When we think of the name “Capone,” the notorious gangster Al Capone immediately comes to mind. But few know the story of Diana Ruth Casey, who was married to Al Capone’s son, Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone.

In this post, we’ll explore the life of Diana Ruth Casey and her connection to one of America’s most infamous crime families.

Who Is Diana Ruth Casey? 

Diana Ruth Casey was born in 1919 in Tennessee. She lived a relatively quiet life until she crossed paths with Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone, the son of the infamous gangster Al Capone. Diana and Sonny tied the knot on December 30, 1941, in a ceremony in Miami Beach, Florida, when Diana was 22 years old. 

Little is known about Diana’s early life before her marriage to Sonny. Records show she was born and raised in Tennessee, but details about her family, education, and upbringing are scarce. What we do know is that her life took a dramatic turn when she became Mrs. Albert Francis Capone.

Early Life and Background

As mentioned, details about Diana Ruth Casey’s early life are limited. She was born in 1919 in the state of Tennessee. Beyond her birth year and state, public records reveal little about her childhood, family life, or education. 

It’s unclear how or when exactly Diana first met Sonny Capone. By the time they married in 1941, Sonny was in his early 20s and had already begun to follow in his father’s criminal footsteps. Despite his notorious family background, Diana chose to marry into the Capone clan.

Marriage to Albert Francis Capone

On December 30, 1941, Diana Ruth Casey and Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone were wed in Miami Beach, Florida. She was 22 years old at the time. The marriage thrust young Diana into the spotlight due to her new husband’s infamous last name.

As the daughter-in-law of Al Capone, Diana was now tied to one of the most notorious crime families in American history. Despite the scrutiny and stigma that came with the Capone name, Diana and Sonny’s marriage lasted over 20 years. During that time, the couple welcomed four daughters.

Who Is Her Husband Albert Francis Capone? 

Albert Francis Capone, better known as “Sonny,” was born on December 4, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. As the son of the infamous Al Capone, Sonny grew up in the shadow of his father’s criminal empire. 

Sonny himself became involved in organized crime from a young age. He was arrested multiple times over the years for various crimes. By the time he married Diana Casey in 1941, Sonny had already begun to establish his own reputation in the underworld.

Despite his brushes with the law, Sonny tried to shield his wife and daughters from his criminal activities. He reportedly had a soft spot for his family. But like his father, Sonny couldn’t escape the criminal lifestyle and the legal consequences that came with it.

Diana Ruth’s Children

During their marriage, Diana and Sonny Capone had four daughters together: Veronica, Teresa, Barbara, and Patricia. The girls were born between the 1940s and 1950s.

Raising four children is challenging for any mother, but it was likely especially difficult for Diana given her husband’s criminal activities and frequent run-ins with the law. Despite the struggles, Diana seemed determined to give her girls a stable upbringing.

In interviews, Diana and Sonny’s daughters have described their mother as a devoted parent who tried to maintain a sense of normalcy despite their father’s notoriety. They’ve shared fond memories of their mother and expressed admiration for her resilience.

Divorce and Separation 

After more than 20 years of marriage, Diana and Sonny divorced in July 1964. The reasons for their split are unclear. However, Sonny’s criminal lifestyle and legal troubles likely put a significant strain on the marriage.

Following the divorce, Diana largely retreated from the public eye. She moved away from Miami and focused on raising her daughters as a single mother. Meanwhile, Sonny continued his involvement in organized crime and faced several more arrests and convictions.

Later Years and Death

In her later years, Diana Ruth Casey lived a quiet life out of the spotlight. She eventually settled in Santa Clara, California, where she passed away in 1989 at the age of 70.

Diana’s death went largely unnoticed by the media, a stark contrast to the scrutiny she faced during her marriage to Sonny Capone. In the end, Diana was able to separate herself from the Capone legacy and live out her final years in peace.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

While Diana Ruth Casey’s name may not be as well-known as her famous father-in-law’s, her story is a fascinating chapter in the Capone family history. As the wife of Al Capone’s only son, Diana had a front-row seat to one of the most notorious crime families in America.

Despite the challenges she faced, Diana managed to build a life for herself and her daughters. She navigated the difficulties of being married to a man with ties to the criminal underworld, and she persevered through a public divorce.

Diana’s lasting legacy is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every famous name, there are real people with their own struggles and triumphs. While the Capone name may be synonymous with crime and notoriety, Diana Ruth Casey’s life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Conclusion

Diana Ruth Casey, a woman born into ordinary circumstances, found herself connected to one of the most infamous families in American history. Despite the challenges and public scrutiny, she lived her life with dignity and grace. Her story serves as a reminder that behind the headlines and sensational stories, there are real people, living real lives.