Paul Vario Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Causes of Death, Children, Wife

Paul Vario was a notable American mobster and a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family.

He was implicated in a range of criminal enterprises, including hijacking, loansharking, and extortion, with significant operations centered around John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In 1973, Vario was convicted of tax evasion, followed by subsequent convictions for fraud and extortion, resulting in extended prison terms.

His life and criminal career were later depicted in Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed film Goodfellas, where actor Paul Sorvino played Paul Cicero.

Profile

• Full Name: Paul Vario
• Stage Name: Paul Vario
• Born: July 10 1914
• Died: May 3, 1988  
• Age: 73 years old
• Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American mobster
• Height: 6’4″
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Vario
• Siblings: Salvatore Vario, Vito Vario, Thomas Vario, Leonard Vario
• Spouse(s): Vita Rizzuto (first wife); Phyllis Joan Vario (second wife)
• Children: Leonard Vario, Peter Vario
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Paul Vario was born on July 10, 1914, in the Old Mill neighborhood of South Brooklyn, New York City. He was one of several children born to Mr. and Mrs. Vario, with known siblings including Paul Sorvino and Leonard Vario. Raised in a rough environment, he was drawn into a life of organized crime from an early age.

While his educational background remains unclear, likely, he did not pursue formal education beyond the basics due to his early criminal involvement. Of Italian-American descent, Vario’s religious beliefs were never publicly disclosed.

Career

Paul Vario’s early life was characterized by criminal behavior, beginning with a rape conviction in 1937 that led to imprisonment at Sing Sing. Despite multiple parole violations and additional charges for burglary and dealing in stolen property, Vario maintained strong ties to organized crime.

Upon his release in 1962, he was inducted into the Lucchese crime family as a made man. He swiftly rose to the rank of caporegime, heading the powerful Vario crew in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

Operating from a junkyard headquarters, Vario oversaw many illicit activities, including hijackings, loansharking, bookmaking, and fencing stolen goods. His crew played a key role in labor extortion at John F. Kennedy Airport and expanded operations into Long Island’s gambling scene.

Vario also controlled several legitimate businesses to mask his criminal endeavors. He collaborated with Jimmy Burke, who led the Robert’s Lounge crew and was instrumental in the infamous 1978 Lufthansa heist.

Other notable associates included Henry Hill and Thomas DeSimone, who were involved in high-profile crimes under Vario’s command. Despite keeping a relatively low public profile, Vario wielded significant influence within the Lucchese family and was rumored to have served as acting underboss during leadership transitions.

His criminal operations reportedly generated up to $25,000 daily at their peak. Legal issues eventually caught up with him, including a 1973 conviction for tax evasion, followed by fraud and extortion charges based on testimony from former associate Henry Hill.

Sentenced to over 20 years in prison, Vario died of respiratory failure on May 3, 1988, while incarcerated. His life and legacy were later depicted in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, where actor Paul Sorvino portrayed him as Paul Cicero.

Social Media

Paul Vario does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Paul Vario was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Vita Rizzuto, with whom he had three sons: Peter, Paul Jr., and Leonard. Following their divorce, he later married Phyllis Joan Vario.

Vario’s family life was not without tragedy, as his son Leonard died under mysterious circumstances on July 20, 1973, after suffering severe burns. Vario himself died on May 3, 1988, in a Texas prison while serving a sentence, with the cause of death reported as respiratory failure.

Net Worth

Paul Vario’s net worth was never officially recorded, but his criminal enterprises reportedly generated up to $25,000 daily at their peak. His income came from hijackings, loansharking, bookmaking, and fencing stolen goods, particularly around JFK Airport.

Vario also ran legitimate businesses, including a flower shop and pizzeria, likely used to launder illicit profits, and controlled primary gambling operations on Long Island.