L. Jeanette Caruso

L. Jeanette Caruso, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on April 5, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her final moments were spent at home, holding the hands of her daughters, Josie and Gina, while listening to Louis Armstrong. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Jeanette, born on April 13, 1931, in Sant'Andrea, Vico Equense, Italy, to Luisa and Luigi Starace, tragically lost her father before her birth. In 1935, Jeanette and her mother moved to the United States, where Luisa married Giovanni Cioffi, a man from her hometown. Jeanette's childhood was spent in the vibrant East Harlem neighborhood on Pleasant Avenue, a haven for Italian immigrants. Luisa and Giovanni's marriage gave Jeanette two little sisters, Frances (1936-2020) and Josephine (1940-2023), both of whom she cherished and mothered.
Jeanette became a U.S. citizen in 1954. A devout Catholic, she was extremely proud both of her Italian heritage and American citizenship. In 1957, Jeanette married Vincent Caruso, and they relocated from New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives.
Jeanette was known for her sweet, yet feisty, 'speak-her mind' nature, her old-fashioned ways and her traditional values. She was an office manager and joint business owner. Her kitchen was her sanctuary, where she would often prepare delicious Italian meals with her grandson, Paulie.
Jeanette loved to dance. She met Vincent at an office party. She asked him to dance while he was reading a book. Even though she said her husband had two left feet, they were happily married for more than 60 years.
Jeanette had an amazing eye for fashion, color, and style. As a young woman, she worked in the NYC garment district as a seamstress. She dressed up many a family member, shopping for and sending clothing packages to her sisters, nephews, grandson, and other relatives. For years, she laid out Vincent's clothing on the bed for him each morning.
Jeanette took an active interest in her entire family. She frequently traveled out of town to celebrate her relatives' milestones. She kept in close-touch with her relatives both in the US and Italy, where she returned numerous times. She loved tradition and was the go-to expert on family history.
Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband, Vincent, who died in 2021, and her son, Vinnie who died in 2000. She is survived by her daughters, Josie and Gina, and her grandson, Paulie, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Jeanette is now at peace; reunited with her son, husband, two sisters, and parents.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 7754 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH, with a Visitation before Mass from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cincinnati.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the Sisters of IHM online at https://www.sistersofihm.org/donate/ or by check to Sr. Monica Bubser, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
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