Teresa Caruso Trifero, 97 passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Teresa, a native Newporter, was born on November 30, 1927 to the late Dominic and Nicolina (Panaggio) Caruso.
After graduating from Rogers High School in 1945, Teresa began employment with the City of Newport on April 13, 1946, in the Public Works Department where she stayed for 30 years, the City Manager’s office, and then as the city Canvassing Clerk Canvassing for a career that spanned 46 years.
She was recognized over the years for her numerous achievements and volunteerism, including being the recipient of the prestigious Robert M. Goodrich Public Service Award, and Award of Excellence from the Rhode Island Heart Association.
She actively pursued her own personal goals as a lifelong learner, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English in 1979 from URI and a Rhode Island Teaching Certificate. She was a member of the Salve Circle of Scholars where she honed her writing skills. She particularly enjoyed writing poetry and received the Newport Poetry Award.
In retirement she continued to remain active in the community. She was a member of Festa Italina, Past President of the local AARP, Edward King House Board, St. Mary’s Church choir, and St. Mary’s Church office marriage coordinator, City of Newport International Hospitality Commission, Viking Bridge Club, and Seaside Garden Club.
She stayed active with her close friends as a member of the Jolly Girls, and Trigon Club, and as a lifelong member of Gooseberry Beach where she spent many happy days.
She is survived by children Celeste (Vicki), John (Suzette), her granddaughter Nicolina, and her niece Alice Hayes. She is predeceased by her sister Antionette Maloof, nephew Francis Maloof, and her former husband John J. Trifero Sr.
A special thank you to the staff at St. Clare Home for their loving care during her stay there.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, April 22 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, April 23 at St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring St & Memorial Blvd, Newport at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown’s Ln, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Potter League for Animals, www.potterleague.org.
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