For Lost Chef, Memory Book to Preserve Legacy of 'Dad,' Keith Greene

The last week came as a shock to family, friends, and many in the South Fork service industry who knew the outgoing chef as an unselfish friend and tireless worker.

But in the wake of the tragedy, one of Greene's longtime friends is hoping to shine a ray of light that Greene's children and family can cherish forever: a book of memories, containing photos and firsthand accounts from friends and those close to Greene.

"With his children being two years old and nine months old, what can they remember?" asked Andrea Pizzanelli. "We have to tell them.

"People will always be around, telling them stories about how their dad was a really, really good guy. But this way, they can have something in their hands, and can read whenever they want to."

Greene was known by many to hand out nicknames to his friends, and Pizzanelli recieved one that has stuck with her: "Sunny." She had known Greene as long as she can remember, and is making a book of memories for Greene's two-year-old daughter, Avery, and nine-month-old son, Aiden. What she hopes will come of the project is a lasting legacy that will remind the two siblings just who their dad really was.

Pizzanelli is seeking submissions from Greene's family and friends, who were seemingly not short in numbers.

, "I don't know anybody who wouldn't like him."

Pizzanelli said her personal history with Greene goes way back, to grade school. Since then, they worked in the food industry together at several local restaurants, and Greene even lived with her family for a short period.

"I don't ever remember not knowing him," she said. "I remember riding on the handlebars of his bike in middle school. And the funny thing is I don't think we ever had a fight. He was just a really good guy, and so good to his friends. The kind of person you keep around. I want his kids to know and understand that."

Though she said she's in no rush at all, focusing on getting the lasting product done right rather than fast. Pizzanelli also recognized that some close to Greene just may not be ready to share their stories quite yet.

And with all the memories she has just between herself and Greene, she's hoping the project takes a little while.

"I don't want it to be just 20 stories. I want this to be something substantial."

People with photos and stories to share can email Pizzanelli at: ahhhndrea@gmail.com.