Information provided from Legacy.com
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 3:00pm 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.