Mr. Carmen G. Caruso

Mr. Carmen G. Caruso, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at the St. Luke’s Home with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Syracuse, NY on November 2, 1929, Carmen was the son of the late John B. and Carmela (Lupino) Caruso. His mother passed away when he was a young child and he was raised by Concetta who he loved as a mother. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a 1948 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He was a proud veteran of the US Army; as well as a Reservist for 4 years. On April 27, 1957 he married the former Catherine Cavalier with whom he shared a sacred relationship and blessed partnership of 53 years. In 1958 Carmen and Catherine established Café Caruso in East Utica. This location, 707 Bleecker Street, was not only his place of business, but also his second extended home where he welcomed friends, enjoyed laughter, and was a host to a multitude of memories. Doing something for someone else granted Carmen much happiness, and his kind nature and boundless generosity was known by this community. As a father, he loved his daughters and as a grandpa, he adored his grandchildren, and one of his greatest pleasures was traveling with family and friends. Carmen was a sociable person and enjoyed people watching. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Carmen is survived by his wife, Catherine; his daughters and sons-in-law, Carmela Caruso and Gary Fava, Francesca C. and Paul Raymond, and Concetta and Darryl Rahn; and his grandchildren, Paul, Catherine, and Christina Raymond; and Nicole, Darryl, and William Rahn. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Congetta “Tina” and Lawrence DeGironimo, and Mary Caruso; his brothers and sister-in-law, Enrico “Ricky” Caruso, and Joseph and Grace Caruso; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Nicholas J. Cavalier, Jr., and Linda Cavalier. Close to Carmen’s heart were Michael Paniccia and Francine Ferro who worked tirelessly by his side for many years. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nicholas, Sr. and Frances Cavalier; and his in-laws, John W. and Mary Cavalier, Anthony “Toto” Cavalier, Eleanor Salerno, and Mary Ann Cavalier. The Caruso family wishes to thank Dr. Roger Breslow and his nurse Christine for their many years of professional medical guidance. The entire staff of the St. Luke’s Home, especially those of Barton North, embraced the needs of Carmen and his family with much dignity, especially Justin. Each of these caregivers offered amazing care with much kindness, compassion, and genuine love for which the family will remain forever grateful. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Carmen G. Caruso

November 2, 1929 - January 11, 2011