Vincent Lewis “Vince” Caruana, 56, died of pancreatic cancer Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, in Virginia Beach. He was born June 20, 1962, in Norfolk.
He graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School, Class of 1980, and received a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical.
Multi-talented, Mr. Caruana enjoyed employment as a purser with United Airlines, standup comedian, field engineer and construction supervisor. While working as a rural carrier in Virginia Beach, Mr. Caruana came to the service of many residents of Hillhaven Rehabilitation and Convalescent Center when the building caught on fire in the early 1990s. Deemed a local hero, he was credited with saving many elderly residents’ lives.
He enjoyed entertaining and making everyone laugh. He was an old-movie buff and had a natural talent in creative craftsmanship and design.
He was active in animal rescue and being the best “Uncle Vinnie” anyone could ever have. Mr. Caruana was a member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church.
He lived by the family motto, “Get off your butt and move.”
He was preceded in death by his father, Philip Caruana; mother, Barbara Bishop Caruana; grandfather, Lewis Moore “Pop” Bishop Sr.; and grandmother, Eugenia Harte Bishop.
He is survived by his brothers, Philip Anthony “Tony” Caruana and Sean Caruana; and sisters, Loretta M. “Lori” Dunn, Sheila Eggenberger, Stephanie Gaarde Caruana and Shannon Caruana Carvelli.
Special thanks to all the close friends who shared stories and prayers with Vince and the family during this difficult time and to the amazing doctors and nurses at Sentara Hospice House who cared for the entire family too.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach.
In lieu of flowers, Vince asked that people donate to their local no-kill animal shelter.
