Sandusky mourns chef, business owner Pribanic

SANDUSKY — The Sandusky community prepares to say goodbye to a local artist, chef and business owner described as a "one-in-a-million" person.Jonathon James "Jamie" Pribanic, 60, who owned Jack's Deli and Red Gables Mesquite Grill, died unexpectedly Sept. 6, according to his obituary.Those who knew Pribanic, including Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser, spoke highly of him."Jamie was a very soulful person who made people feel comfortable," Wobser said. "He's one of those one-in-a-million people who made Sandusky better by being in it."Wobser said he's known Pribanic for several years, and said in the time before he died Pribanic planned to draw up upgrades at his restaurants."He was a special Sandusky character," he said. "I'm glad I got to know him."Jamie's son, Josh, described his father as a "trailblazer" who "walked his own path." He said Jamie made everybody around him "feel like they were loved." "He didn't believe in strangers, he welcomed people with open arms," Josh Pribanic said. Josh Pribanic said his father served as the head chef at Red Gables, and promised his customers: "if you find a better steak anywhere I'll buy it for you."Josh said his father first picked up the culinary trade from his mother — Josh's grandmother — acting as her "head sous chef" and helping her serve food to his ten siblings."He put a lot of love into (his restaurant)," Jamie's daughter, Jessica Pribanic, said. "It was his home away from home."Pribanic also said he and his father worked on several documentary films together, including an upcoming documentary titled "Invisible Hand," which features award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo as executive producer.Jamie Pribanic's Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Central Church in Sandusky. Friends may call at Groff Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday.Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterJonathon James "Jamie" Pribanic