Died 1993 | ||
Mario "Sonny" Riccobene (1933-1993, New Jersey) was a member of the Philadelphia crime family. He later became a federal witness after his son committed suicide with the fear of being killed from Nicodemo Scarfo and his fellow gangsters. He later returned to his old lifestyle and in 1993 murdered by his old associates. Riccobene had been in the witness protection program but eventually removed from the program because he was unable to follow the rules.
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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.
Criminal Life
During the Bruno-Scarfo war, the violence was increasing and Mario was approached by Scarfo's consigliere Frank Monte to "(turn) over his brother" but he refused. Riccobene ended up telling his brother. In May 1982, Monte was fatally shot in response.
In 1983, he and Harry were convicted of racketeering. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.