Albert Francis Capone Died, also known as Sonny Capone, lived a life that was largely overshadowed by the infamous legacy of his father, Al Capone. Despite his father’s notoriety as one of the most feared and celebrated mobsters in American history, Albert Francis Capone chose a different path. His story, from birth to death, paints the portrait of a man who fought to distance himself from the criminal world while navigating the burdens of his family name.
Who Is Albert Francis Capone?
Albert Francis Capone was born on December 4, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, to Al Capone and Mae Coughlin. His birth came amidst a whirlwind of criminal activity during the height of his father’s reign as the head of the Chicago Outfit, one of the most infamous organized crime syndicates in American history. Albert was the only son of Al Capone, and from an early age, he was protected by his parents from the criminal underworld. He was born with congenital syphilis, a condition passed on from his father, which required surgery that left him partially deaf. Despite these challenges, Albert grew up with the support and protection of his family.
While Al Capone ruled Chicago’s underworld, Albert Francis Capone’s childhood was markedly different. He attended St. Patrick School in Miami Beach and later pursued studies at Notre Dame before transferring to the University of Miami, where he earned a degree. Albert’s early life was a constant struggle to escape his father’s shadow, but his father’s legacy loomed large over his personal and professional pursuits.
Albert Francis Capone’s Family
Albert Francis Capone married Diana Ruth Casey in 1941, and together they had four daughters: Veronica, Patricia Capone, Teresa Capone, and Barbara Capone. Albert worked hard to shield his family from the public eye, keeping them away from the negative attention that inevitably surrounded anyone associated with the Capone name. His children, including his eldest daughter Veronica, lived private lives, largely avoiding the media spotlight.
Veronica Capone, born in 1944, grew up under the careful protection of her parents. Along with her sisters, she lived quietly, distanced from the notoriety of her famous grandfather. Although little is known about the specific lives of Albert’s daughters, they inherited the complexities of being part of the Capone family without ever actively engaging with the legacy of crime. Albert’s efforts to maintain a low profile for his family were largely successful, allowing his daughters to lead private lives.
The Name Change: Albert Francis Capone Becomes Albert Francis Brown
One of the most defining moments in Albert Francis Capone’s life came in 1966 when he legally changed his name to Albert Francis Brown. This decision was a clear attempt to distance himself from the Capone name, which had brought him more trouble than benefit. The weight of his father’s criminal reputation was a constant challenge for Albert, who worked tirelessly to lead a law-abiding life. He took on various jobs, including working as an apprentice printer, used car salesman, and later, as a tire distributor. His career paths may have seemed humble, but they reflected his desire to live a life as far removed from crime as possible.
Albert Francis Capone Died: The End of an Era
Albert Francis Capone died on July 8, 2004, at the age of 85. He passed away in Florida, the state where he had spent much of his later life. Unlike his father, Albert did not live a life of crime, nor did he die under the cloud of criminal activity. His passing was a quiet one, far removed from the chaos that had once surrounded his family. He was buried under the name Albert Francis Brown, a final testament to his efforts to escape the Capone legacy.
Albert’s life was not without its struggles, but he succeeded in steering clear of the criminal underworld that had consumed his father. His death marked the end of an era, not just for the Capone family, but for the historical legacy of one of America’s most notorious crime families. Albert’s quiet death stood in stark contrast to the media spectacle that surrounded Al Capone’s demise.
Albert Francis Capone’s Net Worth
Given Albert’s decision to distance himself from his father’s fortune and illegal activities, his net worth was relatively modest compared to the vast wealth accumulated by Al Capone. While his father had made millions through illegal means, Albert Francis Capone focused on legitimate careers. It is not publicly known how much he was worth at the time of his death, but it is safe to say that his fortune was much smaller than the vast criminal empire Al Capone had built during his heyday.
Albert Francis Capone’s Children and Legacy
Albert Francis Capone’s children, particularly his four daughters, inherited a complicated legacy. As the grandchildren of Al Capone, they were linked to one of the most infamous figures in American history. Yet, under their father’s guidance, they managed to live quiet lives. Albert’s eldest daughter, Veronica, was born in 1944 and, like her siblings Patricia, Teresa, and Barbara, avoided public attention. Little is known about their lives, which is a testament to Albert’s success in shielding them from the shadow of their grandfather’s legacy.
Albert Francis Capone’s Place of Birth and Death
Albert Francis Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, and died in Florida. His birthplace was the same as his father’s, but their paths in life diverged significantly. While Al Capone moved to Chicago to build his criminal empire, Albert spent most of his life in Florida, where he worked various jobs and eventually raised his family. Florida became a refuge for Albert, a place where he could live in relative peace, far from the world of organized crime.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Albert Francis Capone
The story of Albert Francis Capone is one of contrasts. Born into one of the most notorious crime families in American history, he spent his life trying to break free from the weight of his father’s legacy. Through hard work, multiple career changes, and a legal name change, Albert managed to carve out a life that was, by all accounts, normal. His quiet death in 2004 marked the passing of a man who had done everything in his power to live a life far removed from the violent and tumultuous world of organized crime.
Though Albert Francis Capone’s life was often overshadowed by his father’s infamy, he left behind a family that largely avoided the public eye. His daughters, including Veronica Capone, carried on his legacy of privacy, keeping the Capone name out of the media spotlight. In the end, Albert’s greatest success may have been his ability to keep his family safe from the world that had once consumed his father.
