Salvatore A. "Sal" Caruso

1939 - 2021

Lyme - Salvatore A. "Sal" Caruso, a longtime resident of Lyme, passed away peacefully June 25, 2021. He was born in Greenwich, June 5 1939.

He was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Angelina Caruso of Riverside. He is survived by his wife, MaryEllen of 59 years; sons, David and Matthew; wives Laurie Farrell Caruso and Donna Moore Caruso; grandsons, Zachary and Ryer; his brother Eugene Caruso of Sarasota, Fla. and wife Trish Caruso; and his nieces, Jamie Caruso and Emily Caruso.

Sal, a graduate of Greenwich High School, Class of '57, and Boston University, Class of '61, joined the U.S. Navy in October of 1961, reporting to Pensacola Naval Air Station in February of 1962. After his discharge from the Navy, as lieutenant in 1966, Sal flew for Delta Airlines, and retired after 32 years as an international captain and check airman in 1999. In his retirement, he played locally in numerous bands as a lead guitarist, and started the "Laid Back Jazz Quartet" which performed for several years at the Paperback Café in Old Saybrook. Sal was a member of the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club, the Mile Creek Beach Club and served as a member of the Lyme Board of Appeals. He enjoyed bird hunting with his beloved hunting dogs and flyfishing, especially trips to Montana for that purpose. Known for his clever artwork, Sal frequently created personalized greeting cards for all occasions for his family. In 2007, he established, along with the family, Sunset Hill Vineyard in Lyme. Growing the grapes, making the wine and offering tastings to the public on weekends satisfied his desire to make good use of the property.

As per Sal's wishes, a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family and a Celebration of Life will be held at the vineyard for family and friends on a date to be announced in late summer or early fall of this year.