Al Capone's Secret Struggle: The Untold Story Of His Battle With Syphilis
Al Capone wasn’t just the infamous gangster and boss of the Chicago Outfit; he was also a man grappling with a devastating disease. Rising to power during the Prohibition era, Capone ruled the underworld from 1925 to 1931. But behind the scenes, his life was marred by a silent enemy—syphilis. This chronic illness, contracted in his younger years, would eventually claim his health, his mind, and ultimately his life. So, how exactly did Al Capone get syphilis, and what role did it play in his dramatic downfall?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Al Capone is a name that echoes through history as one of the most notorious American gangsters of the 20th century. During his time at Alcatraz in the early 1930s, doctors diagnosed him with syphilis, a disease that would later ravage his body and mind. The infection progressed unchecked, leading to severe neurological damage, dementia, and eventually, his tragic demise. Let’s dive deeper into the circumstances surrounding Al Capone's battle with this insidious disease and the toll it took on his life.
Al Capone’s Profile Summary
| Full Name | Alphonse Gabriel Capone |
| Nicknames | Big Al, King Alphonse, Scarface, Snorky, The Big Fella |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1899 |
| Date of Death | January 25, 1947 |
| Place of Death | Miami Beach, Florida, United States |
| Age at Death | 48 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Mother | Teresa Capone |
| Father | Gabriele Capone |
| Siblings | Richard James Hart, Ralph, Frank |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Mary Josephine Coughlin |
| Children | Albert Francis |
| Profession | Gangster, Businessman |
Who Was Al Capone?
Born into a family of Italian immigrants, Alphonse Gabriel Capone entered the world on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the fourth of nine children, growing up in a bustling neighborhood filled with both opportunity and danger. As a young boy, Al’s environment shaped him in ways that would later define his life. His early exposure to street crime led him down a dark path, one that saw him joining local gangs and eventually the infamous Five Points Gang.
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By the time he was a teenager, Al had already carved out a reputation for himself in the underworld. Working as a bouncer in brothels and other organized crime establishments, he quickly rose through the ranks. It wasn’t long before he became the leader of the Chicago Outfit, a powerful crime syndicate that thrived during the Prohibition era. However, his reign was cut short when he was sent to prison at just 33 years old.
In a 2002 interview with 60 Minutes, Joe Bonanno, one of Capone’s accomplices, spoke fondly of the man behind the legend. "Al Capone was a very jolly guy," Bonanno recalled. "I liked him. His character was very approachable, and he had a way of handling himself that made people respect him." Despite his violent lifestyle, Capone was known for his charm and charisma, traits that helped him navigate the dangerous world of organized crime.
How Did Al Capone Get Syphilis?
The story of how Al Capone contracted syphilis is as intriguing as the man himself. Reports suggest that Capone first encountered the disease while working as a bouncer in a Chicago brothel. During the 1920s, syphilis was a widespread problem, and its transmission was often linked to risky behavior in environments like the ones Capone frequented. According to Men’s Health, Capone was officially diagnosed with syphilis during his 11-year prison sentence for tax evasion. At the time, he was also suffering from gonorrhea and experiencing symptoms of drug withdrawal.
As the years went by, Capone's condition worsened. By 1938, he received a formal diagnosis of neurosyphilis, the advanced stage of the disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. During his time at Terminal Island Prison, Capone spent much of his days in the hospital wing, battling the debilitating effects of the illness. The once-feared crime boss was now a shadow of his former self, weakened by a disease that had taken root in his body years earlier.
How Did Al Capone Die?
Capone’s health continued to deteriorate after his release from prison on November 16, 1939. Seeking treatment for syphilis paresis, he was turned away by Johns Hopkins Hospital due to his infamous reputation. However, Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore agreed to take him in. After several weeks of inpatient and outpatient care, Capone returned to his mansion in Palm Island, Florida, hoping to recover in the comfort of his home.
But fate had other plans. On January 21, 1947, Capone suffered a stroke, leaving him unconscious but showing signs of improvement. Unfortunately, his recovery was short-lived. He soon developed bronchopneumonia, a complication that further weakened his already fragile body. The next day, Capone experienced another stroke, and despite surviving it initially, his health rapidly declined. On January 25, 1947, the legendary gangster passed away at the age of 48, succumbing to cardiac arrest brought on by his second stroke and complications from bronchopneumonia.
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Al Capone’s Autopsy
Following Capone’s death, an autopsy was conducted to confirm the cause of his passing. The examination revealed that Capone had indeed died from cardiac arrest, a result of complications stemming from his final stroke and bronchopneumonia. Additionally, the autopsy confirmed the devastating impact of syphilis on his brain, highlighting the severe damage the disease had inflicted over the years.
