Michael Joseph Ianniello

Michael knew from a young age his purpose in life was to be a chef. His early inspirations led him to Cape Cod Tech where he exceeded in pastries. He was the first high school freshman to enter the South Eastern Massachusetts cake decorating competition where he earned honorable mention for an elaborate cake of a Model T-Ford, comprised largely of pastillage.

Throughout high school and after graduation he worked the line in many of the Cape’s restaurants. Michael’s culinary progression was a methodical quest to grow and expand his technique and knowledge, drawing from all the chefs he worked under. Michael worked at a number of high end farm to table restaurants. But it was his experience at Chillingsworth and his friendship with the owners that led him to Vail, Colorado.

Upon his arrival in Vail, Michael sought out the top kitchen in town and that was Sweet Basil. While there, Michael forged personal and professional relationships that would eventually become his family away from home for the last 15 years. Although he returned to Cape Cod briefly, he ran the Eclectic Café as Executive Chef before heading back to Vail. Michael spent a lot of his free time apprenticing (staged) in some of the finer restaurants from Boston to Chicago. He eventually landed at the Arrabelle Resort in Vail, Colorado. In time he would return to Sweet Basil and their sister restaurant, Mountain Standard.

Michael’s achievements are too numerous to count but he was never happier than the last couple of years when he had started his private catering business. At the time of his death, Michael was the Head Chef at Apres Café in Vail, Colorado.

Aside from Michael’s passion for cooking, he was a free spirited, warm soul, who always had a hug to give and whose other interests included all genres of music, collecting art, camping and hiking the beautiful landscape of Colorado.

Michael is survived by his mother, Evelina Ianniello of Hyannis, his father Andrew Ianniello and his wife Jamie-Lynn Ianniello of Yarmouthport, and his step-brother, Michael White of Hyannis. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Anne B Dalton of Hyannis, his grandfather Andrew Ianniello and his wife Brenda Ianniello of Kents Store, VA, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is predeceased by his brother Andrew Scott Ianniello and his grandfather David Dalton.

Visiting hours will be held at Doane Beale & Ames Funeral Home on West Main St, Hyannis on January 12, 2022 from 4p-7p. Burial will be private at a later date.

There will also be a celebration of life in Vail, Colorado on January 27, 2023 hosted by his many close friends and his favorite band, SunSquabi.