Leopold Damm

Leopold “Leo” Damm, a master pastry chef whose precision and passion left an indelible mark on the culinary world, passed away on February 27, 2026, in Palm Coast, Florida, at the age of 92. Born on January 27, 1934, in Austria, Leo’s life was defined by a commitment to excellence and a deep love for his craft and family.

Leo’s storied career began with an apprenticeship at the “Balz” pastry shop in Korneuburg, Austria. His masterful talents eventually took him across Europe, where he worked in Switzerland, the Channel Islands of England, and Jersey, before bringing his expertise to the United States. After working in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, Leo became a cornerstone of pastry education in the early 1970s as a pastry chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of America.

Rooted deeply in classical French and German traditions, Leo worked alongside the legends who defined American pastry education. He was known for leading a rigorous, "military-style" classroom where precision was paramount. Under his guidance, students in tall toques learned the art of high-volume production and the exactitude required of a world-class chef.

In 1976, Leo married Carolyn Martel Damm. They resided in Torrington, Connecticut, and from the mid-1980s until her passing in 2002, they made regular pilgrimages back to Leo’s childhood home in Austria. Following his retirement, Leo settled in Palm Coast, Florida, where he continued to indulge his dearest friends with gourmet dinners, world-class desserts, and spirited repartee. His final years were filled with the companionship of his partner and best friend, Marry Stetler, and their beloved doggies.

Leo was preceded in death by his loving wife of 26 years, Carol Lillian (Martel) Damm; his brother, Josef Damm and his wife Helga; and his sister-in-law, Adair (Martel) Dellea and her husband Bruce.

He is survived by his partner, Marry Stetler of Palm Coast, FL; his nephew, Bernhard Damm of Austria; his niece, Ulli Loibl of Austria, her husband Tom, and their children Ben and Araya; and his nephew, Arthur Dellea and his family of Massachusetts.