Louis Joseph Formato was born on January 24, 1936, in Philadelphia. He joined the US Marines at the age of 19 and was forever proud of his service. He attended Villanova University for Accounting in Pennsylvania and soon opened two automobile service stations also in Philly.
In 1977, he decided that Pennsylvania was just way too cold for him, and moved to Clermont, Florida where he opened the Rusty Fox Restaurant (which is now the Elks Lodge on 12th Street). In 1982 he also purchased Bob’s Bar on Montrose and 8th Street and renamed it Tiffany’s Elegant Dining but soon after he renamed it LJ Grunts. In 1993, Lou sold it to his best friends, Alan & Katherine Pool.
He owned and ran the Rusty Fox with an iron fist until 2001 when he retired. People to this day, still talk about the delicious prime rib that he was known for.
He loved piloting planes, riding motorcycles, especially to Milwaukee for the Harley Davidson Centennial, and being a lifetime member of the National Street Rod Association.
He is survived by his wife, Judi, stepson, Jason Meyer, stepdaughter Ashleigh Sandargas and son-in-law John Sandargas, his little rabbits (grandkids) Landon, Carson, Allie, and JJ, stepmother, Rose Formato, brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Michelle Formato, sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Wayne Larson, and nephew, Nolan and his many, many friends that he has met along the way. He will be terribly missed. SEMPER FI!!
Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Avenue, Clermont on Wednesday, November 20, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Mass of the Resurrection at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 720 12th St., Clermont, on Thursday, November 21 at 4 pm.
Obituary – Becker Funeral Home
