Mr. Daniel Angelo Caruso

Daniel Caruso was my hero and the love of my life. Dan was a man of unwavering bravery, strength and integrity. His heart beat only for me and for Lori, and there was another part of his heart he shared, and that was for his music and singing.

Dan embraced his love of singing and playing the piano and organ at a very young age. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and was a devoted New Yorker through and through. He attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. In his senior year, he won the Excellence in Singing Award. After graduation, he attended Mannes College in New York City, which is now called The New School. While at Mannes, he had the lead part in the premiere opera production of “The Robbers”, written by the famous Ned Rorem. After graduating from Mannes, he toured the United States and Canada with the Columbus Boy Choir in a lead role in “Amahl and the Night Visitors”.

On his return from touring, the Army called him, and he served his country for two years. Music was still a big part of his life, as he directed the Army Choir at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Also during his time there, he performed as solo artist many times with the Columbus Orchestra.

After the Army, he returned home to his beloved Brooklyn, New York and began touring with the famous Boris Goldovsky Opera Company. Each summer, he was Guest Artist with the Goldman Band for Italian Night, which took place in Central Park and Prospect Park in New York.

Then as fate would have it, we met. We were both chosen to play lead roles in an Opera Premiere Production in New York City and found each other. We were married at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I had attended elementary school.

During our professional concert performances in New York, some included us singing duets together, which we both loved and enjoyed very much.

We eventually moved to Louisiana, my home state, to create Dan’s dream of opening a restaurant, El Palacio, in Baton Rouge, which we had for ten years.

Dan’s ministry throughout his life was playing the organ and singing in church, and through the years, he cantored in many churches, both in New York and Louisiana. He also taught voice and directed choir on the college level.

Although he lived in many places as an adult, his heart always belonged to New York.

Dan died peacefully with me and his devoted daughter Lori by his side on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

----Ninfa Gianfala Caruso

Dan is survived by his wife Ninfa Gianfala Caruso, daughter Lori Caruso Raia, brother Robert T. Caruso and wife Susan, first cousin Thomas Caruso and wife Pam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Rose Caruso, uncle Nicholas Caruso, and son-in-law Albert D. Raia.

In lieu of a memorial service, we have created a Musical Memorial to honor Dan and his musical talents on YouTube. It is titled “Daniel Caruso Musical Memorial Tribute - That Boy From Brooklyn” and can be found using the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQaP1g8MdZ8D4za2bBPTH0g

Press “Playlist” for all song selections.

Also included on Dan’s YouTube Memorial are Duets with Dan and his wife Ninfa titled "That Boy From Brooklyn Meets The Little Girl From Magazine Street" at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwFzAwvXJM7oAe2drvjkJA.

Press “Playlist” for all song selections.