John A. Caruso

Age 103 yrs. Passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in the Abruzzo region of Italy on December 29, 1919. John's father, Basilio had made several trips to the United States to carve out a better life for his family. When John was 13 years old, his father summoned his family to America, along with his two sisters. Unable to speak English, John attended school for a few years before going to work to help support the family. One of his first jobs was to sell newspapers on the street corner. One bitter cold blustery day, John met legendary sports announcer Harry Caray who was working at the local radio station. John sold him a newspaper and remarked later, "He had to buy a paper and I was the only crazy one out there."

When John was 21 years old, he was working construction at the local ammunition plant, which is now the site of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. It was 1941, and the Japanese had just attacked Pearl Harbor. After only nine years of living in the U.S., John was drafted into the U.S. Army in April, 1942. After completing Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, John was selected to go to North Africa because he was fluent in Italian. He was stationed in Algiers for over a year. While he was there, his unit was responsible for processing prisoners of war. John was then transferred to Italy. The Allies drove the enemy out of Sicily, John and his unit were sent there to process more prisoners of war. He spent roughly a year in Italy and after the liberation of Marseille France by the Allies, John was sent there to process more prisoners of war. He spent 13 months in France before being sent home and was honorably discharged in 1945. For his efforts, John received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead and five Overseas Service Bars. Each Overseas Service Bar represents six months of active service overseas. John was a proud US Army veteran during WW II. For a boy who grew up in Italy, he served his new country as a proud man. John enjoyed his much deserved Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in August of 2018.

After the Army, John went home to the Joliet area where he got a job at U.S. Steel. He worked there in a number of roles , as a millwright and tool & die maker, retiring after 35 years of service.

John stayed active for many years after retirement, gardening, bowling, reading books and as an avid golfer. Family was what was most important to him and he will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Preceded in death by his parents, Basilio and Domenica (nee Alberico) Caruso; his daughter-in-law, Shelia Caruso and three sisters, Genetta Brandolino, Candita Pacini and Elisa Maryniak.

Survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Elda C. (nee Vella) Caruso, 3 children, William (Deborah) Caruso, Robert (Margaret "Peggy") Caruso and Rita (John) Suca; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer (JL) Griggs, John (Jamie) Caruso, Robert (Janelle) Caruso, Emily (Bryan) Bartels, Kelly (Don) Enger, Heather Suca and Lindsey (Ryan) Quigley; two step-grandchildren, Ronny (Sarah) Criss and Ryan Criss; 14 great-grandchildren and 1 step-great grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 3 to 7 pm. Private Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 would be appreciated.