Rafaele Fierro was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Italian immigrants. He went to Bulkeley High School in Hartford, got his B.A. from Trinity College in 1992 and his doctorate in immigration history from the University of Connecticut in 2000. He was inspired to to teach history while at Trinity by Professor Jack Chatfield. Rafaele is Associate professor of history and political science at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, Connecticut. He also adjuncts at the University of Hartford. Rafaele has written numerous articles for the Encyclopedia of Connecticut History Online (ECHO). He resides in Wethersfield, Connecticut with his wife and three children.