Chef Robert

Chef Robert Tulko of Jacksonville, previously Winn-Dixie's Corporate Chef, passed away on March 5, 2017. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1946, the second son of Joseph Tulko and Eleanor Goclan Tulko. Better known as "Chef Robert" to television viewers throughout Northeast Florida, his frequent appearances on WTLV-TV's "Good Morning Jacksonville" made him a familiar face as Winn-Dixie's goodwill ambassador.

A graduate of New York University with a degree in Business Management, Chef Robert pursued a career as a chef after finding success in real estate and the restaurant business. He enrolled in a formal cooking school when he was in his early 40's, and graduated from the Southern Culinary Institute in St. Augustine, Florida. He then became Winn-Dixie's Corporate Chef, a position he held for 12 years.

Chef Robert had worked in kitchens throughout Europe, the Orient and Caribbean. He had cooked aboard aircraft carriers, such as the USS John F Kennedy, and aboard submarines in Kings Bay Georgia. He also worked with the White House pastry chef, supplying edible Christmas ornaments for President and Mrs. Clinton's personal Christmas tree.

He retired from Winn-Dixie, and during his last years, worked as a tireless volunteer, teaching school children about nutrition; starting a cooking ministry at Holy Family Parish, where he would teach others cooking skills, and put on events for the parish, and community. He never turned people down when they were in need.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Angela Martin. They loved to play golf together and go on cruises, and their love for each other was very evident. He will be greatly missed, as a loving husband, as a dear and loyal friend, and as a vibrant and active community member.

Always and Forever

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Cusick officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens, Greenlawn Funeral Home 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-396-2522