Less than five years after his mother, Leah Chase’s passing, Edgar “Dooky” Chase III passed away at the age of 74. Remembered as a kind and compassionate man, Chase was a dedicated leader, community servant, and a soul deeply committed to New Orleans.
A CPA and attorney by profession, Chase’s deep love for his city was evident through his active participation on numerous local, state, and regional boards and his dedication to mentoring thousands of students and young professionals. His educational path led him from Jesuit High School to becoming a revered administrator at Dillard University, embodying a commitment to the advancement of others.
Run by Edgar “Dooky” Chase III’s mother, Chef Leah Chase, for decades, Dooky Chase's Restaurant has been synonymous with New Orleans’ culinary excellence. Besides being celebrated for its Creole cuisine, the Tremé restaurant became famous for its role in the Civil Rights Movement: In the years when segregation was the law, groups met there, in defiance of segregation, to plan strategy in their drive for racial equality. The restaurant's legacy, coupled with Leah Chase's national recognition and Dooky III's unwavering support, highlights a family deeply intertwined with the fight for justice and equality.
Chase's life story is a testament to the power of dedication—not just to one's own success but to uplifting others and the fight for what's right. His spirit, his passion for New Orleans, and his unwavering support for his family and community are what truly define a Legacy That Will Live On.
The Chase family has asked that any donations to be made to the Edgar "Dooky" Chase Jr. and Leah Chase Foundation in lieu of flowers. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 29, at St. Peter Claver Church. Visitation will begin at 9 am, with a service to follow at 11:30 am. Following the service, a secondline will go from the church to the restaurant.