Mr. Marcus knows that his kitchen — with dining spaces big enough for two long wooden tables — is probably a total loss. Rebuilding doesn’t make economic sense at his age. Besides, the house has flooded twice before.

He thinks about all the holidays spent here, all the simple breakfasts he shared with his wife and son.

“It’ll never be the same, but it’s not over,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m upbeat but I have to see the bigger picture here. We’ve been through a lot worse, and we’re not destitute.”

He vows to have one more grand Thanksgiving dinner here, even if it’s just a shell. He can cook the turkeys, brisket and porchetta outside. His son, Matt, the executive chef and co-founder of 8th Wonder Brewery, can bring the green bean casserole he makes with béchamel and fried shallots. Everyone else can contribute bottles of wine and side dishes.

Just one more meal, then they’ll tear the house down and think about starting over.

“That’s the loss to me,” Mr. Marcus said. “I don’t think I’ll ever have another kitchen that’s such a gathering place again.”