Braden Joseph Pontoli, 36, passed away in Malibu, California on September 9th, 2026.
He was the beloved son of Joseph and Heather Pontoli. He was born on June 28th, 1990 in Beaver, which was where he grew up and attended Beaver Area High School, class of 2009. There you could find him leading the band as drum major, singing in choir, performing in musicals, and playing on the worship team at his church. He was proud to have won 2 Mancini awards for his roles in musicals and also to be chosen for All State Choirs. His music teachers all had an impact on him to pursue his own music education path. He went on to follow his love of music and attended Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, in Berea, Ohio. People cherished all his performances at BW in the Motet Choir, BW Men’s Chorus, Bach Festivals, and the always entertaining Mr. Sun’s Echo. Upon graduating from Baldwin Wallace in 2013 with his Bachelor of Music Education he became the middle school choir director at Learwood Middle School, Avon Lake, Ohio. He loved teaching and was a mentor to many of his students. During his time in Cleveland he collaborated with The Morrison Dance Company, composing music for their dance performances. He was also the Music Director at Rocky River United Methodist Church in Rocky River, Ohio. After teaching for 6 years, he moved to California to attend California Institute of the Arts. He graduated with his Master of Fine Arts in music performance and composition in 2020 and then became an admissions counselor at Los Angeles College of Music. Braden co-established a Nordic choir, Keija Kollektiv with friend Marja, and also was the Music Director at the Claremont United Methodist Church in Claremont, California. He was the worship leader for the California Pacific United Methodist Church Annual Conference 2026 gathering. Braden sang professionally with Los Angeles Master Chorale, The Long Beach Camerata Singers, Catalyst Chamber Choir, Beati Quorum, and the San Diego Symphony Festival Chorus. He also would use his music and singing bowls to host sound baths for relaxation and sound healing. Altadena Heals was an example of him using his music to create a positive, restorative, and hopeful walking sound and art installation. He, along with other musicians and artists, performed in a friend’s beautiful garden for the community after the Eaton fires. A highlight of his was performing with Christina Aguilera, the LA Master Chorale, and LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl for the We Love LA concert to honor first responders and the impacted community after the devastating January 2025 fires.
He was the oldest of five children and is survived by one sister, brother-in-law, and niece, McKenna, Sam, and Felicity Potter, three brothers; Landon, Harrison, and Casen Pontoli, all of Beaver, his grandparents,Margie Patterson of Beaver, Sandy and Gary LeRoy of Madison, Joe and Carol Pontoli of Greensburg, and Jack and Sandy Stacy of Beaver, his Partner, Tommy Lei of Pasadena, his goddaughter, Aria Byahatti, and a feline companion, Chloe.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Madge and Ford Patterson, Grayce and Verner Jack Stacy, Genevieve and Gino Aloisi, and Josephine and John Pontoli.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, September 23rd from 5-8 P.M., and on Thursday, September 24th, 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Braden will be held on Friday, September 25th, at 7 P.M. at Grace Community Church, 9160 Marshall Rd, Cranberry.
Interment will take place at a private ceremony at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KeijuKollektiv.org, Claremont United Methodist Church 211 W Foothill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711, Rocky River United Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116, Grace Community Church, 9160 Marshall Rd, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 and Pathway Church, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Braden’s love of music started at a very young age when we realized he could play music by ear. Blessed with perfect pitch, he was a talented musician, composer, performer, teacher, sound healer, and friend. Braden was a people person, and made friends, young or old, wherever he was. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make you feel loved. We will miss every laugh, every beautiful note you sang and played, every performance you directed, every delicious meal you made, every adventure you went on, and most of all your kind, friendly, and generous personality that made everyone feel loved and welcome. “Braden never met a stranger because the minute he met you, he became your friend.”