Barney Jerome Belleci

Born on November 22, 1937, in Monterey, California, to Joe and Mamie Belleci, Barney’s life began with both joy and hardship. After the loss of his mother just three days after his birth, he and his siblings—Marie, Billy, and Agnes—were raised by their Aunt Josephine and Uncle Vincent Russo. Their care and devotion shaped the foundation of Barney’s lifelong commitment to family.

A lifelong resident of Monterey, Barney attended Walter Colton Elementary School and later Monterey High School (Class of 1955), where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margaret Lorca—a partnership that would define the rest of his life.

After a brief time at Monterey Peninsula College, Barney and three close friends (Vince Torrente, Sal Aiello, and Vito Spataro) entered the U.S. Army in 1956. Stationed first at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later in Orléans, France, Barney served his country with pride. While overseas, he continued to pursue his passion for sports, playing on Army baseball, basketball, and football teams. He was honorably discharged on August 6, 1958.

On April 19, 1959, Barney and Margaret began a marriage that lasted nearly 67 years.

Barney began his professional career in 1959 with Seaboard Financial, where his talent and work ethic led to a series of promotions and relocations—from Chico to Modesto, to Sunnyvale, and eventually to Denver, Colorado, where he served as Assistant Vice President overseeing operations across the Northwest. Despite his success, Barney felt a calling to build something of his own. As he often said, “I wanted to look in the mirror and see my boss.”

In 1970, he returned to the Monterey Peninsula and opened a State Farm Insurance agency in Carmel Rancho—starting with no clients and building it into a thriving business serving more than 5,000 policyholders. Over nearly 56 years, Barney became one of the top-performing agents in the country, consistently ranking among the top 50 out of more than 18,000 agencies. He earned numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Million Dollar Round Table recognition, and lifetime membership in the President’s Club. Perhaps most meaningful to him, however, was the opportunity to mentor more than 100 agents and work alongside a dedicated and loyal team, many of whom became like family.

In 1980, Barney and his brother-in-law, Michael Kucher, opened Kasey’s in Carmel Valley Village, a beloved local business that continues to serve the community today.

Barney was deeply rooted in the Monterey Peninsula community. He was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Amici Club, the Italian Catholic Federation, the Compari Club, the Monterey Elks (for more than 40 years), and the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce. He gave generously to countless local charities and causes, always putting others before himself.

Beyond his professional and community life, Barney embraced life fully. He and Margaret traveled to more than 35 countries, including Egypt and Kenya. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Monterey Peninsula Country Club and achieved the rare feat of 12 holes-in-one over 53 years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Barney also fulfilled a dream by attending New York Yankees Fantasy Camp, where he played alongside (and dined with) baseball legends including Yogi Berra.

Barney was also known for bringing people together. For more than 40 years, he and Margaret hosted legendary Super Bowl parties for family and friends—gatherings that became the highlight of the year for many. With a full halftime buffet, plenty of desserts and his beloved squares game, where Barney personally paid out winnings, these celebrations reflected his generosity, joy, and love of community.

He had a special love for his Scottie dogs, delighting in morning walks and sharing biscotti with them at breakfast, a small ritual that brought him great joy.

Barney is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; his daughter, Christina (David); and his granddaughter, Bailey, along with many nieces, nephews, and more than 30 godchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers—Tess, Dale, Angel, and Christopher—and offers special thanks to longtime family friend and nurse Josephine (Jody) Compagno, whose compassion and presence meant so much in his final days.

Barney Belleci lived a full and generous life. He cherished his family and will be remembered for his warmth, his work ethic, his love of people, sports and his unwavering devotion to those closest to him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14 at St. Angela Merici Church in Pacific Grove