James Vincent Caruso

James Vincent Caruso 05-19-1933 12-08-2023 Our Dad was a jovial man of faith, family, and all things history, planes and baseball. He and our Mom (Barbara L. Caruso, predeceased 7-6-21) met Aug 31, 1956 and were married 1 year later to the day: Aug 31, 1957. He started his career as an aviation mechanic by attending Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Pittsburgh, PA. He & Mom had very humble beginnings, often telling us stories such as one place they lived, they didn't even have a kitchen sink. Due to employment, they moved frequently. They started in Norwich, CT, & from there traveled to Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston & eventually landed in Georgia in 1972. During their moves, they managed to create a large family, beginning with James V Caruso Jr. ( deceased 01/1959). Following James Jr., Dad is survived by his remaining children. Michael Joseph (Emie), Woodstock, GA. David James (Bonnie), Charleston, SC. Cathleen Mary Rettig (Frank) Arlington Heights, IL. Jeffrey John (Alicia) Senoia, GA. Beth Caruso Sanchez (Steve) Missouri City, TX, & Jennifer Lee Caruso, Woodstock, GA. As well as 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Dad was very faithful, reading from his daily missalette nightly. He kept prayer cards that he and Mom would read together and spent many days watering the flowers (& talking with Mom) at the Mary Magdalene pergola at St Mary Magdalene Church in Newnan, GA. Little known fact, he and Mom actually made their 1st communion on the same day, many years before their actual encounter. Dad was always there for his family. He would do anything his "bride" needed or asked. He coached my brother and sisters in various sports, and never missed a game. He taught us how to drive, he taught us the art of cards and chess and other games. He taught us how to laugh & tell jokes, and how to be lighthearted. He taught us how to respect and honor our Mother. These things and more, he did through example. Kindness to a stranger, a grateful heart, and a willingness to help whenever he could were strong character traits our Dad embodied. He loved history - especially anything WW2 or John Wayne. He could tell you the ins/outs of airplanes ( old & new). He was constantly reading to learn new things. After Mom & family, I believe his 2nd love was baseball. He and Mom's first date was a Boston Red Sox game. He knew all the cool trivia about baseball, especially baseball in the 40's and 50's. Many baseball games we all got to enjoy with Dad. Dad was in the navy when he met Mom. He was on three aircraft carriers. The USS Leyete CV-32, the USS Antietam CV-36, and the USS Tarawa CV-40. He was a proud veteran. Growing up, the turnstiles on our roof were red, white, & blue. We even had a grill that he painted red, white , & blue. He hung the American flag every day in good weather. He was a true patriot. His childhood consisted of Catholic school, playing stick ball in the streets of Belleville, cleaning up his Grandfather's pool hall, & swimming in the Passaic River after a thunderstorm. Our Dad was an incredible man. Gentle to the core. A loving example of being a father, brother, husband, friend , & Grandpa. He is going to be missed by many. He was one of those people who wore the world as a loose garment. Able to graciously move through life, with a positive outlook. Every day, was a great day, in our father's eyes. We see him reuniting with our Mom, arms outstretched, saying with a smile, "My Love My Love! " as they embrace again for eternity. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 3 Village Road, Newnan, GA 30263. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

James Vincent Caruso

May 19, 1933 - December 8, 2023