Bruno Caruso

Bruno G. Caruso, 92, beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at home in Trenton, MI. Bruno was born February 8, 1933, in Melvindale, MI, to Bruno and Mary Caruso. He graduated in 1951 from Melvindale HS as “Athlete of the Year,” after earning 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball during his four years there. Bruno was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame, 2002. He served in the U.S. Army’s, 1st Cavalry, as Private 1st Class, during the Korean War, 1953-55, and was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. He starred on the Army football team that won the Far East Military Championship in 1954.

Bruno met the love of his life, Sylvia Barbat, in high school and they married, June 9, 1956, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Melvindale. Bruno and Sylvia had two children, Cindy (Tom O’Hare) and John Bruno.

After returning from Japan, Bruno and Sylvia married and settled in Trenton, MI with Cindy and John Bruno. In 1960, he was the first hire at Wyandotte Industries by owner Jerry Szpondowski, Sr. Bruno retired in 1997 as Vice President of Operations having helped grow the company to 125 employees. He was active in the Downriver sports scene, notably as a member of West Shore Golf Club, winning several club championships. He spent several years as player-coach of the Wyandotte Industries softball team. Bruno was a great fan for 60-years at Trenton HS. football, basketball, hockey, baseball and tennis games/matches (and Riverview HS, 1972-75). Bruno umpired baseball games in local leagues. An annual highlight was Bruno and Sylvia joining cousins John V. and Sue Ghindia, and Gil and Olympia Sutherland for the Michigan-Ohio State football game.

Sylvia and Bruno had a home in Delray Beach, FL, and were winter residents 40 years. Bruno won several golf championships at Gleneagles Country Club. They greatly enjoyed attending Elvis Presley Night at Johnny Brown’s with their dear friends every Monday. Bruno and Sylvia went on multiple cruises that enabled them to see much of Europe and the Caribbean. And they traveled all over the USA. During the summer, Bruno and Sylvia often enjoyed the view from their front porch swing at their Trenton home on Grange Road. Neighbors will miss him greatly!

Bruno was preceded in death by his precious daughter Cindy (Tom O’Hare), brother Phil Caruso and sister-in-law, Peggy. Survived by: Wife Sylvia (married almost 69 years), Son John Bruno; Brother Michael Cicci (Carolyn); Grandson Jack and Son-in-law Tom (Ellen); Nieces Karen and Nancy Sutherland, Mary Beth Cirocco (Terry), Suzanne Robertson (Mark), Janet Ghindia, Melissa Alford (Todd); Nephews Mark Sutherland (Renee), Mark Caruso (Lynne), Phillip Caruso (Debbie), George Ghindia (Cheryl), John R. Ghindia, Michael Cicci (Rhiannon); and many Grand Nieces and Nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Bruno may be made directly to Sts Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church (750 N. Beech Daly Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127) -or- Alzheimer Association -or- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Please see the Martenson Funeral Home site for viewing and burial details.