Obituary of Louis Caruana

The Reverend Louis F. Caruana 1934 – 2021

Williamson: Louis Frank Caruana, 86, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at the Crest Manor Nursing Home in Fairport, NY.

He was born on February 28, 1934, in Auburn, son of the late Francesco "Frank" L. and Bessie McFadden Caruana. He graduated from West High School – Auburn. He was in the first graduating class of Cayuga Community College and continued his studies in library science at Geneseo State College. He completed ministerial studies at Elohim Bible Institute in Castile, where he would later teach. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1962.

Louis married Ann Marie Heath on June 18, 1955 in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Auburn. Ann died of complications following childbirth in 1961, leaving Louis with four pre-school aged children. He married Ruth Elizabeth Dodge on December 8, 1962. Together they raised four children and enjoyed a devoted fifty-three-year marriage until Ruth's death in 2017.

Louis Caruana was a dedicated and respected pastor of Conservative and Independent Baptist congregations across New York State, including: United Baptist Church – Pike, First Baptist Church – Indian Lake, Prospect Avenue Baptist Church – Buffalo, and First Baptist Church – Afton. In retirement, he served as an interim pastor of several Baptist congregations before concluding a fifty-four-year ministerial career as the Associate Pastor of Bible Baptist Church – Williamson. Pastor Caruana impacted many lives through his compassionate character, wise counsel, and compelling preaching. In his final years he resided in Parkwood Heights Senior Living – Macedon and Crest Manor Nursing Home – Fairport where he believed God had placed him to bring comfort and a witness to others.

Louis loved his family and treasured time with them for many years at a family cottage, the Blue Door, on the grounds of the Ontario Bible Conference. He is pre-deceased by his wife Ann, his wife Ruth, his daughter Ruth Marie, and his brother Joseph. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Rev. Dr. Mark S. and Paula Caruana, Jonathan E. and Linda Caruana, Deborah A. and Lenny Beardsley; grandchildren and their spouses, Sean Caruana, Dr. Stephen and Madeline Caruana, Christine Caruana, April Beardsley, and Jake Beardsley; and a great-grandchild, Rosella Grace Caruana. He is also survived by many children in faith and friends.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the caregivers of the Crest Manor Nursing Home for the compassionate care and the comfort they gave our loved one. Due to the present COVID-19 pandemic, a graveside service was held privately at the convenience of the family. Interment was in Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn. Friends are invited to join the family Saturday, September 18, 11:00 am at Williamson Bible Baptist Church, 6364 Salmon Creek Rd. for his Memorial Service.

Arrangements are with the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, Inc. and entrusted to Philip F. Profetta. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make contributions to "Independent Gospel Mission College," International Gospel Mission, 990 Calkins Rd, Rochester, NY 14623.