Obituary: Michael A. "Pee Wee" Caruso - Class of 1951

FITCHBURG [Wisconsin] - Michael A. "Pee Wee" Caruso, age 69, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2002, at St. Marys Hospital. Michael was born in Madison on June 17, 1933, to Jim and Caroline (Messina) Caruso. He was raised in the "Bush" where he worked in his parents White Front Grocery Store. He was a member of the 1948 junior touch football league city championship team and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951, where he was a standout athlete and an all-city baseball player. In 1952, Michael was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Quartermaster Companies, 43rd Infantry Division, in Augsburg, Germany. Upon his return to Madison from Germany, Michael worked various jobs and assisted his parents at the grocery store. He finally accepted a position with the Madison School District at LaFollette High School, where he worked until his retirement. He was an avid golfer, loved jazz music and was an accomplished saxophone player. He will be deeply missed and is lovingly survived by his son, Vincent (Nancy) Caruso; a daughter, Maria (Tim) Cooper; a brother, Al (Carrie) Caruso of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Annette "Toots" Caruso; his former wife, Francesca; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Carly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2002, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court. The Rev. Douglas Dushack will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations in Michael's name may be made to St. James Catholic School. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, clergy and other caregivers at Dean Clinic, St. Marys Hospital, Sylvan Crossing and Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their love, support, comfort, prayers and excellent professional care of Michael. "He had a unique way of loving his family and friends." Cress Funeral Service Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 26, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)