Beloved East Hampton Chef Facing Medical Challenge, Friends Rally To Help

EAST HAMPTON, NY — In times of crisis, love and friendship in East Hampton shines bright. Friends of Joey D'Angeli — a longtime head chef at Hampton Clambake and Food & Co., and most recently, of Bostwick's catering division in East Hampton — is facing medical and financial challenges, and his friends are rallying to his side.

A GoFundMe, "Joey D.'s Medical Fund," created by Emma Beudert, has raised $1,975 of its $5,000 goal so far.

"As many of you may know, our good friend Joey D. is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 renal failure. Due to his condition he is unable to work or partake in the simple daily activities he once enjoyed," she said.

The good news is that his spirits are high and he is with his family, Beudert said.

But, she added, medical bills are escalating, and she's hoping to help by raising funds to help meet expenses.

"Joey D. has been a loyal friend and source of humor to all of us. This is the time to help our friend in need," she wrote. "Please feel free to reach out to him if you haven't already — I know he would love to hear from his New York friends."

D'Angeli, she said, is currently in Florida with family who are caring for him during his illness.

"Joey D. has been a staple in the Hamptons catering industry," Beudert said. "Many members of the successful catering teams in East Hampton got their start working with and learning from him."

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.