Industry Mourns Loss of Iosso Products Founder
Apr 13, 2021
After a long and distinguished career, Richard “Dick” Iosso, founder of Iosso Products, passed away on March 28 following a brief illness. He was 87. News of the loss of this industry innovator was shared by Dick’s daughter and company VP, Marianne Iosso.
While serving in the US Army, Iosso bought a home and settled in his hometown of Chicago with his high school sweetheart, Grace. To offset bills, he would play drums in a band on the weekends. After he was discharged, he formed his own band and continued to enjoy music throughout his life.
In 1967, Iosso developed several breakthrough metallurgical processes including a chrome-plating method that makes zinc harder; it was patented in 27 countries. Parts using this innovative IOSSO-FE process were used on the Apollo 11 mission. This accomplishment led to the founding of Iosso Metal Processes in 1970.
Applying his knowledge of chemistry and keen business skills, Iosso launched the subsidiary Iosso Products in 1983 and named Marianne its VP of sales. Manufacturing environmentally responsible cleaning products, the Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based company serves a wide range of markets including marine, RV, aviation, shooting sports, household and industrial.
Iosso Products has always been a family-owned, family-run business. Father and daughter often worked trade shows together; soft-spoken Dick was known for his many jokes and strong business ethics.
Sharing his time between his home in Illinois and Anna Maria Island, Florida, Iosso enjoyed fishing, cooking, photography, making family videos and his passion, music. Most of all, he treasured his family. He is survived by his business partner Grace, daughters Marianne and Chris, and many grandchildren.
