Formica was last seen departing from his family's residence in Northampton Township, Pennsylvania on August 24, 1980. He told his brother that he planned to visit Bristol, Pennsylvania during the day. Formica has never been heard from again. He was carrying a knapsack and a bottle of soda pop when he vanished. He left all of his other personal belongings behind, including his wallet and identification. Formica's family members filed a missing person's report with authorities on September 11, 1980, 18 days after he vanished. His loved ones said that they did not believe he had friends in the Bristol area and they are uncertain if he traveled to the city.

Formica attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the late 1970s. He left school after one year and told his mother he did not like living in the city. Formica enrolled at Pennsylvania State University shortly afterwards, but stayed for less than a year.

Formica became involved with The Prosperos Group during his time at the state university. Some people consider the organization to be a cult, but a former member denied the allegations. Formica traveled to one of the group's seminars in New York City, New York and became enthralled with "Thane," a described leader of the organization. Formica told his family members that he hoped to be named as Thane's assistant in the future. Formica was diagnosed as schizophrenic around the same time. He lived with friends and saw his family rarely, and did not tell his relatives much about his life.

Formica traveled to Jekyll Island, Georgia with The Prosperos Group in 1977. He visited the organization's chapter in Hawaii during the following year. Formica was employed as a bricklayer at the International Marketplace in Waikiki during his stay. He wrote to one of his siblings and stated that he did not think he would serve as Thane's aide during a trip to San Diego, California later in 1978. Formica's letters afterwards stated that he believed The Prosperos Group was helping his spirit. The organization had additional chapters in various parts of the western United States. Investigators said that the group's current members failed to respond when contacted about Formica's case. It is not clear if he chose to travel with the organization after his disappearance. Thane reportedly died several years after Formica vanished. Formica's family stated he appeared to be breaking away from the group the last time they saw him.

Formica's mother said that her son enjoyed reading New Age-themed books in 1980. Carlos Castaneda was his favorite author at the time. There has not been any activity on Formica's Social Security number since 1980. His case remains unsolved.