The Untold Story: Al Capone's Child & A Life Apart

Did the son of one of history's most notorious gangsters follow in his father's footsteps? Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone, the only child of Al Capone, lived a life remarkably divergent from the criminal empire his father built. His story is one of inherited burdens, personal struggles, and a deliberate attempt to forge his own identity outside the long shadow cast by his father's infamy.

Alphonse Gabriel Capone, better known as Al Capone, carved a brutal path through the underworld of the early 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 17, 1899, he rose to infamy in Chicago during the Prohibition era. While Capone's name became synonymous with organized crime, violence, and bootlegging, his son, Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone Jr., born on December 4, 1918, faced an entirely different set of challenges. Sonnys early life was marked by health issues and the constant awareness of his fathers dangerous profession. While many expected him to inherit a life of crime, Albert "Sonny" Capone Jr. chose a drastically different path, one defined by his attempts to escape the notoriety of his family name.

Category Information
Full Name Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone Jr.
Date of Birth December 4, 1918
Place of Birth Brooklyn, New York (Some sources claim Chicago)
Father Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone
Mother Mary Josephine "Mae" Coughlin
Spouse(s) Diana Ruth Casey (Married 1941, Divorced), Patricia A. Blakely (Married 1964, Divorced), Valarie (Last wife, name not confirmed)
Children Theresa (daughter)
Health Issues Congenital syphilis, mastoid infection leading to partial deafness
Name Change Changed name to Albert Francis Brown in 1966
Death Died July 9, 2004, in Auburndale, Florida
Occupation Various jobs, including tire salesman and machine operator.
Additional Notes Attempted various business ventures; faced legal issues related to tax evasion.
Reference Find a Grave Memorial

Sonny's birth was shrouded in some mystery. He was born before Al Capone and Mae Coughlin officially wed, leading to speculation and rumors surrounding his paternity. Some accounts suggest that Mae Capone was not Sonnys biological mother, and that he may have been an illegitimate child whom Mae cared for. Adding to the complexities of his early life, Albert was born with congenital syphilis, a condition he likely contracted from his father. This led to a serious mastoid infection when he was around seven years old. He underwent risky brain surgery to combat the infection, which, while life-saving, left him partially deaf. These health struggles significantly impacted his childhood and likely shaped his personality.

Al Capone, despite his ruthless reputation, reportedly doted on his son and was devastated by his deafness. He sought the best medical care and educational opportunities for Sonny, showcasing a softer side often hidden from the public eye. A photograph from 1931 shows Al Capone with his son Albert at a charity baseball game, revealing a glimpse of their relationship amidst the backdrop of Capone's criminal activities.

While growing up, Sonny lived with his parents, Al and Mae. As the son of such a notorious figure, Sonny's childhood couldnt have been easy. Although shielded from the harshest realities of his father's profession, he was undoubtedly aware of the family's unusual circumstances. The constant presence of bodyguards, the whispers and stares of strangers, and the knowledge of his father's reputation must have created a unique and challenging environment for a young boy. He was born on December 4, 1918, either in Chicago or New York City (sources vary), and his parents married later that month, on December 30, 1918. Al Capone moved his family to Chicago in 1919 after taking a job with Johnny Torrio.

Despite the potential for a life of privilege and power, Sonny did not inherit his father's inclination toward crime. He did, however, inherit the burden of the Capone name, a moniker that carried significant weight and prejudice. He could have easily become a "mafia prince," akin to growing up as a Gotti in the 20th century's criminal landscape. But he seemingly desired a more peaceful, ordinary existence.

After Al Capone's imprisonment in Alcatraz from August 1933 to January 1939, Sonny's life likely became even more complicated. The family faced increased scrutiny and financial strain. It's important to remember the context: Many New York gangsters, including Al Capone, came from impoverished backgrounds. The allure of wealth and power was often a strong motivator. However, Sonny's upbringing, while unconventional, provided him with opportunities his father never had.

In an attempt to distance himself from his father's legacy, Albert Francis Capone Jr. legally changed his name to Albert Francis Brown in 1966. This act symbolized his desire to shed the weight of the past and forge his own identity, free from the constant association with his notorious father. Living under a different name for decades allowed him a degree of anonymity and the chance to live a life outside the spotlight.

Details about Sonny's life after the name change are scarce. It is known that he married several times, first to Diana Ruth Casey in 1941 (they later divorced), then to Patricia A. Blakely in 1964 (also divorced), and finally to a woman named Valarie. He had a daughter named Theresa. He pursued various occupations, reportedly working as a tire salesman and a machine operator, a far cry from the life of organized crime. He also faced legal issues, including tax evasion charges, suggesting that he may have struggled financially despite his efforts to distance himself from his father's wealth.

Al Capone's death and its immediate aftermath were captured in Josh Trank's "Capone" movie, which focuses on the final year of Al's life. While the film only hints at the lives of his family, Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone and his wife Diana approached the burial site for Albert's father from the rear of Mount Olivet Cemetery as they sought to evade the public. He lived a quiet life in later years, far from the glare of media attention. Accounts suggest that he valued his privacy and cherished the normalcy he had worked so hard to achieve. The man and the era that defined his father were a world away from the quiet existence he carved for himself.

Deidre Marie Capone, Al Capone's grandniece, has offered insights into the family history, although her accounts sometimes conflict with other established information. The question of Sonnys biological parentage remains a topic of speculation. It is speculated that Al Capone, who contracted syphilis before marrying, may have become sterile, raising doubts about sonnys biological paternity. This assertion adds another layer of complexity to the already enigmatic life of Albert "Sonny" Capone.

Other figures also intertwined with Al Capone's story. The senior O'Hare, for instance, provided legal services to Capone and later assisted the government in bringing him to justice on tax fraud charges in 1931. O'Hare was tragically murdered on November 8, 1939, a stark reminder of the violent consequences associated with Capone's world.

Sonny Capone's life was a testament to the power of choice and the desire for redemption. He didn't inherit his father's criminal tendencies, but he did inherit the heavy burden of his name. He chose to reject the allure of organized crime and instead sought a life of relative obscurity, working ordinary jobs and striving for normalcy. His decision to change his name was a symbolic act of liberation, allowing him to finally step out of his father's shadow. Despite the challenges he faced, including health issues and financial struggles, Sonny Capone ultimately forged his own path, proving that it is possible to escape the legacy of a notorious past.

On December 4, 1918, Albert Francis Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Al Capone and Mae Coughlin. It seems he was born before his parents officially tied the knot, as Al and Mae Coughlin didn't wed until later that same month. Sonny Capone (played by Alexander, Benjamin, and Caleb Eckstein) is represented as the son of Al Capone and Mae Capone in some media portrayals. He developed a serious mastoid infection at the age of 7. As a result, risky brain surgery was required, and thankfully, he survived.

Albert "Sonny" Capone passed away on July 9, 2004, in Auburndale, Florida. His life, marked by the shadow of his father's legacy and his own personal struggles, serves as a reminder that even the children of infamous figures can choose their own destinies.

There were claims that many people were illegitimate children of Al Capone after his death, but Al Capone had one son, Albert. As a child Al Capone was devastated by his sons deafness and sought the best medical care and education for him.

Shortly after the little boy left the hotel, a package was delivered to Weissmuller with an expensive watch and a note that read: thanks for taking care of my son." Al Capone en 1930 au fate de son pouvoir en couverture du Time Magazine. 31 ans, Al Capone est lhomme le plus puissant de Chicago.

The Mysterious Life Of Albert Francis Capone, Al Capone's Son

The Mysterious Life Of Albert Francis Capone, Al Capone's Son

Al Capone with Son, 1931 Stock Photo Alamy

Al Capone with Son, 1931 Stock Photo Alamy

Meet Albert Francis Capone, Al Capone’s Secretive Son

Meet Albert Francis Capone, Al Capone’s Secretive Son

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