Raffaele Coscarelli, born October 1, 1950, in the small town of Rose, Cosenza, Italy, has lived the life of a man whose story needs to be shared. Born to a veteran of World War II who witnessed the Nazi’s atrocities firsthand, Raffaele lived his early years subject to an untenable post-war life in which both the land and economy were barren. Raffaele’s father, imagining no real future in Italy, made the courageous decision to uproot the family to a new continent.

In his memoir, Raffaele recounts his youthful exploits in Buenos Aires and his aptitude for working with his hands. Emigrating to the United States at the age of nineteen, Raffaele applied his mechanical skills, personal charm, and impressive work ethic to launch his career, first as a business owner, and then as a mechanic specializing in massive trucks. A valued and indispensable expert, Raffaele helped his employers’ businesses expand exponentially.

Meanwhile, Raffaele established himself as a family man, falling in love with Emilia and together raising their daughter Vanessa. Today, he enjoys spending time with his family, in particular his grandson Calvin.