Joseph T. Caruso

Joseph T. Caruso, age 89, of Methuen and formerly of Lawrence, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Josephine (Messina) Caruso with whom he shared 65 wonderful years in marriage.

Born, raised and educated in Lawrence, Joseph was the son of the late Paul and Antoinette Caruso. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and was proud to have served during the Korean War. Following his service to his country, Joseph met his sweetheart, Josephine, and they eventually married and settled in Lawrence. As their family grew, they relocated to Methuen where they raised their six children.

Joseph enjoyed a long career of fifty-plus years working for Anton’s Cleaners; initially as a route driver of laundry and eventually starting and running their custom drapery division as a senior manager with the company.

A devoted father, Joseph was always there for his family. He enjoyed time spent with each of them, especially during the holidays, as it was a time that brought them all together. He was an expert “Jack of all trades” around the house, spearheading projects from house remodeling and patio construction, to installing the family in-ground swimming pool. These skills he proudly passed onto his children. He was a natural at gardening and woodworking. Joseph also enjoyed the company of his dog, Basil, one of his best friends.

He will be remembered for his warmth and gentleness, and for seeing the good in all people. His humble and modest way of life touched many.

In addition to his wife, Josephine, he is survived by his children, Antoinette Sheehan and her husband Joseph of Methuen, MA, Carmela Coughlan and her husband Thomas of Westford, MA, Mary-Ellen O’Donnell and her husband Stephen of Exeter, NH, Paul J. Caruso and his wife Jennifer of Danville, NH, Maurice J. Caruso and his wife Lisa of Hampton Falls, NH, Anthony Caruso and his wife Lisa of Windham, NH; grandchildren, Amie, Michael, Adam, Erin, Luke, Hannah, William, Kyle, Paige, Lauren, Alexander Joseph, Alyson, Brittany, Victoria, Elizabeth, Catherine; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Grace Ferrara, Paul A. Caruso, Ann Abramo, and Joan Meagher; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joseph was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Caruso.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial mass at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at St. Lucy's Church, 254 Merrimack St. Methuen.  
 In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 10 Ingalls Court, Methuen, MA 01844, or the MSPCA shelter for animals, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.