Richard D. Caruso, age 81, of Hudson, passed away suddenly at the Hudson Hospital on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. Rick was born on June 29, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the son of Benny and Emma (Ponzagrans) Caruso. He was raised in Milwaukee where he attended school. As a young man, he enlisted in the armed forces where he served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked as an engineer for AC Electronics assisting in missile guidance systems making Apollo and Polaris Missiles.

On June 11, 1955, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Charapata at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Rick would change his career and went back to school to become a healthcare administer. Upon completing, the Caruso’s moved to Hudson and Rick became the administrator for Willow Park Care Facility in Burkhardt. He worked here several years before retiring in 1984. Rick loved dancing with Carol to big band music. He was fascinated with military history. Early in life, he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol; a passion he carried throughout his life. He was also an avid reader and held a fondness for music.

Rick is survived by his wife Carol, children Timothy (Betty) Caruso, Lisa Caruso, Gregory (Heather) Caruso, grandchildren Catherine, Richard, Francis, Nicholas, Anthony, great grandchild Estella, half brother Robert Caruso, and his niece Sandra. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Richard on Friday, May 27th at 12 NOON at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Visitation for one hour prior to the Mass at church. Full military honors will be provided by the Hudson VFW and American Legion Post. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 715-386-3725.