Mike and I tried a jury trial together as co—-defendants. Like any jury trial, there are moments of tense drama where you can only hope that any understandings you had with counsel before the trial hold water during those tense moments of trial.  Well, Mike held the line and so did I.  I had a better appreciation for his character and trial skills after that experience.  He was a fine man, and I’m sorry he is gone too soon. 

Dear Friends and Family of Michael Shanabruch,
     I was a friend of Mike's in high school. We made a lot of joyous noise (or maybe it was just a lot of noise, but to us it was mostly joyous) in his parent's basement during our junior and senior years of high school. Our project was self-discovery. And, at the time, we were experimenting with music and trying to determine whether or not we might have any future as a band.  As it turns out, we didn't. But that doesn't mean that it was a waste of time or that we didn't learn a lot and have a lot of fun in a process that still set a lot in moment. Even more fondly, I remember being in a creative writing class with Mike in high school (taught by the one and only Ms. Glück) and finding our way to another wing of friendship as both of us were discovering ourselves as writers. (I remember in particular Ms. Glück reading aloud a short story Mike had written and being blown away.) ...Anyway, we lost touch in college, and I always held onto the hope that we might reconnect one day (maybe at Price Park, where, as I would read in Mike's obituary, he enjoyed taking walks with his father). ...I have to say, learning of Mike's sudden death of a heart attack (at age 57) hit my hard, which surprised me. But now, I think that this is the particular province of grief that he and I have entered: for me, I mourn an old friend with whom I'd fallen out of touch but who, at one time, his friendship meant the world to me and, as I realize now, still does. So, to Mike's parents and siblings and their children, as well as Mike's friends, past and present, please accept these words and my sincerest condolences and please know that I walk in my own way with you in grief and will continue to celebrate Mike and to live as well as I can as a way of honoring him and in his memory.  

Carol and Raymond you have our deepest sympathy. Your in our thoughts and prayers.  Old friends from Pike Grange. Tell any of your others siblings we oftern think about all of you.  Donna(Long) and Rich Mahoney

My sincere condolences to the Shanabrook family.  I have so many fond memories of Mike.  From  campouts,  back yard baseball, vacations, sleepovers, concerts, OU, school projects and so much more.  Mike and his family were a wonderful part of our family as we were growing up. He will be greatly missed.

Ray and Carol, so sorry to hear of your son's passing.  May he rest in God's living arms.  Will keep you in our prayers.  Remember the good times.  Love, Jane and Bob Heitger

Ray & Carol, 

It’s with deepest sympathy that we offer prayers and comfort for your loss. May your fond memories of Mike bring you some peace.

Mike had a quick wit and was incredibly smart and incredibly kind. I know my husband will miss their long lunches where they hashed out plans to save the world.  Rest in Peace, Mike. Our deepest condolences to the Shanabruch family and Mike’s many friends 
Aimee & Gil Blomgren

My heart goes out to the Shanabruch  family during this difficult time.  I am so sorry for your loss.  My prayers for your pain to subside and hugs to bring you comfort.  We are all devastated and Mike will be sadly missed.  

We were so saddened to learn about the loss of your son. Fond memories of Ray’s walks with Mike and fond memories of Mike always giving Carol flowers should help get you through this very difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy.

Mike was a very talented musician and performer.  Without his drive and vision, we never would have formed our band, written and recorded so many songs, played so many shows, and made so many friends.   I will always be grateful for the good times.  

Mike was brilliant, variously jovial and irascible, demanding, encouraging, direct, committed and capable.  We met as freshmen at OU because we lived on the same floor at our dorm, and we became friends immediately.   For years, we performed together in our band (the Rhythm Method).  He was a tremendously talented drummer, solid as a rock with a minimalist style and phenomenal power.  That says a lot to me about how he was in his life as I knew him.  He saw something in me that I did not see in myself, and without him I never would have grown as a musician and as a person.  Without Mike, there never would have been a Rhythm Method, there never would have been all those songs, all that dancing, all that joy, all those memories made alongside so many wonderful friends.  I am grateful to him for all that.   Sending my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers.  


I had the pleasure of working with Mike for a few short years in Cleveland House Counsel at Progressive.  I always enjoyed friendly exchanges with him when he was in the office and had the pleasure of getting to know him better at some work events where we talked about love of food and recipes.  Mike was extremely professional and truly cared about the work he was doing.  He is one of those people you meet in life who is "larger than life" and you just feel better after being in his presence.  He did not seem to have an insincere bone in his body...I am grateful to have known him and my heart and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time.  I hope your memories are able to bring you some solace and your beliefs give you hope that you will be reunited again.  To Mike's parents, as a mother of sons myself, there is truly no greater gift you can give the world than to bring a child into it who makes the world a better place and is loved and admired by so many...thank you for the gift of your son, Mike.

I had the pleasure of working with Michael.            A true gentleman.  My condolences to his family.  Keeping all of you in my prayers. 
Charity Forchione Ginella

Condolences to the entire family, from Todd Shifrin, Chicago IL

Mike was my neighbor and my friend.  Of course, I remember his Super Bowl parties and I showed up at the occasional card game but I'll miss being able to get drinks or have lunch with him much more.

So very sorry for your loss.  I worked with Mike at Progressive.
He was great to work with.  He will be missed. 



Dear Ray, Carol and family.   When I heard the sad news that Mike had left us, I had an instant heartache and tears in my eyes.    I cannot imagine the pain you all are going through. I remember how Mike and all the neighborhood  boys would run the neighborhood having so much fun growing up.  Your son was a man to be proud of, as a person and professional.    With deepest sympathy.  ❤️. Nancy Heggy.  Psalm 34:19. 

Michael and I were on opposite sides of the professional coin but I believe that we shared a mutual respect for each other. He was a friendly guy and a very good attorney. He will be missed and my condolences to his loved ones.

Ray, & Carol,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking and praying for all of you ..

Dear Shanabruch family,
My deepest condolences at Mike's unexpected passing.  We grew up together in North Canton, going to Orchard Hill Elementary and graduating from Hoover.  Mike was always a nice guy throughout school.  Quiet, funny, and smart.  I was very saddened to hear of his passing.  May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Dear Ray and Carol, 
     My heart goes out to you at this time of loss. Mike will be missed by all who knew him, as a good kid in the neighborhood. You will meet him again in heaven someday and he will be waiting for you with open arms. 
Love in Christ, 
Janet Vogelgesang.

I worked with Mike for many years at Progressive.  He was a great lawyer - always fighting the good fight for his clients and for justice.  He was one of the smartest lawyers I know, and he was my go to on so many things, because I knew he'd have the answer.  He wanted to be great, and he worked hard to make that happen.  He was also selfless with his time and would help anyone, anytime. 

Aside from his work, he was just a fantastic person I was lucky to know.  We had many lunches and coffee dates together in the years that I knew him.  We'd talk about work, and he would challenge me.  I would challenge him back and we'd have spirited debates sometimes. I want to think it made us both better.  We'd never leave a meeting without catching up on family, sharing a restaurant recommendation or discussing football.   He was quick to laugh about the fate most years of his beloved Cleveland Browns.  He was so close to his family and would give me updates on his nieces, while asking about my kids.  Beneath the exterior of an aggressive lawyer, Mike was a sweetheart of a man, and he was my friend.  I will miss him. 

I’m so sorry to hear this. I worked with Mike as a staff attorney for a few years at the courts. We would go eat lunch together almost every day. He had a heart of gold and I really enjoyed our friendship. We lost touch after we both left the courts but I’m still so saddened to hear this news. I will always remember him fondly and I’m sorry for your family’s loss. 

Mike was always a true gentleman and an all around great guy. I really enjoyed working with him over the past 14 years on Progressive cases.  Any time Mike was my opposing counsel, I knew my clients would be treated with respect and dignity. We had many great conversations over the years, and he will be missed by Cleveland’s legal community and his family and friends. 

My deepest condolences to his family for losing him way too young. 

To all the family what a shock my heart aches Such wonderful memories come to mind when the kids were so young and we were all so close!! Know your all in my prayers . All our love Jim and Mary Pastor

Mike was a professional colleague and friend for many years. I first met him at Case Law, had him as a staff attorney with Judge V and then for many years and decades opposing me at Buckingham and Progressive. We also worked out together for many years at The Club at Key Tower. 

Mike was intellectually inquisitive, a great conversationalist, and a true history buff. He was a very good man and colleague who will truly be missed. 

To the Shanabruch family I am sorry for your great loss.

So sorry to hear about Mike's passing.   I always enjoyed spending time with Mike at his sister's Diane's party's.   My heart goes out to Ray , Carol, Pete, Diane, Dan, Marissa, and Sofia.   He will be missed by so many.

Mike served as my staff attorney at the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas early in his career. He was a diligent and thorough staff attorney. His thoughtful memos and great scholarship helped the court immensely. I greatly enjoyed our discussions concerning the law, helping both of us to understand and appreciate not just the law on its face but its nuances. Mike was my staff attorney during a particularly active period of litigation in automobile insurance law. If memory serves me, the leading case was brought by a plaintiff named Pomerantz. Mike brought the case to my attention and discussed its significance. He followed the evolving case law and developments, becoming quite expert in this area. He greatly assisted the court in achieving a proper understanding and issuing appropriate rulings. Mike also became my friend. He would often stop by to check up on me and say "hello" after leaving for greener pastures and taking a position with Progressive Insurance Company. His visits were always a welcome respite from the day's work. I recall his great sense of humor (never taking himself too seriously) and his wicked little smile. Mike was a devoted fan of his beloved Cleveland professional baseball franchise, celebrating and suffering in equal measure the team's exploits on the field. I am aghast at the cruelty of fate for taking Mike away at such a young age. At the same time, I am uplifted by the experience of having known him in my life. Alas, there are so many who will now be denied this privilege. I share in the grief of his loved ones so they need not bear it alone. Rest in peace, Michael.

Retired Judge José A. Villanueva

05/30/2023
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Dear Carol, Ray, and family,
    What can I say.  This has brought so many memories back about when the boys were young and I was able to watch them for you. Mike was always such a sweet, polite young man.  Right now I wish I could be there to give you a big hug.  Just know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.  Stay strong dear friends.
Love,  Linda & Ralph

I'm so sorry and shocked to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with Mike at Progressive and we sat in mediations for many hours over 20yrs talking about our families and sports. It was obvious he was close to his parents and sister and was very proud of his nieces.   He was a very bright attorney and was never intimidated to go to battle for his clients.  He will be missed.  You have my deepest sympathies. 

My husband and I were so sad after hearing the heartbreaking news. I worked with Mike for many years, we became friends and shared many laughs. He was a wonderful and smart man. He loved his family so much and talked about them often.  Our hearts go out to his family, may you find peace in your wonderful memories. 🙏💛

OBITUARY

Michael Raymond Shanabruch

May 1, 1966 – May 29, 2023

Karlo-Libby Funeral Home

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