Felice Bastianich was a Croatian chef and restaurateur who was best known for being the ex-husband of Lidia Bastianich, a famous Italian-American celebrity chef, author, and television personality. Felice and Lidia were married for 31 years and had two children, Joe and Tanya, who are also involved in the food business. Felice and Lidia opened several successful restaurants together, such as Buonavia, Villa Secondo, and Felidia. However, they divorced in 1997 and Felice left the restaurant business, giving his shares to his children. He then pursued his own interests, such as launching a travel company and buying vineyards in Italy. He also remarried and lived a quiet life away from the media spotlight. Felice died on December 12, 2010, at the age of 70. But what was the cause of his death? And why did his family keep it a secret?
The Mystery of Felice Bastianich’s Death
Felice Bastianich’s death was not widely reported by the media or announced by his family. His obituary did not mention the cause of his death, nor did his ex-wife or children make any public statement about it. According to CelebSuburb, his family kept the details of his death a secret and did not reveal the reason behind their decision. Some speculated that Felice died of natural causes, while others suggested that he had a terminal illness or a sudden accident. However, none of these theories have been confirmed or denied by his family or friends.
One possible explanation for the secrecy surrounding Felice’s death is that he wanted to protect his privacy and dignity in his final moments. He may have also wanted to avoid any unwanted attention or controversy that could affect his family or business. Another possible explanation is that his family respected his wishes and honored his memory by keeping his death a private matter. They may have also wanted to grieve in peace and cope with their loss without having to deal with the public scrutiny or speculation.
The Legacy of Felice Bastianich
Despite the mystery of his death, Felice Bastianich left behind a legacy of passion, hard work, and success in the culinary world. He was instrumental in helping his ex-wife Lidia become one of the most renowned chefs and TV personalities in America. He also supported and inspired his children Joe and Tanya to follow their dreams and pursue their careers in the food industry. Joe is now a famous restaurateur, winemaker, author, and judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. Tanya is an executive producer of Lidia’s TV shows, as well as an author and scholar.
Felice Bastianich also contributed to the promotion and preservation of the Italian and Croatian cuisines and cultures. He shared his love for food and travel with many people through his restaurants and travel company. He also invested in vineyards in Italy, where he produced high-quality wines that reflected his heritage and taste.
Felice Bastianich was a man who lived a full and rich life. He was a husband, father, chef, restaurateur, businessman, traveler, and wine lover. He may have died in silence, but he will always be remembered for his achievements and influence in the culinary world.
