George C. Caruso, Sr., 85, of Chesterfield, NJ, passed peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side on Friday, April 16, 2021 in North Carolina. He was born in 1935 in Trenton, NJ. He was a graduate of Trenton High School and Mercer County Community College, where he earned his Associates Degree in Engineering. A veteran of the US Marines, George worked for many years for the State of New Jersey and retired from the Department of Environmental Protection as the Park Maintenance Coordinator for Region 1 (Southern NJ). A resident of Hamilton Twp., NJ for many years, after retirement, George and his wife enjoyed splitting their time between New Jersey and North Carolina.

In his younger years, George enjoyed a host of outdoor activities that included hunting with his brother and sons, surf fishing with family at Island Beach State Park and taking care of his beloved vegetable garden and fig trees. In the community setting, George was an active baseball and soccer coach. With soccer, George coached both recreation league and travel teams, one of which competed in Holland. He and his wife Patricia were instrumental in creating the Hamilton Township Recreation Girls Soccer League.

George was an accomplished builder. In his lifetime, he built not only his own home but also those of his two sons. His construction expertise was legendary and there were no construction challenges that he could not solve. He willingly shared his knowledge and abilities with anyone who sought his assistance.

George was predeceased by his parents Giuseppe and Rosa Sabetta Caruso, and his brothers Adam, Theodore, Carmen and infant Ralph Caruso. George was most proud of the loving family he leaves behind, including his wife of 65 years, Patricia M Caruso (Goslin) who he always called his "bluebird of happiness"; his three children and spouses, George C Jr. and Carol E Caruso of Chesterfield, NJ, Daniel W and Patricia A Caruso of Upper Freehold, NJ, and Patricia A and James F McGillen of Little River, SC. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Robert Caruso (Lauren), Caralyn Trimmer (Joel), Danielle Caruso, Nicholas Caruso, Zachary Caruso, Spencer Caruso, Matthew McGillen, Mark McGillen, and Kevin McGillen. He was blessed to have become a Great Pop-Pop to Chloe and Lennox Trimmer, and Penelope Caruso. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Jules and Janet Caruso, his brother-in-law and partner, Walter F. Goslin and Marie Colino, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 555 Allentown-Yardville Rd., Yardville, NJ. Friends may call on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown, NJ. Interment will be on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ 08520. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in George's name to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org

Please be aware that social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at the funeral home, church and cemetery.