Blase J. Caranese I

Blase J. Caranese I, 84, of New Alexandria, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 26, 1927, in Salem Township, a son of the late Dominic Caranese and Mary Iwaniszek. Blase was retired from the Laborers Union No. 1451 from Latrobe. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church of New Alexandria. He also belonged to the American Legion No. 515 of Latrobe and the Latrobe No. 515 Veterans Home Association. He was a former officer of the Laborers Union No. 1451 of Latrobe. He belonged to various organizations. He was an avid golfer and belonged to many local leagues. Blase served in the Army during World War II in Company E of the 32nd Infantry. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Frank Caranese; a grandson, Blase J. Caranese III; and granddaughter, Nicole Marie Caranese. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Louise Bonifazi Caranese, of New Alexandria; two sons, Dominick J. Caranese and Diana Bendel and Blase J. Caranese II and wife, Bernadette, and Beverly Kusma Caranese; two sisters, Concetta Volpe, of Dearborn, Mich., and Mary Tagliatti, of New Alexandria; grandchildren, Christopher and Jaclyn, Jonathan, Justin, Alicia and husband, Bobby Bozzuto; great-granddaughter, Liliana Caranese; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 215 Church St., New Alexandria. Service at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in New Alexandria with Monsignor Lawrence T. Persico as celebrant. Burial in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Unity Township. Full military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 515 at 9 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the FMC Greensburg Kidney Dialysis Unit. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church of New Alexandria or the FMC Greensburg Kidney Dialysis Unit, Greensburg.

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