PHOTO/FIREFLY’S BBQ

Restauranteur and Hopkinton resident Steve Uliss, who founded Firefly’s BBQ in Marlborough, passed away on Friday at the age of 61.

His death was announced both on Firefly’s website and in a Facebook post from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, on which he served as a board member.

“Massachusetts lost an incredible friend, family man, restaurant operator and person today,” the MRA post from Friday stated.

No details on Uliss’ cause of death were provided, other than that his passing was “sudden.”

Uliss began working the culinary industry at the age of 16. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University’s culinary program and worked for several hospitality groups in Massachusetts.

During his time with the Peabody Hotel Group, he began fostering a love for barbecue, going on to open Firefly’s in 2001.

Alongside his wife and family, Uliss grew the business to become “the largest barbecue caterer in New England, boasting 12 trucks fitted out with smokers and grills, as well as a food truck,” according to Firefly’s website.

In its statement online, the team at Firefly’s paid homage to the restaurateur. “[Uliss] was continuously engaged, fully committed, and constantly generous,” the statement read. “His vigor, humor, love and kindness will be sorely missed by all.”