Community remembers longtime business owner Dewey Guida Jr.

Craig Howell
PAYING TRIBUTE — Many are remembering the life of Dewey Guida this week, following his death Tuesday at the age of 80. Guida, at right, joined with Weirton Mayor Harold Miller during an event April 1 celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Three Springs Drive location of DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille.

WEIRTON — The founder of one of the area’s most popular restaurants is being remembered, not only for his famous ribs, but for his kindness and contributions to the community.

Dewey Guida Jr., known as the longtime owner of DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, died Tuesday at the age of 80.

While no longer involved in the restaurant he led for approximately 40 years, Guida’s example set a legacy for generations of employees and the current ownership.

“On behalf of the ownership, Mount Nebo Foods, we are saddened for the loss of a legend and mentor,” said Tony Ferraro, who said he had been friends with Guida for more than 25 years.

Ferraro referred to Guida as “the king of consistency,” noting it was important to him to have a quality product on which the customer could rely.

“Dewey will be really missed, but never forgotten,” he said.

DeeJay’s was first opened in 1980 in a renovated former car wash on Pennsylvania Avenue in Weirton. Originally a disco, Guida and his brother, the late J.J. Guida, shifted their focus toward a restaurant and introducing the ribs which would bring customers to the city from throughout the Tri-State Area.

“If we had one product that was good, that’s all we needed,” Guida said during a ceremony held April 1 in celebration of 20 years of the DeeJay’s location on Three Springs Drive.

Mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller pointed to a decades-long relationship with Guida, dating back to the earliest days of DeeJay’s, saying the restaurant would attract customers of Weirton Steel Corp., with many business meetings taking place around one of Guida’s tables.

Some individuals, Miller said, would fly into Weirton just to get food from DeeJay’s.

“It was like that with so many people,” Miller said, adding it would be difficult to find someone from the area without a story about Guida. “He had that uniqueness to bring people together.”

Highlighted by Guida’s hospitality, DeeJay’s became a destination for professional athletes, entertainers and political figures, in addition to residents of the Ohio Valley.

“Dewey was a pillar of strength and exceptional leadership, and I’m proud to have called him my dear friend,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “Throughout his over 50-year career, Dewey became known for his vision, work ethic and integrity, which have been admired by countless people, both regionally and nationally. The connections he created allowed him the outlet to share his wonderful personality with people from all around the world. Even so, the Weirton community where he raised his beloved children remained the most near and dear to his heart. He always considered his family his greatest accomplishment of all: His wife Karen, children Dewey III, Joseph, Kara and Michael V, as well as many grandchildren, extended family members and countless loved ones throughout our Great State of West Virginia and our entire country. My thoughts and prayers are with all who carry on his legacy — a true example of the West Virginia spirit.”

Guida was honored numerous times for his commitment to Weirton, the Ohio Valley and the state, including being named the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival Italian-American of the Year in 2021 and being inducted into the Weirton Hall of Fame in 2018 alongside his brother, J.J. In 2003, he was recognized with the Distinguished West Virginian Award by former governor Bob Wise.

“He was a really big part of our goal every year,” noted Don Gianni Jr., who had been chairman of the board for the Weirton United Way.

Gianni explained Guida often would arrange for financial contributions toward the United Way’s annual campaign, donate gift cards and other items for fundraisers, sponsor activities, and he and the restaurant’s employees often would organize efforts of their own to raise money for the organization.

“He was very instrumental and contributed very kindly to the United Way,” Gianni said.

Guida’s reach often made its way out of the Weirton city limits, making a difference throughout the Tri-State Area.

“Dewey Guida supported our Teramana Cancer Center for many years making an incredible impact on patients who sought care,” said Laurie Labishak, market director for Trinity Health System. “His generosity made it possible for the purchase of new equipment and the investment in renovations to the cancer center over the years. We are incredibly grateful for his support and offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends at this time of sorrow.”

For many years, DeeJay’s organized a T-shirt sale in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with funds benefiting both Trinity’s Tony Teramana Cancer Center and medical services at Weirton Medical Center.

“Dewey embodied the spirit of the Upper Ohio Valley, especially the Weirton community. It didn’t matter whether you were an oil and gas worker, a steelworker, a congressman, or a professional athlete, Dewey treated everyone the same: like a friend,” said Kelli McCoy, communications director of Weirton Medical Cener. “His philanthropic endeavors may never be matched again in this community. He’d call just about every year to donate to the WMC BreastCare Center, and we will never forget him.”

He also made various contributions to the Salvation Army, including a donation to hurricane relief efforts in Galveston, Texas, in 2017.

Before opening the restaurant, Miller noted, Guida was involved in real estate development, helping to build Golden Key Acres, Kingsview Estates, Bel Air Addition, Valley Way, Bell Boulevard and Terrace Heights.

Miller said he and Guida also served on several organizational boards together, and he valued his input on matters over the years.

Guida is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen, their children, Dewey III, Joseph, Kara and Michael, five grandchildren and other extended family.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held Monday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church.

(Staff writer Warren Scott contributed to this article)