Michael Mastracchio

Michael Mastracchio, affectionately known as "The Bread Man" of Sayre, Pa., passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at age 92, after living a full and adventurous life. He was born Feb. 13, 1919 to the late Giuseppe and Maria Michela Mastracchio (Santucci) of Sassinoro, Benevento Italy. He is survived by his wife, Emma Mastracchio (Soprano) of Sayre, his children, Maria Mastracchio of Sayre, Joseph Mastracchio and wife Debbie of Millerstown, Pa., Micheline Mastracchio (Marge Krah) of Wildwood Crest N.J., Ann Drury of Newport Pa., Gloria Calveric of Sayre, and Louis Mastracchio (Doraine "Squeak" Wilkins) of Newport Pa. and Waverly N.Y.; his daughter-in-law Brenda Mastracchio of Newport Pa.; his grandchildren Emma Calveric, Vanessa Mastracchio, Alicia Mastracchio Imler and husband Brian, Carmon Mastracchio, Ryan, Nicholas and Sabrina Mastracchio and Michael Drury and wife Angel; eight great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Irene Muscari of New Mexico and Christine Soprano of Sayre; many special nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins; and longtime family friend Judy Cochi. Michael was preceded in death by his son Michael Angelo Mastracchio, his sister Natalina Grego of Sayre, Maria Mastracchio and Luiga Fabrizio of Endicott, N.Y., his siblings from Sassinoro, Italy, and his sons-in-law John M. Calveric and David Drury.

As a young man Michael worked on the family farm in Sassinoro, served in the Italian army, and was taken prisoner of war by the British for 6 years during World War II. During his captivity he did farm work, made baskets, and learned English in England, Egypt, South Africa, and Scotland. In 1947, Mike arrived in the United States and married Emma Soprano of Sayre on April 3, 1948. Michael had various jobs, including working at a pizzeria, on the Lehigh Railroad, as a shoe repairman, and at the PAXAR Label Factory all prior to opening the famous "Mastracchio's Bakery" in 1959. He was most well-known for his many personal bread deliveries in his trademark black station wagon in Towanda, Wysox, Spencer, Van Etten, and many other towns throughout the region, often accompanied by one of his seven wonderful children. Sayre's Mayor Denny Thomas proclaimed Dec. 26, 2008 "Mastracchio Bakery Day" in honor of Michael's many contributions to his community. Mike was a lifetime member of the Sons of Italy Roma Madre Lodge 1342 and a devout member of the Epiphany Parish. He was an avid gardener who took great pride in his annual bountiful crop of Italian tomatoes and pole beans. Michael was also passionate about wine-making and loved sharing his gift with others.

Michael Mastracchio appreciated the freedom and privilege of being a citizen of the United States of America, and he was a true example of a man living the American dream. He was often heard saying "If you work hard and love your family, you are a rich man. This is the greatest country in the world."

The family will receive friends at the Alteri-Bowen Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Epiphany Church of Sayre, Pa. on Wednesday Oct. 5, 2011 at 9:30 am. Interment will follow at the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Athens, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be directed to Epiphany Elementary School, The Bridge of Penn York, Sayre, Pa. (providing flood relief assistance), or the charity of one's choice in Michael's name.