Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ alum Howard Kleinberg died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 46 over the weekend.
“Howard “Howie” Kleinberg July 31, 1975 – July 22, 2022 Hollywood, Florida – Passed away unexpectedly at 46 years old on July 22, 2022. Known as “Chef Howie” to his friends and family, he loved to cook and went on to compete on Top Chef.” the obituary read.
Kleinberg appeared on Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ season 3 and opened a barbecue restaurant in Miami.
Bravo TV reported:
Bravo’s Top Chef alum Howard “Howie” Kleinberg has passed away at the age of 46.
Howie’s mother, Susan, confirmed to the Miami Herald that the chef passed away over the weekend after suffering a heart attack. “I am just finding out how many lives he touched,” she told the publication. “He was married to his passion in life, which was his cooking.”
“The Top Chef family is saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Howard Kleinberg from season three,” Bravo said in a statement. “Howie’s passion for cooking filled so many and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.”
Howie, a South Florida native, attended culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, according to the Miami Herald. One of his early jobs was in the kitchen at the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Miami.
“Howie is survived by his mother, Susan Kleinberg Ratner and stepfather, Ken Ratner. His sister, Amy (William) Wildstein and their three children Whitney, Lindsey, and Phillip and his beloved dog Skye.” the obituary read.
“The #TopChef family is saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Howard Kleinberg from season three. Howie’s passion for cooking filled so many and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.” the network said on Tuesday.
The funeral was held on Tuesday in North Miami Beach.
The #TopChef family is saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Howard Kleinberg from season three. Howie’s passion for cooking filled so many and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Read more here: https://t.co/W4r1JiTlfZ
— Bravo Top Chef (@BravoTopChef) July 26, 2022