Michael A. Booke

Michael “Mike” Alan Booke, 57, completed his final watch on November 12, 2025. Mike was well-known in the area through his 25 year career with the Pennsylvania State Police and 27 years on the Northampton Fire Department. He was a family man, a fiercely loyal friend, and pillar in the police and fire community.

Born on March 25, 1968, Mike was the oldest child of Alvin and Rita (Penkrot) Booke. He graduated in 1986 from East Brunswick High School in New Jersey. He attended Kutztown University and graduated with a degree in criminal justice. He went on to complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

Mike devoted 25 years to the Pennsylvania State Police as a Trooper and then as Fire Marshal of Troop M Bethlehem. During Mike’s prolific career, some of his accomplishments include: investigating the devastating explosion at Concept Sciences, serving in the security detail for the Pope during his visit to Philadelphia, assisting with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New Jersey, and aiding in the search for Eric Frein.

Little did Mike know, his career would also bring him his wife. Mike and Donna’s love was discovered on the front lines of public service. They met while responding to an accident in 1995–he as a Trooper, and she as an EMT. In 1997, they wed and he accepted Dana and Danielle as his daughters.

Throughout their marriage, Mike and Donna enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, going to local sporting events, and being members of the Phantoms Phan Club. They attended many Phantoms and Iron Pigs games together. Most recently, they became Disney Passholders and visited the parks regularly.

Mike was a lifelong firefighter. He joined the East Brunswick Fire District #1, Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Department in 1987 where he actively served until becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper. In 1998, Mike joined the Northampton Fire Department. He dedicated 27 years to his community, eventually becoming a Captain. He helped with Junior Cadet Summer Camp and did various events and trainings with the dive team.

When not at the firehouse, you would often find him with his grandchildren–usually trying to convince everyone that “the kids wanted McDonalds.” You could find him at almost every soccer game, baseball game, school concert, and play.

Mike had a very unique set of skills. If you ever needed directions, he could locate places by using his favorite landmarks–Wawa and Dunkin’ Donuts. He saved everything and could offer the most random of items (like training wheels for his granddaughter’s bike, any specific piece and style of wood needed for a project, or tools from his endless assortment). He could name all of the James Bonds, knew everything about Godzilla, and was an avid KISS fan.

We will all miss Mike’s dedication, humor, and selflessness. His legacy will live on through those who help others. As Gene Simmons of KISS once said, “Each of us on our own could only go so far. Together, we would go all the way.”

Along with his wife Donna, Mike is survived by his two daughters, Dana Werkheiser and her husband, Leo, of Northampton, Danielle Cortright of Nazareth; grandchildren, Piper Cortright, Jax Werkheiser, Josiah Cortright, and Mya Werkheiser; brothers, Steven Booke and his wife, Tara, Jason Booke and his wife, Tanya; nieces, Sophia and Ella Booke; sister Cynthia Harris; nieces Marina and Loralei Harris. 

A Celebration of Life in Mike’s memory will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Northampton Fire House, 4 Lerchenmiller Dr, Northampton, PA 18067 at 10:00am. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net. Arrangements and cremation care are under the direction of the George G. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc. - Moorestown/Bath.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Northampton Fire Department https://www.northamptonfire42.com or The American Heart Association https://www.heart.org in his honor, reflecting his spirit of giving and commitment to community service.