John Caruso

John Joseph Caruso, Sr., age 94, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Sunday, July 3, 2022, surrounded by family members. John was born on March 10, 1928 in the Harlem section of New York City to the late William and Ida (Ciuti) Caruso, but grew up in Crestwood in Westchester County. He was an accomplished football player, jazz pianist, and talented mechanic. He worked for several years in the auto service and repair industry before transitioning into the boating business. He also enjoyed frequently traveling to Italy and was beyond proud of his Italian heritage.

John married his beloved wife Patti (Patricia Magini) in 1955, and together they raised two sons, John Jr. and Thomas, in Valley Cottage, NY. At Patti’s encouragement and with her full support, John joined his passion for boats with his mechanical skills to enter into the pleasure boating business, eventually founding Total Marine in 1971. John worked diligently and passionately together with his family. The company became a leading name in the boating industry and expanded to multiple locations along the East Coast, from Connecticut to Florida. John worked tirelessly until the very end alongside his family and son Thomas, as well as his employees who he considered family, many of them remaining with the company for decades.

John and Patti emphasized the value of education to their sons. As such, John Jr. is now a practicing anesthesiologist and Thomas, though now running the family business, is a trained attorney. John continued to stress the importance of education to his grandchildren as well.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Patti, and his siblings Angela, Flora, Steve, Mary, and Linda.

He is survived by his sons John Jr. and Thomas (Robin) along with his granddaughter, Brigida, and grandsons, Thomas Jr. (TJ), Michael and Nicolas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk (formerly Hoyt-Cognetta) located on 5 E Wall Street Norwalk, CT 06851. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 8, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Church, 82 Lake Road Congers, NY 10920. Interment will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery, 140 N Highland Avenue Nyack, NY 10960.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in John’s remembrance to The Wounded Warrior Project. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate