Legendary Louisville chef Dean 'Deano' Corbett has died

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Legendary Louisville chef and restaurateur Dean Corbett has passed away.

A family member told WDRB Corbett had a heart attack and died Saturday morning. He was 56.

Corbett began working at Casa Grisanti and Fifth Avenue in the early 1980s, according to a biography on the website for Corbett's American Place restaurant.

He purchased Equus in 1985 before opening Jack's Lounge in 2000, which was named after his late father and business partner, Jack Corbett. With the help of bartender Joy Perrine, Jack's became well-known for their award-winning cocktails and bar list.

Corbett was also the owner behind Corbett's: An American Place in east Louisville, which closed in Nov. 2017 after a decade in business. Corbett's: An American Place had turned into a casual lounge a few months before its closure.

Gary Fox, an event coordinator and manager at Equus, told WDRB the restaurant remains open.

In addition to his restaurant work, Corbett also helped raise millions of dollars for the annual Norton Children's "Bourbon & Bowties."

Affectionately called "Chef Deano" by many, Corbett also worked with various events benefiting juvenile diabetes and autism, the March of Dimes, Multiple Sclerosis and the American Heart Association.

Corbett is survived by his wife Julie and three young sons.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Pearson Funeral Home on Breckinridge Lane. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 at St. Albert the Great Church on Girard Avenue. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery on Newburg Road.

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