Chris John Sooy Sr.

Chris John Sooy Sr.

Chris John Sooy Sr., age 73, of Ventnor City, passed away at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center on Monday, March 17, 2025. He was born January 2, 1952 in Atlantic City. He lived in Ventnor City until death, graduated from Holy Spirit High School, and made his living as a very decorated touring musician, and resident pianist among many local and beloved clubs. Most notably, he was the longest running resident pianist (28 years) of Steve & Cookie's By the Bay, a very well known Zagat rated fine dining restaurant in Margate City, NJ. In the late 1990's and early 2000's, Chris played many Blues and Jazz Festivals to crowds amassing 15 to 20,000 attendees in both Rockport, Maine and New Orleans, LA. He performed alongside legendary musicians Mavis Staples, Levon Helm (The Band), and Booker T. In addition to being a veteran performer, he was also a very knowledgeable arranger, music theorist, music notator, song-writer, and band leader. He made his living for 25 years as a musician and band leader in some of the biggest showrooms and lounges in Atlantic City. He also performed at The Comedy Stop, backing up many nationally touring comedians of the 1980s and 1990s, most notably, comedian Bill Hicks. In later years, he was a substitute teacher at Ventnor Middle School. Chris was more than a legendary musician though, he was a devoted father, skilled surfer (rode exclusively longboards and was one of the first surfers in 1960's Atlantic City), friendly neighbor, a brother, a mentor, a teacher, and a local icon to so many. Chris leaves behind two sons, CJ Sooy and Faron Sooy; and is preceded in death by his sister, Karen; sister, Allison Auble; father, Albert Sooy; and mother, Jeanne D. Sooy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 3rd starting at 10 a.m. at St. James Church, 6415 Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor. Condolneces may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor