Mr. James E. "Jimmy" Caruso

UTICA - Mr. James E. “Jimmy” Caruso, age 73, remarkably lived with dignity and grace as he fought the good fight against Advanced T Cell Lymphoma Cancer, until he passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 amid a continual vigil of his loved ones through the entirety of his journey. At the moment of his crossing over, his wife was at his side. Born in Utica on May 15, 1949, James was the son of the late Philip A. and Natalie M. (Delli Colli) Caruso. His childhood home on Eleanor Place was where it all began, where he forged his childhood friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. He attended T.R. Proctor Jr./Sr. High School where he graduated with the Class of 1967. He enrolled in Herkimer County Community College (HCCC), followed by Utica College of Syracuse University. But Jimmy was not a man who found school to his liking. He was a self-taught botanist, well-versed in nature, following in the same steps and skills that were cultivated by his grandfather, Nicandro Caruso, who Jimmy just admired; the two shared their passions in this avocation and adventures. Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army in 1970 stationed at the Reserve Center as a member of the 107th Military Police. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard as well. On June 12, 1976 he married the former Delores Zasa. Jimmy always made his “Delor” feel safe, and he guarded her with all his heart. Jimmy enjoyed his job as a Plant Supervisor at the Oneida County Water & Sewage Facility where he was responsible for the portion of the final disposal of the operation. He began this career in 1972, and retired in 2010. Jimmy was a true craftsman who could repair, refinish, refurbish, disassemble, and reassemble anything, often with great patience, until he could re-invent it, utilizing talents he learned from his grandfather, father, and his father-in-law. Everything he did was accomplished with love and pride, and that’s what he would want to be remembered for. Jimmy was grounded by his family, parents, elders, siblings, and Delores and their children and especially grandchildren. Parenting and grandparenting was very important to him. His home was open, and he was a force in the lives of his family. His strong constitution and moral codes were intense, and although he set enormous expectations for himself, he never imposed upon others. He was a Mason in good standing and a member of the Amicable Lodge #664 F & AM Fraternal Organization. His family parish was that of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament. In essence, Jimmy was a multi-faceted guy who was always fun to be around. He will be warmly welcomed to his eternal home where his energy will shine just as bright. He was an unforgettable man. Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Delores; his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and William Whitty; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Sherice Caruso; and grandchildren, Jamieson Clark, and Luca Zasa Whitty; and Olivia Rose, and Logan James Caruso. Coming from an incredible family and the dearest of relationships, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Patricia Caruso; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Samuel Bottini, Jr. He also leaves his respectful and adored nieces and nephews, including Valerie and David Indolfi, Matthew and Kayliegh Caruso; Kenneth and Colleen Bottini, and Mark Bottini and their families; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Irene (Zasa)Willett and husband Bill, and their children, Michael and Kim Ridley, Beth Ridley and Joseph Russo, and all their families; and many cousins. Jimmy had a tremendous network of close friends, but it would be remiss not to mention his dearest friendships including Santo Tomaino, Tommy Coluzzi, Frank Gohringer, Eli Zogby, Ray Casatelli, Jim McAleer, Caz Krauza, Bob Merritt, and Nick Palmieri. He was preceded by his friends, Angelo DePaul, Charles Lanza, and Alexander Forte. He is now reunited with his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Anne (Puglione) Zasa; and his cousins, Ernest Caruso, and Richard Panella. The family extends their appreciation to Jimmy’s cousins Dr. Laurie Caruso, and Dr. Teresa Gentile Femia, the Roswell physicians, Francisco Hernandez-Ilizaliturri, M.D., Maureen Ross, M.D., Ph.D., Gary Mann, M.D. and their respective teams, the hospital staff of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and physicians Affaf Munir, M.D., and Andrea Johnson, D.O., his family and friends who were faithful and available to his last day, and his co-workers who were supportive and uplifting during his difficult days. It was Jimmy’s desire to donate his body to science through the Upstate Medical Center Anatomical Gift Program to help another person and their family who may find themselves in the same journey that Jimmy faced. In lieu of flowers, and to fulfill his wish, memorial donations in Jimmy’s name may be directed to the Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center online at https://www.roswellpark.org/cancer/lymphoma. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ Celebration of Life and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will be held at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Church, 648 Jay Street on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass.

Mr. James E. "Jimmy" Caruso

May 15, 1949 - February 15, 2023