Thomas Robey

Thomas Robey (55) died suddenly at his home in New Orleans. Tom, or "Robey" as he was known in New Orleans, was born in Ocean City, NJ. He graduated from OCHS in 1985. After HS he attended Johnson and Wales for Culinary. Tom started his career in restaurants as a dishwasher in OC at 12. That is where he found his passion for cooking! Not long after graduating from Johnson and Wales he was hired by Chef Jamie Shannon to work at Commander's Palace in New Orleans. It was at Commander's Palace that he started his legacy of making friends and influencing young people in the culinary community of New Orleans. Tom's mentoring can be seen by the outpouring of love and memories that have been shared on his Facebook page since his death.

Tom also worked at Tujague's Restaurant in NOLA and Veranda on the Highland in Birmingham, AL in his long career as a chef.

Tom is predeceased by his mother, Betty, his beloved dog Celia and his friend Jamie. He is survived by his father, Tom Sr. (Pat), his brother, Frank "FJ", his sister, Kim Dempsey (Mike), and their children (Tim, Cameron and MariJoy), and his favorite Uncle, Phil Huber. He also leaves behind loving family in both NJ and Iowa and a host of long-time friends in NJ, New Orleans, and Birmingham. Tom's friends that were like family are Jay, Heather, Jasmine, and Jody.

February 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM a "2nd line" to celebrate Tom's life will be held in New Orleans, LA. from the patio at Commander's Palace to his favorite bar, The Rendezvous. A service in New Jersey will be announced at a later date.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers or in memory of Tom that a scholarship be set up in his name at the NOCCA Foundation (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts). Donations may be made to the Chef Thomas Robey Award for Excellence in Culinary Arts to be given to a NOCCA Culinary Arts graduating student.

Gifts may be sent in Tom's name to the NOCCA Foundation, 2800 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70117