News

On March 21, 2020 God called back one of his Angels, our beloved Stephanie DeLucca Alves. Stephanie was born and raised in Madera, Ca. and lived here for a great part of her life. “Steph” was a social butterfly from the time she was born; she loved people and especially treasured her family. She was very active in High School. Pep, dancing, modeling, campfire girls and 4 H. After graduating high school, she worked as a dental assistant to later receive her license as an RDA.

She then moved to the coast to further her career. There she met her beloved husband Mike and they were blessed to have twins, with Celeste being the only survivor. “Steph” loved and adored her daughter Celeste, who became her whole world. Stephanie’s personality would light up a room when she entered with her bubby personality.

Howard Ray Breedlove (80), long time Madera business owner went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. He was surrounded by those he loved, following a brief and challenging illness. Howard was born in Idabel, Oklahoma to Leroy and Lilly Belle Travis Breedlove. Howard moved from Southern California to Madera with his wife Frances in 1969.

After working as a roofer for many years, Howard and Frances started Madera Roofing, Inc. in 1975. He successfully operated it for 45 years. Also, he started Madera-Vegas Roofing in Nevada with his son in law Bart Burnett and they operated it for about five years. In addition to the roofing companies, he also built medical offices, apartments and residential homes.

Pete Gambetta (95), of Madera, passed away on Friday, March 6 at Madera Community Hospital. Pete was born in San Rafael, CA, and was raised during the depression in the bay area. Pete excelled at sports and played collegiate level football, basketball and golf at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, which was interrupted by his service in the US Army during WWII, where he was part of the Normandy invasion and the end of the war.

Pete finished college after WWII and passed on an opportunity to playing in the emerging NFL. He instead started his almost 40 year career in agricultural sales in the central valley, which ultimately brought him to Madera. Pete was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Madera Golf & Country Club.

Mario Montagna (86), passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 in Madera, CA. He was a Lifelong resident of Madera and graduated from Madera Union High School Class of 1951, soon after joining the US Navy where he served during the Korean Conflict.

Mario has a career that spanned 35 years in the Lumber Industry starting with Madera Lumber then Boise Cascade, Willard Lumber and retired from BMC West in 1997. He also farmed grapes and was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church where he led Adorations on Mondays.

Thomas Gutierrez “Tommy Gun”, resident of Madera, CA passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the age of 27. He was born March 4, 1992, to Tommy Gutierrez, Jr, and Stephanie Valenzuela in Fresno, California.

Thomas, better known by most as Tommy Gun, graduated from Madera High South Campus. He loved playing baseball and was on numerous teams throughout his life. Tommy Gun was a huge fan of the Raiders, the Lakers and the Dodgers.

Neil Ellwood Peart, (67) was a Canadian musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. Peart received numerous awards for his musical performances, including an induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983, making him the youngest person ever so honored. His drumming was renowned for its technical proficiency, and his live performances for their exacting nature and stamina.

Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario (now part of St. Catharines). During adolescence, he floated between regional bands in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer. After a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music, Peart returned home, where he joined Rush, a Toronto band, in mid-1974.