Sciascia was born in Cattolica Eraclea in the province of Agrigento, Sicily in 1934, the same area as Montreal Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto. In 1955, the 17 year-old Sciascia immigrated to the United States and moved to New York City. Sciascia was a stylish dresser with thick gray worn in a pompadour style. He had a wife from Scotland and one daughter, and a son. His business headquarters was a small jewelry store in the Bronx. Gregarious and charming, Sciascia epitomized traditional Cosa Nostra values. However, Sciascia was very willing to give his opinion on anything, even to his superiors.