March 27, 1970- November 12, 2020
Born in Cleveland but raised primarily in Seattle, André was always an independent soul. Emancipated as a teen, he initially dropped out of high school to support himself, but soon recognized the value of finishing and got his GED. He would go on eventually to attend college, as well.
André wanted to be a chef when he was young and, with an intense amount of hustle and bravado, convinced the executive chef at Columbia Tower Club to hire him. He worked his way up from crew to roast and grill chef to saucier, all with no formal training or education in cuisine. His passion for the craft was evident in the awards he earned from the club. In his time there, he created meals for the likes of Bill Gates, Al Gore, Rutger Hauer, and other notables.
In 1992 André met Elizabeth, and they quickly became inseparable. When he proposed in 1993 he looked at his future as a family man, and made the decision to leave his culinary career and pursue a position that had the stability and schedule that would allow him to dedicate time to his loved ones. He married Elizabeth in 1994 and while he left professional cooking, he never lost the desire to improve and learn in the kitchen. For his entire life he was known for incredible meals, which he took great pleasure in creating for family and friends. André and Elizabeth often hosted parties, and André would carefully plan and execute elaborate food spreads to honor his guests. The passion he had for great cuisine also led him to seek out many of the best restaurants, and try all sorts of new culinary styles.
After leaving the CTC, André began a career in a different part of the food industry. He accepted a position with Safeway, initially in store management. He was quickly tapped to move to the supply side of the business as a supervisor with Safeway Milk. As he worked his way up in the dairy processing industry, he went on to work first for Darigold, and then for the last 17 years, for HP Hood. He was known for his problem solving abilities, management skills, and quick understanding of unfolding situations. Especially during his years with HPHood, he developed many enduring friendships and professional relationships, which he valued greatly. André’s respect was hard to earn, and closely kept. The people in his circle of friends are all individuals with talent, drive and compassion.
André’s proudest achievements were based in family. With the birth of a daughter, Kendall, in 1995, and a son, Harrison, in 1998, André and Elizabeth became parents to two charming, intelligent and witty individuals who mirror their father’s talents, infectious smile, and kindness every day. He was immensely proud of being their Dad, and never missed an opportunity to tell people of their achievements. He was assiduous in trying to provide for them the stability, love and respect he didn’t always have in his own childhood. His legacy is long and well-founded in them.
André is survived by his wife and best friend of 26 years, Elizabeth, his daughter Kendall, his son Harrison, Elizabeth’s parents and siblings who were like his own, his mother Candice Castoriano, two sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a cohort of friends who were like family to him.
Four and a half years after his cancer diagnosis, André Frey-Thomas slipped from life, surrounded by his family. He never wanted the disease to define him, but hoped his friends and family would remember him when they push themselves to achieve their far-reaching goals, when they take pride in a job well done, and when they enjoy a great meal with their loved ones.
Online tributes can be placed through Chapel of the Pines, in Placerville, CA. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2020, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Placerville, CA. The rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, with the Mass following at 11:00. Due to the Covid crisis, there will be no reception.
In lieu of flowers, André’s family asks that his friends and family consider a donation in his memory to neuroendocrine cancer research, under the direction of Dr. Pamela Kunz at the following address. Please write “Dr. Kunz” in the memo, with your gift. Yale Cancer Center, PO Box 7611, 157 Church St, New Haven, CT 06519-0611
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