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BORN
1957
DIED
2018
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Daniel Caruso Obituary
The Honorable Daniel F. Caruso, age 60, of Fairfield, the Probate Judge for the Town of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2018. Born in Greenwich, the son of the late Frederick A. Caruso, Sr. and Ruth (Collins) Caruso Quiriconi, he was a lifelong Fairfield resident. Judge Caruso graduated from St. Pius X Parochial School, Roger Ludlowe High School, and received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and his Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School. He was admitted to the CT Bar in 1983 and the U.S. District Court for the District of CT in 1984. Judge Caruso began his career in law with Paul Tymniak and Associates from 1984-1988, Daniel F. Caruso, Atty at Law from 1988-1997 and was currently a member of Owens, Schine & Nicola. P.C. Judge Caruso was elected Probate Judge of Fairfield in 1995 and also served as Interim Judge for the districts of New Canaan, Greenwich, Westport and Stamford. He was a member of the Probate CT Assembly from 1995 to the present, serving as President from 2010-2012, and was also appointed to the Probate Redistricting Commission in 2009. He served as Chairman of the CT Siting Council from 2006-2011. Judge Caruso was elected to the CT General Assembly, 134th House District, from 1989-1995, serving as Assistant Minority Leader from 1991-1995; and he also served on the General Law Committee, Judiciary Committee, Regulation Review Committee and the Environment Committee. Judge Caruso was dedicated and devoted to the Town of Fairfield. He was elected to the RTM, the Board of Finance and appointed Town Treasurer. Dan served on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and proudly served as Master of Ceremonies from 2011 to the present. He served on the Fairfield 375th Anniversary Committee, chairing its town-wide food drive. He was a member of the Fairfield Kiwanis Club, Agape Society, American Red Cross, Fairfield County Chapter, Caroline House Board of Directors, Center for Women and Families, Board member of the Junior League of Fairfield, Greenfield Hill Grange, National Trust Heritage Advisory Board, Fairfield County Children's Choir Board of Directors and a Board member of the Oak Lawn Cemetery Association. Additionally, Judge Caruso served on the Board of the Bannow Larson Foundation, Fairfield University Planned Giving Committee and the Trustees Advisory Council, Sacred Heart University, Center for Policy Studies. He served on the Diocese of Bridgeport Red Mass, Steering Committee from 2002 to the present. Dan was a proud recipient of the Padre Pio Award in 2016 and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He received the Notre Dame High School Community Spirit Award, attained the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Fairfield County Chapter Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award. A lifelong parishioner of St. Pius X Church, Dan served as lay reader, participated in many of the church functions and was a member of the St. Pius X Council 16347 Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer for the Salvation Army and always looked forward to ringing the bell during the holiday season. Judge Caruso will be remembered as a kind, gentle and fair man, deeply faithful to his religion, family, friends and to his beloved town of Fairfield. Dan was a mentor to many young adults not only in the practice of law, but more importantly, in the way he conducted his life. A life dedicated to others. Above all else, he loved spending time with his nieces and nephews while imparting his wisdom to them. Survivors include his three siblings, Frederick A. Caruso, Jr. and his wife Gale (Bridges) Caruso of Stratford, Michael P. Caruso and his wife Jill (Runcie) Caruso of Easton and Nancy Elizabeth Caruso of Stratford; his cherished nieces and nephews, Blake, Tyler, Ava, Michael, Matthew, Arabella, Jennifer, James and Dylan; an aunt, Carol Caruso Ducret and her late husband Lucien of Old Greenwich, an uncle J. Fred Collins Jr. and his wife Susan of Stamford and many loving cousins. The family wishes to thank Dan's trusted assistant, Kate Maxham and all his dedicated staff at the Fairfield Probate Court. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a local Boy Scout troop, Notre Dame High School or St. Pius X Church. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Caruso
Sponsored by the family.
Jeanne Macisco
February 21, 2021
Still miss this wonderful man. He was A gentle person, with a big heart.
steven gaynes
February 21, 2021
Dan Caruso was a wonderful friend and a very special person. He and I crossed paths regularly at the Fairfield University Bookstore where I work and he always took time to chat and bring me up to date on his work. He was never too busy to talk and he gave me wonderful advice on probate challenges I was facing with family and friends. His was a loss that was so difficult to fathom. As a columnist for the Fairfield Citizen, I wrote a memorial column to Dan.
steve gaynes
February 22, 2020
At the time of Daniel's sudden passing, I shared one of my columns about the extraordinary and caring man that Dan was. He and I shared many conversations at the Fairfield University Book Store where I am an associate and his concern for others was boundless. I miss him to this day....
Roger & Margaret Moscater
February 21, 2020
Prayers being said for Atty. Dan Caruso on the anniversary of his passingWe were blest to know him, and have him as our attorney. He was always willing to assist the veterans, for this we were thankful
Jeanne Macisco
February 21, 2020
One year already. Gone too soon my friend.
Cynthia Jonas
April 13, 2018
I just learned of his passing. He was a great friend and lawyer to my father-in-law. May he rest in peace.
Michele, John & Jay Sullivan
March 20, 2018
I can't believe it is almost a month since Dan's passing. It is so hard to imagine he is not in his Fairfield office at Independence Hall. I have been blessed to know Dan for many years beginning in our early adult life. I am grateful that Congressman McKinney introduced us and through the years we have remained close.
Dan has always helped and guided my family and I through many issues for many years. I could always count on Dan for guidance and wisdom, his compassion to help others always shined through. He had a tender heart with empathy and love for others. And though at times our political viewpoints did not match up, we could always have a good debate about the state of current affairs leaving off in hopes that each of our personal views may have rubbed off on the other.
I am sorry I could not come up for Dan's funeral as the weather did not cooperate. I extend our deepest condolences to his entire family. We stand in spirit and in truth celebrating a lovely and honorable man and friend in Dan. And we look ahead to a time when we meet again in heaven to continue the debate. May God grant him a home peaceful in heaven near his favorite Republicans. We will miss you here on earth -- you will remain our soulmate in heaven.
Love,
Carolyn (Young) Harper
March 16, 2018
I went through Holy Family School and Roger Ludlowe High with Dan during the socially awkward years of life, so we did not connect. Reading his obituary, he had some great accomplishments in his short life. He was a born leader. I am truly unfortunate to be learning this through his obituary. Dan, you kept your faith in God. How great is that?
Carolyn (Young) Harper, Tullahoma, Tennessee
Jo Amiot
March 7, 2018
I submitted an entry on March 3, noting that I worked with Dan when he was associated with Paul Tymniak's law offices, etc.,
but forgot to insert my name. Am now permanent resident at Carolton Conv. Hospital (fractured neck) and sorry I was not able to attend Mass for Dan. My sincere condolences to the Caruso family.
Mary Maraczi & Geri & Jeff Amoroso
March 6, 2018
Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family. My father knew Dan from years ago. My sister and I were clients of Dan's. Dan helped us through a very difficult time after the passing of my father 2 years ago. His kindness and compassion were appreciated, and we considered him a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Hon. Dianne Yamin
March 5, 2018
To the family of Judge Dan Caruso: I was devastated when I learned of his untimely passing. My fellow Judge and close friend Dan was a deeply spiritual person. He had a unique sense of humor and was loved by all of his fellow judges. We will miss him deeply. May God bless his soul.
Jennifer Hochberg Toller
March 5, 2018
One of the nicest in my book! We always saw each other at different events, including The Center for Family Justice's "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes." My husband and I, along with so many, are saddened by Dan's loss. Godspeed!
Joe Sweeney
March 4, 2018
Dan will always be remembered as a warm and generous person. I am thankful for his friendship and guidance.
Sue Grywalski Steele
March 3, 2018
I was very saddened by Judge Caruso's passing. His compassion and assistance during a very dark period in my life will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Jeanne Macisco
March 3, 2018
I am saddened to learn of his passing. Dan was always a kind and honorable man. Always helpful to family and friends. He loved the practice of law and dedicated his life to doing the right thing by the law. I am proud and honored to have known him. I will always cherish the memories of being a client and his friend.
Paul Piorek
March 3, 2018
I am so very sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was a deeply caring and wonderful gentleman. He and I were members of the first class to attend all eight grades at St. Pius X School. We remained friends through adulthood. Dan's reward will be great in heaven.
March 3, 2018
Our sincere condolences to,the family of Judge Caruso. He will never be forgotten by our family. Truly a man of character and filled with faith. May he Rest In Peace. Al and Jeannette Jannotta and the entire Jannotta Family
Jo Amiot
March 3, 2018
Sincere condolences to Dan’s family at this difficult time. May he enjoy well-deserved eternal rest. Dan was one of the attorneys associated with the law offices of Paul Tymniak where I was an administrative assistant and had the pleasure of working with him. Also, I worked with his mother at Westport Bank.
March 3, 2018
I was an administrative assistant in the offices of Atty. Paul Tymniak and Dan was one of his associates. He was a kind, gentle person and it was a pleasure to work with him. Also, I worked with his mother at the Westport Bank on Greenfield Hill. May the Lord grant him a well-earned, restful peace.
Fran and Jerry Padula
March 2, 2018
May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special as Dan will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy.
March 2, 2018
Dan, you will be missed. A beautiful soul and steadfast friend always, there are just no words to covey the sadness we feel in loosing you in our lives. Nancy and Eleanor Fraser.
Diane Becker
March 2, 2018
Dear Chip, Michael and Nancy
All those years ago when we were neighbors on Drake Lane we knew that as an adult Dan would make a difference. As a young man Dan was kind, compassionate, caring and protective of all of you, especially of Nancy. I hope you find some comfort when you think about his accomplishments and the respect and love of his friends, family and the residents of his beloved home town.
We, Sarah, Paul jr and I send to you and your families our deepest sympathy. R.I.P. Dan.
Angelina Cotone-Valentino
March 2, 2018
We lost an Honorable Judge, but for me he will be remembered as the kind-hearted man who defined integrity and truly cared for whomever and whatever he touched. My sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the entire Caruso family.
March 2, 2018
To All of Dan's family, We want to say we are so happy to have known Dan over all these years as a dear friend of our son and his family. Our grandsons would always tell us "Judge Dan" was coming for some family gathering. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now. Dan has left a true mark of what a Christian should be.
Sincerely, Bob & Loretta Fox, Carefree, AZ
peg parniawski
March 2, 2018
Rest in Peace dear friend
Mike and Peg Parniawski
Pat Longo
March 2, 2018
Dan was a dear and gentle friend and listener to all who knew him. I have so many delightul memories of him as do many; his life should be celebrated. Dan truly touched my heart. My sincere condolences to his many family members, friends and colleagues. God has called home this good and faithful man. We were blessed to have him.
Bob and Mickie Comers
March 2, 2018
The Town of Fairfield has lost a truly dedicated individual. Dan with his kind and gentle manner was respected by all.
Our Sincere to the Caruso Family
Judge and Mrs. John Chiota
March 2, 2018
Dan was such a good person and a good friend . We are out of the country and will miss the services but you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joseph Mulvey
March 2, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Caruso family. Dan was a good man and will be missed in every aspect of life.
Joe and Michele Peloso
March 2, 2018
Our sincere sympathy to the Caruso family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Chris Caruso
March 1, 2018
Dear Caruso Family,
My heartfelt condolences on Dan's passing. He was a good person who really cared. Dan and I shared the same last name, and had the pleasure of serving with him in the CT General Assembly. We were both Eagle Scouts too, and I would often see him at Troop Court of Honors when the rank of Eagle Scout was bestowed on young men. Often, Members of the General Assembly, elected officials, judges are referred to as the Honorable... In every sense of the word, Dan was truly honorable. I shall miss him. Be assured that you and Dan are in my prayers.
Bill Buedinger
March 1, 2018
Dan was a great man, from our early days in the Boy Scouts , high school , and his law practice he always helpfull. He will be missed by many people, friends, family, but he will not be forgotten.
Grant Dalling
March 1, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Caruso family during this extremely sad time.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers, Dan was a great , compassionate man of true integrity and a love and passion for his job goe without saying.
God Bless you all.
Monsignor Blase Gintoli
March 1, 2018
I was proud to call Dan my friend. He was the the finest example of a true Christian gentleman. A man of faith who treated everyone with utmost respect. I will continue to remember him in my prayers and Masses.
Ed Boccuzzi
March 1, 2018
To The Caruso Family,
Sincerest condolences.
Ed Boccuzzi
steve gaynes
March 1, 2018
This was Such a great loss of a great man and a wonderful friend.
Kevin Sjodin
March 1, 2018
Fred, Michael and Nancy: This is such sad and shocking news. I am sorry I will not be in town for Dan's service but I will be thinking of you all. What a great person. God Bless
Peter DiBartolo
March 1, 2018
Dan, Thank you for your presence in my life. You made my early days of teaching a truly delightful experience. I knew at that time that you were a very special person. May you now rest in peace in the hands of the Lord. I hope we can meet in Heaven some day...I know that is where you are.
Ann Marie Kehlor (Brucia)
March 1, 2018
Dan was a friend to our family for 22 years. He was our legal council for our home and all matters. Our son interned with Dan at the Probate Court and I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with Dan. A dear person and a wonderful giving soul. Prayers to Dan's family.
Scott Harrison
February 28, 2018
Daniel,
You will be definitely missed but never forgotten!
Life in this world is truly precious and that is why we must all seize the moment and make the most of it as you did. To a man who recognized this very early in life and was always there whenever he was needed; you truly made such significant positive difference for so many individuals and families. Our family was so fortunate to have been just one of them.
Such dedication to humanity and strong conviction to all of your values, morals and ethics! Family, Honor, Nobility and Appreciation of Life were always revered. Such a wonderful mentor for us all! Our sincerest condolences and great respect go out to all of your family members and friends.
It was truly an honor to have known you throughout the years. May your spirit and presence hold strong in the hearts and minds of all that you touched.
Scott, Hyun Jung and Roy Harrison
Gary Gasper
February 28, 2018
Dear Mike and the Caruso Family, I'm so sorry to read of Dan's passing. I hope you're comforted and find peace in knowing the positive impact he had on so many others lives. A great testament to a life well lived. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
February 28, 2018
This world has lost a sweet and gentle man. God bless Dan's family and know that he's smiling down on all of you.
February 28, 2018
A great loss to the town and to his family. I remember his humor and kindness in grammar school at Pius. He was always willing to take on more and help others. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Lori (Bruzinski) Wendin
Nancy Murren
February 28, 2018
My deepest condolences to the entire Caruso Family. My heart is very saddened with the passing of Dan. He was such a good friend and helped me through some dark times and was part of the fabric of my life. I will always miss him, his humor and his sound advice.
Susan Barrett
February 28, 2018
The Caruso Family,
Judge Dan was always there for all of us. His family, friends and Fairfield. May we take a page out of his fine book of life to act in the same caring way. As St. Paul said in a letter to Timothy , " I have competed well, I have finished the race and I have kept the faith" May he be at peace.
Cindy Ventricelli
February 28, 2018
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. DAN WAS A GREAT PERSON. HAVING KNOWN HIM SINCE I WAS 7 SEVEN YEARS OLD HE HAS MEANT SO MUCH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISSED. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Gerry Stopa
February 28, 2018
My condolences go out to the Caruso family on Dans passing my thoughts and prayers are with you all
Diane Quiriconi Desjarlais
February 28, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will always be grateful for his respect and love for my late father Anthony Quiriconi, may he Rest In Peace. You all have our sincere condolences.
Barbara (Shea) Ezepchick
February 28, 2018
Dear Caruso Family:
I am sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was truly a kind and gentle soul who always put the needs of others before himself. My mom worked for him for many years at Probate Court and he always looked after her. He was kind enough to take time out of his day and visit with her when she was in the hospital and nursing home at the end of her life. I am forever grateful to him. May you find comfort in know that someone so special will never be forgotten.
Maureen Fracassini
February 28, 2018
Every St. Patrick's Day at the GAC, Dan told the story of St. Patrick -- and how he was born of Roman parents. It always made my Italian husband smile. I shared that with Dan -- and he loved it. He was a gentleman and a true statesman for Fairfield and Connecticut. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.
Ron Sullivan
February 28, 2018
Fred, I regret that I will not be able to attend the services for Dan. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Lynn England
February 28, 2018
A true gentleman and a great loss to the town of Fairfield.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
February 28, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
February 27, 2018
To the Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Phyllis Liuzzo Quinn
February 27, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Caruso family. Our time together as classmates at St. Pius X school came flooding back when I learned this news today. "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Mt 25:23. Rest in eternal peace, Dan.
February 27, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. He was a great man. Prayers to the entire Caruso family.
Vinny Carbone
Nicholas Pavia
February 27, 2018
If all those who who serve in government or any position of power and responsibility were 1/2 as honest . kind and Christ like as honorable judge Daniel our world would be a better place. Rest in the true peace of Jesus Christ the savior and Lord my prayers and masses.
Fr Nicholas Pavia
Cindy Perham
February 27, 2018
Selfless, hardworking, and making the world brighter for those who came after him. That's Dan to me.
Laura Onder Fazekas
February 27, 2018
Rest in Peace Dan.
Eddie Rodriguez
February 27, 2018
Judge Dan Caruso will be missed by many people, especially the legal community, for his honest compassionate adjudication of cases. He was always willing to go the extra mile to secure a fair and just result for all litigants.
joseph Pagliaro
February 27, 2018
Sorry for your loss Dan was a wonderful gentelamn
Sandra (Posh) Denzler
February 27, 2018
God Bless this kind man, Rest in Peace Dan.
Abu Hashem Malick
February 27, 2018
I had the honor of meeting Judge Caruso regarding probate court matters on 3 three different occasions. Each time, I found him to be considerate, kind, professional, helpful, and sincere.
Public servants like Judge Caruso are the ones who keep our faith in our system.
Thank you Judge. You were a pride for Fairfield.
Diane Desjarlais
February 27, 2018
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 27, 2018
As you celebrate and mourn the loss of your loved one, may you find solace and peace in the beautiful words recorded at Psalm 145: 18,19. My deepest sympathy.
February 27, 2018
A great friend, Lots of fun growing up on Drake Lane. You will be missed.
Steve Albert
Tom Lambert
February 27, 2018
So deeply and truly saddened to learn about the sudden passing of a friend and mentor of mine, Judge Dan Caruso. I remember being a shy 15 year old asking him for a job in the Probate Court as a high school student. I was primarily looking to escape the summer heat as a golf course caddie and instead find a way to make some spending money in air conditioning. It turns out that it was one of the best decisions of my life. Judge Caruso was instrumental in helping me learn what it meant to be an adult, student, lawyer, and responsible member of my community. He was my first exposure to the law and gave me direction in something that would ultimately become my career. His mentorship lasted for years, even well-beyond my time working in the Probate Court. I think of myself as an example of his legacy and his willingness to selflessly foster a future for those around him. I cannot believe he is gone and I will always cherish his profound impact on my life.
Packy Paules
February 27, 2018
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Caruso family & friends. Dan was an old friend from my childhood school days. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Packy
Daniel Lynch
February 27, 2018
It was an honor for me to serve with you on the Connecticut Siting Council. A better chairman and friend I could not have had!!!
February 27, 2018
My husband Glenn and I are so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed in Fairfield and by everyone who knew him.
Tom and Madelen Drew
February 27, 2018
Dan was a kind, wise, and honorable man. We are thankful to call him our friend.
the sullivan family
February 27, 2018
the Sullivan family is so saddened by Dan's passing he was a gentleman and a kind sole. He made such a great family friend rest in peace kiddo.
Felix Ortiz
February 27, 2018
An amazing human being. His humble, kind, respectful and honorable way of always conducting himself was an inspiration to all of us who knew him. May he rest in peace. He will be so missed!!!!!!
February 27, 2018
Harry and Sandie share in the sadness of the passing of Dan, friend and neighbor.
Cady Griggs Kryspin
February 27, 2018
Dear Caruso family and Fairfield community- Dan was a man of character, a person to be trusted, a friend, an ally, a phenomenally caring and compassionate judge, and a supporter of the underprivileged and disabled. I will remain forever indebted for his help while navigating very difficult times, setting up protection for my special needs brother. Not only was Dan a longtime friend, but he was also a stellar probate judge and advocate for the downtrodden. Dan made a tremendous contribution to our community and we have all been extremely lucky to have him in our lives. Both as a representative of the Court and as a representative of what is right and good and important in life. God bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace. Cady Griggs Kryspin.
Roger & Margaret Moscater
February 27, 2018
We pay our respect and give condolences to the Caruso Family... Our prayers are with you at this time of sadness. Attorney Caruso was always there to help the Veterans in the Town of Fairfield. He will be greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace.
February 26, 2018
To the Caruso family.
Words can not begin express how we feel. Dan was an amazing, kind, compassionate and gentle man. Truly a loss to all who had the opportunity to know him. Our love and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy. Bob and Sharon Massafra
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