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Daniel Joyella Obituary
April 4 1986 - July 17 2017 A life too brief…a life so full.
When reality was too boring, he created his own. A filmmaker, photographer and visual artist, Dan Joyella was at his heart a story teller. His eye for the absurd, hilarious or timely detail (whether true or too good to be) never failed to hit the mark. A fit of laughter, a recoil of shock or welling of the eye was his reward.
A generous, sensitive and caring person, Dan loved bringing people together and showing them – not just a good time – but the best damn time of their lives. He hosted too many to name at Cloud City in Boston, his Tree House in LA or his sanctuary in Santa Barbara.
Dan loved his family: parents Karen and Jim, little sister Suzanne, brothers Mark and Chris, late grandmother Ruth and, of course, Mowgli, his majestic cat and professional muse.
He was always the first to call a friend…although never by their given name. To him they were Chez, De Janeiro, Beebs, Ls, Rottone, IBBL, Big Shot, The Ranger or Matt Malone. To them, he was D-Joy, DJJ or Danny.
After family, friends, and stories, it was high performance German automobiles that Dan loved - always tuned to his exacting after-market specifications. Against the better advice of family, friends and Mowgli he was in talks to acquire a 911 convertible at the time of his unexpected passing.
Dan left us far too soon, as a result of an undiagnosed medical condition. He will be remembered by those who loved him through his films, photos and words. But most of all he will live on in the unique reality he created for all of them.
Dan will be honored at a memorial service on Saturday July 22 at 3PM at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, One West Putnam Avenue. A reception will follow the service, in Fellowship Hall at the church.
Dan's family is grateful for the outpouring of love and affection that has surrounded them at this painful time. They ask that you follow in Dan's footsteps and show your love for someone today, and every day.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Dan's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Joyella
Freya Bloomer
July 14, 2020
Thinking of you young man -we do miss you. The Bloomers
Gina Anderson Williamson
July 25, 2017
As I was catching up on the Greenwich news here in New Orleans, I saw the notice about Dan. I was heartbroken. Remembering Dan very well from his HS days in the First Presby Youth Group when I worked there. He was bright, quick witted and loveable. A talent of capturing moments in pictures and video. I cannot begin to comprehend your loss. But I do hope knowing how many people he touched in his short life here offers some level of comfort. Peace, love and light to you.
Sarah
July 23, 2017
To Dan's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Dan through my long time friend Leo....when I moved to LA, Leo and Dan had just moved there recently as well. Dan of course took me under his wing, showed me around the town, looked out for me at parties, took me hiking...showed me his amazing, kind heart and joyous personality. Even though we haven't seen each other in years, I often think about how much fun we had together and his amazing enthusiasm for life. He was such a kind person with such a big heart. Thinking of you.
July 22, 2017
Dearest Dan,
I needed to write to you...my heart hurts so much. I have loved you since the day you were born and I went to see you in the hospital...the most precious boy with the most gorgeous big blue eyes. I was smitten. As you were growing up, I was so honored to be included at your little birthday parties and fun events. I loved meeting your little buddies, all who will be here this afternoon to say an impossible goodbye. I loved taking you on your first trip to Disney and reading you bedtime stories. Then, as time passed, I enjoyed hearing about high school and college and trips you took and the amazingly creative talent that you had. I still have a film that you made in Honduras and will treasure it always. You were a beautiful, sensitive soul inside and out and you will be part of my soul forever. I love you kiddo. Say hello to your Grandma and Roxie for me.
Rest in peace sweet boy.
Love, Aunt Diane
Kris Lowe
July 22, 2017
Karen, Jim and Suzanne,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this unimaginably difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Kris, Peter, Caroline and Matthew Lowe
Freya Blooomer
July 21, 2017
Dear Jim, Karen and Suzanne
I can hardly believe I am writing in this Guest Book.
I am devastated to hear the news about Dan. He was such a charmer and I can see him with his cherubic smile in the kitchen at Pinecrest Road. It is an enormous loss of such a treasure.
My heart goes out to you three.
I hope the yellow "Knockout Roses" from Kate and I will bloom your garden and remind you of his boyish hair.
With so much love
Freya Bloomer
Jackie
July 20, 2017
Dear Karen and Jim,
I only knew Dan as Danny, in my year as au pair for his friend PJ, but it's a case of once known ,never forgotten, lovely lovely memories. I am so sorry for your loss. Jackie (Sheffield, England)
Pamela Herman
July 20, 2017
Oh Jim,
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May your son Dan's memory always be a blessing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
With sympathy,
Pamela
Bonita Krauss
July 20, 2017
Dear Karen, Jim, and Suzanne,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bonita and Kurt
July 20, 2017
Karen, Jim, Suzanne & Family, we are heartbroken for your sudden and unimaginable loss of Dan. Please know our prayers are with you. Over time his memories will ease your pain.Sending big hugs to all of you. Scott & Suzanne Diddel
Jonathan Pruett
July 20, 2017
Dear Karen and Jim,
When I opened my electronic copy of the Greenwich Time this morning and saw the notice about Dan, I was at a complete loss and heartbroken. What a splendid boy he was, and what a fine man he had become. I remember him so well from when I was working with the high school kids at church. He was bright, quick witted and loveable. And it seems everyone around him loved him and spending time with him. I cannot begin to comprehend your loss as a family. But I do hope the wonderful memories and messages from all those who loved him bring you some comfort. Sending you all my love and my prayers, JP
Eileen Wilkinson
July 20, 2017
Dear Karen, Jim and Suzanne,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eileen, Joe, Elise and Chris Wilkinson
skip
July 20, 2017
To my friend and partner, I will miss spending the hours with you at the dining room table. Me scratching out the "thumb-nails"...
And you "I got it, I got it!" working your magic and turning them into an amazing animated piece of film!
I knew there was something special there... from that first "screening" in you parents kitchen.
Godspeed my friend!
July 20, 2017
Karen, Jim and Suzanne-So sad to hear about Dan. Prayers and hugs to all of you. Love the Christie family
Cos Cob, Ct
albert s kestnbaum
July 20, 2017
Karen, Jim and Suzanne-
I remember Danny well ... a delightfully charming, highly intelligent young man.
My heart goes out to you.
Allison Gubala
July 20, 2017
I am so very sorry to hear of Dan's passing -- thinking of you Joyella family and sending strength your way. ❤
July 20, 2017
Jim and Karen,
Reading Dan's obituary, my first thought was how much I would have enjoyed meeting him, and spending time with him. I can't even begin to comprehend the grief you're feeling at this moment.
In time, you will be able to just focus on the good times you had with him. My deepest sympathy, Stuart Zuckerman
Anne Waters Enberg
July 20, 2017
My heart breaks at losing Dan. While it had been some time since I'd seen him in person, I have so many fond memories of him as a fellow member of FISH at FPCG. Most of them involve him making me laugh until my belly hurt. He was a true friend and kind-hearted person. The world has lost a good one.
So much love and support to the entire Joyella family.
Ken Kolb
July 20, 2017
Karen and Jim
Very sorry for your loss
Sincerely
Martha Franco and family
July 20, 2017
Our heart and prayers go out to all of you during this tender time. May Dan's joyous memories be cherished by all who were blessed to know him. With our deepest condolences and love, The Francos <3
July 20, 2017
Dearest Karen, Jim and Suzanne,
A very thoughtful obituary for a beautiful gem lost at a tender age. My heart is broken for your deep and unimaginable sorrow.
with much love, Louise
July 20, 2017
Karen, Jim, Suzanne and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.
Marie, Dave, David and Tim Wardell
Emily Kunschner
July 20, 2017
Dear Karen,Jim and Suzanne,
With our deepest sympathies and prayers. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Emily, John, Emma and Owen Kunschner
Sterling Showalter
July 19, 2017
Thank you Dan purple teeth for the awesome photos and amazing memories at the ranch. We will pour one out for you homie, love always.
-Show
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