Federico Caggiati

Story

Federico Michaelo Medardo Caggiati was born 29th September 1936 in Vigheffio Parma Italy, to Emilio and Maria Caggiati; their 8th child. Growing up in Vigheffio in war years on a farm, times were hard as it was throughout Europe. Federico was forced to work hard early in life and at age 8 was already harnessing the horse and cart to take wood to town for his father\’s mill.

He was not academic at school due to so many disruptions of war and he missed many days. As a result it was recommended that he work with his father in the family timber sawmill and on the land until he came to Australia.

At Age 18 on November 1st 1954 Federico sailed from Genoa on ‘The Sydney\’ to Australia to join his sisters in Melbourne. His father had given him his passage to Australia, as there were so many favourable reports of it being the Lucky Country.

He arrived in Australia on November 24th1954 into Freemantle W.A. On landing, Australia looked desolate. He spent a day in Perth which was like a little country town before sailing onto Melbourne. Arriving in Melbourne he witnessed a sea of people waiting to see relatives on the ship. It was surreal, the excitement of so many people being reunited with loved ones, it was something Federico had never experienced. There were so many mixed feelings as to where he was after 30 days at sea and the fear of never returning home.

Here in Australia he started work at Dorf taps, travelling to work from his sister Elena Caruso’s house in Shaftsbury Street Coburg by train to Clayton. At Dorf, his work mates taught him to speak English often playing huge jokes on him. They would say, ‘When the boss asks you ‘How are you Fred?’ You say, ‘Mind your own bloody business!’ On weekends Federico had a second job and use to work as a chauffeur and gardener for Mrs. Cahill from Cahill textiles in Elwood.

About this time he met Fay Delaney at his brother in law\’s shoe shop in Raynard\’s St Coburg. They were married in December 1960 in East Coburg.

In the late 50\’s Federico worked for E and A Watts scaffolding and erecting steel. It was about the time of the Melbourne Olympics 1956. In 1959 he commenced work in building and construction. Fay and Ric, which Fay affectionately calls him, lived in Fawkner for the next 26 years. No time later Federico almost died with peritonitis from a ruptured appendix. Not long after in 1961 he became a dad to his first child- Nicolette.

In 1964 Federico became a true Aussie and was naturalised on February 24th. In about 1965 Federico purchased his first truck, and went to work for Albion Reid at Fowlers Quarry in Niddrie.

The next milestone came in 1966 with the arrival of his first son, David along with his own business Caggiati Holdings. Then in 1968 another son arrived, Jason and yes another truck.

In 1969 Federico went back home for the first time to show off his family. He stayed 6 months in Italy mainly with his parents in Vigheffio but also took Fay and the family touring around Italy.

In 1971 along came another son Emile and another truck. Federico was now building his trucking enterprise and employing a number of drivers

During the early 70\’s, 1971 to 1982 Federico became the President of the Italian Community in Fawkner. In 1972 he was also the president of the Aurora Social Club. He was known for his creativeness and skill at ‘Getting the job done\’.

The next few years were very unsettling as the family was thrown into chaos with illness and the death of their second child David in 1974. Fortunately in the following year 1975 a beautiful baby girl was born, Monique.

In 1975 he was asked to join the secret Catholic Men\’s Business Club, The Knights of the Southern Cross. Long lasting deep friendships were forged at this time with his fellow knights.

Over the years he could whip up a cubby, garage or BBQ and new gardens or a swimming pool would appear overnight. Not only does he have diesel in his veins but concrete too. With this wealth of experience he went on to open Somerset Garden Supplies.

In 1985 Federico and the family left the St Matthews parish, which they had been a part of since its conception in the early 60\’s and moved to Bulla onto their ‘Farm Change’.

In 1992 Federico became a grandfather for the first time and to date he has 2 grandsons and 7 grand daughters.

Federico retired in 2004 and when he\’s not busy being retired he helps out at his new parish in Riddell\’s creek and is also a committee member for the Reggio Emilia club.

He proudly flies both the Italian and Australian flag on his property.

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