Obituary of Donald K. Caruso, Sr.

Donald K. Caruso, Sr. passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on February 9, 2020 at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville. He had shared 78 years of unconditional love, laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends. Born and raised in Jersey City to the late Donald and Phyllis Caruso, he was one of two boys to bless the Caruso household. After graduating from Dickinson High School, he went on to received his Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University. Donald proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After Donald’s honorable discharge, he went on to received his Master’s Degree in Business also from Rutgers University. Always a hard and dedicated worker, he started off his career at Guardian Life Insurance in New York, retiring in 2005 as the Chief Life Underwriter. After retirement he worked for the Denville Township School District as a Bus Driver, and he loved every second of it. On October 23, 1966 Donald married his High School sweetheart, Jo Ann De Jesso. Together they settled in Bloomfield to raise their family before relocating to Spokane, WA in 1987 before finding their forever home in Denville in 1995. Donald loved to play golf and cards, was an avid history buff, and thoroughly enjoyed his multiple weekly visits to ShopRite. If he wasn’t tinkering around the house, you could find him watching sports on the television or listening to blues or 50’s rock n’ roll on the radio. Above anything else, Donald was a phenomenal husband, patient father, doting grandfather, and caring friend. He will forever be treasured in our hearts and memories. He leaves only joyful memories to his beloved wife of 53 years, Jo Ann; his loving children, Donald K. Caruso, Jr. and his wife Lynn of Denville and Dominique Heilman and her husband Peter of Dover; his cherished granddaughter, Bianca Victoria Caruso; his caring brother, Bob Caruso and his wife Terry and their children, Amy and Daniel; his dear family friends, Ashley, Justin, Dilma, and Lourdes; and many more extended family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 10 am at Sacred Heart Parish, 4 Richards Ave, Dover, NJ 07801. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Family and friends are welcome to visit on Friday, February 14th from 5 – 9 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Donald’s memory to 11th Hour Rescue by way of www.inmemof.org. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Donald to continue to celebrate the life he shared with us.