It is with profound sadness that Metropolitan College says goodbye to an extraordinary chef and educator, Jean-Claude Szurdak, who passed away on February 2, 2025, at age 87. A close friend of Jacques Pépin, the cofounder of BU MET’s Certificate in the Culinary Arts and MA in Gastronomy programs, the two were largely inseparable for their more than 70 years of kinship, which included over 30 years spent teaching and co-hosting events with Boston University’s Programs in Food & Wine.
Perhaps their most notable offering was the nostalgic “Remembrance of Things Past,” which saw the two recreate menus from Pépin’s family culinary history. Pépin, who says he long considered Szurdak a “brother,” met Jean-Clause at France’s Hotel Matignon and the Élysée Palace, the residences of the French prime minister and president, respectively, after Jacques had requested support in the kitchen.
A classically trained chef who went through six years of apprenticeship in France, he was also an accomplished pastry chef. As part of his collaborative demonstrations with Chef Pépin, Chef Szurdak was known to be the perfect sous chef and “wingman” who could be trusted to keep the cooking moving while Pépin was entertaining. Known to his friends to be sweet, kind, gentle, quiet, and easy-going, he was also spirited and full of energy.
He is survived by his wife Genvieve, their daughters Nathalie and Valerie, his beloved sons-in-law, and grandchildren.
“Jean-Claude’s warmth and talent will be deeply missed,” BU’s Food & Wine Programs said in a statement. “But his legacy in the kitchen and the hearts of those who knew him will endure.”
Read more about Chef Jean-Claude Szurdak in Food & Wine magazine.