Ortley "Jerome" Wright

Obituary For Ortley "Jerome" Wright

Ortley Wright, affectionately known as Jerome with a gentle soul with a heart of gold, will be remembered fondly for his quiet strength and unwavering kindness. He was born on November 19, 1968, in Youngstown, OH, the son of Ortley Booker and Bernice Wright. Jerome peacefully crossed the celestial sands of eternity on May 11, 2026, at University Hospital in Cleveland, following a long illness.

A lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he embraced each game with enthusiasm, cheering for his team as if they were family. But more than that, he genuinely treasured the moments spent with his loved ones-whether it was the laughter shared over a heartfelt conversation or the comfort found in quiet company.

In a world that often hurried, Jerome had the unique ability to appreciate life’s small wonders and the beauty of relationships. His quiet strength and unwavering support for those he loved were the hallmarks of his character. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

Jerome leaves cherished memories with his devoted sister Catherine Lott of Cleveland, brother Lewis (Charise) A. Wright of Youngstown and Monique Benjamin of Youngtown. He also leaves a multitude of family and friends who he loved deeply and unconditionally. Jerome found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life.

As Jerome entered eternity, he was reunited with his parents, brother John Wright, grandmother Arilla Tensley Dixon, grandfather Fred Green and a host of aunts and uncles, that preceded in him death.

Jerome’s memory will live within the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us physically, his loving spirit and memories he shared will remain a sustaining source of comfort and strength. May you rest in peace Jerome, you will be forever loved, deeply missed and never forgotten.

In honor of Jerome’s spirit and the light he brought to this world, as he lived a cloistered and simplistic life, the family elected to have a private and intimate ceremony to reflect upon his life, laughter, legacy and love. Let us carry forward the lessons he taught by example about kindness, loyalty, and the joy of the little things. Jerome, may you rest in peace, knowing you are loved and missed deeply.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Ortley “Jerome” Wright, elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

Smile because Jerome lived
You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn back,
or you can do what he would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

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