Thomas B. McDanel 1952-2025

He was born July 10, 1952, in Ellwood City, Pa., the son of the late Thomas D. McDanel and Elizabeth “Joan” McDanel-Hunter. A Warren G. Harding High School graduate, Tom retired from WCI Steel Inc. in Warren after 36 years of service.

A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Tom dedicated his time, character and personal philosophies to his loved ones — always sacrificing mind, reputation and health for the truth, humanity and well-being of others. He used storytelling and idiosyncrasies — often of loss but acceptance, reawakening and peace, new adventures and hope — but with humor, self-awareness and known ad nauseum, to teach us about personal values, morality and the passion for life. He was delighted to have a chance to share his mindset and practices with his children and grandchildren: how to decipher the ever-changing world; find joy in the everyday monotonous moments; stay politically active and an engaged citizen; and always remain true to ourselves — “Let your freak flag fly.”

It would be a misjudgment to say Tom was a predictable person with the same hobbies spanning decades — classic cars, motorcycles, art deco and rock ‘n’ roll — but those interests transitioned from solitary amusements to family-friendly affairs in 1994. Concerts were designated family vacations; car shows and cruise-ins were annual celebrations; Andy Warhol and Lou Reed became enigmas; and Rat Fink and Harley-Davidson were household names. Not to mention how he shared his love and passion for a recent lifelong-dream-project, restoring a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, which no one else was allowed to touch (nor drive).

He truly lived each day with joy, wonderful enthusiasm and wisdom. But his ultimate “words of wisdom,” though brief, were effective and respected: “Be good.”

He was preceded in death by his brother, William L. McDanel, Sept. 28, 1977; father, May 8, 1981; first wife, Susan Slaven McDanel, whom he married Sept. 9, 1972, and who passed away July 18, 1985; mother, Nov. 12, 2009; sister-in-law, Debra L. McDanel, Dec. 10, 2012; father-in-law, Frank DeMarco, Sept.12, 2010; and stepfather, Carl M. Hunter, March 27, 2018. Surviving are his wife, Julie Ann DeMarco McDanel, whom he married Dec. 31, 1994; daughters, April Manna of Dallas, Texas, and Alisa Manna of Cleveland; grandson, Dominic Lucci, whom he raised; granddaughter, Sophia Sommers of Dallas, Texas; brother, Kalin C. McDanel of Howland; sister, Juli Ann (Jeffrey) Sanders of Austintown; mother-in-law, Mary Ann DeMarco of Cortland; brothers-in-law, Mark (Barbara) DeMarco of Fort Worth, Texas, Timothy (Theresa) DeMarco of Canton, Georgia, and Michael DeMarco of Cortland; and sister-in-law, Karen (Mike) Zak of Cleveland.

According to Tom’s wishes, cremation took place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Family Funeral Homes, Robert-Clarks Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH 44483.

The family suggests any memorial contributions take the form of donations to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Youngstown, OH 44514. It would also like to extend its gratitude to the Hospice House staff as well as the staff at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, 1044 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504.

This obituary may be viewed at and condolences sent to www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

“If I don’t meet you no more in this world, then I’ll meet you in the next one … and don’t be late.”

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