Michele Ferrero, billionaire chocolate maker, dies at age 89.

Michele Ferrero, the man responsible for bringing Nutella to the world passed away at his home in Monaco on February 15, 2015 after battling a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and son Giovanni. He is preceded in death by a son, Pietro.

The billionaire died at home in Monaco after months of illness, the group said in a statement. Italian President Sergio Mattarella said he was deeply touched by Ferrero’s death, calling him a “born entrepreneur.” Ferrero was a man of few words who shunned publicity, turning a local business from the Piedmont region into a global giant. He had a reputation as a forceful leader, but also as one who maintained generous working conditions and gave back to his community. He never let outsiders buy into the company, which his father set up in 1946. The group, which toyed with the idea of making a bid for its British rival Cadbury a few years ago, is present in 53 countries.

Read the full story: Michele Ferrero Owner of the Nutella Empire Dies on Valentine’s Day

Ferrero took over management of the Ferrero Group after the death of his father in 1957. He grew the company into a giant of the confectionery world by bringing the chocolate-hazelnut spread, Nutella, to the world’s attention. His company, Ferrero Group, is also behind Kinder chocolates, Ferrero Rocher, and Tic Tacs.