Michael Motto

Michael “Mickey” Motto was a man that never met a stranger. That is to say, upon meeting him, a stranger would instantly become a friend. Among Mickey's greatest assets were his charm and sense of humor. He was quick to make you smile, and he could win anyone over with a joke or a simple one-liner.

Mickey was born on July 11, 1942 in Allentown, PA to Dolores and Michael Motto. He grew up in Hazleton, PA, where he attended Most Precious Blood (MPB) Catholic School and met the first great love of his life, Georgianna Yamona. They spent their early years working together, traveling, and enjoying life in their Lake Harmony home - where they hosted many gatherings for family & friends. Together they raised their only daughter, Georgia, whom they cherished.

Mickey proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Being that his formal education came from what he would call "The School of Hard Knocks," Mickey learned how to do many things as he pursued his many interests. You could ask him about anything and he would answer you with great detail and offer good advice. 

His love of all things food-related is what would excite him the most. He loved to drink good wine, eat good food, and entertain. So, with his brother as his partner, he would build a restaurant in the Poconos from the ground up and name it 'High Elevations.' He spent many a night behind the bar telling stories and jokes to entertain the patrons, all the while never forgetting their favorite drink orders. 

In his retirement years, he moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL to be near his brother and sister-in-law. It was there that he met the second great love of his life, Josephine Leo. Together with Josie and her relations (his new Canadian family), they would enjoy many years of splitting time between Florida, Pennsylvania & Hamilton, Ontario, where they would be welcomed with open arms by close family and friends. Through Josie, he was able to continue sharing his love of cooking & eating Italian cuisine while entertaining countless people.

He was happiest fly fishing in his beloved rivers in PA and, most of all, on his trips out West with his brother. Together, they fished the rivers of Montana & Idaho - enjoying the waters by day, and dinner and wine next to the river in the evenings. 

He passed away on September 2nd at the age of 82, with his loved ones at his side. He was predeceased by his mother, father, and first wife (Georgianna Motto). He is survived by his daughter, Georgia; son-in-law Douglas Reinke; his brother, Raymond, and sister-in-law, Barbara; and his wife, Josephine Leo Motto.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in memory of Mickey can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation MBC-Found 12902 Magnolia Drive Tampa FL, 33612 or to www.moffitt.org/give

Local arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc. 532 N. Vine St. Hazleton, PA.

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