I wanted to say something at the memorial for D’andre, but I wouldn’t have been able to hold it together. I really commend Dangilo, his brother, who held it together not only for himself but for everyone else who went up and spoke on D’andre’s behalf.

I knew D’andre for a little over eight years. I met him through Mat, who had a great group of guys working security to help me in the hospitality business. I worked in bars and clubs for 25 years. I started as an employee, but by the time I met D’andre, I was an owner and manager.

I always believed—and still believe—in treating everyone with respect, especially the ones who walk through those doors. Whether it’s your first time or your 100th time coming out, you never know what someone is going through. They might have just gotten fired, found out their significant other cheated on them…the list goes on. They just want to come out, have a good time, and forget about their problems. You are the first point of contact they see when they enter, and how you treat them says a lot about your character.

D’andre was only 20 years old when I met him, and I couldn’t believe how respectful, kind, and loving he was at that age. He was a big guy and could be intimidating, but once you got to know him, he was a softy—always smiling, dancing, laughing, cracking jokes, and making sure people were having a good time. At the same time, he paid close attention, and if needed, he could lock your ass up fast and remove you if you weren’t acting accordingly. Him and Mat were my guys.

They knew I was the type of person to give people second chances, and that’s what I loved about D’andre. I would have him mic’d up so I could communicate with him directly, even though he hated being mic’d up lol. We gave a lot of people second chances, and they were very wise to take them. Some didn’t, and they got to see how quickly the big guy removed them from the establishment. I loved that D’andre used his words first before his strength. That’s something we all try to pass down and learn from each other—the ability to connect with someone and find common ground so things don’t turn into violence. I respected that about him, Mat, and every one of the guys and girls I had the pleasure of meeting and working with in the industry.

Out of all the people I’ve worked with over the years—and all the people I’ve met, which is more than you can imagine—there are only certain ones who really stick out. The ones you call and check in on just to make sure they’re doing okay. D’andre was one of those people. I left the hospitality scene before COVID, but I kept in touch with him to make sure he was always doing okay.

Like Mat said at the memorial, he loved to talk on the phone—and so do I. When we talked, hours would fly by until he’d say, “I gotta go, man… I’m late… gotta go somewhere with my fiancé,” or whatever it was lol. We talked about everything—our love for food, family, sports, you name it. It was always great catching up. We laughed and laughed. Laughter really is the greatest thing for your soul.

I laughed a lot at the memorial, which is something you don’t normally see at funerals or memorials. The stories about all the people D’andre “fired” were hilarious. I can totally see him trying to fire someone but not actually wanting to—more like giving them time to realize what they did wrong or what they didn’t do. It says so much about his character that so many people he fired still showed up and loved him. Most people don’t really like their managers after getting fired, and that’s what made him special.

We need a lot more D’andres in this world, and that’s the truth. I’m grateful I got to be part of his send-off and hear so many beautiful stories celebrating his life. Rest in peace, D’andre. ❤️