Who Is Nicodemo Scarfo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Nicodemo Scarfo was born on March 8, 1929, in New Jersey, USA. He became a notorious member of the American mafia, leading the Philadelphia crime family during some of its most turbulent times. Scarfo’s early life was marked by hardship and struggle, which eventually led him into a life of organized crime. His criminal endeavors shaped the landscape of mafia activities in the late 20th century, making him a significant figure in mob history.
As of 2025, Nicodemo Scarfo is 96 years old, although he has been largely absent from public view in the years following his legal troubles and incarceration. His legacy continues to be a topic of interest among historians and crime enthusiasts alike.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1929 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 January, 2017 |
| Died Place | Butner, North Carolina, U.S. |
Popularity
Nicodemo Scarfo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact details regarding Scarfo's physical attributes have varied, he was known to have an average build. Reports suggest that he stood around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighed approximately 160 pounds (72 kg) during his prime years. However, specifics regarding his body measurements remain largely undocumented, reflecting the secretive nature of his life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nicodemo Scarfo was married to his wife, Victoria Scarfo. Together, they had several children, although details regarding their family life are often shrouded in secrecy due to the nature of Scarfo’s criminal activities. As a member of the mob, maintaining a private life was essential, particularly concerning romantic relationships.
Details about his romantic relationships outside of marriage remain scarce, reflecting the careful persona that Scarfo and other mafia figures had to maintain.
He was the father of Nicky Scarfo Jr., a Lucchese family soldier, who was sentenced in 2015 to 30 years in prison for security fraud, racketeering, and illegal gambling.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nicodemo Scarfo’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions, primarily stemming from his various illegal ventures and organized crime activities. Though precise figures are challenging to ascertain due to the clandestine nature of his dealings, it is believed that at the height of his power, Scarfo's assets were substantial, allowing him to wield considerable influence.
Moreover, his involvement in extortion, racketeering, and other illicit activities contributed to a lifestyle that many would deem affluent, despite the inherent risks tied to his criminal career.
In 1976, Atlantic City legalized gambling, and Scarfo prioritized gambling as his main source of income. At the time he was dispatched to Atlantic City, it was considered a backwater. However, its rise as a gambling mecca made Scarfo a powerhouse.
Career, Business, and Investments
Nicodemo Scarfo's career within organized crime began in the 1950s and rose significantly during the 1980s when he assumed leadership of the Philadelphia crime family. His reign was marked by violent power struggles, mob wars, and criminal enterprises, including loan sharking, drug trafficking, and gambling operations.
Scarfo’s business dealings extended beyond traditional mafia activities; he was known for a keen interest in investments and diversifying income sources, albeit through illegal means. This multifaceted approach to crime allowed him to maintain and expand his power within the nation's organized crime circles.
During his criminal career, Scarfo engaged in organized crime activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, labor union racketeering, and gambling. In 1988, he was convicted of multiple charges including conspiracy, racketeering, and first degree murder.
His trial consisted of the damaging testimonies of several informants, who had carried out his murders. Scarfo died in prison on January 13, 2017, while serving his 55-year sentence.
Social Network
Nicodemo Scarfo's social network consisted primarily of other mafia members, associates, and family, commonly operating under a code of silence. His connections with other criminal syndicates and influential personalities provided a platform for his operations. Even as of 2025, Scarfo remains a subject of study for those exploring the intricacies of organized crime and its leaders.
Education
Details about Nicodemo Scarfo’s formal education remain limited. It is widely believed that he did not pursue higher education and instead opted for a life of crime at a young age. His knowledge of the criminal underworld came from direct experience and mentorships within the mafia, making him a formidable figure despite lacking traditional academic credentials.
At the age of 12, Scarfo and his family moved to South Philadelphia, where he worked as a day laborer and later graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1947. He was 5 feet, 5 inches tall. He became an amateur boxer, fighting in small clubs throughout Philadelphia, earning himself a reputation for his aggressive temper in the ring.
After failing to become a success in the boxing world, Scarfo joined his uncle Nicky Buck, a Philly Mob soldier, in illegal activities in Philadelphia. He also worked as a bartender at a club owned by his uncle while being apprenticed by Buck, alongside his two other uncles.
