It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Michael Caruso — a beloved member of our Settlement Music School family for four decades who was known for his wit, warmth, and extraordinary love of music.

Michael joined Settlement’s piano faculty 40 years ago, and from his second-floor studio at our Mary Louise Curtis Branch, he built something rare: a teaching life measured not in years, but in generations. He taught children who grew up and brought their own children to him. He had the gift of making every student — young or old, beginner or advanced — feel welcomed, supported, and capable of more than they imagined, all with so much laughter along the way. And he was so proud to share that “I am not one teacher for all, but a different teacher for each of my 51 students.”

Michael’s students adored him. In a 2018 New York Times article, his student, Jennifer Weiner, wrote movingly about the profound impact of her lessons with Michael — a testament to the lasting impression he left on those in his care.

“Michael was a great friend, teacher, and colleague,” said McEwen Walters, Settlement organ and piano faculty member. “As a teacher, he was truly great, especially in my study of Bach. As a friend, he was always willing to go out to lunch or dinner. As a colleague, he was a great source of professional information. He will be very much missed.”

Beyond the studio, Michael was one of Settlement’s most devoted ambassadors. For nine years, he served as a Faculty Council representative for the Mary Louise Curtis Branch. For 40 years, as Classical Music Critic for the Chestnut Hill Local, he reviewed the Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, the Curtis Institute of Music, and more. He also used his Note-worthy column to champion Settlement, writing features on our Benoliel-Germantown Branch and sharing our work with Northwest Philadelphia.

Michael was equally devoted in his faith — a deeply engaged member of Old St. Joseph’s Church, where he served as lector and altar server and was widely regarded as a pillar of that community.

He will be profoundly missed in our hallways, our studios, and in the hearts of everyone he taught and mentored. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his parish, and to the many students whose lives he shaped.

The memorial service for Michael Caruso will be held by his brother, Bob Caruso, and Bob’s wife, Sandra, on Friday, July 17 at Old St. Joseph’s Church, 321 Willings Alley in Philadelphia. The gathering begins at 10 a.m. with a mass at 11 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. luncheon at the Marriott Old City, One Dock Street in Philadelphia. Please RSVP to carusorj@msn.com if you wish to attend the luncheon.

Settlement will host a memorial concert on Sunday, September 27 in the early evening following our Annual Faculty Meeting.