In recent years, the name Joey Merlino has resurfaced in the public eye, particularly after the release of Netflix’s Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia. This docuseries sparked renewed interest in the life of the former Philadelphia mob boss, prompting many to ask: who is Joey Merlino, and what happened to him after his time in the spotlight?
This article delves into the life, career, and current status of Joey Merlino, a figure whose story is as complex as it is compelling.
The Early Years of a Mob Boss
Born on January 22, 1962, in South Philadelphia, Joseph Salvatore “Skinny Joey” Merlino grew up in a family deeply entrenched in the city’s underworld. His father, Joseph “Joe Cubes” Merlino, was a member of the Scarfo crime family, while his uncle, Lawrence “Yogi” Merlino, later became an informant for the FBI. This environment shaped Merlino from a young age, setting the stage for his eventual rise in the criminal world.
Merlino began his criminal career as a small-time thief and burglar, but his charisma and ambition quickly set him apart. By the late 1980s, he had become a made man in the Philadelphia mob, also known as the “South Philly Crew.” He earned the nickname “The YaYa” due to his strategic mind and negotiation skills, which helped him climb the ranks.
By the 1990s, Merlino had become one of the most prominent figures in the Philadelphia mob, even as law enforcement kept a close watch on him.
The 1990s: A Time of Power and Peril
The 1990s marked the peak of Merlino’s power. After the imprisonment of his predecessor, John Stanfa, Merlino took over as the acting boss of the Philadelphia crime family. During this period, he maintained a relatively peaceful reign, avoiding the violent power struggles that had plagued the mob in previous decades.
However, his leadership was not without controversy. In 1999, after a lengthy FBI operation, Merlino was arrested on 36 counts, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, and attempted murder. Although the murder-related charges did not stick with a jury, he was convicted on racketeering offenses and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
Merlino served 12 years of his sentence before being released in March 2011. However, he faced additional legal trouble in 2015 when he violated his supervised release by meeting with organized crime figures in Florida. Though his sentence was later vacated, the incident raised questions about his continued involvement with the mob.
Life After Prison: A New Chapter
After his release, Merlino relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, where he has since tried to rebuild his life. In a 2013 interview with reporter George Anastasia, Merlino stated, “Too many rats. I want no part of that.” This sentiment reflects his apparent desire to distance himself from the criminal underworld.
Today, Merlino runs a food venture called Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, a restaurant that opened in March 2025 at 3020 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. He also co-hosts a podcast titled The Skinny with Joey Merlino & LIL Snuff, where he discusses topics ranging from prison reform to community issues. Despite his efforts to rebrand himself as a legitimate businessman, many remain skeptical about his true intentions.
Merlino has also been involved in other ventures, including a construction company in Florida and several restaurants in South Philadelphia during the late 1990s. However, some of these businesses have since closed, raising questions about the stability of his current financial situation.
Net Worth and Financial Status
As of 2025, Joey Merlino’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to available records. This figure includes assets such as properties in South Philadelphia and Florida, as well as investments in various businesses. However, it is important to note that much of his wealth is tied to his past criminal activities, making it difficult to determine the exact amount of his current earnings.
Merlino’s annual income is hard to estimate due to the nature of his business activities. However, based on his known ventures, it is reasonable to assume that his income remains in the millions of dollars. That said, his transition to legitimate business has been met with mixed results, with some of his ventures failing to sustain long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joey Merlino
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What is Joey Merlino’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. -
How did Joey Merlino make his money?
Merlino made his fortune through his involvement in organized crime, particularly with the Philadelphia mob. He was known for his role in gambling, loan sharking, and extortion. -
Is Joey Merlino still active in criminal activities?
No, Merlino is no longer actively involved in criminal activities. He was released from prison in 2011 and has since been living in Florida, where he has been trying to lead a legitimate life. -
Has Joey Merlino ever been arrested?
Yes, Merlino has been arrested multiple times. He has served time in prison for various crimes, including racketeering, conspiracy, and murder. -
What is Joey Merlino’s role in the Philadelphia mob?
Merlino was a prominent figure in the Philadelphia mob, also known as the “South Philadelphia Mob” or the “Philadelphia Crime Family.” He was a made man in the organization and served as a captain before becoming the acting boss in the late 1990s. -
How old is Joey Merlino?
Merlino was born on January 22, 1962, making him 63 years old as of 2025. -
What is Joey Merlino’s relationship with the “Mob Wives” reality TV show?
Merlino is the ex-husband of Patty Brady, a star of the “Mob Wives” reality TV show. They were married in the late 1980s but have since divorced. -
What is Joey Merlino’s relationship with the “Skinny Joey” nickname?
Merlino is often referred to as “Skinny Joey” due to his slim physique. The nickname has stuck with him throughout his criminal career and is still used to refer to him today. -
What is Joey Merlino’s relationship with the “Teflon Don” nickname?
Merlino was once referred to as the “Teflon Don” due to his apparent ability to avoid conviction for various crimes. However, this nickname is more commonly associated with other criminal figures, such as John Gotti, and Merlino’s use of the term is less widespread.
The Future of Joey Merlino
Despite his attempts to leave his criminal past behind, Merlino continues to be a controversial figure. While he claims to have no further ties to the mob, officials and law enforcement remain cautious. His podcast, The Skinny with Joey Merlino, has given him a platform to speak out on various social issues, but many question whether his message is genuine or just another attempt to maintain relevance.
Merlino’s future remains uncertain. Whether he can truly reinvent himself as a legitimate businessman or if he will always be remembered as a mob boss depends on how he navigates the challenges ahead. For now, he appears to be focused on his cheesesteak business and his podcast, but the eyes of the public—and the FBI—remain on him.
Conclusion
Joey Merlino’s story is one of power, betrayal, and transformation. From his early days in the Philadelphia mob to his current life in Florida, Merlino has lived a life that few could imagine. While he may have left the criminal underworld behind, the shadow of his past continues to follow him.
As the popularity of Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia shows, there is still a strong public interest in the lives of figures like Merlino. Whether he is seen as a cautionary tale or a symbol of resilience, his legacy is undeniable.
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1. Bigtrial.net – Interview with George Anastasia
2. Netflix’s Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons
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Joey Merlino, also known as “Skinny Joey,” was a former Philadelphia mob boss who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Arrested in 1999 on racketeering charges, he served 12 years in prison before being released in 2011. Today, he lives in Florida and runs a cheesesteak business while claiming to have left the mob behind.
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