Diane M. (Dwyer) Caruso – 64 – of Hilton, NY, formerly of Arkport, NY, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma.
Born in Hornell, NY, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Patricia (Burke) Dwyer. Diane grew up in the Arkport area and graduated from Arkport Central School with the Class of 1980. She followed her calling to care for others by pursuing her RN at Alfred State College. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Roberts Wesleyan University and went on to complete her Master’s Degree.
Diane dedicated more than 40 years to the nursing profession. Although she brought her exceptional skills to several specialized areas, including maternity/obstetrics and aesthetics, oncology was her lifelong passion. For more than 30 years, she poured her heart, knowledge, and profound empathy into caring for people with cancer and supporting their families. She was known for her professionalism, clinical skill, and deeply compassionate nature, which made people feel safe and cared for during some of life’s most difficult moments.
An exceptionally strong and independent woman, Diane’s greatest pride was raising her three beloved children: Chelsie Caruso, Angelo Caruso and Michael Caruso (Tamra Tills). She was also the adoring grandmother of Jaicee, Rosalie, and Cassidy who brought immeasurable light and happiness to her life.
Those who knew Diane will remember her quick wit, strength, faith, and fierce devotion to the people she loved. She found joy in music and expressed her immense love for her family through her passion for cooking and baking, always creating warmth and lasting memories around the table. A lifelong animal lover, Diane shared an especially deep bond with her cherished Chow Chows, Honey and Song, who held a permanent place in her heart.
Diane is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia Dwyer; her children and grandchildren; and her sisters, Tracy (Mike) Dwyer-Baker, Colleen (Francis) Argentieri, and Meghan Dwyer (Chris Cartella). She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a large, loving network of extended family, colleagues, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her older brother, Robert P “Bobby” Dwyer and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
The family of Diane M. Caruso will receive friends on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (October 8, 2026) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY, with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Diane’s honor to the Melanoma Research Foundation by visiting https://melanoma.org/ or a local oncology care unit to continue her legacy of supporting cancer patients.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
