Mangarella Endowment Supports Theatre

Sitting with Joan Mangarella at the Beaver Street Café in Hastings, and discussing the storied life of her late husband, Joe, one sensed the profound impact he had on the lives he touched throughout his life. "Joe was a wonderful husband, father and community leader. He gave generously to causes that helped our community and youth throughout the country. And he loved his alma mater—Saint Vincent."

From the moment that Joan and Joe, P'57, C'61, forged a dynamic partnership five decades ago, they collectively and individually made a positive imprint in every endeavor placed before them. At the top of that list would be the rearing of three wonderful children, Joe Jr., Paulette and Michael.

Having grown up in a small community outside of McKeesport, Joan was prepared for life in the country town of Hastings. There, she worked in tandem with Joe in advancing the family business, Carol Ann Apparel, a ladies garment factory.

The success of their enterprise enabled Joe to carry out his passion to be philanthropically involved in his community. That passion was demonstrated in so many different ways, including his love for the work of the Benedictines at Saint Vincent. As a result of his passion for their mission, Joe established two meaningful endowments at the College: the Matthew Mangarella Scholarship and the Mangarella Theatre Endowment.

Joe's interest in theatre was nurtured during his undergraduate days under the guidance of Father Thomas Devereux, O.S.B. As a student, Joe spent many hours "backstage" bringing life to theatre productions. Joe's legacy for fine theatre productions continues today, states Greggory Brandt, the producing artistic director of the Saint Vincent Summer Theatre. "Joe's gift of the endowment allows aspiring students to broaden and carry out their theatrical dreams in so many different ways."

Joe's outgoing personality inspired many in his hometown. As Julia Cavallo, C'03, also a native of Hastings, noted, "Joe was genuinely a kind, decent and loving person."

Phil Petrulli, one of Joe's best friends, summarized Joe's life: "He was a thoughtful, kind, peaceful gentleman; a scholar, a friend, a financial consultant respected and loved by all; and above all, a loving husband and father."

Future generations of students will benefit from the philanthropy of Joe and Joan. As Joan clearly states, "Giving back to the community is so important to making the world a better place to live."

There are many ways to support Saint Vincent College, just as Joe and Joan have done through their gifts. If you are interested in a memorial gift for a loved one or in discussing a way to give that is meaningful to you, please contact me at your convenience.

—James D. Bendel, C’60
james.bendel@stvincent.edu

724-805-2948