John Kacala Obituary

Out of sight but not out of our hearts. Rest well friend

I hope John family is well, I know you will have all the wonderful memories to help you carry on, there will always be a void but also precious memories , they never go away! God Bless

I was so saddened to learn of John's passing. What a great guy, his smile was so contagious! I always looked forward to his visits to our shop - he truly is one of a kind and I always enjoyed our conversations. I pray for peace and comfort for your family John. Is is evident through the words left by so many that you had the same effect on all you met.

So sorry to discover the loss of a great chef and friend. I had the honor of knowing him while working at JWU Charleston. Always kind and willing to help others. May God give the family strength during the long journey of grief.

Hi Linda, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband John! I pray that God will watch over you all and provide you with Love, Peace and Strength during this sad chapter of your lives. Cherish the wonderful memories that you have. John will always be with you in your hearts and memories.

Dear Linda and Family. May you find peace, love and comfort with many joyful memories. God Bless your family.

Thank you Chef for everything you taught me as well as others. I always liked listening your stories about what you went though as a young training Chef. After graduating it was so nice to see you over the years and will miss you.

John was my friend and influence over the past few years since I have known him. We are F&B brothers in this world, and in Rock n Roll Heaven.

To the family of John he will be missed. I saw John during the Christmas holidays had a nice visit. I, met him at the Carolina yacht club years ago he was such an awesome person to work with and always smiling making others life a little better. Praying for the family.

My sincere condolences to the Kacala family. John was a dear man, a friend and an industry icon. He will be dearly missed!

I did not know John very well, however we both worked at JWU for many years. He in Charleston and me in VA and NC. He came to the Charlotte campus many times and was always welcomed with open arms especially by his former Charleston colleagues.

Through the many stories that I have heard about Chef Kacala it is clear that he was very well respected and loved by his students and colleagues alike. He made a big difference in a great number of people's lives as an instructor and mentor. He was a class act and a great chef! He will certainly be missed.

With my deepest sympathies,
Jerry Lanuuzza, Dean of Culinary Education
JWU Charlotte, NC

Chef Kacala was one of the driving forces of the resurgent Charleston culinary renaissance over the last three and a half decades. He was always helping , mentoring, and leading the young chefs of today. Chef was a forward-thinking man ever prepared to adapt to and accept new ideas in this every changing culinary field. The long culinary shadow he cast, will reaffirm his work as one of the greats that carried out the glory of the art of culinary for many to emulate in Charleston. As he has elevated many before him through his teachings, may he himself, be elevated to take his rightful place in the kitchen among the star. Rest well my friend!

Richard Nickless
CEC, CCA, AAC, CDM, CFPP

Remembrances of John Kacala
I extend my condolences to Linda, Joanne, Melissa, Jonathan, Sara, Avea, Lynn and their families on the passing of John. I have had the fortune of knowing John over the past five decades, from the early 1970s until, unfortunately, his much too early passing. He was not only a brother-in-law, but a great friend. We loved each other. After every phone call, we would express that with, "Love you, take care!" I'm very stunned, as are many others, that he was so very ill and passed at such an early age.
Saying good-bye to a treasured friend is tough. I wish that I had one more time to hug him, say "Good-bye!" and say, "We'll see you again in Charleston." That unfortunately will not come to pass. I think that if we both looked in a mirror, we would agree that the mirror reflected two people who were better for having been each other's friend.
John worked very hard and exhibited extreme proficiency in his occupation. From the many awards and accolades, it was apparent that John loved his work and excelled beyond expectations. I was amazed at how quickly he could whip up a very good meal. That was John, in his white coat and chef's hat.
When we had time to socialize we always had a great time whether in Buffalo or in Charleston. He loved Jackie Gleason and "The Honeymooners," and especially one episode, "Chef of the Future!"
John embraced each moment in his children's and grandchild's lives. He knew that all too soon they would grow and become an age as him, his picture self. In his sixty-two years John knew that through sorrow that you learn joy, and through death you learn what it means to live. He told me that when many of his cohorts would pass.
John, you too have loved and you too have been loved. As you leave us, your life, with all of its complexities, was beautiful!

My deepest condolences are extended to Linda, Joanne, Melissa, Jonathan, Sarah, Avea, Lynne and their families on the passing of my very dear brother-in-law, John Kacala. John was a most generous and loving friend to my husband Michael, to myself and to many people including our entire extended Paolini and Masso families.
We shared many wonderful memories and visits together. Wherever he lived John and his family always extended the warmest hospitality to us and to all. This was always accompanied by his artistic preparation of the most delicious, beautiful food which was his "lifelong passion."
Throughout the years and in our frequent phone conversations we laughed, sometimes cried and enjoyed reminiscing about "the old days."
John had so many talents, and he consistently achieved excellence in all that he accomplished maintaining an amazing work ethic and precise attention to detail. He had a passion for supporting and loving his family, for life and for serving others wherever he went. He was a fabulous educator and mentor to many young people including his own family members.
Farewell, my dear John! May you rest in peace with Harry, Marie, Tess and Funzi. You will always remain in my heart!

I had the great pleasure of meeting John through Ms. G. John and his family welcomed me numerous times into their home where I was greeted with hugs and kisses and awe inspiring meals. I am truly blessed that our life's paths crossed. John was one of the most giving and loving people I have met and his face beamed with every mention of his granddaughter Avea Marie. I will miss listening to his stories of growing up in New York. God bless you John Kacala.

John had a great passion for food and his profession as a Chef. He touched many people with his always present smile and great knowledge of culinary arts.
He will be missed

A master chief, artist, father and a rare gem of a friend and person--I will miss you terribly John. Your love and knowledge impacted people worldwide and will live on in our hearts. Infinite love and sympathy to Linda, Melissa, Jonathan, Lynn and numerous family and friends. You're Star, "Johnny the K" shines forever. --Sandy Williams & Andrew Bozeman

I will always remember John with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I know he will be missed by many.

Chef you were truly an amazing person, friend and mentor. I can't find the words that even describe the impact you had on me as a young culinarian and many of your words ring in my ears as I continue to grow. Thank you for the inspiration, friendship & swift kicks in the butt (only when needed). You & your spirit will truly be missed but I also know there is now an incredible guardian angel watching over me and all those you loved & mentored.

It was a pleasure having taught with you at JWU (2001-2003) my friend. You were a class act with a true passion for teaching and you will be missed by many. Vaya con Dios and Mahalo Nui Loa (until we meet again in Hawaiian)

John was beloved by so many- his family, his friends, his colleagues, his former students and those who met him briefly as he moved throughout a typical day. He was beloved because when most people were taking he was giving, while others talked he listened, when others bragged he remained humble, and when someone was in need he reached out to them with a kind smile and caring eyes. He was my bestie! I will miss him terribly. Love you Chef!

My Dear Friend

I know your journey here on earth is over.You now rest in the everlasting and loving arms of God.I miss you but we'll meet again

Karl

My dear friend and colleague has passed but my memories of our time working together will never go away. I have treasured our friendship since I first met him. Thanks for everything and God Bless and keep you, John. Chao, Mattie.
Matt Broussard, JWU '94, '96
Chef Instructor, Charleston, 1991-2001

Chef you were a great inspiration to me. Learned a lot from you. You will be missed

John you taught me how to be a better drummer and chef...you will be missed when I visit Chatleston.

Such an honor working with John for many many years at JWU...Always had a pleasant word and a smile or hug...

John meant a lot of things to many people. To me, he was a friend, a respected colleague and an inspirational Culinarian. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP

I am sorry for your great loss. The more a person is loved, the greater the heartache when they have to leave. I know John must have been a special person from what I have heard and read.

Rest in peace my friend. You were a mentor to many.

Rest well dear friend. I will carry our friendship with me always.

Months would go by but we would pick back up as if it were only yesterday we last hugged and spoke! A true friend, associate and culinarian, loved by many and missed by us all.I strive to be half the awesome person you were.

So very sorry for your loss Linda. John was a fine man. I worked with John at CYC, his was the only level head in a stew of chaos.
With love,
Andy Falcettoni

Chef Kacala was one of the true culinary leader over the last three decades for the Greater Charleston area. He was kind and always had nice things to say about everyone he met. I will most remember him as a chef that was always smiling and had the passion for helping his fellow Chefs.
Chef Kacala was a forward-thinking man ever prepared to adapt to and accept new idea, his shadow forever will cast long on the Charleston culinary horizon. For here was a man who took the art of culinary to great heights and has now rightfully been elevated to the great kitchen among the stars. Sleep well Chef Kacala.

You were always kind and funny when I came around. You were like my 2nd dad! When Melissa and I would make up silly songs and play the keyboard, you would smile and say"keep up the enthusiasm". You wouldn't get mad when we would get caught doing stupid things, you would talk to us. It was at your house that I learned that wine comes in a box! Memories come back from way back about great of a dad you were to Melissa and Jonathan. Memories are a great thing. That's what keeps you in everyone's heart. RIP

Chef Kacala - Your contribution to my life and all those around you cannot be measured. Everyone who knew you is better for it. You will be greatly missed.
With much love & sadness on your passing.
Doc

You were a wonderful mentor,friend and leader.Thank you for being such an inspiration to many especially our son Kyle.

Thank you for the memories, guidance, and friendship over the years. Rest in peace.