Country Fair 2023: Mr. Tom Schnapp

By Jeremy Fang ’24

Article from the Country Fair 2023 Hearth Issue

Over the summer of July 2023, Mr. Tom Schnapp unfortunately passed away from complications with lymphoma, a cancer that targets the lymph system. As a brilliant sous chef in the Eaglebrook dining hall, he was an indispensable part of the community.

After graduating from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire in 2000 with a degree in American Studies, Mr. Schnapp took a job at an 5 artisanal confectionery shop in New Hampshire before becoming a Chef de Cuisine/Head Chef at the Farm Table, a fine dining restaurant and Osteria Vespa, an Italian restaurant. In 2018, Mr. Schnapp became a sous chef at Eaglebrook.

When asked about Mr. Schnapp, Mr. Ed Howle, the director of dining services at Eaglebrook, told many good things about him, “He was a pleasure to work with. I had known him for close to eleven years. He was very knowledgeable and brought a lot to the table—both literally and figuratively. As a chef, he loved Italian food and eastern flavors, especially Indian cuisine.” Students and faculty alike appreciated his cooking, which was often the highlight of the day.

After being diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in 2011 and relapsing twice, followed by three rounds of chemotherapy, Mr. Schnapp sadly passed from complications with a previous surgery. A memorial was held by his brother Jeffrey Schnapp in August. Several faculty and members of the Eaglebrook community attended the service. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family. He will be missed.