Dr. Anthony Paul Caruso Of Southampton Dies January 26

Dr. Anthony Paul Caruso of Southampton, died on January 26. He was 71.

Dr. Caruso was born on May 22, 1949, to Antonino and Annette (Von Eyer) Caruso in Albertson, New York. He graduated from Southampton High School in 1967 as salutatorian of his class. Thereafter, he attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in biology. College led him to pursue medicine at Thomas Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, graduating in 1975. After completing a residency in general surgery, he completed a three-year residency in otolaryngology (ENT). During these years in Philadelphia, he met Victoria Conboy (Caruso) on a prearranged blind date. She was finishing her degree in nursing and the timing was perfect. They married soon thereafter and returned to Southampton to establish a private practice.

During his working career, Dr. Caruso completed fellowships in facial plastic surgery, immunology, and facial cosmetics. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor at Columbia Medical School in otolaryngology. Locally, he served as chief of the pharmacy department at Southampton Hospital and was an attending surgeon at both Southampton Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center. Growing up and residing in Southampton Village, Dr. Caruso took great pride in treating head and neck emergencies throughout his career.

Dr. and Mrs. Caruso had a rich family life with many fond memories, their family said. They had three sons, Anthony, Michael, and Christopher, and enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe for family vacations. After their children had finished school and left home in Southampton, the couple enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending winters in Juno Beach, Florida.

Dr. Caruso had deep roots in Southampton. He grew up on Ox Pasture Lane. His father owned the local South Thrifty Drugs on Main Street. He was active in the community throughout his life having earned the rank of Eagle Scout and the degree of Master Mason at the Old Town Lodge 908 of Free & Accepted Masons. He enjoyed a long-time membership at Southampton Golf Club, and later became an active member in the Southampton Shores Colony Club.

Dr. Caruso had diverse interests. At the top of his list were aviation, shooting sports, classic cars, wine, and movies. He owned and flew multiple aircraft throughout his life; even, building and flying an experimental helicopter. He also restored classic cars with his children. Dr. Caruso cultivated a deep appreciation for fine wines. He constructed a wine cellar and traveled to Napa Valley regularly, earning sommelier credentials. Finally, he loved watching movies, either at the theater (with a big bucket of popcorn) or in his home theater surrounded by his family. He often delighted in friendly debates with his friends and family around movies, especially during Oscar season.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Victoria (Conboy) Caruso; three sons, Anthony and his wife Sarah of Southampton, Michael and his wife Jennifer of Patterson, New York and Christopher and his wife Laura of Highland Heights, Ohio; and his six grandchildren, Olivia, Leonardo, Tessa, Eleanor, Gillian, and Bradley.