Antonio Francesco Ghilarducci

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Antonio Francesco Ghilarducci on February 18, 2024. Born on February 10, 1982, in Palo Alto, California, to Michael and Gia Ghilarducci. Tony’s early years in Sonoma were marked by a spirited presence and a curious mind, evident as he scampered in Superman pajamas around the Depot Hotel Restaurant, the family business in Sonoma, California.

A graduate of Justin-Siena High School and the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at San Francisco City College, Tony's culinary journey was remarkable. His resume included pivotal roles at prestigious Bay Area establishments such as La Folie, The French Laundry, Angele, and El Dorado Kitchen. His tenure as Executive Chef at the Depot Hotel Sonoma was marked not only by his inventive menus and exceptional leadership, but also by the hilarious and often boisterous camaraderie he shared with his father in the kitchen.

Tony's warmth and mentorship extended to his staff, whom he treated as an extended family. His legacy is as a chef, mentor, and friend to many, with an extraordinary memory for food and flavors complemented by his culinary prowess.

Tony’s life was enriched by his marriage to Sarah Doran on November 15, 2009. Together, they had three children: Lucca, Zoey, and Remy. Tony was an attentive, loving father, his innovative and inquisitive nature made him a constant source of inspiration and wonder to his children. His ability to balance professional excellence with a warm, engaging family life was remarkable.

Beyond the kitchen, Tony was a lifelong learner with an eclectic array of interests. He was fluent in Spanish, Italian, and French, and was a proficient pianist and oil painter. His passion for physics, astronomy, and culinary exploration, like his step-by-step procedure for enjoying an Its-It Ice Cream sandwich or his contemplative tea brewing rituals, reflected a man deeply engaged with the nuances of life.

He leaves behind a rich tapestry of relationships - his children Lucca, Zoey, and Remy and their mother Sarah, all of Salem, Oregon; his family in Sonoma, including his mother Gia, sister Gianna Ghilarducci Kelly, and her family Siena, Allegra, Margaux, and John; and a community of colleagues, friends, and family members. The Ghilarducci, Doran, Wade, and Kelly families, as well as the Depot Hotel Restaurant staff, mourn his loss deeply, remembering a man whose presence was as dynamic and impactful as the dishes he lovingly prepared.

In celebrating Tony's life, we remember a man whose very essence was a blend of creativity, dedication, and love. His legacy is a tapestry of culinary excellence, curiosity, and heartfelt connections, leaving a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Tony Ghilarducci was 42 years old.

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