“While you meet Carlo you’ve a way that you’re within the presence of the Aristocracy, regardless of his humble beginnings. I consider this involves Carlo effortlessly, not due to excessive self-regard, though he’s clever sufficient to understand what he has completed, however by means of his deep dedication to the craft to which he has devoted his life’s work.
Carlo has completed what he has not out of need for the issues that all of us love, however due to an virtually religious respect for them.”
The above phrases were written by Tim Fort, a espresso skilled, author, and somebody who has recognized the household for greater than 40 years. It’s an excerpt of his introduction when our Father grew to become a recipient of the 2015 Alfred Peet Passionate Cup award, given by the Specialty Espresso Affiliation of America.
Folks have mentioned loads of good issues about our Father over time, however this is among the most distinctive, stunning descriptions – not simply because it’s such excessive reward, however as a result of it’s so exact – and captures the essence of who our Father was as an individual. He cared deeply about all the things he was obsessed with. He didn’t do issues midway.
This drive and dedication to hunt out and create a life the place he was utterly in charge of his future, undeterred by obstacles, whereas doing so with humility, and integrity, is what made him Carlo Di Ruocco. Bucking the norms – in search of success with out in search of consideration, and doing so with out pretension.
We have been fortunate to have him as a Father – this bigger than life determine – who out in the actual world, often called a legend, an icon – however at residence he was simply Dad, or Nonno.
At work he sort of shifted between being a hands-off, lead-by-example particular person – versus the exact opposite, the kind of one that will clarify to you in 5 particular steps find out how to correctly sweep the ground. Should you’ve ever labored for him, you realize that when he talked, you listened.
However whether or not you labored for him, or have been a pal, you’ve additionally in all probability felt the grace of his generosity – particularly when it got here to his enthusiasm to share his life experiences and issues he was enthralled about. Clearly he was a busy man, however he at all times had time for you.
However on a private degree, away from work – he cared for little else besides the well-being of his household, and no matter made us blissful, made him blissful.
We’re extraordinarily lucky, that regardless of him having left us – that we’re in a position to stroll in his footsteps on daily basis. He’s leaving a giant void in our hearts and lives. We will solely hope that his reminiscence will proudly stay on by means of us.
To learn extra about Carlo’s life and legacy, please comply with the hyperlinks under:
- Mr. Espresso founder Carlo Di Ruocco has died, San Francisco Chronicle (Jan. 24, 2025)
- Bay Space Espresso Icon “Mr. Espresso,” Carlo Di Ruocco, Passes Away at 90 Leaving a Legacy of Italian Espresso Tradition, Hoodline (Jan. 25, 2025)
- Carlo Di Ruocco’s Obituary, Greer Mortuary
- We Interview Mr. Espresso Himself, Carlo Di Ruocco, Sprudge (April 24, 2015)
