Long-time Dodgers’ press dining room chef Dave Pearson passed away Saturday afternoon after a lengthy illness. He was 75.
Pearson worked at various locations within Dodger Stadium for more than 50 years, creating sumptuous meals for a vast array of individuals, including sports greats, Hollywood stars and even presidents of the United States. While food preparation was what he enjoyed most, Pearson’s hobbies included model trains, building dollhouses for his granddaughter, travel, tennis and a huge love for jazz music.
A native of Brooklyn who cheered the Dodgers as a child, Pearson moved with his mother to Southern California at age 16. After learning to cook at a small restaurant in Boyle Heights, Pearson earned a part-time job at Dodger Stadium, launching a career that would span decades.
Among the many appreciative of Pearson’s food creations, his always amiable disposition and his friendship were Dodgers’ President and CEO Stan Kasten, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully and his greatest fan, Tommy Lasorda.
“Dave always took tremendous pride in his work and it was reflected in the countless creative meals he prepared for all the staff and guests through the years at Dodger Stadium,” said Dodgers’ President and CEO Stan Kasten. “’Dave’s Diner’ will never be the same.”
“Besides being a wonderful cook, Dave had a great personality,” Scully said. “Regardless of the demands that came with serving so many people at a venue like Dodger Stadium, he always maintained his composure. To look at Dave, everything was always fine. He was always smiling. He was a great gift to us, both his cooking and the type of person he was. He will be deeply missed.”
Pearson is survived by his wife of 10 years, Sherry, his daughters and three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
