PBS Documentary Italian Americans of New York and New Jersey Includes Interview With Bishop Frank J. Caggiano ’77

Bridgeport Bishop Frank J. Caggiano ’77 was among those interviewed for a PBS special documentary titled Italian Americans of New York and New Jersey. The series, hosted by Maria Bartiromo, was developed as a two-part four-hour documentary on the Italian experience in America.

Caggiano is a Brooklyn, NY native and a lifelong resident until his 2013 installation as Bishop of Bridgeport. Caggiano’s parents came to America in 1958 from the town of Caggiano in the province of Salerno, Italy. The son of a longshoreman and the second of two children, Caggiano was born in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn on Easter Sunday March 29, 1959. He grew up in Saints Simon and Jude Church and attended the parish’s grammar school. After graduating from Regis in 1977, Caggiano attended Yale, and soon entered the seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood in May 1987.

Other notable New Yorkers interviewed for the documentary include former Governor Mario Cuomo, former Senator Al Damato, and Mayor Bill deBlasio.

Below: Part 1 of the PBS special Italian Americans of New York and News Jersey is available for viewing online.