Nicodemo Scarfo was a member of the American Mafia who later became the mob boss of the Philadelphia crime family. Nicknamed ‘Little Nicky’ for his short stature, he was famous for his violent temper, even during his years as an amateur boxer. These same violent outbursts saw Scarfo murder a man over a seat, and led the then Mafia boss, Angelo Bruno, to banish Scarfo to Atlantic City to oversee operations there. The legalisation of gambling in Atlantic City opened up multiple avenues for Nicodemo Scarfo, and gained him success and power. Nicodemo Scarfo then moved up the ranks quickly, eventually serving as a hitman for his mentor and friend Philip Testa. After Testa was murdered, Scarfo went to claim the top spot of what would be known as the Bruno-Scarfo crime family; he ruled with terror and intimidation for close to 10 years. His temper proved to be his downfall, however; after he ordered a hit on his close friend and hitman, Salvatore Testa, his own men began turning against him. Testimony by two of his top lieutenants was what finally got him convicted and jailed, this time for life. He died in prison, at the age of 87.
