Chad Jerry Pope, 53, of New Port Richey passed away on March 24, 2023, peacefully with his devoted wife Sue Ann by his side.  Chad was born June 2, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida to Mary Frances King Pope and Jerry Moore Pope.  Chad grew up in north Pensacola on a farm that he loved where his family had chickens, horses, goats and a donkey.  He attended Ensley Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle and Tate High School. He played baseball alongside two of the greats, Travis Fryman and Jay Bell. He enjoyed learning taekwondo, was a member of FFA and had a love of motorcycles that began in his youth. Some of his best memories were riding bicycles and hanging out with his best buddies, Gary, Rick, Paul, Frank and the Brewton boys, to name a few.

Chad met his beloved wife, Sue Ann Long, in 1990 while working at Red Lobster when she was distraught in the walk-in because of a rude customer.  He rushed to console her, and made her laugh through her tears, with his natural, jovial way. Soon, after a work canoe trip together where they truly connected, he declared to his buddies that he had “met the girl”! He and Sue Ann married November 12, 1995, at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church chapel.  Hurricane Opal changed the venue from an outdoor wedding on Pensacola Beach to the chapel, and the reception to the Beacon in downtown Pensacola.  After the hurricane, their wedding was a grand reunion of their dispersed restaurant friends from Flounders and Jubilee, as well as cherished family and other friends. Clark and Company had everyone celebrating and dancing in joyous celebration of their union.

Chad and Sue Ann reinvigorated both of their childhood loves of camping on their honeymoon in Kissimmee, Florida after first cruising on The Big Red Boat. They established a tradition of celebrating their wedding anniversary with an annual camping adventure and made many cherished memories. Chad and Sue Ann also enjoyed their Mondays off, leisurely boating and exploring the Escambia River with their great friend and Chad’s colleague, Tod. Since then, side by side, Chad and Sue Ann canoed and camped, laughing and loving their experiences together all over Florida.

In 2003, after a successful career working in many popular restaurants in and around the Pensacola/Pensacola Beach area, Chad and Sue Ann moved to Tampa where he lovingly supported Sue Ann getting her degree in American Sign Language Interpreting from USF. Chad worked at several noteworthy restaurants in the Tampa area where his culinary talents thrived and his co-workers, owners and managers quickly came to know and love him.

With “their” college degree in hand, and missing the nature of home in Pensacola, they beelined it to live as close to the Gulf of Mexico as possible in Ozona, and soon after, moved to New Port Richey where they lived on a canal and launched their canoe as often as possible. Continuing his culinary career in New Port Richey, Chad contributed his expertise and calm demeanor as the inaugural chef, opening several new restaurants in the area as well as dedicating himself to some long established, popular venues. He always had a smile and an anecdote and had a natural gift for mentoring young future chefs who all adored him.

Chad was a true lover of nature and animals and became a loving cat “daddy” after meeting Sue Ann. Chad married Big Mama when he married Sue Ann and he loved that kitty until her passing. Over the years they rescued Bushes, who they found in the bushes while bike riding; King was presented to Chad on his birthday by his family and became Chad’s loving companion; newborn Grace was found in the outside rafters of a building and was nursed to health by Chad and Sue Ann; Sgt. Pepper was rescued from two silly teenage girls who couldn’t care for a kitten; Panther and Sandy were cared for when Sue Ann’s cousin had an accident and Sandy found her forever home through Chad’s sister’s church family. After that Panther left Chad and Sue Ann in search of his sister. After two years without kitties, the universe knew their hearts and brought Biscuit (Golden Biscuits O’ Gravy Pope) into their lives. Chad and Biscuit became fast buddies and spent every day together for the first two years.  A couple years later Gizmo (Gizmo Mogwai Parkour Pope) was distressed in the neighborhood and was lured to Chad and Sue Ann with an offer of food quickly knowing he had found his forever home.

Chad had a truly engaging love of life and a quick-witted sense of humor. He loved motorcycles, Elvis Presley, Reese’s cups, movies and music of many genres.  He often spoke in movie quotes and could lighten any situation with a joke. Comedy was his love language. He learned to drive at a young age on the dirt roads by the family home and his first car was a ’55 Chevy. He loved vintage big cars and good ol’ boy trucks. He was a phenomenal chef and did not hesitate to fire up the grill or lend his love of cooking to every family and friend event.

There’s really no way to put into words Chad’s larger than life personality, and all those who knew him truly loved him. His devotion to Sue Ann was limitless and unending, and their love was evident to everyone who knows them.  Sue Ann is heartbroken without Chad and will love him for eternity.

Chad is survived by Sue Ann, his wife of over 27 years, his father Jerry, his sisters Rita (Thomas) Matlock and Rhonda Meloy, his sister-in-law Stacy (Jess Shaker) Long, his nieces Nikki (Brandon) James, Bailey Taranto, nephew Dylan (Haley) Merritt and five great nieces and nephews as well as loving extended family and friends. Chad was predeceased by his mother, Mary Frances, all his King and Pope grandparents, other family members and several dear friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to any animal rescue or shelter, or any culinary program.

A celebration of life for Chad will be announced at a later date.