One of the founders of the well-known Chef's Restaurant in Buffalo has died.
Ann Billitier lost her battle with a brief illness while residing in Sarasota, Florida. She was 83-years-old.
Billitier founded Chef's with her husband, Lou, who died in 2000. She thereafter founded the Louis J. Billitier Foundation, which has benefited a variety of charity and public benefit organizations over the years.
In a 1995 "Living Prime Time" article, Lou Billittier commented on his devotion to Ann. “We were in grammar school together,” Lou fondly recalled. “I remember putting her pigtails in the inkwell at school. I remember getting in trouble with the teacher for it, too.” They went from grammar school to high school, to going out, to finally getting married in 1951 and later raising a family.
“We have been married for many wonderful years. And, no matter what happened with the business or our charities, she’s always been by my side. I’d be lost without her. We all would.”
A family statement claims that funeral arrangements will be held in Hamburg.
Ann Billittier's maiden name was Battaglia. Billittier was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi parish in Athol Springs, NY.
