Michael Launhardt

Michael H. “Mike” Launhardt, 77, passed away on August 19, 2026. He was born September 15, 1948, in Rhinebeck, New York, to M. Henry Launhardt and Jean Lifer Launhardt. Following his mother’s passing in 1950, Mike was raised by his father and Christine Launhardt. He grew up in Red Hook, New York, and graduated from Red Hook High School in 1966.

That same year, Mike met Linda Jean Ferris. They married on April 20, 1968, and spent 58 years together. They raised their family in Elizaville, New York, and later settled in Beavertown, Pennsylvania.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who considered his family his greatest accomplishment. He was strong, demanding, encouraging, and protective, always working to provide his family with the best life possible. Along with Linda, he instilled in his children the importance of family, integrity, and moral courage. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, and his love for them was always evident.

Mike was a stone mason for more than 35 years. Guided by his father as he developed his craft, he became known for creating beautiful structures from stone, block, and cement.

He enjoyed woodworking, working outdoors, and bowling. Most of all, he enjoyed being with Linda and watching his family grow.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; their children, Timothy Launhardt (Lien), of Bee Cave, Texas; Christie Oliveri (Michael), of Kingston, New York; and Kelly Giuditta (Michael), of LaGrange, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Dominick Giuditta, stationed in San Diego, California, and Layla Giuditta of LaGrange, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Tanaka (Del) of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

Mike will be remembered as the rock of his family. His greatest legacy is the family he and Linda built together. In his final moments, Mike’s wish was to be hand in hand with Linda, and that is how he left this world.

On Friday, August 28, 2026, there will be a time for sharing memories and offering condolences from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake, New York. Where on Saturday, a funeral service will be held at 2:00p.m., Inurnment will follow in the West Copake Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Gift Fund, supporting COPD and non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) research.