Rochester, NY – Hervé Michel Pailler, 62, ended his life’s journey on April 5, 2018. Born September 29, 1955, in Brest, France, he was the only son of Jean Paul Hervé Francois Pailler and Jeanne Marie Jacqueline (Hémon) Pailler.
As a French citizen, he served a mandatory year in the army stationed in Tahiti after training in Africa. He later earned a Professional Restaurant Certificate with specialties of Chef de Cuisine and Maître d’hôtel from the Academie de Bordeaux in France.
After working in fine-dining restaurants in France followed by three years with Regency Cruise Line, his dream of having his own restaurant came true in Rochester, N.Y. He opened La Petite Maison on Park Avenue and served authentic, French countryside fare from 1991 to 1996. He subsequently shared his culinary and restaurant management skills at a variety of other Rochester restaurants, where he often became a mentor for less experienced people working with him.
He particularly enjoyed creating special culinary events, such as the annual Beaujolais Nouveau festival and Bastille Day dinner/theatre experience at La Petite Maison. When not at work, he enjoyed golfing, road trips throughout the Finger Lakes region, watching soccer and football (his adopted American sport), socializing with friends, and spending time with his pet dogs.
He is survived by his loving mother, Jeanne Mainguet, and sister, Elisabeth (Philippe) Dochler, in France; ex-wife, Karen S. Olson, and best friend, Raymond (“Stan”) Basse, in Rochester, N.Y.
Hervé’s charming demeanor, wry humor, can-do spirit, generosity, steadfast friendship, and personal style will be missed—but long remembered—by his many friends and colleagues.
For memorials in his honor, donations to benefit the animals cared for at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450, are suggested.