Lewis "Big Lou" Caruana

Lewis “Big Lou” Caruana passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by the love of his family after a hard-fought battle marked by the same strength and determination that defined his entire life. 

Born on May 17, 1949, Lou lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, humor, and an unchanging devotion to those he loved. He was the kind of man who rarely needed grand words to express himself. Instead, he showed his love through his actions - by lending a hand, fixing what was broken, sharing what he had, and always showing up when his family needed him most. 

For 47 years, Lou shared a life and marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Jo. Together they built a family rooted in love, resilience, laughter, and devotion. Through every chapter of life, they remained partners in the truest sense of the word. 

Lou was a proud father to Brandon and Alex. Nothing brought him greater pride than being their dad. Though he endured the unimaginable loss of his son Brandon in 2008, he carried Brandon’s memory with him every day and never stopped loving him. He was equally proud of the man Alex became and treasured the time they spent together. 

As a dedicated employee of Ford Motor Company for many years, Lou believed in hard work and took pride in a job well done. He carried that same dedication into every aspect of his life, whether he was helping a friend, tackling a project, or spending time in his garage. 

Lou enjoyed the simple things: time with family, working with his hands, tinkering on projects, hanging out with his dog, Aspen, sharing stories, and finding humor in everyday life. Among his greatest passions was his beloved 1946 Ford, affectionately known as “The Pumpkin” for its unmistakable bright orange color. He also loved cheering on the Detroit Red Wings, especially while watching games with his son, Alex. 

Deeply proud of his Maltese heritage, Lou cherished the traditions, values, and strong sense of family that helped shape the man he became. Family was always at the center of his life, and he found his greatest joy in the people he loved most. 

Those who knew Lou will remember his determination, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humor. His presence was larger than life, which is why “Big Lou” was a name that suited him so well. He had a way of making people feel protected simply by being there. 

Lou is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo; his son, Alex (Haley) Caruana; his siblings, Joseph Caruana, Rose Burgos, and Jeanie Reiger; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly. He will also be greatly missed by his loyal dog, Aspen. He was preceded in death by his son, Brandon; his parents, Charles and Mary Caruana; and his siblings, Lawrence, Carmen, and Frank. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lou’s life during visitation on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Trenton Chapel – Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Road, Trenton, Michigan 48183. A funeral service will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The family welcomes all who wish to come, share stories, offer condolences, and celebrate a life so well lived. 

Interment will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, 18303 Allen Road, Brownstown, Michigan 48193. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for a wake and luncheon at The Sand Trap at Riverview Highlands Golf Course in Riverview, Michigan, to continue sharing stories, laughter, and memories of Big Lou among those who knew and loved him. 

While his family wishes they had been given more time, they find comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and reunited with the loved ones who went before him. 

Big Lou’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the values he instilled, the stories that will be told for generations, and the countless memories he created. 

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Lou’s memory to the Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, or the Jamie Daniels Foundation.