Joseph Caro, 96, of Catskill passed away on September 29, 2024.

Joe aka “Pops” and “Grandpa Joe” was born September 23, 1928 in Manhattan to the late Joseph (Giuseppe) and Sadie (Rosario Monastero) Caro. He was an only child.

As a young child, his family moved to the Bronx. Joe grew up in the tenement neighborhoods of New York City during the Depression and described his childhood as being glorious, exploring the city with his mother and running the streets with his friends Ed Murphy and Kevin Barry, doing as he pleased and proudly cutting school classes to do so.

During World War II he enlisted in the Army at 17 years of age. He served as a lab/pharmacy tech, which is ironic because he could not stand the sight of blood or anything to do with doctors or hospitals. He bragged that his greatest accomplishment during his service was sinking an amphibious vehicle and injuring himself in the process.

After returning from his time in the service, he moved with his parents to Los Angeles. He worked for the Southern California Gas Company as an Industrial Service Engineer. He marveled that even though he had an undergrad degree from CalTech he was able to get that job without a proper engineering degree. He was determined and taught himself the science and skills needed to succeed in that role. He met his beloved wife, Barbara, who also worked for the gas company. He always said he didn’t remember asking her to marry him but somehow the deal was sealed. She was the love of his life and the only girl for him. They were married for 65 years!

In 1968 Joe and Barb moved to Catskill with his father and their two young sons Ed and Tom. Steve and Chris came along later to complete the family. He earned a Master’s degree in Education from Russell Sage College and was a 6th grade teacher in the Catskill Central School District for twenty years. His daughter-in-law Bonnie had the privilege of being his student and reminded him he was the only teacher that ever gave her detention. She had not even met Steve yet!

Joe and Barb lived their retirement years in Catskill spending time with their four sons' families and many friends. They also enjoyed traveling all over Europe together and visiting relatives in Sicily. Their sense of adventure was an inspiration to many, and his kids and grandkids have also inherited his love of travel and meeting new friends everywhere.

Joe was passionate in supporting causes that he felt were just. He was continuously learning and intrigued by technology. He loved to read and avidly followed politics. Many friends and family members got into lively discussions with him as he passionately defended his position. Most recently this summer, he made the front page of the Albany Times Union for advocating for elderly residents in the assisted living facility where he and his wife resided.

Joe knew the meaning of unconditional love as that is how he loved his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Edward (Mary) Caro, Thomas (Mirna) Caro, Stephen (Bonnie) Caro, and Christopher (Brandy) Caro, grandchildren Daniel (Mackenzie) Caro, Benjamin Caro, Katelynn Caro, Matthew Caro, Sophia Caro, and Austin and Aidan Sullivan.

Friends and family may gather at Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill on Saturday October 12th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A prayer service officiated by Deacon Mike McDonald will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Community Hospice of Saratoga

179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Harris/Walz for President 2024 election campaign.