Dan James "D.J." Minella Jr.

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.
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