On what would have been Jock Zonfrillo’s 48th birthday, his widow, Lauren Fried, has delivered a heartwarming message to mark the bittersweet occasion.
Zonfrillo sadly passed away on Sunday, April 30 2023 at the age of 46 with his passing triggering an outpouring of grief from fans across the nation.
On Sunday, August 4, Fried shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, featuring herself laughing with her and her late husband’s children in a touching tribute to the late celebrity chef.
“Happy 48th birthday My Love,” she began.
“If I could give you a gift this year it would be for you to know that the ship has steadied – our little ones are laughing, there is momentum back, and we are living a new version of life and it’s bright. Loz x.”
An adoring public was left overjoyed by the heartwarming update, with many wishing Zonfrillo a “happy heavenly birthday”.
“Happy birthday Jock. What a legacy you have left,” one wrote.
“Happy Birthday to a true legend, my family and I have been huge fans of Jock for many years and his passing affected us tremendously even though we never got the pleasure of meeting him. You and your family are a true inspiration.”
“Happy Birthday legend. We all miss you so,” commented another.
“Happy Heavenly Birthday Jock, think of you often.”
“This post makes me so happy.”
In addition to her moving tribute to her late husband, Fried recently reflected on the challenges she has faced since his passing.
“Next week it will be a year since we lost Jock. I have no idea where that time went,” she said in a recent update on social media.
“I really did have plans to get a lot more of his projects out but I think that somewhere between trying to find my feet as a solo parent – and just going through long periods of time where I found it really hard to look at videos and photos of Jock – the plan didn’t go to plan.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, Fried has found solace and purpose in preserving Zonfrillo’s legacy through their children and his work.
“Jock’s legacy sits in his children and his work, and both have given me a lot of purpose in the last year,” she revealed.
“I’ve been focusing on the kids and they’re going really well, they’re thriving actually and found their new normal. I think we created two extraordinary little people there.”
In a touching tribute to Zonfrillo’s passion for food and cooking, Fried revealed her intentions to share precious memories with his adoring fans.
“I’ve got hundreds and hundreds of hours of Jock cooking his favourite recipes explaining what vinegar or oil he used in different things, things he discovered on our travels, fun behind-the-scenes stuff, interviews, and it’s a part of our life that I want to start sharing with everyone again,” she said.
“The purpose of putting it up is for us to enjoy it, enjoy Jock, so I hope you do.”