On Sunday, February 14, 2021, David “Dave” A. Minett, loving husband, father of two, and Wahlker’s “Pa”, passed away peacefully at his home in Ellwood City, PA at age 66.
Dave was born on September 20, 1954 in Ellwood City, PA to the late William and Nell (Richards) Minett. He was a graduate of Riverside High School and received his Bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University in 1976. On November 26, 1977, Dave married JoAnn (Leonberg). Together, they raised two children, David Jr. and Jennifer. Dave had been a resident of the Ellwood City area all of his life and had recently retired from Good Wheels, having worked at the McElwain family of automotive dealerships for more than 30 years.
In addition to his passion for cars, Dave enjoyed woodworking and antiques, was an avid reader, and treasured spending time with family and friends. Dave was a life-long, active member, and supporter of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he participated in the chancel choir and served on many committees, including the church council. He was also a Mason.
Dave is survived by his loving wife JoAnn, son David Jr., daughter Jennifer Zackasee and her husband Mark, grandson Wahlker Zackasee, mother-in-law Genevieve Leonberg, brother Thomas (Donna) Minett, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services are limited to immediate family but will be streamed through Trinity Lutheran’s Facebook page (<http://www.facebook.com/trinityellwood>) at noon (12pm ET) on Friday, February 19. All wishing to support the family are encouraged to join the services, virtually. Services will be conducted by the Marshall Funeral Home, Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s name to the Memorial Fund at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellwood City:
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Memorial Fund, in memory of David Minett
207 Spring Ave
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
There are no words that can comfort those who have known and loved David. Especially JoAnn and his family. But celebrating the life he lived and the lives he touched is truly the measure of the man David was. I pledged Theta Chi Fraternity with David in 1973 and we have been friends since. He an his brother Tom have had some of the most positive influences on my life. Recently, I had the opportunity to receive a national award for things I had achieved. In my acceptance speech, the first person I thanked (though he was not there to hear it) was David. He was a friend, mentor, a leader, a person who cared for others and was willing to extend an assisting hand without reservation. His kindness, insights, caring and fairness have grown like ripples thorough a pond influencing lives of individuals that he may not have even been aware. Though there is hurt in my heart, even as I write this, I know that place in my heart will never go away because it is a space that is also full of incredible happy, fun and joyful memories of my lifelong friend, David.
My deepest condolences. David truly embodied our fraternity motto: always lend a helping hand. My thoughts and prayers are with David and family. God bless.
I had the honor of knowing Dave during my years at Slippery Rock. I was a Little Sister of Theta Chi. Dave had a wonderful smile and away of making one feel welcome. Just to relate his kindness to me as a friend and a little sister.. there was a time when I bought a Buick from him (it had been his), so that I could get to my new job safely…and he made sure it was safe and pretty (he painted it)…and he didn’t charge me what I’m sure he could have…He was a good man and I’m sorry for the pain of this loss for his family and friends. God bless all.
Dave was my Theta Chi big brother and my memories of him going the extra mile for others are countless. A good man, a good friend….
Dave was my Big Brother at Theta Chi. When I graduated and moved to Texas I lost touch, but never forgot him. He was a great guy and will be missed.
my deepest condolences to Daves family. he was the true embodiment of what a brother was in our fraternity during a very special time in the history of theta chi at slippery rock.