Steven 'Greek' J. Caruso Sr.

Steven 'Greek' J. Caruso Sr. passed away November 11, 2015 at his home in Cozad at the age of 63. Steve (Greek) was born in Omaha and grew up in the Dundee neighborhood. He loved being outside and playing with all the neighborhood kids. Steve and his buddies would roam the neighborhood getting into all kinds of mischief. Steve was also quite athletic, excelling in multiple sports. However, the one he was associated with most was wrestling. Steve was a 4-year letter winner for Benson High School. He would often talk about crazy tactics he used to maintain his weight. At 5’10” he was able to wrestle at a light 123 lbs. In high school Steve‘s work ethic extended beyond athletics. He would go on trash hauling runs after school with his dad and brothers. Perseverance and dedication became guiding principles in his life. It was also in high school where Steve experienced one of his life’s defining moments. One time, after a trash run, he was cleaning out the truck’s box at the dump when he was run over by a bulldozer, amazingly only suffering a broken leg. It is this kind of story that explains the toughness he developed as a young man.Family was important to Steve. He married Allison Jo Wallace of Omaha in 1973. Allison was a family friend since childhood. They had three children: John, Wesley and Jessica. Steve lost Allison in 1995 due to medical complications. In 1997 Steve remarried and adopted Chelsea before getting divorced in 1999. After retiring from CF Steve moved to Stromsburg, NE where he acquired the nickname ‘Greek’ as a result of somebody mistakenly thinking ‘Caruso’ sounded Greek. After Stromsburg, Steve had many stops before landing in Cozad, NE. Steve enjoyed retirement but still worked and helped people in many capacities. For example, he installed subterranean irrigation, babysat and transported children, helped with beekeeping and mowed properties for the city of Cozad. He was game for almost anything, especially if it meant staying in motion. Steve had a strong sense of community and enhanced any gathering he attended. His festive spirit was evident in his contagious smile. Always wearing a hat,  Steve offered anybody a sympathetic ear and had a message of encouragement. Without judgment he would listen to anybody’s  perspective and console. His heart especially went  out to the disadvantaged and the workingman. Cremation was chosen.  A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Big E's in Cozad, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Brookside  Church, 11607 M Circle, Omaha, NE.