Popular Philadelphia defense attorney and counselor to local big name Mob figures, Joseph Santaguida, passed away this week.
Mr. Santaguida retired a couple of years ago after more than 50 years practicing law in the City of Brotherly Love.
Santaguida, known for his sharp wit and bold legal moves in the court room, made headlines for years representing wise guys like reputed Philly Mob Boss Joey Merlino, among others dating back to the 1980s and the era of Philly Mob Boss Nicky Scarfo Sr. He was well known for his stinging sound bites usually leveled against prosecutors and cooperators.
The always well dressed legal counsel was famous for his off the cuff, street corner news conferences outside city and federal court houses here in Philadelphia. He always attracted a crowd of TV and print reporters during big cases. His cross examinations of prosecution witnesses were almost always withering and pointed. During his prime, he left it all on the legal field of play, snarling at government evidence and sometimes shaky witnesses.
One prominent local defense attorney called Santaguida “a giant”. Another said the swashbuckling Santaguida was “one of a kind indeed.” Yet another defense attorney, who tried big cases alongside Santaguida, said he always looked forward “to hearing Joe’s rendition of what happened in the courtroom that day” over a couple of cocktails after court sessions.
Santaguida liked to celebrate big court victories and put forth his best spin for reporters after a loss.
He will be sorely missed.
