Bradford (Brad) Yearwood Honeoye Falls-

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brad, on Wednesday September 6th. Brad, the most loving and devoted husband, father, friend, teacher, and colleague, embraced joy and was filled with humility, grace, perseverance, volunteerism, and an enduring sense of optimism.

Brad was born in El Paso, Texas and was later raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began his career working as a bus boy at Bennigan’s and he was quickly drawn to the kitchen where he became a prep cook. After a year, Brad realized that the culinary field was his true passion and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After his graduation in 1992 he accepted a professional chef position in Ouray, Colorado. The restaurant was called “The Pinon” and from there he started his professional culinary career.

Brad relocated to Rochester in 1998, and was the Executive Chef in a few local restaurants such as Remington’s and the Lincoln Hill Inn. After a few years, Brad wanted to further his career and he learned from his mentor that the next step should be the Country Club business. In doing so Brad accepted the position as Chef de Cuisine at the prestigious “Genesee Valley Club” and gained the skills necessary to become the Executive Sous Chef at the “Country Club of Rochester.” Ultimately, he earned his Certified Executive Chef Certification to become the Executive Chef at “Cobblestone Creek Country Club” in Victor. It was here at Cobblestone Creek Country Club is where he excelled at his career and settled in Victor for many years with his family.

Brad has been a member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) since 1997 and has held many positions including Sergent of Arms, Vice President, President, and Chairman of the Board for the Rochester ACF. He was a fierce competitor and was awarded Chef of the Year twice, in 2007 and 2013. He won many awards and gold medals in ACF Culinary competitions throughout the Northeast. With over thirty years in the culinary field, he was featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, TV spots, and internet culinary demonstration videos.

During Brad’s years at Cobblestone Creek Country Club, he would occasionally teach cooking classes at the Seasonal Kitchen, Rochester Info Courses, Tops Cooking School, and the NY wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua. He realized that teaching was his new path and he had the opportunity to become a Certified New York State Culinary Instructor for the B.O.C.E.S. Wayne Technical Career Center in Williamson.

Brad had finally found his “DREAM” career in a field that gave him great joy and filled him with a great sense of accomplishment. He gave his students many opportunities to participate in small catering events, American Culinary Federation (ACF) award dinners, and charitable annual events such as “CURE” (Childhood Cancer Association). Every year the American Culinary Federation holds a banquet for children and their families who are battling cancer. He frequently volunteered in organizing food donations for community events, hosted many tributes to fallen friends and students from cancer. He enjoyed his students and colleagues. He was well known for his excitement and high energy when he was teaching in the kitchen.

He is survived by his wife Heather, sons Chase and Evan, his mother Sandy, his father Jim and wife Patti, his brother and wife Christopher and Kristine, his father and mother-in-law Richard and Ellen Alt, his sister-in-law Cristin and her two children Myah and Blake. Blake and Myah had a special bond with Brad. He enjoyed spending time with them. Brad considered Blake as his third son and go to buddy. He enjoyed playing baseball, skiing, movies, gaming, and hanging together with the kids. Brad is also survived by a large number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Brad was truly a great man whose impact will be forever felt by the family and friends, that love him dearly. He was a selfless man who always made time for others. He had a beautiful friendly smile and a huge loving heart. He always took time to call his family and remained very close to them. He was an excellent listener and filled everyone with love and joy. He will be forever missed.

Friends and family are invited to call THURSDAY Sept. 21st from 4-7 at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. (3325 Winton Rd. S). A Celebration of Life will be planned a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Bradford Yearwood to one of the may organizations of your choice.

The C.U.R.E (Childhood Cancer Association)

curekidscancer.com

(The C.U.R.E. is a special organization that Brad loved to participate every year to make the children and parents fighting cancer feel appreciated and special.)

Hope Lodge Jermone L. Greene Family Center

132 W. 32^nd Street.

New York, NY 10001-3225

(At the Hope Lodge Brad was able to stay while in treatments in New York City)

The Hildebrant Hospice Care Center

2652 Ridgeway Avenue

Rochester, NY 14626

(At the Hildebrant Hospice Care Center, Brad was able to be provided comfort, care, and nursing expertise so he can spend his final days with his family with dignity and love.)