Paul Caruso passed away on February 3, 2015 at the age of 89. He was born on March 22, 1925 in Laurel, Montana. Paul was the youngest of three sons born to Harriet and Sullivan Caruso.
Paul grew up in a railroad family. His Dad, brother Bill, and several of his uncles were engineers for the Northern Pacific Railroad. His Dad was relocated to Bozeman with the NPR and that is where Paul attended elementary and high school.
In February 1943, as a high school senior and just shy of his 18th birthday, Paul enlisted in the US Army. He received his high school diploma early and was deployed. Paul served in France, Germany, and Great Britain. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service.
After the war, Paul settled in Glendive to be close to his brother Bert. It was there that he met the beautiful young lady, Elaine Sura. They were married in Glendive on September 4, 1946. In 1949 their only son, Paul Jr. was born.
Right after the war, Paul went to work in Glendive for The National Guard. Then his banking career started in 1955 when he went to work for First National Bank of Glendive. As an after-hours business; he and Elaine, with another couple, started and operated the White Swan Drive-In.
In 1960 Paul had the opportunity to start First State Bank of Mineral County in Superior, Montana. Paul Jr. attended part of grade school and high school there. Paul and Elaine were big supporters of all of Little Paul’s activities and thus traveled many miles across Montana to attend his events.
In 1967 the family moved to Helena where Paul worked at Commerce Bank. In 1970, with a group of local businessmen and over two hundred loyal shareholders, Paul founded First Security Bank of Helena. Paul dedicated the last 45 years of his life to “The Bank”. He mentored many individuals in the banking business.
Always willing to give of his time; Paul was a founder and served as president of Montana Independent Bankers Association, president of Montana Bankers Association, first chairman of the Montana State Board of Investments, and a board member of Montana Teachers’ Retirement Board. His game was golf and he served as president of the Montana State Seniors Golf Association and on the board of Green Meadow Country Club.
Paul was the ultimate “gadget man”. One of his favorite jobs at the bank was ordering promotional gifts for customers. He had a vibrant personality, especially in his choice of clothing. Friends delighted in catching a glimpse of Paul’s latest and brightest outfit. He was loving, kind, honest, generous, and fun loving. Grandpa Paul adored his granddaughters, Amy and Jill, and they shared many exciting adventures with him. When great granddaughters Lucia, Amelia, and Maeta arrived, he had even more love to share. Paul was the finest “father-in-law” to Lenette; never missing an opportunity to compliment her. His spirit of love lives on in Paul Jr. Paul was definitely a member of “The Greatest Generation” and was able to live his dream that he built through hard work and perseverance.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, father, two brothers, and his beloved wife, Elaine. They were married 68 years. He is survived by his only son Paul (Lenette), granddaughters Amy (Josh) Quarles, Jill (Matt) Caruso Donald, and three great granddaughters: Lucia, Amelia, and Maeta.
Our family would like to thank Hospice nurses Jessica and Malinda for their kind, compassionate care of “Mr.Paul”. Also we thank Touchmark staff for the care they gave to Dad.
Memorials are suggested to Mandy Bell Travel Endowment/St. Peter’s Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, Montana 59601.
Announcement will follow with details of the funeral mass to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Helena. A reception will follow the service at Jorgenson’s Restaurant 1714 11th Avenue.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Ward & Shotsy Johnson says
Paul; I am very sorry to learn of your father’s death. A sad moment for you, but as we know nothing is forever. I will call soon. Best to you and family.
Cheers,
Ward
Mary Kay Bennett says
Paul Jr.
I always liked your dad- he was fair in his business endeavors and you knew where you stood with him.
George and I enjoyed both your parents at the Banker’s Conventions. Sorry for your loss.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Carol E. Kalberg Bonner says
Paul & family,
Your father & mine were fast friends ~ I was introduced to your Dad many years ago & held him in high esteem through all the years. I am sorry for your loss!
Sincerely,
Carol Kalberg Bonner
Terry Harris says
Paul,
Sorry to hear about your father. I know it is not easy for you and would like you to know that he was a fair and good man. father and banker. I will keep him and you and your family in my prayers.
Inez Slayman says
My heart felt condolence and prayers to you Paul and your family at this difficult time. Several years ago, I worked at First Security and had the pleasure of knowing your Dad and you. He was a good and fair man, and will be missed by those who knew him. Take care.
Perry Lowenstein says
Paul, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Paul Sr. was a special man who I always enjoyed visiting with, he always made me smile. I still have some of the little tokens he gave us when we were in the bank, including his business card that said “My Card”. He will be missed. God bless and take care.
DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, PAUL WAS A GOOD PERSON, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF PAUL AND WILL NEVER FORGET THE XMAS PANTS AND SWEATER. HE WILL BE ALWAYS IN YOUR HEARTS AND ALSO ENJOYED HAVING BOTH YOUR MOM AND DAD AT OUR HOUSE FOR A SUMMER BARBECUE. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. HE WILL LOOK DOWN UPON US AND SMILE. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND KNOW HE LOVED YOU ALL. HE IS AT PEACE WITH ELAINE. LOVE DEB AND DEE
Mark Malensek says
I am so sorry to hear that Paul Sr. passed away. I was very fortunate to know him during the time I worked at First Security Bank.
Sincerely Mark
Mike Caruso says
Paul and Family. Sorry for the loss of your Father. My prayers are with you. Wendy and I are going to miss your folks.
Mike Raunig says
I credit Paul for helping me get into the art business when I was 22 years old (32 years ago) when I went in to see him for a loan to get involved in my very first art deal. In about 15 minutes, he processed a $300 loan and had the money put into my meager account. I bought the sculpture and started selling bronze castings, and within 60 days I proudly walked into the bank to payoff that $300 loan. I have been collecting and dealing in art ever since. I am today a full time private art dealer, in large part, due to Paul believing in me enough to loan a dead broke kid some cash. I will never forget his smooth style, and his big smile. Such a thoughtful and generous man. My condolences to the Caruso family.
Mike Raunig, Owner
Raunig Art Enterprises
Colorado
Jerry Raunig Polson, MT says
Paul Caruso was a very special person. Not only was he my good friend, he also advised me on both business and personal matters many times during our years in Helena. Many were the days that we had lunch together and then headed for the golf course where we spent the afternoon laughing and giggling about a variety of issues! Paul was a highly respected man and like myself, many, many people will miss him!
Jerry Raunig says
Paul Caruso was a very special person. Not only was he my good friend, he also advised me on both business and personal matters many times during our years in Helena. Many were the days that we had lunch together and then headed for the golf course where we spent the afternoon laughing and giggling about a variety of issues! Paul was a highly respected and generous man. Like myself, many, many people will miss him!
Craig Kirwin says
Paul and family
I’m very sorry to see that Paul Sr. has passed away. I remember visiting Mr Caruso’s house one Christmas Eve when I was a young boy. As my mother, sister, brother and I left the house and walked back to our car, I heard the voice of “Santa Claus” calling out to his reindeer. I remember scanning the skies and being absolutely thrilled to have actually heard Santa. It wasn’t until a few years later that I learned the voice I had heard was actually Mr. Caruso playing a recording inside the house for me and my siblings. He wanted to make our Christmas memorable and he definitely did. Mr. Caruso was a fantastic husband, father, Grandfather, warrior, and human being.
He will be missed by many.
Jim & Jo Burrington says
Paul & Lenette,
Jim and I are so sorry to hear that Paul Sr. has passed away. I so enjoyed talking to him each time I went to the bank and truly missed him when he retired. Our sympathy goes out to both you and Lenette plus Amy and Jill. It has to be especially difficult to lose both parents in such a short time. Jo
FARRELL ROSE says
I ENJOYED KNOWING PAUL AND BANKING WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS.
FARRELL ROSE says
I ENJOYED KNOWING PAUL AND BANKING WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS
PAUL AND BANKING WITH
John and Carla Cronholm says
To Paul and family: Please accept our condolences on the passing of Paul Sr. He became our banker when we moved to Helena back in 1970 and sure helped us out. He helped finance our first home and several cars for us and our kids. I also had a lot of interesting bus rides with him on the flying circus and was fortunate to share a few of those memories with him before his passing.