Al Capone had eight brothers and sisters: James Vincenzo, Ralph, Frank, Ermino, Umberto, Matthew, Rose, and Mafalda. Born to Italian immigrants Gabriele and Teresina Capone, the siblings took radically different paths—ranging from high-ranking Chicago Outfit mobsters and legitimate business owners to a famed federal law enforcement officer in the Midwest.
- Gabriele & Teresina Capone
- Vincenzo (James) [Lawman]
- Ralph ("Bottles") [Mobster]
- Frank (Salvatore) [Mobster]
- AL (Alphonse) [Mob Boss]
- Ermino (John) [Labor]
- Umberto (Albert) [Business]
- Matthew [Tavern]
- Mafalda (Maritote) [Homemaker]
The Immigrant Foundation: From Angri to Brooklyn
To understand the siblings of Al Capone, one must look at the migration of the Capone family from southern Italy to New York City. In May 1893, Gabriele Capone, an educated barber from Angri, a town near Naples, immigrated to the United States with his pregnant wife, Teresina (Teresa) Raiola, a seamstress. They arrived in New York harboring hopes of economic stability, settling initially in the Navy Yard section of Brooklyn.
Gabriele operated a barbershop at 93 Navy Street, while Teresa raised their growing family. Unlike many impoverished immigrants of the late 19th century, Gabriele could read and write in Italian, a distinction that instilled a strong emphasis on literacy and discipline within the household. However, the urban environment of turn-of-the-century Brooklyn posed significant socioeconomic challenges. Street gangs, ethnic tensions, and limited economic mobility heavily influenced the Capone children as they came of age.
The couple produced nine children. The eldest three—James Vincenzo, Raffaele (Ralph), and Salvatore (Frank)—were born in Italy before the family settled permanently in the United States. Alphonse (Al), Ermino (John), Umberto (Albert), Matthew, Rose, and Mafalda were born in Brooklyn.
The Crime Partners: Frank and Ralph "Bottles" Capone
While Al Capone became the public face of the Chicago Outfit during Prohibition, two of his older brothers served as core operatives within his criminal empire.
- THE CHICAGO OUTFIT
- Salvatore "Frank" Capone (1895–1924: Enforcer)
- Physical Syndicate Expansion
- Political Intimidation in Cicero
- Killed in 1924 Police Shootout
- Raffaele "Ralph" Capone (1894–1974: Executive)
- Soft Drink Racket ("Bottles")
- Suburban Vice Operations
- Served Federal Tax Prison Term
- Salvatore "Frank" Capone (1895–1924: Enforcer)
Salvatore "Frank" Capone (1895–1924)
Salvatore Capone, known as Frank, was born in Italy in 1895 and moved with Al to Chicago in the early 1920s to work under Johnny Torrio. Frank was regarded by contemporaries and law enforcement as the most aggressive of the Capone brothers. Quiet, cold, and intensely loyal, Frank acted as the primary enforcer for the syndicate’s expansion beyond Chicago’s city limits into the suburb of Cicero, Illinois.
In April 1924, the Capone organization attempted to secure political control over Cicero by rigging the municipal election through voter intimidation, assault, and kidnapping. On election day, April 1, 1924, Chicago police officers formed a special squad to restore order.
When officers encountered Frank Capone near a polling place, a confrontation erupted. Frank reportedly drew a revolver, leading officers to open fire. Frank was struck multiple times and killed instantly at the age of 29.
Al Capone honored his brother with an extravagant funeral featuring tens of thousands of dollars in floral arrangements, establishing a blueprint for the lavish mob funerals that characterized Prohibition-era Chicago.
Raffaele "Ralph" Capone (1894–1974)
Raffaele Capone, nicknamed "Bottles," was born in Italy in 1894. Unlike Frank, who specialized in physical intimidation, Ralph focused on corporate management, supply chains, and vice operations.
Ralph earned his moniker because Al put him in charge of non-alcoholic beverage and bottling plants across the Chicago region. Legitimate soft drink distribution was essential to the syndicate: it provided a front for money laundering, provided legal income streams, and supplied non-alcoholic mixers to the outfit's speakeasies.
Ralph also oversaw suburban vice networks, brothels, and gambling operations. However, his high profile made him a target for federal investigators. In 1930, TIME magazine designated Ralph Capone as "Public Enemy No. 3" in Chicago.
That same year, federal prosecutors charged Ralph with income tax fraud. He was convicted and served three years in federal prison. Following his release, Ralph maintained a lower profile, operating taverns and racetracks in Wisconsin until his natural death in 1974 at age 80.
The Lawman Brother: James Vincenzo Capone (Richard Joseph Hart)
The most striking story among Al Capone’s siblings is that of his eldest brother, James Vincenzo Capone. Born in Angri, Italy, in 1888, Vincenzo possessed an adventurous spirit that set him apart from his brothers early on.
Around 1908, at approximately 20 years old, Vincenzo ran away from the family home in Brooklyn. He joined a traveling circus, moved across the Midwest, and sought to shed his urban Italian background.
Settling in Nebraska, he changed his name to Richard Joseph Hart, adopting the surname of his favorite silent-film cowboy actor, William S. Hart. He hid his true identity and Italian heritage, claiming to be of Native American or mixed Anglo lineage.
- James Vincenzo Capone
- Leaves Brooklyn (~1908)
- Adopts Name "Richard Joseph Hart"
- Serves in World War I
- Becomes Federal Indian Agent (1920s)
- Earns Moniker "Two-Gun Hart"
- Enforces Prohibition in Nebraska
During World War I, Hart served in the United States Army, developing exceptional skill with firearms. Upon returning from service, he was appointed a town marshal in Homer, Nebraska, and later became a federal Prohibition agent assigned to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Patrolling reservations across Nebraska and South Dakota, Hart gained a reputation as a fierce, incorruptible lawman. Armed with twin pearl-handled .38-caliber revolvers, he earned the nickname "Two-Gun Hart."
While Al Capone was accumulating millions as the premier bootlegger in the United States, his eldest brother was raiding illegal stills, arresting moonshiners, and enforcing Prohibition in the Great Plains.
Hart kept his identity hidden from the public for decades. He reestablished private contact with his family in the 1940s, visiting his mother and brothers in Chicago and Florida. Hart died in Homer, Nebraska, in 1952, leaving behind a unique legacy as the lawman of the family.
The Younger Brothers: Ermino, Umberto, and Matthew Capone
The younger Capone brothers grew up under the shadow of Al's criminal reputation. While they occasionally faced legal scrutiny, none reached the level of authority within the Chicago Outfit held by Al or Ralph.
| Sibling Name | Life Summary & Primary Identity |
|---|---|
| Ermino Capone (1901–1994) | Also known as John or "Mimi"; worked odd jobs and labor unions; kept a low legal profile; lived to age 93. |
| Umberto Capone (1906–1980) | Changed surname to Albert John Gabriel/Goff; worked in printing/distribution; avoided major organized crime roles. |
| Matthew Capone (1908–1967) | Ran Chicago-area taverns and nightclubs (Pico Bar); faced minor legal troubles and violence; died in 1967. |
Ermino "John" Capone (1901–1994)
Ermino Capone, often called John or "Mimi," was born in Brooklyn in 1901. He relocated to Chicago with his older brothers during the 1920s and engaged in various employment roles, including labor union positions and minor syndicate enterprises.
John suffered several arrests for minor offenses during the height of Prohibition, but he avoided major federal indictments. Later in life, he altered his surname to John Martin to distance himself from public scrutiny. He died in 1994 at the age of 93, the longest-surviving of all the Capone siblings.
Umberto "Albert John" Capone (1906–1980)
Umberto Capone was born in Brooklyn in 1906. As a youth, he moved to Chicago and worked in legitimate capacities for his brothers' business operations, such as handling administrative tasks and working at print shops that produced materials for outfit-controlled venues.
Recognizing the immense public burden of the Capone surname following Al's tax fraud conviction, Umberto legally changed his name to Albert John Gabriel and later used the alias Albert Goff. He retreated into private life, working in the printing industry and operating small businesses until his death in 1980.
Matthew Nicholas Capone (1908–1967)
Matthew Capone was the youngest son of Gabriele and Teresina, born in Brooklyn in 1908. Unlike Umberto, Matthew remained active in the Chicago hospitality and nightlife scene, operating several taverns and restaurants, including the notorious Pico Bar in Cicero.
Matthew's establishments frequently drew the attention of law enforcement due to their patronage by Outfit figures. In 1940, Matthew became implicated in a homicide investigation after a shooting occurred outside his tavern, though charges were ultimately dropped. He lived a relatively quiet life in later years, passing away in 1967.
The Sisters: Rose and Mafalda Capone
The female children of Gabriele and Teresa Capone lived very different lives from their mobster brothers.
- CAPONE SISTERS
- Rose Capone (1910–1912)
- Died in Early Childhood
- Tragically Short Life
- Mafalda Capone (1912–1988)
- Youngest Sibling
- Married John Maritote
- Kept Out of Syndicate Operations
- Rose Capone (1910–1912)
Rose Capone (1910–1912)
Rose Capone was born in Brooklyn in 1910. Her life was tragically short; she died in childhood around 1912 due to common childhood ailments of the era.
Mafalda Capone (1912–1988)
Mafalda Capone was the youngest child, born in Brooklyn in 1912. She was a child when her older brothers relocated to Chicago to build their syndicate.
Mafalda was insulated from the active violence of the mob, though she benefited from the family's wealth. In 1930, she married John Maritote in a lavish wedding ceremony heavily covered by the national press.
Despite the intense law enforcement focus on her brothers, Mafalda lived a mostly private life, avoiding criminal charges. She remained close with her mother, Teresina, and maintained family ties throughout Al's imprisonment and later illness. Mafalda died in Florida in 1988 at the age of 76.
Overview Table: Al Capone’s Family Tree
The following table summarizes the nine children born to Gabriele Capone and Teresina Raiola:
| Birth Name | Birth & Death Years | Known Aliases / Names | Primary Role / Occupation | Organized Crime Connection Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Vincenzo Capone | 1888–1952 | Richard Joseph Hart, "Two-Gun Hart" | Federal Indian Agent, Town Marshal | None (Law Enforcement) |
| Raffaele Capone | 1894–1974 | Ralph "Bottles" Capone | Bottling Plant Manager, Vice Operator | High (Chicago Outfit Executive) |
| Salvatore Capone | 1895–1924 | Frank Capone | Enforcer, Syndicate Organizer | High (Chicago Outfit Enforcer) |
| Alphonse Gabriel Capone | 1899–1947 | Al Capone, "Scarface" | Head of Chicago Outfit | Extreme (Syndicate Leader) |
| Ermino Capone | 1901–1994 | John Capone, Mimi, John Martin | Laborer, Business Manager | Low to Moderate (Minor roles) |
| Umberto Capone | 1906–1980 | Albert John Gabriel, Albert Goff | Printing Industry Worker, Business Owner | Minimal (Primarily legitimate employment) |
| Matthew Nicholas Capone | 1908–1967 | Matt Capone | Tavern Owner (Pico Bar) | Moderate (Associate / Venue Operator) |
| Rose Capone | 1910–1912 | N/A | N/A | None (Died in Childhood) |
| Mafalda Capone | 1912–1988 | Mafalda Maritote | Homemaker | None (Insulated from operations) |
Family Loyalty and Syndicate Dynamics
The organizational structure of early 20th-century organized crime relied heavily on familial ties. Johnny Torrio and Al Capone built the Chicago Outfit around a core of trusted relatives and close associates from Brooklyn.
- SYNDICATE TRUST ARCHITECTURE
- FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Ralph "Bottles" Capone managed soft drink & beverage plants.
- Legitimate cash flow fronts shielded syndicate profits.
- PHYSICAL EXPANSION
- Frank Capone led entry into suburban Cicero.
- Enforcement & voter intimidation operations.
- FINANCIAL SECURITY
Why Al Placed Relatives in Key Positions
- Unquestioned Trust: In an era dominated by rival gang assassinations, betrayal from within was a constant threat. Placing blood relatives like Frank and Ralph in key leadership positions protected the core leadership against coups.
- Division of Labor: Al assigned roles matching his brothers' strengths. Frank managed physical expansion into suburbs like Cicero. Ralph oversaw bottling operations, soft drinks, and legal fronts, creating stable legal cash flow to shield syndicate operations.
- Financial Protection: The siblings managed wealth distribution across family-owned real estate holdings in Chicago, Miami, and Wisconsin, ensuring income streams remained intact even during periods of legal trouble.
Post-Capone Era: The Aftermath of Al's Downfall
Following Al Capone’s 1931 conviction for income tax evasion and his sentence to federal prison (including time at Alcatraz), the Capone family underwent a major transformation.
- 1931: Al Capone Convicted of Tax Evasion
- Public & Media Scrutiny Intensifies
- Siblings Change Names (Albert Goff, John Martin)
- Ralph Capone Retires to Wisconsin (Hospitality)
- Family Relocates Portions of Wealth to Florida
The intense public focus on the surname "Capone" made normal employment and public life difficult for the younger siblings and extended family. This burden led several brothers to adopt alternative surnames:
- Umberto became Albert Goff to secure employment in printing without constant media harassment.
- Ermino (John) used the surname Martin to conduct private business.
- James Vincenzo retained his identity as Richard Joseph Hart in Nebraska until his family history was exposed by journalists in the late 1940s.
When Al Capone was released from prison in 1939, suffering from late-stage neurosyphilis, his family rallied to protect him. His mother Teresina, his wife Mae, his sister Mafalda, and his brothers provided care at the family estate in Palm Island, Florida, until Al's death on January 25, 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many brothers and sisters did Al Capone have?
Al Capone had eight brothers and sisters. His five brothers were James Vincenzo (Richard Hart), Ralph ("Bottles"), Frank (Salvatore), Ermino (John), Umberto (Albert), and Matthew. His two sisters were Rose (who died as a toddler) and Mafalda.
Was one of Al Capone's brothers really a lawman?
Yes. James Vincenzo Capone left home around 1908, changed his name to Richard Joseph Hart, served in World War I, and became a federal Prohibition agent and town marshal in Nebraska. Known as "Two-Gun Hart," he actively raided illegal bootlegging operations while his brother Al led the Chicago Outfit.
What was Ralph Capone's role in the Chicago Outfit?
Ralph "Bottles" Capone served as a key executive for the Chicago Outfit. He managed soft drink bottling enterprises, which served as financial fronts and beverage sources for speakeasies. He also oversaw suburban vice networks and was named Chicago's "Public Enemy No. 3" in 1930.
Why did Al Capone's brothers change their names?
Following Al Capone's high-profile tax conviction in 1931, the surname "Capone" brought severe social stigma, police harassment, and business complications. Brothers Umberto and Ermino adopted aliases like Albert Goff and John Martin to live and work privately. James Vincenzo had already adopted the name Richard Joseph Hart decades earlier to forge a new identity in the West.
Did any of Al Capone's sisters participate in organized crime?
No. Rose Capone died in early childhood around 1912. Mafalda Capone, the youngest sibling, lived a quiet personal life outside of organized crime. She married John Maritote in 1930 and stayed away from syndicate operations throughout her life.
Historical Resources for Further Research
For researchers, historians, and true crime enthusiasts analyzing the Capone family and Prohibition-era organized crime, the following avenues offer primary source material:
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): Holds official federal court transcripts, Prohibition Bureau enforcement logs regarding Richard Joseph Hart, and federal tax evasion trial documents for Al and Ralph Capone.
- Chicago History Museum: Maintains photographic archives, local news reports, and municipal records detailing the 1924 Cicero municipal election and Frank Capone’s death.
- Nebraska State Historical Society: Features primary documentation, public law enforcement logs, and local media coverage detailing the law enforcement career of Richard Joseph Hart ("Two-Gun Hart").
