Dr. George Joseph Pastor III

Dr. Pastor, George J., passed away under care of Hospice on Monday, September 14, 2015. He was a true Renaissance man with professional and personal achievements that were varied and colorful. His professional life included restaurateur, executive chef, teacher, culinary competition judge, epicurean, farmer, and mentor. The Pamplemousse Restaurant was a South Tampa landmark and his peanut butter pie was without compare. Dr. Pastor was a founder of the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). He served as National Treasurer/Secretary for two terms of office. His passionate love of the culinary arts and education stayed with him throughout his life. He taught many hundreds of aspiring culinarians at Hillsborough Community College and the Art Institute of Tampa sharing his vast knowledge of culinary techniques and cuisines. He earned many professional culinary awards and coached his student teams to many of their own. He was an ACF Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Educator. He was also an Approved Certification Evaluator and Culinary Competition Judge. He was a proud member of the honor society of the ACF, the American Academy of Chefs. He was also a member of the Tampa chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed by his extended family and large network of professional associates and personal friends. Survivors include: beloved wife, Connie; brother David Pastor (Marianne); sister Yvonne Weniger; stepdaughter Kim Larkin and son Tyler; stepson Keith Larkin (Jessica) and children Ian, Gavin, and Eli; stepson Louis Wysocki (Cindy); stepdaughter Pam Wysocki.; nephew Dr. Fred Weniger (Jennifer) and children Freddie, Paige, and Lauren. Also left to cherish his memory are Fred and Pat Lucardie, Vince and Carol Blancato, and Bella DeLuna. The family will receive friends 1-4 pm Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 3207 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33618. Reception to follow at Brunchies, 14366 North Dale Mabry, Tampa, Florida, 33618 from 3:30-5 pm. In lieu of flowers please remember Hillsborough Community College, Culinary Arts Program, 4001 West Tampa Bay Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33614.