William “Billy” A. Kranbacher, 54, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Born on May 7, 1971, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Billy was the son of the late William A. Kranbacher and Sandra L. Kranbacher.
Billy was a graduate of Butler High School, Class of 1989, and later attended Clarion University. He worked at the Butler Color Press before beginning his long career at Cleveland-Cliffs (formerly AK Steel), where he dedicated 29 years of service.
Billy had a deep love for music. He enjoyed playing guitar, writing songs, and performing with his band, Cave. He also loved spending time boating on the river, taking trips to Ocean City, Maryland, and going on ski trips with family and friends.
Billy was loud—loud and funny. He loved making people laugh and was truly one of a kind. Known for his big personality, he loved making an entrance, with all eyes on him. If there was a microphone or a stage nearby, Billy always seemed to find his way to it—with the mic in his hand and a smile on his face.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Kranbacher; his mother, Sandra L. Kranbacher; his children, Hannah (Jake) Hilliard, Ben (Emily) Kranbacher, and Luke Kranbacher; and his cherished grandchildren, Nellie, Jack, and Beau Hilliard; his siblings, Terri Johnson and Chris (Bob) Kozar; along with several nieces and nephews, his father-in-law Andrew (Bud) Bohin, and countless friends who were more like family.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, William A. Kranbacher, and mother-in-law Karen S. Bohin.
All services will be held privately through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001. WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.