Timothy J. Foley

Timothy J. Foley, or "Breadman" as many knew him, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2024, in Scottsdale, Ariz., – a special place to him, his wife and kids.

Tim was born on Sept. 11, 1958, in Duluth, Minn. He was one of six children being the only boy. He was a graduate of Duluth Cathedral High School. Tim was full of life, passion, and had an infectious laugh that you could hear across any room. He touched people throughout his life in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Tim's culinary accolades started long before he planted his roots in Michigan. He spent time in the kitchens of Calhoun Beach Club in Minnesota, Burntside Lodge Boundary Waters, in Minn., The Breakers in Florida, Ambria in Chicago, and also spent three years cooking in the Sinai Desert.

He continued to hone his skill at the California Culinary Academy, where he met his beautiful Italian wife, Pat. Together, they spent 35 years building a legacy at Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe, bringing artisan bread to Southwest Michigan. In 2013, Tim opened Bread+Bar in Benton Harbor, fulfilling his dream of owning and operating a restaurant with his family. While owning both businesses, he always shared his knowledge; both guiding and mentoring many employees and staff who he considered family.

He was a member of the Team USA Coupe De Monde de la Boulangerie, winning and later coaching the United States team to victory. He was honored to be inducted into Academie Culinaire de France and Maitres Cuisiniers de France. With so many awards, his real talent was his day to day, positive and humorous interactions with anyone, instantly making them feel important.

Raising his children, Matthew and Lauren, was his ultimate pride and joy. Tim loved cooking and entertaining for his family, friends, customers ... and, honestly, anyone. He loved traveling the world with his wife and family, visiting his Minnesota family and friends while cheering on the Vikings, playing golf with his buddies, reading, listening to the Rolling Stones, and making sure his next meal was always planned. His ability to make us laugh will never be forgotten. SKOL!

He is survived by wife, Pat Foley; son, Matthew (Kaylee) Foley, daughter, Lauren Foley; sisters: Joan Foley (Per Jarnberg), Paula (Dave) Hanson, Charlene Foley-Schwartz (Tony Schwartz) and Jean (Jim) Anich; brother-in-law, Rudi Kurancik; father and mother-in-law: Sam and Connie Monte; brother-in-law, Tony (Jackie) Monte, John (Leah) Monte; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents: John and Ruth Foley and sister, Patricia Kurancik.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tim's name to: Jacques Pepin Culinary Foundation, P.O. Box #28, Barrington, RI 02806, First Tee-Benton Harbor, 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, and Berrien Community Foundation for the Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park, 2900 S. State St., Ste 2E, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 3-6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 30, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A time of sharing will be at 6:30 p.m.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.