Carlo Di Ruocco, the trailblazing founding father of Mr. Espresso, one of many Bay Space’s oldest and most influential espresso firms, died in his sleep on Jan. 17, 2025. He was 90 years outdated.

Di Ruocco, a local of Italy, is credited as one of many pioneers of Italian espresso in America. When he began Mr. Espresso within the East Bay in 1978, it was among the many first within the nation to focus on skilled espresso gear, and later, solely oak-wood roasted beans.

He’s survived by his spouse, Marie Francoise; his kids, Laurence, John and Luigi; and 6 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the household requests donations to Meals 4 Farmers, which helps coffee-farming households.

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