Lifelong Chef, Sommelier, and restaurant owner Marco Barbitta passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 10, 2026 joining his brother Godi, parents Marianne and Gaudenzio Barbitta, sister-in-law Maya Barbitta-Albertini, and many other loved ones both family and friends that passed before him. He was a loving brother to René (Lisa, sister-in-law) and Ferdinand Barbitta (Theres, sister-in-law) and proud uncle to his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was also a doting Godfather. He was family to Laura, Nora, and Lorraine Oest, uncle to Stella and Colten Oest-Romero, and to Rick Romero and family.

Born March 28, 1956, Marco dedicated his life to the love of the culinary arts, to his vast knowledge of the hotel and restaurant industry, to good food, good wine, and great cigars. Because of this he had many many close friends around the world and across the United States. He was a world traveler who called both Switzerland and Taos home and some would say he was an Icon on the streets of both. The places he traveled are too numerous to name and the people he influenced too many to count. He leaves behind many people that love him and he will be missed by all that knew him well.

We would like to acknowledge and thank some of the friends especially close to his heart: Derek, Gina, and family, Andy, Graziella, Renato, and Fabio Hediger, Roland, Pat and Michael, Thomas, Jamie, and family, Larry and Cheryl, Mano Grande, Liam, Lionel, Rodrigo, Louis, Tree, Pavel and Tyler, Angel Pala, Angelia, Dr. Kennedy and Maria, Vreni and Sara, Nova, Felicia, Jean, Lil Jen, Judge Ortega, his family at Stella’s, and so many more. He would send infinite love their way and we know he'll be watching over all of us. We love you Marco. As he would say Arschloch, See you later Boss.