Stephen P. Caruso, 85

GILFORD — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen P. Caruso. Steve died on Oct. 14, 2026, at his home in Gilford, with family by his side.

Steve was born in Laconia, on May 2, 1941. He was the youngest of seven children, born to Albert and Grace (Crooker) Caruso. He grew up in Laconia, graduating from Laconia High School in 1960.

As a young man, Steve was always known to stand up for the underdog, and throughout his life he had many meaningful friendships.

Steve had a great love for the outdoors, and spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his family, friends, and his beloved black labs. He especially loved Pittsburg, and bought a camp there in 1974, where snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and family trips brought him so much joy, and some well-deserved naps on the porch.

Steve was a hard-working, self-made man. He owned and operated the Gilford Getty Service Station for 35 years. During his successful career, he always enjoyed interacting with his customers, and his mechanical expertise and work ethic were unrivaled. He retired in 2003.

Despite losing an arm at just 16 years old, there was never anything that Steve could not do. This included mastering the use of his prosthetic arm and hook, racing his custom snowmobiles on Lily Pond, and shifting through the gears and his '66 Stingray which he affectionately dubbed “The Green Hornet.”

Steve was truly good natured and had a great sense of humor. He claimed that doing a skip-step he called the “beech-nut shuffle” would bring in a big buck during hunting season, and had a few funny little rhymes and sayings that will be carried on and continue to bring smiles.

Steve lived a well-fulfilled and happy life, but his greatest fortune was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Suzanne (MacKay). They spent 61 years together as husband and wife — a true love story. Together they raised two children, a son, Heath, and daughter, Blythe, both of whom Steve was close to and very proud of.

Steve always took great pride in everything he did, and was a fine example of courage, strength, and faith in God throughout his entire life. Steve will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Steve leaves behind his beloved wife Suzanne; his children, Heath (Paulette), and Blythe (Kevin); along with five grandchildren, Forrest, Charlize, Wolfe, Milan and Cohen; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lab, Mac, who Steve adored and who was always by his side.

He was predeceased by his brothers Albert, Warren and Robert Caruso, and sisters Jenny Rhodes, Josephine Switzer and Loretta York.

A memorial service to honor Steve will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Living Hope Church in Lakeport. A time to gather and share memories of Steve will directly follow. Please dress casually — your favorite flannel will do.

In lieu of flowers, perhaps consider a donation to Granite VNA, 240 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301. Steve received compassionate hospice care from their amazing team of nurses and volunteers, many of whom will never again hear the saying, “See you later, alligator” and not think of him.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.