Mack Henry Dandridge

Obituary For Mack Henry Dandridge

Mr. Mack Henry Dandridge who was affectionately known as “Big Mike” was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 29, 1954, a son of John Henry and Jessie Lee Dandridge. He transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on January 26, 2024.

Mike met the love of his life, Ms. Leilani Marie Ortello in 1971. From this union, they gave life to 5 beautiful children: 3 sons and twin daughters. Mike and Leilani remained together in love for 31 years until the Lord called Leilani home in 2002.

Mike was a proud “Golden Bear” graduating from East High School on June 14, 1974. He was a certified welder through the New Castle School of Trades and worked with the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company until it closed in 1977.

Mike held employment with other steel manufacturers including Youngstown Steel Door, Aliquippa Steel, Gen Core Steel, and North Star Steel, holding positions as crane operator and welder.

He was an unmatched skills man, the best of the best, and decided to pursue his love of working on cars at Jesse’s Auto Body. Mike was also an entrepreneur and a well-known & respected mechanic, welder, and painter, retiring in 2020.

Big Mike was strong-willed and family oriented. He positively impacted his children and the younger generation who often looked to him for advice and strength; many calling him “Dadie” and saying he was “like a father.” He was non-judgmental and accepted others as they were. He helped so many people and was bigger than life. He loved to have fun and is fondly remembered for the sayings “fasho” and “who you wit!” Big Mike is truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Mike’s memory will live on through his children Mark (April) Ortello of Florida, Latoya Ortello of Youngstown, LaShawn (Craig) Ingram of Virginia, Marvin Ortello and bonus son Chauncey Dothard both of Youngstown; sixteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; five siblings, John (Karen) Dandridge of Arizona, Lena Jones, Cora (Cleveland) Wilder, Phyllis Dandridge and Claudy Dandridge all of Youngstown; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leilani Marie Ortello-Dandridge; son, “lil” Mike Ortello; great grandson, D’Waynelin Ortello; mother, Jessie Dandridge; mother-in-law, Ruth Ortello; sister, Eveline Dandridge-Ballard, sister, Josephine Robinson; brother, baby Dandridge; brother-in-law, Daniel Ortello; brother-in-law, Anthony Jones; and nephews Jerome Stewart, Melvin Stewart Sr, Dymond Ortello, and Daniel Jr (DJ) Ortello.

Mack Henry Dandridge will be dearly missed by all fortunate enough to have known him. His kind heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for his family will forever be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched.

To honor and celebrate the life of Mack Henry Dandridge, a Funeral Service will be held on February 5, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, where Rev. Young Tinsley will serve as the officiant. Prior to the service, a public viewing will take place at the same location from at 10:00 am

Following the funeral, a committal ceremony will be held to lay Mack's earthly remains to rest at Belmont Park Cemetery, located at 3346 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505. His remarkable spirit and infectious laughter will forever be etched in our hearts. Though his passing leaves an immense void in our lives, we find solace in knowing that he is finally at peace with his soulmate.

The family of Big Mike elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort and After-Care Arrangements to J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH, 330-782-8500.

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