I’m so very sorry to hear this terrible news. I only knew Mike in high school and our early 20’s, and yet still have so many memories of how funny and smart and kind he was.  I remember him as such a quick wit, with a constant smile, and that he was always positive and forward-looking.  Even at that young age I remember thinking he was a very principled person and saw that he aimed to always improve and grow. 
I pray for peace and healing for Joanne and your whole family and all the many people whose lives he touched. He was a very special person, a true ray of light in the world. Sending love and I promise to keep you all in prayer.

Enjoyed working with Mikey Durbin over the years.  He was the best bon fire guy at work ever!  Cooked the fires hot, got the dogs and brats all cooked up along with the rest of everything at the office.  Won't be the same without him.

To the Family of Michael Durbin:
I have served on the board of Community Choice/CCF and worked closely with Michael for 12 years. Like everyone who has ever known him, I don’t know where to begin to describe how much I feel for your family.  He was an A-1 fabulous person, among the best you ever meet. He was deeply appreciated by everyone on the board for, of course, his hard work and tremendous expertise, but especially for his strong moral core, kindness and his equanimity in the face of exceptionally challenging  circumstances (of which there were many.)  I always knew we could count on Michael for the right answer and to keep us on track. I always knew he could calmly engage with whatever difficult personality was thrown his way and pave our way out of a “pickle.”  We could always count on his wise practical advice, good humor and balance.  I knew he would do the “right thing” even when that put him in a difficult position.  He had and was a gift.
While he was an exceptional, dedicated business person, it was always clear that his family came first.  He spoke of you often. I hope you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have with him.

I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about all of you since the night it happened and can’t imagine what you’re all going through.  I’ve been praying for all of you and hope that time helps heal.  Sean, I tried to reach out to you, but I must have an old phone number. I’m especially thinking of you often.

Paula and I are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you to find peace thru this in our Lord Jesus Christ.    Mike and Paula Jenner

Unimaginable. Hope it helps to know we care.
Deepest sympathies and condolences…

To the Durbin family and friends.                             

It goes without saying what a great guy Mike was!! So down to earth and had an amazing energy around the office. The first thing I thought of after hearing of this unbelievable tragedy was how he was there for me when I was dealing with a tragic loss. I didn’t know him very well at that time but he was there me and became very supportive!! I will never forget it!! I will be thinking of your family and praying that someday you will find peace and joy again! You will see Mike again and it will be a grand reunion!!

  John Maloney

Joanne and Family,

We are truly sorry to hear of Mike’s tragic passing.  He was a great friend and I know he was a loving husband and father.  Our prayer are with you. 

Shawn, Carisa and the Groomes Family

To Joanne Durbin, his children, and family:

Our thoughts have been on Michael, his family, and all those who knew him since we received the heartbreaking news.  
Words can not adequately express how shocked and deeply saddened Barbara and I are over learning of the tragic and senseless loss of Michael.

Michael and I remained in contact after my retirement.  We often shared photos and stories of our family travels.  In our most recent exchange, he shared pictures of your cycling vacation at Moab National Park.

I mention this because it truly illustrates that, despite all his tremendous success and invaluable contributions at work, he remained centered on the things he found most important: his family.  Whether it was a cookout or a holiday gathering, the times he treasured most were those he shared with those he loved.  I recall numerous conversations in his office (the walls adorned with large photos of his children), when, after business concluded, he would share stories of the latest happenings in their lives with pride.

To Michael, the importance of family extended to everyone he knew.  Our son reminded us of the telephone call Michael made to us the day Barbara underwent cancer surgery.  Reassuringly, he stated that he had spoken to "the big guy" and that everything would be fine.  True to his word, everything remains fine eight years later, and his thoughtfulness and caring nature always evident when he asks how Barbara is doing. 

That was the type of person Michael was.   

It goes without saying that Michael was truly an exceptional person, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him is better for the experience.  

Louis and Barbara Nash

On behalf of everyone at the University of Cincinnati Online, we extend our deepest condolences to our colleague Jen and the entire Durbin Family on the passing of her uncle. We share in your sorrow and wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

I only got a small glimpse of this great man, but it was enough to know that the world is a bit worse-off today without him. Michael lived the Stallion Way. He was the type of man you want your son to grow up to be, and the type of man you want your daughter to marry.

In times like these I lean heavily into a passage from Philippians:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Michael was noble, and pure, and admirable.  He was excellent and praiseworthy. I pray that all of his friends and family find peace and thanksgiving, even in light of such a tragedy.  God bless.

Michael was a bright light, truly a blessing to this world.  The smile never left his face, if you were with him, you were laughing.  It is an honor to have shared so many good times with Michael and the entire Durbin family.  

Our hearts are broken by his absence, but we must also be grateful for his presence, and the joy he brought to this world.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Durbin family.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. We’ll always remember his warmth, generosity, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him. Michael’s generosity extended beyond his family and friends—he graciously shared his time and experience with students in Shan’s finance class at OSU, offering insights and encouragement that helped to strengthen the leaders of tomorrow.

In his memory, and in the spirit of his generosity, we encourage others to support Mary’s Meals, in lieu of flowers, as well, helping to continue the good Michael inspired in others. Our hearts are with the entire Durbin family during this difficult time.

With sympathy to all those whose lives Michael touched,
Adam Reiner and Shan Ge

I was heartbroken to hear of Michael Durbin’s passing. For nearly 15 years, I had the privilege of working with him — but more than that, I valued his friendship. Michael was generous, kind, and sharp — one of my favorite people to work with.
Just a few days before, I shared a photo of my new granddaughter with him, and his response was as warm and genuine as he always was. It’s a reminder of the compassion and goodness he brought to every interaction.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed, both professionally and personally.

Scott Putnam

I hadn't ever met Michael, but I know Debbie and the deep love she has for family and friends.  This tragedy is beyond comprehension, but I hope all your memories of all the great times spent together with your beloved Michael bring you comfort and joy, not only today, but for all the tomorrows to come.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God bless the Durbin family and all those who knew and loved Michael and his family.

" Use good Judgment ".   As Mr. Durbin  always  reminded us to do . 🙏

To the Durbin Family,
May the God of your understanding comfort & guide you to peace. Cherish the endless memories you developed together. Know your new Guardian Angel will always be with you. Michael will live on through each person whose life he touched.

No words can soften the diverse feelings you have, but hopefully you'll find comfort in the  depth of friends, extended family & faith family you have walking this journey with you.

God Bless,
Kay Lonas

Dear Joanne and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies and unending prayers for the sudden loss of Mike. My sister, Rosie McNenny and her husband Jay, have mentioned over the years how lovely it was to get together at the Durbins and truly treasure their long lasting friendship with you! They will surely be there for you now and in the future.
We pray that Mike will rest in God's loving arms, and we pray for your family's comfort in this unimaginable time of sorrow.
~ Katy and Jeff LeRose

I send my deepest condolences to the Durbin Family. My memories will always be filled with the laughter and fun created at the farm growing up watching Michael enjoy time with his brothers, sister, and many cousins. I know the loss of Michael hits very hard. I will continue to pray for you all as you navigate a new normal. With much love, Julie (Garske) Miller

Joanne & Family,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear of Michael's passing. I'm sending prayers and love to your family! <3 
Michael was a pleasure to work with and always greeted me with a smile. He will be missed and heaven truly gained a beautiful soul.

Sincerely,
Rose Paine

Michael had a rare gift: his presence could lift any room, no matter the circumstances. If anyone ever truly lived life to the fullest, it was him. I've never witnessed someone embrace each moment with such genuine passion and joy. While our hearts ache with his absence, his memory remains vivid and his example endures. Michael, you will inspire us always. We love you.

Our community mourns with you.  I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, sons & father. Sending you peace and love from Southport.

Our family met the Durbin clan, both Mike & Drew's families, at Buckeye Volleyball Club when the girls were in high school.  There were several families we were fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with over multiple club seasons, and the Durbins were definitely among them.  Tournament weekends were always enjoyable with Mike's sense of humor and amusing shenanigans on display.  He clearly had a positive impact on many, both personally and professionally.

Our condolences to the entire Durbin family,

Tom, Michele, Meghan & Molly Murphy

We are truly so sorry for your family’s tragic loss. May you all feel the power of the prayers of so many trying to provide you all with love, peace, and strength. Prayers will continue🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 The Bosco Family- Tim, Veru, Zach & Julia

Kate, Matt, and family,

There aren't words to adequately express what the heart wants to say. May time and memories, and all those who love you, bring you comfort and peace.

Wrapping you in love ❤️

Mike had such a wonderful sense of humor.  On one of the trips to Utah. He was trying to tell his teenage daughter that he was moving the family to Utah. He was telling her they have no internet, no cell phones service His daughter was believing him. Mike was just there setting laughing. His laugh was contagious. 
My condolences to the family


Beth Farley 
Worked in compliance Checksmart

God Bless your family..every local resident is filled with sadness for your incredible loss..

I did not know Mike or his family until the night I responded to this very tragic call with the Sheriffs Office. I sat with the victims for several hours at Edgewater 122.  We are forever changed and we will forever remember your family, and all of the victims in our thoughts and in our prayers!  Southport is a very strong community and we will always be here should you ever need anything!  
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us! 

Love and prayers, 
Chaplain Cece McConnell
Brunswick County Sheriffs Office

You and your family are in my thoughts as you prepare to face life without your loved one.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  I wish there were words to ease the pain.

Mrs. Durbin, Jamie, Samantha, and Will,

I was shocked when I heard about this. I am so so sorry for your loss. 

Many prayers for you and your family.

Love,

Chris, Nick, and Carly

Words cannot express the deep sorrow our extended family feels on the loss of Uncle Mike.  Bonded over time by the love for family and raising children that we all shared, our hearts are with the Durbin and Miller families, as we celebrate the wonderful kindness, fun and friendship that  Mike extended to us all, and experience the pain of this  senseless loss that everyone who knows Mike now feels. Our love to Joanne and wonderful children.  God be with you during the days ahead.

Mike Durbin was a role model for me back at Ohio University. I am fortunate to have known him.  He left an imprint on my life back then. A great person.

10/03/2025
I was so very sorry to hear about Michael’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him at CCFI. I will remember what a friendly, kindness and great sense of humor he brought in the office.  He made a lasting impression on those of us who worked with him. He always said hi to you in hall way. He will be deeply missed.   You and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.

I am still in shock as I am not going to be able to talk to him , Friday night was the last time we spoke , He was my dear friend and partner for over 10 years , I loved him , every moment we are together he brings joy to the conversation  , my heart is aching for his family and all the people who got to experience his presence and his big smile that light up his face , often talk about his wife Joanne and how much he love spending time with her and get so excited to have all his kids for a meal or travel together 
We are all going to miss Michael  , earth lost a really good man but Heaven gained one . 💔😢

I keep a small circle of friends and Mike was one of the special ones.  I was blessed to get to know him better these past couple of years.  He is honestly one of those friends I will never forget and I will strive to be more like him.  He made me laugh, cry, and drink until I told embarrassing stories.  There is just no one like Mike and I will miss him terribly! Prayers to the Durbin family.

Mike was a man of impeccable character…Someone that could change the atmosphere in a room to positivity and laughter as soon as he walked in the door. We will never understand why God took him from this earth so young. All we can control is how we live our own lives while we are blessed to be here. I for one plan to use Mike’s example as a pathway. Mike leaves a hole the size of a galaxy but I will thank my lucky stars every day that I got to experience his friendship. God bless the Durbin family. My heart aches for you.

My first met Michael in the fall of 2013. He was coming to Utah frequently, as the company that he worked for had purchased our company. Michael was always so fair, kind and curious. He could be tough when needs be, but his toughness never left you feeling like you were a failure or less of a person. He would always say to me, “How are we doing in Ohio? You have everything you need?” And every time I would see him he’d smile, shake my hand and say, “Andy, how are you? Tell me something good.” He was a good man and I appreciate his kindness and mentorship.

I worked with Michael since 2013.  He made me better at my job and demanded more from me.  He used to constantly push me and moments later we would be joking and making each other laugh.  He was the salt of the earth and absolutely one of the great ones.  He loved his family and stood for so much at work and at home.  Heaven has inherited one of the greats!  My condolences go out to his family, you will forever be remembered and I will always be grateful for the chance you took on me.

It’s a wonderful testimony to a perso when thoughts of that person bring  smiles and a warmed heart.  How Mike lived his Time on Earth does this.  The strength  and depth of his  love for his Joanne, their children, the entire family,, his siblings and legions of friends will remain forever. a gift.. To live  ‘Mike’s way’  will  be a part of everyone blessed to have spent time with Mike in his Earthly  journey. 
 Well done Good and faithful servant .

I have worked with Michael for the past 4 years.  I will remember him as someone who always brought energy, intelligence and good cheer to every interaction.  My thoughts are with his family and friends as they mourn this senseless and unexpected loss of a good man.

Joanne, 

I knew Michael for only a short time and was struck by his kindness, goodness, smile, and humility.   Please know our family is remembering you daily in our prayers.  Please know, too, there are hundreds of shoulders who are here for you to lean on and to help with anything you may need.

In Christ there are no good-byes, in Christ there is no end.

Bill Gavin

God's peace at this difficult time.  Holding the Durbin Family close in my prayers.

I did not know Michael personally but I work with Debbie and know Andrew. Words cannot even begin to express the sadness I felt upon hearing the news of this tragedy.  Debbie told many, many stories of all the vacations spent with Michael and his family and friends and I know he will be forever missed.  My heart goes out to his family and friends and may God be with them as they travel down the difficult road ahead.  Peace be with all of them. Kim Mcnulty

I was so very sorry to hear about Michael’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him at CCFI, and I will always remember his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. He made a lasting impression on those of us who worked alongside him, and he will be deeply missed.

Please know that my heart and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the cherished memories you hold close.

I was saddened to hear of Mike's tragic passing. I will always remember the good times at DeSales prior to my family moving. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Durbin family. Rest in peace my friend.

I didn’t know Michael or any of the victims.   But you all are in my prayers.   🙏❤️

I just wanted to write, even though we never met Michael  we were near him at American Fish the night of the tragedy. He will be forever in our thoughts and prayers here in southport. We will be forever bonded . We pray for the whole family  at this unimaginable time. 
All our love, 
Patty and Bob Polito

OBITUARY

Michael James Durbin

November 28, 1968 – September 27, 2025

Schoedinger Margarum Northeast

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Funeral Mass

Reception to Follow Service