By paNOW

Al Capone’s family searches for truth behind Moose Jaw connection

Aug 26, 2013 | 3:03 AM

Al Capone famously remarked, “I don’t even know what street Canada is on,” but his grandniece Deirdre doesn’t think that’s true.

Deirdre Capone is in Saskatchewan this week for the filming of Finding Al, a documentary about the connection one of the world’s most notorious gangsters has with the province.

“Al Capone would bring the Joe Kennedys of the world up to… Canada. He would be the deal-maker. So he would love Canada, of course he would be up there,” she said.

Deirdre is one of many writers to look into Al Capone’s life but unlike other “gangsterologists,” as she calls them, she has extra motivation to get the facts straight. Her grandfather was Ralph Capone, once named Public Enemy No. 3 by the Chicago Crime Commission. Bruce’s brother and partner Al was Public Enemy No. 1.

“My grandfather said that, really, Al loved the limelight. He loved all the goings-on and all the attention. My grandfather did not,” she recalled.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

20h ago

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

“[Al Capone] really ran a good business. He provided his customers with top-quality alcohol… People loved him. He had kind of a Robin Hood image.”

But being related to a famous criminal hasn’t been easy for Capone’s family. Deirdre claims she is the last living relative to still carry the Capone name. After Al Capone was transferred to Alcatraz prison in 1934 the association with his name destroyed their family. She compares that to today, when there are rappers that happily carry that name.

“I am now in charge of the Capone family… Whatever relatives I still have out there have given me carte blanche to represent the family in the way that I’m doing,” Deirdre said. A follow-up to her book, Uncle Al Capone: The Untold Story From Inside His Family, is in the works.

“I can’t change any perceptions; I’m not out there to try. All I want is to get the truth out there,” she said.

Deirdre Capone will be in Saskatchewan until August 29.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow