Edgar "Dooky" Chase, III, a member of one of New Orleans's most prominent culinary families and a dedicated defender of the city's Creole history, has died.
According to members of his family, Chase died Wednesday with his wife Alva by his side and surrounded by family. Chase was 74 years old.
Chase was the third-generation of family members that operated Dooky Chase's Restaurant in the Tremé. Chase, a graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola University, served in the United States Marine Corp, attaining the rank of Captain before receiving an honorable discharge. After his military career ended, Chase attended Columbia University, from which he received his master's degree in business administration. That led him to careers with PriceWaterhouse, the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, and Cox Communications.
In addition to his business career, Chase was a lawyer, a certified public accountant, and a longtime educator in the city's colleges. As a vice president of Dillard University, Chase led the rebuilding of the school's campus after Hurricane Katrina devastated all but one of Dillard's buildings. Later, he served as a lead faculty member at Delgado Community College, working to transform the school's curriculum on entrepreneurial thought and job creation.
All the while, Chase remained involved with his family's restaurant and foundation. Chase also served the boards of multiple civic organizations, including the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the Anti-Defamation League, the Loyola University Board of Trustees, and the Bureau of Governmental Research.
"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," Chase's family said in a statement. "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."
Funeral arrangements for Chase are pending.
