Michael Chiarello

1962 - 2023

Michael Chiarello obituary, 1962-2023, Napa, CA

Michael Chiarello

1962 - 2023

BORN

1962

DIED

2023

Michael Chiarello Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10, 2023.

Michael Chiarello was an acclaimed chef in California's Napa Valley who authored numerous cookbooks, produced popular olive oils, and starred on the Food Network's "Easy Entertaining" among many other TV appearances. He died Oct. 6, 2023, in Napa at the age of 61.

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Read the full obituary in Legacy's daily news section.

(Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for SOBEWFF)

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June 21, 2025

Penny shelby posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2024

Scott Cartwright posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2024

Vivian Henry posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Penny shelby

June 21, 2025

I just found out two years later I´m deeply saddened I´m a huge fan

Scott Cartwright

December 21, 2024

Just found out while surfing the internet my belated condolences to his family ,I watched his tv shows since the beginning he will be missed.Scott retired IATSE

Vivian Henry

March 2, 2024

Michael was my favorite chef to watch on the cooking programs. I was lucky enough to meet him at a cooking presentation at Macys in Sacramento around the time that he married Eileen. Michael wrote the nicest compliment to me in his cookbook that was being displayed at the presentation. I was very impressed with his presentation and he loved interacting with his audience. His wife Eileen was a lovely hostess as well. I am sad to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family. I can only see him up above preparing one of best dishes and just waiting for others to join him in time.

Lisa Sethmann

October 23, 2023

The best potato salad recipe ever was Michael's from a cooking show many years ago. He made it look so easy. Such talent! He will be forever missed. God bless you Michael.

Malissa Khan

October 20, 2023

Since I was young, I´ve been watching Michael´s cooking shows since it first came on air. I enjoyed every one of them, and I´m rewatching again. I love the way he speaks and talks about food and family. I always wanted to visit Napa and meet Chef Chiarello. Hopefully, I´ll visit his restaurants one day. I´m devastated to hear of his passing. I am so sad and heartbroken that he left us so soon. He built an empire around food. I will always keep him close to me. He was a part of my life. My condolences to his entire family. May you rest in peace, Chef Chiarello.

Mr JR.

October 19, 2023

My condolences to the family and friends and workmates of Michael Chiarello, Love watching his cooking shows.

Perry Atkinson

October 18, 2023

My best memory was fishing with Michael in high school. My funniest memory is when he bought a boom box, sun glasses, and blared the Sugar Hill Gang wrap music while walking around the high school. We also had a little wood cutting business together that didn´t last to long. It was hard work. Michael was such a good friend to me at a hard time in my teenage years. Sorry I didn´t keep up, but I watched you from afar fulfill your dream to be a great chef!

Amy Cross, Knoxville, TN

October 15, 2023

I am devastated for his family´s loss, but he will also be greatly missed by so many. We have fond memories of enjoying his delicious food while feeling the passion he had for his life´s work. On our last visit to Bottega a few years ago, I purchased one of his cookbooks from our server. I did not know in advance that she was going to do this, but the young lady took the book next door to his office, and he wrote a note and autographed the book. I was thrilled, but now I treasure it so much more. I am sending prayers for healing and comfort to his precious children, family, and loved ones.

Marcus French

October 13, 2023

Heartbreaking news. Watching Michael on PBS is what inspired me to take up cooking as a hobby that´s still a hobby 23 years later. He will always be my favorite chef. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. God speed Michael.

Maryann Katrein

October 12, 2023

Of course I didn't know Michael Chiarello-- only from various appearances he made on cooking shows as I'm just a fan. But man, what insight and from what I can tell a great chef. My sincerest condolences are with his family, friends and co-workers at all the restaurants he's been associated with. A huge loss. I'm so very sorry. Maryann Katrein, Mesa, AZ

CONNIE NELLOS

October 11, 2023

Michael and I "clicked" when I applied for a job as his "assistant." I worked for him for seven wonderful years.....he was an extraordinary person who loved what he did and loved life. I was his "Mom" he used to say. We met at a time when he was dreaming about building a home and vineyard in St. Helena...which is what we did. He will be missed greatly.

TD

October 11, 2023

This is sad news! I remember watching him on TV. He was a great chef. My sincere condolences to the Chiarello family. May the God of all comfort provide you the strength to cope with your loss

Daniel Sampiero

October 10, 2023

Michael used to stay with us in Miami before the food and wine shows and we´d stay up all night pressing fresh olive oil for his signature line. he was very close with my father, and they had so much respect for each other.

AB

October 10, 2023

Prayers for the Chiarello family, so saddened by this news of his sudden passing, God help you all.

MM

October 10, 2023

Sincere condolences to Michael´s family. My family enjoyed watching his cooking show! Sorry to hear of his death.

JF

October 10, 2023

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robyn

October 10, 2023

A brilliant Chef that was always great to watch. This news was so sad to hear. May God be with the Chiarello family, so very sorry for your loss.

Elizabeth Bell

October 9, 2023

R.I.P. Michael

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Sign Michael Chiarello's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 21, 2025

Penny shelby posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2024

Scott Cartwright posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2024

Vivian Henry posted to the memorial.