Kenneth Henry Burkhard, 81, of Tinton Falls, passed away peacefully Oct. 3, 2022, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. Kenneth (Ken) was of German descent, born in Jersey City, the son of Ruth Mildenberg and Harold Burkhard. He predeceased his two brothers, Ronald and Harold.
Ken was a Navy veteran and was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a B.A. from Monmouth College. His professional career included roles at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), vice president at McCormick Spices and an executive vice president at Haarmann and Reimer, a division of Bayer.
Ken retired in 2012, devoting himself to his life-long passion for global travel. Ken and his wife Kathy visited 76 different countries, always immersing themselves deeply into the local culture. Ken loved the beach and his favorite spot was Chapel Beach Club in Sea Bright.
Ken was a self-taught, renowned chef who won several local awards for his culinary expertise, specifically for this signature Chicken Bon Vivant (recipe at left). Ken was appreciated for his comedic talents, always the life at any party.
Chicken Bon Vivant
1 pound hot Italian sausage
1 pound chicken cutlets, cut into bite-sized pieces
ยผ cup flour
1 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
ยฝ cup Tuscan peppers, coarsely chopped
ยผ cup roasted red peppers, coarsely chopped
1 8-oz. can artichoke hearts (packed in water),
cut into quarters
ยฝ cup dry white wine
2 oz. brandy
Cooked rigatoni or rice for serving
Fry sausage whole until no longer pink inside, about 15 minutes. Coat chicken pieces in flour and cook in pan with sausage until browned. Add mushrooms. Cook 5 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients, except brandy, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove sausage and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put back in skillet and add brandy, simmering 10 minutes over low heat. Serve with rigatoni tossed in butter and Parmesan cheese or rice.
Ken devoted himself fully and completely to his family. He is survived by his wife Kathleen S. Burkard of 55 years; daughters Jennifer (husband Jim), Kathleen (husband Dennis), Elizabeth (husband Philip); and 12 grandchildren, Isabella, 22; PJ, 21; Dennis, 20; Luke, 19; Keely, 19; Dylan, 18; Jude, 17; Cecilia, 16; Sophie, 15; Jonah, 15; Chloe, 13; and Charlotte, 11.
A memorial gathering was held Oct. 7 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A memorial Mass was Oct. 8 at Holy Cross Church, Rumson. Interment followed after the Mass.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the American Lung Cancer Association in memory of Ken Burkhard at lung.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 13 – 19, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
