Louis H. Peluso, 72 of Taylor Mill, Kentucky passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Born in New Orleans, Lou carried a lifelong love of music, water, good company, and great food. He grew up working on the river at the Newport Yacht Club, where his deep connection to river life and people first took shape. In 1988, Lou opened the locally beloved Mansion Hill Tavern, creating one of the area’s best live blues bars and a gathering place that became legendary to many. A talented and passionate cook, Lou found joy in preparing meals for others, believing good food – like good music – was meant to be shared. Whether behind the bar, in the kitchen, or at home, he expressed love through hospitality and flavor. He also loved to travel to tropical destinations, especially Jamaica, which held a special place in his heart. Whether through music, cooking, storytelling, or simply sharing time together, Lou had a way of bringing people close and creating memories that lasted.
Lou is survived by his wife, Cara (nee Sevenants) Peluso, his daughter, Amber Baugh and her husband Ryan Baugh, and his grandchildren, Kennedy, Dayton, Duncan and Chance, who were a great source of pride and joy in his life.
A celebration of life will be held this spring, with details to be shared at a later date.
The memory of Lou Peluso will live on forever, carried by the laughter, stories and shenanigans he leaves behind.

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Stephanie Beckenhaupt says
February 11, 2026 at 5:37 pmCara – so sorry for your loss, I’ve been thinking about you. Please let me know if you need anything. I’d love to see you soon. Love you
Dan & Sandee Pierce says
February 11, 2026 at 7:51 pmGonna miss you, Lou. Thanks for the friendship, loyalty, the years full of tears of laughter, & all the trouble you got me in, or tried your best to get me in. You changed the lives of many musicians over the course of 3 decades and provided an iconic venue for players & music lovers alike. MHT was a true “No Aggravation Location”. Lou Peluso stories will be [and have been] told far & wide providing endless smiles & uncontrollable laughter. Thanks, my friend. Thanks for every delicious second of it.
Sarah Jones says
February 11, 2026 at 8:38 pmLou was such a big part of my childhood and so many of my favorite memories. From live music, fun get togethers, and long days at Pleasure Island Pool to him proudly calling himself my “Uncle Louie,” he always made life more fun and full of laughter. I’ll never forget calling the bar, knowing the number by heart, and hearing him laugh while saying, “Yep, your dad’s here.” He was a loyal, lifelong friend to both my mom and dad and someone who brought joy everywhere he went. Lou will be deeply missed, but the memories and laughter he gave us will always stay with me. Sending love and prayers to everyone who loved him. ❤️
June Foster says
February 11, 2026 at 8:49 pmLou and I were friends through school and when I was dating his brother Paul. He was a great friend.
Garnet says
February 11, 2026 at 9:54 pmMy deepest condolences to Louie’s family and friends. He was a tender soul and will be remembered.
Tony Trotta says
February 11, 2026 at 9:55 pmRest Eternal and catch the big one in Heaven Lou!🇺🇲🇮🇹🐟🦞🥃⛱️🎸🎣🛥️
Joe Kreidler says
February 12, 2026 at 1:44 amRIP buddy! Prayers to your and family!😪
Amber says
February 12, 2026 at 4:20 pmLouie…What a Character! You will be missed! I had the pleasure of knowing this kind-hearted, generous, crazy dude for over 50 years. I will get to see parts of you left behind in your daughter and the dark curls of your grandsons. Sending much love to Cara and entire family. RIP 🙏
Jeff Thomas says
February 13, 2026 at 4:25 pmLou Peluso changed my life. We first met when introduced by Dan Pierce, bassist for Blue Lou and the Accusations. Blue Lou was the first band to play at Mansion Hill Tavern and they started a great trend for many musicians, myself included. My band was fortunate to play there for many years. Lou Peluso’s giant personality and big smile always made me feel welcome. Lou created a wonderful No Aggravation Location for his loyal patrons and musicians…. a true live music Roadhouse. My heart goes out to his wife Cara and all of us that were lucky enough to know and spend time with Lou. Thanks for some great memories. Love you Lou and Cara
Phil Nugent says
March 17, 2026 at 4:24 pmLou was a great guy and a great boss. In the early 80s I was Lou’s Lawn boy. Every Friday grass cut and car wash that silver Honda prelude always had to be shinning for the weekends. I had like 5 lawns in the neighborhood. I would cut the house was old and had this outside old fountain’s I would scrub those out every spring for him. He was very proud of those and his yard. He was very good to us on Halloween to. That house had a turntable in the garage it was cool. i always loved running into him at Kroger’s he would say how ya doing kid we would catch up. Rest in peace Lou thanks for being a great boss in my teenage years.
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