James Manganello - Freedom Area Educational Foundation

James Manganello
Freedom Area Class of 1960
Leading local businessman, first with bowling alleys and now expanded to Shadow Lakes.
Jimmy Manganello is the son of the late Joseph and Stella Manganello, Italian immigrants from Sicily.
He and his brother Dennis were raised in Conway, PA and at a young age learned the value of hard
work. His father began working in the coal mines at age 13 and for most of his adult life worked for
Conrail. In 1944 Joe and Stella opened Joe’s Inn, a bar and restaurant. They worked day and night and
were determined to give their sons a better life than they had. They started Imperial Lanes in 1955
where Jimmy worked as a pin boy after school and on weekends.
Jimmy attended Mt. Gallitzin Academy in Baden and then moved on to Freedom High School where he
played all sports including baseball for the Ambridge Legion under Eddie Gratty and the legendary Joe
Zerilla. He then went on to The University of Miami where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where his fraternity brothers included NBA star Rick Barry
and Pete Marciano. In his junior year, he suffered a dislocated knee, broken ankle and a compound
fracture in his leg which ended his future career with the Washington Nationals minor league
organization.
Jimmy met his wife Donna in 1965 and after a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1966. Within
5 years, they were a family of 5 with three daughters, Jennifer, Janet and Jackie. He is the proud
grandfather of Nicolas, Jacob, Alexa and Francesca.
In 1980, Jimmy had the opportunity to purchase Baden Bowl and with the help of his family, over the
years, created more successful businesses.
In 1983 he experienced the “dream of a lifetime” – helping to keep the Pittsburgh Penguins in
Pittsburgh. He had always been an avid hockey fan and through his interest and determination, met
and became friends with Ed DeBartolo, owner of the Penguins. As the friendship and trust grew, he
became Vice-President under Paul Martha. He was involved in the daily running of the hockey team
and had the opportunity to travel extensively with the team and will always treasure the memories and
friendships.
His business continued to grow with the purchase of Center Lanes in 1990.
In 2010, another great opportunity arose which turned out to be the most exciting. He purchased
Beaver Lakes Country Club which is now The Club at Shadow Lakes, Beaver County’s premier location
for dining, golfing, and special events.