Peter J Anderson

Peter J. Anderson, 73
It is with heavy hearts and empty bellies that the family of Peter J. Anderson announce his passing on December 11, 2024. Born on Staten Island in 1951 to the late Beatrice (Curley) and Roy Anderson, Peter lived on Staten Island until moving to New Jersey in 1977, residing in Stirling, NJ for 42 years. He lived in Monroe Township for the last two years.
Peter completed his culinary training, earning an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 1979. Peter worked tirelessly in many professional kitchens in New York & New Jersey including The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, NY where he once cooked for then President Reagan. Peter was the Executive Chef at Linda's Fireside Inn in Gillette, NJ, Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Livingston, NJ and Panther Valley Golf & Country Club in Allamuchy, NJ. Peter worked at Maplewood Country Club in Maplewood, NJ for many years before retiring.
Peter participated in the annual Game Dinner events at Perona Farms, with proceeds benefiting local Sussex County charities. Peter flipped countless pancakes for Breakfast with Santa events, prepared corned beef & cabbage for St. Patrick's Day celebrations and delicious fare for Casino Nights to benefit Saint Vincent de Paul School & Parish in Stirling, NJ. Peter's culinary craft also supported fundraising efforts for Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, NJ.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Rosemary (Hetherington) Anderson in 2019 and his brothers Andrew Anderson and Christopher Anderson. Peter is survived by his children & their spouses Leigh A. Cooke and Michael of Toms River, NJ, Richard Anderson and Brian Stout of Hamilton, NJ; his loving partner Kathleen Smythe of Fanwood, NJ; and his sister Julianne Anderson of Jensen Beach, FL. Peter was a loving grandfather to Patrick Cooke and Nicholas Cooke, who brought great joy and delight to their beloved, "Bapa." Peter's culinary skills will be dearly missed by his grand-dog Harley. He is also remembered fondly by a large extended family, and many friends and colleagues.
Peter is remembered for his positive leadership in the kitchen as well as his genuine human concern for his culinary team. Though he demanded hard work, Peter supported his crew by actively assisting many with immigration status & the pursuit of citizenship, creating a melting pot that was better together. He was dedicated to his profession and brought joy to the table - whether he was executing a black tie dinner for 300, a fundraising event at the behest of Rosemary or feeding his hungry family & friends "Pete's Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve. Generous of heart, he enjoyed cooking for, helping and spending time with friends and family. He relished live music, classic rock, bourbon, puzzle building, the NY Yankees, and the NY Giants. He was adventurous; loved to ski, fish, travel and experience new sights, good food, and fine wines. He had a great laugh, a beautiful smile, and handsome looks, to boot.
At Chef's request, services were private and under the direction of the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Road, Gillette, NJ.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. For online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Richard's fundraising in support of cancer charities as he completes his sixth and final race of the Abbott 6 World Major Marathons in Japan. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/richard-2025-tokyo-running-for-gold-ribbon-network