Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
June 8, 2014 10:10 p.m.
According to the Jacksonville Business Journal, Thomas Tolxdorf, executive chef for the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton was killed Saturday in a single car accident on US 17. Tolxdorf came to Amelia Island thirteen years ago and served as executive chef. Prior to his arrival on Amelia Island he served for five years at the Ritz Carlton in Millenia, Singapore. He was 49 years old.
When asked to comment on Tolxdorf’s death, Scott Schwartz, executive chef and owner of 29 South in Fernandina Beach said, “. . . Thomas Tolxdorf helped change the culinary landscape of North Florida. He loved his life in Fernandina Beach and was always willing and eager to take part in the community. He was constantly raising the bar and inspiring those he mentored as well as those lucky enough to call him a friend. . . .I am heartbroken for his family here and abroad.“
A Celebration of Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16 in the Ball Room of the Ritz-Carlton. Oxley Heard is in charge of arrangements. (Click here for obituary.)
Thank you for the nice article. Please edit this article to read 13 years not 3 years that he lived in Fernandina.
Thank you. Thomas was executive chef for three years. We stand corrected.
So sad. Condolences to Thomas’ family and friends and the Ritz-Carlton “family” that he worked with.
Thomas was also well know in Fernandina’s soccer community. He was a fine player and a gentleman on the pitch. We are deeply saddened and will miss him greatly.
He was my neighbor…..
Thomas was my neighbor and friend. My heart was broken upon hearing the news. His family, who I knew very well, are in my prayers forever. God Bless you Thomas.