Over 119 years and four generations of operation, Volpi Foods has been a staple of the food scene in St. Louis’ The Hill neighborhood, celebrated for its Italian heritage and flavor. And for more than a third of its history, the specialty cured meats business was guided — and grown — by Armando Pasetti, who died Thursday (Dec. 24, 2020) at 96. A company spokeswoman said complications from old age were the cause of death.

“He was a true craftsman and lived his life with passion,” his daughter and Volpi Foods CEO Lorenza Pasetti said in a statement. “If you met Armando at the store, his warm, caring spirit filled the room and will continue to do so.”