NEW ORLEANS — Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase III, who was the beloved patriarch of the Chase Family, died on Thursday.
The lifelong educator and community leader was 74.
He was the son of the legendary New Orleans restaurateurs Edgar Chase Jr. and Leah Chase.
Officials, public figures and loved ones shared their condolences about Chase's passing:
Edgar “Dooky” Jr and Leah Chase Family Foundation
“Dooky was a passionate New Orleanian that proudly served on numerous local, state, and regional boards focused on strengthening and improving our community and bringing people together.
“In addition to being a CPA and attorney, Dooky was a lifelong educator and university administrator who educated and mentored thousands of students and young professionals. He was a principled man, who was joyfully dedicated to being of service to others. Dooky was filled with passion and faith which was exhibited in his daily life and in his interactions with others. He believed in the power of love for mankind and was guided by the ideals of liberty.
"While we mourn his loss, we celebrate his remarkable life and cherish the life lessons he taught us. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, commitment to our community and to all humanity, and unwavering love for his family. His presence will be greatly missed, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts."
Mayor LaToya Cantrell recognized the passing of Chase III, saying "The City of New Orleans has truly lost a giant with the passing of Edgar "Dooky" Chase III."
"Dooky, the son of renowned culinary couple Leah and Edgar Chase Jr., devoted his life to civic engagement, activism and empowerment. Advocating for change on the local, state and regional levels, he always kept community at his core. As stated by his family, Dooky was 'joyfully dedicated to being of service to others,' which was demonstrated by his tireless dedication at the family-owned restaurants, as well as through his career in education and law. The contributions of the Chase family are felt across the world, and my deepest condolences go out to his wife Alva and the entire Chase family. May Edgar's legacy, love and life live on in God's perfect peace,” Cantrell said.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant shared condolences on Facebook.
WYES New Orleans also expressed their sadness for the loss of Chase III in a post.
Loyola University of New Orleans told WWL Louisiana that "Dooky" Chase III was the first Black president of Loyola's Student Government Association. ". In recent years was an active and generous member of the Loyola Board of Trustees, serving as Finance Chair for several years. Loyola honored him as the 2021 Integritas Vitae Award recipient, an award that honors leaders of outstanding character."
NOLA Public Schools also issued a statement following his passing.
"As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and an unyielding love for both his family and our broader community. Dooky's spirit will forever live on, and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions he made to the education and well-being of our city.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chase family during this difficult time. May they find solace in the memories of a life well-lived and the enduring impact Edgar L. 'Dooky' Chase III had on the lives of those he touched."
NOCHI, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute shared that the hospitality industry lost a cultural icon.
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