Search by Name

Search by Name

Gary Caruso Obituary

CARUSO, Gary

Gary Caruso died on April 11, 2024, in Carlsbad, California, after a brief illness. He left the world peacefully, listening to his favorite band, Chicago, playing his favorite song, 'Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?' He was 74.

Gary's love for baseball was a defining aspect of his life, manifesting in various ways. In sixth grade, he sent a Christmas card to his idol, Warren Spahn, the Milwaukee Braves pitching ace and winningest left-handed pitcher. Gary's decision to attend Ohio's Marietta College was influenced by its reputation as one of the nation's top small baseball colleges. He began his journey as a pitcher, later transitioning into coaching for the freshman and junior varsity teams. After earning a degree in speech/television and radio and a brief stint at an Ohio newspaper, Gary set his sights on Atlanta, Georgia.

Throughout his career, Gary made significant contributions to the sports journalism industry. He spent a decade as a sportswriter and executive sports editor with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, followed by a senior writer/editor role with The National Sports Daily. He is the author of The Braves Encyclopedia, a comprehensive chronicle of the Braves' history from 1871 to 1995 when the Atlanta Braves clinched their first World Series. However, it was during his 16-year tenure as editor and publisher of ChopTalk Magazine that Gary's vision of creating the ultimate fan publication was realized. Fueled by the Braves' success from the mid-1990s until 2010, ChopTalk reached tens of thousands of subscribers in all 50 states and 20 countries. The monthly magazine offered in-depth baseball coverage and personal, behind-the-scenes features about ballplayers and baseball operations, making it unrivaled among team publications.

Among Gary's accomplishments are conceiving and raising all the funds, $95,000, for the Warren Spahn statue that stands at Truist Park (originally sited at Turner Field in 2003), delivering the eulogy for Spahn in 2003, and delivering the eulogy for Lou Burdette, MVP of the 1957 World Series, in 2007.

In addition to The Braves Encyclopedia, Gary wrote three other books about baseball: Turner Field: Rarest of Diamonds (1997, Longstreet Press), Behind the Plate (2012, Triumph), the biography of former Major League catcher Javy Lopez, and Marietta College Baseball: The story of the 'Etta Express' (2012, History Press).

Gary and Lane, his wife of 36 years, moved to California in 2007. He loved Boston Terriers and enjoyed daily walks with his Boston companions, Casey, Pumpkin, and Rigley. He was an avid fan of the band Chicago and saw them perform live more than 100 times.

Gary's ashes will be interred with Warren Spahn in Oklahoma.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Caruso

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

The Stingers Softball Family

May 4, 2024

Gary was a great friend to many of us in the Atlanta area softball community in 1980´s and 90´s. We thank you for your dedication to the sport and for your time in managing the various teams you were a part of. You will be forever missed

Mike Luck

April 21, 2024

Gary was a great mentor to me at the AJC when I was very young and I will always consider him a cherished friend who made a difference in my career and life. Rest in peace, GC.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Rick Cunningham

Planted Trees

Pat Loreno Willis

April 21, 2024

My sympathy to Lane. I was glad to have maintained a friendship with Gary connected by mutual friends, Marietta College, and the Atlanta Braves. His bright light of accomplishments didn´t seem to dazzle him; rather his manner was unassuming even as his opinions were strongly held. He knew how to enjoy life.

Rick Cunninham

April 21, 2024

We sure spent lots of happy times watching ball games at Forbes Field-The House of Thrills. Thanks for a lifetime of friendship and memories.

Lee Frazier

April 21, 2024

Thanks for helping us get our book Ground Crew Confidential out to the baseball world.
Glad we could help you get your start.
You certainly made the most of it. Job well done !
You will be remembered.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Gary Caruso's name

Memorial Events
for Gary Caruso

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Caruso's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more