Al Capone, one of history’s most notorious gangsters, remains a symbol of organized crime. His reign during the Prohibition era made him infamous, yet his life had many layers.

How did a man born into a poor immigrant family rise to such power? What made him feared and respected? This article unravels every facet of Capone’s life—his criminal empire, personal battles, and eventual downfall.

This biography will explore his legacy, shedding light on details often overshadowed by his criminal persona.

Quick Info

Full Name	Alphonse Gabriel Capone
Nick Name	Al Capone
Date of Birth	January 17, 1899
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Profession	Crime Boss, Gangster
Ethnicity	English
Notable Events	St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (1929)
Imprisonment	1931 – 1939 (Tax Evasion Conviction)
Nationality	American
Major Criminal Activity	Bootlegging, Prostitution, Gambling
Organization	Chicago Outfit
Death Date	January 25, 1947
Death Place	Palm Island, Florida, USA
Parents	Gabriele Capone and Teresa Capone
Cause of Death	Stroke and pneumonia complications
Legacy	Symbol of the Prohibition-era crime and culture, inspiration for numerous books and films

Early Life and Background

Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Gabriele and Teresa Capone, were Italian immigrants who moved to the United States seeking a better life.

He grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Despite his humble beginnings, he displayed an aptitude for leadership from a young age. He was known for his street smarts, which soon drew the attention of local gangs.

His formal education ended early. He got expelled from school at the age of 14 after hitting a teacher. This incident marked the beginning of his association with street gangs.

He first joined the “James Street Boys,” and later, the more influential “Five Points Gang.” Here, he met Johnny Torrio, a mentor who would shape his criminal career.

Rise to Power: Chicago and the Prohibition Era

Capone’s move to Chicago in 1919 was a turning point. Johnny Torrio invited him to join his crime organization, which specialized in illegal liquor distribution.

The Prohibition era created a lucrative opportunity for organized crime. Capone quickly climbed the ranks due to his cunning and ruthlessness.
Torrio retired after a near-fatal assassination attempt in 1925, leaving Capone in control. He expanded the empire, taking over brothels, speakeasies, and gambling dens.

By 1927, Capone was making millions annually. He became a prominent figure, often flaunting his wealth and power openly. His organization was involved in smuggling, bootlegging, and numerous illegal activities, making him the face of organized crime.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

Capone’s ambition had no bounds. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 is a testament to his willingness to eliminate competition. On February 14th, members of the rival North Side Gang were gunned down in a brutal display of power.

Although Capone was never directly linked to the massacre, it solidified his reputation as a ruthless crime boss. The public and authorities began viewing him not just as a gangster, but as a dangerous criminal who needed to be stopped.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Despite his confidence, Capone’s empire started to crumble under pressure from law enforcement. He was first arrested 1931 on tax evasion charges, which would become his ultimate undoing. The authorities, led by Eliot Ness and his team of “Untouchables,” relentlessly pursued him.
Capone was found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. He served his time in several facilities, including the infamous Alcatraz. While in prison, his health declined significantly.

He suffered from syphilis, which led to neurological complications. By his release in 1939, he was a shadow of his former self.

Personal Life of Al Capone

Al Capone’s personal life was as complex as his criminal empire. He married Mae Josephine Coughlin on December 30, 1918, shortly after the birth of their only child, Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone, earlier that month.

Mae and Al remained married until he died in 1947, and despite Capone’s criminal lifestyle, they had a relatively stable marriage. Mae was known to be a devoted wife and mother, staying by Capone’s side throughout his numerous legal battles and imprisonment.

Before his marriage, Capone was involved with several women, and his promiscuous behavior reportedly led to him contracting syphilis. This disease would later contribute to his deteriorating health.

However, there is no verified record of Capone having any long-term relationships outside his marriage to Mae as a crime boss.

Capone and Mae’s son, Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone, was their only child. Born with congenital syphilis, Sonny suffered various health complications throughout his life.

Despite these challenges, he led a relatively private life, distancing himself from his father’s criminal legacy. He changed his name to Albert Francis Brown and had four daughters, preserving the family lineage​.

Mae Capone was a significant figure in Capone’s life, acting as his confidante and protector, especially during his later years when his health began to fail. She worked tirelessly to secure his early release from prison, citing his declining mental and physical condition due to untreated syphilis.​

Al Capone’s Measurements

Al Capone was known for his imposing stature. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 250 pounds, he had a robust build that added to his intimidating presence.

His large frame, coupled with his sharp dressing style, made him a recognizable figure. Capone often wore custom-tailored suits, reflecting his wealth and status.

Despite his rugged image, his appearance contrasted with his declining health in later years due to syphilis. His physical decline mirrored his fall from power and influence as his criminal empire collapsed.

Height:   5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)

Weight:  Approximately 250 lbs (113 kg)

Chest :   44 inches (112 cm)

Waist:    39 inches (99 cm)

Biceps:   14 inches (36 cm)

Shoe Size: 10 (US)

Hair Color:  Black

Eye Color:  Brown

Final Years and Death

After his release, Capone returned to his Palm Island, Florida mansion. He led a quiet life, far removed from the chaos that defined his earlier years.

His mental state continued to deteriorate. On January 25, 1947, he died of a stroke compounded by pneumonia and complications from syphilis.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Capone’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. He became a figure of fascination in popular culture, inspiring numerous books, movies, and TV shows.

Despite the violent nature of his career, his life story is often romanticized. Yet, his story also serves as a reminder of the power and perils of unchecked ambition.

Conclusion

Al Capone’s life was a paradox of glamour and brutality. He was a man who lived by his own rules, defying authorities and building an empire in defiance of the law.

His legacy as the quintessential gangster endures, but his story also reveals the inevitable downfall that comes with a life of crime.