Bella Mangiapane Cutino

BANKER

WRITTEN BY BELLA MANGIAPANE CUTINO

Bella Magiapane Cutino was born in Monterey, California to Albert and Nancy Mangiapane. Alberto (Batho) was a commercial fisherman in San Vito Capo Sicily. and he came to America in 1929 to seek a good life and to support his family back home. He was a prosperous commercial fisherman in Monterey and Alaska for many years.

Bella's first job was at the Del Mar French Laundry during the summer when she was 12 years old and she was paid ninety cents per hour. Her grandparents, Frank Balesteri and Angelina San Flippo Balesteri lived just around the corner, and she loved spending a lot of time with them. Bella was trusted with the job of delivering her grandmother's famous home baked bread, pizzas and cookies to family, friends and neighbors that were less fortunate. Her Nana Angelina was always very generous. She nourished all her good works and acts of kindness, and my parents followed suit.

Bella's father Batho made sure that family, friends and any widowed neighbors received fresh fish along with amazing tomato's he grew in his garden. Batho and Nancy Mangipane were active in the ICF and Batho could be found working in the kitchen during Friday night Lentin dinners while Nancy baked cakes and cookies all to benefit our Church.

Bella attended Junipero Memorial High where she was a cheer leader. Homecoming queen and head cheerleader in her senior year. She also enjoyed modeling for many charitable events and eventually married Bert Cutino, who was a childhood friend.

Bella was part of the original staff that opened the Bank of America in Carmel in 1960, and a year later, when Crocker Bank opened in Pebble Beach, she was hired on the spot to help open up the new Branch. Bella moved on to the Parkmerced branch in San Francisco where she was quickly promoted to head teller and responsible for seven employees. Bella was always good with money,...just ask Bert!!

Bella and Bert took over the family tradition of helping neighbors by supporting Meals on Wheels in a big way. They were instrumental in growing the Meals on Wheels effort by raising millions to feed the hungry over the years and it has been a labor of love.

Bella and Bert raised three children, Marc; Michele and Bart They lost their precious daughter Michele in 1993, and they believe that God gave part of Michele back when their granddaughter, Bella Michele was born in 2009. Bella Michele was Festa Italia queen in 2024 and in 2011 they were blessed with their precocious grandson, Tony. Together they bring much joy and happiness to Bella and Bert. Just weeks ago, Bella asked her granddaughter. - "what is the most favorite thing about me that you like? Smiling, she replied back, "You spoil us!"

Bella thanks God for all of her blessings and she is grateful to the Italian Heritage Society for bestowing her with this great honor. She is truly humbled and appreciative.

ITALLIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY HONOREE 2025