Ronald Ralph Caruso

Ron passed surrounded by the love of his immediate family. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis (Sussmilch) to whom he was happily married for 45 years. Also survived by his wonderful children and precious grandchildren: daughter Deborah, grandson David; son Ronald (Amy), grandchildren Ronald, Abigail, Bailey and Daniel; son, Daniel (deceased). Also survived by brother Ralph (Geraldine deceased), Robert (Marian), twin sister Rosemary Peterson Meyer (Charles and Russell both deceased). Preceded in death his sister Maryann and his parents Ralph and Maryann Caruso. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. His family was his pride and joy and meant everything to him. Ron taught in the Chicago Public School System for 38 years, retiring in 2007. He was a classroom teacher as well as a science lab Instructor for a city-wide Chicago schools program. He organized and judged numerous science fairs for the Chicago Public Schools. Ron was also driven to instruct other elementary school teachers in the teaching of science course for elementary schools. He was included in the 1996 Who's Who Among American Teachers a collection of the best Teachers in America selected by the best Students. Ron valued education achieving a BA in History, a MA in Political Science from Southern Illinois University. He pursued a multitude of continuing education courses throughout his teaching career. Ron was a proud Chicago Teachers Union member who always fought for the rights of teachers and students on the picket lines outside of Chicago schools. Ron was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Darien for over 40 years. He volunteered on numerous committees. He was a Eucharistic Minister which included servicing Good Samaritan Hospital. He was a Mass Coordinator, usher and funeral choir member. Ron and his wife are 40-year members of the Daniel Community at OLMC. This association deepened his faith and created long time supportive friendships. During retirement he finished a 4-year Advanced Biblical Studies course through the Biblical Institute of the Diocese of Joliet. Ron was a kind, loving and thoughtful husband and father. He did everything he could to make the best lives for his wife, children and grandchildren. No task was too great. This attitude extended to people outside his immediate family as was reflected in his teaching career and in his contributions to his church. He continued to challenge himself in retirement with daily accomplishments and long-term goals. Ron was the ever present positive and uplifting presence as a husband, father, friend and Christian, who loved, supported, encouraged and motivated all who knew him. Ron endured his Mesothelioma diagnosis with a hopeful heart. He will be greatly missed and leaves an emptiness in our hearts. We love you always. Any and all contributions will be donated to Mesothelioma research. Funeral Saturday 9:15 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Avenue, Darien to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Mass 10:00 a.m. Visitation Friday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment private. For info: (630) 852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com