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Gregory J. Duda

Gregory Duda Obituary

Gregory J. Duda, 54, died in his sleep of heart failure on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Greg was a well known chef in Los Angeles and Chicago. He had a successful chain of bakeries ''Let Them Eat Cake'' in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles, where his restaurant ''Figs'' was a popular neighborhood home cooking eatery. For the past five years he was Executive Chef for Vance Events. Gregory is survived by his partner of 28 years, Stephen Janiak; also brothers, Michael, Ronald and Donald. He was the beloved son of the late Walter and Mildred Duda; and brother of the late Terrance. He was dearly loved by all. A Memorial is planned for Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the home of Ronald Duda and William Tucker. For information call 773-283-3932 . Donations can be made to The Washburn Chefs Alumni Association, 1417 Allison Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60194.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from May 21 to May 22, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Duda

14 Entries

Diane Scharba-Long

June 22, 2006

Dear Duda Family.........

I just found out about the passing of Greg. My deepest sympathies to you and your families. Greg was a big part of my youth and I am shocked and saddened by the news. Although we lost touch quite a while back (last time we spoke was when he was opening up the restaurant in California) he was never too far out of my thoughts. He was a good friend and I have very fond memories of him.

Julie Fletcher-Schalk

June 10, 2006

Ronnie, Donnie, and Mike:

My best memories from childhood were spent with you guys at your house. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that your mom was the best, and all of you did her so proud.

I used to look forward to your mom's club, and we got to eat all the goodies Greg made after the ladies were gone - and boy, did we eat!

I especially remember one rousing game of FIFTY-MORE. The Turk's had just planted new sod, and we all loped through it trying to hide behind grand-ma and grand-pa. Best times ever.

God bless you, Dudas.

Janice (Tluczek) Wickery

June 10, 2006

Dear Duda Family,

Kevin and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on Greg's passing. He was such close friends with my sister, Nancy, and loved by all of us. Though time had gone by, he was always part of our family. I will always remember his smiling face and happy heart. There's certainly a special place for him in heaven, most likely as head chef! Now it's HIS turn to eat the cake! With love and prayers, Janice

Nancy Tluczek Utech

June 6, 2006

Dear Mike, Ronnie, Donnie and all. I am so saddened to learn about Greg. Your family was such a special part of my life. The memories of St. Constance, Taft, ending every event at your home where we were always welcomed by "Ma" Duda, the very first "Let Them Eat Cake"...you have always been in my thoughts and prayers and especially now. Love to all - Nancy

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Tom Boyle

June 5, 2006

Ron, I am sorry that I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Greg. I've heard such nice things about him from Jen & Patrick. We know the heartache of losing someone wonderful at an early age.

Linda Frueh

June 4, 2006

Ron and I worked together in Lombard and Glen Ellyn. At the salon we heard countless Duda brothers stories and were the recipients of many of Greg's bakery delights from Let Them Eat Cake. The brothers may have been far apart in miles, but they were always very close in heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ronald, Donald and Michael and their families. May memories keep Gregory forever near.

Frances Belbin

May 25, 2006

Reading of Greg dying is sad. I worked for him and Ross at the Society Cafe, and grew to know him as a friend. He was great to work for. He was a wonderful and kind person and I will miss him.

Ryan Tasz

May 25, 2006

Greg was my best friend. There is not a minute or second in the day that I don't miss him deeply. I cherish his love of life and I will forever be greatful for being part of his -- because, for me, there was no better teacher. Greg, you will always be in my heart and on my mind. Thank you.

Donald Zapfel

May 24, 2006

Ron, this is Don Zapfel, your old neighbor from Mulligan Street. sorry to hear about Greg. Many happy memories of the fun and hell we put uur parents and neighbors thru as we grew up. Is Mike coming up for the memorial? My prayers are with you.

Sharon Moritz

May 23, 2006

Ron, I am very sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Hope I can put a smile on your face with some momories,in your time of mourning.....Sugar Bush!!!

Paulette Potempa Berggren

May 22, 2006

My mother, Victoria Potempa, was a good friend of Millie and Walter Duda, and I remember many visits as Greg and his brothers were growing up. Greg's Mom was so very proud of him, and we felt honored to know the owner of "Let 'em Eat Cake." We remember both Millie and Walter as loving, caring parents and friends. Millie was especially wonderful to my mother, Victoria, who considered her to be her best friend. Her first and only trip on a plane was to visit Millie in Florida. Our prayers and love are with Michael, Ronald, Donald, their partners, and the Duda family and friends.

Bob Birndorf

May 22, 2006

I met Greg when I was a freshman at Northwestern; he was friends with some fraternity brothers of mine. Greg was always warm and generous and his baking talents and entrepreneural abilities were apparent to us all.I am saddened to hear of his loss.

Marilyn Rome (Zapfel)

May 21, 2006

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many happy childhood memories living next to the Duda boys! Greg was baking even way back then! I was more than happy to be a "taster!" I especially loved all the parties that seemed to last for days! I don't know if you rememeber this, Ronnie, making taffy at the Turk's house and pulling it out their kitchen window! I also remember your Mom's cakes....hmmmm, yummy! ANd at Easter...her bobka! Please accept my deepest sympathies.

One last tidbit...my parents are gone now as well as my sister, Carol. It's just my brother, Don and I that are left.

Michael Duda

May 21, 2006

Greg was the best uncle ever. I lived solely for his cherry cheese cake. He was a man never without a smile on his face

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