Mario Riccobene

Mario "Sonny" Riccobene (1933- January 28, 1993, New Jersey)[1] was a member of the Philadelphia crime family. He later became a federal witness after his son Enrico committed suicide with the fear of being killed by Nicodemo Scarfo and his fellow gangsters.[2] He later returned to his old lifestyle and in 1993, was murdered by his old associates for cooperating as a government witness.[2] Riccobene had been in the witness protection program but eventually removed from the program because he was unable to follow the rules.[3]

Early life

Born in Philadelphia to Sicilian immigrant parents, he was the half-brother of Harold Riccobene. He joined the Bruno family in the 1950s, frequently working as a driver for Angelo Bruno.[1]

Criminal life

During the Bruno-Scarfo war, the violence was increasing and Mario was approached by Scarfo's consigliere Frank Monte[4] to "(turn) over his brother" but he refused. Riccobene ended up telling his brother. In May 1982, Monte was fatally shot in response.[1]

In 1983, he and Harry were convicted of racketeering. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.[1]

References
  1. La Cosa Nostra
  2. He Dared To Die Mob 'Snitch' Slain In N.j. M. Riccobene Spurned Fbi Protection
  3. Slaying Raises Fear Of Return Of Riccobene-scarfo Warfare After Violence Between Mob Factions Claimed Two Riccobenes, Mario Became a Government Witness. He Testified Against His Half Brother, Harry.
  4. "WITNESSES TESTIFY ABOUT MAFIA LIFE (Published 1984)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-04.
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