In Loving Memory of Nicholas Grant Dellinger

Nicholas Grant Dellinger, a beloved husband, father, son, chef, and friend, passed away on February 14, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida. Nick was born on November 14, 1984 in Springfield, Illinois. He brought warmth and joy wherever he went. Whether cooking a gourmet meal, being in the ocean, or sharing a laugh, his generosity made everyone feel like family.

Early Life and Culinary Beginnings

Nick grew up in the midwest, living in Sandoval, Illinois; Manchester, Missouri; and Des Moines, Iowa. At his family’s restaurant—Porky’s Diner in Des Moines—he started as a soda jerk/malt maker and quickly found a calling in the kitchen. Determined to pursue his passion, Nick trained under Danish Master Chef Lasse Sorensen at Tom’s Place in DeSoto, Illinois. In 2006 Nick graduated from the Culinary Arts Program at Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois.

A Culinary Journey Around the World

Nick’s adventurous spirit took him to Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Anguilla, the Bahamas, Sint Maarten, Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Grenada—where he honed his craft and left behind unforgettable meals and friendships. In 2009, he founded Push Private Dining, offering boutique catering and private chef services that clients still rave about. Eventually, he brought his culinary artistry to Jupiter, Florida, delighting patrons with creative dishes and his signature hashtag #sexyfood. Friends fondly recall his rallying cry, “Oui, Chef!”

Passions in the Kitchen and Beyond

Nick was happiest near the water—swimming, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun in a hammock. A curious traveler, he loved exploring new cuisines, believing that food connected people across cultures. Among his treasured dishes were a delicious graham cracker-crusted key lime pie, biscuits and gravy (from his Grandma Jody’s recipe) he made on New Year’s Day, and Italian specialties he first prepared with his paternal grandmother, Nonna. He also had a knack for arranging flowers, often surprising his family and brightening his home with beautiful bouquets. Above all, Nick’s defining trait was his ability to make everyone feel special—whether through a kind word, a shared recipe, or a spontaneous act of kindness.

Nick was rooted in faith and community. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, Illinois, where he found fellowship and purpose. His church family remembers how he often sent Sunday morning text messages to his Aunts to “Tell the Presbys I said Hi!”

Family and Loved Ones

Nick is survived by his devoted wife, Jessica; their young son, Duke; his mother, Lisa Quick; and his father, John Nicholas Dellinger. He also leaves behind two beloved aunts, Rolanda “Nonnie” Quick and Lisa Hollabaugh, along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins who were like siblings to him. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim Dellinger and Lucia Anna (Rossi) Dellinger; his maternal grandparents, Harold Gaylord Quick, Sr. and Doris Joan (Rogers) Quick; and his cousin, Emily (Quick) Dominguez.

A Lasting Legacy

Nick lived fully and loved deeply, teaching us to savor each moment, embrace adventure, and care for one another. His legacy endures in every meal he created and every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duke Needs Us GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/7d8d4693, supporting his son’s health, education, and well-being, or to the Chasin A Dream Foundation, a charity dear to Nick.

Celebration of Life gatherings will be held on March 30, 2025 from 12:00-3:00 pm Eastern Time at Brick & Barrel in Jupiter, Florida, and on April 19, 2025 from 12:00-3:00 pm Central Time at the Elks Lodge #2752 in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Memorial Service will be held on May 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm Central Time at First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, Illinois and will also be live-streamed via Zoom.

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