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.
Hope Tony is looking down from the sky pub and toasting all good friends and family. He was loved.
Anthony was a good friend and classmate, our friendship went all the way back to Lincoln School before he went St. Ann’s . We worked together at Down By The Station. He also visited me on several occasions while I was attending St. Bonaventure. A kind man, a loyal friend. Rest In Peace Anthony.
Tony came into our restaurant, The Glenwood, when we owned it and he was always as they said, “The Quiet Giant”. It was a pleasure to serve the gentleman. I know the family will miss him dearly. We are saddened to hear of his passing.
In 1979 I was driving on Glen Avenue extension in Hornell and I was making a U turn and got stuck in the ditch. Tony came along and LIFTED my car right up and put it back in the road. He was so kind and strong and gentle at the same time. I have never forgotten that. He was my hero that day. RIP Tony
Sorry to here this my friend. You will be missed by everyone who knew you. You always had a kind heart for everyone always a smile for everyone you meet. Will be missed by
all your loveones. RIP my friend Tony
Tony had a special place in his heart for the less fortunate. I recall a time back in the 1970s when Tony purchased 7 or 8 bicycles from the Sears Roebuck store on Main St and gave them to a couple of needy families for Christmas presents for their children. I can still picture his blue Ford pickup truck with a pile of bikes loaded in the box. RIP cousin
My prayers go out to the Caruso family.Tony was a great person and will be missed by all.Those we love can never be more than a thought away for as long as there’s a memory they live in our hearts to stay.Rest In Peace Tony.
My deepest sympathies to the Caruso family and anyone who knew and loved Tony . He was always so kind to me . I will always remember him driving through town in his truck and giving a shy wave and smile , always knew he cared and was thoughtful to all. He is in Gods hands now .
Spent some good time with Toni back in the early days. Still see him riding his motorcycle around town wearing his spiked Germen helmet.
This Canisteo native is very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. My greatest memory of Tony is this: back in the late ’60s, early 70s, Hornell and Canisteo people of high school age were not the best of friends. Does anyone remember the “rumbles” we used to have? There were many and I remember a few. I was also dating a Hornell girl at the time and it was a scary proposition to hitchhike to Hornell and walk around town with my girl. Ya never knew who you would run into. Anyway, I can’t really remember how it happened, but somehow Tony and I became acquaintances, you might even say friends. Maybe it happened at Down By The Station. And luckily for me, there were a few times that having Tony by my side saved me from getting my ass kicked. So it’s very interesting to me and yet not surprising, to read the comments above about what a great guy Tony was; a gentle giant as they say. Nobody messed with Tony and as a consequence, nobody messed with me when I was cavorting around Hornell with my girl. My best wishes to his family. RIP, Anthony