Raymond Picchetti

Raymond Ottavio Picchetti

Chef, teacher, and long-time volunteer passed away on June 24, 2017 at the age of 66.

Ray was born on September 20, 1950 in Chicago, IL. His family owned the oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago. At the age of fourteen, Ray started visiting Sicily to apprentice with family in the restaurant business and began his life-long passion for food, starting out as a saucier.

Ray was a graduate of the University of Florida and received his Master's degree and PhD from University of Chicago in Social Psychology. In 1984, after working for many years as a therapist and running a facility for troubled teens, Ray decided to return to the restaurant business. Among his many accomplishments, Ray helped open Spiaggia as a sous chef focusing heavy on menu development. He later became the Executive Chef until 1989. He went on to serve as the head chef of Provincial Kitchen, which was named Best Restaurant and Best Brunch by the Indianapolis Star in 1992. In 1995, while the Head Chef of the Cork & Cuisine, the restaurant was recognized for its exceptional cuisine.

Ray spent time giving back to the community. He was very involved with TAPS, Training and Placement Specialists, which taught indigent and welfare recipients how to cook professionally.

He will be deeply missed by many friends, co-workers, and admirers of his talent. Ray leaves behind his beloved familia: Lisa Kelley and Dawn Picchetti.

Memorial contributions may be made to ARPO, Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership: http://adoptarpo.org/donate/

Friends may leave a memory, or tribute of Ray by visiting www.arnmortuary.com