Samuel Louis Caruso

Samuel Louis Caruso, 92, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2015 with his wife, Carolyn and his daughter, Natalie by his side. Sam, or "Dr. Sam" as he was often times referred to in his later years, was born on November 27, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Sebastian and Natalina Caruso and was their only child. He grew up in South Philadelphia, began his education in parochial school at St. Monica's elementary school. After graduating from South East Catholic High School, he attended pre-med at the University of Pennsylvania and received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine ("PCOM"). Dr. Sam took his residency in pediatrics at PCOM and practiced in this area his entire career. In addition to practicing as a pediatrician for over 40 years, Dr. Sam served as the Chairman of the Pediatrics Department at PCOM from 1972-1980 and then as the Professional Director of the hospital from 1980-1982. Dr. Sam was also a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, served on the Board of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians and was also President of the Board. After retiring from practice in 1998, Dr. Sam and Carolyn, and moved to Bentonville, Ark. in 2005. Sam is survived by his wife, Carolyn Caruso, to whom he was married for 64 years, and in whom he found a true partner in life. Carolyn was a nurse prior to meeting Sam, and stopped practicing to raise a family. Sam and Carolyn are the proud parents of 6 children-- Pat Paris of Virginia, Paul Caruso and wife Janet of Pennsylvania, Steve Caruso and wife Connie of Ohio, Dana Wiley and husband Jay of Pennsylvania, Tom Caruso and wife Nancy of North Carolina and Natalie Suarez and husband JP, of Arkansas. Sam and Carolyn have 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Sam was always very proud of his Sicilian heritage, and loved to tell stories about his parents and life in "the old country." A highlight of his life was a trip to Sicily, where he visited his parents' home town, Sopanara Villa Franca, a small mountain village south of Mt. Etna. Because he spoke and understood Italian, he was able to communicate well and won the hearts of the villagers, especially the children. He also loved telling jokes, laughing with people, and keeping everyone around him smiling and on their toes. Sam never met a stranger, and was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone, especially if you happened to like Sicilian food or spoke a little Italian. And if you offered him a cannoli, you would be a friend for life! He also loved his Philadelphia Eagles and watched them regularly. But most of all, Sam loved his wife and his family, and put them first in his life. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and true friend. The family will be holding a Memorial Service for Sam on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Bentonville, Ark., with a lunch reception immediately to follow at Legacy Village. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Samuel L. Caruso to: PCOM Foundation, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Office of Alumni Relations and Development, 4180 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131-1695 or St. Stephen Catholic Church Building Fund, 1300 NE J Street, Bentonville, Ark. 72712. Cremation arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville. www.CallisonLough.com.