Born in New York, Ardito married Fay Cerasi and was the father of John and Annette Arditio. He stood at 5'9 and weighed 160 pounds. His legitimate profession was as part owner of a butcher shop in the Bronx. Ardito was involved in extortion, loan sharking, and illegal gambling operations. His arrest record included seduction, possession of counterfeit currency, and narcotics possession. On December 25, 2006, due to failing health, Ardito was released on bail while awaiting trial on these racketeering charges. On December 31, 2006, Ardito died from pancreatic cancer.