Jeffrey Christopher Seyler's Obituary
Jeffrey Christopher Seyler, a beloved chef, visionary, and culinary mentor, passed away on October 24, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 77. Known for his boundless creativity and passion, Jeffrey brought vibrant, unforgettable flavors to the Bay Area, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world and in the hearts of countless patrons.
Born on November 18, 1946, in San Francisco to Floyd Austin Seyler and Leona (Spitler) Seyler, Jeffrey traced his German-American Californian roots back to the 1840s, with family heritage in the United States dating to the American Revolution. He grew up in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and San Jose, graduating from Pioneer High School in 1964.
Summers in San Jose found Jeffrey and his brother picking fruit and cutting apricots, or “Cots,” for pocket money. Restless and ready for adventure after high school, Jeffrey moved to Santa Cruz, where he opened his first restaurant, The Solarium. He eventually returned to San Francisco, devoting himself to a remarkable career in the culinary arts.
As a chef, Jeffrey shared his culinary artistry at institutions like the University of San Francisco and establishments such as Mama Vittoria’s in North Beach, Paradis in Palo Alto, and Wolfgang Puck’s in San Francisco, among others. Known for his attention to detail, sense of style, and creative spirit, he was also an excellent cribbage player and shared a fondness for a well-made lo mai kai.
Orphaned as a minor when his mother’s ill-fated flight on Paradise Airlines tragically crashed in Lake Tahoe in 1964, Jeffrey was raised by extended family and adopted friends as family. He leaves to cherish his memory a close circle of friends, including Joe, Ram, Henrick (Janice), and many others who shared his love of food, laughter, art, and life.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Soc Guevara; his brother, Floyd Seyler (Toom); his brother-in-law, Lewis Cirincione (Christine); and his neices and nephews, including Stacy Cirincione, Michael Cirincione, Alicia Seyler-Nevaquaya (Tim), as well as his grand-nephews, Sage, Mikah, and Evan.
A celebration of Jeffrey's life and culinary contributions will be held in San Francisco at a future date.
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