A celebration of the life of former Bay Area Reporter freelance writer Daniel James Aiello will be held Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1430 J Street in Sacramento.
Mr. Aiello, 53, was killed April 15 at Midtown Moped, a scooter repair and rental shop he owned. Two suspects were quickly taken into custody by Sacramento police. Kyle Billy Fletcher, 36, faces murder and other charges. Sabrina Eileen Ahrens-Gravelle, 39, faces a burglary charge.
According to information from Mr. Aiello's family and friends, he was an early political activist in San Mateo County, where he grew up. He graduated from San Carlos High School and UC Davis. He proceeded to work for former Sacramento Mayor Ann Rudin, then worked in Washington, D.C.
Returning to California, Mr. Aiello began reporting for local publications, including the B.A.R., where he worked from 2000-2001, then again from 2008-2009 and 2011 to early 2013. He also wrote for the California Progress Report and the Sacramento-based Statehouse Examiner.
An animal lover, Mr. Aiello's dogs were always at his side at the scooter shop. He also loved art, music, and literature.
Mr. Aiello is survived by his mother, Beverly Aiello; and siblings David, Allison, and LeeAnne (Cliff Larson); sister-in-law, Gina Aiello; nephew, Michael "Mikey" Aiello and niece, Francesca "Cecca" Grady (Beau Grady); and great-nephew, Frank; as well as his father, Frank.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the BOK Ranch Therapeutic Horse Riding Program (http://www.bokranch.com/), St. Paul's Episcopal Church, or a charity of one's choice.