When most people hear the name Capone, they immediately think of Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster of the 1920s. Yet behind the headlines and newspaper stories was a family with its own history, rooted in ordinary beginnings. At the center of this story was Teresa Capone, mother of Al Capone, whose life tells us about family, resilience, and the immigrant experience in America. In this post for nexlyblogs, we’ll explore her life, her family, and her legacy in a clear and fact-based way.
Teresa Capone – Profile Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Teresina Raiola Capone |
| Also Known As | Teresa Capone |
| Birth Date | December 28, 1867 |
| Birth Place | Angri, Salerno, Italy |
| Death Date | November 29, 1952 |
| Death Place | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Age at Death | 84 years |
| Nationality | Italian-American |
| Parents | Raffaele Raiola (father), Carolina Alfani (mother) |
| Spouse | Gabriele Francesco Saverio Capone |
| Marriage Year | 1891 |
| Children | 9 children including Alphonse “Al” Capone, James Vincenzo Capone, Raffaele “Ralph” Capone, Salvatore “Frank” Capone, and others |
| Occupation | Homemaker, seamstress |
| Residence | Brooklyn, New York; later Chicago, Illinois |
| Known For | Mother of Al Capone; matriarch of the Capone family |
| Grandchildren | Teresa, Barbara, Veronica, and Patricia (Al Capone’s descendants) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly documented |
| Legacy | Influenced Capone family upbringing and maintained family traditions; part of the Italian-American immigrant story |
Early Life: Teresa Capone’s Beginnings
Teresa Capone was born as Teresina Raiola on December 28, 1867, in a small Italian town called Angri, located in the province of Salerno in southern Italy. She was the daughter of Raffaele Raiola and Carolina Alfani, an ordinary Italian family living in a rural area where life was defined by work, community, and tradition. Growing up, Teresa learned domestic skills like sewing and garment work, which were typical for girls in her social class and would later help her contribute to her family in meaningful ways.
Her early life in Italy was marked by simplicity but also by challenges common in that era. Families often had to work hard to make ends meet, and children learned the value of responsibility and diligence at a very young age. For Teresa, these formative experiences would shape her role as a mother and homemaker in the years to come.
Immigration and Family Life in America
In 1891, Teresa married Gabriele Francesco Saverio Capone, a barber, in Italy. Shortly after their marriage, the couple emigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities, like many Italian immigrants of that time. They settled in Brooklyn, New York, a neighborhood bustling with immigrant families.
Gabriele worked hard as a barber, while Teresa balanced household responsibilities with sewing work to help support the family. Together, they navigated the challenges of a new country while raising children in a tight-knit immigrant community. Life was not easy, but it was full of purpose, and Teresa’s contributions kept the household running smoothly.
Teresa Capone’s Age and Later Years
Teresa lived a long life, passing away on November 29, 1952, at the age of 84. She spent her final years in Chicago, Illinois, where she moved to be closer to her children, including her son Al. Despite the public notoriety of some of her children, Teresa lived mostly a private life, focusing on family rather than fame. She was laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Illinois, leaving behind a legacy rooted in family and care.
While people often search for Teresa Capone’s net worth, it is important to understand that she was not a public figure and did not accumulate wealth independently. Her life was defined by family responsibilities and hard work, and any financial prominence associated with the Capone name came from her children, particularly Al, rather than from Teresa herself.
Family and Relations: Teresa Capone’s Children
Teresa and Gabriele Capone had nine children. Each child had a unique life path, reflecting the diversity of choices within a single family. Their children included:
- James Vincenzo Capone, later known as Richard James Hart, who became a law enforcement officer and distanced himself from the family’s criminal reputation.
- Raffaele “Ralph” Capone, who managed family business operations and remained involved in legitimate activities.
- Salvatore “Frank” Capone, who died young during a police confrontation.
- Alphonse “Al” Capone, the most famous of Teresa’s children, whose life became legendary.
- Erminio “John” Capone and Albert “Umberto” Capone, who led quieter lives, largely out of the public spotlight.
- Amadeo Nicholas Capone and Mafalda Capone, who also lived privately.
- One daughter, who passed away in infancy.
Teresa’s father, Raffaele Raiola, remained an important figure in her early life in Italy, and her Italian roots greatly influenced the family’s values and identity. While her children took very different paths — some into the public eye and others into privacy — Teresa’s guidance as a mother and her commitment to family remained a constant in their lives.
Teresa Capone and Barbara Capone: The Next Generation
It’s important to distinguish Teresa Capone, the matriarch born in 1867, from later family members who share her name. Al Capone, Teresa’s son, married Mae Josephine Coughlin, and they had a son named Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone. Sonny Capone then had four daughters: Veronica, Teresa, Barbara, and Patricia.
When people search for “Teresa Capone and Barbara Capone,” they are usually referring to this later generation of grandchildren. These granddaughters were raised mostly out of the public spotlight, in contrast to their grandfather’s infamous life. They represent the Capone family legacy in a quieter, more private way, showing how family influence and heritage can ripple across generations without drawing public attention.
Even though these grandchildren carry the Capone name, their lives have largely been shaped by the desire for privacy and normalcy rather than notoriety. In a sense, they reflect the softer, more human side of a family otherwise associated with dramatic history.
Legacy and What We Know About Teresa Capone
Because Teresa lived before modern media coverage, there are limits to what can be verified about her life. However, the following are well-established:
- She was born in Italy in 1867 and later moved to the United States.
- She married Gabriele Capone and had nine children, including Al Capone.
- She lived until the age of 84 and spent her later years in Chicago.
- She maintained her family life and influenced her children’s upbringing.
There is no verified information about her personal wealth or public activities beyond the household and family management. Unlike her son Al, Teresa did not seek the public eye, which makes her a figure best understood through her role as a mother and matriarch.
Conclusion
Teresa Capone’s story is a reminder that family history often includes extraordinary figures whose legacies are shaped not just by fame or fortune, but by daily life, dedication, and care. Born into modest circumstances in Italy, she immigrated to the United States, raised a large family, and lived long enough to see her children and grandchildren take diverse paths.
Her life reflects the immigrant experience, the challenges of raising children in a new country, and the quiet yet powerful influence of a mother on her family. While her name may not appear in the headlines, Teresa Capone’s legacy endures through her children and grandchildren, showing how ordinary beginnings can create connections to history that last for generations. For readers of nexlyblogs, Teresa’s life offers both a human story and a window into how family and heritage shape identity over time.
FAQs About Teresa Capone
1. Who was Teresa Capone?
Teresa Capone, born Teresina Raiola in 1867 in Italy, was the mother of the infamous gangster Al Capone. She was a homemaker and seamstress who raised nine children and played a central role in the Capone family.
2. When and where was Teresa Capone born?
She was born on December 28, 1867, in Angri, Salerno, Italy.
3. When did Teresa Capone die?
Teresa passed away on November 29, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, at the age of 84.
4. Who were Teresa Capone’s parents?
Her parents were Raffaele Raiola and Carolina Alfani, ordinary Italian citizens who lived in southern Italy.
5. Who did Teresa Capone marry?
She married Gabriele Francesco Saverio Capone in 1891. He worked as a barber, and together they immigrated to the United States.
6. How many children did Teresa Capone have?
Teresa had nine children, including the famous Alphonse “Al” Capone. Other children include James Vincenzo Capone, Raffaele “Ralph” Capone, and Salvatore “Frank” Capone.
7. Did Teresa Capone have a net worth?
There is no documented record of her personal net worth. Teresa lived a private life, focused on raising her family, while any financial prominence in the family was linked to her children.
8. What is Teresa Capone’s connection to Barbara Capone?
Barbara Capone is one of Teresa’s grandchildren, the daughter of Al Capone’s son Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone. Teresa, the matriarch, was the grandmother of Barbara, Veronica, and other descendants.
9. Where did Teresa Capone live in the United States?
After immigrating from Italy, Teresa and her husband lived in Brooklyn, New York, before later moving to Chicago, Illinois to be closer to her children.
10. What was Teresa Capone’s legacy?
Teresa Capone is remembered as the matriarch of the Capone family. She raised nine children, influenced family values, and maintained Italian-American traditions while living a life of hard work and care.