Al Capone's Child: The Untold Story Of Sonny Capone

Shaina Keebler 09 May 2025

Did the apple fall far from the tree? The life of Al Capone's children, particularly his son Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone Jr., presents a stark contrast to his father's notorious legacy, revealing a complex family dynamic shrouded in mystery. The mere mention of Al Capone evokes images of Prohibition-era Chicago, a city awash in illicit booze, gang warfare, and the ruthless pursuit of power. But what about the Capone lineage, the generations that followed the infamous "Scarface"? While Al Capones name is synonymous with crime and violence, the lives of his descendants, especially his son, offer a more nuanced perspective on the Capone family.

Alphonse Gabriel Capone, born on January 17, 1899, in the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, New York, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most formidable figures in American organized crime. His parents, Gabriele Capone, a barber, and Teresa, an Italian immigrant family, provided a respectable upbringing for Al and his siblings. However, the allure of the streets proved too strong for young Al, who navigated a different path away from his family's aspirations. Before reaching the age of sixteen, Capone's formal education ended abruptly in the sixth grade. This event marked the beginning of his descent into the criminal underworld. His foray into gang life started with the James Street Gang, led by Johnny Torrio. A defining moment in Capone's early life was an altercation that led to his infamous nickname, "Scarface". He got the name after a knife attack by the brother of a woman Capone had insulted. This left permanent scars on his face and marked him forever. Capones early life experiences quickly immersed him in a life of crime, setting the stage for his ascent to power in Chicago. He established himself as a ruthless and cunning leader. This established his fearsome reputation in both law enforcement and the public.

Category	Information
Full Name	Alphonse Gabriel Capone
Common Name	Al Capone, Scarface
Birth Date	January 17, 1899
Birth Place	Brooklyn, New York
Death Date	January 25, 1947
Death Place	Palm Island, Florida
Nationality	American
Parents	Gabriele Capone (father), Teresa Raiola (mother)
Siblings	Vincenzo Capone, Raffaele Capone, Salvatore Capone, Ermina Capone, Umberto Capone, Amedeo Capone, Mafalda Capone
Spouse	Mae Josephine Coughlin (m. 1918)
Children	Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone
Early Career	Joined James Street Gang, Five Points Gang; moved to Chicago in 1919 to work for Johnny Torrio
Peak Career	Boss of the Chicago Outfit (1925-1931); involved in bootlegging, racketeering, and other criminal activities
Downfall	Convicted of tax evasion in 1931; sentenced to 11 years in prison
Imprisonment	Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island
Later Life	Suffered from neurosyphilis, which significantly affected his mental and physical health
Legacy	One of the most infamous gangsters in American history; symbol of organized crime during the Prohibition era
Reference Link	Britannica - Al Capone Biography

Capone's ascent to infamy reached its zenith in Chicago, where he became the undisputed leader of the Chicago Outfit. This reign of terror was defined by violence, corruption, and an iron grip on the citys underworld. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, a brutal execution of rival gang members, remains one of the most infamous events associated with his name. This cemented his reputation as a ruthless and merciless leader. Law enforcement agencies struggled to bring Capone to justice, as he seemed untouchable due to his wealth, power, and network of corrupt officials. However, his reign eventually ended with a conviction for tax evasion in 1931. This marked the downfall of one of America's most notorious gangsters.

The later years of Capone's life were marked by imprisonment and declining health. In May 1932, at the age of 33, he was sent to Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, and later transferred to the infamous Alcatraz Island. While incarcerated, Capone's mental and physical state deteriorated significantly. He showed signs of neurosyphilis, a condition that severely impacted his cognitive functions. Despite his diminished capacity, the legend of Al Capone continued to loom large in the public imagination. His confinement marked the end of his active involvement in organized crime. He was eventually released in 1939, but he was a shadow of his former self. He spent his final years in seclusion, away from the spotlight of his criminal past.

What happened to Al Capone's children? The complexities of Al Capone's children are particularly exemplified through the life of his only son, Albert Francis "Sonny" Capone. Born on December 4, 1918, in Chicago, Sonny's life took a different trajectory than his father's. He was born to Al Capone and Mae Coughlin before their marriage, adding to the layers of complexity surrounding his upbringing. Although Al Capones infamy cast a long shadow, Sonny sought to carve his own path, navigating the challenges of being the son of Americas most notorious gangster. Sonny Capone lived a relatively private life, distancing himself from the criminal activities that defined his father's legacy. While Al Capone's name brought notoriety and infamy, Sonny's story is one of personal resilience and a desire for normalcy in the face of extraordinary circumstances. He had congenital syphilis and a serious mastoid infection at birth, and he survived a required brain surgery for the disease, but was left partially deaf.

Conflicting narratives surround Sonny's birth and early life. Deidre Marie Capone, Al's grandniece, has asserted that Mae Coughlin did not give birth to Sonny. She took care of her husbands illegitimate child. Regardless of the specifics of his parentage, Sonny was raised as Al Capone's son and bore the weight of that identity. His upbringing was inevitably shaped by his fathers criminal activities. He tried to distance himself from the family's notorious past. Mae Capone played a crucial role in Sonny's life, providing stability and care during a time of great turmoil. Despite the controversies and challenges, Sonny remained connected to his parents throughout their lives.

Sonny Capone faced numerous challenges in his personal and professional life. His father's reputation often preceded him, creating obstacles and prejudices in various aspects of his life. Despite these difficulties, Sonny pursued various business ventures and attempted to lead a normal life away from the shadows of organized crime. He changed his name to Albert Francis in an effort to distance himself from his fathers notoriety. This symbolic act reflected his desire to create his own identity, separate from the Capone legacy. Sonny faced ongoing scrutiny and public fascination throughout his life, but he remained determined to define himself on his own terms.

The lives of Al Capone's descendants, particularly his granddaughters Veronica, Teresa, Barbara, and Patricia, offer a glimpse into the long-term impact of organized crime on families. These women grew up in a family marked by the infamy of their grandfather, and had to deal with that stigma. They had to navigate the challenges of their family's history and the social perceptions that came with it. Their experiences highlight the intergenerational consequences of crime and the complexities of familial identity. Despite the shadow of their grandfathers past, they forged their own paths and identities. They sought to create lives that honored their family history while also establishing their own unique legacies.

Tom Hardy's 2020 movie "Capone" offers a cinematic portrayal of the final year of the legendary gangster's life. However, it does not fully explore what happened to Al Capone's children, Sonny Capone, and the rest of his family after his death. While the film provides a glimpse into Capone's mental and physical decline, it leaves many questions unanswered about the fate of his family. This has led to continued public interest in the lives of Al Capone's descendants and their efforts to grapple with his complicated legacy.

After Al Capones death in 1947, his wife Mae Capone largely stayed out of the spotlight and passed away in Florida in 1968. This further adds to the enigma surrounding the Capone family. However, some of Al Capones descendants are still alive today, keeping the family name alive. Their stories continue to evolve, reflecting the enduring impact of Al Capone's legacy on future generations. These descendants serve as a living link to a past marked by both infamy and resilience.

The story of Al Capone's children is one of contrasts and complexities, marked by the shadow of their father's notoriety and their efforts to forge their own identities. While Al Capones name continues to evoke images of organized crime and violence, the lives of his descendants provide a more nuanced perspective on the Capone family. The legacy of "Scarface" lives on, not only in the annals of criminal history but also in the stories of his children and grandchildren. They navigate the complexities of their heritage while striving to create lives that transcend the infamy of their ancestor.

Al Capone's journey from a Brooklyn neighborhood to the heights of the Chicago Outfit is a story of ambition, violence, and ultimately, downfall. His life encapsulates the rise and fall of a gangster who left an indelible mark on American history. Despite his criminal activities, Capones story continues to captivate and intrigue, offering insights into the dark underbelly of the American Dream. His legacy remains a complex and controversial chapter in the nation's past.

The legacy of Al Capone extends beyond his criminal empire and into the lives of his descendants. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive power of crime and its lasting consequences. By examining the lives of Al Capone's children, we gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of organized crime and the complexities of familial identity in the shadow of infamy. As time passes, the fascination with Al Capone and his world endures, prompting ongoing exploration and reflection on his tumultuous life and lasting legacy. His story remains a subject of both historical and cultural significance, ensuring that his name will not soon be forgotten.