Don Michele Caruso passed away at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at the age of 80. He was born in Bellona, Italy to the late Angelo & Anna (Candiello) Caruso, raised in Bellona and joined the Federal Police where he served for over 25 years in Italy. Mr. Caruso came to the United Stated in 1961 and settled in Malden in 1963 with his wife of 50 years Ines (Della Cioppa) Caruso. He started Caruso Pizzeria & Ristorante in Melrose in 1963 and had been the owner for the last 47 years. He also owned over 15 restaurants in East Boston, Wakefield, Woburn and the surrounding communities. Don Michele was known as "The King of Pizza". Mike could be seen flipping dough for the pizzas in his picture window from the sidewalk. Don Michele had been an icon of Melrose with his restaurant on Main St. serving many dignitaries, mayors, relatives and friends throughout the years. Mr. Caruso was extremely generous to the community and helped out many a person in need. He did it in a quiet, dignified manner. Mike helped out people that needed major operations as well as local families in need. He will be extremely missed by all that knew him. Don Michele was the husband of 50 years to the late Ines (Della Cioppa) Caruso. Brother of Salvatore Caruso & his wife Rosanna, Filomena Fusco & her husband Carmine all of Stoneham and Pasquale Caruso & his wife Genoeffa of Bellona, Italy. Uncle of Luigi & Anna Fusco of Andover, Maurizio & Annamaria Fusco of Westwood, Morena & Rocco Calamonici of Wakefield, Angelo & Antonia Caruso of Stoneham, Anna & Paul Carta of England and Anna & Gigino Venoso of Italy. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Tuesday, May 18th at 8:45AM. Funeral Mass in Don Michele's memory at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 4:00-8:00PM & Monday 4:00-8:00PM. Interment will take place in Bellona, Italy. Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's name to Mass. General Hospital, Oncology Department, care of Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston 02114.