Tony Caruso
I had the pleasure of knowing Jerry for nearly twenty years. Our families were brought together when his daughter Susana, and our son David, became friends in school, fell in love, married and blessed us with five wonderful, amazing grandchildren.
For the last nine years, I had the privilege of working with Jerry at St Mary Catholic Church and Santa Maria Mission. Under Jerry's dedicated leadership, the Mission experienced a time of incredible growth - Sunday Mass attendance nearly doubled and outreach efforts expanded dramatically. By forging strong partnerships with Feeding Tampa Bay, Nativity Food Bank and several local Churches, Jerry helped grow the food pantry and hot meal distribution to the needy from one day a week to five.
At Santa Maria Mission Jerry touched countless lives. He truly lived out the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: "Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." He saw the face of Jesus in the poor, the marginalized and the homeless who came to the Mission in need. With compassion and unwavering faith, he served them with dignity, love and generosity.
While we deeply mourn his passing, we are comforted by our faith and the certainty that he has earned his heavenly inheritance. His legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Tony Caruso