Matthew Thomas Bencivenga

After a courageous battle with cancer, Matthew T. Bencivenga passed away on January 25, 2016 at his home in Studio City, CA at the age of 46. Matt was born on September 30, 1969 in Summit, NJ, to father Joseph (Benji) Bencivenga and mother Pearl (Pooch) Gregory. He grew up in a loving family with two older brothers, Joe and Mark. Matt was a dedicated husband to his wife, Sarah. Married in Maui, HI in 2006, they shared 10 wonderful years travelling, working and enjoying their lives together with their dogs, Jack and Ginger. Matt was a twenty-five year veteran of the hospitality industry. After graduating from Rhode Island's Johnson & Wales, a culinary arts school in 1991, he made his mark in the culinary world after joining the Wolfgang Puck team in 1998. Matt eventually assumed responsibility for launching Wolfgang Puck Catering and overseeing culinary operations across the country. As a chef, Matt was a force of nature whose generous spirit, artistic vision, humor, knowledge and compassion will thrive for years to come through every person he ever worked with in the hospitality industry. Matt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009. He inspired many throughout his heroic battle by remaining brave, generous, loving, never complaining and iron-willed, even throughout his final days. Matt is survived by his wife, Sarah, as well as his mother, Pearl (Pooch), his brothers, Joseph and Mark; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father; Joseph A. (Benji) Bencivenga. The family would especially like to thank the staff of UCLA Hospital for their constant, attentive treatment. In lieu of flowers, Matt's family asks that you please consider a memorial gift to advance the neuroendocrine tumor research program at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center/UCLA under the direction of Dr. Tim Donahue. Donations may be directed to Melissa Brody (noting "In honor of Matt Bencivenga."); Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, 8-950 Factor Building, Box 951780, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1780. (310) 206-0675; www.cancer.ucla.edu/donate