Jim Leprino, a notable figure in Denver as well as the broader food industry, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his reclusive nature, Leprino built a dairy empire that stands as the world's largest producer of mozzarella cheese, an enterprise which began humbly in a small family shop. 9NEWS reported on the legacy he leaves behind, a global business empire rooted in a single Denver neighborhood.
Leprino's journey, which started with his father Mike Sr.'s grocery store at 38th and Shoshone Street, saw the family selling handmade ricotta and scamorza cheese after immigrating from Potenza, Italy, in 1950. In 1956, Leprino joined the family business and, with a mind for growth, morphed it into not just a mozzarella powerhouse but also a key player in the dairy ingredients sector. His cheese found its way onto major pizza franchises such as Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s, and he provided jobs for over 600 people in Denver alone, as reported by KDVR. Yet, standing behind him always, the community was never forgotten by Leprino.
The loss of Leprino resounds far beyond his company's operational achievements. In a statement, his company highlighted the indelible mark he left on those around him, not least through his charity work. "He had a profound influence on countless lives," according to CBS News Colorado.
