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Tribute to Rich LoRusso

Photo by LoRusso’s Cucina

St. Louis has lost one of its greats. Rich LoRusso, the chef and co-proprietor of LoRusso’s Cucina, has passed away aged 68 from ALS.

Rich had a massive, positive impact on the lives of the people around him. He donated much of his time and money to nonprofits and charities that feed the poor and improve the lives of struggling mothers and their babies. He held competitions in his restaurant, giving the community a chance to shine with their own recipes. Rich even went so far as to feature the winner on the menu for a year and donate the proceeds from each serving in the competition.

Rich was the ideal standard for a local, family restaurant owner. He regularly interacted with his customers, gauging their opinions and even adding options to the menu to meet popular demand. His passion for the craft of cooking showed in both the quality of his food and his positive relationships with other, competing restaurants. He was often inspired by what he ate elsewhere and always chose professionalism and friendship over aggressive competition.

So beloved was Rich and his many contributions to the local community, that his friends organized a very successful benefit to raise money and help him fight his ALS. Unfortunately, Rich lost that battle but that hasn’t stopped him from giving back. He has donated his body to ALS research, always thinking of others before himself. 

To us at Crown Linen Service, Rich LoRusso was a long-time friend and valuable customer. He had a fun-loving and generous presence that we and the entire St. Louis community will miss. Our hearts go out to his wife Terri and their children.