Mr. Caruso was my absolute favorite teacher in high school. I took his A.P. U.S. History course junior year. I will never forget the American Dream Project we had to do for class. I still have that project from 23 years ago packed away in my garage. I consider Mr. Caruso my first mentor. He truly cared for his students and motivated me to do things that I never dreamed possible. He was the epitome of a great teacher and will sorely be missed.

Sam- my first love- Messmer high school sweet heart..tender memories of dances and dates and the east side of Milwaukee and of course that first kiss.He sent me a poem over the years about remembering your first love - always a romantic. Thank you Sam  - my deepest sympathy to the family .Lin

Pat and I were shocked and deeply saddened by Sam's passing. I remember him as a friend and gifted athlete on the basketball court. We offer our deepest sympathy to all the family.

Team teaching with Sam was a brilliant time of creativity, intellectual challenge, and fun. His stories captivated us all. I miss him very much.

When I arrived to work each day of my HS teaching career, Sam was the bright and hopeful smile I would almost every day. He was energetic and engaging with his colleagues as well as, and most importantly his students. When I left the teaching profession, I had mixed feelings, Sam was reassuring. I will remember him very fondly and the world will be a little less well off with his passing. Rest well Sam, your final release bell has rung. Dance like there is no one watching!

Kind, caring and welcoming. Traits Sam lavished on his students and colleagues. I'll always hold fond memories of our encounters while teaching at CFHS. Deepest condolences to all of his family.

Sam Caruso was a warm and helpful colleague when I taught American Government at Amphi High School. Both of my children enjoyed his classes.  My son, Reginald Spangler received inspiration to become a filmmaker because Mr. Caruso used Ken Burns documentary series The Civil War in his classes. Reggie studied Media Arts at the University of Arizona and was selected as the outstanding senior in the College of Fine Arts. He worked on staff at the university before studying for the MFA at the California Institute of the Arts. He has been a film editor for the Dr. Phil Show and for the TNT show Cold Justice. Thank you Mr. Caruso for turning him on. Words alone cannot convey my sadness at his passing. He was a devoted imaginative teacher who spoke to the heart and soul, a great loss. My deepest sympathies to Sam's family. May your hearts be warmed by the memories and the countless achievements of his students. He left the world a better place.

Thinking of the Caruso family in this difficult time.  Praying that all the love and fond memories that are poured out will help with healing.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

He was an inspiring and wonderful teacher.  I remember him so fondly. My prayers are with his family.

He was one of my favorite teachers, had him for social studies in 1988, a wonderful man and teacher.

I am stunned by Sam's passing. The world has lost a kind spirit, a gentle soul, and a wise teacher. We are all better for having had the privilege of knowing him. My deepest sympathies are with his family.

Mr. Caruso was one of the best teachers I've ever had. He genuinely cared about his students and the material he taught- in and out of the classroom he was kind, funny and supportive and he'll be dearly missed.

I was a colleague,  and Sam so loved his profession.  I am so sad to hear of his passing.   My deepest condolences to his family and all those that loved him.

One of my favorite teachers of all time. He he taught us with great passion the history and culture of the western world. He took my brother and many others to Europe every year teaching his students to go out and be a part of the world. Every art museum and historical site I visit is made more special because I learned about it in his class. Teachers like Mr. Caruso who inspire their students to become contributing members of the global community should be the ones writing the book on education. It has been 9 years since I took his class so after hundreds of students he may not have remembered my name, but I and many others always remember him!!! God bless you Mr. Caruso, your life made me better

In 2007, Sam and I were part of a contingent of Catalina Foothills teachers that visited China.  On that trip, I quickly learned why so many students loved his personality, quest of knowledge, and fun loving nature.  He was an absolute joy to be around.  He was a legendary teacher in so many ways and his impact will live on forever.  We will all miss you Sam....you lived a quality life my friend.  My deepest sympathy goes out to Sam's family.

Many condolences to Sam's family.  Mr. Caruso was truly an outstanding teacher and human being.  I don't know that AP Euro at CFHS will ever be the same.  People like him are one in a million and he will be deeply missed.

My first day with Mr. Caruso  was the day high school changed from endurable to enjoyable.   He was funny, warm, and passionate about his subject and the teaching of it. 16 years later, I still think of him and his classes often and with great fondness.  Sammy C, you will be missed.

I had Mr. Caruso for a year of AP Euro- the word teach doesn't quite encapsulate what he did for us students - the classroom was his stage of sorts - he brought history alive for us. He sparked a love of history that I will have for the rest of my life. His class was serious and yet playful - the rarest, most beautiful environment in which to learn and thrive. Thank you Mr. Caruso for making my life a more colorful, expansive place. I was the luckiest to have had you as a teacher. You will be missed.

My deepest condolences to the family of one of my most loved teachers from Catalina Foothills High School. 

I was one of Mr. Caruso's students in his AP European History class. I remember stepping timidly into my first AP class, but Mr. Caruso eased my worries with one of the best classes I had, and went on to coach us for Academic Decathlon for Senior year. I shall always remember Mr. Caruso for this dedication to not just impart knowledge, but also to give lessons that we will carry with us for rest of our lives. His great sense of humor will live on.

I was one of Mr. Caruso's students from Catalina Foothills. He was an unforgettable teacher who always reminded his students that we, "were scholars". I will always remember his lessons, wisdom, and kindness. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

My deepest condolences to his family. I had Mr. Caruso for AP US history at Foothills and he was by far the best teacher I had there. He was passionate, funny, knew how to keep us all engaged. He will be missed.

Sam Caruso. A legend.  You will be missed, my friend.

I lived with Sam for two years of college and the experience was at the least enlightening.  Singing the songs from Man of La Mancha over pizza and beer were the best.  I will miss him.  Tim White

I am sorrowed deeply to learn of Sam's passing. I hold him fondly in my heart, a fine colleague at AHS for so many years, a leading light for our faculty at large and me personally.

Sam always had that warm welcoming smile.   Your wonderful memories will sustain you in this difficult time in your lives.  He will be truly missed and always loved for his gentle caring of his students and colleagues.   Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our deepest condolences to Anna and her family!! Peace profound!! <3

Mr. Caruso was a wonderful teacher all the years my husband and I were at Amphitheater High School. 
We were not in his classes, however even so he was very willing to know all the students at the high school. He will always have a special place in our hearts!

I started at Catalina Foothills High School the same year as Sam. He was a wonderful colleague and friend. I'll miss his quirky sense of humor and his warm smile. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

May GOD's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time PSALMS 29:11

I had Mr. Caruso at Amphi when I was a junior in 1991-1992. He was a wonderful teacher and passionate about history and his students. Please accept my condolences for your loss. He will be greatly missed by his former and current students.

One of my favorite memories of Sammy was when he was in high school at Messmer and playing football. Part of the fun was at the end of a victory, the football team would return to school and on their knees would bow down in front of the convent where the school sisters would look out of their windows as the players would count off the score. Thinking of your family at this time. Love from your cousin.

My heart goes out to you on the loss of Sam and in the days ahead.  I was acquainted with Sam through Catalina Foothills High School; he was always genuine, kind, and friendly.  He will be missed greatly.

Uncle Sam you will be deeply missed. I will always keep you close in my heart and remember all the good times we had when you would come and see your Mother and Sister . The biggest memory is when I got to be in your wedding . I will miss you very much    Debbie Hagler

He was my Dear and only Brother and my Mothers Favorite. We where miles apart but we kept in touch .Our yearly tradition was I would send freshly backed cookies for Christmas and he would always send me flowers . I will carry that in my heart until we meet again.
Angeline Caruso -Shattuck

Sam and I arrived at Catalina Foothills School District the same year. I enjoyed our many conversations over the years. He was a dedicated, caring teacher. He was looking forward to returning to Catalina Foothills High School this fall to teach full-time once again. He will be greatly missed but remembered always. My condolences to his family.

OBITUARY

Samuel Thomas Caruso

January 25, 1946 – June 14, 2016

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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