Written with Patrick O’Shea
Josephine (Jody) Caruso, a delightful 101-year-old formerly of Gorham, has quite an interesting life story to share.
When her father immigrated to the United States from Sicily, the immigration official asked, “What will you contribute to this country?” Her father told him that he would marry, have a large family, and teach them all to play an instrument so they could entertain people. His prediction came true as he and his wife, along with their seven children all became accomplished musicians and eventually formed a family band.
In addition to playing in the family band, Josephine played in the high school orchestra and with a jazz band. During World War II, the family band got smaller when all four brothers went off to war. At the age of 15, she and two of her sisters played in an all-girl band called The Sweethearts of Swing. She also toured the country and Canada with The Sammy Davis Trio which included the young Sammy Davis, Jr. She thoroughly enjoyed that time of her life.
Photo credit: Patrick O’Shea101-year-old Josephine Caruso still plays her trumpet every day.
Josephine met another musician who played the saxophone, Joseph Caruso. Their love of music brought them together. They fell in love, were married, and settled in Bar Harbor, Maine. Joe had learned about flying in high school and wanted to go into the aviation business. As luck would have it there was a closed army base nearby. It was built for the war and now closed and not being used. The town leased the base to Joe and his brother for one dollar for a 100 years. The lease included the buildings, airplane hangars and office space for the new business. This was the beginning of Bar Harbor Airlines. Josephine was also involved in the making of Bar Harbor Airlines. She hand-stitched covers for the airplane wings.
When Bar Harbor Airlines decided to open another location in Portland, Josephine and Joe moved to Gorham in 1959 and raised their family of two boys and three girls there. While in Gorham, Josephine was an active member of the community and beloved by all who knew her. She recalls being in the Anna Louise Carrey Musical Society.
Photo credit: Patrick O’SheaSisters reunite with Sammy Davis Jr. Helen, Sammy Davis Jr. and Josephine.
Throughout her life, Josephine has displayed many talents. In addition to being an accomplished musician, she has been a talented cook and artist. In her current home many of her beautiful paintings are displayed.
At 101, Josephine still plays the scales on her trumpet every day. She enjoys family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She attributes her longevity to being kind, positive, and caring towards all. Her family says she has always been admired and beloved by everyone who has known her.