Dimitri CruZoni, 60, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on July 4 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was the son of Franklin Cruz and Florence Cruz; and brother to Danilia. He was the beloved husband of Carla CruZoni; and father of Spenser Dominic CruZoni.

He grew up in Round Lake, New York, among close friends. He enjoyed sports and was on the wrestling team at Shenendehowa High School. After graduation, Dimitri studied music before discovering his passion for cooking. He worked his way up in kitchens in Vermont, Oregon, and New York and was chef and co-owner (along with his wife Carla and brother-in-law Joseph Franzoni) of Shore Point Café in Branford. After that, he was with Whole Foods Market for 14 years, where he was proud to be a mentor and friend to many.

Dimitri was the beloved cousin of Tony (Lynn) Jones and their children, Nina, Tony, and Elena, and Reesa Glass and husband Scott Harrison; nephew to Irene Jones and Richard Jones. He was loved by his mother and father-in-law, Angela and Gus Franzoni; and brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Jennifer Franzoni; and niece Reagan.

He was known for his eclectic taste in music and wicked sense of humor. When he wasn’t cooking at work, he was cooking at home, constantly experimenting and developing new recipes. He, Carla, and Spenser delighted in having family and friends over for backyard parties and jumping in the car for road trips, on and off the beaten path.

Visiting hours were on July 9 at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. An Episcopal service was held immediately after visiting hours at the funeral home. www.northhavenfuneral.com