In Loving Memory of Keith Young—hero, husband, father, chef, inventor.
Keith Young was a devoted husband, loving father, firefighter, and talented chef whose life blended bravery, creativity, and unwavering love for his family.
He joined the FDNY in November 1998, proudly serving for 18 years, primarily with Ladder 156 in Brooklyn, New York. In the aftermath of 9/11, Keith was among the many brave first responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero. Sadly, due to the toxic exposure from those efforts, he developed serious health complications that ultimately led to his passing on March 17, 2018.
Keith married his high school sweetheart, Beth King. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children—Kaley, Christian, and Keira. After Beth’s passing from breast cancer in 2012, Keith carried her love and strength with him always.
Known by many as the “Firehouse Chef,” Keith brought his passion for food into the firehouse kitchen. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University’s culinary program, he shared his love for cooking with his fellow firefighters and later with the world. In honor of his fallen brothers, he published Cooking with the Firehouse Chef, a heartfelt cookbook full of recipes and stories from the firehouse.
Keith’s talents led him to national recognition. He defeated Bobby Flay with his signature chicken cacciatore on Throwdown with Bobby Flay and was a two-time winner on the Food Network’s Chopped.
In 2010, Keith invented the Cup Board Pro—a cutting board with a built-in cup designed to make cleanup easier in the kitchen. After Beth’s passing, he continued refining the product in her memory. Just three months after Keith’s death, his children courageously brought the Cup Board Pro to Shark Tank, where they received a deal from all five Sharks, ensuring their dad’s dream would live on.
Keith is remembered by all who knew him as a hero, a creator, a caregiver and, above all, a deeply devoted father. His legacy lives on through his children, his cookbook, his invention, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, strength, and spirit.
Though gone far too soon, Keith’s light continues to shine—in every meal shared, every act of courage, and in the hearts of those who love him.
I just heard about the loss of Firefighter Keith Young. I’m so sadden by this news. I watched him on Chopped, and his story really touched my heart about the loss of his wife. The struggled of him and his kids really hit home. My deepest condolences to his family and friends and Co workers. The world lost a brave sole…..a true HERO..
– Ginny WhitsonI saw his children on Shark Tank promoting his cup board pro invention.
– Cassandra AinsworthThe whole story with his wife, children, and himself; and what he sacrificed on
9-11 is above and beyond incomprehensible in the best way.
What lovely souls. It touched me.
God Bless you all.
Cassandra
Not my old dad but much more handsome same name sorry for your loss.
– Rebecca YoungThe episode with Keith’s children bringing his legacy to the sharks was the best episode ever aired and I’ve been watching over 15 years! My dad was a NYC Lieutenant in the fire dept and died before 911 but he made “Firehouse Beef Stew” that nothing else compared to! He was my hero and my heart broke when Keith’s son and two daughters appeared on Shark Tank and I so related to them! My dad died from cancer and he was the bravest kindest wonderful father in the world! I will never forget that episode and Bless the Sharks for all becoming backers for the cutting board Keith invented! Great product and what’s on the back of the board was tremendously moving and a great tribute to him and all firefighters who lost their lives during the 911 attack and years later due to cancer and other diseases they suffered from after being so brave and going to ground 0 to do the heartbreaking job of cleaning up! Best episode in Shark Tanks history!!
– Barbara Luongo Krinsky