Michael Alan Counterman

Michael A. Counterman (Top), 77, of Wind Gap passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Born on January 14, 1948 in Stroudsburg, PA. He was the son of the late Sterling and Dorothy (Ace) Counterman. A 1967 graduate of Stroudsburg High School, Michael proudly served as an Airborne Ranger in the United States Army and completed three tours in Vietnam. He was a P.O.W., received 3 Purple Hearts, and a multitude of other service medals and awards. After active duty, he served in both the Georgia and Pennsylvania Army National Guards, retiring in January 2008 as a 1st Sergeant (E8), after a total of 41 years. He was employed over the years in construction, plumbing, brass finishing, and auto and small engine repair. He retired from Old Castle in Forks Township, as a block maker. Over his lifetime, he enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved peanut butter, camping, and traveling with his wife, Laura, family, and friends. He especially loved trips to the beach. He had a passion for racing and auto mechanics. In his younger years, he could be found at the Wind Gap drag strip and the Nazareth dirt track. He also enjoyed participating in many demolition derbys and enduro races. His greatest joy in life was his family. He loved any time spent with his children and their families. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren, and loved to watch his three youngest granddaughters in competition dance. His wife, "Lur Jean",was the love of his life. They celebrated 43 years of marriage this March. Who knew you could find your soulmate in a Laundromat? He will be incredibly missed by his wife Laura; his son Kevin Counterman and his wife Kimberly, their children Christopher, Brandon, Ashley, Kallem, Karissa, and Kevin Jr and 9 great grandchildren; a granddaughter Ashton; his daughter Amanda Johnston and her husband Chris, their children Shelby, Harley, and Dakota; sisters-in-law, Dina and Mary; brothers-in-law, David and his wife Bonnie, and Jim and his wife Carolyn; Robert and Karen Hendershot and their son Alex; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who quickly became like family. Michael was preceded in death by his brother David, sister Susan, and brothers-in-law Elio "Chuck" Uliana and his wife Linda, and Michael Manoway. The family would like to thank all the incredible staff at St. Luke's Hospital Network for all the excellent care given to Michael in the last couple years of his life. Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 12 PM at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, 126 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Pen Argyl. There will be viewing hours, Wednesday beginning at 10 AM until time of services at the funeral home. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke's University Health Network, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.