Sonny married Mary Whitake in Febuary 1986. They were married until Sonny's death on January 5, 1998. He left two children from the marriage to Mary, Chesare Elan and Chianna Maria.
Sonny: (Bono told the Washington Press Club Foundation shortly after taking office in January 1995). The last thing in the world I thought I would be is a U.S. congressman, given all the bobcat vests and Eskimo boots I used to wear.