Joseph C. Caruso, Jr.

Joseph C. Caruso, Jr., 82, of Fremont, Indiana, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at his home.

Joseph was born on October 7, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Joseph C. Sr. and Mary Ann (DeRose) Caruso.  After his mother’s early passing, his beloved aunt and uncle (John and Helen Caruso) raised him and his sisters. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959.

Joseph married the love of his life, Barbara R. Wright, on January 21, 1961.  Together they raised their family in Fort Wayne, Indiana until 1976 when they moved to Angola and purchased Doc Caccamo’s Restaurant, which they renamed Caruso’s Restaurant.

Joseph started his food service career at the Hobby House Restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  From there he worked at Joslyn Steel Company in Fort Wayne for 14 years before moving to Angola, Indiana. Joe’s family’s motto has always been food is love.  

Joseph was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Angola, Indiana and the Knights of Columbus.  He is a Lifetime Benefactor to the Steuben County Festival Choir.

Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara R. Caruso of Fremont, Indiana; his children, Liat (John) Peters of Angola, Indiana, Lisa (Todd) Aldrich of Fremont, Indiana, Dan (Lori) Caruso of Angola, Indiana and Gina (Scott) Hirschy of Angola, Indiana; 8 beloved grandchildren

J. Joseph Peters, Maggie (Angie) Peters, Sarah (Sean) Renner, Anna (Michael) Shaw, Natalie (Michael) Barney, Rachel (Fiancé Luke Mungovan) Caruso, Isaac (Fiancée Katie Baker) Hirschy, Emma Hirschy

 and 5 precious great-grandchildren Blaze Peters, Namaste Peters, Kai Peters, Keanu Peters, Mia Barney.

 Also surviving are his sisters, Joanne Krudop of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kathy (Paul) Parnin of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Marianne Connett of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Angola, Indiana.

Visitation will also be from 10-11 AM preceding the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father Osman officiating.

Final resting place will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Waterloo, Indiana. 

Memorial donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Cameron Hospital Foundation (cameronmch.com) or to the Steuben County Community Foundation Humanities Fund (steubenfoundation.org)

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