Barbara J. (Santucci) Caruso

Youngstown - Barbara J. Caruso, greeted by her Lord and Savior on December 1, 2020 while surrounded by daughter, son, and grandchildren, was received into Heaven and the loving arms of her husband Pepper. 

Barbara was born June 25, 1937 in Youngstown, the daughter of Hilda (Schneider-Santucci) Karabin and was a lifelong area resident.  Barbara was a proud 1955 graduate of The Rayen High School and became a licensed practical nurse in 1956.

Barbara married the love of her life Joseph “Pepper” Caruso on June 20, 1959. Shortly after their marriage, Barb and Pepper, settled into their new home in Austintown. In 1964 and 1966, Barb and Pepper were blessed with two children Gia M. (Caruso) Taylor and Joseph F. Caruso. Regarding her children, she would lovingly say “while I did not carry them in my belly, I always carried them in my heart.”

Prior to her marriage, Barbara worked in labor and delivery at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown where she greeted many newborns upon their entry into this world. When she and Pepper were blessed with the family they dreamed of, she stayed home to care for her children. When her children entered high school, Barb reentered the workforce as a teacher’s assistant at the Leonard Kirtz School for the Developmentally Disabled where she provided, for 20 years, a loving and nurturing environment to children who had multiple disabilities.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, but most especially enjoyed being “Nana” to her seven grandchildren. Barbara will be remembered for her lovely smile and her dedication to family and friends. Barbara loved to play dominoes with her family and enjoyed her trips to Florida with Pepper to visit her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy and Bill Jenkins. Barbara was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica.

Her beloved husband Joseph “Pepper” Caruso preceded her in death on April 22, 2018.

She leaves behind to hold onto her precious memories, her daughter, Gia Taylor and her husband Terrence of Sellersburg, Ind.; and her son, Joseph and his wife, Rebecca, with whom she made her home in Liberty Township; as well as her seven adoring grandchildren, Kedron (Ryan) Trapp, Bryn Taylor (fiancé of Ronnie Hartman), Lane and T.J. Taylor and Adrianna (Michael) Sobnosky, Elan and Isabella Caruso. 

Barbara also leaves behind her half-brother Ed Karabin Jr., her sister-in-law Judy Daloise (Bill) Jenkins, brother-in-law Ronnie Caruso and her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews from the Caruso, Daloise, Santucci and Karabin families. She also leaves behind her lovingly spoiled Shih Tzu Mushu, who was her steadfast companion following Pepper’s passing.

Besides her beloved husband Pepper, Barbara was also preceded in death by her mother and stepfather Ed Karabin, Sr., her father and mother-in-law Joseph (Theresa) Caruso, her brother Don (Susan) Santucci, and her brother-in-law Frank Daloise all of whom she deeply loved. The family would like to thank Dr. B. Ravi for his compassionate care of Barbara for many years.

In order to honor Barbara’s wishes, a private family service was held Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica with Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio officiating.  Barb was very concerned about everyone during this Covid-19 virus pandemic and wanted no one to be in harm’s way, so please be safe as she knows that you cared for her and will miss her. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street Youngstown, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to COMPASS Family and Community Services, 535 Marmion Ave. Youngstown, 44502, the not-for-profit organization from which her children were adopted and her son is the President and CEO, or Potential Development, 2405 Market St., Youngstown, 44507 in honor of her grandson T.J. Taylor; or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mt. Carmel, Youngstown 44505.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Barbara’s family.

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