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."

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.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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