John E Caruso

John E. “Jack” Caruso, a legend in the Jacksonville, Florida automotive industry for over 50 years, passed peacefully at home on October 14, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 24, 1935 in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania and attended school in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In 1949 he met the love of his life, JoAnn R. Ogle and were married on December 5, 1953. In 1960 they moved their family to Jacksonville, Florida. In 1961 he took his first sales position at Downtown Rambler and that was the beginning of his sales career. He joined the Chrysler Corp. in 1966 as General Manager of Southside Dodge where he worked until he began building his first dealership, Regency Dodge, in 1969. Fourteen years later in 1984 he built his second dealership, Caruso Chrysler/Plymouth.

Throughout his success, he received recognition for being the “Top Charger Dealer”, and earning many awards throughout his career. He helped numerous business associates become successful, and donated to many charities through his career. He dedicated over 50 years of service to the community, but he was most proud of his role with the Salvation Army, earning a “Lifetime Membership Award.”

His biggest love was family. He was predeceased by his mother, Grace Ellen Barry; his brother, Robert “Bob” Caruso; and a son Steven Robert Caruso. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his son, John Michael (Susan) Caruso; four daughters, Kathleen Jo Caruso, Deborah Ann Caruso Reynolds, Terri Lynne Caruso, and Laurie Caruso Shashy; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline Spring Miller, Marci Ann Caruso, John Michael Caruso II, Sofia Grace Reynolds, Joanna Rea Reynolds, Robert Charles Caruso Shashy, and Meghan Lynne Michael; four great-grandchildren, Conner Jackson Reifer, Johnathan Cole Reifer, Kamryn Faith Reynolds, and Madison Rea Zaino; sister-in-law, Peggy (Jim) Nelson; brother-in-law, John (Carol) Ogle; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, October 18th at Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. Services will be held Wednesday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Contributions in Jack’s name may be made to the Salvation Army, 328 N Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel 4801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207 www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com (904)737-7171