Paul Hancock

Paul Lovelle Hancock, 52, of Los Angeles, CA passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

On a crisp, warm, sunny July 27, 1972, at the Sea Level Hospital, was born an 11 lb 12.5 oz blue-eyed baby boy, one of Geraldine and Paul Hancock's greatest prizes. His impressive weight caused for a difficult birth, and through that, an arm injury transpired—an injury that concerned the doctor enough to tell his mother it would be a lifelong issue. However, what the doctors didn't know at the time was that Geraldine Lawrence and Paul Hancock created such strong perseverance in Lovelle that all adversities would soon be just a memory.

His parents took him home to Harkers Island, where he would spend his childhood being admired by them and beloved siblings: baby brother Jay Garth and sisters Robyn and Keri. Lovelle would spend summers on the shoreline of that island. His dad would pick him and his brother up to sit on pilings to capture their pictures. It's said he would trade the neighbors with eggs for goat milk or spices he needed for his own recipes. He was a Cub Scout, and his mother was the scout master. He played tee ball and spent most of his time throughout his adolescence and teen years with his best buddies: Roland, Ritchie, Corey, and Shawn. One cannot begin to fathom the stories from those downeast boys. He was not born with the proverbial silver spoon being handed to him, and his childhood was not one of material things, but it was one of GREAT love, strength, and compassion bestowed upon him by his precious parents, siblings, and friends. These values carried him through an amazing life.

At the age of 10 and again at 13, Lovelle would have to learn to live without his momma and daddy after their devastating passing. He and his brother Jay would then move to Marshallberg, where his sister Keri lived in a simple 2-bedroom singlewide mobile home with her family. During his time under the watchful loving eye of his sisters, Lovelle would become motivated and grab his first job in the restaurant industry as a busboy at the Beaufort House Restaurant and work through the ranks during his time there. He proudly graduated from East Carteret High School with his cherished classmates of 1990 as senior class president. He then attended East Carolina University, where he studied finance, and then transferred to North Carolina State University for his studies in culinary.

At 18 years old, Lovelle would have to consistently pay library fines for cookbooks that he had held past their due date. With the heavy need to know all things culinary, he took to traveling; he would land in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, Guatemala, and the Caribbean, just to name a few. He spent his time during his travels studying different cultures' culinary methods. It was during his time at NCSU that he was given an amazing apprenticeship opportunity under the mentorship of Chef Marc Veyrat at Auberge de l’Eridan (which held 3 Michelin Stars at the time). This adventure would shift the trajectory of his life forever. The kitchen was where Chef Paul could find refuge and dive into his creativity.

In 2018, he was named one of the "Most Interesting and Influential Men of the Coachella Valley." In an article, he was quoted for saying, “I enjoy being able to give and provide for others, and I am able to do that by creating dishes and feeding people." A simple man had found his way to pay forward that great love bestowed upon him throughout his childhood to others. A few of the recognitions he achieved over the years were "Best Chef in America" from 2014 to 2018, Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence, and Palm Springs Life’s Best of the Best campaign for Best Sunday Brunch and Best Breakfast in Indian Wells, California. However, being a highly respected mentor in numerous kitchens around the world was his greatest title.

Through his grandiose career, he kept his family close to his heart. The once "little Island boy" carried every value learned during his adolescence throughout his life, making meaningful impacts and leaving deep beautiful impressions every where he went. He was known for taking every given opportunity to talk about his family, especially his mother. So much so that in the wake of his passing, it has led his family here in Carteret County to connect with his family of friends and fellow chefs on the West Coast in California, and form lifelong bonds. Lovelle planted his roots in Los Angeles, and after many amazing ventures throughout his esteemed career, he was most recently operating his business, "Paul Hancock Catering."

During his time off, he loved to indulge in his hobbies: hiking, tennis, and basketball, and when he really awarded himself downtime, you could find him on "Water Music," his beloved 36 ft Islander sailboat. He found most joy and peace sailing and being overwhelmed in projects on it. In the summer of 2018, Lovelle returned home for a week on Harkers Island, spending time with his family and old friends. It was the first time back home in nearly 20 years; it was a trip full of reunion, laughter, love, and cooking, of course.

In 2024, his niece Suni Ginther took to LA for a visit in his world. She soaked up all things Paul Lovelle and made so many memories with her uncle that she will hold dear to her heart. He's been recognized as a "culinary giant", and every person—fellow chefs, friends, and former employers—who have reached out on his behalf from the West Coast, when speaking of Paul Lovelle, exclaim, "He was truly my best friend," "He helped me so much," "He was the most considerate man," and most profoundly "He saved my life."

As you have read, it doesn't matter what misfortunes may be thrown at you throughout your life. A will to persevere, along with a pinch or two of empathy, kindness, and compassion, can carry you to succeed not only in your career but, most importantly, in simply being a good human. His death will not be in vain, as his life taught us all to look out for each other, laugh every chance you get, and to be kind to yourself! Live like our beloved.

His family extends their deepest gratitude for all who have assisted them in not only getting Lovelle and his belongings across country and back home to his Mother and Father, but also for sharing so many beautiful memories, and condolences.

Finally, thank you for loving our guy.

God bless the Chef

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.

Preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Lawrence Hancock; father, Paul Hancock, and nephew, Justin Leighton Dudley and best friend, Andy Valero.

He is survived by his brother, Jay Garth Hancock of Otway, NC; sister, Robyn Haye and husband, Johnny Haye of Sea Level NC; sister, Keri Davis of Beaufort NC, God daughter, Ysabel Valero of the Philippines; nieces: Suni Ginther, Aby Morris, Tonya Riley and Kristen Davis; nephews: Brandon Davis, Johnny Lee Haye, Cody Davis and Shelby Davis; and many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.