Rochester - Deacon Anthony J. Caruso, who served as a deacon in the Diocese of Rochester for more than 30 years, died Sept. 14, 2025. He was 84 years old.

After graduating from Rochester's John Marshall High School, Deacon Caruso worked for DuPont for four years before logging 25 years at Eastman Kodak Co. He retired from his position as a machinist supervisor in 1991.

He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Matthew H. Clark on June 11, 1994, at Rochester's Sacred Heart Cathedral. After ordination, he served for 12 years at his home parish, St. Theodore in Gates. He served at Henrietta's Church of the Good Shepherd — which later joined with Guardian Angels Parish in Henrietta and St. Joseph Parish in Rush to form St. Marianne Cope Parish — from 2006 until 2013, when he reached senior status. He later returned to St. Theodore Parish and continued to preach there until shortly before his death.

Deacon Caruso also had been a chaplain at Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital and the Monroe County Children's Center, serving at both facilities for more than 20 years.

"He really was an excellent chaplain. He loved being a chaplain, and I know from talking to people that the people loved him," remarked Deacon Ronald Tocci, who was one of Deacon Caruso's classmates in the deacon-formation process and also was ordained in 1994.

Deacon Caruso was devoted to his chaplaincies and parish ministry, and his personality made him well-suited to both, Deacon Tocci said.

"He was just very pastoral. He was kind of like a favorite-uncle type. People were just warmed by him," Deacon Tocci said. "I can't remember anything coming out of his mouth that was anything other than humble and joyful and respectful. He always had a great sense of humor. He was just a great guy."

Deacon Caruso was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Palma Caruso; brothers, Costanzo "Custy" Nazzareo Allen and Burton Caruso; and sister, Mary Datsko. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Caruso; children, Christine (Robert) Blades, Allen (Cami) Caruso and Kevin Caruso; grandchildren, Jacob (Emily) Hunt, Liam Hunt, Erika (Trevor) Jenks, Michael Caruso and David DeGrande; three great-grandchildren; brother, Harry Caruso; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-saw, Leslie (Gail) Raymond and Paul (Dolly) Raymond; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Calling hours for Deacon Caruso will be Sept. 19, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at DiPonzio Funeral Home, 219 Spencerport Road in Gates. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Sept. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Theodore Church, 168 Spencerport Road in Gates. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorial donations in Deacon Caruso's memory may be made to St. Theodore Church, 168 Spencerport Road, Rochester, NY 14606.