Jared Whalen

1974 - 2018

WHALEN, Jared Maurer Beloved son of Jack and Karen (Persson) Whalen suffered heart failure passing peacefully in his sleep Monday, August 20, 2018. Jared, born April 15, 1974, in Hamilton, Ohio, was a 1993 graduate of Hamilton High School. He attended Regis University in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in 2000. "Chef Jared" interned with Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel at The Maisonette, and was hired by Chef Jean-Robert when the internship was completed. He followed his mentor to Pigall's and later was named Chef de Cuisine at Pho Paris in Oakley. In 2008, Jared helped conceptualize and launch Chalk Food + Wine in Covington, Kentucky, and was later named Sous Chef at Jean-Robert's Table in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was often referred to as a "chef's chef," and through his mentorship he inspired many young people in the industry. In 2014, Jared took a sabbatical from the restaurant business to explore his other passion, the great outdoors. After hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail, he brought his culinary gifts to his hometown of Hamilton, Ohio, where he served as Executive Chef at The Coach House Restaurant at Berkeley Square. Jared enjoyed the delight on his customers' faces when they sampled his culinary creations. Always humble, he loved his restaurant "family," both patrons and staff. Jared was an outdoorsman, often visiting his Grandfather's land, and hoped to live there someday. A curious mind, he was a man of many talents and interests. He read extensively about art and architecture, loved music (Phish) and concerts with his brothers, family vacations, and repairing vintage Volkswagens. He had a larger than life personality and never met a stranger. Times spent in his backyard with his dog "Jimmy" were among his happiest hours. Jared leaves his family, including brothers Jon (Allison) and James (Natalie). Jared was a cherished uncle to his nephew and nieces, Jack, Anne, Kate, Tillie, Caroline, and Ainsley, and was devoted to his special black Labrador "James Dean." Jared would be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from his industry family. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. A memorial celebration for friends and family will be planned at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Community First Foundation for Berkeley Square, 230 Ludlow Street, Hamilton, Ohio, 45011, or the Great Miami River Recreational Trail Fund care of the Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 North 3rd Street, Hamilton, Ohio, 45011. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com.