76–year-old Richard Zuschlag was a renowned businessman and philanthropist The CEO and founder of Acadian Ambulance passed away from cancer on Wednesday, June 5, the company announced
Who was Richard Zuschlag?
Mr. Richard Emery Zuschlag was an American businessman who was the chairman and chief executive officer of Acadian Ambulance Service, which he co-founded in 1971, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Zuschlag previously worked at the Greenville Broadcasting Company and Westinghouse Electric Space and Defense Center. Prior to his death, he was the only one of the three co-founders of Acadian Ambulance who remained with the company, which is best known for its advanced technologies in medical care and communications.
Former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement on the passing of Richard Zuschlag:
“Our family is heartbroken to hear the news of this extraordinary loss for Louisiana. For more than 5 decades, Richard Zuschlag has played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare across Louisiana. Acadian Ambulance has grown into one of Louisiana’s most successful businesses. Under Richard’s guidance, Acadian has brought access to life-saving healthcare to some of the most rural, underserved areas of our state. “He wasn’t just a great Louisianan, he was a great man. Most people across Louisiana know Richard the businessman, but Donna and I, along with our entire family, know Richard as a loyal friend and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Through his philanthropic work, Richard devoted his life to making Louisiana a better place. I’ll cherish the many memories my family and I have made with Richard, and I know his legacy will live on for generations to come. Our entire family is praying for his wife, Elaine, his children, Blair, Beth and Blaise, and their entire family. We hope they find comfort in knowing that Richard touched the lives of so many people in our state.”
statement from the Lafayette Fire Department:
The Lafayette Fire Department was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Richard Zuschlag. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
