[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING ANGIE RUVO

 Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
beloved member of the Las Vegas community, Angie Ruvo, who passed away 
this month at the age of 98. Recognized as Las Vegas' first celebrity 
chef, Angie, along with her husband Lou, her sister Maria, brother-in-
law Al, and son Larry, established the Venetian Pizzeria in downtown 
Las Vegas in 1955--the first pizza restaurant in Las Vegas. Later known 
as the Venetian Ristorante and Pizzeria, the famed restaurant hosted a 
wide array of clientele, ranging from celebrities such as Frank 
Sinatra--a customer so loyal he enlisted a bellman to pick up dinner 
for him from there every night--to tourists who traveled from across 
the country and all over the world to experience the warmth and comfort 
of Angie's cooking.
  Born in Niagara Falls, Angie became the matriarch of the Las Vegas 
restaurant scene almost as soon as she came to Nevada, but her 
remarkable legacy in the Silver State goes beyond her business and 
culinary achievements. When her late husband Lou was diagnosed with 
Alzheimer's, Angie embraced the role of devoted caregiver. Sharing her 
own experience and advice with other caregivers became a significant 
role for Angie, and she frequently reminded other caregivers of the 
importance of self-care. In 2009, Larry Ruvo and his wife Camille 
opened the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in his 
father's memory. In honor of her 94th birthday, Larry and Camille 
created the Angie Ruvo Endowed Caregiving Chair, which provides 
financial support to caregiving research at the Lou Ruvo Center.
  In addition to being a champion for caregivers, Angie dedicated her 
life to charitable work in her community and was honored by various 
organizations over the years, including receiving the Augustus 
Society's Justinian Award, presented to notable Nevada Italian 
Americans. A woman praised and recognized by Senators and celebrities 
alike--and for whom Nevada Governors issued official proclamations--
Angie lived a life of philanthropy, generosity, and dedication. Her 
passing marks an immeasurable loss to her family, our community, and 
the Nation. May her memory be a blessing.

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