John J. LaCaruba
John J. LaCaruba, 93, of Alpha, N.J. passed away at home on October 8th, 2020.
He was the husband of the late Irene M. (Yanci) LaCaruba, with whom he shared 72 loving years of marriage prior to her passing on June 24th, 2020. When Irene died, part of him died, too.
Born in Phillipsburg, N.J., on June 18th, 1927, John was the son of the late Adeline (Fatta) LaCaruba and John LaCaruba born in Santo Stefano, Sicily.
John was a 1944 graduate of Saints Philip and James High School. He retired from Dixie Cup Company in 1992 where he was a maintenance mechanic for 40 years. He was extremely skilled at building and fixing things especially around his house. He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Council #474 where he held several posts including past Grand Knight. He took great pride and enjoyment preparing and distributing sausage sandwiches to patrons of the Ole Towne Festival. John volunteered with Catholic Charities pantry for many years. Having also dedicated his time to Norwescap, he received the Volunteer of the Year award. He was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the Golden Age Club where he served 2 terms as president, and the Over 50's of Saints Philip and James. He was a member of the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad and the Alert Hook and Ladder until the family moved to Alpha. He also belonged to the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and putting together puzzles.
John will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his four children Christine (Rick), Craig(Colette), Lynn (Jim), and Lisa. John is also survived by his six grandchildren, six great-grand children, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Irene, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Hockman, and his brother, Christian LaCaruba. His two cats, Barney and Daisey, were his beloved pets.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton, N.J. who assisted in the care of John and Irene. Special thanks go to Dona, Fatima, Steve, Pastor JoAnne and Dr. Viroja and his staff. We will be forever grateful for their wonderful care and kindness.
Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Finegan Funeral Home.