Affectionately known as Chef Perry, he graduated from Shore Regional High School, West Long Branch, NJ in 1986. He received his Culinary Arts Associate Degree from Johnson & Wales, Providence, RI in 1988 and his hotel management degree from Florida International University, Miami, FL in 2000.
Chef Perry entered the culinary industry at 12-year-old bussing tables at Peking Gardens in New Jersey. At 16, his love and passion for restaurant management was cemented upon becoming the youngest manager of a Pizza Hut franchise. His notable professional experience includes cutting-edge culinary skills learned in his apprenticeship with Chef Volker Frick; pastry skills honed at Andalusia Bake Shop in Miami, FL; attention to detail and hospitality management skills forged as F&B Manager and Head Chef for Comfort Inn Parwick Center Banquet Facility and Fitzdugan Bar and Nightclub, Chicopee, MA, Manager and Executive Chef of Harry's Restaurant in Deltona, FL, Director of Operations and Executive Chef of the restaurant Captain and the Cowboy in Apopka, FL, and Executive Chef of Barnacles Restaurant in Daytona Beach, FL. In 2012, Chef Perry and his wife Lynette decided to become entrepreneurs. They opened up their restaurant, the Cocky Rooster Cafe, in Deltona, FL, where they have been ever since as a community staple, and in 2022, they expanded by adding the Just 1 More Rooster Bar & Grill to their service family. Throughout his career, Chef Perry was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping and training others to become their best in the culinary industry and, more importantly, for serving his community, which he considered family. His commitment and dedication were unparalleled.
In his free time, Chef Perry enjoyed researching new products and ideas with his wife, Lynette, taking care of his 120 gallon saltwater tropical fish tank, fishing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, perfecting the discipline of kung fu at Jason Lau Wing Chun Training Center in DeBary, FL, and spending time with patrons playing pool at the bar. He was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others and was an active community member. His most recent volunteer work was with the Future Chef Program at Residing Hope.
Of all his roles, Chef Perry's most important was being a devoted father to his son Daniel. Despite long working hours, he always made time to offer Daniel guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter the challenges. He loved spending time with Daniel, teaching him the complex intricacies of politics, military history, martial arts, gaming, and family traditions. His son Daniel will always look up to his father as his hero.
Chef Perry is survived by his loving wife, Lynette, and his beloved son, Daniel. His parents, Daniel and Anna Li, and his in-laws, Nancy and Orlando Soto. His siblings: Dana (Rick) Wang and their family, and Jeanette Quiles (Frank) Vigorito and their sons Frankie (deceased) and Alex; and many extended relatives.
The family will receive friends and family from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Deltona Memorial, 1293 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763. The family would like to thank the wonderful community of Deltona and Orange City and their vicinity for their outstanding support of Chef Perry's family. We grieve and miss him but take solace knowing we will carry him in our hearts and will support his legacy and dream of service to others. We hope to see all the friends and family who can attend to help us remember Chef Perry and the great man he was. Family and friends may make memorial contributions to the GoFundMe created to support Daniel's future educational needs.
[Link: https://gofund.me/d6b468b9]
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