Kevin T. Stanton

Kevin Thomas Stanton, 41, a native of the Hudson Valley, accomplished chef, food scientist and world traveler passed away peacefully on Monday, February 22nd.

Kevin was born into his loving family on January 14, 1980 at Sharon Hospital, CT to William and Kathleen who survive at home. He was the youngest of four siblings and had the greatest ability to make those around him laugh even in the most serious of situations. Kevin excelled in everything from education to art. A 1999 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Kevin was blessed with a natural curiosity that would lead to many adventures all over the globe.

While in high school, Kevin’s first role in the restaurant industry was at The Derby in Poughkeepsie. He then continued his interest in cooking under Larry Forgione at The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, NY. From there he would work with some of the most accomplished chefs in some of New York’s finest restaurants.

At the age of 19, Kevin was accepted to study at the prestigious culinary school, l’Ecole Superieure de Cuisine Francaise - Groupe Ferrandi in Paris, France where he graduated at the top of his class in 2001. He became a favorite of his neighbors in the 20th arrondissement and made many friends throughout all his travels. Kevin’s next adventure was in the kitchen of the two star Michelin restaurant Le Divellec in Paris and Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac, France. In 2008, Kevin’s reputation came to the attention of Martha Stewart who invited him to appear on her tv show as a guest chef. Kevin blew Martha’s mind by demonstrating how to cook poached salmon utilizing only tea and hot water.

For those of you who have had the privilege to experience a 9 course meal cooked by Kevin in his parents home on Senlac Hill, Stanfordville, will no doubt never forget the wonder and splendor of these culinary masterpieces.

After many years working in kitchens all over the world, Kevin decided to expand his culinary passion and attended Cornell University receiving his B.S. in Food Science in 2007. He often spoke of his desire to make food healthier and more sustainable for people throughout the world. As a citizen of both the United States and Ireland, he took a position with an international food conglomerate located in the Netherlands, which afforded Kevin the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, meet all kinds of people and experience new and exciting cultures. This was Kevin’s true passion.

In later years he formed his own company, KTS Culinary Solutions, Inc. which allowed him to consult for many clients in such locations as Moscow, Hong Kong, as well as numerous locations throughout the United States. It was during this time that Kevin was awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent Office for one of his culinary creations.

To encapsulate Kevin’s culinary passion, in one of his illustrious menus, he wrote the following: “Bienvenue, you are entering an arena that will question tradition, perception, and practicality. From the settlement of agriculture to the birth of the kitchen, life has presented us with the remarkable gift to creatively think. For this I must return the favor and present my craft with passion, inquisition, and energy. I urge you to use this experience as a catalyst for your own interests, and hope that the world will seem even more mysterious, divine, and compelling.”

As Kevin loved all things Irish, especially his Guinness, we raise our glasses to honor him.

Kevin is survived by the joy of his life, his son Liam, parents William and Kathleen of Millbrook, NY, sister Sarah of Millbrook, NY, brother William of Jupiter, FL and brother Luke and sister-in-law Jamie of Eugene, OR. He is also survived by his nephews John and Sam Rigolino, David Stanton and niece Adaline Stanton.

Visitation will be held on  March 4 , 2021 from 3 to 7 at Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, NY. Due to Covid-19/NYS Guidelines -- masks, social distancing and capacity limitations will be adhered to during all services. During your visit, please be respectful to those who may be waiting to visit by keeping your stay brief. Your cooperation is appreciated. A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at a later date, when it is safe and we can all in true Irish tradition honor him, as he would have liked.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) @ snapnetwork.org.