WEST ROCKPORT — Joseph S. “Chef Joe” Gricus, 56, son of Kenneth J. and Mary A. Bonner Gricus, passed away May 12, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his parents, his loving and devoted children, Shannon Gricus Leighton and her husband, Brian, of Manchester, and Tyler Gricus and his partner, Holly Roberts, of Rockland; his siblings, Louis Gricus of Camden, Angela and her husband, Joey Webster, of Zephyrhills, Fla., Kenneth Paul Gricus of Maui, Hawaii, and Carolyn Gricus Costello and her husband, William Costello, of West Warwick, R.I.; his grandchildren, Jaxon and Maxwell Gricus and Cora Leighton; as well as several nieces, nephews and many close and loving friends, including Robin Saltzman Gordon. We will miss his embellished stories, kind words and gentle spirit.

Born in Rockland on Oct. 27, 1957, he spent his childhood in this area. Joe graduated from Camden-Rockport High School and the University of Southern Maine with a degree in culinary arts in 1978. Chef Joe, as he was called by many, had a passion for his earlier works as a creative and inspiring food artist and master chef. Joe had a true spirit of adventure. He spent a great deal of his time at sea, both for leisure and work. A true "water baby," Joe spent more than 40 summers sailing the coast of Maine with his friends and family. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking and spending his free time enjoying the great state of Maine. For the past 15 years, Joe had devoted his time to working around the world as a chef and enjoying life to its fullest.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pen Bay Medical Center and affiliates for the astounding medical care Joe received during his last weeks of life. Specifically, Lisa Mele and the nurses on MedSurg South: Josh, Katie and Kim.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, May 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. At Joe's request a private burial will take place at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, C/O Pen Bay Health Care, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.