Michael K. Rafalko

THE LIFE OF MICHAEL "MIKE" K. RAFALKO

Born in Natrona Heights, PA, raised in Sarver, PA and a 1985 graduate of Freeport High School, Mike passed away from an apparent heart-attack on August 24th 2022. While his family and friends were shocked by his sudden passing, they are thankful for the extraordinary life he lived.

Mike was a spirited and outgoing person who was known to put his heart and soul into everything he did.Whether taking his kids, Zach and Amber, to Chuck-E-Cheese, his daughter Amber to volleyball or figure-skating, his son Zach to hockey, or his step-daughter Brittney to cheer, Mike could often be found at one of his kids activities while they were growing up. This family dedication poured over to what his children lovingly referred to as “spoiling” his grandchildren Scarlett (who called him Pop Pop), Anastasia, and Emerald. Mike was also a huge animal lover, especially dogs, and was often accompanied by one of his fur-babies when he was out-and-about.

After high school, he earned a business degree from the University of Phoenix (2003) and went on to have a very prolific business career moving him from Austin, TX, to Sacramento, CA, and finally settling in the Seattle, WA area where he resided at the time of his passing. Always a self-starter, Mike owned his own business from 2012-2014 until he was forced to move on to other endeavors due to health-issues. Among his other business accomplishments, Mike was a member of the Empire’s Million Dollar Club and earned Empire Elite status while working at Empire Today.

A lover of personal enrichment, Mike was always striving to better himself and those around him. In addition to being a proponent and instructor of the 5S and S.T.O.P. methods, he was certified Six Sigma Black belt and helped invent two patented products while working at National Products, Inc.

Mike was born on January 16th, 1967. He was 55 years old. He is survived by his father Tom Rafalko, his life partner Natividad Rafalko, his sister Estelle (Rick) Burris and their children (Libby, RJ, and Skylar), and his children Amber (Patrick) McCray and Zach (Alexis) Rafalko. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Scarlett McCray, Anastasia Rafalko, and Emerald McCray. Preceded in death by his mother Bettie Rafalko (2005), and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Church, 315 Stoney Hollow Road, Cabot.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.