Ron Purcell

Ron L. Purcell, 51, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2013, at Horizon Hospice in Chicago, Illinois. Ron turned his passion for fine cooking into a profession that he would pursue for more than 25 years. He was considered one of the most promising young chefs in North America. Ron would leverage that notoriety to work in senior positions at some of the most highly respected restaurants in Chicago, including Spiagia, Café Spiagia, and Bistro 10. He would go on to further highlight his career in San Francisco working as Sous Chef with Master Chef and owner/founder of Stars Restaurant, Jeremiah Tower and as Chef De Cuisine at MacArthur Park Restaurant in Palo Alto. Ron will be much remembered by his family and friends for introducing them to a great variety of cooking styles and food from around the world - many of which those attending the meals were challenged to pronounce, let alone spell. Although our pans, fire alarms, and palates may not have been as quite accepting of the adventure, sharing the joy, laughter, and obvious love of his craft more than made up for it. A Memorial Mass for Ron will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Mike Adrie officiating. Ron was born April 24, 1962, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Don and Judy (Clark) Purcell. Ron will forever be missed by his parents, Don and Judy; his brothers, Brian Purcell of Ottawa and Clark (Jennifer) Purcell of Elgin; his sisters, Kathy Posey of Panacea, FL and Patti Purcell of Chicago; nephews Justin Duggan, Brandon Posey and niece, Georgia Posey. His grandparents, George and Julia Clark; Robert and Rhoda Purcell and his uncles, Ed Purcell and Vince Clark, preceded him in death. Memorials may be directed to the family.