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Matthias "Chef" Radits

Matthias Radits Obituary

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

MATTHIAS RADITS “Chef” Matthias Radits of West Palm Beach, age 52, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 after a long and courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Matthias is survived by his father, Matthias Radits of Austria, two brothers, Stefan (Grete) and Viktor (Hermine) Radits of Austria and one child, Emmanuel Radits of Germany. He was predeceased by his mother, Agnis of Austria. He leaves JoAnn Schulz, his loving companion and caregiver, his faithful dog Kaiser, caring ex-wife Linda Cordova, close personal friend Rosemary Davila, and an extremely intimate entourage of faithful followers. Executive Chef of the Breakers Resort for 15 years, Matthias epitomized culinary creativity and possessed both the uncanny ability to predict future trends and the skill to bring those ideas to fruition. A world traveler, his knowledge of various cultures was a constant inspiration in his work. A vast presence in life, his absence will create a great void to those that love him. Always quick with a quip and a smile, he never lost his ability to assess a situation with lightning wit and precision. His appetite for life was contagious as he exemplified enthusiasm and spirit. Not only a culinary genius, Matthias had a great eye and interest in fine art and antiques. His four and one half year battle with ALS was humbling to witness. Diagnosis of this disease is a death sentence, and yet Matthias chose to rise above the devastating news and remained positive and hopeful. He lived with dignity and courage, and he inspired those close to him with his strength. Although he lived with the disease for an extraordinarily long time, his quality of life was excellent and he was blessed with a swift and peaceful passing. Private services will be held on Friday, February 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association or to Hospice of Palm Beach County.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post on Feb. 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthias Radits

31 Entries

Luiz Barros

May 1, 2025

I had the great honor of working with Chef Mathias Radits at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami when I was just 19 years old. During those two formative years, I learned countless invaluable lessons from him-lessons that would shape the rest of my career.

Over the years, I became an executive chef and had the privilege of traveling the world, working for Hilton International, Intercontinental Hotels, Sheraton, and Celebrity Cruises. Now, at 56, I can say without hesitation that Chef Mathias remains the best chef I have ever worked with.

He was simply extraordinary-professional, passionate, and deeply charismatic. His influence has stayed with me to this day.

Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy lives on in all of us who had the privilege to learn from you.

Chef Eric Ensign

March 21, 2024

My Chef My Chef,
You brought out the passion inside of me, and pointing me always to the true love of creativity.
I always cooked your lunch, you did not trust anyone else to do it.
When you were creating, you'd ask other Chefs to taste, and give there options.
Thay always said, that's vantastic.
You always told me to be honest , on how flavors taste and make me feel.
I was the only one. Honest, and let you know.
I have lived my life creating everyday, no recipes, pull your feelings from inside.
I will always honor your friendship, and your guidance that you gave me
Blessings my friend
Chef Eric Ensign

Jeff Walsh

December 4, 2021

I will always remember your cheer and awesome mustache. Thank you for the opportunity to work for you.

Margie Cole-Graham

March 1, 2006

My son, Jeffrey, was tickled to death when he met Chef Radits. His heart was on fire and my own heart skipped a beat when I met the Chef!

His wonderful eyes and beautiful smile made me feel at home when he gave me & my husband a tour of The Breakers.

He was so proud of his team and his passion for them was obvious. Matthis was a Sweetie with a big heart!

I look forward to his elaborate Buffet in Heaven!

Thanks Chef!

Jeffrey Cole

February 23, 2006

Chef,

Thanks for all the wonderful memories and vast amounts of knowledge that you shared with me and those who knew your heart!

Shatzi

[email protected]

Dale Donahue-Horak

February 16, 2006

I will always remember all the Christmas eve's that you spent at my sisters house and the fun that we had. You will be missed

Deborah Donahue

February 16, 2006

You will be missed

Mark Fusillo

February 14, 2006

My "Chef" is someone that changed my life in so many ways. You will always be with me.

Violet "Tete" Karam

February 12, 2006

Dear Matthias,

I will always remember the fond memories I have of cooking for you, for a change. You were like a son to me and it was an honor to have known you. Heaven has gained a new angel!

Anthony Sicignano

February 11, 2006

It was an honor to work with and to know the "Chef", his legacy will continue forever as he has touched so many of us over the years. He was truly inspirational in every sense, he had a way of making us better Chefs, but more importantly, better people. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

Doug and Debra Smart

February 11, 2006

Chef was a truly amazing man who touched so many lives. There are very few men who were as admired, respected, and loved by so many. Our memories of you will live in our hearts forever!

jeffrey oneill

February 11, 2006

Chef radits is the most influential soul I have encountered in my career. In a field full of arrogance and angst,he showed me how to see through this,and enjoy the craft, while treating others with respect. One of the few men who saw the importance of this.More importantly,he showed me the support of a true friend.

Amy Lee

February 10, 2006

Matthias, a genuinely passionate man who stopped at nothing - to give everything. An incredible teacher, mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will forever live on in the heart and soul of many.

Ryan and Tammy McCurdy

February 10, 2006

Chef,

Pure Amazement! Your were truly in a class by yourself. You were by far the greatest chef we have ever worked with. You will be missed curling that handlebar mustache and laughing that deep caring laugh. God Bless You! God is lucky to have you.

Todd Perkins

February 10, 2006

I have worked with many in the past but "Chef" was one of a kind. I will take away lasting memories, love and respect, never to be forgotten.

Norma Echeverria

February 9, 2006

YOU WILL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU.

Eric Ensign

February 9, 2006

Chef, you opened my eye's in so many diffrent ways. I will never forget you and will alway's carry in my hart you skilled guidence and passion for life and food. You were my friend, and alway's will be my friend.

Leanne Ballard

February 9, 2006

To say it was a privilege to have worked with and known Chef is an understatement. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all who knew him. I am sorry for your loss.

Krista Baker Duffy

February 9, 2006

Chef you were always just a big teddy bear with a kind heart, such a mentor to so many young aspiring hospitality professionals. You touched the lives of many different people. I will have a glass of Veuve Clicquot in your memory. God Bless you.

Mary Pisanelli

February 9, 2006

Matthias was a great teacher with such a creative culinary mind. I worked with him for four years at the Breakers and in that time Chef taught me so much. He taught our crew all that he knew. He was always pushing us to be the best and to motivate us to open up our creative minds. Thanks for the memories!!

Marie Cook

February 9, 2006

Chef Radits always made us smile!

We truly appreciated his selfless commitment to CFF and the GREAT STRIDES Walk...and to other community causes!

Bobbie Burnett

February 9, 2006

It was a privilege and an pleasure to have Known and worked with CHEF.Over the last 20years we have had good times.In my heart he will be missed allways.He will never be FORGOTTEN

His great garden

February 8, 2006

Matthias Radits

February 8, 2006

Dwayne Lee

February 8, 2006

It was an honor to have known and worked with "Chef", he touched and impacted the lives of so many around the world. This truly is a sad day. He would want us to carry on his zest for life for him as we should. You are gone but not forgotten as we will carry you in our hearts forever. God bless you!

Hermann & Sam Schatzer

February 8, 2006

I was one of the lucky culinarians who had the privlige to learn from Chef Radits. He is a big reason to my succes. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Steven Spooner

February 8, 2006

What a man. What a talent. What a loss to so many. It was a privilege to have worked with "Chef" and he will be greatly missed. Until we meet again, you've got a HUGE banquet to prepare............

Susan and Cheri

February 8, 2006

It was our pleasure to take care of Matthias. Joanne, you are an inspiration and the care you gave Matthias came straight from your heart. Thank you for allowing us into your home. We Love You!

Bob & Sara Mitchell

February 8, 2006

Chef was by far the greatest and most talented man we have ever met. We both worked under him for a few years, and feel blessed to have. We have all suffered a great loss. Best wishes to his friends and family.

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