Smith - Taylor - Ruggiero Funeral Home

Pasquale (Pat) Caruso age 79 died Friday, December 26^th, 2008 at home. Formerly of Hazlet Township, he was born in Newark, NJ and lived in West Orange and Florham Park, before moving to Lafayette, NJ twenty-one years ago.

Predeceased by his brothers, Anthony and Vincent Caruso, he was the son of the late Giro and Josephine (DeFilippis) Caruso, Pat loved his country and was proud to serve in the US Army during the Korean War. He was also a mail courier for Shanley and Fischer Law Firm of Morristown, NJ for 20 years, retiring in 1999. Mr. Caruso had been a parishioner of the St. Francis R.C. Church of Newark, NJ and he was also a pitcher for the Hazlet Men’s Softball League. Mr. Caruso was an avid NY Giants fan and truly loved the team. He loved people and had a way of making everyone around him smile. He lived a full life and will best be remembered as a family man.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Sofia T. (Koukis) Caruso. Three children and their spouses; Anthony and Maryann Caruso of Hazlet, NJ, Debra Caruso Leather and Joseph of Matawan, NJ, and Joan Caruso Rumbos and Christopher of Cherry Hill, NJ. He is also survived by his ex-wife and friend Joan Caruso of Whiting, NJ, who is the mother of his children. His sisters, Angelina Benedict of North Arlington, NJ, and Phyllis Prehart of Hazlet, NJ, and one brother, Thomas Caruso of Belleville, NJ. Pat was the proud grandfather of 8; Anthony and Michael Caruso, Patrick, Thomas, and Kelly Leather, Nicholas, Christopher and Steven Mihail, and one Great Grandson Christopher. As well as many devoted nieces and nephews.