Obituary: John J. Caruso - Class of 1942

SUN PRAIRIE - John J. Caruso, age 78, died on Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at Manor Care Nursing Home, after an extended illness. He was born in Madison on October 4, 1922, the son of John and Rose Caruso. John was raised near the Greenbush, attending school at St. Joseph's and graduating from Madison Central High School in 1942. After serving in the Philippines in World War II, John began a career in construction, working as a foreman for many years with H.A. Sylvester, and later with Anthony Grignano. In 1956, he married June Irene Schaller, who preceded him in death in 1983. In 1966, John began his second career in facilities management with General Telephone, moving to Sun Prairie in 1969. John was a familiar face at GTE, where his role afforded him daily contact with employees at all levels in the company. He retired in 1984. John was a master carpenter, known for his diligence and workmanship. He took great pride in his work. When he did something, he did it right. He had a great sense of humor and a knack for storytelling. In the Italian tradition, he was an avid gardener. He was a member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. John was a loving husband and father. He is survived by two daughters, Gina (Peter) Hill of Sun Prairie, and Janet (Steven) Nelson of Blanchardville; a son, John (Suzanne) of Sun Prairie; his loving grandchildren, Steven and Tracy Hill, and Lauren and Lindsay Caruso; and his special nephew, Jack (Cheryl) Parrino, who frequently visited him and spent time reminiscing with him. He is further survived by a brother, Louis of Oregon; nephews, nieces, and many special friends. In addition to his loving wife, June, he was preceded in death by his parents; his dear sister, Mary (Caruso) Parrino; and his brother, Robert. The family and John would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs at Homestead Living in Sun Prairie and Manor Care. They provided excellent care for his special needs. John's family would also like to thank his friends and neighbors, especially Erv and Virginia Mahuta, for their care and concern during his last years at home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2001, with Father Michael Richel presiding. Burial will be at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. Friends may call at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2001, with a Scripture service at 4:45 p.m. Friends may also call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. Grandpa, you were always there for us. We wish you were here and as healthy as you used to be. You always helped us work hard and do our best. We will miss you and always love you. Lauren and Lindsay


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 30, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)