January 24, 2014
Capone, Alfred R., Jr. “Al”
Alfred “Al” R. Capone Jr, lifelong part of the Dedham community at peace on Jan 22 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Dedham, Al is an institution in town and was a lifelong resident. He grew up in the family business as a youngster, and after serving time in the Navy returned to build the business. He owned and operated Al’s Auto and Towing for over half a century; this being his lifelong love and devotion. He habitually worked over 14 hours every day for many years, from way before the crack of dawn to after nightfall. His unparalleled dedication to the business was exhibited in responding to calls for assistance 24/7 for 365 days a year. A reliable and trusted auto mechanic who knew people by not only their name but vehicle make and model too, his detailed mental file of automobiles was astonishing. His ramp and tow trucks were trusted “associates” and were rewarded to wash and wax jobs by his hands every weekend. His precision navigating of these vehicles in and out of tight spots exemplified his driving talents. He zealously kept all his vehicles in superlative condition inside and out. In addition to his renowned mechanical expertise he relished a snowstorm so he could plow, and quietly was very generous to those in need. Well known and respected in the community for decades, he would join his Dedham pals since childhood daily to meet and chat.
He is the son of the late Alfred R., Sr. and Carmella (Paduano) Capone.Husband of Nancy Capone (Foley) ;dear brother of Patricia Sweeney. Loving father of Nancy Capone-Palermo and her husband Wayne, and the late Lisa Marie Capone. Cherished Papa of Mark Henry III and Anthony (AJ) Palermo. Adored Uncle of Lynn, Bob, and Erin Foley, and Karen McGilly. Trusted confidant and employee of many years David Minken; and many longtime friends and patrons.
Visiting Hours Sunday January 26 from 2-7pm at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St Dedham, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Monday January 27 at 10AM and proceed to St Mary’s church at 420 High St in Dedham for a Mass of Christian burial at 11AM. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham. In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284
Comments(27)
We will miss Al terribly. He was a very special person to all of us especially to my mother Ann. Rest in peace Al. We love you.
My heart goes out to the Capone Family during their time of sorrow. Al you will be missed my friend.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Al is the one person I’ve looked up to the most. Sorry to see you go Al. I’ll miss you.
Al, you might have been small but you had the heart of a giant. I will always remember that little half smirk you had. You always greeted me with a kind word and a pat on the back. Gerry, Danielle, myself and Josie all send our deepest sympathy to your family and your staff, Cheryl
Al, you will be sorely missed. You were one of a kind, they lost the mold after you. You were there whenever you could be of help. Say hello to Harry you were his friend.
Al, you were a kind man and treated all as a friend. Caroline and I will miss you. We offer our deepest sympathies to your family.
Like many with E Dedham roots, my Uncle Jim Flanagan turned me on to Als auto in 1969. You immediately learned that Al was a man of great integrity and skilled in his craft. Al became a trusted friend and a part of the life routine of so many of us. When I became Chief of Police in 1988, Al was the obvious choice to service and maintain our fleet of vehicles. This meant I had to find a new mechanic for my own vehicle, but I returned to Al upon my retirement. Again like many, the courage and resiliency shown by Al over recent years should serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.
Dennis J. Teehan
Dedham Chief of Police ( Retired )
Al, my dear friend, I will miss you like crazy. You helped me through some very tough times and looked after me and my children like a papa bear, something I will never forget. Sending my love to your family from mine.
Love, Dede
I have known Al all my life. He was like a brother to me. I will miss our daily chats over coffee at your shop. My friend, my brother I will miss you dearly. My deepest sympathy and love goes out to your family. Love, Joe
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES NANCY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW THE STRUGGLES YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH MAY GOD BLESS AND AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS HARD TIME MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY♥♥
How do you finally say goodbye to a person you expect to be there forever? You have known us ( the Gardiners) since we were in our teens. You were Best man in Donnies wedding, got us over the humps with our first cars ( and the cars that followed).
We will miss your dedication to your profession and your loyalty to your friends.
Our minds may say you’ve gone, but you will be in our hearts forever.
May your family know that their sorrow is shared by many.
Al,
I know over the 30 years we have done business together,the countless people you have rescued at all hours of the night,you have made many friends.You will truly be missed by me and all at Dalzell.My sincerest sympathy goes out to your family.Say hello to uncle Dave when you get to heaven for us.David Dalzell
Al was a wonderful, honest, kind and friendly man. He always would come up with a reason to leave “Al’s” smiling. You always felt comfortable going into Al’s. My family and I have known him and used his services for years. Our deepest sympathy to his family, he will surely be missed. God Bless Al.
Deepest sympathy to the Capone family…I’ve had the real pleasure of dealing with Al for over 25 years….
So very sorry for your loss…..
Al you were more than a boss to me, You help to shape me in my career, and as a man. Best wishes to your family as god welcomes you in to his.
Al was so good to me over the years, whenever I had a problem with my car, he was right there. He was generous, kind and thoughtful, a dear sweet man, and I will miss him. So sorry for your loss. . .
Joanne Hopkins
Nancy and family — my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To all of Al’s family, friends, and fellow customers, condolences. I’m so glad I knew him. A gem of a mechanic, a gem of a man.
My deepest sympathy to Nancy and her family . Al was an amazing and wonderful man. I will always cherish the talks we had. Such a wise man he always had genuine advice to share with me. I’ll never forget the help he gave me with my father’s passing. The world lost a true gentlemen . Nancy I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Al was a great guy and a wonderful friend
With deepest sympathy to the family of Al Capone. He was a wonderful man and a great mechanic. Always there when you needed him. He took great care with my parents in the past, Alice and Arthur Clark. Thank you Al.
I just heard, my deepest sympathy to everyone in the Capone Family. Al you will be missed, rest in peace. Linda
Dear Nancy and family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May Al rest in peace.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you,
Bruce and Dottie Fagan
Dear Nancy and family,
I just learned of Al’s death on my computer. He was a good friend over the years
and though I have not seen him for several years I appreciated his friendship.
Don Folsom
From knowing “Al” from an early age I always respected him as a very hard working man.When asked Al take a vacation his answer was always “they are overrated”.He enjoyed his work unlike most people can say.He made me think harder about my life,You will be surely missed.
I am very humbled and saddened to one of the nicest men I have ever met.Al will always be rememberd by me and many, many others. He was my Loyal friend, customer for many years. My heart goes out to his entire family.With the will of Jesus Christ, may he find everlasting peace.
Dick Upton Friend, C0-Owner Dedham Wholesale Tire Corp
My deepest sympathy to Nancy and family. A week after Al had passed away was when I heard of your passing. You were my mechanic and friend for almost 40 years. I would never take my car to anyone else because you were honest and always there when I needed help. You showed me much kindness when I was in need and a little short on funds. You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend.