Richard Caruso, 93, of Brigantine, NJ passed away on April 6th, 2026. He was born in Philadelphia on July 9th, 1932, to the late Salvatore Caruso and Eva Lancia. Richard was the loving husband of Mary Caruso for 71 years. He attended Northeast High School in Philadelphia where he was captain of the football team. Richard’s personal and professional accomplishments are particularly noteworthy.

Richard was best known for his invention and patenting of the Caruso Molecular Steam Hairsetter. It was the leading small hair appliance for two decades and revolutionized hair styling for millions of women at home, and on Hollywood movie sets in the 1990’s.

Richard was passionate about music and played both Tenor and Alto saxophones. He joined the Polish American String Band at the age of 16 and continued playing regularly until his death. His neighbors in Brigantine would often hear him sitting on his deck in the summer playing for hours on end. His larger-than-life presence was felt by everyone who knew him.

Richard is predeceased by his late wife Mary Caruso, son Richard Bruce Caruso II, and his two brothers, Albert Caruso and Rudolph Caruso. Richard is survived by his loving daughter Celeste Caruso Purpura (Dr. Samuel Purpura, Jr.), and daughter-in-law MiMi Caruso (nee Lieberher). He is lovingly known as Bebop by his grandchildren: Candice Caruso (Cesar Rucker), Richard B. Caruso III (Melanie Caruso), and Salvatore Caruso (Whitni Caruso) as well as Tiffany Purpura; his great grandchildren are Dominique Rucker, Richard B. Caruso IV, Vivienne Caruso, Austin Caruso, and Avery Caruso.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Polish American String Band. The funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Kirk & Nice Funeral Home, 333 West County Line, Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA. The viewing is from 11:30am-1:15pm; with a service to follow at 1:30pm and internment to follow on site.