Charles Mok

In loving memory of Charles Kwok Mok, who passed away at the age of 82, on June 1, 2024.
Beloved husband of the late Faye Yen and surviving Amy. Cherished father of Evelyn (Richard), Charles (Cathleen), Zebeda (James Bernard), Kelsey (Ferdinand), and Kyle. Adored grandfather of Nathaniel (Kayla), Amanda (Brent), Lynn (Joel), Taylor, Jacob, and Keira. Loving son of the late Ming Chuen and Lin Yau. Caring brother of the late Nu Tai Yuen, the late David, Michael, the late Nancy, Joseph, Marjorie, the late John, Wylie, Henry, the late Eddie, and Raymond. Fond uncle and friend to many.
Charles was an accomplished chef, entrepreneur, and culinary innovator. He received his training at Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute. Throughout his career, he proudly maintained his membership in the American Culinary Federation and the American Academy of Chefs. His pursuit of excellence inspired him to author two books: Practical Salad and Dessert Art and Practical Hors d'Oeuvre and Canape Art. These first-of-a-kind books provided ideas and templates for food service professionals around the world. This expertise led to the creation of Restauranic, Inc., which pioneered the concept of delivering fresh hors d'oeuvres and canapes, nationwide, by overnight delivery courier. Suddenly, chefs and food service professionals around the nation could order fresh hors d'oeuvres and canapes delivered overnight to their kitchens. While achieving many accolades and accomplishments throughout his career, his proudest professional moment was induction into the 2016 Chefs Hall of Fame.
Outside of the kitchen, Charles' true joy was his family. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. As a chef, these gatherings often centered around a meal or food of some sort. In a family full of chefs, there were many spirited discussions and opinions surrounding food and how it is best consumed. Newcomers are warned that in the Mok family, food is a "contact sport".
Most of all, he loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sitting back and reveling in their individual accomplishments. Whether it be a story, proverb, or adage, he took the opportunity to share "life lessons" with each of his children and grandchildren whenever possible. These moments will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9-11am with a remembrance service at 11am at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 1104 Waukegan Rd., Glenview IL 60025. Interment private. In lieu of funeral flowers, donations can be made for perpetual floral arrangements here.