News

Pete Gambetta (95)

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)

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” (27)

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.

Exit the Warrior - Rush's Neil Peart Passes at 67

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.

Carol Sue Martin (49)

Carol Sue Martin (49) a native of Fresno and a 40 year resident of Madera, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno.

Carol attended Madera Schools, including Webster School in the Ranchos and later graduated from Madera High School with the Class of 1988. Carol was an employee of Valley Children’s Hospital for 14 years, most recently as a Lab Technician. Carol enjoyed her work at Valley Children’s and the friendships of her co-workers.

Samantha Lilly Martinez (20)

Samantha Lilly Martinez (20) from Madera California passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019. She was the oldest daughter of Isaac and Victoria Martinez.

Samantha graduated from Madera South High School in 2017. She had an adventurous spirit and lived life to the fullest, creating laughter wherever she went. Sam will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with her.

Former Madera Mayor Paul “Bud” Sanders Passes at 81.

Paul Thomas “Bud” Sanders (81), a former Madera City Council member and mayor of Madera, died Dec. 6, 2019, after having suffered from a lung illness of long duration. Mr. Sanders was born on May 10, 1938, in Blytheville, Arkansas.

He married Pamela Gordon in October 1960, and they were married for 59 years. They had four children. Mr. Sanders was proud of his military service, having served in both the Army and Navy. Mr. Sanders moved with his family to Madera in December 1967 after being transferred with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). He worked in the Madera CHP office for 19 years.