Michael K. von Plato

Michael Konstantine von Plato, recently of Lafayette Hill, PA passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, he was 84.

Born in Berlin, Germany on March 25, 1942, Michael spent his early childhood in the Austrian Alps before emigrating to America in 1952 with his parents, Vitalis and Margret von Plato and his siblings Alexa, Claude, and soon-to-be-born Charlie. The family settled in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where Michael would quickly become fluent in English and meet his future wife, Patricia Marcantuono while attending Springfield High School.

Mike and Patty married and raised three daughters, Alexandra (Patrick), Stephanie (Tom), and Michele von Plato (Scott div.) and delighted in 11 beautiful grandchildren and great grandchild; Father August Taglianetti, Nicholas (Maria), Christopher, Justin, and Sonia Taglianetti; Patrick Jr. (Sara), Audrey, and Ava Moriarty; Katherine and Grace Masaitis; and great grandchild, Cleo Taglianetti.

A trilingual lover of language and a voracious reader, Michael was equally at home debating the failures of trickle-down economics, describing the habits of the North American Goldfinch, or expounding on the relationship between Plato and Socrates. He was, in the most affectionate sense, his family's personal professor in residence and could often be found in his favorite reading chair with a stack of books by his side and a cat in his lap.

Mike encouraged international travel and a deep respect for the natural world. He led children and grandchildren on guided tours through Europe, South America, and Mexico and closer to home, on camping trips and nature walks that invariably involved looking under rocks for lessons on bugs, snakes, and other beloved woodland creatures.

A lifelong entrepreneur and proprietor of several small business, Mike was successfully self-employed for more than 50 years. He leaves behind a close-knit family grateful for his legacy of intellectual curiosity, informed citizenship, reverence for nature and the abiding love of a good cat.

Mike's family will be sharing a private remembrance. Flowers welcomed.

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