Rato was a newlywed and resided with his wife in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He drove to Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 24, 1999. Rato planned to spend the afternoon gambling, which he often enjoyed for relaxation. He was scheduled to return to his work shift in Philadelphia later in the evening. Rato never arrived as scheduled and has not been heard from again.

Rato's black four-door 1994 or 1996 Plymouth Neon was discovered abandoned in New Jersey during the day. The vehicle had been parked in the emergency lane of eastbound Route 42, Black Horse Pike in Williams Township, New Jersey. Investigators determined that the car was out of fuel, but there was no indication of an accident or mechanical failure. Rato's case remains unsolved. Some agencies state that Rato disappeared from Philadelphia. Pennsylvania authorities are handling his case.