FAIRFIELD—The Diocese of Bridgeport is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Fairfield Probate Judge Daniel Caruso 60, on Sunday at his home in Fairfield. “The passing of Judge Daniel Caruso is a loss not only for the people he served so well as Probate Judge but for the entire diocese,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
“Dan was known to many individuals and families as a man of deep faith and of service. His witness as a Catholic layman and public official inspired us all who numbered him as a friend. I ask for prayers for Dan and his family as we mourn the loss of a good man who served his Church and others so well.”
“As probate Judge, Dan Caruso was no stranger to human frailties and suffering. He dealt with it every day in a way that respected the dignity of all those he served. He was a man of integrity who could always be relied upon to bring fairness, good judgment, and respect for others to his decisions on behalf of individuals and families,” the Bishop said.
A member of St. Pius X Parish, he also frequently attended Mass and prayer services at other Fairfield parishes and at both universities.
As many people come forth with tributes and fond memories of Judge Caruso, it is clear that his many threads of kindness and public service were woven into a lifelong of support for the diocese and its ministries.
Anne McCrory, Chief Legal Officer of the Diocese, praised Judge Caruso for his quiet support and fidelity to many diocesan ministries.
“He was actively involved in so many events and programs of the diocese,” McCrory said. “I’m personally grateful for the support and counsel he provided with respect to probate issues in our parishes and the diocese. We’ve lost a man who worked quietly and faithfully to serve his Church and all those in need.”
She said Judge Caruso was a member of the St. Thomas More Society in the diocese and was instrumental in promoting the Diocesan Red Mass for attorneys and legal professionals each year.
“He was a man for all seasons,” said Al Barber, Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities. “He was fun to be with and a great resource to our Adoption program when legal counsel was required. Many on the St. Catherine Academy Board were also grateful for his service to the school.”
Like many others, Notre Dame High School Principal Chris Cipriano was shaken by the sudden loss of Judge Caruso, who a member of the Advisory Board of Notre Dame and could always be counted on as a go-to guy when the high school needed assistance.
“He was at every graduation that I can remember,” said Cipriano. “He was a big supporter, always there when we needed him.”
Judge Caruso was an outstanding legal counsel of the national Saint Pio Foundation, and among the first recipients of the Saint Pio Award. He was also a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
A wake for Judge Caruso is set for Friday from 3 to 9 pm at Spear Miller Funeral Home, and the funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10 am at St. Pius X Church. Father Robert Kinnally, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, will be the celebrant. Father Michael Jones, pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in Huntington, will be the homilist.
