Anthony Bertolino, in this 2024 photograph, was appointed to the Cranberry Township board of supervisors replacing Supervisor Mike Manipole who resigned. Butler Eagle File Photo

After narrowing the field down to five candidates, Cranberry Township supervisors appointed longtime resident and community volunteer Anthony Bertolino to fill a vacancy on the board.

Supervisors also accepted the resignation of Mike Manipole, who retired after 16 years on the board, during their final meeting of the year Thursday, Dec. 11. Bertolino, whose term will run through Jan. 2, 2028, will be sworn in at Cranberry’s reorganization meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.

Bertolino has been active in Cranberry for decades, contributing to a wide range of local organizations and service efforts. He has two children and has lived in the township since 1989.

Chairman Bruce Hezlep said Bertolino’s community involvement made him an ideal fit.

“Anthony has been an integral part of this community for more than 30 years and his track record of directly bettering Cranberry fits perfectly with our board’s mission to make the township a little bit better each day,” Hezlep said in a Friday news release.

A lot of that community service has come through Cranberry Community Uniting People, or Cranberry CUP, where Bertolino has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles, including the previous nine as board president.

The nonprofit started in 2000 by Cathy Cortazzo is known for its annual softball tournament and golf outing, which together have generated more than $2.5 million to support families facing medical or financial challenges. The group also assists residents during the holidays and funds student scholarships.

Bertolino is a 2024 graduate of the township’s Community Leadership Institute and has served on Cranberry’s General Authority Board.

He’s also been a board member for the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA, Seneca Valley Jr. Football Association and the St. Ferdinand Softball League. In addition, he’s a member of the Cranberry Elks and performs locally with his band, Phase IV.

Bertolino said he’s eager to bring his community-minded approach to help lead the township.

“Uniting people for the betterment of the community is a passion of mine, and I am so excited to get to work with this amazing board of supervisors to accomplish that goal on an even larger scale,” he said.