Mario "Sonny" Riccobene (1933 Enna, Sicily- January 28, 1993, Brooklawn, 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] Mario Riccobene 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] He was a partner with his half-brother Harry in a loan-sharking and numbers businesses that they operated out of the DeNittis Talent Agency in South Philadelphia.
Criminal life
During the Bruno-Scarfo war, the violence was increasing and Mario was approached by Scarfo's consigliereFrank 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]
