Historical leadership== ===Boss (official and acting)=== *c.1911–1931 — [[Salvatore Sabella]] — retired, deceased in 1962 *1931–1936 — John "Nazzone" Avena — murdered on August 17, 1936 *1936–1946 — Giuseppe "Joseph Bruno" Dovi — died of natural causes in 1946. *1946–1958 — [[Joseph Ida|Giuseppe "Joseph" Ida]] — deported in 1958, deceased in 1960s–1970s *1958–1959 — [[Antonio Pollina|Antonio "Mr. Miggs" Pollina]] — deposed by the Commission *1959–1980 — [[Angelo Bruno|Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno]] — murdered on March 21, 1980 *1980–1981 — [[Philip Testa|Philip "the Chicken Man" Testa]] — murdered on March 15, 1981 *1981–1990 — [[Nicodemo Scarfo|Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo Sr.]] — removed by the Commission, deceased in 2017 **''Acting'' 1981–1984 — [[Salvatore Merlino|Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino]] **''Acting'' 1989–1990 — Anthony "Tony Buck" Piccolo – stepped down *1991–1995 — [[John Stanfa|Giovanni "John" Stanfa]] — imprisoned for life *1995–1999 — [[Ralph Natale]] — mostly a front boss, arrested in 1998, turned informant in 1999 ** ''Acting'' 1995—1999 — [[Joey Merlino|Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino]] — acting/street boss *1999–2024 — [[Joey Merlino|Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino]] — arrested in 1999, released in 2011;<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Julie K. |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/29/3026287/joseph-merlino-the-mobster-next.html |title=Joseph Merlino: The mobster next door |website=Miami Herald |date=September 29, 2012 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164320/http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/29/3026287/joseph-merlino-the-mobster-next.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bigtrial.net/2013/04/merlino-talks-about-nicky-skins-and.html |title=Skinny Joey Talks About Nicky Skins And Life Without The Mob | Big Trial | Philadelphia Trial Blog |publisher=Big Trial |date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214651/https://www.bigtrial.net/2013/04/merlino-talks-about-nicky-skins-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> demoted and expelled<ref name="On A Shelf"/> **''Acting'' 1999–2014 — [[Joseph Ligambi|Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi]] — indicted in May 2011, was acquitted in January 2014; stepped down and became ''consigliere'' *2024–present — George Borgesi<ref name="On A Shelf"/>
===Street boss=== When the Boss of a family is incapacitated due to imprisonment, his functions may be fulfilled by an "acting boss" or "street boss".<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/>
*2011–2015 — Steven "Stevie" Mazzone — became Underboss *2015–2023 — Michael "Mikey Lance" Lancelotti <ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> — became acting Underboss
===Underboss (official and acting)=== *1911–1931 — John "Nazzone" Avena — became boss *1931–1936 — Giuseppe "Joseph Bruno" Dovi — became boss, died 1946 *1936–1946 — [[Joseph Ida|Giuseppe "Joseph" Ida]] — became boss *1946–1956 — [[Marco Reginelli|Marco "Small Man" Reginelli]] - died 1956 *1956–1957 — Dominick Oliveto — retired *1957–1958 — [[Antonio Pollina|Antonio "Mr. Miggs" Pollina]] — became boss *1958–1970 — Ignazio "Natz" Denaro *1970–1980 — [[Philip Testa|Philip "the Chicken Man" Testa]] — became boss *1980–1981 — Peter "Petey" Casella — deposed by Commission *1981–1986 — [[Salvatore Merlino|Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino]] — demoted, deceased in 2012 **''Acting'' 1982–1984 — [[Salvatore Testa|Salvatore "Salvie" Testa]] — murdered on September 14, 1984 *1986–1989 — [[Phil Leonetti|Philip "Crazy Phil" Leonetti]] — turned informant *1989–1990 — Pasquale "Patty Specs" Martirano — died *1992–1993 — Joseph "Joey Chang" Ciancaglini Jr. — shot and incapacitated *1993–1995 — Frank Martines — imprisoned for life *1995–1999 — [[Joey Merlino|Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino]] — became official boss *1999–2004 — Steven Mazzone — imprisoned in 2000<ref name="ReferenceA"/> *2004–2012 — Joseph "Mousie" Massimino — imprisoned June 2004 – 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2009-06-23/news/25285331_1_mob-underboss-plea-agreement-reconsideration |title=Mob underboss seeks sentence reduction Joseph Massimino, who ran a gambling operation in South Jersey and Pa., has served half of a 10-year term. |website=Articles.philly.com |date=June 23, 2009 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222173217/http://articles.philly.com/2009-06-23/news/25285331_1_mob-underboss-plea-agreement-reconsideration |url-status=dead }}</ref> **''Acting'' 2007–2010 — Martin "Marty" Angelina<ref name=Members>{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Mob_Talk_New_Chart_Shows_Philly_Mob_Ranks |title=FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF |website=Myfoxphilly.com |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=February 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219091245/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Mob_Talk_New_Chart_Shows_Philly_Mob_Ranks |url-status=live }}</ref> **''Acting'' 2010–2011 — Anthony Staino<ref name="Ligambi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Staino_Mob_Case_Bail_Release_052511 |title=FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF |website=Myfoxphilly.com |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528121739/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/Staino_Mob_Case_Bail_Release_052511 |url-status=live }}</ref> *2012–2015 — John "Johnny Chang" Ciancaglini — stepped down *2015–present — [[Steven Mazzone|Steven "Stevie" Mazzone]] — indicted on November 23, 2020, sentenced on December 15, 2022 <ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/><ref name=":2" /> **''Acting'' 2023–present – Michael "Mikey Lance" Lancelotti
===Consigliere (official and acting)=== *1911–1931 — Giuseppe "Joseph Bruno" Dovi — became underboss *1931–1936 — [[Joseph Ida|Giuseppe "Joseph" Ida]] — became underboss *1936–1946 — [[Marco Reginelli|Marco "Small Man" Reginelli]] — became underboss *1946–1977 — Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Rugnetta - died 1977 *1977–1980 — [[Antonio Caponigro|Antonio "Tony Bananas" Caponigro]] — murdered by Commission *1980–1981 — [[Nicodemo Scarfo|Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo Sr.]] — became boss *1981–1982 — [[Frank Monte]] — murdered *1982–1989 — Nicholas Piccolo - died 1989 **''Acting'' 1984–1987 — Anthony Piccolo *1989–1994 — Anthony "Tony Buck" Piccolo — imprisoned for life, deceased in 2004 *1995–1996 — Ronald "Ronnie" Turchi — demoted, murdered in 1999 *1996–1999 — Steven "Handsome Stevie" Mazzone — promoted to underboss *1999–2014 — George Borgesi — imprisoned in 2000, released 2014 **''Acting'' 2004–2012 — Gaeton "Gate" Lucibello — indicted 2012<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moran |first=Robert |title=Mob figure pleads guilty to racketeering|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/local/20120803_Mob_figure_pleads_guilty_to_racketeering.html|access-date=2021-07-26|website=www.inquirer.com|date=August 3, 2012 |language=en}}</ref> *2014–2025 — [[Joseph Ligambi|Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi]]<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> — stepped down ** ''Acting'' 2024–2025 — Anthony Staino<ref name="New Acting Consigliere">[https://gangsterreport.com/gr-exclusive-philly-mafia-names-fmr-acting-ub-of-yesteryear-anthony-staino-new-acting-consigliere-preparing-for-uncle-joes-retirement/ Philly Mafia Names Fmr. Acting UB Of Yesteryear Anthony Staino New Acting Consigliere, Preparing For Uncle Joe’s Retirement] Scott Burnstein, ''The Gangster Report'' (July 6, 2024)</ref> *2026–present — John "Johnny Chang" Ciancaglini <ref name="Ciancaglini consigliere">{{cite news |last1=Burnstein |first1=Scott |title=GR EXCLUSIVE: Philly Mob’s “Johnny Chang” Gets Nod To Be Bruno-Scarfo Crime Family’s New Consigliere |url=https://gangsterreport.com/gr-exclusive-philly-mobs-johnny-chang-gets-nod-to-be-bruno-scarfo-crime-familys-new-consigliere/ |access-date=8 February 2026 |agency=News |publisher=Gangster Report |date=7 February 2026}}</ref>
== Current members == === Administration === *'''Boss''' — '''George Borgesi''' — former ''capo'' and nephew of former ''consigliere'' [[Joseph Ligambi]], who served as ''consigliere'' himself, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.<ref name=ligambiindict/> On July 3, 2012, before his scheduled release from prison, Borgesi was charged with overseeing a loan sharking operation in [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware County]] from his prison cell in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/123955534.html |title=Ex-mob consigliere Borgesi pleads not guilty |publisher=Philly.com |date=June 15, 2011 |access-date=2014-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/122708043.html |title=Ligambi ordered held without bail |publisher=Philly.com |date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424145845/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/122708043.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/jailed-mob-boss-in-spat-with-relative-060111 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |title=Jailed Mob Boss In Spat With Relative?|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604205326/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/jailed-mob-boss-in-spat-with-relative-060111 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> He has a couple of other family members working as associates for the Philadelphia crime family.<ref name="Family">{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=6993639&autostart=true |title=Angry 'Wiseguys' In Corner Argument |publisher=Myfoxphilly.com |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175132/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=6993639&autostart=true |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 24, 2014, Borgesi was released from prison. Since his release from prison, Borgesi has traveled to Rhode Island forming an alliance with [[Patriarca crime family]] underboss [[Matthew Guglielmetti]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brunstein |first1=Scott |title=SOUTH PHILLY SOURCES: MAFIA CAPO BORGESI GETS BRUNO-SCARFO'S NEW ENGLAND CREW UP & RUNNING AGAIN |date=July 23, 2018 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/south-philly-sources-mafia-capo-borgesi-gets-bruno-scarfos-new-england-crew-up-running-again/ |publisher=Gangster Report |access-date=29 November 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210193033/https://gangsterreport.com/south-philly-sources-mafia-capo-borgesi-gets-bruno-scarfos-new-england-crew-up-running-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He became acting boss of the family in August 2019.<ref name="Philly Mob Birthday Bash">{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=Philly Mob Birthday Bash: Bruno-Scarfo Crime Family Gathers For Boss’s Brother Anthony Borgesi’s 60th B-Day |date=November 12, 2024 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mob-birthday-bash-bruno-scarfo-crime-family-gathers-for-bosss-brother-anthony-borgesis-60th-b-day/ |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203044013/https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mob-birthday-bash-bruno-scarfo-crime-family-gathers-for-bosss-brother-anthony-borgesis-60th-b-day/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 }}</ref> In 2024, Borgesi was promoted to official boss after [[Joey Merlino]] was "shelved", or deactivated, by the family.<ref name="On A Shelf"/> *'''Underboss''' — '''[[Steven Mazzone|Steven "Stevie" Mazzone]]''' — the underboss, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> On November 23, 2020, Mazzone was indicted along with capo Dominick Grande, his brother soldier Salvatore Mazzone and others on racketeering and gambling charges.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> On December 15, 2022, Mazzone was sentenced to serve five years in prison.<ref name=":2" /> He is scheduled to be released from federal custody on March 17, 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BOP: Federal Inmates By Name |url=https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=www.bop.gov}}</ref> *'''Acting underboss''' — '''Michael "Mikey Lance" Lancelotti''' — longtime member of the Philadelphia family.<ref>{{cite web|title=Informant testifies at Ligambi trial|date=October 25, 2012 |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20121025_Informant_testifies_at_Ligambi_trial.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160926/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20121025_Informant_testifies_at_Ligambi_trial.html|archive-date=January 14, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2013|publisher=Philly.com}}</ref> On November 18, 2020, Lancelotti's was confirmed as the street boss after the [[United States Department of Justice]] provided the initials '''"M.L."'''.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> He took over as acting underboss after Borgesi became the new boss. *'''Consigliere''' — '''John "Johnny Chang" Ciancaglini''' — He served as underboss between 2012 and 2015. In August 2024, Ciancaglini and his wife were involved in a fight with three other men at a restaurant. Ciancaglini pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=FOX 29 |date=2024-08-15 |title=Convicted mobster 1 of 5 arrested in Chickie's and Pete's brawl: police |url=https://www.fox29.com/news/convicted-mobster-1-5-arrested-chickies-petes-brawl |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=FOX 29 Philadelphia |language=en-US}}</ref> He was promoted to ''consigliere'' in 2026.<ref name="Ciancaglini consigliere"/>
=== Caporegimes === '''Philadelphia faction''' * '''Martin A. "Marty" Angelina''' — ''capo'' operating in [[South Philadelphia]]. He was convicted of racketeering with Joey Merlino in 2001, and was sentenced to 78 months. In September 2012, he was sentenced to 57 months on racketeering, loansharking and illegal gambling charges.<ref>{{cite web|title='Made' man Angelina pleads guilty in federal court|url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-09/news/33119407_1_martin-angelina-frank-gambino-joseph-uncle-joe-ligambi|publisher=Philly.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218204031/http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-09/news/33119407_1_martin-angelina-frank-gambino-joseph-uncle-joe-ligambi|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=December 18, 2013}}</ref> * '''Domenic "Dom" Grande''' — ''capo'' operating from [[South Philadelphia]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]], and [[South Jersey]], according to the [[United States Department of Justice|U.S. Department of Justice]].<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> In November 2020, Grande was indicted along with underboss Steve Mazzone, soldier Salvatore Mazzone and others on racketeering and gambling charges.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/>
'''South New Jersey faction''' * '''Philip "Phil" Narducci''' — ''capo'' operating from South Philadelphia and South Jersey. He is the son of Frank Narducci Sr. and brother of Frank Narducci Jr.,<ref name="Back In A Flash">[https://gangsterreport.com/back-in-a-flash-phil-narducci-completes-short-prison-term-philly-mob-capo-returns-home/ Back In A Flash: Phil Narducci Completes Short Prison Term, Philly Mob Capo Returns Home] Scott Burnstein, ''The Gangster Report'' (February 11, 2020) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723001459/https://gangsterreport.com/back-in-a-flash-phil-narducci-completes-short-prison-term-philly-mob-capo-returns-home/ |date=July 23, 2021 }}</ref> and a former member of Nicky Scarfo's crew.<ref name="All my past">[https://www.inquirer.com/news/philip-narducci-sentencing-philly-mob-chicks-rico-mcmonagle-20190910.html ‘All my past is in my past’: At sentencing, ex-mob enforcer Philip Narducci says he’s left crime behind] Jeremy Roebuck, ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (September 10, 2019) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20220613132350/https://www.inquirer.com/news/philip-narducci-sentencing-philly-mob-chicks-rico-mcmonagle-20190910.html |date=June 13, 2022 }}</ref> Narducci was inducted into the family in 1986.<ref name="Scarfo v. U.S.">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Nicodemo Scarfo v. United States of America |date=October 1990 |url=https://www.justice.gov/osg/media/229661/dl?inline |website=[[Justice.gov]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207033534/https://www.justice.gov/osg/media/229661/dl?inline |archive-date=February 7, 2025 }}</ref> He was released from prison in 2012 after serving 25 years for racketeering and murder. His conviction for the 1985 killing of Frank "Frankie Flowers" D'Alfonso was overturned on appeal and he was acquitted at a retrial.<ref name="Back In A Flash"/> A wiretap overhead fellow associate Jimmy Gallo telling a debtor that Narducci killed "between 8 and 14 people".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bernstein |first1=Scott |title=Back In A Flash: Phil Narducci Completes Short Prison Term, Philly Mob Capo Returns Home |url=https://gangsterreport.com/back-in-a-flash-phil-narducci-completes-short-prison-term-philly-mob-capo-returns-home/ |website=Gangster Report |date=February 11, 2020 }}</ref> In 2019, Narducci was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, three years probation and to pay $48,000 in forfeiture and fines for an extortionate loan scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-15 |title=Eastern District of Pennsylvania {{!}} Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra Member and Associate Plead Guilty to Making and Collecting Extortionate Loans {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/philadelphia-la-cosa-nostra-member-and-associate-plead-guilty-making-and-collecting |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref> He was released in February 2020.<ref name="Back In A Flash"/>
'''North New Jersey faction''' * '''Joseph "Scoops" Licata''' — ''capo'' operating from [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], according to the United States Department of Justice.<ref name=ligambiindict/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1990-08-22/news/25932082_1_scarfo-family-crime-family-nicodemo-scarfo |title=Mobster-informant Leads To Arrests Of Nicodemo Scarfo Jr., 28 Others |website=Articles.philly.com |date=August 22, 1990 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063416/http://articles.philly.com/1990-08-22/news/25932082_1_scarfo-family-crime-family-nicodemo-scarfo |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1994, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison after George Fresolone recorded secret conversations, and he was charged under major gambling operations in Newark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mob Boss Sentenced To 14 Years Joseph Licata Admitted Having Headed A Loan-sharking And Gambling Ring In The '80s.|url=http://articles.philly.com/1994-02-11/news/25857291_1_gambling-ring-federal-gambling-charge-mob-boss|publisher=Philly.com|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128132611/http://articles.philly.com/1994-02-11/news/25857291_1_gambling-ring-federal-gambling-charge-mob-boss|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, a mistrial was declared, and Licata was acquitted of racketeering.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20130206_Mistrial_for_Ligambi_in_Philly_mob_trial__three_men_convicted__one_acquitted.html |title=Mistrial for Ligambi in Philly mob trial, three men convicted, one acquitted |date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160853/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20130206_Mistrial_for_Ligambi_in_Philly_mob_trial__three_men_convicted__one_acquitted.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''Boston faction''' * '''Shawn Vetere''' — ''capo'' of the family's [[Boston]] faction.<ref name="Philly Mob Birthday Bash"/> Vetere was born in January 1968 and was inducted into the family in 1998.<ref name="Philly Mob Birthday Bash"/> Vetere reportedly dated the actress [[Charlize Theron]] while she filmed ''[[The Cider House Rules]]'' in New England in 1998.<ref name="Mob Talk">{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=Mob Talk: Philly Crime Family Leaders Conducted Mafia Initiation Ritual In Boston In 1990s |date=November 13, 2017 |url=https://gangsterreport.com/mob-talk-philly-crime-family-leaders-conducted-mafia-initiation-ritual-in-boston-in-1990s/ |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026032237/https://gangsterreport.com/mob-talk-philly-crime-family-leaders-conducted-mafia-initiation-ritual-in-boston-in-1990s/ |archive-date=October 26, 2018 }}</ref> He was one of ten mobsters arrested on narcotics conspiracy charges by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] on June 28, 1999, due to the work of informant [[Ron Previte]].<ref name="Mob Talk"/><ref name="Four alleged mobsters">{{cite web |last=Lindsay |first=Jay |title=Four alleged mobsters deny drug ring |date=July 9, 1999 |url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/state/1999/07/09/four-alleged-mobsters-deny-drug/50511363007/ |newspaper=[[The Standard-Times (New Bedford)|The Standard-Times]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260121051550/https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/state/1999/07/09/four-alleged-mobsters-deny-drug/50511363007/ |archive-date=January 21, 2026 }}</ref> On April 24, 2000, Vetere pleaded guilty to drug charges.<ref name="Reputed mobster to snitch">{{cite web |last=Estes |first=Andrea |title=Reputed mobster to snitch: Sources say he'll testify vs. co-defendants |date=March 14, 2000 |url=https://www.americanmafia.com/News/3-14-00_Mobster_To_Snitch.html |newspaper=[[Boston Herald]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260212232052/https://www.americanmafia.com/News/3-14-00_Mobster_To_Snitch.html |archive-date=February 12, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="Alleged capo regime">{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Shelley |title=Alleged capo regime ready to tell on the mob |date=April 25, 2000 |url=https://www.americanmafia.com/News/4-25-00_Capo_Ready_To_Tell.html |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260213001247/https://www.americanmafia.com/News/4-25-00_Capo_Ready_To_Tell.html |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref> He was released from prison in July 2006.<ref name="The Pryce Is Right">{{cite web |last=Burnstein |first=Scott |title=The Pryce Is Right In Philadelphia: Patriarca Wiseguy Makes Move From Massachusetts To Pennsylvania |date=April 20, 2017 |url=https://gangster405.rssing.com/chan-45492965/article170.html |website=The Gangster Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213000955/https://gangster405.rssing.com/chan-45492965/article170.html |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref>
=== Soldiers === '''Philadelphia faction''' * '''Damion Canalichio''' — born in August 1969. Current soldier in the crew of captain Marty Angelini.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philly Mob Soldier Gets 11 Years for Racketeering |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-mob-soldier-11-eleven-years-racketeering-damion-canalichio-la-cosa-nostra/1964018/ |website=NBC Philadelphia |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> In July 2013, Canalichio was sentenced by former U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno to 11 years in prison with 3 years of supervised release and a $1000 fine, for loansharking and illegal gambling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra Member Sentenced to 137 Months in Prison |url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/philadelphia-la-cosa-nostra-member-sentenced-137-months-prison |website=Archives U.S. Department of Justice |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 15, 2014 |title=La Cosa Nostra Member Sentenced To 137 Months In Prison |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/la-cosa-nostra-member-sentenced-137-months-prison |website=United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> * '''Nicholas "Nicky the Hat" Cimino''' — soldier; born in June 1969. In July 2008, Cimino was indicted for operating an illegal gambling operation in [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware County]]. The [[Pennsylvania State Police]] alleged Cimino of involvement in loansharking, narcotics, fencing stolen property, bookmaking and illegal gambling, and also alleged that during December 23 through to December 29 in 2004, the operation alone supervised over $220,000 in bets.<ref>{{cite web |title=17 arrests made in Philly-area mob-related bust |url=https://6abc.com/archive/6279757/ |website=ABC 6 Action News |access-date=March 1, 2026}}</ref> In February 2009, Cimino pleaded guilty and he was sentenced to over 1 year in prison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nicholas Cimino |url=https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Nicholas_Cimino.pdf |website=Philadelphia Gaming Control Board |access-date=1 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=‘Nicky the Hat’ reaches plea agreement |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20090218_Nicky_the_Hat_reaches_plea_agreement.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=1 March 2026}}</ref> * '''Eric Esposito''' — soldier. He was born in August 1970. In 2014, Esposito was convicted of operating an illegal gambling business at the “First Ward Republican Club”, a private social club in South Philadelphia, and in May 2014, he was sentenced to over 2 years in prison, former U.S. District Judge [[Eduardo C. Robreno]] also ordered 3 years of supervised release and a fine of $4,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA v. Eric Esposito, No. 14-2881 (3d Cir. 2016) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca3/14-2881/14-2881-2016-02-11.html |website=Justia U.S. Law |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mobster sentenced for illegal gambling operation |url=https://eu.poconorecord.com/story/news/2014/05/28/mobster-sentenced-for-illegal-gambling/36320562007/ |website=Pocono Record |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Judge Sends La Cosa Nostra Soldier To Prison |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/judge-sends-la-cosa-nostra-soldier-prison?bm-verify=AAQAAAAM_____7OhlRfDaP3Bc4KJ19Y1otRNz9f7j9HzQilOditIVVeVgSB3q_6qFHQxOPuAT7oJeTN0xfnd_yW1WVokwVWvwyMmzC-EFyNElWuzhuPtqQZ6ylSbtOLhJlhvezOw71VLry2FbXpvSYv6QlVJ7MEVYoJMYegTugAYAGoABoanBx84CvxmYJv_TjUW6GDTilkxxt9ezN76DVwnmPfZg-lUxc4oSy5v-8al-rV2U_sKNoDF8h2nm-gbd9KCpb7ukvGrJBAF7WVz-NhNFFIe2BkqWegVzJj8b0Rqkk5zLlUFXRD_nNyrIaWsLZS2FjIqQhEu8pNK-s3TBsSw6e12Yd-MxqZUdpxdPEqFvg |website=United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania | date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> * '''[[Joseph Ligambi|Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi]]''' — served as ''consigliere'' and longtime acting boss for boss Joey Merlino.<ref name="ligambiindict">{{cite web|last1=Eastern District of Pennsylvania|first1=U.S. Attorney’s Office|title=In the United States District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania|url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/pae/News/2012/Apr/ligambi_2nd%20SS%20INDICTMENT.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218164227/https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/pae/News/2012/Apr/ligambi_2nd%20SS%20INDICTMENT.pdf|archive-date=February 18, 2017|access-date=28 November 2020|website=U.S. Department of Justice|publisher=Department of Justice}}</ref> Ligambi's position was confirmed on November 18, 2020, when the Department of Justice provided the initials '''"J.L."''' as the current ''consigliere'' for the Philadelphia crime family.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> In 2026, he stepped down as ''consigliere'' and was replaced by John Ciancaglini.<ref name="Ciancaglini consigliere"/> * '''Gaeton "Gate" Lucibello'''; also known as "The Big Guy"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Department of Justice |first=Office of Public Affairs |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Leadership, Members and Associates of the Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra Family Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy and Related Crimes |work=U.S. Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/pae/News/2012/Apr/ligambi_2nd%20SS%20INDICTMENT.pdf |access-date=September 18, 2022}}</ref> — former ''capo'' and acting ''consigliere''. Lucibello was originally a Stanfa loyalist before defecting to the Merlino faction during the war in the 1990s. According to government witness Rosario Bellochi, Lucibello acted as the getaway driver on the attempted murder of former Stanfa soldier Biagio Adornetto at La Veranda Restaurant on December 30, 1992.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Anastasia |first=George |date=April 25, 1996 |title=2 figures in mob case profess innocence; one smells a setup |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/178485777/?clipping_id=40234889&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjE3ODQ4NTc3NywiaWF0IjoxNjYzNTA3MDY4LCJleHAiOjE2NjM1OTM0Njh9.CgtPl78l2AxkPG6QFbptlj2gWp3i90ZSUsBIJ2Krhrw |access-date=September 18, 2022}}</ref> He was indicted along with Stanfa and 21 others on March 17, 1994, on racketeering and attempted murder charges.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anastasia |first=George |date=March 18, 1994 |title=When the big bust came, the top man went quietly |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/175710408/?clipping_id=8090019&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjE3NTcxMDQwOCwiaWF0IjoxNjYzNTEyMDYwLCJleHAiOjE2NjM1OTg0NjB9.TXwdIG0z5BrDobdLBzOl-uo9PlqeUriS5CE16xjF9-4 |access-date=September 18, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Caparella |first=Kitty |date=May 31, 1996 |title=Home from jail to a mob scene |work=[[Philadelphia Daily News]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/187192980/ |access-date=September 18, 2022}}</ref> Lucibello testified in his own defense on April 25, 1996, and became the only defendant in the Stanfa case to be acquitted on May 15, 1996.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> * '''Joseph Massimino''' — soldier and former underboss to Joey Merlino.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA v. Joseph Massimino |url=https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1044&context=thirdcircuit_2016 |website=Villanova University |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Joseph "Mousie" Massimino, Philly mob under-boss, sentenced to 15 years in prison |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joseph-mousie-massimino-philly-mob-under-boss-sentenced-to-15-years-in-prison/ |website=CBS News |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> He was born in April 1950. In July 2013, Massimino was sentenced to 15 years in prison for extortion, loan sharking, and illegal gambling, with 3 years of supervised release and a fine of $5000, according to prosecutors, Massimino engaged in extorting “street tax” payments from bookmakers, using threats of violence against debtors to collect loanshark payments and he had forced the owners of a vending company to sell the portion of their business related to the operation of illegal video poker machines, also according to prosecutors, Massimino ran an illegal electronic gambling device business and sports bookmaking business, providing video poker machines and other gambling devices for bars, restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, and other locations in Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mafia Takedown Philadelphia Boss Charged |url=https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/-mafia-takedown |website=FBI |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=La Cosa Nostra Underboss Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison |url=https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/philadelphia/press-releases/2013/la-cosa-nostra-underboss-sentenced-to-188-months-in-prison |website=FBI |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=La Cosa Nostra Underboss Sentenced To 188 Months In Prison |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/la-cosa-nostra-underboss-sentenced-188-months-prison |website=United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> * '''Salvatore "Sonny" Mazzone''' — brother of underboss Steve Mazzone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nose Job|url=http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/2005-04-21/cb5.shtml|publisher=Philadelphia City Paper|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702182005/http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/2005-04-21/cb5.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2020, Mazzone was indicted along with his brother underboss Steve Mazzone, ''capo'' Dominick Grande and others on racketeering and gambling charges.<ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020"/><ref name="Mazzone-Grande 2020 indictment"/> *'''Anthony Staino''' — former ''capo'', according to the United States Department of Justice.<ref name=ligambiindict/> He was charged with loansharking when Henry Scipione, a Philadelphia bookie who owed Staino $80,000, testified against Staino saying that he had threatened to put a bullet in his head.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prosecution witness says Staino seldom threatened him|url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-21/news/34607838_1_staino-and-ligambi-mob-boss-mob-capo|publisher=Philly.com|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001904/http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-21/news/34607838_1_staino-and-ligambi-mob-boss-mob-capo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Staino became the acting ''consigliere'' in 2024 working under Ligambi.<ref name="New Acting Consigliere"/>
'''South New Jersey faction''' * '''Anthony Borgesi''' — soldier. Anthony Borgesi is the younger brother of George Borgesi and nephew of [[Joseph Ligambi]].<ref name="Philly Mob Birthday Bash"/> In 1994, he was charged along with Philip Ligambi for the assault on a mother and her 16-year-old son over a business deal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reputed Mob Associates Charged In Attack On Mother, Son Anthony Borgesi, 29, And Philip Ligambi, 24, Are Charged. Police Say The Fight Was Over A Business Deal.|url=http://articles.philly.com/1994-03-01/news/25851659_1_assault-charges-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-auto-body-shop|publisher=Philly.com|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083505/http://articles.philly.com/1994-03-01/news/25851659_1_assault-charges-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-auto-body-shop|url-status=dead}}</ref> Borgesi was inducted into the family in October 2015.<ref name="Philly Mob Birthday Bash"/> * '''Vincent Filippelli''' — soldier. He was born in October 1953. It is believed Filippelli allegedly served as a bodyguard to former boss John Stanfa during the early 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Weatherman fired for giving tape to mob |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/17/Weatherman-fired-for-giving-tape-to-mob/1597813902400/ |website=UPI |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> In November 2007, Filippelli was indicted for conspiracy to promote gambling, promoting gambling, possession of gambling records, possession of steroids and money laundering, as well as possession of prohibited weapons and devices, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cherry Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nj/Press/files/pdffiles/Older/fili0427rel.pdf |website=Justice Gov |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> In March 2008, Filippelli was sentenced to 5 years in prison, with 3 years of supervised release and fine of $10,000, for interstate travel in aid of racketeering, as he admitted that he had traveled from New Jersey to Pennsylvania to threaten a man who he believed owed an illegal sports gambling debt, who happened to be an undercover New Jersey State Police detective.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member of Philadelphia Organized Crime Family Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering |url=https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-nj/legacy/2013/11/29/fili0319%20rel.pdf |website=Justice Gov |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cherry Hill Man Indicted for Extortion in Connection With Illegal Sports Gambling Operation |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nj/Press/files/pdffiles/Older/fili1101rel.pdf |website=Justice Gov |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> * '''Salvatore "Sammy" Piccolo''' — soldier serving under captain Dom Grande.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 16, 2019 |title=Atlantic City, New Jersey, Man Admits Insurance Fraud, Drug Distribution |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/atlantic-city-new-jersey-man-admits-insurance-fraud-drug-distribution |website=United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> In November 2019, Piccolo was sentenced by former U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to {{frac|12|1|2}} years in prison with 5 years of supervised release and over $174,000 in restitution, for selling over 200 grams of crystal methamphetamine and for insurance fraud.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Jersey Mobster Sentenced For Staging Robbery, Drug Distribution |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/south-jersey-mobster-sentenced-for-staging-robbery-drug-distribution/ |website=CBS News |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> According to prosecutors, Piccolo made 3 transactions of crystal methamphetamine to undercover FBI agents from between June 2017 and September 2017 worth over $11,000. Piccolo later admitted that in April 2014, he had robbed a pawn shop in [[Union County, Pennsylvania]] with an accomplice and netted approximately $60,000, and that he had also scammed an insurance company for $174,000.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Atlantic City Man Sentenced To 150 Months In Prison For Insurance Fraud, Drug Distribution |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/atlantic-city-man-sentenced-150-months-prison-insurance-fraud-drug-distribution |website=United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> His release from [[FCI Butner]] is scheduled for November 2, 2027.
'''North New Jersey faction''' * '''Vincent "Beeps" Centorino''' — soldier. Centorino and other high-profile Philadelphia crime family mobsters, including [[Nicky Scarfo Jr.]], were tapped by the FBI, and all pleaded guilty in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title=Secret Tape Captures A Mob Initiation Rite A Bombshell Lands On 'Tony Buck' Piccolo.|url=http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-08/news/25867911_1_mob-initiation-mob-figure-crime-family/2|publisher=Philly.com|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216155149/http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-08/news/25867911_1_mob-initiation-mob-figure-crime-family/2|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Louis "Big Lou" Fazzini''' — Fazzini was identified as a soldier of the Philadelphia crime family in March 2025. He was born in January 1967. In February 2013, Fazzini was sentenced to over 4 years in prison with 3 years of supervised release for racketeering conspiracy involving illegal gambling and theft from an employee benefit plan, Fazzini pleaded guilty to operating an illegal sports bookmaking business and devised a fraudulent scheme to obtain health benefits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member Of Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra Sentenced To 55 Months In Prison For Racketeering Conspiracy |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/member-philadelphia-la-cosa-nostra-sentenced-55-months-prison-racketeering-conspiracy |website=United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mafia racketeer Fazzino gets prison time |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/02/25/Mafia-racketeer-Fazzino-gets-prison-time/32021361834835/ |website=UPI |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> * '''Joseph "Joey Electric" Servidio''' — soldier under North New Jersey captain Joe Licata.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA v. Joseph Servidio |url=https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1920&context=thirdcircuit_2021 |website=Digital Commons Law |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> In October 2020, Servidio was sentenced by former U.S. District Judge [[Robert B. Kugler]] to 15 years in prison after he had pleaded guilty to distributing heroin, fentanyl and over 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine, from between May 2016 and March 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 22, 2020 |title=South Jersey Member of Philadelphia Crime Family Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Selling Illegal Drugs |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/south-jersey-member-philadelphia-crime-family-sentenced-15-years-prison-selling-illegal |website=United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> He was also charged in the 2020 Eastern District of Pennsylvania indictment along with Dominic Grande, Steven Mazzone, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-23 |title=Eastern District of Pennsylvania {{!}} Fifteen Members and Associates of the Philadelphia Mafia Indicted on Federal Racketeering and Related Charges {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/fifteen-members-and-associates-philadelphia-mafia-indicted-federal-racketeering-and |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref> His scheduled release date from [[FCI Elkton]] is December 23, 2029.
=== Imprisoned members === * '''Frank Martines Jr.''' — former underboss. Martines joined the Philadelphia family in 1990 and became a key member of [[John Stanfa]]'s faction which feuded with the "Young Turks" led by [[Joey Merlino]] during the [[Philadelphia crime family#John Stanfa and the Third Philadelphia Mafia War (1990–1996)|Third Philadelphia Mafia War]] of the early 1990s.<ref name="U.S. v. Martines">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=United States of America v. Frank Martines |date=April 3, 2024 |url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/660f7e57d6e8a735744882f8 |agency=Casemine |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260119010349/https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/660f7e57d6e8a735744882f8 |archive-date=January 19, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="How the Inquirer">[https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/philadelphia-mafia-history-mob-war-netflix-20251022.html How the Inquirer and Daily News covered the 1990s mafia power struggle seen in Netflix’s ‘Mob War’] Nick Vadela, ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (October 22, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251022102233/https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/philadelphia-mafia-history-mob-war-netflix-20251022.html |date=October 22, 2025 }}</ref> After Joseph Ciancaglini Jr. was left paralyzed in a shooting in March 1993, Martines was promoted to underboss. As Stanfa's second-in-command, he organized a series of murders and attempted murders of members of Merlino's faction.<ref name="U.S. v. Martines"/> On January 14, 1994, Martines and Vincent Pagano lured another Stanfa loyalist, John Veasey, to an apartment and tried to kill him after Veasey had begun cooperating with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]].<ref name="Walls Had Ears">{{cite web |last=Anastasia |first=George |title=Walls Had Ears, And Mobsters Never Knew It They Thought The Law Office They Met In Was Their Safe Harbor, So They Ran At The Mouths. But The Fbi Had Been Onto Them For Nearly Two Years, And They Fell Right Into The Trap |date=March 19, 1994 |url=https://www.timesleader.com/archive/840930/walls-had-ears-and-mobsters-never-knew-it-they-thought-the-law-office-they-met-in-was-their-safe-harbor-so-they-ran-at-the-mouths-but-the-fbi-had-been-onto-them-for-nearly-two-years-and-they |newspaper=[[Times Leader]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260120011305/https://www.timesleader.com/archive/840930/walls-had-ears-and-mobsters-never-knew-it-they-thought-the-law-office-they-met-in-was-their-safe-harbor-so-they-ran-at-the-mouths-but-the-fbi-had-been-onto-them-for-nearly-two-years-and-they |archive-date=January 20, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="Veasey’s Life 7">{{cite web |last=Cipriano |first=Ralph |title=John-John Veasey's Life After the Philly Mob |date=October 29, 2010 |url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2010/10/29/john-john-veasey-s-life-after-the-philly-mob/7/ |newspaper=[[Philadelphia (magazine)|Philadelphia]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201002030857/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2010/10/29/john-john-veasey-s-life-after-the-philly-mob/7/ |archive-date=October 2, 2020 }}</ref> After being shot three times by Martines, Veasey managed to wrestle a knife from Pagano and slash Martines in the eye before escaping his assailants.<ref name="How the Inquirer"/> On March 17, 1994, Stanfa and his followers were arrested on federal racketeering charges stemming from the gang war.<ref name="FBI Arrests East Mob Boss">{{cite web |last= |first1= |title=FBI Arrests Reputed East Mob Boss, 11 Others |date=March 17, 1994 |url=https://www.deseret.com/1994/3/17/19097656/fbi-arrests-reputed-east-mob-boss-11-others/ |newspaper=[[Deseret News]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260120004956/https://www.deseret.com/1994/3/17/19097656/fbi-arrests-reputed-east-mob-boss-11-others/ |archive-date=January 20, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="F.B.I. Arrests Reputed Leader">{{cite web |last=Decourcy Hinds |first=Michael |title=F.B.I. Arrests Reputed Leader of Philadelphia Mob and 23 Others |date=March 18, 1994 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/us/fbi-arrests-reputed-leader-of-philadelphia-mob-and-23-others.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250810143422/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/us/fbi-arrests-reputed-leader-of-philadelphia-mob-and-23-others.html |archive-date=August 10, 2025 }}</ref> Martines was convicted on November 21, 1995.<ref name="Jury convicts mob boss">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Jury convicts Philadelphia mob boss |date=November 21, 1995 |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/11/21/Jury-convicts-Philadelphia-mob-boss/8470816930000/ |work=[[United Press International]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260116050626/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/11/21/Jury-convicts-Philadelphia-mob-boss/8470816930000/ |archive-date=January 16, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="Mob Chief Guilty">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Mob Chief Guilty of Murder, Kidnapping and Extortion |date=November 22, 1995 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/11/22/mob-chief-guilty-of-murder-kidnapping-and-extortion/ |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260116051056/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/11/22/mob-chief-guilty-of-murder-kidnapping-and-extortion/ |archive-date=January 16, 2026 }}</ref> He was sentenced to life in prison.<ref name="U.S. v. Martines"/> Martines is incarcerated at the [[Federal Correctional Institution, Milan]], Michigan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Federal Bureau of Prisons: Inmate Locator "Frank Martines" |url=https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |publisher=Bop.gov}}</ref> * '''Anthony Nicodemo''' — soldier serving under Philadelphia captain Dom Grande. Nicodemo was considered a prime suspect by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] in the murder of John Casasanto, who was gunned down in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shooting death of South Philadelphia man termed a mob hit|url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-12-14/news/35799223_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-mob-soldier|publisher=Philly.com|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162446/http://articles.philly.com/2012-12-14/news/35799223_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-mob-soldier|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2007, Nicodemo and Michael Lancellotti were arrested for operating an illegal sports betting business in Atlantic City worth $22 million during a two-year period.<ref>{{cite web |title=18 arrested in bust of sports gambling at Atlantic City casino |url=https://www.deseret.com/2007/11/15/20053665/18-arrested-in-bust-of-sports-gambling-at-atlantic-city-casino/ |website=Deseret News |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Two plead guilty in A.C. sports-betting ring |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20081217_Two_plead_guilty_in_A_C__sports-betting_ring.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> He was given a 4-year suspended sentence with a $10,000 fine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philly man avoids prison in Borgata bet ring case |url=https://www.delcotimes.com/2009/04/10/philly-man-avoids-prison-in-borgata-bet-ring-case/ |website=Delco Times |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reputed mobster sentenced in Borgata betting ring |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20090409_Reputed_mobster_sentenced_in_Borgata_betting_ring.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=.Suspended sentence in Borgata ring |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/business/phily-suspended-sentence-in-borgata-ring/1878178/ |website=NBC Philadelphia |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=South Philadelphia homicide has link to mob |url=https://6abc.com/archive/8917961/ |website=6 ABC Action News |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> In December 2012, Nicodemo was arrested in connection with the murder of Gino DiPietro, a suspected informant who was murdered the day before Nicodemo's arrest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alleged mobster charged with murder in S. Phila. slaying |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/alleged-mobster-charged-with-murder-s-phila-slaying-20121214.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Alleged Mobster Charged in S Philly Murder |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/execution-killing-mob-ties-arrest/2106656/ |website=NBC Philadelphia |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Man Charged With Mob-Related Murder |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/alleged-mobster-charged-in-s-philly-murder/2106727/ |website=NBC Philadelphia |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FBI Offers $10,000 Reward for Information in 2012 Murder of Gino DiPietro in Philadelphia |url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/news/press-releases/fbi-offers-10-000-reward-for-information-in-2012-murder-of-gino-dipietro-in-philadelphia |website=FBI |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> After being on trial for the DiPietro murder, a [[mistrial]] was declared in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://6abc.com/anthony-nicodemo-murder-trial-reputed-mob-soldier-gino-dipietro-mistrial/69445/|title=Mistrial in reputed Philadelphia mobster murder case|publisher=abc.com|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112162349/https://6abc.com/anthony-nicodemo-murder-trial-reputed-mob-soldier-gino-dipietro-mistrial/69445/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nicodemo later pled guilty and was sentenced to 25-to-50 years in prison.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-22 |title=The Gino DiPietro Hit 10 Years Later: One in Prison, the Shooter still not charged. FBI Photos, $10,000 Reward Yield Few New Leads in 2012 Murder – Mob Talk Sitdown |url=https://mobtalksitdown.com/the-gino-dipietro-hit-10-years-later-one-in-prison-the-shooter-still-not-charged-fbi-photos-10000-reward-yield-few-new-leads-in-2012-murder/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |language=en-US}}</ref> He will be eligible for parole by 2038. * '''[[John Stanfa|Giovanni "John" Stanfa]]''' — former boss during the early 1990s. In March 1994, Stanfa and 23 other Philadelphia mob affiliates were indicted on 31 racketeering-related charges.<ref>{{cite web |title=F.B.I. Arrests Reputed Leader of Philadelphia Mob and 23 Others |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/us/fbi-arrests-reputed-leader-of-philadelphia-mob-and-23-others.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref> In October 1995, Philadelphia family associate and informant John Veasey implicated Stanfa of ordering 2 murders, named Michael Ciancaglini and Felix Bochino, who both were shot to death in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hit man testifies at Phila. mob trial |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/10/Hit-man-testifies-at-Phila-mob-trial/3056813297600/ |website=UPI |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref> On October 5th, 1995, John Veasey was scheduled to testify against Stanfa, his brother, 35 year old Billy Veasey, was shot and killed, the murder was believed to be ordered by Stanfa.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brother's Death Fails to Stop Hit Man's Testimony |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/12/us/brother-s-death-fails-to-stop-hit-man-s-testimony.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brother of Phila. mob witness slain |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/05/Brother-of-Phila-mob-witness-slain/9254812865600/ |website=UPI |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brother of Mob Turncoat Is Gunned Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/06/us/brother-of-mob-turncoat-is-gunned-down.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref> In November 1995, Stanfa was convicted of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and illegal gambling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hit man: Has a mobster found redemption? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hit-man-has-a-mobster-found-redemption/ |website=CBS NEWS |date=March 17, 2013 |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jury Convicts Philadelphia's Mob Leader |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/22/us/jury-convicts-philadelphia-s-mob-leader.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jury Convicts Philadelphia Mob Leader |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-22-mn-6105-story.html |newspaper=LA TIMES |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref> In July 1996, Stanfa was sentenced to life in prison for racketeering, loansharking and murder.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stanfa given life term |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/09/Stanfa-given-life-term/5473836884800/ |website=UPI |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref>
=== Inactive members === [[File:Joey Merlino Surveillance.jpg|thumb|[[Joey Merlino|"Skinny Joey" Merlino]] in a government surveillance photo, {{Circa|1995}}]] * '''[[Joey Merlino|Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino]]''' — became boss in 1999,<ref name="Hit Recordings"/> and is believed to have headed the Philadelphia crime family until 2024.<ref name="Justice May 2011">{{cite web |url=http://newsroom-magazine.com/tag/joseph-massimino/ |title=FBI Makes Major La Cosa Nostra Arrests In Philadelphia |access-date=May 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823061333/http://newsroom-magazine.com/tag/joseph-massimino/ |archive-date=August 23, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Anastasia May 2011">{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-24/news/29578198_1_joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-gambling-and-loan-sharking-joseph-uncle-joe-ligambi |title=Reputed mob boss Ligambi and others indicted on gambling, loan-sharking charges |website=Articles.philly.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809130256/http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-24/news/29578198_1_joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-gambling-and-loan-sharking-joseph-uncle-joe-ligambi |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2024, Merlino was "shelved" by the family, which deposed his leadership and suspended his membership, after establishing himself as a social media personality.<ref name="On A Shelf"/> Nonetheless, Merlino reportedly remains in the good graces of the family.<ref>[https://gangsterreport.com/seems-like-old-times-despite-officially-being-persona-non-grada-skinny-joey-merlino-still-feted-as-if-philly-mob-boss/ Seems Like Old Times: Despite Officially Being Persona Non Grada, “Skinny Joey” Merlino Still Feted As If Philly Mob Boss] Scott Burnstein, ''The Gangster Report'' (May 18, 2025)</ref> * '''Francis "Faffy" Iannarella''' — Born in April 1947. Iannarella previously served as a ''capo'' under former boss Nicky Scarfo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Onetime Wise Guy Rates Another Kind of Mob Hit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/15/arts/onetime-wise-guy-rates-another-kind-of-mob-hit.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> In November 1988, Iannarella was convicted of participating in 4 murders, 2 attempted murders and 7 murder conspiracies, along with illegal lottery numbers, debt collection and 9 extortion schemes, and he was given a 45-year prison sentence.<ref>{{cite web |title=9 Are Acquitted of Murder in Philadelphia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/11/us/9-are-acquitted-of-murder-in-philadelphia.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia Mob Leader Is Convicted of Murder |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/06/us/philadelphia-mob-leader-is-convicted-of-murder.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=10 REPUTED MOBSTERS ARE INDICTED IN PHILADELPHIA IN 1984 SLAYING |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/11/us/10-reputed-mobsters-are-indicted-in-philadelphia-in-1984-slaying.html |website=NY TIMES |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=UNITED STATES of America v. Francis IANNARELLA, Jr. |url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914bc22add7b0493479aa5a |website=Case Mine |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scarfo conviction overturned |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/06/18/Scarfo-conviction-overturned/7355708840000/ |website=UPI |access-date=20 January 2026}}</ref> He was released from prison in July 2016. * '''Luigi Tripodi''' — Born in March or April 1938. Tripodi was a former John Stanfa loyalist during the early 1990s, and was inducted into the Philadelphia crime family in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Article clipped from Philadelphia Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news/24815822/?locale=en-GB |website=Newspapers.com | date=June 19, 1995 | page=21 |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref> As of 2026, Tripodi is considered as an inactive member of the Philadelphia Mafia. * '''Anthony Pungitore''' — Born in November 1953. In November 1988, Pungitore was convicted of participating in 1 murder, 2 attempted murders and 3 conspiracies to commit murder, and in May 1989, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Pungitore was released from prison in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. v. Pungitore |url=https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/u-s-v-pungitore-885657172 |website=Case Law |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=UNITED STATES v. PUNGITORE |url=https://www.studicata.com/summaries/united-states-district-court-eastern-district-of-pennsylvania/united-states-v-pungitore-1997-993rpe/ |website=Studicata |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Anthony PUNGITORE, Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1371. UNITED STATES of America |url=https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/910/910.F2d.1084.89-1403.89-1409.89-1446.89-1448.89-1400.html |website=Law Resource |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scarfo, 18 others named in sweeping indictment |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/11/Scarfo-18-others-named-in-sweeping-indictment/1778568875600/ |website=UPI |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=United States of America v. Anthony Pungitore, Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1371.united States of America v. Joseph Grande. Appellant in No. 89-1372.united States of America v. Francis Iannarella, Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1393.united States of America v. Phillip Narducci. Appellant in No. 89-1395.united States of America v. Salvatore Scafidi. Appellant in No. 89-1396.united States of America v. Nicholas Virgilio. Appellant in No. 89-1397.united States of America v. Charles Iannece. Appellant in No. 89-1400.united States of America v. Salvatore Wayne Grande. Appellant in No. 89-1401.united States of America v. Joseph Pungitore. Appellant in No. 89-1402.united States of America v. Frank Narducci, Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1403.united States of America v. Ralph Staino, Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1404.united States of America v. Salvatore J. Merlino. Appellant in No. 89-1409.united States of America v. Nicodemo Scarfo. Appellant in No. 89-1446.united States of America v. Joseph Ciancaglini. Appellant in No. 89-1448, 910 F.2d 1084 (3d Cir. 1990) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/910/1084/463391/ |website=Justia U.S. Law |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref>
=== Associates === '''Philadelphia faction''' * '''Victor "Big Vic" DeLuca''' — sentenced in 2022 to ten years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-01 |title=Eastern District of Pennsylvania {{!}} Philadelphia LCN Associate Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison For Racketeering and Drug Dealing {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/philadelphia-lcn-associate-sentenced-10-years-prison-racketeering-and-drug-dealing |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref> His release from FCI Lewisburg is scheduled for May 19, 2028.
'''South New Jersey faction''' * '''Stephen Sharkey''' — sentenced to four years in federal prison in 2021 for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-13 |title=Eastern District of Pennsylvania {{!}} Mob Associate Sentenced to 4+ Years for Real Estate Fraud Scheme {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/mob-associate-sentenced-4-years-real-estate-fraud-scheme |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref>
== Former members == * '''Felix "Tom Mix" Bocchino''' — former soldier. Bocchino was initially a member of the [[North Jersey]] faction of the Bruno family and was in the [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] crew headed by [[Antonio Caponigro]] during the 1960s and 1970s.<ref name="Bocchino Hit">[https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mobs-92-little-felix-bocchino-hit-started-a-war-stemmed-from-shakedown-of-skinny-joeys-uncle/ Philly Mob’s ’92 “Little Felix” Bocchino Hit Started A War, Stemmed From Shakedown Of Skinny Joey’s Uncle] Scott Burnstei, ''The Gangster Report'' (October 22, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022063355/https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mobs-92-little-felix-bocchino-hit-started-a-war-stemmed-from-shakedown-of-skinny-joeys-uncle/ |date=October 22, 2022 }}</ref> His younger brother Richard was also a Mafia associate.{{sfn|Reilly|1991|p=175}} Bocchino was allegedly among the conspirators in the March 1980 assassination of family boss [[Angelo Bruno]].<ref name="Bocchino Hit"/> He was inducted as a "made" member of the family in January 1982.<ref name="Reputed mobster gunned down">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/01/29/Reputed-mobster-gunned-down/2650696661200/ Reputed mobster gunned down] [[United Press International]] (January 29, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260111193026/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/01/29/Reputed-mobster-gunned-down/2650696661200/ |date=January 11, 2026 }}</ref> Bocchino was active in gambling, extortion, fraud and drug trafficking,<ref name="For nearly 50 years">[https://archive.today/20260111200136/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-pfelix-bocch/20554781/?locale=en-GB For nearly 50 years, an underworld player] Howard Goodman, ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (January 30, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260111200136/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-pfelix-bocch/20554781/?locale=en-GB |date=January 11, 2026 }}</ref> and was released from prison in 1985 after serving a sentence for tax evasion.<ref name="Bocchino Hit"/> He became a close associate of [[John Stanfa]], who was family boss in the early 1990s. After Bocchino began extorting South Philadelphia bookmaker Michael "Sheiky" Baldino, he became involved in a feud with Baldino's nephew [[Joey Merlino]] who, with the backing of [[Ralph Natale]], headed a "Young Turks" faction which challenged Stanfa's reign.<ref name="Bocchino Hit"/> On January 29, 1992, Bocchino was shot dead, aged 73, in his [[Buick]] automobile outside his South Philadelphia home,<ref name="Reputed mobster gunned down"/><ref name="Old-time mobster">[https://archive.today/20260111200136/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-pfelix-bocch/20554781/?locale=en-GB Old-time mobster Felix Bocchino shot to death in his car in S. Phila.] [[George Anastasia]], Laurie Hollman and Robert J. Terry, ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (January 30, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260111200136/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-pfelix-bocch/20554781/?locale=en-GB |date=January 11, 2026 }}</ref> making him the first victim of the [[Philadelphia crime family#John Stanfa and the Third Philadelphia Mafia War (1990–1996)|Third Philadelphia Mafia War]].<ref name="How the Inquirer"/> After becoming a government witness in 1999, Natale pleaded guilty to ordering Bocchino's murder and named [[Steven Mazzone]] as the gunman in the killing.<ref name="Bocchino Hit"/> * '''Michael "Mikey Chang" Ciancaglini''' — former soldier. Michael Ciancaglini was the son of Joseph Ciancaglini Sr., and younger brother of John and Joseph Ciancaglini Jr.<ref name="Philly Mob Elder Statesman">[https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mob-elder-statesman-chickie-ciancaglini-smiling-a-lot-lately-soaking-up-latter-years-among-loved-ones/ Philly Mob Elder Statesman ‘Chickie’ Ciancaglini Smiling A Lot Lately, Soaking Up Latter Years Amongst Loved Ones] Scott Burnstein, ''The Gangster Report'' (February 11, 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331021305/https://gangsterreport.com/philly-mob-elder-statesman-chickie-ciancaglini-smiling-a-lot-lately-soaking-up-latter-years-among-loved-ones/ |date=March 31, 2016 }}</ref> Along with [[Joey Merlino]], he was a leading member of the "Young Turks" faction which challenged the leadership of family boss [[John Stanfa]] during the early 1990s.<ref name="How the Inquirer"/> After the Young Turks killed Stanfa loyalist Felix Bocchino in January 1992, Ciancaglini survived a retaliatory shotgun attack outside his home in South Philadelphia on March 3, 1992.<ref name="How the Inquirer"/><ref name="Mobster's son's house">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-mikey-changs/153814867/ Mobster's son's house shotgunned] Thomas J. Gibbons Jr. and Michael B. Coakley, ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (March 4, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113033631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-mikey-changs/153814867/ |date=January 13, 2026 }}</ref> During the ensuing [[Philadelphia crime family#John Stanfa and the Third Philadelphia Mafia War (1990–1996)|Third Philadelphia Mafia War]], one of Michael Ciancaglini brothers, Joseph Ciancaglini Jr., joined the Stanfa faction, while his father and other brother, John Ciancaglini, were imprisoned.<ref name="Philly Mob Elder Statesman"/> In an effort to broker peace, Stanfa inducted Ciancaglini and Merlino into the family in the late summer of 1992.<ref name="U.S. v. Merlino">[https://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/014374p.pdf United States of America v. Joseph Merlino] p. 29 (November 12, 2003) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201172221/https://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/014374p.pdf |date=February 1, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Where Are John And Joey Now?">[https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/tv/a69059009/where-are-john-stanfa-and-joey-merlino-from-netflixs-mob-war-now/ Where Are John Stanfa And Joey Merlino From Netflix's ‘Mob War’ Now?] Laura Martin, ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' (October 22, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260112184312/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/tv/a69059009/where-are-john-stanfa-and-joey-merlino-from-netflixs-mob-war-now/ |date=January 12, 2026 }}</ref> Stanfa's attempts at diplomacy proved futile, however, and the war continued, with Joseph Ciancaglini Jr. being left paralyzed by a shooting in March 1993.<ref name="How the Inquirer"/> On August 5, 1993, Michael Ciancaglini and Merlino were shot by Stanfa faction gunmen Philip Colletti and John Veasey in a drive-by shooting outside the Young Turks' South Philadelphia clubhouse.<ref name="Philly's Younger Mobsters">[https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930926/1722993/phillys-younger-mobsters-lack-standards-say-police----latest-war-moves-killings-from-back-alleys-to-public-byways Philly's Younger Mobsters Lack `Standards,' Say Police -- Latest War Moves Killings From Back Alleys To Public Byways] Bill Glauber, ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' (September 26, 1993) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260112175625/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930926/1722993/phillys-younger-mobsters-lack-standards-say-police----latest-war-moves-killings-from-back-alleys-to-public-byways |date=January 12, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="Hits That Missed">[https://www.deseret.com/1995/11/26/19206579/stories-of-hits-that-missed-are-a-smash-in-court/ Stories of Hits That Missed Are a Smash in Court] ''[[Deseret News]]'' (November 26, 1995) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260113000712/https://www.deseret.com/1995/11/26/19206579/stories-of-hits-that-missed-are-a-smash-in-court/ |date=January 13, 2026 }}</ref> Ciancaglini died from chest wounds, aged 31, while Merlino survived.<ref name="Mob ambush kills one">[https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1993/08/06/mob-ambush-kills-one-in-philadelphia/ Mob ambush kills one in Philadelphia] ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (August 6, 1993) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20260112175222/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1993/08/06/mob-ambush-kills-one-in-philadelphia/ |date=January 12, 2026 }}</ref> * '''Joseph "Joe Crutch" Curro''' – Curro first became noticed by law enforcement in 1976 overheard on a wiretap at the restaurant of ''[[caporegime]]'' [[Frank Sindone]]. He died of cancer in 2004. * '''Frank "Chickie" Narducci Sr.''' — former ''capo''. Frank Narducci was the father of Philadelphia family members Philip and Frank Narducci Jr.<ref name="Back In A Flash"/> He was an alleged gambling boss.<ref name="Reputed Mob Killing">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/1982/01/09/reputed-mob-killing/02fc921f-2366-4e6e-af9b-b35b946f93d8/ Reputed Mob Killing] ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (January 9, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250605154042/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/1982/01/09/reputed-mob-killing/02fc921f-2366-4e6e-af9b-b35b946f93d8/ |date=June 5, 2025 }}</ref> Narducci and seven others were indicted in July 1980 on federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, gambling and bribery. In April 1981, he was convicted of bribing two Philadelphia police officers for protection.<ref name="Mob Figure Slain">[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/08/us/philadelphia-mob-figure-slain.html Philadelphia Mob Figure Slain] ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 8, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250605154456/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/08/us/philadelphia-mob-figure-slain.html |date=June 5, 2025 }}</ref> Narducci was shot dead on January 8, 1982, aged 49, as he left his car near his home in South Philadelphia.<ref name="Narducci's slaying">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/01/08/Narduccis-slaying-believed-to-leave-mob-in-disarray/3996379314000/ Narducci's slaying believed to leave mob in disarray] [[United Press International]] [[United Press International]] (January 8, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250605160552/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/01/08/Narduccis-slaying-believed-to-leave-mob-in-disarray/3996379314000/ |date=June 5, 2025 }}</ref> He was denied a Roman Catholic funeral because his marriage to his wife, Adeline, was considered invalid by the church.<ref name="Reputed mobster will not receive Catholic funeral">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/01/10/Reputed-mobster-Frank-Chickie-Narducci-gunned-down-last-week/5784810096030/ Reputed mobster will not receive Catholic funeral] [[United Press International]] (January 10, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250605160806/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/01/10/Reputed-mobster-Frank-Chickie-Narducci-gunned-down-last-week/5784810096030/ |date=June 5, 2025 }}</ref> * '''Frank "Frankie Windows" Narducci Jr.''' – former soldier. Narducci was the son of Frank Narducci Sr. and brother of Philip Narducci. He died of natural causes on October 10, 2019.<ref name="Back In A Flash"/><ref>[https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/inquirer/name/frank-narducci-obituary?id=9219088 Frank Narducci obituary] ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' (October 13, 2019)</ref> * '''Vincent "Al Pajamas" Pagano''' — Pagano was a ''caporegime'' under [[John Stanfa]] during the Merlino-Stanfa war. In January 1994, Pagano along with Frank Martines, was involved with the botched murder on FBI witness John Veasey.<ref>{{cite news |title=INEPT MOBSTERS MADE BEST HITS AS WITNESSES |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/11/26/inept-mobsters-made-best-hits-as-witnesses/0e5bd3c7-3bf5-4d9e-a09b-63295d71a165/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> Veasey testified against Pagano and he was found guilty of racketeering in 1995 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reputed Mobsters to Face Their Own Words in Federal Racketeering Trial |url=https://apnews.com/article/c90c9b3804756cfe849fd2960488f80a |website=AP |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Poodle's Death Stirs Trial Enforcer For Mob Fingers Loanshark |url=https://www.mpmpc.com/case-news/poodles-death-stirs-trial-enforcer-for-mob-fingers-loanshark |website=mpmpc |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> Pagano died of natural causes at the age of 89 in February 2019. * '''Nicholas "Nick the Blade" Virgilio''' – former soldier. Virgilio was a bookmaker, extortionist and hitman who operated in Philadelphia and [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]].<ref name="Blade cut down">{{cite web |last=Caparella |first=Kitty |title='The Blade' is cut down |date=March 18, 1995 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news-a-different-virg/122160733/ |newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260213043352/https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news-a-different-virg/122160733/ |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref> In 1952, he was sentenced to three-to-ten years in state prison after stabbing 19-year-old sailor Glenn Long to death during a bar fight in Philadelphia's red-light district.<ref name="Blade cut down"/><ref name="Doin' Hard Time">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Doin' Hard Time Gangster Style |date=September 29, 1996 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1996/09/29/doin-hard-time-gangster-style/ |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260208060658/https://www.nydailynews.com/1996/09/29/doin-hard-time-gangster-style/ |archive-date=February 8, 2026 }}</ref> Virgilio became an associate of [[Nicky Scarfo]] in Atlantic City during the 1960s. In 1970, he pleaded no contest to killing bricklayer Robert Welsh. Despite Scarfo bribing Superior Court Judge [[Edwin Helfant]] with $12,500 to give Virgilio a light sentence, he was sentenced to twelve-to-fifteen years in state prison. After serving six years, Virgilio exacted revenge on Helfant.<ref name="Blade cut down"/> On February 15, 1978, a masked Virgilio shot Helfant five times in the face in front of his wife in the cocktail lounge of the Flamingo Hotel in Atlantic City. Scarfo drove the getaway car.<ref name="N.J.'s most notorious">{{cite web |last=Hyman |first=Vicki |title=The mobsters: N.J.'s most notorious murders |date=April 10, 2015 |url=https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2015/04/njs_most_notorious_murders_the_mobsters.html |website=[[NJ.com]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260213041445/https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2015/04/njs_most_notorious_murders_the_mobsters.html |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref> Virgilio was inducted into the Philadelphia Mafia in May 1982 after Scarfo became boss of the family.<ref name="Blade cut down"/> Virgilio was indicted for Helfant's murder along with Scarfo in April 1987.<ref name="Scarfo Indicted In '78 Slaying">{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Joseph F. |title=Scarfo Indicted In '78 Slaying Of Jersey Judge |date=April 10, 1987 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/10/nyregion/scarfo-indicted-in-78-slaying-of-jersey-judge.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260213203415/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/10/nyregion/scarfo-indicted-in-78-slaying-of-jersey-judge.html |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="2nd Murder Charge in Two Days">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=2nd Murder Charge in Two Days Filed Against Mob Figure |date=April 11, 1987 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-11-mn-673-story.html |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260213044144/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-11-mn-673-story.html |archive-date=February 13, 2026 }}</ref> In 1988, Virgilio was convicted on [[RICO Act|RICO]] charges and sentenced to forty years in federal prison.<ref name="Blade cut down"/> He was imprisoned at the [[United States Penitentiary, Lompoc|United States Penitentiary]] in [[Lompoc, California]] from 1990 until he was sent to the [[United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners]] in [[Springfield, Missouri]] for heart treatment on February 18, 1994.<ref name="Blade cut down"/><ref name="Doin' Hard Time"/> Virgilio died there from a heart attack on March 15, 1995, aged 67.<ref name="Blade cut down"/>
== Former associates == * '''[[Frank Palumbo]]''' – former associate. Palumbo was a power broker, political fixer and owner of [[Palumbo's]] restaurant, which served as a meeting place for Philadelphia mobsters. He died on February 12, 1983, aged 71.
== Government informants and witnesses == * '''Biagio Adornetto''' – former soldier. He survived a failed assassination attempt on his life as friend and fellow Philly mob soldier, Rosario Bellocchi, loaded the shotgun with the wrong size of bullets; Adornetto was accused of flirting with John Stanfa's niece.<ref>{{cite news|title=INEPT MOBSTERS MADE BEST HITS AS WITNESSES|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/11/26/inept-mobsters-made-best-hits-as-witnesses/0e5bd3c7-3bf5-4d9e-a09b-63295d71a165/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220521/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/11/26/inept-mobsters-made-best-hits-as-witnesses/0e5bd3c7-3bf5-4d9e-a09b-63295d71a165/|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Peter "Pete the Crumb" Caprio''' – former ''capo''. In July 2000, he admitted to conspiring to commit murder, extortion and other crimes. During the case, he was accused of participating in the murder of William Gantz in 1994 and Joseph Sodano in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|title=METRO NEWS BRIEFS: NEW JERSEY; Organized Crime Figure Indicted in 2 Murders|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/11/nyregion/metro-news-briefs-new-jersey-organized-crime-figure-indicted-in-2-murders.html|access-date=May 16, 2018|agency=New York Times|date=March 11, 2000|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517012427/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/11/nyregion/metro-news-briefs-new-jersey-organized-crime-figure-indicted-in-2-murders.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Caprio testified against the absent [[Genovese crime family]] captain [[Lawrence Ricci]] in October 2005, who was murdered a few weeks before his trial.<ref>{{cite web|title=LOSTFELLA STILL MAKES IMPACT ON MOB TRIAL|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/lostfella-impact-mob-trial-article-1.572996|website=NY DAILY NEWS|date=October 18, 2005 |publisher=John Marzulli|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005753/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/lostfella-impact-mob-trial-article-1.572996|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Nicholas "Nicky Crow" Caramandi''' – former hitman and soldier. In 1986, Caramandi alongside Robert Rego and former Democratic-[[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]] member, [[Leland Beloff]], attempted to extort $1 million from real estate developer [[Willard Rouse]], for funding revolved around the construction of [[Penn's Landing]] in Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Willard Rouse, 60, dies; transformed Phila.'s skyline|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2003/05/26/daily6.html|website=Philadelphia Business Journal|date=May 28, 2003 |access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812060647/https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2003/05/26/daily6.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PHILADELPHIA COUNCILMAN CHARGED WITH EXTORTION IN DEVELOPMENT|newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 28, 1986 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/28/us/philadelphia-councilman-charged-with-extortion-in-development.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=NY TIMES|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082043/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/28/us/philadelphia-councilman-charged-with-extortion-in-development.html|url-status=live|last1=Gruson |first1=Lindsey }}</ref> As a result of the 1984 slaying of Philadelphia captain Salvatore Testa, Caramandi, Joseph Grande and Charles Iannece were [[Mafia initiation ritual|inducted]] into the Philadelphia family.<ref>{{cite web|title=United States of America v. Anthony Pungitore Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1371.united States of America v. Joseph Grande. Appellant in No. 89-1372.united States of America v. Francis Iannarella Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1393.united States of America v. Phillip Narducci. Appellant in No. 89-1395.united States of America v. Salvatore Scafidi. Appellant in No. 89-1396.united States of America v. Nicholas Virgilio. Appellant in No. 89-1397.united States of America v. Charles Iannece. Appellant in No. 89-1400.united States of America v. Salvatore Wayne Grande. Appellant in No. 89-1401.united States of America v. Joseph Pungitore. Appellant in No. 89-1402.united States of America v. Frank Narducci Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1403.united States of America v. Ralph Staino Jr., Appellant in No. 89-1404.united States of America v. Salvatore J. Merlino. Appellant in No. 89-1409.united States of America v. Nicodemo Scarfo. Appellant in No. 89-1446.united States of America v. Joseph Ciancaglini. Appellant in No. 89-1448, 910 F.2d 1084 (3d Cir. 1990)|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/910/1084/463391/|website=US JUSTIA LAW|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005906/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/910/1084/463391/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hitman says slain mob captain set up by best friend|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/11/Hitman-says-slain-mob-captain-set-up-by-best-friend/2179592545600/|website=UPI|publisher=Brian Mooar|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005459/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/11/Hitman-says-slain-mob-captain-set-up-by-best-friend/2179592545600/|url-status=live}}</ref> After he received a message from Philadelphia crime family member [[Raymond Martorano]] while in prison, who alleged boss Nicky Scarfo was planning to have him murdered, and facing over 20 years in prison, Caramandi agreed to become a government witness.<ref>{{cite web|title=When Mobsters Refuse to Retire|url=https://www.aarp.org/work/on-the-job/info-2015/aging-mobsters-refuse-retirement.html|website=AARP|publisher=George Anastasia|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005952/https://www.aarp.org/work/on-the-job/info-2015/aging-mobsters-refuse-retirement.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=A Crow Turns Stool Pigeon: NICHOLAS CARAMANDI|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,973168,00.html|magazine=Time|date=June 17, 1991|publisher=Richard Behar|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=March 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321030255/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,973168,00.html|url-status=live|last1=Behar|first1=Richard|last2=Caramandi|first2=Nicholas (The Crow)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Crow?s Feat|url=https://www.phillymag.com/articles/2008/10/01/crows-feat/5/|website=Philly Magazine|date=October 2008 |publisher=Bill Tonelli|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517033158/https://www.phillymag.com/articles/2008/10/01/crows-feat/5/|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Rosario Conti Bellocchi''' – former soldier and hitman. He was engaged to John Stanfa's niece.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reputed Mobsters to Face Their Own Words in Federal Racketeering Trial|url=https://www.apnews.com/c90c9b3804756cfe849fd2960488f80a|website=AP NEWS|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005533/https://www.apnews.com/c90c9b3804756cfe849fd2960488f80a|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with fellow Philadelphia mob soldier, Biagio Adornetto, he departed [[Sicily]] to work for Stanfa.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Cimino|first1=Al|title=Mafia Files: Case Studies of the World's Most Evil Mobsters|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5_M2BQAAQBAJ&q=rosario+bellocchi&pg=PT148|access-date=May 16, 2018|isbn=9781784043698|date=August 15, 2014|publisher=Arcturus |archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160931/https://books.google.com/books?id=5_M2BQAAQBAJ&q=rosario+bellocchi&pg=PT148|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Philip Colletti''' – former soldier. He was part of the Stanfa faction. According to Colletti, he created a remote-control bomb which was planted under Joey Merlino's car in 1993 and failed to detonate multiple times.<ref>{{cite news|title=PHILLY'S GOOFFELLAS MADE MESS OF MOB|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/philly-gooffellas-made-mess-mob-article-1.697114|access-date=May 16, 2018|agency=NY DAILY NEWS|publisher=Wayne Woolley|date=November 26, 1995|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214716/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/philly-gooffellas-made-mess-mob-article-1.697114|url-status=live}}</ref> His wife testified that Colletti and his wife participated in the disposing of a car which was used in a mob hit, the death of Michael Ciancaglini and wounding of Merlino, and fellow Philadelphia mob member and informer John Veasey testified that Colletti was with him when the shooting took place.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former mobster John Veasey's life chronicled in new book|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120214_Former_mobster_John_Veasey_s_life_chronicled_in_new_book.html|website=Philly.com|date=February 14, 2012 |publisher=George Anastasia|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005254/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120214_Former_mobster_John_Veasey_s_life_chronicled_in_new_book.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Witness Protection|url=http://mycitypaper.com/articles/053101/news.mob.shtml|website=MyCityPaper|publisher=Jim Barry|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227171311/http://mycitypaper.com/articles/053101/news.mob.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Andrew Thomas DelGiorno''' – former ''capo''. DelGiorno first became active with the Philadelphia crime family around 1964 and had gotten involved in the bookmaking business.<ref>{{cite news|title=Onetime Wise Guy Rates Another Kind of Mob Hit|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/15/arts/onetime-wise-guy-rates-another-kind-of-mob-hit.html?module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Arts&action=keypress®ion=FixedLeft&pgtype=article|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=New York Times|publisher=Joe Sharkey|date=January 15, 2000|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005706/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/15/arts/onetime-wise-guy-rates-another-kind-of-mob-hit.html?module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Arts&action=keypress®ion=FixedLeft&pgtype=article|url-status=live}}</ref> He admitted to his participation in 5 murders during the 1980s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Musings of a Mob Man With a Price on His Head|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/nyregion/musings-of-a-mob-man-with-a-price-on-his-head.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=The New York Times|publisher=Joe Sharkey|date=May 18, 1997|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005816/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/nyregion/musings-of-a-mob-man-with-a-price-on-his-head.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He testified against boss [[Nicky Scarfo]] and 16 other Philadelphia mobsters in November 1988.<ref>{{cite web|title=Defense rests, prosecution resumes in Scarfo trial|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/09/Defense-rests-prosecution-resumes-in-Scarfo-trial/8214595054800/|website=UPI|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005745/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/09/Defense-rests-prosecution-resumes-in-Scarfo-trial/8214595054800/|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Salvatore "Wayne" Grande''' – former soldier. On September 14, 1984, he shot and killed captain Salvatore Testa, the son of [[Phil Testa]], who became boss of the Philadelphia mob for a brief period and who also inducted Grande four years earlier.<ref>{{cite news|title=10 REPUTED MOBSTERS ARE INDICTED IN PHILADELPHIA IN 1984 SLAYING|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/11/us/10-reputed-mobsters-are-indicted-in-philadelphia-in-1984-slaying.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=New York Times|date=April 11, 1987|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005759/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/11/us/10-reputed-mobsters-are-indicted-in-philadelphia-in-1984-slaying.html|url-status=live|last1=Gruson |first1=Lindsey }}</ref> According to former Philadelphia crime family underboss and government witness Phil Leonetti, Grande repeatedly attempted to murder [[Harry Riccobene]] but failed, an enemy of the Scarfo faction, including an incident where Riccobene managed to survive 5 gunshot wounds to his face.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mafia Prince: Inside America's Most Violent Crime Family and the Bloody Fall of La Cosa Nostra|date=2014|publisher=Phil Leonetti|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7WZfDgAAQBAJ&q=salvatore+wayne+grande+testa&pg=PT122|access-date=May 15, 2018|isbn=9780762456000|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160903/https://books.google.com/books?id=7WZfDgAAQBAJ&q=salvatore+wayne+grande+testa&pg=PT122|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1988, he was convicted on federal racketeering charges and informed on American Mafia mobsters later on during his imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jury Finds Scarfo, 16 Others Guilty In Racketeering Case|url=https://apnews.com/9c50df9308545c4e3183f0fde9dbb26e|website=AP NEWS|publisher=Lee Linder|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517152653/https://apnews.com/9c50df9308545c4e3183f0fde9dbb26e|url-status=live}}</ref> Some of his relatives remain in the mob, including his son, who was allegedly inducted in 2011. * '''George Fresolone''' – former soldier. During his imprisonment for illegal gambling and loansharking, Fresolone became an informant for the New Jersey State police in 1988. He recorded more than 400 conversations and his information was responsible for the indictment of nearly 40 mobsters.<ref>{{cite news|title=George Fresolone, 48; Mob Informant|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-18-me-george18-story.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=LA TIMES|date=March 18, 2002|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110041614/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/mar/18/local/me-george18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Blood Oath: The Heroic Story of a Gangster Turned Government Agent who Brought Down One of America's Most Powerful Mob Families|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-671-77905-4|website=Publishers Weekly|publisher=Robert J. Wagman|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005352/https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-671-77905-4|url-status=live}}</ref> He wore a wire during his ceremony in July 1990 to become an [[Soldato|official member]] of the Philadelphia mob.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mafia, 2nd Edition|date=2005|publisher=Jerry Capeci|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o64XJkmUPr0C&q=george+fresolone+1985&pg=PA24|access-date=May 15, 2018|isbn=9781440625824|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160900/https://books.google.com/books?id=o64XJkmUPr0C&q=george+fresolone+1985&pg=PA24|url-status=live}}</ref> He died in 2002. * '''[[Phil Leonetti|Phil "Crazy Phil" Leonetti]]''' – former underboss and nephew of former Philadelphia crime family boss Nicky Scarfo. He participated in his first murder at the age of 10 and helped Scarfo dispose of a corpse, a man Scarfo killed with an [[ice pick]] in a New Jersey bar for disrespecting him, the young Leonetti was used as a decoy. The first person he killed was a drug user named Louie DeMarco in 1976 on orders of boss Angelo Bruno.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kin's mob memoir details Scarfo's bloody Pa. reign|url=https://6abc.com/archive/8904672/|website=Abc|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005404/http://media.abclocal.go.com/wpvi/6at4/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8904672|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1978, he shot Vincent Falcone twice and killed him, which prompted associate Joe Salerno to become a government witness.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Mafia's Marked Man : Books: Joe Salerno fingered a mob boss and broke a crime family. He has been running ever since.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-22-vw-1774-story.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=La Times|publisher=Paul Dean|date=February 22, 1990|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126193734/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-22/news/vw-1774_1_joe-salerno|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Book excerpt from 'Mafia Prince:' The story of Philip Leonetti's mob hit of Vincent Falcone as ordered and watched by Nicky Scarfo|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/book-excerpt-mafia-prince-america-violent-mafia-family-bloody-fall-la-cosa-nostra-article-1.1203881|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=NY DAILY NEWS|publisher=Scott Burnstein|date=November 19, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423195509/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/book-excerpt-mafia-prince-america-violent-mafia-family-bloody-fall-la-cosa-nostra-article-1.1203881|url-status=live}}</ref> He was inducted into the Philadelphia mob as a soldier in 1980. Leonetti was sentenced to 45 years in prison in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mafia Trial in Hartford Opens With Guilty Plea|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/04/nyregion/mafia-trial-in-hartford-opens-with-guilty-plea.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=NY TIMES|publisher=Nick Ravo|date=May 4, 1991|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082051/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/04/nyregion/mafia-trial-in-hartford-opens-with-guilty-plea.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He decided to become a government witness in 1989. Leonetti admitted to being the trigger man in 2 murders and participated in 8 separate murders.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judge reduces mobster's sentence|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/05/30/Judge-reduces-mobsters-sentence/2054707198400/|website=UPI|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005616/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/05/30/Judge-reduces-mobsters-sentence/2054707198400/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was scheduled to testify against [[Gambino crime family]] boss [[John Gotti]] on January 21, 1992, however Gambino underboss [[Sammy Gravano|Sammy "the Bull" Gravano]] agreed to testify instead.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Organized Crime An Offer They Can't Refuse|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,159235,00.html|magazine=TIME|date=June 24, 2001|publisher=Richard Behar|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506080003/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,159235,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 1992, former federal judge [[Franklin Van Antwerpen]] reduced Leonetti's sentence to 6-years imprisonment. He testified against [[Genovese crime family]] boss [[Vincent Gigante]] in 1997 and claimed Gigante ordered 6 murder contracts as retaliation for murdering Philadelphia bosses Angelo Bruno and [[Phil Testa]] without approval from the other crime families, specifically in New York.<ref>{{cite news|title=CHIN FINGERED IN 6 SLAYINGS|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/chin-fingered-6-slayings-article-1.774113|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=New York Daily News|date=July 3, 1997|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005540/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/chin-fingered-6-slayings-article-1.774113|url-status=live}}</ref> He released a book about his life in 2012.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mafia Prince: Inside America's Most Violent Crime Family and the Bloody Fall of La Cosa Nostra|publisher=Scott Burnstein|id={{ASIN|0762454318|country=uk}}}}</ref> * '''Robert "Boston Bob" Luisi Jr.''' – former ''capo'' under Joey Merlino. Originally an associate of the [[Patriarca crime family]], he joined the Philadelphia mob and became inducted in 1998. On November 6, 1995, his father, cousin, brother and family friend were killed by gunman Anthony Clemente who fired 13 shots inside of a [[Charlestown, Boston|Charlestown]] restaurant.<ref name="Father and son convicted">[https://apnews.com/article/29c23d04bcf1e2b6dcdc6829a536412a Father and son convicted of murder in restaurant massacre] [[Associated Press]] (May 11, 1997) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225234722/https://apnews.com/article/29c23d04bcf1e2b6dcdc6829a536412a |date=February 25, 2023 }}</ref> It is noted that he attempted to seize control of the criminal rackets of [[Whitey Bulger]] in Boston during the 1990s, and attempted to meet [[Kevin Weeks]] in 1998. He was indicted by the FBI on June 28, 1999, alongside 13 others for conspiracy to acquire and distribute cocaine. In 2000, he admitted to the murder of Anthony DiPrizio in 1997.<ref name="Mafia boss makes deal">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/06/14/Mafia-boss-makes-deal-to-help-feds/9639960955200/ Mafia boss makes deal to help feds] [[United Press International]] (June 14, 2000) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813045048/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/06/14/Mafia-boss-makes-deal-to-help-feds/9639960955200/ |date=August 13, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="Banned in Boston">[https://mycitypaper.com/articles/060701/news.boston.shtml Banned in Boston] Jim Barry, ''My City Paper'' (June 7, 2001) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225232650/https://mycitypaper.com/articles/060701/news.boston.shtml |date=February 25, 2023 }}</ref> He later became a pastor and relocated to Tennessee using the alias Alonso Esposito.<ref name="Boston mobster-turned-pastor">[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/26/from-capo-christian-mobster-tale/5yTwaVj47owP8d4JfuDAOM/story.html Notorious Boston mobster-turned-pastor has clues about Gardner heist] Stephen Kurkjian and Shelley Murphy, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' (July 26, 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225232209/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/26/from-capo-christian-mobster-tale/5yTwaVj47owP8d4JfuDAOM/story.html |date=February 25, 2023 }}</ref> * '''Lawerence "Yogi" Merlino''' – former ''capo''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Cimino|first1=Al|title=Mafia Crimes: The History of the Mob|date=2017|publisher=Arcturus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VopDwAAQBAJ&q=lawrence+yogi+merlino&pg=PT120|access-date=May 15, 2018|isbn=9781788284172|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160941/https://books.google.com/books?id=0VopDwAAQBAJ&q=lawrence+yogi+merlino&pg=PT120|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the deceased uncle of the former boss Philadelphia family boss Joey Merlino and the brother to [[Chuckie Merlino]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Convicted mobster 'Chuckie' Merlino dies in federal prison|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/convicted-mobster-chuckie-merlino-dies-in-federal-prison/|website=Herald Net|date=October 23, 2012|publisher=Troy Graham|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005911/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/convicted-mobster-chuckie-merlino-dies-in-federal-prison/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his ownership of a construction company based in Atlantic City, Merlino relatives have been repeatedly denied a gaming license by the [[New Jersey Casino Control Commission]] since 1989.<ref>{{cite news|title='Family' ties at issue in Merlino casino work bid|url=https://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/09/21/family_ties_at_issue_in_merlino_casino_work_bid/|website=Boston.com|date=September 21, 2009|publisher=Wayne Parry|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521234821/http://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/09/21/family_ties_at_issue_in_merlino_casino_work_bid/|url-status=live|last1=Parry|first1=Wayne}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mobster founded Merlino firm, crime expert says|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic_city/mobster-founded-merlino-firm-crime-expert-says/article_4cb919e4-ac8d-11de-9726-001cc4c03286.html|website=Press of Atlantic City|date=September 28, 2009 |publisher=DONALD WITTKOWSKI|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082059/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic_city/mobster-founded-merlino-firm-crime-expert-says/article_4cb919e4-ac8d-11de-9726-001cc4c03286.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1989, he agreed to become an informer and pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges and to a murder charge. He died in 2001. * '''Eugene "Gino" Milano''' – former soldier and hitman. In 1981, he and captain Salvatore Testa allegedly beat up Frank D'Alfonso, on orders of Scarfo. In January 1988, he was indicted on murder, attempted murder, extortion, gambling and conspiracy to distribute narcotic charges, alongside boss Nicky Scarfo and 18 others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scarfo, 18 others named in sweeping indictment|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/11/Scarfo-18-others-named-in-sweeping-indictment/1778568875600/|website=UPI|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082043/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/11/Scarfo-18-others-named-in-sweeping-indictment/1778568875600/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mob defector testifies against former co-defendants|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/03/28/Mob-defector-testifies-against-former-co-defendants/5861607064400/|website=UPI|publisher=Brian Mooar|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517010057/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/03/28/Mob-defector-testifies-against-former-co-defendants/5861607064400/|url-status=live}}</ref> Milano became a government witness in early 1989 and admitted to participation in the murder of Frank D'Alfonso on July 23, 1985. It is noted that he has testified against his younger brother.<ref>{{cite news|title=Philadelphia Mob Leader Is Convicted of Murder|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/06/us/philadelphia-mob-leader-is-convicted-of-murder.html|access-date=May 15, 2018|agency=The New York Times|date=April 6, 1989|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517012446/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/06/us/philadelphia-mob-leader-is-convicted-of-murder.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, however in 1993, his sentence was reduced to 9-years imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mob Witness Gets Sentence Reduced|url=https://www.mcall.com/1993/03/12/mob-witness-gets-sentence-reduced/|website=The Morning Call|date=March 12, 1993 |publisher=Gay Elwell|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005907/http://articles.mcall.com/1993-03-12/news/2898117_1_cahill-mafia-s-code-mob-boss|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Ralph Natale''' – former boss between 1994 and 1998. Natale was inducted by Joey Merlino while in prison in 1994 however he later claimed that he became a member under Angelo Bruno.<ref>{{cite web|title=True or false? Ralph Natale was secretly initiated into Mafia by Bruno and Gambino|url=http://www.phillyvoice.com/true-or-false-ralph-natale-was-secretly-initiated-into-mafia-by-bruno-and-gambino/|website=Philly Voice|date=June 6, 2017|publisher=George Anastasia|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005840/http://www.phillyvoice.com/true-or-false-ralph-natale-was-secretly-initiated-into-mafia-by-bruno-and-gambino/|url-status=live}}</ref> He reached out to the FBI in the summer of 1998 while imprisoned on parole violations however a deal was worked out in 1999 after facing a charge of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine's in Philadelphia and New Jersey, alongside Joey Merlino.<ref>{{cite web|title='Dumbfellas' spell trouble for the mob|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/dumbfellas-spell-trouble-for-the-mob-1116670.html|website=The Independent|date=October 23, 2011|publisher=Andrew Marshall|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517090703/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/dumbfellas-spell-trouble-for-the-mob-1116670.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mob Turncoat Pleads Guilty|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mob-turncoat-pleads-guilty/|website=CBS|date=May 5, 2000 |access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005607/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mob-turncoat-pleads-guilty/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, he pleaded guilty to illegal gambling, extortion and drug distribution charges, including participating in 7 murders.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE SKINNY ON JOEY|url=http://www.trentonian.com/article/TT/20010331/TMP02/303319996|website=The Trentonian|publisher=Michael Rubinkam|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009195658/http://www.trentonian.com/article/TT/20010331/TMP02/303319996|url-status=live}}</ref> He also admitted to handing bribes of around $50,000 to [[Milton Milan]], the Democratic 45th mayor of [[Camden, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Another Camden Mayor Convicted Of Mob-linked Corruption, Fraud|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/12/22/another-camden-mayor-convicted-of-mob-linked-corruption-fraud/|website=Chicago Tribune|date=December 22, 2000 |access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005658/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-12-22/news/0012220230_1_mayor-milton-milan-ralph-natale-laundering|url-status=live}}</ref> He was interviewed by [[Trevor McDonald]] in 2015 and released a book about his mob life in 2017.<ref>{{cite book|title=Last Don Standing: The Secret Life of Mob Boss Ralph Natale|id={{ASIN|1250095875|country=uk}}}}</ref> * '''[[Ron Previte]]''' – former ''capo''. Previte was a [[Philadelphia Police Department]] officer for over a decade and was forced to resign around 1979. He became a bouncer in an Atlantic City casino shortly after. In 1985, he was arrested on theft charges and agreed to become an informer for the New Jersey state police.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ronald Previte, Mafia captain turned informant, dies at 73|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-bc-us--obit-mob-informant-20170829-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|publisher=Michael Rubinkam|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517152654/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-bc-us--obit-mob-informant-20170829-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1993, he was a soldier in John Stanfa's Philadelphia crime family, and although he wasn't [[Mafia initiation ritual|formally inducted]], Stanfa allegedly told Previte to consider himself as a made man. He became an informer in 1997 and agreed to wear a wire for the FBI, he was also paid over $700,000 for information during his time as an informant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former 'Capo': 'I Was Underpaid'|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-capo-i-was-underpaid/|website=CBS|date=March 11, 2004 |access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422122432/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-capo-i-was-underpaid/|url-status=live}}</ref> His cooperation, in part, led to former boss Ralph Natale's decision to cooperate in 1999. His testimony and cooperation has brought down at least 50 Philadelphia crime family members and associates.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Last Gangster|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-last-gangster/|website=CBS|date=March 15, 2004 |publisher=Tatiana Morales|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517011148/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-last-gangster/|url-status=live}}</ref> He died in August 2017 at the age of 73. * '''Gaetano "Tommy Horsehead" Scafidi''' – former soldier. By 1986, he was a money runner for boss Nicky Scarfo, collecting and delivering money payments each week on behalf of Scarfo. His brother, Tori Scafidi, was also a soldier in the Philly crime family and was inducted in 1986. He joined the Merlino faction during the Philadelphia mob war in the 1990s, who opposed new boss John Stanfa. However he switched sides and was shortly after inducted into the crime family by Stanfa. In 1993, two gunmen attempted to kill him however the bullet shattered his car mirror.<ref>{{cite web|title=Straight From the Horsehead's Mouth|url=http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=12330|website=Philadelphia Weekly|publisher=Ralph Cipriano|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928000435/http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=12330|archive-date = September 28, 2007}}</ref> He became an informer in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fascination with the mob goes beyond the Godfather|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2000/04/10/editorial3.html|website=Baltimore Business Journal|date=April 10, 2000 |access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=April 15, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030415192352/http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2000/04/10/editorial3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''John Veasey''' – former associate and hitman. He was part of the Stanfa faction during the Philadelphia mob war from 1992 to 1994. In August 1993, Veasey shot and killed Michael "Mikey Chang" Ciancaglini during a drive-by shooting, and wounded Joey Merlino with 4 gunshot wounds. In September 1993, he shot and killed Frank Baldino Sr. outside of the Melrose Diner in South Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hit man: Has a mobster found redemption?|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hit-man-has-a-mobster-found-redemption/2/|website=CBS|date=March 17, 2013 |access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082146/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hit-man-has-a-mobster-found-redemption/2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thugs discard old rules in Philadelphia mob war|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/09/21/thugs-discard-old-rules-in-philadelphia-mob-war/|website=Baltimore Sun|date=September 21, 1993 |publisher=Bill Glauber|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517010016/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-09-21/news/1993264060_1_mob-war-south-philadelphia-philly|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Philadelphia Braces for Increase in Mob Violence|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/05/us/philadelphia-braces-for-increase-in-mob-violence.html|access-date=May 16, 2018|agency=NY TIMES|date=September 5, 1993|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707012528/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/05/us/philadelphia-braces-for-increase-in-mob-violence.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He alleged that Stanfa became withdrawn after Veasey's complaints and ordered a contract on him. On January 14, 1994, he was lured to a second-floor apartment and noted that the room was covered in plastic, the hitmen alleged that they were "painting". Moments after, he was shot 3 times in the head and once in the chest. Veasey managed to stab one of the attackers and hit the other one, eventually fleeing the apartment.<ref>{{cite web|title=John-John Veasey Guest Lecturer At West Chester University|url=http://www.bigtrial.net/2017/04/john-john-veasey-guest-lecturer-at-west.html|website=Philadelphia Trial Lawyers|publisher=Ralph Cipriano|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005635/http://www.bigtrial.net/2017/04/john-john-veasey-guest-lecturer-at-west.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shot in Head, Mobster Escapes Informer's Survival, Testimony Lead to Arrests of 12, Authorities Say|url=https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-32861247/shot-in-head-mobster-escapes-informer-s-survival|website=|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005506/https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-32861247/shot-in-head-mobster-escapes-informer-s-survival|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1994, he became a government witness. On the day of John Stanfa's trial in October 1995 which Veasey was scheduled to testify at, his brother, William "Bill" Veasey, was murdered.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brother of Phila. mob witness slain|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/05/Brother-of-Phila-mob-witness-slain/9254812865600/|website=UPI|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005857/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/05/Brother-of-Phila-mob-witness-slain/9254812865600/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Brother of Mob Turncoat Is Gunned Down|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/06/us/brother-of-mob-turncoat-is-gunned-down.html|access-date=May 16, 2018|agency=New York Times|publisher=Selwyn Raab|date=October 6, 1995|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005801/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/06/us/brother-of-mob-turncoat-is-gunned-down.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was sent to prison in the mid-1990s and was released in 2005. He released a book about his life in January 2012.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Hit Man: A True Story of Murder, Redemption and the Melrose Diner|url=https://www.amazon.com/Hit-Man-Murder-Redemption-Melrose-ebook/dp/B00737RGYQ|website=Amazon|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424084153/http://www.amazon.com/Hit-Man-Murder-Redemption-Melrose-ebook/dp/B00737RGYQ|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Factions and territories== The Philadelphia family operates primarily in [[South Philadelphia]] and the surrounding [[Philadelphia metropolitan area|metropolitan area]], including [[Delaware]] and [[New Jersey]].{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}} The organization's principal criminal activities include labor racketeering, political corruption, sports and numbers betting, video gambling, extortion, loansharking, manufacture and distribution of drugs, money laundering, mail fraud, prostitution, theft, and hijacking.{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=22}}{{sfn|Schiller|2004|p=131-132}}
* ''Pennsylvania'' – The family is based in South Philadelphia and operates throughout [[Southeastern Pennsylvania]].{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}}<ref name="New York, Philadelphia mobs"/> * ''New Jersey'' – The family has long operated in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]].<ref> * [https://time.com/archive/6853217/nation-trouble-in-las-vegas-east/ Nation: Trouble in Las Vegas East] ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (January 16, 1978) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251206025131/https://time.com/archive/6853217/nation-trouble-in-las-vegas-east/ |date=December 6, 2025 }} * [https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-mob-gambles-on-atlantic-city-introduction-1-angelo-bruno-the.html The Mob Gambles On Atlantic] Howard Blum and Jeff Gerth, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 5, 1978) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20230506195204/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/05/archives/the-mob-gambles-on-atlantic-city-introduction-1-angelo-bruno-the.html |date=May 6, 2023 }} * [http://www.nytimes.com/1978/08/06/archives/crime-leaders-as-cited-by-fbi.html Crime Leaders as Cited by F.B.I.] ''[[The New York Times]]'' (August 6, 1978) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101063916/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/08/06/archives/crime-leaders-as-cited-by-fbi.html |date=November 1, 2017 }} * [https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/20/New-York-Philadelphia-mobs-vying-for-control-of-Atlantic-City/6071346136400/ New York, Philadelphia mobs vying for control of Atlantic City] Christopher Winians, [[United Press International]] (December 20, 1980) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20240604220441/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/20/New-York-Philadelphia-mobs-vying-for-control-of-Atlantic-City/6071346136400/#selection-549.0-556.0 |date=June 4, 2024 }} * [https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/01/nyregion/mob-alliance-to-share-casino-riches-reported.html Mob Alliance to Share Casino Riches Reported] Joseph B. Treaster, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (September 1, 1982) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251206025120/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/01/nyregion/mob-alliance-to-share-casino-riches-reported.html |date=December 6, 2025 }} * [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-19-fi-6443-story.html U.S. Alleges Mob Controls Casino Union] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (December 19, 1990) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20251206234946/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-19-fi-6443-story.html |date=December 6, 2025 }} </ref> However, the organization's influence in the city has waned in recent decades.{{sfn|Schiller|2004|p=132}} The family has a significant [[North Jersey]] faction based in the [[The Ironbound|Down Neck]] neighborhood of [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]]. The organization also operates in [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]], along the [[Jersey Shore]], and throughout [[South Jersey]].{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}}<ref name="Decline and Fall">[https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/nyregion/decline-and-fall-of-an-empire.html Decline and Fall of an Empire] David Kocieniewski, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 17, 1999) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20221108071935/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/nyregion/decline-and-fall-of-an-empire.html |date=November 8, 2022 }}</ref> * ''Delaware'' – The family has a small contingent operating in Delaware.{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}} * ''New York'' – The family conducts gambling operations in [[New York City]].{{sfn|Zazzali|1990|p=21}}
== List of murders committed by the Philadelphia crime family == {{incomplete list|date=March 2024}} {| class="wikitable" ! Name !! Date !! Reason |- | Joseph Maggio & Ann Maggio || June 30, 1934 || Michael Maggio shot and killed his wife, Ann Maggio, and Joseph Maggio, his 21-year-old son, as the pair were caught in bed together, Michael Maggio was later sentenced to 5 years in prison.<ref>{{cite web |title=SURRENDERS IN MURDERS.; Philadelphia Importer Held In Shooting of Wife and Son. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/06/archives/surrenders-in-murders-philadelphia-importer-held-in-shooting-of.html |website=NY Times |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SLAYER OF WIFE, SON, GETS A 5-YEAR TERM; Court Refers to 'Unwritten Law' in Sentencing of Philadelphia Merchant. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/14/archives/slayer-of-wife-son-gets-a-5year-term-court-refers-to-unwritten-law.html |website=NY Times |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Evening Courier from Camden, New Jersey • 3 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/480370510/ |website=Newspapers.com |date=July 17, 1934 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> |- | Marshall Veneziale || December 6, 1954 || Veneziale was associated with Peter Casella and Anthony Casella. In 1961, the FBI alleged that Carl Ippolito, Frank "Bumper" Pollastrelli and Michael "Daylight" Tramahtana were responsible for the murder of Veneziale, although it is believed James Gatto was the triggerman.<ref>{{cite web |title=He also advised that FRANK FORTE, Philadelphia Police |url=https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/docid-32560481.pdf |website=Archives Gov |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=JFK Assassination System |url=https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/docid-32290551.pdf |website=Archives Gov |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Marshall Veneziale murder - Inquirer12-1954 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-marshall-venez/44738114/ |website=Newspapers.com |date=December 18, 1954 |page=17 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> Veneziale was possibly killed for refusing to share profits from his illegal alcohol bootlegging business. Veneziale was found in the trunk of a car belonging to his brother, Anthony Veneziale, in South Philadelphia. |- | William Dugan || May 26, 1963 || Longshoreman Dugan managed to get into a fist-fight with Nicky Scarfo. After being choked on a table, Scarfo retaliated by stabbing Dugan in the chest.<ref>{{cite news |title=William Dugan Slain in Diner Quarrel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26159946/william-dugan-slain-in-diner-quarrel/ |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=May 26, 1963 |page=31 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Ferdinand "Blackie" Iacono || August 7, 1963 || It is believed Philly mob associate Iacono was killed by [[Caporegime]] Santo Idone for not sharing his profits out of his illegal gambling racket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clipped From Philadelphia Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8956496/philadelphia-daily-news/ |newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News |date=April 7, 1990 |page=5 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Robert DeGeorge || August 17, 1967<ref>"Teamster Shot Dead Near Local 107 Office in Union Power Feud" by Thomas Werner, ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', August 18, 1967.</ref> || Philly mob associate Robert DeGeorge was planning to "clean-up" a Teamster union implicating Joseph "Chickie" Ciancaglini in corruption, DeGeorge was shot to death.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 NAMED IN KILLING OF TEAMSTER AIDE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/09/01/archives/5-named-in-killing-of-teamster-aide.html |website=The New York Times |date=September 1967 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Profile of Organized Crime, Mid-Atlantic Region: Hearings Before ..., Volume 4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jiuq5-RUM1oC&dq=joseph+ciancaglini+Robert+DeGeorge&pg=PA261 |website=Google books | year=1983 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | George Feeney || 1970 || Philly mob associate Feeney allegedly insulted Angelo Bruno and [[Ralph Natale]], though it has been alleged Natale was seeking to seize control of the Local 170 Teamster union which Feeney controlled.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE SKINNY ON JOEY |url=https://www.trentonian.com/2001/03/31/the-skinny-on-joey/ |website=The Trentonian |date=March 31, 2001 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> Feeney was shot to death. |- | Dominick Luciano || February 1972 || Boss [[Angelo Bruno]] gave permission to Newark gangsters, the Campisi brothers, to kill Luciano due to Luciano having an affair with the wife of the Campisi brothers. Luciano was killed by a shotgun blast.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Buccino |first1=Bob |title=New Jersey Mob: Memoirs of a Top Cop |date=2016 |page=Chapter 24 |publisher=Dorrance |isbn=9781480923782 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u_AtDQAAQBAJ&dq=Dominick+Luciano+1972&pg=PA121 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=10 in Gang in Jersey Indicted in 5 Killings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/30/archives/10-in-gang-in-jersey-indicted-in-5-killings-10-indicted-in-5.html |website=The New York Times |date=November 30, 1973 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Pasquale "Jimmy Ross" Procopio || 1972 || Philly mob associate, unknown why he was killed.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Page 18 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/178044132/ |website=Newspapers.com |date=December 22, 1994 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Joseph McGreal || December 27, 1973 || Irish mobster and Philly mob associate gunned down by Ralph Natale, McGreal was killed due to suggesting that Natale be removed from a Teamster union due to corruption. |- | Alvin Feldman || 1974 || Joseph Ciancaglini stabbed Jewish mobster Alvin Feldman to death with an ice pick, after Feldman made threats that he was going to kill Nicky Scarfo.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Leonetti |first1=Phil |title=Mafia Prince: Inside America's Most Violent Crime Family and the Bloody Fall |date=2014 |publisher=Running Press |isbn=9780762456000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7WZfDgAAQBAJ&dq=alvin+feldman+philadelphia&pg=PT59 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> Frank Narducci, Santo Idone and Joseph Scalleat were also part of the hit team. |- | Edward "Butch" Snee || 1975 || Unknown why he was killed. |- | Louis "Louie" DeMarco || 1976 || DeMarco was shot and killed by [[Phil Leonetti]] after he robbed a member of the Philadelphia crime family. |- | Edwin Helfant || February 15, 1978 || Helfant was killed on orders of Nicky Scarfo after he refused to accept a bribe and instead handed down a 15-year sentence to an associate of Scarfo.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Janson |first1=Donald |title=Atlantic City Murder of Ex-Judge Helfant Investigated for Links to Organized Crime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/17/archives/new-jersey-pages-atlantic-city-murder-of-exjudge-helfant.html |website=The New York Times |date=February 17, 1978 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Joseph |title=SCARFO INDICTED IN '78 SLAYING OF JERSEY JUDGE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/10/nyregion/scarfo-indicted-in-78-slaying-of-jersey-judge.html |website=The New York Times |date=April 10, 1987 |access-date=7 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Vincent Falcone || December 16, 1979 || Falcone was shot and killed by Phil Leonetti on orders of Nicky Scarfo after insulting him. |- | [[Angelo Bruno]] || March 12, 1980 || Bruno was killed by members of his administration, seeking a coup of the family. |- | Edward Bianculli || May 19, 1980<ref>"Mob Hit Suspect Accused in 2d Slaying," ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', August 6, 1982.</ref> || Philly mob associate murdered by Theodore DiPretoro, unknown why he was murdered.<ref>{{cite web |title=A waiter faces life in prison for the March... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/11/11/A-waiter-faces-life-in-prison-for-the-March/2018437374800/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=AROUND THE NATION; Philadelphia Waiter Held In Mob Leader's Death |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/11/us/around-the-nation-philadelphia-waiter-held-in-mob-leader-s-death.html |website=The New York Times |date=June 11, 1982 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | [[Frank Sindone|Frank "Barracuda Frank" Sindone]] || October 29, 1980 || Sindone was killed as retaliation for killing Philly mob boss Angelo Bruno. |- | John McCullough || December 16, 1980 || Irish mobster and Philly mob associate and friend of former boss Angelo Bruno, shot and killed, allegedly for arguing with the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roofers local 30. Two months after slaying of leader John J McCullough. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35748941/roofers-local-30-two-months-after/ |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=February 19, 1981 |page=15 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Suspect in Unionist's Killing Faces an Extradition Hearing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/09/nyregion/suspect-in-unionist-s-killing-faces-an-extradition-hearing.html |website=The New York Times |date=November 9, 1981 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=William |title=MORE VIOLENCE FEARED IN PHILADELPHIA CRIME FAMILY |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/20/us/more-violence-feared-in-philadelphia-crime-family.html |website=The New York Times |date=March 20, 1981 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | [[Phil Testa|Phil "The Chicken Man" Testa]] || March 15, 1981 || Testa succeeded Angelo Bruno as boss of the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slain mob boss' former home nominated as a landmark |url=https://nypost.com/2016/02/15/slain-mob-boss-former-home-nominated-as-landmark/ |website=NY POST |date=February 15, 2016 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> Testa was killed by a nail bomb as he walked onto the porch of his house.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reske |first1=Henry |title=Salvatore Testa, son of slain reputed mobster Philip 'Chicken... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/07/31/Salvatore-Testa-son-of-slain-reputed-mobster-Philip-Chicken/7435396936000/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Harry Peetros || May 26, 1981 || Peetros was a senior member of the [[Philadelphia Greek Mob]]. He was possibly killed after an argument with Philly mob member [[George Martorano]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Alleged 'Greek Mob' don found shot to death |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/05/26/Alleged-Greek-Mob-don-found-shot-to-death/6310359697600/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Page 280. Profile of Organized Crime, Mid-Atlantic Region: Hearings Before ..., Volume 4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jiuq5-RUM1oC&dq=harry+peetros&pg=PA320 |website=Google Books | year=1983 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Chelsais Bouras || May 27, 1981 || Bouras was considered a boss of the [[Philadelphia Greek Mob]]. He was shot and killed with his girlfriend at a South Philadelphia restaurant.<ref>{{cite news |title=PHILADELPHIA'S UNDERWORLD WAR: 2 IN 'GREEK MOB' FALL |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/31/us/philadelphia-s-underworld-war-2-in-greek-mob-fall.html |website=The New York Times |date=May 31, 1981 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> It is unknown why Bouras was murdered.<ref>{{cite news |title=MOB IN PHILADELPHIA IS CALLED 'FRAGMENTED' BY 11TH KILLING |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/13/us/mob-in-philadelphia-is-called-fragmented-by-11th-killing.html |website=The New York Times |date=January 13, 1982 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | John Calabrese || October 6, 1981 || Philly mob associate, Calabrese was active in loansharking and drug dealing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Woman 'never believed' friends were mobsters |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/10/19/Woman-never-believed-friends-were-mobsters/4145372312000/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> It is believed he was killed for not paying street tax to the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Philly mob - John Calabrese execution |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41726136/philly-mob-john-calabrese-execution/ |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=October 7, 1981 |page=9 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Frank Narducci || January 7, 1982 || Philly mob [[Caporegime|captain]], Narducci was killed as retaliation for the murder of Phil Testa, his son [[Salvatore Testa]] is believed to be the killer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reputed mobster Frank 'Chickie' Narducci, gunned down last week,... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/01/10/Reputed-mobster-Frank-Chickie-Narducci-gunned-down-last-week/5784810096030/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Vincent "Tippy" Panetta || February 4, 1982 || Philly mob soldier, Panetta is shot and killed alongside his girlfriend in his apartment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clipped From Philadelphia Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25296155/philadelphia-daily-news/ |newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News |date=February 5, 1982 |page=3 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> Panetta was active in bookmaking and loansharking.<ref>{{cite web |title=United States v. Panetta, 436 F. Supp. 114 (E.D. Pa. 1977) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/436/114/1430147/ |website=Justia US LAW |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Dominick "Mickey Diamond" DeVito || February 22, 1982 || Philly mob soldier, DeVito was found shot to death inside the trunk of a car, believed to be killed by the Nicky Scarfo faction.<ref>{{cite news |title=DeVito found dead in Kenneth Arabia's trunk |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23002258/devito-found-dead-in-kenneth-arabias/ |newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News |date=February 26, 1982 |page=3 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Rocco Marinucci || March 15, 1982 || Marinucci was responsible for placing and activating the bomb used in the [[Phil Testa]] murder. [[Salvatore Testa]] is believed to be the killer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=William |title=PHILADELPHIA CRIME 'FAMILY' THRIVES AFTER TURMOIL |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/22/us/philadelphia-crime-family-thrives-after-turmoil.html |website=The New York Times |date=March 22, 1982 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | [[Frank Monte]] || May 13, 1982 || Philly mob [[consigliere]], Monte was killed during the Riccobene-Scarfo war and was shot to death under the orders of [[Harry Riccobene]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=William |title=WITNESSES TESTIFY ABOUT MAFIA LIFE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/29/us/witnesses-testify-about-mafia-life.html |website=The New York Times |date=October 29, 1984 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Robert Hornickel || January 27, 1983 || Philly mob associate, Hornickel was killed by the crew of [[Caporegime|captain]] Joseph "Chickie" Ciancaglini over a botched drug deal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Com. v. Rico |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/superior-court/1995/443-pa-super-507-2.html |website=Justia US LAW |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | [[Pat Spirito|Pat "Pat the Hat" Spirito]] || April 29, 1983 || Philly mob soldier, Spirito was shot to death after he failed to murder Robert Riccobene, brother of [[Harry Riccobene]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ten alleged mobsters, among them the reputed godfather of... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/02/26/Ten-alleged-mobsters-among-them-the-reputed-godfather-of/7669352011600/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia Daily News from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Page 46 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/185969527/ |website=Newspapers.com |date=April 9, 1987 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Samuel Tamburrino || November 3, 1983 || [[Harry Riccobene|Riccobene loyalist]], Tamburrino is shot and killed by a [[Nicky Scarfo|Scarfo]] hitman. |- | Robert "Bobby" Riccobene || December 6, 1983 || Riccobene was shot and killed by Nicky Scarfo loyalists.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=William |title=PHILADELPHIA UNDERWORLD AWAITS FELON'S RELEASE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/28/us/philadelphia-underworld-awaits-felon-s-release.html |website=The New York Times |date=December 28, 1983 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | [[Salvatore Testa|Salvatore "Salvie" Testa]] || September 14, 1984 || Philly mob [[caporegime|captain]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CRIME FIGURE'S SON SLAIN IN JERSEY |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/16/nyregion/crime-figure-s-son-slain-in-jersey.html |website=The New York Times |date=September 16, 1984 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> It is believed Testa was killed by a Scarfo gunman due to jealousy towards Testa. In the book authored by [[Phil Leonetti]], the excuse was that Salvatore broke the engagement with the sister of [[Joey Merlino]]. |- | Frank "J.R." Forlini || February 8, 1985 || Philly mob associate, Forlini was shot to death by Scarfo gunmen in a bid to take over his illegal gambling rackets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Delco man found shot to death |url=http://www.newspapers.com/clip/17613255/1985-02-10-murder-frank-forlini/ |newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |date=February 10, 1985 |page=28 |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1985-02-11 Mob hit - Frank Forlini |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17613530/1985-02-11-mob-hit-frank-forlini/ |newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News |date=February 11, 1985 |page=9 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Frank "Frankie Flowers" D'Alfonso || July 23, 1985 || Philly mob associate, D'Alfonso was killed for refusing to pay street tax to Nicky Scarfo.<ref>{{cite web |title=carfo Among Nine Charged in Mob Figure's Slaying |url=https://apnews.com/article/7bd9a18f81e28b6fcd7b292960fb03ee |website=AP News |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Manhunt for men wanted in mob killing |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/24/Manhunt-for-men-wanted-in-mob-killing/1066491025600/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Frankie Russo || February 28, 1987 || Russo was shot to death in [[Bristol Township, Pennsylvania|Bristol Township]] for stealing [[methamphetamine|meth]]-making materials from a member of the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>"11 Are Indicted; Distribution of 'Speed' Alleged" by Kathy Boccella, ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', September 15, 1989.</ref> |- | Louis "Louie Irish" DeLuca || May 24, 1990 || Philly mob soldier inducted during the Scarfo-era, DeLuca is believed to have been killed by the [[Joey Merlino|Merlino crew]] after an argument.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Belardo |first1=Carolyn |title=Mob figure dies in hail of bullets |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/05/24/Mob-figure-dies-in-hail-of-bullets/5859643521600/ |website=UPI |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | Felix "Tom Mix" Bocchino || January 29, 1992 || Bocchino, a 73-year-old Bruno family soldier and close associate of boss [[John Stanfa]], was shot in the head and neck as he started his car outside his South Philadelphia home.<ref name="Bocchino Hit"/><ref name="Reputed mobster gunned down"/> He was the first casualty in the [[Philadelphia crime family#John Stanfa and the Third Philadelphia Mafia War (1990–1996)|Third Philadelphia Mafia War]], in which a "Young Turks" faction led by [[Ralph Natale]] and [[Joey Merlino]] challenged Stanfa's leadership.<ref name="How the Inquirer"/> |- | James "Jimmy Brooms" DiAddorio || May 20, 1992 || Philly mob associate and Stanfa loyalist. Shot to death by two men while speaking on the phone at Vulpine Athletic Club in Philadelphia for refusing to pay street tax from his bookmaking business and drug operations, and for negatively talking about Merlino and his crew in several local bars. |- | Francesco DiGiacomo || November 29, 1992 || Philly mob associate and Stanfa crew loyalist. Shot and killed on [[Delaware Avenue (Philadelphia)|Delaware Avenue]] in the [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]] neighborhood of Philadelphia<ref>"S. Phila. Man Found Shot to Death on Old City Street," ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', November 30, 1992.</ref> by Rosario Bellocchi for not repaying a debt to the Stanfa crew. |- | Billy Shear || 1993 || Philly mob associate based in [[North Jersey]]. Killed by Philip "Philly Fay" Casale in [[Newark, New Jersey]] for being a suspected police informer. |- | Rod Colombo || January 7, 1993 || 29-year old Philly/[[Los Angeles crime family|Los Angeles Mafia]] associate, shot 3 times in the back of his head in [[Audubon, New Jersey]] while sitting in his Cadillac car.<ref>{{cite web |title=Murder Charges Dropped : New Ballistics Test Disproves LAPD Lab Results for 2nd Time |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-08-31-me-2012-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=August 31, 1989 |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127175903/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-08-31-me-2012-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Constantine |first1=Alex |title=The Florida/Hollywood Mob Connection, the CIA and O.J. Simpson (SEGMENT) |url=https://www.transformation.dk/www.raven1.net/mcf/hambone/oj.html |website=MFC |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127175933/https://www.transformation.dk/www.raven1.net/mcf/hambone/oj.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Louis "Gee Gee" Cappello || January 20, 1993 || Philly mob associate active in selling drugs and bookmaking. Cappello was killed for not paying street tax to [[John Stanfa]]. |- | [[Mario Riccobene|Mario "Sonny" Riccobene]] || January 28, 1993 || Philly mob [[Soldato|soldier]] and older brother of Harry Riccobene.<ref>{{cite book |title=Profile of Organized Crime, Mid-Atlantic Region: Hearings Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, Ninety-eighth Congress, First Session, February 15, 23, and 24, 1983, Volume 4 |date=1983 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=260 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SFBzj16S7LkC&q=mario+riccobene&pg=PA260 |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160853/https://books.google.com/books?id=SFBzj16S7LkC&q=mario+riccobene&pg=PA260 |url-status=live }}</ref> Killed by the Stanfa crew in South Philadelphia. He had testified against the Philly Mafia in 1984 and had entered the [[United States Federal Witness Protection Program|witness protection program]],<ref>{{cite book |title=Organized Crime: 25 Years After Valachi : Hearings Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, April 11, 15, 21, 22, 29, 1988 |date=1988 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |pages=1225 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d8o1AAAAIAAJ&q=mario+riccobene+shot&pg=PA1225 |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160835/https://books.google.com/books?id=d8o1AAAAIAAJ&q=mario+riccobene+shot&pg=PA1225 |url-status=live }}</ref> but, due to his inability to follow rules, he was removed from the program. He decided to return to South Philadelphia in the early 90s, despite being advised against returning to Philadelphia by authorities and his family. Upon his return, he was soon after killed for his past testimony.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=William |title=WITNESSES TESTIFY ABOUT MAFIA LIFE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/29/us/witnesses-testify-about-mafia-life.html |website=The New York Times |date=October 29, 1984 |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127174653/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/29/us/witnesses-testify-about-mafia-life.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Baram |first1=Marcus |title=Start Snitching: Inside the Witness Protection Program |url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3781361&page=1 |website=ABC NEWS |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031133037/https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3781361&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | {{nowrap|Michael "Mikey Chang" Ciancaglini}} || August 5, 1993 || Philly mob [[Soldato|soldier]], 10 to 15 shots were fired at him and Joey Merlino by Philip Colletti and John Veasey on a South Philadelphia street corner as they left a mob social club.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cimino |first1=Al |title=Mafia Files: Case Studies of the World's Most Evil Mobsters |date=2014 |publisher=Arcturus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5_M2BQAAQBAJ&q=Michael+Ciancaglini+john+veasey+colletti&pg=PT136 |access-date=26 January 2020 |isbn=9781784043698 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160834/https://books.google.com/books?id=5_M2BQAAQBAJ&q=Michael+Ciancaglini+john+veasey+colletti&pg=PT136 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=United States District Court, E.D. PennsylvaniaOct 11, 2000Criminal Action No. 99-0363-06 (E.D. Pa. Oct. 11, 2000) |url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-mazzone |website=Casetext |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127174656/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-mazzone |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ciancaglini died from gunshot wounds to the chest and lungs, and Merlino was shot in the buttocks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Ted |title=Underboss' Brother Killed on South Philly Street; Second Man Injured |url=https://apnews.com/a10263551beb622d90c2274ba725b22f |website=AP |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127175428/https://apnews.com/a10263551beb622d90c2274ba725b22f |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reputed Philadelphia mob boss on trial |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/09/18/Reputed-Philadelphia-mob-boss-on-trial/1263811396800/ |website=UPI |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160836/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/09/18/Reputed-Philadelphia-mob-boss-on-trial/1263811396800/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Frank "Frankie Bronze" Baldino || September 17, 1993 || Shot 5 to 7 times in the head and torso by John Veasey outside the Melrose Diner in South Philadelphia; Frank Martines and Giuseppe Gallara accompanied Veasey in the [[drive-by shooting]]. |- | Nicasio Zagone || January 19, 1994 || Zagone was the nephew to boss [[John Stanfa]] and was killed as a case of mistaken identity.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Alite |first1=John |title=John Alite Mafia International: Gotti Enforcer for the Gambino Crime Family |date=2021 |publisher=Diamond Publishing Company |isbn=9781955794077 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z7lLEAAAQBAJ&dq=Nicasio+Zagone&pg=PT372 |access-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> |- | William "Crazy Willie" Gantz || July 15/16, 1994 || Philly mob associate.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Changing Face of ORGANIZED CRIME IN NEW JERSEY |url=https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |website=State of NJ |publisher=State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211432/https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 44-year old Gantz served as a driver and bodyguard to Philadelphia crime family capo Joseph Sodano. His body was discovered on a street corner in Newark, NJ at around 1:00 a.m. on the morning of July 16.<ref>"Dead Body Discovered on Newark Street Corner," ''The Star-Ledger'', July 17, 1994.</ref><ref>"Newark Murder Victim Identified," ''The Star-Ledger'', July 20, 1994.</ref> |- | Michael "Mikey Ice" Brennan || December 6, 1994 || Philly mob associate. Shot and killed, wrapped in a floor carpet, and dumped in the woods after an alleged falling out with the Merlino faction. |- | Ralph Mazzuca || February 24, 1995 || Philly mob associate and South Philly drug dealer. Shot in the head and back in South Philly, hog-tied, and set on fire after he robbed two kilograms of cocaine from Joey Merlino's driver-turned government informer Roger Vella and tied up Vella's sister and dad at their home during the robbery in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caparella |first1=Kitty |title=Mob snitch hits get-out-of-jail jackpot |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080918_Mob_snitch_hits_get-out-of-jail_jackpot.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=September 18, 2008 |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128021248/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080918_Mob_snitch_hits_get-out-of-jail_jackpot.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Billy Veasey || October 5, 1995 || Philly mob associate and brother of John Veasey, 35-year old Veasey was shot four times and killed, allegedly by John "Johnny Chang" Ciancaglini, while exiting his South Philadelphia home on the morning his brother was set to testify against the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raab |first1=Selwyn |title=Brother of Mob Turncoat Is Gunned Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/06/us/brother-of-mob-turncoat-is-gunned-down.html |website=The New York Times |date=October 6, 1995 |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=May 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005801/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/06/us/brother-of-mob-turncoat-is-gunned-down.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fallik |first1=Dawn |title=Brother of Mob Informant Slain in Philadelphia |url=https://apnews.com/e78b6f63164ae188a4314053f175a156 |website=AP |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128021249/https://apnews.com/e78b6f63164ae188a4314053f175a156 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Woolley |first1=Wayne |title=Turncoat Hit Man Takes Stand Week After Brother Shot Dead On Street |url=https://apnews.com/df2d986a791cd4b569d44229f4b40a0b |website=AP |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128021250/https://apnews.com/df2d986a791cd4b569d44229f4b40a0b |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Michael "Dutchie" Avicolli || April 4, 1996 || Shot and killed, allegedly by Merlino and Steven Mazzone, for having an affair with Mazzone's wife. He was reportedly buried on farm property in New Jersey and his car was disposed of. |- | Joseph "Joe the Nodder" Sodano || December 7, 1996 || Philly mob capo based in North New Jersey. Shot twice in his SUV in [[Newark, New Jersey]] by Philip Casale and Peter "Pete the Crumb" Caprio. Casale took Sodano's jewellery and $12,000 from the murdered man's wallet immediately after the hit. Sodano was allegedly killed for trust and loyalty concerns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philly Mob Figure Acquitted of Murder |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92830&page=1 |website=ABC NEWS |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124080202/http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92830&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jury Acquits Mob Figure of Murder, Conspiracy |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-09-na-mob9-story.html |website=The Los Angeles Times |date=March 9, 2004 |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128021248/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-09-na-mob9-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Robert Matonis || October 17, 1997<ref>"Harrison Murder Shocker," ''The Jersey Journal'', October 20, 1997.</ref> || Philly mob associate and drug dealer, killed by Philip Casale in [[Harrison, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dow |first1=Paula |title=Former Organized Crime Associate Pleads Guilty To Four Murders |url=http://www.njecpo.org/Press/pr_620.html |website=njecpo |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128021250/http://www.njecpo.org/Press/pr_620.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Anthony Turra || March 18, 1998 || Leader of the South Philadelphia Italian-American gang known as the [[10th and Oregon Crew]]. Shot in the back and his right eye outside his South Philadelphia home while en route to court for his federal racketeering trial after he previously sanctioned an assassination attempt on Joey Merlino due to a dispute between Merlino and his son Louis Turra.<ref>{{cite web |title=Defendant in Pa. Mob Plot Shot Dead |url=https://apnews.com/b5d0ac44979b49dd69d7fffd77ccbe41 |website=AP |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115183625/https://apnews.com/b5d0ac44979b49dd69d7fffd77ccbe41 |url-status=live }}</ref> Steven Mazzone is suspected in his killing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mob Trial Defendant Shot to Death |url=https://apnews.com/9a9c95bff24782cf21e7538a5a305240 |website=AP |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128030459/https://apnews.com/9a9c95bff24782cf21e7538a5a305240 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Gino Marconi || April 10, 1999 || Shot 3 times in the chest in South Philadelphia allegedly from a rifle by the Boston crew. |- | Ronald "Ronnie" Turchi || October 26, 1999 || Found tied up and dead in the trunk of his wife's car in South Philly with a plastic bag over his head. Allegedly, he had been attempting to use his earnings to buy his way into the position of boss.<ref name="PI2011">{{cite news |title=Without Joey: Philly mob time line |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20110302_Without_Joey__Philly_mob_time_line.html |agency=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=March 2, 2011 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160854/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20110302_Without_Joey__Philly_mob_time_line.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PCP">{{cite news |last1=Hickey |first1=Brian |url=https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2004-06-10/cover7.shtml|title=The Sleep Wit' the Fishes Tour |agency=Philadelphia City Paper |date=June 10–16, 2004}}</ref> |- | Raymond "Long John" Martorano || January 17, 2002 || Shot near his home in South Philadelphia while sitting in his car. Died in the hospital days later.<ref name="PI2011"/><ref name="PCP"/> |- | John "Johnny Gongs" Casasanto || November 23, 2003 || During a hit allegedly ordered by Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi, Casasanto was shot twice in the back and head and killed in South Philly by members of the Merlino/Ligambi faction. Damion Canalichio and Anthony Nicodemo are suspects in his killing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anastasia |first1=George |title=Reputed S.J. mobster held without bail |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20111208_Reputed_S_J__mobster_held_without_bail.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160854/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20111208_Reputed_S_J__mobster_held_without_bail.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jury Hangs On Uncle Joe, But Three Associates Guilty in Mob Trial |url=http://paganolaw.net/jury-hangs-uncle-joe-three-associates-guilty-mob-trial/ |website=Pagno Law |date=February 5, 2013 |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918173106/https://paganolaw.net/jury-hangs-uncle-joe-three-associates-guilty-mob-trial/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Casasanto was a suspect in the January 2002 Raymond Martarano murder.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caparella |first1=Kitty |title=Meeting his pals costs mob figure |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20070124_Meeting_his_pals_costs_mob_figure_.html |website=Meeting his pals costs mob figure |date=January 24, 2007 |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128031836/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20070124_Meeting_his_pals_costs_mob_figure_.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reputed mobster killed |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2003/11/23/Reputed-mobster-killed/45231069643620/?ur3=1 |website=UPI |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160837/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2003/11/23/Reputed-mobster-killed/45231069643620/?ur3=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Rocco Maniscalco || June 10, 2010 || South Philadelphia bookmaker and loan shark, killed in South Philadelphia allegedly on orders of Joseph Ligambi for refusing to pay "protection money".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bender |first1=William |title=The bookie and the Biq Squeeze |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20110610_The_bookie_and_the_Biq_Squeeze.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=June 10, 2011 |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803124136/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20110610_The_bookie_and_the_Biq_Squeeze.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Gino DiPietro || December 12, 2012 || Shot and killed in South Philly by Philly mob soldier Dominic "Baby Dom" Grande. DiPietro was allegedly murdered over an unpaid debt in a backdoor poker game. Anthony Nicodemo was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to the murder. According to [[George Anastasia]], Nicodemo rejected several offers to cooperate against the Philadelphia crime family.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anastasia |first1=George |title=Nicodemo Gets 25-50 Years For DiPietro Murder |url=http://www.bigtrial.net/2015/02/nicodemo-gets-25-50-for-dipietro-murder.html |website=Big Trial |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115193120/http://www.bigtrial.net/2015/02/nicodemo-gets-25-50-for-dipietro-murder.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stamm |first1=Dan |title=Man Charged With Mob-Related Murder |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/alleged-mobster-charged-in-s-philly-murder/2106727/ |website=NBC PHILADELPHIA |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160855/https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/alleged-mobster-charged-in-s-philly-murder/2106727/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |}
==In popular culture== * At the beginning of [[Bruce Springsteen]]'s 1982 song [[Atlantic City (song)|Atlantic City]], mention is made of the murder of [[Phil Testa|Phil "The Chicken Man" Testa]], who was briefly the boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1980 until his murder on March 15, 1981. * In 2006, the film ''[[10th & Wolf]]'' was released, and marketed as the true story of the Philadelphia Mafia. In this film, one of the two main characters is [[Joey Merlino|Joey "Skinny Joey" Merlino]] (played by [[Giovanni Ribisi]]), who was the second longest-serving [[Mafia don|boss]] of the Philadelphia crime family (having led them from 1999 to 2024). * The 2006 [[courtroom]] [[comedy-drama film]] ''[[Find Me Guilty]]'' focuses on [[Jackie DiNorscio]] (portrayed by [[Vin Diesel]]), a notorious [[soldato|soldier]] in the Philadelphia crime family who later defects to the [[Lucchese crime family]] due to a bloody internal feud within the Philadelphia crime family that began after the murder of his boss, [[Angelo Bruno|Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno]]. * The Philadelphia Crime Family is the main antagonist of the 2006 video game ''[[The Sopranos: Road to Respect]]''. In this game, the Philadelphia Crime Family (also known as the Buscetta Crime Family) are led by ruthless mob boss Angelo "Angie" Buscetta and are considered enemies of the [[DiMeo crime family|DiMeo/Soprano crime family]]), mainly after Buscetta's nephew is killed by [[Paulie Gualtieri]] (the underboss of the DiMeo/Soprano crime family and [[Joey LaRocca]] (a key associate of the DiMeo/Soprano crime family). * The Philadelphia crime family is the main antagonist of the two-part episode "[[The Gang Gets Whacked]]" (episodes 3x12 and 3x13 respectively) of the [[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 3|third season]] of ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]''. In this episode, the Philadelphia crime family, led by the ruthless Don Sal (played by [[Joe Cortese]]){{efn|Based on the time [[The Gang Gets Whacked]] was released (November 1, 2007), it is heavily implied that Don Sal was based on [[Joey Merlino|Joey "Skinny Joey" Merlino]], the second longest-serving boss of the Philadelphia crime family (from 1999 to 2024) and who was the boss of the Philadelphia crime family during the time period in which the events of [[The Gang Gets Whacked]] take place.}} comes into conflict with the five protagonists of the series due to the fact that they stole a precious drug shipment that belongs to him. * The Philadelphia crime family is considered an important part of the plot of the 2015 [[biopic film]] ''[[Legend (2015 film)|Legend]]''. In this film, the longest-serving [[Mafia don|boss]] of the Philadelphia crime family, [[Angelo Bruno|Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno]] (played by [[Chazz Palminteri]]) and his [[consigliere]], [[Antonio Caponigro|Antonio "Tony Bananas" Caponigro]] (played by English actor [[Alex Giannini]]) are sent to [[London]] by [[Meyer Lansky]] (a powerful [[Jewish American]] [[mafia boss]] and one of the heads of the [[National Crime Syndicate]]) to negotiate a deal with the [[Kray twins]] (both played by Tom Hardy), a pair of [[identical twins|identical twin]] brothers and powerful gangsters who ruled the London underworld during the 1960s and 1970s. * The 2019 [[Epic film|epic]] [[gangster film]] ''[[The Irishman]]'' focuses on two of the best known members of the Philadelphia crime family: Philadelphia crime family boss [[Angelo Bruno|Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno]] (played by [[Harvey Keitel]]) and his underboss Felix "Skinny Razor" DiTullio (played by [[Bobby Cannavale]]){{efn|Based on the time period in which ''[[The Irishman]]'' is set, it is heavily implied that Felix "Skinny Razors" DiTullio was based on two real-life [[sottocapo|underbosses]] of the Philadelphia crime family, [[Antonio Pollina|Antonio "Mr. Miggs" Pollina]] and Ignazio "Natz" Denaro.}}.
==See also== * [[Italian Market, Philadelphia]]
'''General:'''
* [[Crime in Philadelphia]] * [[History of Italian Americans in Philadelphia]] * [[List of Italian Mafia crime families]]
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== Sources == === Books === * Anastasia, George. ''Blood and Honor: Inside the Scarfo Mob, the Mafia's Most Violent Family''. 2004, {{ISBN|0940159864}} * Anastasia, George. ''Goodfella Tapes''. * Anastasia, George. ''The Last Gangster''. * Jenkins, Philip, and Gary Potter. "The politics and mythology of organized crime: a Philadelphia case-study." ''Journal of Criminal Justice'' 15.6 (1987): 473–484. * Morello, Celeste Anne. Book One ''Before Bruno: The History of the Mafia and La Cosa Nostra in Philadelphia''. Publication date: Apr 28, 2000, {{ISBN|9780967733418}} * Morello, Celeste Anne. Book Two ''Before Bruno: The History of the Philadelphia Mafia, 1931-1946''. Publication date: Nov 28, 2001, {{ISBN|9780967733425}} * Morello, Celeste Anne. Book Three ''Before Bruno and How He Became Boss: The History of the Philadelphia Mafia, Book 3—1946–1959''. Publication date: Aug 28, 2005, {{ISBN|9780977053209}} * Salerno, Joseph. ''The Plumber: The True Story of how One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia'' (Knightsbridge, 1990). *Wagman, Robert J. ''Blood Oath''.
=== Reports === * {{cite report |last=Lewis Jr. |first=Alvin B. |date=April 1981 |publisher=Pennsylvania Crime Commission |title=1980 Annual Report |via=[[Government of Pennsylvania]] |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/80711NCJRS.pdf |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117123912/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/80711NCJRS.pdf |url-status=dead }} * {{cite report |last=Lewis Jr. |first=Alvin B. |date=April 1982 |publisher=Pennsylvania Crime Commission |title=1981 Annual Report |via=[[Government of Pennsylvania]] |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/83697NCJRS.pdf |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810050515/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/83697NCJRS.pdf |url-status=dead }} * {{cite report |last=Zazzali |first=James R. |author-link=James R. Zazzali |date=September 1990 |publisher=[[New Jersey State Commission of Investigation|State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation]] |title=21st Annual Report |via=[[Government of New Jersey]] |url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601134101/https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/annual21.pdf |url-status=dead }} * {{cite report |last=Reilly |first=Michael J. |date=March 30, 1991 |publisher=Pennsylvania Crime Commission |title=1990 Annual Report – Organized Crime in Pennsylvania: A Decade of Change |via=[[Government of Pennsylvania]] |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607163609/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/133208NCJRS.pdf |url-status=dead }} * {{cite report |last=Richardson |first=A. |date=May 1991 |publisher=State of California Department of Justice, Bureau of Organized Crime and Criminal Intelligence |title=Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs – USA Overview |via=[[United States Department of Justice]] |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526143251/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |url-status=dead }} * {{cite report |last=Schiller |first=Francis E. |date=May 2004 |publisher=[[New Jersey State Commission of Investigation|State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation]] |title=The Changing Face of Organize Crime in New Jersey |via=[[Government of New Jersey]] |url=https://www.nj.gov/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211432/https://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/ocreport.pdf |url-status=dead }}
==External links== * [http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/2002-07-05/cb2.shtml "Hitting the Hit Men Even alleged killers can be beaten up by a gang of thugs" by Brendan McGarvey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613153429/http://archives.citypaper.net/articles/2002-07-05/cb2.shtml |date=June 13, 2013 }} * [http://www.ipsn.org/scarfo.html IPSN: The Philadelphia/Atlantic City Mob] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061127225451/http://www.ipsn.org/scarfo.html |date=November 27, 2006 }}
{{Philadelphia crime family}} {{American Mafia}} {{Organized crime groups in the United States}} {{Organized crime groups in Atlantic City}} {{Organized crime in Philadelphia}} {{Authority control}}
[[Category:Philadelphia crime family| ]] [[Category:1911 establishments in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Gangs in Delaware]] [[Category:Gangs in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Gangs in New Jersey]] [[Category:Italian-American crime families]] [[Category:Italian-American culture in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Organizations based in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Organizations established in 1911]]