ST. LOUIS – Volpi Foods announced on Dec. 24 that Master Salumiere Armando Pasetti, the chief emeritus officer of the company, died at the age of 96.

Pasetti arrived in St. Louis at the age of 14 from Milan, Italy to work at Volpi Foods for his uncle and company founder John Volpi. Pasetti led Volpi Foods from 1958 to 2002 and eventually grew the brand to have national distribution. 

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Armando Pasetti,” said Lorenza Pasetti, Armando’s daughter and chief executive officer of Volpi Foods. “He was a true craftsman and lived his life with passion. He welcomed customers, employees and neighbors as family to our Volpi shop. If you met Armando at the store, his warm caring spirit filled the room and will continue to do so.”

Armando worked every aspect of the business after arriving in the United States and took over as head of the company following the passing of John Volpi.

“He loved hearing customers’ stories of enjoying Volpi Foods’ products at home with their families,” the company said. “The entire Volpi family invites you to celebrate his life through the joys of cooking and connecting with loved ones this holiday season.”

Armando is survived by his three daughters, Angela, Lorenza, and Carla; eight grandchildren: Gregory, Gary, Gabrielle, Derek, Daniela, Deanna, Giorgia and August; and 10 great-grandchildren; Patrick, Evelyn, William, Ellie, Margaret, Mason, Olivia, Logan, Daniel and Vivian; and more than 230 dedicated members of the extended Volpi Foods’ family.

Volpi Foods is a fourth-generation family owned and operated producer of specialty cured meats since 1902.