Staff

 Licensed Staff
All of our licensed directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.
 


In Loving Memory
Samuel J. Monti
Founder
1926 - 2022

Mark J. Rago, Supervisor
Pennsylvania Lic. No. FD014425L
Email: mark@montirago.com
Website: www.monti-ragofuneralhome.com
Office Phone: 215-462-0992
Fax: 215-462-4699
Biography 
Mark was born and raised in South Philadelphia to Dominic and Virginia Moreno Rago. Mark attended Saint Monica’s grade school, class of ’79, and Saint John Neuman High School. Mark began working at Monti Funeral Home at the age of 16. There he learned the skills to become a funeral director from his mentor, Salvatore (Sam) Monti, and by attending Mercer County College of Mortuary Science. Mark married Gina Picariello and still live in South Philadelphia today with their two children, Marialena who is hoping to be attending Temple Law in the fall, and Dominic who is currently a student at Temple and will also be going into the mortuary science program where he will continue the family tradition. Mark is a board member of the 1492 Society, which coordinates the Columbus Day Parade and was past president of the Filitalia South Philadelphia chapter. He is currently president of the Philadelphia Funeral Directors Association, president of the Frank L Rizzo Lodge Order of Sons of Italy, a long-time member of the South Philadelphia Business Association, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his free time, Mark likes to spend time with his family and play bocci with his league every Monday at Marconi Plaza. Mark also likes to take active roles in the community by doing charitable works. 

Biography


Dominic was born and raised in South Philadelphia. He is the son of Mark and Gina Rago, owners of Monti-Rago Funeral Home. Dominic is an alumnus of the Class of 2016 at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia. Upon graduating, he attended Temple University’s Richard J. Fox School of Business and Management. In 2020, he received his degree of a Bachelor of Finance in Real Estate. Dominic grew up within the neighborhood, and always knew that he wanted to serve the local community by following in his father’s footsteps at the family business. Immediately following his graduation from Temple University, Dominic enrolled into Mercer County Community College’s Funeral Service Program. During his time receiving higher education, Dominic also served his apprenticeship at Gardner’s Funeral Home, located in New Jersey. He is a dual-licensed Funeral Director, and practices within both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Dominic has continued his educational journey and is also a licensed Life Insurance Writer for Pre-Need Funeral Service Arrangements at Monti-Rago Funeral Home. Dominic continues to give back to the Philadelphia community through his participation in UNICO National Italian American Service Organization, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the South Philadelphia Business Association. Dominic also enjoys organizing and fundraising for local children during Monti-Rago Funeral Home’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive. In his free time, Dominic enjoys exercising, trying new foods, traveling, supporting Philadelphia sports’ teams, and making memories with his family and friends.



Dominic J. Rago, Funeral Director

Pennsylvania Lic. No. FD139663

New Jersey Lic. No. 23JP00535200

Insurance Agent No. 3DN63

Email: dominic@montirago.com

Website: www.monti-ragofuneralhome.com

Office Phone: 215- 462-0992

Fax: 215-462-4699

Non-Licensed Staff
Although they are not licensed funeral directors, these staff members are vitally important to the operation of our firm. These individuals make it possible for us to professionally coordinate funerals with the quality of service our community has come to expect from us.

Jacob LaBarth

New Jersey Lic. No. 23JP00538800

Email: jake@montirago.com

Website: www.monti-ragofuneralhome.com

Office Phone: 215- 462-0992

Fax: 215-462-4699

Biography


Jacob was born and raised in Sicklerville, NJ. He is the son of Regina and Jefferey LaBarth and has 2 older siblings, Sarah and Zachary. He attended St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richmond, NJ. After graduating high school, he attended the LaSalle University’s School of Business Administration where he received a degree in Administration and Management in 2020. From the time he was a teenager, Jacob had the ambition to be a funeral director. In the fall after graduating from LaSalle University, Jacob enrolled in Mercer County Community College’s Funeral Service Program where he met Dominic Rago. He also served his apprenticeship at Gardner Funeral Home with him. Jacob is a licensed funeral director in the state of New Jersey and is currently in the process of getting his Pennsylvania license as well. In his free time Jacob enjoys going to the gym, talking about all sports, traveling to new places, and doing outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.



 Nico Podagrosi

nico@montirago.com

Website: www.monti-ragofuneralhome.com

Office Phone: 215- 462-0992

 Fax: 215-462-4699

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