Jerry D. Comfort

The unparalleled vintage that was Jerry Comfort left this Earth at the full-bodied age of 65. He had a big, bright personality and was exceptionally food-friendly. He paired well with thoughtfully planned meals elevated by complex flavors. His most palatable, fruit-forward qualities shined brightest surrounded by friends and family.

This California boy was born in Boston to Phil and Marilyn; it wasn't long before they settled in Stockton where Jerry made lifelong friends. He spent his formative years roughhousing with his siblings, Tim, Krist and Tami. Baseball and football kicked off his love of sports, staying competitive through his final days with the family fantasy football league and attempts at pickleball. Jerry's marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy, brought him two daughters who will do their worst to uphold his legacy of corny jokes and puns... he was nacho average jokester.

Jerry's passion for food and wine found him in San Francisco where he was sous chef at Jeremiah Tower's Stars, sous chef at Masa's, and then at the five-star Stanford Court Hotel. His entree to the Napa Valley started as chef de cuisine at Yountville's Domaine Chandon. He then helped open Checkers Hotel in Los Angeles as Executive Chef. Under his tenure, Checkers was named one of the top ten restaurants in the nation by Esquire Magazine.

Jerry expressed his culinary creativity for over a decade as Executive Chef of the Hudson House's private dining room at Beringer Vineyards, creating bold menus that paired seamlessly with Beringer wines. His thirst for knowledge led him to become a Certified Wine Educator. He spent over a decade as Senior Wine Educator of Treasury Wine Estates.

Forever the host with the most, Jerry's life philosophy was: Abbondanza! "Dad, we will spend our lives trying to replicate the many layers of flavorful love you infused into your signature dishes. We face the challenge of perfectly grilling salmon and turning out an exquisite tarte Tatin." He was also an enthusiastic amateur weatherman and traffic reporter.

Jerry is survived by his siblings, daughters, grandchildren and their families.

We extend our gratitude to his neighbors and community in Yountville, Napa, and HealthQuest who were joyful staples in his life. Thank you to Peet's Coffee (Bel Aire Plaza), Habit Burger and Foodshed for patiently tolerating his custom requests for his favorites.

Lettuce celebrate his life, making every meal berry tasty. He'll always be a big dill in our lives and have so mushroom in our hearts. His family welcomes stories, recipes, or photos with Jerry in the Facebook Group "Remembering Jerry Comfort."

To echo Dad's impersonation of Julia Child: BON APPETIT!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry D. Comfort, please visit our floral store.