Katherine Nicolosi Caruso

Katherine was born on June 4, 1934, in Ohioville, New York, to Biagio "Charles" and Frances Nicolosi. She was raised in Kingston, New York, and attended Kingston High School, where she was captain of the cheerleading squad. It was there that she met Celestino “Chill” Caruso, captain of the basketball team. Their high school romance grew and they were married on May 5, 1956.

Katherine worked as a bank teller until she became the mother of her three children, fulfilling what had always been her greatest dream. In the summer of 1978, the family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where Katherine continued to share her gifts through her work as an assistant teacher at Stough Elementary School and later as assistant to the dean of the School of Business at North Carolina State University.

Katherine embraced life with enthusiasm, courage, and creativity. She was a talented artist, pianist, and writer, and she brought passion to everything she did. She loved sports and, inspired by Jim Valvano, became a devoted fan of NC State Wolfpack men's basketball. For more than 35 years, she could be found cheering on the Wolfpack from the stands, sharing in the excitement of every season.

More than any accomplishment, Katherine’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, and friend whose warmth, strength, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, resilience, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Katherine is survived by her children, Thomas Caruso; daughter and son-in-law Christina and Jeffrey LaFuria; and daughter and son-in-law Mary and Reza Ershadi. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Timothy, Nicholas, and Christopher Caruso; Christa and Lyle Mikowicz; Harrison, Abigail, David, and Olivia Ershadi; Megan and Alex Smith, Nathan and Celine LaFuria, and Madison LaFuria; great-grandchildren Milan, Coco and Luke Mikowicz; Emory and Lane Smith; Cole Bartrum; and granddogs Buddy, Melrick, Fred, and Beans. She is also lovingly remembered by her many Gualtieri, Ligotino, and Nicolosi nieces and nephews.

Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Celestino “Chill” Caruso; her sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Benjamin Ligotino; her brother, Vincent Nicolosi; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Frances “Dolly” and Frank Gualtieri.

A memorial service and celebration of Katherine’s life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, North Carolina Wolfpack Club or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Falls River Village, especially those who cared for Katherine with extraordinary kindness and love, treating her as one of their own. They are also deeply grateful to the dedicated team at 3HC Hospice, whose support and gentle care helped bring Katherine a peaceful and comforting transition in her final days.

Katherine’s family finds comfort in the countless memories she created and the love she gave so freely. Her strength, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Whether she was cheering from the stands, sharing her many talents, or simply surrounding her family with unwavering love, Katherine lived fully and loved deeply. Her legacy will live on in the laughter, traditions, and love she leaves behind, and she will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.