The St. Louis restaurant community is mourning the loss of one of its greats. Rich LoRusso, chef, restaurateur and owner of the Italian mainstay, LoRusso's Cucina (3121 Watson Road, 314-647-6222), passed away on Wednesday, March 9, following a six-month battle with a rare form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. LoRusso was 63 years-old.

LoRusso made his name in the business as the chef and owner of LoRusso's Cucina, a Hill neighborhood mainstay he founded with his wife, Terri, in 1986. Known for its menu of Italian specialties based on old family recipes and LoRusso's own culinary experimentation, the restaurant quickly became one of the city's most beloved spots for upscale, yet approachable Italian fare.