Francesco Luigi Legaluppi

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Francesco L. Legaluppi, who departed this life on September 10, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Francesco was born in Baltimore, Maryland, at Mercy Hospital-as he loved to specify-to Marcello Legaluppi, an artist and architect, and Luciana Romani, a gifted seamstress. Raised between Italy and the United States, he grew up in Ruxton and graduated from Towson High School in 1984, where he served as class president while simultaneously taking courses at Towson University. He went on to earn a double major in Political Science & Government and Spanish Language and Literature from Towson University in 1987 where he was a Truman Scholar, followed by graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University.

While still in high school and college, Francesco assisted his father, who served as Honorary Consul of Italy in Baltimore. In 1988, he was appointed Honorary Consul of Italy, and in 2008 elevated to Honorary Consul General, serving the Italian community in Maryland for more than twenty-five years. Through his leadership, he assisted thousands of citizens and supported countless businesses, cultural organizations, and government agencies in strengthening ties between Italy and Maryland. Among the many enterprises he helped were MSC and Fila, both of which made a lasting mark on the region.

Throughout his diplomatic career, Francesco worked closely with four Governors of Maryland and four Mayors of Baltimore City, championing Italian heritage and advocating tirelessly for Italian citizens and businesses. His efforts were instrumental in promoting cultural exchange, trade, and civic pride. During his service to the Italian Community he was involved with many organizations such as Order Sons of Italy, NIAF and AIAC.

Francesco was also Principal at The Legaluppi Firm since 1990, a boutique business-incubator and government & community-relations firm that supported international and local enterprises, guided emerging leaders, and fostered partnerships between civic and business communities in Maryland and beyond.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Francesco was a proud member of the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee, representing the 43rd District, where he continued to serve his community with integrity and commitment to public good.

After retiring from consular service in 2015, Francesco embarked on a new chapter, becoming active in local politics and community work. He served as a court and community mediator with Baltimore Community Mediation Center, where his compassion, fairness, and diplomacy touched countless lives.

A lifelong advocate for Italian culture, Francesco founded Italcultura in 1990, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage he so loved. In 1999, Italcultura merged with the Circolo Culturale Italiano to form the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland (today The BIT Center), where he served as President of the Board from 1999 to 2021, and later as volunteer and advisor until his passing.

Francesco's devotion to mentorship and youth leadership also flourished through his lifelong connection to the Boy Scouts of America. A proud Eagle Scout since 1982, he remained deeply involved throughout his life. When his son Matteo joined Cub Scouts, Francesco rekindled his passion and later joined the BSA professionally-first in Baltimore and then in Bethesda-continuing to guide young people in the values of service, respect, and perseverance.

Francesco also dedicated much of his life to Freemasonry, which he joined in 1989. Over the years, he served in numerous lodges, ultimately attaining the rank of Worshipful Master in the now-closed Italia Lodge of Washington, D.C. He was also a member of Hiram - Takoma Lodge #10 and Freedom Military Lodge #1775, and the Scottish Rite, all under the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C.

Francesco was also a member of Scouter Lodge #236, and Boumi Shrine Under the Grand Lodge of Maryland, Freemasonry is where he found enduring fellowship and purpose in service, charity, and personal betterment." A bright light in Masonry has gone Dark his absence will be felt by all who knew him.

Beyond his remarkable career and service, Francesco will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, his craftsmanship around the house, and his joy in gathering friends and family around the table to share good food and laughter. His cream of crab soup and spaghetti with anchovies were family favorites, especially at the cherished Christmas Eve dinner, where his warmth and storytelling filled the room with love.

Francesco leaves behind an immeasurable legacy of compassion, culture, and civic service. He is survived by his beloved wife Monica; his children Chiara, Matteo, and Francesca; his brother Marco and sister-in-law Crystal; his nieces and nephews Gina (with her fiancé Kevin) and Andrew (with his wife Caitlin); his aunt Liana; and cousins Francesca and Marina. He is reunited in eternal peace with his parents, Luciana Romani and Marcello Legaluppi, who preceded him beyond earthly life.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, November 15, at 3:00 PM at The BIT Center, 3009 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor his enduring love for Italian culture and education, the family has established the Francesco L. Legaluppi Italian Fellowship Endowment Fund at The BIT Center, supporting students passionate about Italian art and culture. Donations may be made at: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/R4JKJD7CHC5MQ.

Francesco leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him. May his kindness, humor, and lifelong dedication to service continue to inspire generations to come.