LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life of Joan M. Caruso, former
Supervisor of the Town of Woodbury, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York whose lives and
civic endeavors testify to extraordinary commitment to their family and
their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret this Legislative Body
records the passing of Joan M. Caruso, former resident and Supervisor of
the Town of Woodbury, New York, on January 13, 2009, in Surfside Beach,
South Carolina, where she had resided for the past several years, noting
the loss of a cherished citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors
contributed so much to the enrichment of her community both here in New
York where she spent most of her life and, later, in South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Joan M. Caruso, her husband Charles Caruso and their three
young daughters, came to Central Valley in 1960; she became an active
member in St. Patrick's Church and worked as a teacher and office manag-
er and, in the late 1980's, accepted a position as Account Clerk for the
Town of Woodbury, later becoming the Senior Account Clerk for the town;
and
WHEREAS, During her career, she also served as the town's "on call"
police matron, as an accountant for the Cemetery of the Highlands Board
of Trustees, as Deputy Town Supervisor and was active in the Association
of Towns organization; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to her husband and family, Joan M. Caruso also gave
abundantly of her time and talents in support of a multitude of worthy
endeavors to enhance the quality of life of her community; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, when the incumbent decided not to run for reelection
as Woodbury Town Supervisor, friends and colleagues encouraged Joan
Caruso to seek the office; though she had not sought the position, her
love of Woodbury, her strength in accounting, her experience in town
government, her understanding of the challenges facing the town, and her
deep faith in people convinced her that she could make a difference; and
WHEREAS, As she walked door-to-door during her campaign, it was clear
to those who walked with her, that her knowledge and her quiet and
reserved manner had gained the respect of the community she loved; in
November 1995, Joan M. Caruso became the first women elected Supervisor
in the Town of Woodbury, a position she viewed with great humility and
seriousness of purpose; and
WHEREAS, Just eight days after her January 1, 1996 inauguration, Wood-
bury faced one of the worst blizzards in the history of the town; the
town's emergency services were deployed, everyone knew what to do and
Joan Caruso rose to the challenge, working untiringly to be sure that
all of her town family remained safe; and
WHEREAS, She won reelection to a second term two years later and was
justly proud of her accomplishments during her four-year tenure as
Supervisor of the Town of Woodbury, New York, during which a new highway
garage was built, renovations were begun on the Gatehouse complex in an
effort to preserve this historic town building, and other improvements
were made for the town; and
WHEREAS, Joan Caruso's values remained strong despite challenges; she
earned the respect of town and county leaders and the community and
always sustained her honest, determined and professional demeanor; she
will long be remembered for her steadfast beliefs, her warm and caring
personality, and her sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, She had the heart of a lioness, but the peace of a dove; she
carried strong and firm views and opinions, but also had an admirable,
open spirit which grew and evolved throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, When Joan Caruso chose not to run for a third term as Town
Supervisor, she moved to a warmer climate in South Carolina for her
retirement years, where her service to her new community included a
church affiliation, service as a Sunday School teacher and as the organ-
izer of a Red Hat Society ladies group, and part-time work as an office
manager; and
WHEREAS, Her contacts with Woodbury remained strong; her heart was
with the town she had called home for more than 40 years and it is there
that she has been laid to eternal rest; and
WHEREAS, Joan M. Caruso is survived by her devoted husband Charles
Caruso; their three beloved daughters, Karen, Margo, and Charlene; the
four grandchildren she treasured, Dennis, Michael, Alexis, and Christo-
pher; and the soon to be great-grandchild, Olivia, she had been so
anticipating; and
WHEREAS, Over her meritorious life of service on behalf of her family
and community, Joan M. Caruso distinguished herself as a woman of
sincere dedication and substantial contribution; as a woman of values
and commitment, she inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and
many friends who will long honor her memory; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Joan M. Caruso, to celebrate her life, and to
honor her accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Joan M. Caruso.