Hornell, New York
Anthony L. “Tony” Caruso – 73 – of 101 Buffalo St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 23, 2024) at the Steuben Center in Bath, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on January 22, 1951, he was the son of Angelo Caruso & Elinor (Burr) Caruso.
Tony grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1970) and was a member of the HHS Red Raider Football Team. He later attended Hudson Valley Community College where he was a member of their football team.
He was employed for several years as a bartender / bouncer at Down by the Station, a popular Pizza Pub in Hornell. While working at “The Station,” Tony was not only well liked as a bartender but extremely well respected as a bouncer. Everyone knew not to start any trouble while Tony was on duty!!!
A mason by trade, Tony owned & operated Caruso’s roofing and was experienced in every aspect of the construction business. Throughout the years worked for several area construction companies and was proud to have obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He was later employed by the City of Hornell working for nearly 20 years. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union in Rochester.
Tony was a gentle giant with a heart as big as he was. Throughout his life he was generous and helped others, often doing so in a quiet manner, never wanting recognition for his good deeds.
Tony had a deep love and connection to nature and New York State. He most enjoyed taking nature walks with his grandson and spending time at his Camp on Tobes Hill. “It’s God’s Country” as he would often say. Being a grandfather was the best part of his life. He often enjoyed a country drive taking in all the beauty of Western New York.
He was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a former communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo & Elinor; his step-mother, Ethel Caruso; his brothers, Larry Caruso, Joe Caruso & Angelo Caruso; his nephew, Jimmy Hess; and his “sister,” Pat Markel.
He will be greatly missed by his surviving daughters, Andrea Caruso of Carmel, CA and Julee (Mike) Kilsdonk of Hornell; his grandsons, Jericho Govea Caruso, Ethan Kilsdonk & Emmet Kilsdonk. Tony was also blessed with a big Italian Family who loved him that include Sandra Donlon, Nancy Beach, Angela Caruso, Michael Caruso, Richie Caruso, Vicky Southward, Kathy Wilbur, Linda Salyerds and Jeff Teeter along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
At Tony’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM St. Ann’s Church, Hornell, NY. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Sierra Club by visiting www.sierraclub.org.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.