Tommaso "Tommy" Caruso

Tommaso Caruso, 82, of Glastonbury, formerly of Rocky Hill, beloved husband of the late Elvira (Palmieri) Caruso, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Tommaso was born on February 9, 1944 in Pianopoli, Catanzaro, Italy. He was the son of Giuseppe and Maria Cristina (Nanci) Caruso. In 1968, together with his beautiful new bride “Ilva”, they immigrated from Italy to build a new life together to grow their family. Tommaso was a skilled stone mason with countless projects throughout his career, he was well respected among his peers, retiring from Conn. Mason after many years of dedicated service. Tommaso truly had a green thumb, he loved to nurture and grow his fig trees, lemon trees and his vegetable garden. He had a talent for taking a plant that looked hopeless and brought it back to its full bountiful beauty. Tommaso enjoyed a friendly game of Scopa or Scala among friends and family especially his grandsons. Tommaso was a man who valued his family and the traditions of his Italian heritage. When his children were young, he knew the importance and value of spending time with their grandparents, therefore he and Elvira made the decision to move to Pianopoli so their children would be with them. Wonderful Sundays were spent around the dinner table with family and friends; traditions were kept and lifetime memories made, until they returned to Hartford in 1987 where they continued and enjoyed their traditions of family, making wine and sopressata. He had a passion for cars that he passed onto his grandchildren, and he loved to follow the Italian National Soccer team. In addition, Tommaso loved the beach, he appreciated its tranquility and beauty, he would often take his family to the shore to enjoy an impromptu dinner together or just to spend some quality time with each other. Tommaso will be remembered for his quiet demeanor but was truly a force in the lives of his children, and grandchildren, he will truly be missed.

Sadly, he leaves his son, Joseph Caruso and his wife Francesca of Rocky Hill, daughters; Maria Cristina Modugno and her husband Joe of Glastonbury, and Antonella Cuda and her husband Ralph of Wethersfield; cherished grandchildren; Nico Modugno (Ashley), Tommaso Modugno (Alexandra), Thomas F. Caruso (Jessica Lynn), Michael Modugno (Ally), Antonio Cuda, Matteo Modugno and Diego Cuda along with his beautiful great-grandsons, Giuseppe and Alessio.

He also leaves his long-time companion of 16 years, Angela Conaci of Rocky Hill. Together, they took care of each other, continuing their traditions, making pizza, taking day trips to the beach, visiting with friends, cooking their favorite foods, and of course their favorite pastime-playing cards! They kept a bountiful and beautiful garden that they shared with their families.

Along with many nieces and nephews whom he adored, Tommaso leaves his loving sisters Emilia Scalise of Rocky Hill and Angela Caruso Scerbo (Vittorio) of Pianopoli, Catanzaro, whom he shared many daily conversations with.

He was predeceased by his brothers Agostino, Antonio and Domenico, his sisters Caterina and Teresa

His Family would like to thank Lisa and Karen, from Hartford Healthcare Hospice at Home team for their tremendous dedication, their support and loving care.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, September 2nd, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. The funeral will leave the chapel at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, September 3rd for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Parish at Incarnation Church, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Entombment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com