Accomplished chef and teacher Brian T. McCormick, 69, died at his home in Narragansett on Saturday, June 17th.
The third of five boys born to Thomas and Rita McCormick, Brian was born in Providence and grew up in Endwell, N.Y. where he graduated from Seton Catholic High School. He earned a degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and then worked in fine restaurants, country clubs and inns all along the East Coast.
After moving to Austin, TX, Brian discovered a new passion when he began teaching culinary arts at Austin Community College. His talent and wit also made him a natural for television and while at ACC he and another chef named Brian created Austin Cooks, a popular cooking show.
When Brian retired, he moved back to Narragansett, where he had spent summers as a child. Except he didn’t really retire. He took a job cooking at Meldgies Diner where he developed a loyal following.
When Brian wasn’t cooking, he enjoyed raising his own fruit and vegetables and smoking meats and fish. He was also an avid genealogist and traced his family and other families back many generations. Always curious, he was a life-long learner and was the family’s go-to expert for many things.
Brian was thoughtful, caring and generous with his time and talents and will be missed by many neighbors and friends but especially his family: His four brothers Barry (Elaine); Kevin (Cindy); Mark (Pat); and Brendan; his cousins Jane Cote and Cristin Mitchell; his niece Kate; nephews Brendan (Norah) and Conor; and his grand-nephew Charlie.
A celebration of Brian’s life will be held August 7 at 11:30 am at St Thomas More Church in Narragansett. Reception immediately following in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Central Kitchen at https://wck.org
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