daniel olexia
Daniel James Olexia, 64 of Weirton passed away Monday, September 17, 2012 at home, surrounded by his adoring family. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Francis (Emery) Olexia and mother-in-law Mildred Kelchak. Dan is survived by his dear wife and best friend of 40 years , Cheryl Kelchak Olexia; son Daniel Christopher and wife Erin Olexia of Annapolis, MD; daughter Kelli and Timothy McCoy of Wintersville, OH and Drs. Albert Ryan and Molly Olexia of Fort Wright, KY. Dan lived for his family and adored his five grandchildren, Timothy Quinn and Shea Alexa McCoy, Avery Drea and Huntley Grace Olexia and Lillian Jane Olexia. He is also survived by sister Helanka (James) Ralston of Springfield, OH, Madeline (Patrick) Goss of Asheville, NC and brother-in-law George (Darlene) Kelchak. Though not blood, but just like sons and daughters to him were James and Valerie Gump (daughters Macey and Emily) of Weirton and Katie Cutrone and Jeff Bostead of Colliers. Dan was a graduate of Mingo High School and was known as "The Mingo Flash" as a young football standout. After attending West Liberty State College, he was a history teacher, followed by 31 years as an employee/owner of the Weirton Steel Corporation. Upon retirement, Dan began working for the West Virginia Lottery Commission, where he had worked for the past 12 years. Over the past 30 years, Dan served a leadership role, most recently as President, of the Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Club, honoring local athletes and coaches. Dan was an avid sports fan, spending his weekends with family and friends cheering on the Steelers, the Mountaineers and The Big Red. He was a man who knew no stranger and was always smiling. A special thank you is sent to those who, in addition to his family, were especially helpful in recent months. They are Larry and Debbie Savage, Mark Basil, John Jackson, Rusty and Carolyn Delanta, Bobby Kovalick, Eddie Conley, the staff of the Teramana Cancer Center and Dan's beloved physician, Dr. Pervaiz Rahman. Dan's family would also like to send a special thank you to the staff of Valley Hospice and dear friend Cathy Cich of Charity Hospice. The visitation celebration will be Thursday, September 20, 2012 11am until 5pm, at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV followed by a memorial at 5pm, lead by Dan's long-time friend Danny Greathouse. Monetary donations may be sent to WTOV9 Coats for Kids at 9 Red Donley Plaza Steubenville, OH 43952.

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Guestbook

  1. I offer my deepest sympathies to the entire Olexia family for the loss your are suffering. I must say that Dan was one of the nicest persons i have ever come in contact with. He will be deeply missed by everybody who knew him. God Bless.

  2. cheryl and family, Sorry to hear of your great loss. Dan was a super guy and i enjoyed working with him in Dapper Dan and also little league. He helped so many people and he made Dapper Dan. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, jerry hamill

  3. Cheryl,Chris,Kelli & Ryan, I am so sad to hear about Danny,what a Crazy Fun guy. So many great memories of him growing up on Arena Drive. Know that I am thinking and praying for all of you. Its tough cause I still can’t believe my Dad is gone, but all your happy memories will help. Take Care, Diana

  4. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. May God be very near you at this time of deepest sorrow. God Bless. The Waide Family

  5. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. May God be very near you at this time of deepest sorrow. God Bless.

  6. I would like to give my sympathy to the entire Olexia family. Especially my Arena Dr. Crew: Cheryl, Chris, Kelli, and Ryan. I just loved Danny Olexia, he was the life of Arena Dr. I have so many great memories of Danny while growing up. He would drop everything to do something with us kids. Then as I grew up I saw how he would drop everything to be there for my family. He was a GREAT guy who will be loved and missed!! He also could do the best toe jump on the entire street!! Love you guy, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jenn (Delanta) Belt

  7. my deepest sympathy on Dan’s passing..i have many good memories from way back when he was in grade school in Mingo Junction.he was a good man and very personable..i’m sure you all have many good memories also..may he rest in peace… to all the family; God bless you…..Ron Pizzoferrato

  8. My deepest thoughts and prayers to you over the loss of Dan. I will certainly miss his cheerful disposition and sense of humor. Russell Lopez

  9. Dearest Kelli, Tim, Quinn, Shea, and the entire Olexia Family: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Dad, Husband, Grandfather. Kelli it seems like only yesterday when you told me that your Dad was diagnosed with this disease. I still find it so hard to believe that he is gone. Please know that I, along with all of your family at Charity Hospice, are here for you and your family in any way that we can be for you. We all love you so much! Know also that we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss. With my Love BFF, Cath

  10. Danny O. You were a special man and did your job as a father, raising great kids. Your family is and always will be in our thoughts and prayers. See you again. TJ Billiard & Family

  11. Cheryl and Family, Im so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He will be missed by all. He certainly brightened all our lives. Prayers to all. Jeanne Ann ANd Dan VanFossan

  12. My deepest sympathies to the entire Olexia Family. Dan and I spent many Sundays coaching the Weirton Steelers. Although we didn’t socialize, we remained friends all these years. He will be surely missed by all that knew him. You are all in my prayers at this sad time.

  13. Cheryl and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing others are thinking about you during this difficult time.

  14. Cheryl and family, We were so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. Although we did not know him well, he was the first baseball coach that our son,Craig, had in little league. Mark credits Dan with helping Craig become the baseball player that he was in high school. Our sympathy and prayers to your entire family. Rest in peace, Dan. Mark and Barbara Trushel

  15. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the family members of Dan. Although we both work with the Lottery Commission, we didn’t see each other that much, I will always remember his cheerful disposition and warm smile. God Bless You

  16. Dear Cheryl & Family, We were so saddened to learn of Dan’s passing. We know how much he’ll be missed by his family and friends and all who loved him. We hope you’ll be comforted by knowing that one day you will be reunited again, till then hang on to the “good times” ~~~ with love and friendship, Mike and Janice Memory Eternal

  17. It was my pleasure to have taken care of Mr. Olexia (or “Dan the Man”, as he explained that to have been what he used to be called) at Weirton Medical Center. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Olexia’s family and friends. With sincerity, Anthony Rees

  18. Dear Cheryl and Family, We were so sad to hear of Dan’s passing. Please know that the memories will be there to cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Bob and Terri Marino

  19. Sending prayers and sympathy to the Olexia family. Danny was a kind and wonderful person. RIP Danny with no more pain. In Christian love, Nina Matthews

  20. Cheryl and family So sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. We just learned that he was ill. We extend our sympathy to you and your family. We know how close Dan was to all of you. Shirley, Bob, and Aunt Bernice

  21. Cheryl, Sending sincere sympathy to you and your family. Keeping all of you close in thoughts and prayers. Ken and Darla Ogle

  22. My deepest sympathies to the family of Dan. I happen to be one of the lucky ones to graduate class of 66 – Mingo High School with Dan. I remember the school dances,football games, and seeing Dan (FLASH) across the football field. There was never a dull moment when Dan was around. He will always be remembered. Those were the good ol’ days. My sincere Blessings. Betty (Schayes) Isaly

  23. Cheryl and family, we are so sorry to hear about Dan. He was a great guy..always cared about others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cheryl and Joe Cicchirillo

  24. To the family of Dan Olexia I had the pleasure of meeting Dan at the Teramana cancer center when I was going through chemo this year, we started talking and he told me his story as I did mine and how the chemo and treatment affected you. It always help those who were going through it to talk and pass the time away. He like to read and eat and he would name the good places to eat and he liked margarets here in Toronto (fish). He was a fine gentleman and got me through my time with the treatment and may he rest in peace. Fondly Linda Carter

  25. I would like to express sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Daniel. May your family find comfort in such a turbulent time and find the words at Romans 15:4 to be a source of hope in this time of despair.

  26. Dear Cheryl, Chris, Ryan, Kelli, George, and Families, Just wanted to offer my sincere Condolences at the loss of our Danbo. What great memories we all have. I think most of us have stories we could tell from here to eternity and trust me that may be the best to do. The Memories that you all have must now become your friend. He loved you all so very very much and to spend time with each other reflecting on the shared memories as you travel the grief path of missing him will be so much of a help. May God bless you all and keep you close with each other. Love, Darlene an ole friend from EPG.

  27. Cheryl, Chris, Kelli, and Ryan, Thinking of you all…..sorry to hear about your loss….the entire Olexia family makes me smile and Remember great times…..you all will be in my thoughts and prayers…… With deepest sympathy, Jenny Baird

  28. Cheryl and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Danny was such a great neighbor and always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed. God Bless all of you.

  29. Cheryl,Chris,Kelly,Ryan and families. I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a great guy. I remember all the good times with our dancing days and coming to your house and cutting hair. I am so glad that I had the chance to know him. May God Bless you and help you throught this sorrow time. Remember that God has a new angel watching over all of you. God Bless.

  30. we are so sorry for the passing of your husband/Daddy. We had always loved to be around him, with such a great sense of humor and always dependable. Our prayers will be said for you to be strong during this struggle of life. with our love.

  31. Cheryl and Family, We were so sorry to hear about Dan. We missed you two at the reunion, but I kept forgetting to ask George why you weren’t there. We’ll keep you all in our prayers and hope good memories and the love of your friends and family help you get through this difficult time. Steve, Linda and Daniel Richards

  32. To the family of Danny, I had the pleasure of meeting your loved one through business at PNC bank. He had the wodnerful ability to always make you smile. I will keep your family in my prayers. Karen

  33. To the entire Olexia family, Every moment we got to spend around Danny was so much fun and we will miss him. We have always felt honored to spend time with the amazing, generous and friendly Olexia family. Our thoughts are with you all. Michael, Shannon and Miles Kellner

  34. Cheryl and family, Our thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family through your loss,his kindness and friendliness to all of us girls through our dancing years from him and you Cheryl we always remembered. Love and Prayers, Melissa,Maria,Jenna&Jessica Elbon and Debbie Blavos

  35. Cheryl and Family, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Danny and I had lots of good times together on the railroad, back in the day. My prayers are with you and your family. Becky and I have been in Florida for the past two weeks so I am sorry that we were not there to pay our respects. Sincerely, Gary

  36. Cheryl and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I first met Danny in college and worked with him at the mill. He was well liked and will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow.

  37. Cheryl and family, You have my deepest sympathy. I remember all when you lived upstairs of my mom. (Marie). Hope you get along OK. Love to all Donna Carey

  38. Kelli and Family: So sorry to hear about your father. He was a first class guy and a real gentleman. I first me him through Rudy Mumley and the O.V.A.C. and Dapper Dan. He was always so nice and kind to me. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Pete & Erin Cuffaro

  39. Kelli, so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope you let the great times you had with him bring you peace. I will certainly keep your Father and family in my prayers.

  40. Cheryl, Kelli and family, Bill and I were so sorry to hear of this today. All of our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you. If there is anything at all we can do to make this time any easier please contact us. You know where to find us! We were quite shocked to hear this very sad news. Love to you all as always. Denise and Bill Blakemore


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