dan minella

With deep sorrow, the family of Dan James “DJ” Minella announces his passing on October 21, 2024, at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by his beloved family.

DJ was a devoted family man. He was a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Known for his warmth, generosity, and love of life, he touched everyone who knew him. Born January 5, 1942, in Steubenville, Ohio, he was the son of the late Dan James Minella, Sr. and Marie (Agresta) Minella.

DJ is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Sharon “Shay” (DeMarco) Minella; his son Daniel James (Kim) Minella; and his treasured granddaughter, Giuliana Marie Minella. Also surviving are his sister Vivian (Tony) Satkowski of Las Vegas; his niece Lisa Marie Satkowski; nephew Anthony (Vicky) Satkowski and their son Jayden of Wintersville, Ohio; and a great nephew Anthony Michael Satkowski of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

A 1959 graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School, DJ loved music and was a talented trumpeter, playing first chair in the Steubenville Concert Band. One of his favorite songs to perform was “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. DJ also had a passion for cooking and photography. He transformed his photography business into a thriving wedding photography business in 1968, capturing the most joyous moments for countless families across the tristate area.

In his early career, DJ worked as an apprentice optician at Ace Optical in Steubenville, then became the youngest arena manager in the U.S. at the Steubenville Diocesan Community Arena. In 1967, DJ married Shay, and they settled in Weirton, West Virginia, where DJ worked at Weirton Steel Corporation and continued his passion for photography. His vibrant personality and compassionate heart were evident in all he did.

DJ was active in the Sons of Italy, proudly honoring his Italian heritage, and he served as a councilman on the Weirton City Council, contributing to his community with dedication. In 2003, DJ and Shay retired to Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas, where he served on the Architectural Review Committee and enjoyed close proximity to his family. Nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his granddaughter, Giuliana, whom he adored and admired deeply.

DJ was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held in his honor at 11:00 am on November 14th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Las Vegas. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever remember his infectious laughter, generous spirit, and the joy he brought into their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in DJ’s honor to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Foundation.

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dan James "D.J." Minella 's name.

American Diabetes Association

www.diabetes.org

American Heart Association

www.heart.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Our deepest sympathy to all of the Minella family! We had the privilege to have known and spent some very special times together! Will keep all of you in our prayers in this very difficult time! Love to all Becky and Gary McCaig

  2. Dan and family,
    So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father! He was so proud of you! Thinking of your family —
    God Bless –
    Darla , Dave & Dylan Osaba

  3. Candle Selection 2Sending my deepest sympathy to Shay, Danny, Kim, Giuliana and all of Dj’s family. He was a bright light in this world. He and Tony must be reminiscing in the heavens. ❤️

  4. When I worked for Dr agresta DJ was the light of my day when he came in and most of the time to just talk to the Doc and make us all laugh..he loved his family and was very proud of his son and let that shine down on his little twinkle of his eye his granddaughter you will be missed thank you for all the laughs

  5. Candle Selection 4Pat,Audrey,Stephanie Russo. We’re so sad to hear this news. We’re sending prayers and hugs to you and yours. God Bless.

  6. I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Minella’s passing. I became acquainted with him at Madonna High School, and immediately liked and respected him. Hugs and prayers to the family.

  7. DJ was just the best. We had so many beautiful memories when we traveled with the street rods, our neighborhood parties, he took pictures of every occasion our family had, and they always look out for me. The Minella’s are my family and I love each one of them. DJ is with Warren now, probably talking about car wax or garage organizing or homage gnocchi’s ! Love you my friend.💔

  8. Candle Selection 2So very sorry to learn of DJ’s passing. Though it had been many years, I still remember his laugh and kindness. Prayers for his family.🙏🙏🙏

  9. Shay, Dan, and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy and prayers. We loved DJ and he will be missed. God Bless. Gary and Vicki ❤️🙏❤️

  10. Candle Selection 5I have great memories of Mr. Minella. I cherished the Sunday afternoons at his house watching TV as Mr. Minella made a delicious spaghetti dinner for all of Danny’s friends.

  11. Dan and Family,

    So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a ray of light to everyone he talked to!

    God Bless,

    Michael and Maribeth Arlia

  12. My deepest sympathyto Mrs. Minella, Danny and family on the loss of DJ. He was a great guy. I will keep you all in my prayers.


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