Photo courtesy of Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC - Pen Argyl
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
May 25, 1994 – Dec 30, 2020
Michael Lorenzo “Mikey” Racciato, 26, of Pen Argyl, passed away, Friday, December 25, 2020.
Born in Bethlehem, May 25, 1994, he was the son of Philip S. and Michele (DeRea) Racciato.
Mikey was a 2013 graduate of Pen Argyl High School and a 2017 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
While at Pen Argyl High School, Mikey excelled in both football and wrestling. In football he was a two way starter, helping the Green Knights win a Colonial League Championship in 2011 and District XI AA Championships, in 2011 and 2012. In his senior year he rushed for over 1400 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.
In wrestling, Mikey’s high school career ended with a record of 186-8, he was a 4 time District XI AA Champion, a 3 time Southeast Regional Champion, AA, and a 3 time PIAA, AA, Champion, placing all four years. In 2013, he was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the PIAA Tournament. He was selected to wrestle in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic in 2013.
Following high school, Mikey went on to Wrestle at Pitt. He was a 2 time ACC finalist, finishing first in his sophomore season. He also was a 2 time qualifier for the NCAA Wrestling Tournament.
In addition to his parents, Phil and Michele, of Pen Argyl, he is survived by his brother, Philip M. Racciato of Bethlehem, his maternal grandfather, Fred DeRea and his wife Joan of Pen Argyl, his uncles, Daniel Grzebyk, of Pittsburgh, Fred DeRea, Jr. and his wife Sheila and David DeRea and his wife Cristie all of Roseto, and cousins, Alena DeRea of Roseto, and Gene and Nicole Grzebyk of Pittsburgh.
There will be a public walk through visitation, Sunday, January 3, 2021, from 4 to 8 PM at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, 126 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Pen Argyl. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Mikey’s family will not be present for this visitation, and social distancing, mask requirement, and a maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the funeral home at a time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mikey’s name to either, Pittsburgh Wrestling Club, 30 Wood Acres Lane, Grove City, PA 16127, the American Cancer Society, Lehigh Valley Unit, 3893 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
Read MoreMikey will never be forgotten. My husband and l still talk about what a outstanding athlete Mikey was and what a out going personally he had off the field. Still praying for his family every morning. Bob and Alice .
Alice May
December 24, 2025 | Greenwood, DE | Acquaintance
Dear Racciato family,
Remembering you and wishing you many blessings, hope and love today. Thinking of Mikey today and the feelings of true happiness and love that exuded from him whenever I saw him. He drew people toward him by his infectious smile and essence. Mikey was a great athlete definitely but he had an extra gift of bringing laughter and happiness to others. May peace be yours this Christmas and always.
Maria Kukla
December 24, 2024 | Acquaintance
Our heartfelt thoughts of sympathy we send to your family. Daily may God give you the strength and help needed to cope with such a sad loss. Mikey will always be fondly remembered.
Lucas Family
February 19, 2021
I remember always hearing your son’s name at my son’s Bangor football games and wrestling matches. My son’s name was Andrew Romeo. We have lost them both, but our memories of them and the positive impact they made will never die. I am so sorry for your loss.
Katie Bittner
January 26, 2021 | Bangor, PA | Neighbor
Phil, Michele & Family,
Extending our most heartfelt sympathy and prayers for peace in your hearts.
David & Diane (Kerler) Lobb
January 07, 2021 | Acquaintance
Michelle and Phil,
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
I pray that God will give you the strength you need to get through this difficult time.
Krista
January 07, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Racciato family. From his smile to the size of his heart, Mikey provided a positive impact to many people throughout his brief time here. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and may He bring you comfort during this most difficult time.
Bryan & Ellyn Scott
Bryan D Scott
January 06, 2021 | Acquaintance
Phil, I met you many years ago after my own tragedy. Mikey was slightly younger than my son. I appreciated your integrity at a time when I needed advice. To read of your family’s tragic loss pains me. Why such good people bear such unimaginable pain. I can promise you one thing, and this is not a platitude: in quite some time you will be able to remember your son for the amazing time that you had with him, and not for the time you lost, or the future you thought you had. Your faith and move...
Sherry Darr
January 05, 2021 | Bangor, PA | Acquaintance
Michele,Phil,and Phillip
Sorry to hear of Mikey's passing. They say time heals a broken heart but it
is being surrounded by family and friends knowing they are praying for
you that will help you through this. May God bless you and may Mikey rest in peace.
Joe and Sylvester
January 04, 2021
