The Bay Area coffee community is mourning the loss of a pioneer this week, as Carlo Di Ruocco, affectionately known as "Mr. Espresso," has passed away at the age of 90. The social media post from the company he founded, Mr. Espresso, announced his death and celebrated his significant contributions to introducing and transforming authentic Italian espresso culture within the United States.

Beginning his journey in 1978, Di Ruocco brought his vision from Salerno, Italy, to the Bay Area, where he was one of the first to offer wood-roasted espresso, a rarity at the time. He brought a taste for coffee and a whole culture swiftly embraced by American palates.