Michael A. Coiro, Sr., 84, of Jacobstown and formerly Allentown, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Michael was a first-generation American. A U.S. Air Force veteran serving as a Staff Sergeant stationed in Iceland during the Korean War, he resided in the Allentown area for many years before moving to Jacobstown.

In 1968, he founded Allentown Caging, now Allentown Inc., which continues as a family-operated business.  Michael had a passion for music, which was inspired by his favorite artist, Frank Sinatra, whom he had the privilege of meeting several times. His tremendous love of music led him to become an active supporter of the New York Pops of Carnegie Hall. Michael had a generous spirit and volunteered his time and support to numerous organizations, both in his community and abroad. In his family’s hometown of Sala Consilina, Italy, Michael organized several fundraisers to restore two of the community’s churches—St. Michael’s Church, which dates back to 1213 AD, and Annunziata Church. His generosity to these churches resulted in an audience with the Pope. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church in Allentown and was a former member of the Allentown Lion’s Club.

Son of the late Michael Coiro, who emigrated from Italy to the U.S. in 1921, and Antoinette Pombo Coiro, he was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony Coiro and Vincent “Chico” Coiro. Michael is survived by his three children and their spouses, Michele and Matthew Connahan, John and Heather Coiro and Jill and Tom Thompson; his grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Sherry, Patrick and his wife Diana, Maura and her husband David, Michael, Sarah and Sophia; a great-granddaughter; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in both the U.S. and in Italy.