Danny Ray Truax

Danny Ray Truax, 78, of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following complications from a recent heart surgery.

Born on February 10, 1948, in Steubenville, Ohio, Danny was the youngest of three children born to the late Bert Adair and Hattie Mae Coffman Truax. He grew up in Weirton and graduated from Weir High School with the Class of 1967.

Danny was the definition of a hard worker. He dedicated 37 years of service to Weirton Steel, where he worked in the Hot Mill, before retiring. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. He went on to spend another seven years working as an electrician at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort before finally stepping away from full-time employment.

It was at a dance in Follansbee, West Virginia, where Danny met the love of his life, Bonnie Santoro. The two were married on October 21, 1970, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 55 years. Together they built a home centered on family, raising a son and a daughter and later welcoming four grandchildren who became the greatest joys of Danny’s life.

Nothing meant more to Danny than his family. Some of his happiest memories were made during family vacations, especially trips to the Outer Banks, Ocean Isle Beach, and Smith Mountain Lake.

An outdoorsman at heart, Danny enjoyed fishing and hunting whenever he could. He also had a lifelong fascination with history, particularly the Civil War. He loved reading about it and made numerous trips to Gettysburg, where he enjoyed walking the historic battlefields and deepening his appreciation for America’s past.

Danny also looked forward to traveling with his friends to NASCAR races, creating countless memories along the way. Around family and friends, he was known as a gifted storyteller and an accomplished jokester whose quick wit and sense of humor could brighten any room. He had an uncanny ability to make people laugh and loved sharing stories from his life and career.

A devoted sports fan, Danny faithfully cheered for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Wheeling Nailers, and the Green Bay Packers.
He also had a love for dogs, especially his boxers, Daisy, Dixie, Mugsy and Stella.

He was a member of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club and formerly the Hancock County Sportsman’s Club.

In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert “Buck” Truax and his infant sister, Marie Lois Truax.

He will be forever cherished by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bonnie Santoro Truax; his son, Brian (Sheri) Truax; his daughter, Donna (Truax) Zakrzewski; and his four grandchildren, Ashlee and Kayla Zakrzewski, and Charlotte and Mason Truax.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 1-3PM and 5-7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 AM. His good friend Rev. Larry Barkley will preside.

Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock County Humane Foundation.

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.