Mr. Hu moved to Waitsfield, Vermont, in 1972 where he raised his family and worked at the China Barn restaurant as the head chef.
Mr. Hu was the executive chef at the renowned Trader Vic's at the Plaza Hotel in New York City from 1958 to 1968. During his tenure at the legendary Chinese restaurant he prepared meals for presidents, heads of state, celebrities and visiting dignitaries.
His passion was cooking. During his lifetime he wore many hats and waited on tables, was a bartender as well as a cook. His philosophy was to learn all that he could about the restaurant and hospitality trade.
Known for his outgoing and friendly personality, Hu was known to stop in unannounced at the homes of friends and family, usually around meal time. If he did, he headed straight to the kitchen and prepared the family a sumptuous meal. Sometimes he would prepare a culinary masterpiece and then leave to go home.
Mr. Hu was born in Shanghai, China, on June 6, 1927. His mother was Hue Sing and his father Hu Chin Yu was an engineer. He was educated at a Methodist Missionary School in Shanghai until his schooling was abruptly stopped as a result of the Japanese invasion of China. He joined the Merchant Marines and went to work for various shipping companies that aided the Allies during WWII.
"I know I speak for my brothers and sisters, greater than his passion for cooking was his unwavering love for his family," said son Stephen Hu.
Hu Kong 'Kenny" Sheng is survived by his wife of 48 years, Adelaida Hu, who resides in Berlin, Vermont.
He is survived by sons Michael Serrano and Stephen Hu; daughters Arlene Benjamin, Carmen Hu and Barbara Hunton; and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on November 4, 2007, at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Crucified One, 20 Vermont Route 100, Moretown, Vermont.
