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David Keener Obituary
KEENER DAVID CHARLES KEENER David Keener passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, after a short but heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife, Adriana Keener; his cherished daughter, Tess Kennedy, and a stepdaughter, Natalia Parra. He is also survived by his father, John C. Keener; brother, James C. Keener and sister, Carolyn Andracsak; David was predeceased by his mother, Loriel Keener. David was responsible for creating and directing the culinary vision of Ridgewells Catering and its subsidiaries Haute Catering by Ridgewells, CapitolHost and Jose Andres Catering with Ridgewells. Chef Keener began his career with Ridgewells in 1997 as Executive Chef. Under his culinary direction, Ridgewells has won a number of industry awards, including: The International Special Events Society award for Best Cuisine; Special Events'' Spotlight Awards for Best-Off Premises Caterer and Caterer of the Year; and the International Caterers Association''s Best Tote Cuisine. Chef Keener was recently named Chef of the Year by the International Caterers Association. Chef Keener is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Prior to joining Ridgewells Catering, he was the Executive Chef of La La Land in Rehoboth Beach for seven years. During the off-seasons, Chef Keener had the opportunity to work with his mentor, Chef Jean Louis Palladin. A memorial service will be held for David at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, at the Damascus United Methodist Church, 9700 New Church St., Damascus, MD 20872. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - www.pancan.org .
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Memories and Condolences
for David Keener
Sponsored by anonymous.
Valerie Jackson
January 22, 2020
I knew that David passed years ago, but I think about him often. Im glad that I came across this Obituary and am able to write this about him. David was and will remain the only Chef that ever really taught me the Culinary world that I was interested in. They don't make Chefs like David Keener anymore. He was a truly awesome man, very helpful, funny, kind and always had a great attitude at work. I have gone on to start my own business now and I think about how David taught me how to season , cook and even taste foods and I pass that on to my employees because of him. He really made an impact on my life. I had a wonderful time at Ridgewells in my younger years because of him. Thank You David Keener. May God bless and keep your family. I know you are deeply missed even still.
Curt Johnson
February 9, 2014
I was very close with David after working with him at LaLa Land for a few years but sadly as things happen, we lost touch over the years after I moved to New York and he went on to DC. I spoke with him several times and he sent a great gift when a film of mine one an Academy Award. I spoke with him again a few times off and on but we both got very busy and life took over.
I'm very saddened to hear that he passed, but he now to gets to hand with our friend Doug D. after all these years.
David was a great friend that I was able to help as much as he was able to return advice. You will be missed greatly but your spirit lives on in your beautiful daughter.
Chris at the beach
Christopher Spillman
July 4, 2013
You'll always be an inspiration to me. I can't wait to see you on the other side brother!
Michele Smith-Jones
April 24, 2013
I was very sad to find out recently that David had passed away. We lived in the same neighborhood in Hockessin, DE and were good friends growing up. Ironically I found out about David's passing when I tried to look up information about his restaurant, La La Land to pass on to a friend in Des Moines Iowa. He is organizing a relay run across the US this summer to try to raise money for cancer research. The race is ending in Rehoboth, DE and I suggested David's restaurant to him. I was shocked and saddened to find that David had passed away. So unfortunate to have lost this amazing and talented person to cancer. I am considering running this race this summer and would like to dedicate the run to David. If anyone is interested in joining me please contact me at [email protected]. Sending peace and love to his family and friends.
Aileen Brandon
June 11, 2011
I stumbled upon this and was sad to see it.
I knew Dave long ago when we lived in Rehoboth. Tess was a little girl-maybe only 1 1/2 or 2 and Dave adored her. When Dave cooked any simple meal (none were simple for me) he always took a picture before we ate. Some meals were only warm by the time we got to eat but they were all amazing.
chef barbaraanne maletsky
April 30, 2011
when the owners of ground zero - where i met tess' mom, dusty- opened palazzo next door, they stole me, the phillygirl, to chef it. well, they said, david keener thinks we should do this, and david keener thinks we should that. i did what i do best, northern italian from pure scratch. food critics would swander in, they didn't phase me, i knew what i was doing. but that fateful night i knew would come, came. "chef barbara, davids in the house". my heart raced, my bp went to 230/20, and i was sure i'd forget how to saute. he ordered, the porcini braccioli, i assembled, i sauteed, i served, i held my breath & paced the floor. no ones opinion meant as much to me as davids. no ones. he loved it. i knew then i had arrived, truly. he & doug desimone ran the best kitchen in rehoboth! period. they are together again making magic. fortunately i had heard of davids illness & was able to contact him & tell him what he meant to me. i was also there when dusty had tess. it led me to have my own daghter, augusta, whom i treasure. thanks, chef, for everything! we'l have wilmington ave again one day in heaven. where it all began, we'l end up. peace!
Jan (Frankel) Lehmann
March 9, 2011
I went to high shool with Dave and we shared the same birthday. Inevitably, we would run into each other in the hallway and wish each other a wonderful day. Many years later, we ran into each other again while he worked at La La Land in Rehoboth. We had a nice time catching up and revisiting the past. I found Dave to be a gentle soul. The world has lost a very special person. May peace be with his family.
March 4, 2011
I didn't find out about David's passing until after the service in August. I had spoken to him in February and knew he had become ill. One thing I bet many people didn't know was how much David love to play flamenco guitar songs! He would serenade me some time with a song just to practice his playing since he knew I loved flamenco. I volunteered at many food events and would always hope that I'd see my dear handsome wonderful friend at the event. He'd always give me a big hug and kiss and talked to me for awhile. I worked the St. Jude's chef event the other day and kept thinking that I'd see him turning the corner, or maybe feel him bumping into me, literally as that would happen at these events. I miss him so much. Cancer is such a horrible disease, I lost my mom to it and he lost his mom also to cancer. I'm sorry he suffered so, loved him and miss him so. He often spoke of his daughter and was so proud of her and he always enjoyed seeing her every three weeks in VA. I hope she is doing ok, I'm sure it's been and will be tough for her to be without her wonderful father who loved her so. I think of you and miss you always David,
Marcia
Iain Bolton
February 10, 2011
I knew David when I worked with him at La La Land in Rehoboth Beach DE during the summer of 1993. Although I had not seen him for a long time I am very saddened by this news. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Iain Bolton, United Kingdom
Suzette Stewart
November 22, 2010
I knew David through his brother - having just found out this terrible news, I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Jim and the rest of David's family. He was much loved and I am sure he is greatly missed. Much peace to all who knew and loved him now and throughout the holidays.
ellen bryant
September 20, 2010
Sorry to hear of such a great man passing... I wish I could have had the honor of knowing and meeting him. I am a chef and happen to be at a wine & food fest today and picked up the DC home and fashion special and he was featured for being remembered. Late respects from my end. I will keep your family in my prayers. Chef Ellen
Denise Kennedy-Rodriguez
August 20, 2010
Dave has inspired many with his work over the years.I smile when I think back some 20 years ago and remember his passion for his craft...experimenting with Thanksgiving dinner or exploring cultural food in Ensenada always with a twinkle in his eye. You may now rest your soul. There is another angel in heaven to watch over your beloved Tess. Peace be with you and your family...keeping you in my prayers.
Alison Blyth
August 19, 2010
David,
You fought your battle with cancer in the same spirit with which you embraced life, I am so proud to have known you as a friend and to have had the privilage to work with such a talented Chef. You always have and always will have a special place in my heart. Many people in Rehoboth are saddened by the news and send their condolences to your family
Charlotta Pender
August 12, 2010
David,
We miss you and will miss you more at all future family & friend get togethers in Rohobeth Beach. May your family find peace and in time cherish only the wonderful joy of life you brought to us all over the years.
Love from the Pender Family
Donna Kerr
July 31, 2010
David was one of the brightest spots in my life for a short time and the world is a dimmer place without him. Deepest sympathies to his family. I will always carry a place in my heart for him.
July 26, 2010
David was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and Ridgewells family. His contributions to this world will never be forgotten.
Billie Watson
July 26, 2010
Carolyn, we did not know your brother personally, but he was obviously thought very highly of and touched a lot of people in a lot of ways. He will surely be missed by all. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Aunt Ellen and family.
Eileen Littlefield
July 26, 2010
I am so sorry. I lost my husband in 2008 of Pancreatic Cancer. Please except my condolences.
Terry Hiltz
July 26, 2010
David was a true mentor and inspiration to me during my younger culinary years at Ridgewells. His talent and work ethic was amazing. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with David. Thank you Dave! My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
Patrick Wells
July 25, 2010
Billy Joel immortalized the words "only the good die young!" in a song years ago. Today, I can envision David poneyed up at the bar in heaven, sipping on an ice cold beer, looking down at all of us and teasing, "Billy Joel doesn't think much of the lot of you down there does he? He wrote that song about me, I guess!"
We have lossed one of the kindest soul's to have walked this earth: a beautiful friend, father, brother, son, husband, nephew, grandson...and one hell of a chef. God bless you David!
Patrick Wells, friend of 18 years and roomate for 7 years.
Silver Spring, Maryland
Nick Borelli
July 24, 2010
David not only made an impact on his loved ones but also his industry. He will be missed.
Kimberley Jones
July 24, 2010
I tip my toque to my friend, our industry has lost a true leader among catering culinarians. Your spirit will continue to be with us and and we'll look for you dancing among the stars.
Ken & Debbie Sutton
July 24, 2010
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Kristen Rutkowski
July 23, 2010
Rest in peace David. I feel blessed to have known and worked with you. You will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Neal & Gerry Pardini
July 23, 2010
To my dear friends and love ones it seems like yesterday I was sitting on the side of David bed holding his hand in mine. You told me that you could feel the strenth in me to you. Davd I am honor to have had you in our life. We will always have a special place in our hearts for you. Please watch over us. And we will watch over Adriana and Natalia for you. God bless you!
Ellen Grimm
July 23, 2010
deepest sympathy love and prayers Aunt Ellen and family.
Dianne Evans
July 23, 2010
David was a Genuine Person with such a caring heart and a great teacher. At CaterArts in 2008, I visited with him numerous times and he shared so freely his gift and love of catering.
Thank you to his family for sharing such a wonderful person with us caterers! Knowing this took him away from his family, I still remember him talking about his daughter, he would light up and smile every time!
Jack LaMotte
July 23, 2010
David was a gift! Smart, Funny, Dedicated. As much as I will miss him, I know his life made a huge difference and the people he touched will carry those memories and ideals into there lives forever.
My condolences to his family and all those who loved him.
July 23, 2010
From our family.... you are all in our prayers.
Jessica (Grill) Mallamace
Jason Capps
July 23, 2010
David, what an amazing person and talented culinarian you are! God bless you and your family...You will truly be missed by all - rest in peace.
Eric LeVine
July 23, 2010
DAvid was a close friend and a chef who I had so much respect for.
I will miss our "top this" competition that you, me and Dom shared. Your passion for what you did and your love for your family will always be carried through our hearts.
Fire it up!
Colleen Walsh
July 23, 2010
David, your creativity, passion, sence of humor, love of family and friends will be deeply missed. Love to your family.
Shannon Behm
July 23, 2010
David you will be missed - your bright smile was contagious. Rest in peace. Sending warm thoughts to all family and friends during this sad time.
michael purpura
July 23, 2010
the heavens will eat well Jean Louis has his apprentice back. I will always remember your giant heart, wonderful sense of humor, gift of giving, the passion for what we do and most of all our friendship. My kitchen works feverish today as we always do, loud, intense and hurried but my heart and soul are quiet and my eyes are welling with tears. Goodbye chef
Lisa Teiger
July 23, 2010
We meet David many times over the years at various industry events such as the catersource conference and the ICA (International Caterers Association) CaterArts Symposium. He was always a friendly and generous chef sharing recipes and techniques with his fellow caterers - David, you will be missed in Louisville this year, I still dream of your tofu satay and will cherish the recipe. R Andrew and I extend our prayers and sympathy to your family and colleagues at Ridgewells. est in peace my friend, rest in peace.
July 23, 2010
The idustry lost a leader The International Caterers Association was lucky to have learned from you....May your family be at peace that your battle is over and your place is in heaven.
Mara Routh
Past President of the ICA
Meryl Snow
July 23, 2010
David was an inspiration to the industry. He will always be in our hearts.
Meryl Snow
July 23, 2010
You were an inspiration to the industry, you will always be in our hearts.
Julie Guilfoyle
July 23, 2010
Thinking of your family...Julie Guilfoyle begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Michael Roman
July 23, 2010
David was the caterer's caterer. His dedication, creativity, and willingness to help others will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and followers.
Joel Marques
July 23, 2010
May God bless you David
Joel Marques
July 23, 2010
David was my mentor at the Pentagon. May God bless his soul. He will not be forgotten.
Julio Marques
July 23, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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