ST. LOUIS — Richard "Rich" LoRusso, chef, restaurateur and owner of St. Louis Italian eatery LoRusso’s Cucina, died Wednesday following a six-month battle with a rare form of ALS. He was 63.
LoRusso opened LoRusso’s Cucina in 1986 with his wife, Terri. In the 36 years it’s been open, the restaurant has become “one of the city’s most beloved spots for upscale, yet approachable Italian fare,” the Riverfront Times says.
Its food writer, Cheryl Baehr, wrote that LoRusso was known for welcoming patrons into the restaurant, “donning his chef coat and greeting every guest to make them feel important.”
Rich LoRusso was active on the LoRusso’s Cucina Facebook page, keeping his patrons updated on his battle with ALS.
