Mandell Jack Ourisman

Mandell Jack “Mandy” Ourisman passed away peacefully at his home in Palm Beach, Florida on July 5, 2017 with his beloved wife Mary by his side. He was 90 years old. Mandy Ourisman, the son of Florence and Benjamin Ourisman, was born in Washington, D.C. at Washington Women’s Hospital on November 10, 1926.

Mandy’s father, Benjamin, started Ourisman Chevrolet in 1921 in Washington, D.C., and grew it into the largest Chevrolet dealership in the United States. Mandy went to work for his father in 1947 and, with the help of his sons and grandsons, built Ourisman Motors into what is now a 4th generation family business with over 36 franchises in Virginia and Maryland.

Mandy attended Riverdale Country School in New York and graduated in 1944. He excelled as a half-back on the football team and was nicknamed “Snake Hips”. He attended the US Naval Academy and Georgetown University before joining his father in the automotive business. He was married in 1949 (Jane Elsie Miller) and had three sons by 1956, divorcing shortly thereafter. He later married Betty Lou Haydnet and is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Martin Ourisman.

Mandy was a noted philanthropist and was passionate about a number of civic and educational causes. He served on the Washington National Symphony Board for over 30 years and his name is found among the major benefactors in both halls of the Kennedy Center. He is widely recognized for his gift honoring his late wife which established the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mandy valued his participation in a number of organizations and boards including Riggs National Corporation, the Landon School, the Young Presidents’ Organization, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Police Boys’ Club, the Meridian International Center, Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Charles E. Smith Residential Realty Inc. He was also involved with the Smithsonian Luncheon Group and the Economic Club of Washington. He was a long-time participant in the Prince of Wales Foundation.

Mandy proudly accompanied Mary as she served abroad as U.S. Ambassador under the G.W. Bush administration. He was honored to be by her side as she represented the United States to Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Dominica.

When he wasn’t selling Chevrolets, he could often be found playing golf or gin rummy at Burning Tree Club or Chevy Chase Club. In Palm Beach, he belonged to Mar-a-Lago, Club Colette, and the Breakers Club.

Mandy was one of the most gregarious men in Washington D.C. and his charisma and joie de vivre was infectious. Mandy will be remembered for his generous nature, social graces, style, impeccable character and integrity, and his devotion to his loved ones. His name will live on through his family, family business and myriad philanthropic endeavors.

Mandy is predeceased by his first wife, Jane Elsie Miller, second wife, Betty Lou Haydnet, and brother, Florenz “Flo” Ourisman. He is survived by his wife, Mary Martin Ourisman; sons David J., John M., and Robert B. Ourisman; step-sons Daniel L. and Thomas E. Korengold, and Colby M. Johnson; step-sister Wallace Annenberg; sixteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will take place on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016.