Antonio Caruso, Jr.

Antonio “Tony” Caruso Jr., 87, was called to his eternal resting place on February 5, 2022.

Tony was born to Antonio and Emilia Caruso on December 9, 1934, in the apartment above the family store, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, in the small town of Dowagiac, Michigan. Being the youngest of five siblings, he spent countless hours lightening the load for his family working in the store. At fourteen, Tony would travel at four o’clock in the morning to the local farms to pick up the cream that would be made into Caruso’s ice cream. The Caruso family worked together to make candy, ice cream and run the store. Their strong family bond was evident to all who met them. It was from his family and his upbringing in the store that Tony developed his work ethic and sense for business.

Tony married Sandra Kay Nolke, the love of his life, on April 27, 1957. They raised their family in Dowagiac and Tony discovered his talent for sales working for Richardson Homes. He honed his skills in the mobile home industry, eventually moving his family to Waco, Texas. Tony was fundamental in the Manufacturing Housing Industry, founding both Centurion Homes and Designer Homes. Tony was also involved in the first HUD certification of Manufactured Homes. In 1986, Tony opened Centurion Computers, supplying the Waco area with computers, software, and a Fantasy Football League. Along the way, Tony forged many lifelong friendships through his business endeavors.

Tony was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church. He was passionate about DIY projects, gardening, and travel. Tony played football in high school and college; he was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his family and friends. Go Irish!

Tony and Sandra had four children, Angela (Jesse) Blackwell, Antonio “Chip” (Phyllis) Caruso III, Donna (David Peckham) Caruso, and Gina (John) Dickson, nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Emilia Caruso, his in-laws, John and Donnabelle Nolke, his brother Paul (Ursula) Caruso, his sisters Josephine (Joe) Marizzita, Julia (Bill) Rutherford, and Theresa (George) Stephenson, Evan Sanchez, Cash and Wyatt Spicer, Mary Meyers, Antonia Shear, and Bob Rutherford.