Mr. Philip A. Caruso

Mr. Philip A. Caruso, age 98, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the Mohawk Valley Health System @ St. Luke’s Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 22, 1915, Philip was the son of the late Nicandro “Nick” and Lucia “Lucy” (Fortuna) Caruso. Raised and educated in Perryville, where he attended school in a one-room school house. A veteran of the United States Army from 1941-1945, he honorably served during World War II in the European Theater of Operations landing on Omaha Beach. He was proud to have been given the civilian award for valor in April of 1968 for rescuing a colleague from a burning tanker truck. On February 16, 1944 he married the former Natalie Delli Colli with whom he shared his life and his love during their 70 years together; they never gave up on their commitment, as theirs was a union forged within the strength of their era. During his working life, Philip worked as a master mechanic at the Griffiss Air Force Base, the position from which he retired. At home, he was a handyman and was proficient in the trades of plumbing and electrical work. Blessed with a supportive nature, he helped family and friends in the areas of repair, construction, and renovation. He built a camp in Old Forge which still serves as the family’s summer place. A loving, warmhearted, and helpful patriarch, Philip was proud of his children and his entire family. He passed down the traditions of his heritage and instilled his values in the generations that followed him. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion Ft. Schuyler Post #1290. For relaxation, he enjoyed bowling and fishing. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Philip is survived by his wife, Natalie; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Samuel Bottini, Jr. of Utica; his sons and daughters-in-law, Nicholas and Patricia Caruso, and James and Delores Caruso, all of Utica; his grandchildren, Kenneth and Colleen Bottini, Mark and Wanda Bottini, Valerie and David Indolfi, Matthew and Kayliegh Caruso, Stephanie and William Whitty, and Joseph P. Caruso; his great-grandchildren, Joseph Bottini, Natalie Bottini, and Josie Ray Caruso; and his sister, Mary Panella. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Mary Grace Caruso; his infant brother, Ernest Caruso; nephew, Ernest R. Caruso; and in-laws, Peter Panella, Mildred “Millie” and Joseph D. Martinelli, and Siro and Carol “Carrie” Delli Colli. The family is grateful to the staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Facility, especially acknowledging the Cypress House staff for the loving and compassionate care he received. Also a special thank you is extended to the ER and CCU staffs of the Mohawk Valley Health System at St. Luke’s Hospital. The family will honor and commemorate Philip’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Philip’s funeral service and Celebration of life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors 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.

Mr. Philip A. Caruso

October 22, 1915 - April 13, 2014