10/24/2025
Community Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Raymond T. Caruso, Sr.
Prospect – It is with broken hearts that we are announcing the passing of a beloved husband, father and grandfather (Poppy) Raymond T. Caruso, Sr.
Raymond T. Caruso, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on October 22, 2025.
Ray was born in Waterbury on February 3,1939 to Dorothy V. (Hanson) (Caruso) Zebrowski and Raymond A. Caruso. Ray grew up in Waterbury, moving to Wolcott when he was 11 years old. He attended local schools and found his passion for carpentry. He learned his trade by working with different contractors and trying various parts of the trade from new construction working for Arbor Modular Homes, until, what became the love of his life remodeling. He had such a gift of looking at something and being able to vision a new concept for the homeowner. He could take anything apart and create something beautiful. He opened Caruso’s Remodeling Service in the seventies and worked for many homeowners across Connecticut. He was also called in to consult and do jobs for Insurance Companies for fire restoration or any type of damage. All Caruso’s trucks had the lettering “Have You Hugged Your Kids Today?” on the bumper. He retired in 1996. After a few years, Tesco Rentals approached him to be the project manager completing a thirty-five unit 55 and older complex. When the project was completed, he decided to keep doing carpentry work to instruct a young man he had hired at the Boulder Brook project, Nate Peragallo, who he considered more as a son and loved him as such.
Ray was such a giving person, always the first to help anyone in need. He participated in Prospect Little League, making and giving the first scoreboard. He donated a truck and all of the equipment inside to be used as the Snack Shack for many years for Pop Warner. When the kids’ sports teams or the cheerleaders needed something, he was right there to get it for them. He donated not only money, but also his time and skills no matter what the situation.
For many years he maintained the cross for the Nuns at Holy Land on Pine Hill. Changing light bulbs and painting when needed.
He always said life should not always be about money; everyone needs to help each other. When he could see that he made someone happy by helping them, that was his reward.
In younger years, he sponsored and played softball with the Over the Hill Gang.
Besides his wife Dianne (Bainer) Caruso, left to cherish his memory are his children Raymond Caruso, Jr. (Kristina) of Naugatuck and Tracey Scott of Prospect, his 5 grandchildren that he loved beyond words, Noah and Abby Scott, Alex, Nicholas and Brielle Caruso, his brother Emil (Debbie) Caruso of Wolcott, his sister Joy Caruso , his ex-son-in-law Tim Scott of Naugatuck, his sister-in-law Judy Nelson of Southington, many nieces and nephews and his companion everyday Abby’s dog Boscoe.
Ray’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Jennifer Collucci, APRN of Trinity Health for her guidance and caring. Also to Accent Care, especially Mary Calvo, Clinical Nurse Liaison for Hospice and Palliative Care, for going above and beyond to give Ray the dignity he so deserved. We can’t thank you enough.
In accordance with Ray’s wishes, there are no services. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at a later date. Community Funeral Home, the Corona Family Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to be assisting Ray’s family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut 56 Commerce Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611.
