Philip Peter Caruso

Philip Peter Caruso, the last of a generation of the Florida citrus producers known for their world renowned “Bluebird Citrus” brand, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 99 years old. An Orlando native, Philip was born at Orange Memorial Hospital on January 31, 1927 to Philip Caruso and Amelia Rinella Caruso. The youngest of four children and the last son, he attended St. James Parochial School and Orlando High School. He joined the Merchant Marines in the late days of WWII and served for two years sailing to France, England, Portugal and the Caribbean. Upon his return he joined his father and brothers, Austin, Joseph and his brother-in-law Jack Walsh in the family’s citrus canning company, Southern Fruit Distributors, in South Orlando. He was Secretary-Treasurer, supervising warehouse shipping operations, sales and warehouse stock in the Southeastern U.S. before the company was sold to Citrus World in 1986; he continued his involvement into his late 80’s with the successor company, Pineloch Management Corp.

In 1946 Philip married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Magrini, and they raised their five children at their Orlando residence of 51 years near Rose Isle, before moving to Winter Park in 2001. He enjoyed his later years attending the Winter Park City Council meetings, driving to “work” and exercising at the Orlando YMCA.

He loved the role of storyteller, entertaining the staff on how Orlando had changed over the years. Philip would reminisce about his red-brick and green-tiled 1920’s home at 411 E. Robinson Avenue where he grew up, about swimming in Lake Eola when Robinson Avenue was a two-lane red brick road and riding his bike to Lake Estelle to play on the sandy beach. He would point out where he attended boys scout meetings and the houses remaining in the neighborhood where a condominium replaced the original homestead. He was the glue that held the families together, with his kindness and understanding, his humor and cordial rapport with employees as well as his family. Philip’s guidance, teachings and support greatly influenced and enhanced the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Philip was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park for over fifty years; a lifetime member of the Orlando Country Club, where he played golf and tennis for many years; the Elks Club of Orlando and Winter Park, and the Italian Social Club of Winter Park.

Philip is preceded in death by his father, Philip Caruso and mother, Amelia Rinella Caruso, his sister Josephine Walsh and brothers Austin A. Caruso and Joseph M. Caruso. His wife of 74 years, Dolores Magrini Caruso, and his daughter, Carolyn Dolores Caruso, passed in 2020. He is survived by his four remaining children: Laurel Caruso (Paul Shirley, Jr.); Amelia Caruso Mitchell (David), Phylis P. Caruso (V. L. Layton) and Philip P. Caruso, Jr. (Penny); 10 grandchildren: Mark and Jason Frazier; James Jr., Justin and Jonathan Frye, Philip III, Matthew and Daniella Caruso; Claire and Scottie Mitchell; and sixteen great-grandchildren: Jackson and Calvin Frazier; Zoe, Haven and Grayson Frazier; Layton, Morgan, Reagan and James Frye III; Amelia Kate, Caroline and Elinor Frye; Isabella and Luca Caruso; and Emmet Mitchell and Davey Mitchell.

There will be private services for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any donations be given to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park, Florida.