David Anthony Caruso

Mr. David Anthony Caruso, age 80, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023.

He was born in Detroit, MI on July 9, 1942, to Anthony & Erma (née Palermo) Caruso and graduated from Allen Park High School in 1960. He earned his undergraduate Education degree from Central Michigan University, and later earned a Master's Degree from Western Michigan University.

He soon married the former Constance Corbin with whom he had two sons, Christopher and Matthew. David married the love of his life, Vella (née Rimmer), on April 17, 1982, with whom he had one son, Nicholas. David and Vella's marriage was a rich tapestry of love, adventure, and strong values. The couple were inseparable from the moment they fell in love.

David taught secondary English for six years before moving to West Michigan in 1971 to serve as a school administrator: he was assistant principal first at Mona Shores High School and then principal at Fruitport High School; in 1986, he became principal of Mona Shores High School. In 1998, he retired from schools after a long and storied career dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the potential of every student and colleague. He then worked as an educational project manager for the architectural firm URS for several years before officially retiring. In retirement, David very happily worked part-time at the Grand Haven Home Depot - and full-time as a doting grandpa.

For decades, David was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church and was an ardent, outspoken political activist throughout his life. He was a voracious reader, and immersed himself in various hobbies from fly fishing to restoring cars; he also loved to paint with watercolors, write poetry and prose, and endlessly toiled on home improvement projects. In retirement, he designed and worked tirelessly to build a beautiful home on Stony Lake, where his passionate legacy will live on for generations.

David had an immense intellect, evenly matched by his rich sense of humor and unyielding compassion. He was a bold and thorough champion of equity and empathy. He selflessly and without hesitation devoted his heart, his time, and his energy to the peace and contentment of others.

He is survived by his wife, Vella Caruso; sons Christopher Caruso, Matthew (Lisa) Caruso, and Nicholas (Hannah) Caruso; grandson Colin Caruso; and sister Debra (Oscar) Breeding. David was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Joan.

SERVICE

Friday, May 12, 2023, 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Laurie Hartzell officiating.

VISITATION

Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.