Edgar L. Chase III, son of famed New Orleans restauranteurs, dies at 74

Raeven Poole
·5 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Edgar L. Dooky Chase III, the son of famed restaurant owners Dooky and Leah Chase, has died.

The Chase family reported Edgar died on Wednesday, Feb. 21 surrounded by his family and with his wife, Alva, by his side.

A release from the family described Edgar as a “beloved patriarch of the Chase family.”

Funeral arrangements announced for New Orleans musician killed in hit-and-run

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 that 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.

The Chase family

The family has asked that instead of flowers, the public can make a donation in Edgar’s name to The Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation.

The Dooky Chase restaurant has been recognized as a staple in the Civil Rights Movement as it was once a “hot spot for discussing civil and economic rights in the New Orleans African-American community.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell released a statement expressing her condolences:

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.”

Mayor LaToya Cantrell

The restaurant has been a refuge for public figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, and even Former President Barack Obama.

NOLA Public Schools released the following statement.

It is with a heavy heart that NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) acknowledges the passing of a cherished member of the New Orleans community, Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III. On behalf of NOLA-PS, we extend our deepest condolences to the Chase family during this difficult time.

Dooky III was not only a beloved patriarch of the Chase family but also a passionate New Orleanian who dedicated his life to serving and strengthening our community. His impact reached far beyond as he served on numerous local, state, and regional boards, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of our city.

In addition to his roles as a CPA and attorney, Dooky III was a lifelong educator and university administrator, shaping the lives of thousands of scholars and young professionals through his dedication to education and mentorship. His principled nature, unwavering commitment to service, and profound faith in the power of love for humanity were the guiding lights of his remarkable life.

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.

NOLA Public Schools

Port of New Orleans released the following statement:

Edgar ‘Dooky’ Chase III was appointed to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners in December 1988 by then Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer and served until December 1993. Chase also served on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Board of Commissioners from 2012 to 2016.

“As both a certified public accountant and attorney, Edgar ‘Dooky’ Chase brought a wealth of knowledge in law, finance, and business to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners; but more than that he was a devoted New Orleanian committed to serving the State of Louisiana and his community,” said current Port NOLA Board Chairman Joseph Toomy. “We are grateful for his incomparable service and the remarkable and lasting legacy he leaves behind.”

“The Port of New Orleans is saddened by the passing of former Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Edgar ‘Dooky’ Chase. His irreplaceable strength and guidance are still felt today and we are grateful for all that he did to lead New Orleans and the port community,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. “We extend our deepest condolences to Edgar’s family.”

Port of New Orleans

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.