Did I Ever Tell You That Story?

A Collection of Stories by Richard Caccese

Did I Ever Tell You That Story is a heartfelt Italian-American memoir that captures nearly a century of family history, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Richard Caccese grew up in a tight-knit Italian immigrant family on Staten Island, New York, during the 1930s. Raised during the Great Depression by parents who carried Old World traditions from Naples, Italy, he came of age during World War II. His life and that of his family reflect the perseverance, values, and enduring love that define Italian-Americans.

Now 92 years old and the last living member of his siblings, Richard is a keeper of stories that might otherwise be lost. He has always loved gathering around the table—where Italian families do their best remembering—to share tales of hard work, sacrifice, love, and the best-laid plans gone awry. His memories stretch from the immigrant streets of early 20th-century New York to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and into the present day.

This book is the result of a year-long series of conversations between Richard and his eldest daughter, Meredith Caccese McConvill. He is the storyteller; she is the writer. Together, they preserve a living voice and a family legacy rooted in Italian heritage, food, and family.

Did I Ever Tell You That Story is a tribute to Italian immigrants, Italian-American family life, and the power of storytelling to keep history alive—one memory at a time.