Stephen Mark Caruso

Steve passed away peacefully on August 23, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jill Weiss Caruso, daughters Leslie Caruso Watson (Billy) and Julie Caruso, son Stephen Caruso, Jr. (Meredith), granddaughters Caroline Watson and Elizabeth Caruso, and his brothers Austin Caruso, Jr. (Carole) and James P. Caruso (Chris).

Steve was born January 2, 1948 in Orlando, Florida to Austin and Marie Caruso. He was a lifelong Orlando resident and 3rd generation Floridan. Steve joined the family company, Southern Fruit Distributors after graduation from Florida State University in 1970. He joined Florida's Natural Growers in 1986 when Southern Fruit sold its Bluebird brand to the cooperative. He became CEO of Florida's Natural Growers in 1993. He was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 2014. He was an avid supporter of FSU athletics. He loved to travel, play golf and spend time with his family.

The funeral mass will be held on September 2, 2023 at St. James Catholic Cathedral at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's memory to the UF Foundation, PO Box 100243, Gainesville, FL 32610. Donations will be used for Parkinson's research at the University of Florida. Online donations are also accepted at fixel.ufhealth.org.