Danny V.
Daniel Robert Vargas Jr., 64, of Fort Wayne, Ind., formerly of Ludington, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born on January 5, 1961, in New York, New York, a son of the late Daniel and Bessie (Negron) Vargas.
Dan graduated from Lake Worth High School in Florida, and obtained degrees from MIT, and Florida State University. He used his education and ambition to start many businesses in many industries. He called himself a “serial entrepreneur.” But his calling was being an entertainer. “Danny V” started his 40 year DJ career in high school with morning announcements and dances. After graduating from MIT, he found the corporate world to be stifling, so he got an overnight gig on a rock station in Florida. He soon discovered sales and did radio sales on his off hours and maintained his radio show. From there, he built nightclubs, designed sound systems, DJ’d events and weddings, business consulting and in recent years emceeing demolition derbies.
What he is most well known for is being a DJ for WMOM and the longest running DJ for the Tiki Lounge in Ludington. Danny had a larger than life personality and brought life and energy into any room he entered.
He met the love of his life, Amanda, in 2012. Their chemistry and love was undeniable. They married in 2018 on a beach in Florida and lived in Ludington for several years. Even though Dan’s mind and memory were drastically affected by several strokes and dementia in the last two years, he never forgot Amanda. And when he could no longer tell her he loved her, he would take her hand as best he could and kiss it.
Dan is survived by his wife, Amanda Vargas; children, Chrissy, Daniel, Phillip, Suzi, Larissa, Savannah, Gabe, Garret, Gavin, and Giddeon; stepsons, Chris, Ian and Kyle; grandchildren, Caroline, Grayson, and Ellie; his brothers Edward and Michael; and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Denise and brother Robert (Bob).
There will be no services at this time. A party will be planned for a later date to be held in Ludington. Memorial contributions can be made online to the Alzheimer’s Association for dementia research.
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