On Dec. 5, Conair Corporation announced the passing of Leandro P. Rizzuto, co-founder and chairman of the board. After battling a long fight with pancreatic cancer, Rizzuto passed on Dec. 3, surrounded by his family. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our leader,” said Ronald T. Diamond, President of Conair Corporation. “Rizzuto was a man who loved life and people and deeply loved our company. He was our leader, mentor, and teacher, encouraging those around him to always strive to do more than we thought we could do, and be greater than we thought we could be.” The company will grieve the absence of its leader. Diamond says the company will honor him by continuing to develop innovative new products that use emerging technology to improve the everyday lives and businesses of Conair's consumer and professional customers all over the world. “It is what Lee would want us to do,” Diamond says. “And we'll do it!" The staff of the worldwide Conair Corporation extends its condolences to Rizzuto's four children and the entire Rizzuto family. The family will announce arrangements as they are made. It is expected that Rizzuto's funeral will be private; memorial masses will be held for Conair's thousands of worldwide employees to honor Rizzuto.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.