This memorial website was created in memory of Marc Mendelson. Please see below to support the memory or Marc, or leave a tribute comment about him.
As many of us know, Marc was a generous person who believed strongly in helping others. Rather than flowers, the family requests honoring Marc's memory with donations to charities or causes that are dear to you. We've suggested a few below that represent things Marc supported.
Jazz Bakery
A nonprofit jazz venue that supports jazz musicians and the unique American legacy of jazz.
Doctors Without Borders
A nonprofit organization that supports medical humanitarian emergencies.
Piece By Piece
A nonprofit arts program supporting residents of Skid Row and South Los Angeles.
Alex Mendelson's Education Fund
Tributes
Leave a tributeWe love you Dawn, all the best to you and your dear son, Alex.
Bean
Marc was the truest friend I've ever had. Always ready to lend a hand, he was kind, generous and creative, and we shared a lasting love for design and horses. Ian and I were so shocked and saddened to hear about his sudden passing and we send our love and prayers to you.
Filled with unique charm and integrity, Marc touched my life with his genuine presence.
I feel very grateful to know him and will carry and honor his life in my heart.
He had a smooth and calm way about him, but we always appreciated Marc's print orders to us because he went out of his way to make it easy for us to do business with him. As a business owner, it is natural to go out of your way to take care of the client, but Marc always took care of his client and took care of us as a supplier/vendor. I'm going to do more of that myself from now on. Thank Marc - we miss you and God bless your family and friends
I was saddened to hear that your husband passed away. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead. May time and love bring you peace.
In our church we say "Christ is Risen" knowing that Marc is going to a better place.
I pray that God gives you the strength in this hard time... We love you.
May he rest in Peace.
Prayers...
Love, Aunt Carol
Sorry to hear about Marc's passing. I'll miss seeing him and saying hello everyday as he walks passed the salon. I remember days of past when you and Marc first moved into the neighborhood. The two of you getting married, and the birth of Alex. The BBQ's on the holidays. Fireworks on the 4th of July. Watching Alex grow into a young man. May God watch over the both of you and Marc's spirit. G Michael Van Ark @ Off Broadway Hair Design,
I have so many memories of your Marc. The BBQ's on the front lawn for 4th of July, Marc making all the chicken , hot dogs & burgers, wearing a chef's apron and a big broad smile. Martinis at Catalina's jazz club, in LA. Marc hep-cat bopping to the bands. NYC, Marc never slept, just ran around the city with that big smile and a glint in his eye, taking in the city's magic. He got us a room at the Hilton when I got engaged! You guys were both standing with me as I got married on a cliff in Laguna & danced with me on the Queen Mary at the reception. Marc served spaghetti dinner when I cried my heart out to you, Dawn, and it made me feel better to have such loving pals. There will never be another gentleman the likes of Marc. RIP.
I met him through my friendship with Dawn but it soon segued into him volunteering for our nonprofit arts space. That was Marc; he always stepped forward in his wonderful, caring way. On an on-going basis he designed all our invitations. That was no small feat as we had continuous exhibitions and special events. It was time consuming but Marc always happily approached each of my requests. Through this process I got to know him better. His humor, and he was VERY funny, came through his quietness. I knew I could always count on him. He was responsible. He was a beautiful artist. He was sweet and caring. He was joyful. I loved his quick smile. It made me feel good just being around him.
I also discovered what an amazing parent he was and how much he loved Dawn and Alex. In today’s world it is easy to get caught up in its busyness. But Marc had his priorities straight. Being there, and for, his family was number one. I remember going to one of Alex’s concerts and Marc was there, beaming. Really beaming. He was so proud of Alex.
I will miss Marc. He was a gift to my life.
We were saddened to hear of Marc's unexpected passing. Remember the good times and what a wonderful man, husband and father Marc was. Being your neighbors these past years have been grand for us.
Thank you to his mom who brought him into this world.
We are so very sorry for the loss felt by his family. We're wishing you peace in the days ahead for everyone.
LOVE,
ilona and sandy
Marc was such a true gentle-man. Always kind and a wonderful spirit. His love for his family was quite evident. His donor gift allows that spirit to live on in very special ways. Sending you loving energy and continued candlelight prayers.
Leave a Tribute
We love you Dawn, all the best to you and your dear son, Alex.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Happy Birthday Bro!
Today you are 57. Left me too soon and all who love you, still do and miss you on this day your birthday . . . takes me back to your 10th. We had just arrived in New Orleans. Staying in a motel across from the NOLA. Dad left for the day --- to start his latest resettlement. Where would his family land? We were oblivious and trusting. Mom wanted to do something for your birthday. And we had to walk. So, the airport it was. We spent the day there, leaving the dog and the cat I. The motel room. To terrorize the maid staff. They refused to come in; not because f the dog mind you. It was the cat. Superstition still lived deep in their blood, the descendants of voodoo practitioners. So, we walked over to the airport and watched the jets taking off and landing, bought you a model plane at the gift shop, had lunch. It was an exciting day after all. We were to start a new chapter of life in our new city and new schools. We all loved New Orleans and Dad ended up air conditioning the entire West Bank! You grew up to love the music of your adopted home --- and your son now honors you with the notes, riffs, and times he creates and plays. Happy birthday my brother. I miss you my friend. Luv debra
Memories of a boy
You are with me more now that you are gone. I see flashes of you, feel your being, knowing we were learning, growing, becoming together. Before you became you and I became me, there was We . . .
Fallen autumn leaves in the Forest Preserve, the smell of burning fire and distant laughter of other familes. We walked, following Her into the forest. The only sound that of the leaves breaking, crushing under our feet. . .
Sunday afternoon, raining or snowing, the usual god awful weather of Chicago in winter. Great Day! Collect our favorite books and flashlights, don our coats and hats, mittens. Out to the car, parked in the drive. Me in the front seat, you in the back, watching the snowflakes fall or listening to the rain pounding on the windows. . . No heat, but it's okay, we're cozy. Let's Read! Silently, then outloud, then laughter. So fun!. . .
Oh boy, Mom and Dad came back from Mexico with marionettes. You have the one with the guns in his hands, I have some ugly rascal. The strings keep tangling, and our initial enchantment wears out, quickly. . .
Fast forward to Georgia. Dad teaching us to play touch football. Mom still taking us into the woods, this time richer, mustier. We are intrigued by the growing fungus, the damp red earth and the pines. . .
Sunday morning in April 1968. Martin Luther King lying in state at Morehouse College. The four of us join the queue to pay our respects. We stand in a line of thousands, waiting in the chilly spring air. . .understanding the importance of this man, and the heartbreak that surrounds us. . .
Saturday morning in New Orleans You're on your bike. Money in your pocket and a selected destination --- the pet store or hobby shop. You always had a project and loved your aquarium and model airplanes. Pedalling hard to select your prize and bring it home.
Sundays was family day. Mom makes a pie (from frozen to warm), we pick up some chicken. Dad packs his t.v. tray -- oh, we hated that he had to sit at a picnic, listening to the transistor radio and eating from a t.v. tray in his chair. The rest of us on our blanket on the ground, mortified, gazing at Lake Ponchatrain.
Many afternoons I came home from school, hearing the sound of the baseball hitting Dad's mitt. You and he in the backyard, turning you into a world class little league pitcher. I envied the time and attention you got, knowing you were the boy, trying to live up to his dreams.
You in the barn with our race horse, you loved her and would stay with her when she had the "willies", or was nervous before a race. I think you slept at the barn sometimes. Me, I was too wrapped up in my teen-age angst at the time, and had no interest in the horse or the barn. . .
Pasadena 1973. We work the Rose Bowl Parade together, selling film for people's cameras. Up at dawn and on Colorado Blvd. by 6:00 a.m. You so tall, with the big yellow Kodak hat on your head, carrying the film in a box hanging from your neck. Everyone can see you, hail us over, and I work the crowds. we sold alot and split our earnings --- probably a couple of hundred dollars, and we loved having earned it in one morning!
I could go on like this forever, my brother, my friend. You are with me now, and will be with me always, and I with you. Luv, Deb