It is with heavy hearts that the ACF Chefs Las Vegas Chapter announces the passing of one of our cherished members, Chef Frank Insera. A decades-long member of our chapter and a true pillar of the Las Vegas culinary community, Chef Frank’s influence, generosity and passion for the craft will be felt for generations to come.
Chef Frank’s career was defined by excellence, leadership and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. His culinary journey included many years as Executive Chef of the Klondike Hotel Casino, where he earned a reputation for operational excellence, mentorship and consistently delivering quality cuisine. He later brought that same dedication to South Point Casino, Hotel & Spa, where he served as Chef Manager of the Del Mar Deli for the latter half of his career. There, Chef Frank continued to lead by example, balancing high-volume service with heart, precision and pride in every dish.
Within our chapter, Chef Frank left an indelible mark. He and Claude Lambertz were the visionaries behind the monthly chapter poker tournament — a tradition that continues to this day and has raised critical funds for Chefs for Kids. His generosity extended beyond ideas; for many years, Chef Frank personally coordinated pizza donations from Del Mar Deli to ensure players were fed, welcomed and cared for at each tournament. These acts, both big and small, exemplified who he was: a chef who believed food should bring people together and serve a greater purpose.
Chef Frank was also a founding force behind Chefs for Kids, the chapter’s beloved nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood hunger and educating children about healthy eating. His passion for giving back helped shape the mission and impact of the organization, touching countless lives across Southern Nevada.
His contributions did not go unnoticed. Chef Frank was named ACF Las Vegas Chef of the Year in 1982, a testament to his skill, leadership and respect among his peers. In 2010, he received one of the organization’s highest honors — the ACF Presidential Medallion — presented by then-National President Michael Ty, CEC®, AAC®, recognizing a lifetime of service and dedication to the American Culinary Federation.
Above all, Chef Frank will be remembered as a mentor, a leader, a philanthropist and a friend. His legacy lives on in the traditions he established, the organizations he helped build and the countless chefs he inspired along the way.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, family and loved ones during this difficult time. Chef Frank Insera will forever hold a place in the heart of the ACF Chefs Las Vegas Chapter, and his impact will never be forgotten.
My daughter and I are deeply saddened with the passing of our neighbor for 20 years, Frank Insera. This was a beautiful write up by his former employer.
God bless Frank’s family, Jean, and daughters. He will be sorely missed.
You are the best stepdad in the world, the best man on earth, the best companion, and soulmate for my mom, and the best friend to many including myself. I will miss you so much, Frank. I love you and I know I will see you again. 🩷
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jean and the family and I’m so so sorry. Frank was a mentor to me and gave me my start in the ACF Chefs Las Vegas along with being a loyal customer. His passing is a huge. Lost to the culinary community along with many many friends. One of the best poker players I’ve ever met.