Philip A. Caruso

Philip A. Caruso was called home on January 18, 2025. He was 95. Born on November 4,1929 in Staten Island, NY. Phil grew up in South Beach. He was the middle child of 8 children, born to Santa and Joseph Caruso. His father predeceased him in 1950 and his mother in 1993. Following his father’s death, Phil left high school at the age of 14 to help support his younger siblings. In 1951 he joined the United States Army. He was a Private First Class AAA Gunner and was stationed at Fort Banks, MA. He was honorably discharged in April,1957. While on leave, he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothea R. Caruso (Gregory). They were married in 1953. Together they raised 3 children, Sandra (McKimm), Philip and Lynette (Meeker). Phil was employed at the former A&P Tea Co, working his way up to Produce Manager. 

He left A&P in 1971 and relocated to West Palm Beach, FL with his family. He was a proprietor of a Carvel Ice Cream Store in Riviera Beach. It was there that his son, Philip, passed away, prompting the family to return to Staten Island. He returned to A&P, where he remained for 14 years. He retired from there in 1985 after 40 years. On his days off, he would deliver eggs and even operated a produce truck where he would drive around various neighborhoods selling fresh produce, including pumpkins in the fall and watermelon in the summer. Following retirement, Phil and Dorothy relocated to New Port Richey, FL. He became employed by Highland Lakes Retirement Community. He fully retired in 1990. Known for his handiwork and pleasant personality, he continued to do odd jobs for several of the residents at Highland Lakes until his wife, Dorothy, became ill. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 73.

Following her death, he loved to watch the cooking shows, especially, Giada, where he learned the art of cooking and baking. There wasn’t any dish he would not attempt. He was particularly known for his specialty desserts and Christmas cookies. 

He was an avid gardener, growing everything from tomatoes to dragon fruit. He enjoyed going to the Casino, watching war movies and spending time with his family and friends. He was kind, caring, had a heart of gold and was loved by all. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for any one person, from lending a helping hand to making dinners and desserts to bring to their homes.

Phil is predeceased by his wife Dorothy, son Philip, son-in-law Ray, 7 siblings and extended family members. He is survived by his loving daughters Sandra and Lynette, son-in-law Russell, grandchildren Philip, his wife Desiree, Steven, Christopher, Alyssa, her fiancé' Nick, James and great grand-children P.J, Raymond, and Olivia, as well as extended family and friends. 

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 26,2025 at Morgan Funeral Home (6025 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, FL 34653) from 4:30-8:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 27, 2025, at 11:00AM at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church (8400 Monarch Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668). Interment ceremonies will follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens (4244 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 34652) at the conclusion of the funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Philip’s name to Shriner’s Hospital for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org.