Joey Merlino, often referred to as “Skinny Joey,” is a name that resonates in the world of organized crime. As a prominent figure in the Philadelphia crime family, Merlino has led a life filled with intrigue, power, and notoriety. In this blog post, we’ll delve into key aspects of Joey Merlino net worth.
Early Life of Joey Merlino
On March 13, 1962, Joey Merlino was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an American citizen and goes by Joseph Salvatore Merlino in full. He is of Italian-American descent. He was raised in an organised crime-affiliated family. Joey grew up in Philadelphia with his parents. Chuckie Milano, whose real name is Salvatore Joseph Joseph Milano, was born on June 29, 1939, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was a well-known member of the Philadelphia criminal family. On October 22, 2012, in Fort Worth, Texas, Chuckie passed away at the age of 73. Rita Merlino is the name of Joey’s mother. Lawrence, Joey’s uncle, was akin to his father. He had ties to organised crime as well.
Lawrence did, however, subsequently provide testimony for the government. Three siblings, including his sisters Maria and Natalie Merlino, were raised by Joey. Maria’s acting career is well-known, especially because of her performance in the movie No One Lives Forever.
Natalie has received praise for her roles as an actress in films like The Tunnel, Containment, and Karma Road. Joey completed his studies at Bishop Neumann High School after attending St. Thomas Aquinas School. Even though he was raised in a criminal family, Joey continued his father’s criminal career by joining organised crime.
Joey Merlino Age
Since Joey Merlino was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1962, he will be 62 years old in 2024. Based on his birthday, the Pisces zodiac sign corresponds to him.
Joey Merlino Early Professional Life
Joey Merlino started making a name for himself in the Philadelphia crime family in the 1980s. His flamboyant and audacious nature rapidly made him stand out from many of his more subdued counterparts in the world of organised crime. Merlino engaged in several illicit pursuits, including loan sharking, extortion, and illicit gaming. The Philadelphia crime family had difficult times in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Merlino sided with Ralph Natale during this time, who went on to become the family’s boss. Following a string of killings and betrayals, Merlino became a prominent member of the family in 1994.
After Natale’s arrest and cooperation with the authorities, he emerged as the de facto leader and was subsequently acknowledged as the official one. His public persona and lifestyle rendered him a target for law enforcement. Joey was found guilty in 1999 of a number of offences, including racketeering, and received a 14-year sentence in federal prison. While incarcerated, Merlino remained the head of the Philadelphia crime family and exercised power over them.
2011 saw Joey’s release from prison. He claimed to have retired from organised crime and relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, after being freed. Law enforcement officials, however, continued to doubt his retirement. Merlino was arrested once more in 2014 on allegations of going against the conditions of his supervised release by hanging about with criminals. He received a four-month prison sentence.
2016 saw Merlino face another indictment on allegations of racketeering as a result of a significant federal probe into organised crime. Joey was charged with fraud in healthcare, illicit gambling, and other offences. He entered into a plea agreement in 2018 and was given a two-year prison sentence for engaging in illegal gambling.
Career After Imprisonment
Joey Merlino is a Florida resident who was released from prison. Despite Joey’s claims to the contrary, the police continue to keep a careful eye on him since they believe he may still be involved in criminal activity.
In 2017, Merlino established Joey’s Italian Restaurant in Boca Raton. It was well-known for its Italian cuisine and cheesesteaks made in the Philadelphia style, which brought back memories of his hometown.
The restaurant gained notoriety for its cuisine alone, but also for Joey’s prior career as a well-known mobster. He claims to have retired from criminal activity, but the restaurant combines his previous reputation with a brand-new, respectable enterprise.
Along with his pal Lil Snuff, Joey also presents a podcast on YouTube called The Skinny with Joey Merlino. With his new beginning, he most likely embarks on a new life away from the criminal underworld.
Why Did Joey Merlino Restaurant Get Banned?
The Boca Raton, Florida restaurant owned by Joey Merlino was not prohibited. It shut down due to insufficient revenue. With Italian cuisine and Philly-style cheesesteaks, it opened in 2017 to attract consumers because of Merlino’s fame. But more was required to draw patrons, and the eatery had financial difficulties. They eventually had to close it down in 2018.
Joey’s restaurant closed because they could not make enough money to operate it, not because of any legal issues. Even with Merlino’s name, the restaurant was unable to draw in enough business to remain open.
How is Joey Merlino Make Money?
Joey Merlino generates revenue from a variety of sources. In Florida, he founded Merlino’s, an Italian eatery that closed in 2018 as a result of financial difficulties. Because of his past as a mobster, Joey frequently gets money by giving interviews, going on public appearances, and engaging in other media-related activities.
He may have investments in real estate or other businesses that generate a steady income. Former mob figures might occasionally turn a profit by offering security advice or consulting on initiatives about amusement or crime prevention.
Joey Merlino Net Worth
Estimating the net worth of someone involved in organized crime is inherently challenging due to the secretive nature of their financial dealings. However, estimated Joey Merlino net worth ranges from $5 to $10 million. This wealth comes from various illegal enterprises, including gambling, extortion, and loan sharking. Despite spending several years in prison, Merlino has managed to maintain a significant financial standing.
Joey Merlino’s Wife
Joey Merlino is married to Deborah Merlino. The couple has been together for several decades, and Deborah has stood by Joey through his legal troubles and prison sentences. Despite the controversies surrounding Joey’s criminal activities, Deborah has remained a supportive and loyal partner. The couple’s relationship has endured the challenges of a life intertwined with organized crime, showcasing their strong bond.
Joey Merlino’s Daughter
Joey Merlino and his wife Deborah have two daughters: Nicolette and Sophia Merlino. Joey has kept his daughters’ lives relatively private, shielding them from the public eye as much as possible. Despite their father’s notoriety, both Nicolette and Sophia have managed to live relatively normal lives away from the limelight. Joey’s dedication to protecting his daughters’ privacy reflects his desire to keep his family life separate from his criminal endeavors.
Joey Merlino’s Sister
Joey Merlino’s sister, Natalie Guercio, became well-known as a reality TV personality on the show “Mob Wives.” Natalie, who is younger than Joey, has also been connected to the criminal world, but her involvement has been more peripheral compared to her brother’s direct role. In “Mob Wives,” Natalie often speaks about her family’s ties to organized crime, providing viewers with a glimpse into the complex dynamics of growing up in a mob-connected family.
Conclusion
Joey Merlino’s life is a fascinating blend of crime, loyalty, and family. At 62 years old, Merlino remains a significant figure in the underworld, with a net worth reflecting his years of involvement in organized crime. His wife, Deborah, has been a steadfast companion, and together they have raised two daughters, Nicolette and Sophia. His sister, Natalie Guercio, adds another layer of intrigue to the Merlino family, having made her mark on reality television.
Despite his criminal activities and the challenges that come with being a public figure associated with organized crime, Joey Merlino’s family ties remain strong, illustrating the complex nature of his life both inside and outside the world of the Philadelphia crime family.
