Joseph “Bepo” Caruso, 84 a Writer, Philosopher and Artist, of Somerville, died Wednesday in the Somerville Hospital, Somerville, MA.
Born in Italy, he lived in Somerville for the past 44 years and formerly of the West End of Boston. He was the son of the late Maria (Zappala) and Charles Caruso. Joseph was an Art Director with the South Postal Annex for 34 years and retired in 1990. He was the driving force to save the West End of Boston. Joseph was the creator of Doric Productions that does documentaries of the West End of Boston. As a writer he was on the Best Sellers list for “The Priest” a book about St. Joseph Church in the West End. He was an artist not only with the Postal Service but also with his own Gallery in China Town on Holist St. One of his artwork hung over the former Southeast Expressway at the Cause Way St. exit for the ad “Ruby Tomatoes”. Joseph served in the U. S. Army from 1943 to 1945 with the 17th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. He received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from June 14, 1944 to April 24, 1945, in France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany. PFC Caruso acted as a wireman for Battery B, his Battalion. Under most trying working conditions he performed his duties incident to the proper maintenance of wire communications in his battery in such manner as to establish a consistently high example of courage, initiative, coolness under enemy fire, cheerful obedience, and efficiency. He made a distinct contribution to the most successful manner in which his unit functioned in combat.
Beloved husband of Constance (Bonaccorso) Caruso. Devoted father of Nelson J. Caruso and his wife Sylvia of Peabody, Virginia Caruso Bove of Belmont, Maria Caruso of Malden, Margaret Caruso Wilson and her husband George of Wakefield. Also survived by 11 loving grandchildren and 1 loving great grandson. Brother of Jenny Romano of North Abington. Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Monday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in Joseph’s name to The West End Museum, 150 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114 or the St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116.