Birch Ridge Inn chef passed unexpectedly Dec. 23
Stephen R. “Frizzy” Byrne, 61, died unexpectedly Dec. 23, 2014 at his home. He was born in Manhattan, N.Y. June 3, 1953, son of Harry J. and Luesylvia (Lawlor) Byrne. Stephen Byrne was a graduate of Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, N.Y.
Chef “Frizzy,” nicknamed for his curly red hair and Yosemite Sam mustache, is well known in the culinary circles of Killington. On the day of his death, he was preparing items for his “mise en place” for the holiday menu at the Birch Ridge Inn, where he was employed as the chef for the past nine years. Prior to being employed at the inn, he worked for many winters at Killington’s world famous Wobbly Barn, spending his summers at the Sunrise Village in Modus, Conn. During the early years of his culinary career, Chef Frizzy came to the attention of Killington locals at the Alpine Inn, where he would meet and fall in love with his wife Pat.
Most people know Chef Frizzy for his skills in the kitchen. That was his larger than life public persona. But inside the chef was a sensitive and caring man. As a father, he was so proud of his children, celebrating their successes as they have grown into adults. He was a devoted husband. On many nights, his go-to person was his wife Pat, who would drop everything she was working on to come and stand side by side with her husband to serve great meals to Killington guests.
He was a proud and playful brother, always joking and cajoling his siblings on their successes. Those who knew Chef Frizzy first hand also saw him as a lumberjack, a finish carpenter, a hunter, a crazy skier, a hiker who loved to take his dog with him, a snow plow driver, and most importantly a great friend.
Stephen Byrne was predeceased by his parents. Surviving are his wife, Pat Byrne of Mendon; a son, Stephen Byrne of Seattle, Wa.; a daughter, Kerri Byrne of Mendon; three brothers, Bryan Byrne of Westminster, Calif., Terrance Byrne of South Windsor, Conn., Daniel Byrne of Killington; two sisters, Donna Zahabi of Gladstone, Mo., and Linda Flett of Stamford, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Please make any memorial contributions to your favorite charity.
