Stephen Lloyd Simmons

Stephen Simmons of Boston, MA and Guerneville, California, passed away suddenly on March 28, 2024. He was 65.

A celebrity chef and entrepreneur, he was beloved by those he worked with, his family, and friends. His skills as a culinary artist and his love of adventure, learning and fishing were just part of an individual who had liveliness, endearing wit, a kind heart, and a fierce dedication to the wellbeing of his family and friends. As a colleague stated: Stephen was one of the most grounded and integrity-based humans, with a love for his family and food and a passion for service.

Stephen was born on August 4, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended The Wayland Public Schools, Rivers Country Day School, and Bates College. He was a graduate of City College of San Francisco Hotel and Restaurant Management School.

Stephen began his career under acclaimed chefs Mark Franz and Bradley Ogden and was named a “Rising Star” by the James Beard Foundation. He moved up through the ranks of several prominent hotels before venturing out on his own.

He owned three successful restaurants and was a partner in two others. He ran the gamut from opening chef at One Market and The Lark Creek Inn, to the revitalization of the popular Bubba’s Diner in Marin County followed by a 15 year stint as head of food operations at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch while also opening the Lincoln Wine Bar to critical acclaim and becoming chef de cuisine at Michelin recognized Birch & Rye.

Throughout his career Stephen became part of his community, establishing a Latch Key Program that provided after school snacks for children of working parents, being part of food pantry programs.

Levelheaded, calm, and always operating with the highest level of personal integrity.

He leaves behind his children Alexander Simmons, Kaleb Simmons, and Liliana Ashby, his mother Sylvia Quarles Simmons, his sister Alison Simmons, and brother-in-law Johan Uvin, his sister, Lisa Simmons, his nephews Stephen Simmons-Uvin, Elliot Simmons-Uvin, Nicholas Simmons and his partner Alison Roberts.

Memorial services will be held in Guerneville, California, in early June and in Boston, Massachusetts, in August.

His loss is incomparable, and he will be sorely missed. Thank you, Chef.

Contributions can be made in Stephen’s name to Future Chefs - https://futurechefs.net/donate-1