Mr. Joseph P. Caruso, Sr.

Batavia - Joseph P. Caruso, Sr., age 97, of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at The New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.

Mr. Caruso was born August 8, 1920 in Varapodia, Italy, a son of the late Anthony Caruso and Francis Conti Caruso.

He was the owner and proprietor of Caruso Auto Service in Batavia for many years. Following his retirement, he worked for eight years at Batavia Country Club, maintaining the flower beds and grounds of the golf course. A member of St. Joseph's Church, Mr. Caruso was a member of the former St. Nicholas Club in Batavia. He proudly served his country during World War II with the United States Army.

His wife of 58 years, Rose Merica Caruso, passed away on May 2, 2000.

He is survived by his children, Anthony (Lucille) Caruso of Batavia, Linda (Edward, Sr.) Doody and Joseph P. (Deborah) Caruso, Jr., all of Batavia; seven beloved grandchildren, Francie Caruso of Florida, Carin Caruso of Batavia, Mary Beth (late Patrick) Suozzi of Batavia, Edward (Mary) Doody, Jr. of Pavilion, Patti (Jose) Arroyo of Batavia, Lisa (Sam) Antinore of Batavia and  Michelle (Vincent) Falleti of Batavia;  twelve great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Fred “Duke” (Marge) Merica of LeRoy and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandson, Joseph P. Caruso, III who passed away on June 2, 1977 and his siblings, Carmella Piacente and Anthony Caruso.

There are no prior visiting hours. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m.  at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  Please consider memorials to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., c/o UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.