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It wasnt easy growing up with the last name of the most notorious gangster in American history.
lated her into wedlock because he thought she was a ticket to improve his standing in the mob culture. Capone recalled him ruefully: He was a sociopath I thought he was all I deserved, because I was a Capone and I was being punished for that connection. Many relatives kept their history private, there was so much Deirdre Capone didnt know about her grand uncle, yet she felt that the public mythology was largely untrue. She decided to write a book based upon the familys knowledge and experience of her famous uncle. Some relatives resisted, asking her to leave the story alone. Others agreed to share their story on the condition that the book not be published until after their deaths. Capone kept that promise and the book wasnt published until 2010. Deirdre is the last living family member born with the Capone name, her book is titled; Uncle Al Capone: The Untold Story from Inside His Family. The challenges in Capones childhood were tough in a myriad of ways. After her grand uncles death, she suered abuse and neglect and her father committed suicide. But Capone will tell you she came from great stock, she survived her childhood, the disastrous rst marriage and breast cancer. Grateful for her survival, she joined the cancer support group, Bosom Buddies and organized a golf tournament raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. Asked how she dealt with the setbacks in her life, Capone replied: I spread my wings. Ive got strong wings. Her journey to emotional health started in the sixties when she began to study brain function and the mind-body connection. Today, Deirdre Capone is a grandmother and has been married to a wonderful guy for over forty years. You can visit Capones website, buy the book and nd out about her upcoming book signings at www.unclealcapone. com/events.htm

Al and Deirdre Capone 1946

By Matt Kramer

Al CApone died on his grand nieces seventh birthday. Her memories of him are only of a fatherly man who was kind and protective of his family. She didnt use the family name in school; instead she was registered as Deirdre Gabriel. When she had her rst communion, tradition was followed and her legal name was announced in the local newspaper. Not many girls named Deirdre were in her school and thats all it took for someone to figure out that she was a Capone. After the news broke, children were told to stay away from her, no one came to her birthday parties, no one would play with her. The target of derision, insults and cruel tricks, Capone didnt have a friend again until she was in the sixth grade. The Capone name sabotaged her in other ways too. At nineteen she was hired as a secretary; she loved the job and worked hard to improve her skills. After six months, when she qualied for health insurance, the paperwork required her to disclose her legal name. Her boss called her into his oce and asked if she was related to Al Capone. Having no choice but to tell the truth, Deirdre was red on the spot. The Capone name also factored into her rst marriage; that husband manipu-

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