Joseph F. Caruso, 91, of Toms River, formerly of Whiting, passed away Friday, August 28, 2009 at Bey Lea Village Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Toms River. Mr. Caruso was born in New Orleans, LA and lived in East Meadows, Long Island, NY before moving to Whiting in 1979. He was the owner of Elwood Diner, North Port, Long Island, NY for 16 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member and past president of the Italian American Club of Whiting. He was predeceased by his wife, Philomena, in 2001. He is survived by his son, Dr. Donald Caruso and his friend Robert Ernes of Toms River, and many loving nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Rd., Whiting. A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Interment will be 11:30 a.m., Tuesday at Brig. Gen. William Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. For directions, information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.manchestermemorial. net.