Patsy A. Caruso

Patsy A. Caruso of Charleroi passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002. He was born in Monessen on Nov. 1, 1905, a son of the late Charles and Francesca Passafume Caruso. Mr. Caruso attended California Public School and was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Class of 1929, with a degree in business administration. He also attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law for two years. Following college, Mr. Caruso worked for the Department of Public Assistance. He then opened his own insurance and income tax service in Charleroi. With the assistance of his wife Louise, he operated this business for over 50 years. Mr. Caruso was a member of the parish family of Mary, Mother of Church in Charleroi. He also belonged to the former Mother of Sorrows Church, where he was a member of the choir for many years. Mr. Caruso was very active in the Charleroi community during his lifetime. He served as a member of the Authority of the Borough of Charleroi for over 35 years, serving as its chairman for 30 years. He was a member of Barzali Lodge, Order Sons of Italy for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Charleroi Elks for more than 60 years. Mr. Caruso also was a member of the Charleroi Lions Club for 49 years and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionism. Patsy was a common man who never forgot his humble beginnings or any of the people who helped him along the way. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Fran and Joe Frye of Monongahela and Margie and Stan Pankiewicz of Charleroi; two loving grandsons, David Patrick and Ryan Joseph Pankiewicz; one sister, Grace Roefaro of Monroeville; two brothers, Eugene Caruso of Cameron Park, Calif., and Anthony Caruso of Brunswick, Md. In addition to his parents, Mr. Caruso was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise Arrigo Caruso, in 1998; five brothers, Charles, Joseph, Francis, John and Raymond Caruso; and one sister, Rose Caruso. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SCHROCK-HOGAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. in Mary, Mother of the Church. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Caruso's name to Mon-Vale Health Resources, the Good Angel Fund of Mary, Mother of the Church, or to the charity of one's choice.