Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/10/22 – Courtesy of Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home and Staff Reports
Michael Young Manganiello, known for his support of Penncrest sports as a team manager and an assistant coach, 29, passed away unexpectedly on December 3 at his home in Media, PA.
Michael is survived by his parents, Ken Manganiello and Mary Young, his doting and protective sister and little brother, Mary Kate (Manganiello) Caponegro and William “Will” Manganiello, and his brother-in-law, Blaze Caponegro. He was the uncle and godfather to Coco Caponegro and the new uncle to Crew Caponegro. He is also survived by his grandmother, Pat Young, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, step-brothers and sisters.
Michael was born in Westfield, N.J. After many years of loving support from the community there, he and his family moved to Media when he was 12 years old. Michael attended Penncrest High School. While there, he managed the varsity lacrosse, football, and basketball teams. He went on to join the lacrosse team’s coaching staff and was especially proud that he helped lead the Lions to the 2014 PIAA Championship.
Michael accomplished all these things despite having been born with a craniofacial birth difference and being hearing-impaired. By the time he was 20 years old, Michael had braved 19 surgeries, countless doctors’ appointments, and many hours of rehabilitative therapy. His courage and perseverance in the face of these challenges inspired everyone who knew him.
“He loved the sports and as much as he couldn’t be involved in playing, he was so dedicated and was at every practice and every game,” said Will. “It showed. He was a fun guy to be around and he diffused situations. Off the field he was there for comic relief for whatever it may be.
“On the sidelines, he kept things light and the guys loved that. He did his coaching and he could be serious, but he really kept things loose.”
Known by many as the ‘Mayor of Media,’ he was happiest with a Wawa hoagie and a strong coffee in his hand, usually bought at 2:30 am, after a night hanging with his friends on State Street. Michael was an avid sports enthusiast and loved World Cup Soccer. He also loved a good meal, especially if it was made by his Grandma Coppy. Michael recently enrolled in Delaware County Community College and was excelling in his art classes there.Will Manganiello was the 2014 Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year and the leader of the state title team that captured the hearts of the community, and Michael.
“I mean I can’t put that (state title and what it meant to Michael) into words,” Will said. “He was a man of very few words. “You could tell how proud of everyone he was.”
Michael’s family is especially grateful for all the angels that appeared throughout his life when he and they needed them most, notably Bear Resnick and family, Cynthia Marrapodi, the late John Chappel, and many, many others too numerous to name. Michael was loved deeply and will be missed forever.
Friends and family attended a visitation Tuesday evening, December 6th at Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home and again Wednesday morning at Nativity BVM Church in Media. Mass followed.
After the service, family and friends were invite with the family from Nativity Church to Sligo’s on State Street, in true Michael fashion, to enjoy a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael’s name to the Children’s Craniofacial Association. www.ccakids.org.
Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063.
