Members of the Northampton Area School District community are mourning the loss of Mike Gurdineer, who died Sept. 8 after a battle with COVID-19.

Gurdineer was an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Northampton Area Middle School and served as the offensive coordinator for the Northampton Area High School Konkrete Kids football team.

According to NASD Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kovalchik, Gurdineer joined the school district in the 2019-20 school year.

“Mike was an excellent teacher, colleague and mentor for our students,” Kovalchik said. “He was always willing to do whatever it took to help students and the school improve. Mike always put the students first. He was a first-class individual.”

NASD Athletic Director Shaun Murray reported Gurdineer coached with the football program March through August.

“Our hearts break for Coach Gurdineer and his family as we offer our condolences to all who have crossed paths with Mike,” Murray said. “Mike was an outstanding teacher and football coach who left a huge impact on our student-athletes and our entire Northampton community. Coach Gurdineer’s devotion to our students was second to none and the impact he left will never be forgotten.”

According to Murray, there was a moment of silence in Gurdineer’s honor before the Konkrete Kids Sept. 10 game against Stroudsburg.

Gurdineer, who lived in Coopersburg with his wife, Melissa, and their children, previously taught in the Allentown School District and coached for Southern Lehigh School District. Southern Lehigh Spartans Football offered condolences for Gurdineer on Facebook.

“We mourn the loss of Mike Gurdineer, a man who had such a tremendous impact on our community, our football family and countless young men to whom he was a mentor and coach,” the post stated.

Allentown Central Catholic High School also shared a Facebook post extending condolences and prayers.

Whitehall, Catasauqua and Parkland school districts offered their sympathies on Twitter.

There had been a Meal Train page set up to assist the family while they reportedly all battled COVID-19 so the family could focus on getting better.

A large number of people had signed up to help, showing just how loved the Gurdineer family is in the community.

Kovalchik reported there will be counseling offered at NAHS and NAMS for any students who need to talk or need extra support during this time.