WATCH: Long Islander's New Book Relives Tragic Story About His Family

WANTAGH, NY — The latest venture for a veteran of show business, who has appeared in movies including "Prizzi's Honor," is a book of a personal nature.

Lou Mastantuono, who resides in Wantagh and grew up in the Five Towns, is dusting off a story that made worldwide headlines in 1946.

"Eternally Rose" tells the true story of Johnny and Rose, who were inseparable before he was called to serve in World War II. Undeterred, when Johnny came home, the couple began their plans for matrimony.

However, a tragic blow would ensue, not on the battlefield, but on their wedding day, when Rose collapsed while walking down the aisle and died.

Mastantuono's father was the groom-to-be.

"It changed the course of history for me. I'm here," Mastantuono, a guest on Wednesday's "Patch AM," said.

He said the book is a mystery, love story and "it's about father and son."

The book became cathartic for the Long Islander.

"It was something that lived with through my life," Mastantuono, 71, admitted.

Watch the full "Patch AM" interview below.