Ryan Scheper Illusione Cigars

Ryan Scheper, the sales and marketing director for Illusione Cigars, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. News of Scheper’s death was communicated in an email by Illusione Cigars owner and founder Dion Giolito.

“When I first met Ryan, he was a sales rep for Oliva Cigars. Not only was he an exemplary rep, his solution-based approach within the cigar business was unmatched. Fast forward, years later When Ryan heard that Illusione Cigars was looking for a new sales and marketing Director, he drove directly to Reno and pitched me. I hired him on the spot. His tenacity and broad base knowledge of the industry was unmatched. He was forward-thinking, resourceful, and most of all, a true friend and confident, ” said Giolito.

In a statement from Ryan’s father, Marshall Scheper,  “Ryan took his last breath Tuesday, at 2:47 Indiana time surrounded by his family.  This is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever been through.  He was such a great kid and I was so proud of him.”

His best friend Chris Tarr, Vice President of Marketing at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, said, “Although Ryan is no longer here, his spirit will always remain in the laughter we all shared, the lessons we learned together, and the memories we created. A true friend never really leaves; they live on in our hearts forever.”