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Michael Durbin Obituary
Age 35, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday March 12, 2013. Michael was born on April 25, 1977 in Wilmington, DE. He was the only child of his parents Bruce and Manon Durbin. He graduated from Christiana High School in 1995 and has been the store manager at the Concord Pike Chili's restaurant for the past 10 years.
Mike was a very hard working, responsible, intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was one of the rare people who was immediately liked by everyone who met him. Mike loved animals and enjoyed reading, playing horseshoes and golf, surf-fishing and going to the beach.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Manon Durbin and his grandmother, Janet Durbin. He is survived by his father, Bruce Durbin, his grandfather Harry Durbin and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly. There are no words to express how much this wonderful man will be missed.
A memorial service and burial will be private.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Durbin
Sponsored by Kibbeth.
Kibbeth
March 12, 2025
12 years and still every year people post on this sad anniversary, I wonder if you ever realized how much you were loved and how much you would be missed. I hope that you can feel that love surround and sustain you now. You helped saved me, I just wish I could have saved you back. Love always! Kibb
Stephenie Morley
March 11, 2025
I miss you all the time!!!
Kibbeth
April 24, 2024
It just doesn't get any easier, this missing you
Alium
March 11, 2024
Truly missed.
Kibbeth
March 12, 2023
Much loved and forever missed
Michele B.
March 11, 2023
I can´t believe that it´s been 10 years it just doesn´t seem possible. You are so deeply missed and loved now and always!
Stephenie
March 11, 2023
You´re always close by and in my thoughts!! I love you always!
Anonymous
April 25, 2022
Thinking of you, especially on your birthday. Prayers to all your family and friends that miss your beautiful smile.
Anonymous
March 14, 2022
Thank you for continuing to maintain Mike's legacy page. I think of him every year.
Anonymous
March 13, 2022
Missing you
Kibbeth
March 12, 2022
Hard to believe it has been 9 years, forever loved, and forever missed.
Joanne Parker
March 11, 2022
Remembering Michael for the kind and caring young man that he was on his birthday.
Meghan Tucker
April 25, 2021
Happy Birthday Mike. Missing you as always!
Nancy
April 25, 2021
Remembering you on your birthday. Sending a photo from my collection.
Nancy
April 25, 2021
Remembering your birthday. Sending a young picture of you from my collection.
David Parkinson
March 13, 2021
Just remembering my best friend, too long without him! I miss him every day
Kibbeth
March 12, 2021
Still loved, and still missed
Dana Parkinson
March 11, 2021
Thinking of you
Meghan Tucker
April 25, 2020
Happy Birthday Mike. Missing you ❤
Kibbeth
March 12, 2020
Thinking of you especially today, you are very much missed and very much loved
March 11, 2020
Dear Michael, I recently found your name on the wall. Thanking someone for finding the answers I was searching for. Still remembering you from afar. It seems so long ago now, but I miss the young boy I once had spent a very short time with. You left behind so many friends and family members who dearly loved you. You will be missed forever.
Katherine Caldwell
November 7, 2019
I miss you everyday but know you are with your Mother.
November 7, 2019
Another Beautiful Soul up in Heaven.
Nancy Allison
April 25, 2019
Thinking of you on your Birthday. Wish I got to know you as an adult. You sounded awesome.
Ashley L.
January 19, 2019
Thinking of Mike today.
B.
December 4, 2018
Dear Mike,
I think of you often and wish with all my Heart that you were still with us here on earth!
I know You are at Peace, my dear boy!
Happy with your Loved Ones, especially your Mom and Grandmother!
As we remember You, please, watch over us!
Help us move forward without You in our lives!
Help our Hearts to slowly mend!
Help us to find Peace!
Help us to be Strong!
Missing and Loving You as if You were my own son!
All My Love, Always!
Kibbeth
November 27, 2018
The pain of losing you never really goes away...
March 15, 2018
Missing your life here on earth. You will never be forgotten. You were so loved, from what I read from your family and friends. I miss knowing the adult Mike, at 40. And thank you Kibbeth for keeping this active.
Laura Stayton
March 14, 2018
Hard to believe it's been just over 5 years since we lost you. You're forever in my heart and on my mind <3 <3
Dana Parkinson
March 12, 2018
Thinking of you today, Durbin.. 5 years, never forgotten.
Kibbeth
March 12, 2018
Thinking of you today Mike, and all those who love you, and miss you. Be at peace, know you are loved and remembered.
Kibbeth
April 26, 2017
Hard to imagine we can't celebrate your 40th birthday with you. Happy Birthday Mike, we miss you
Dana Parkinson
April 25, 2017
Thinking of you on your birthday. We all miss you very much!
Kibbeth
March 12, 2017
4 sad years :(
Sonya Myles
April 25, 2016
Happy Birthday Mike, although you aren't here with us in person, we know you are with us in spirit, and today we celebrated you!
March 15, 2016
I still ask why?
Trish Barnyak
March 14, 2016
I texted you today, 3 years ago, at this very moment, asking if you were ok. My stomach dropped when you didn't text back. My heart breaks still toady. Much love, Michael Michael, Motorcycle.
Sonya Myles
March 12, 2016
3 years today, and the pain is as sharp now as it was then. You remain much loved and much missed.
August 14, 2015
You are still remembered...and missed.
Kibbeth
May 16, 2015
I miss you!
Meghan Stayton
March 12, 2015
Can't believe its been two years Mike. Missing & loving you always. <3
Sonya Myles
February 3, 2015
there are days that life without you seems pretty darn bleak, and then the sun sets, and colours light up the sky and I think of you, and the beauty and joy in the small things, and I find the courage to keep moving forward... but my heart still hurts
Mikie and his cousin Yancey's Baptism.Our grandmum (Thea Andrews) is holding Mikie and I (Alice Griffith) am holding my sister Yancey Head.
Alice Griffith
February 3, 2015
Kibbeth
November 11, 2014
there are days when it hits me, like an oncoming freight train, that you are no longer here...
Sonya Myles
June 14, 2014
Graduation on Monday Mike, I had hoped to share my celebration with you, I would never have applied for my masters degree without your faith in me. Still miss you every day. I miss your insight, your wisdom, your humour, your knowledge of the world around you, the way you were informed about what was happening in other places, your compassion for the unfairness of life, your ability to cheer others on. It's hard without you.
trish barnyak
April 26, 2014
happy birthday Michael Michael Motorcycle. xo
Stephenie Newhard
April 26, 2014
I think about u all the time. It doesn't take much for something to remind me of you or something u said or did a certain way!
Happy birthday!! Missing you today more than others!
Kibbeth, Thank you For keeping this online!!!
Meghan Stayton
April 25, 2014
Thinking of you today on your birthday Mike.. Miss and love you so much!
Dana Parkinson
April 25, 2014
Thinking of you today... miss you
April 25, 2014
Remembering you on your birthday. You are greatly missed.
April 21, 2014
My heart still hurts daily thinking of you not being here anymore. I'd do anything to see your face again. Thank you to the person you paid to keep this guest book going, it would be even harder to not be able to come here & read the wonderful things everyone has said about you. Miss you, Durbie!
Nancy Allison
April 19, 2014
I wish I had gotten the chance to know you as an adult. I do think of you often and miss you a lot. I'm glad you turned out to be such a great man and a good person to all the people you knew. I did have a little part in how you turned out. I taught you how to tie your shoes and ride a bike and to try new and exciting food. You are in my thoughts, especially with your birthday just ahead.
Sonya Myles
April 17, 2014
I always did send your birthday gift early. I cannot bear the thought of you being forgotten, and hope that this small gesture will keep your memory alive in more than just my heart. I miss you so much.
Laura Stayton
March 14, 2014
There are no words, it's still impossible to believe and understand that this beautiful man is gone. I know I will never be the same. Miss you and love you every single day and forever....
March 12, 2014
Thinking of you
Sonya Myles
December 12, 2013
May the comfort of family and friends bring peace as we face this first Christmas without you, you certainly left an awfully big hole in our lives!
September 22, 2013
I half expected to see you at Oktoberfest last night, it always makes me think of you. I wonder if you look down every now and then .. if so you know you're still very much missed.
September 6, 2013
missing you everyday, mike!
Ashley Lee
July 24, 2013
Saying a prayer for Mike's family.
Dana Parkinson
April 25, 2013
Thinking of you on your birthday. Miss you!
Sonya Myles
April 21, 2013
Mike was a friend to me when I needed one most, his friendship helped me through so many challenges in my life. Barely a week goes by when I don't remember something he said or did that helps me get through the day. Mike always made me want to be a better person, to deserve his friendship. I am so sad to hear of his passing, he brought so much into my life. Mike, I love you, and you will be missed so very much.
Kelli Belden
April 21, 2013
There are no words.
Good bye Mike...
Melinda (Szotkiewicz) Murphy
April 15, 2013
I can't stop thinking about you. You were my high school sweetheart, my first "true" love. You weren't just my boyfriend, you were part of my family. You touched my heart and you touched my soul and I am honored to have been part of your short life. You will be missed more than you will ever know and I will forever keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Ego Amo Te ...may you be at peace now.
Becca Smith Grabinski
April 12, 2013
There's only a few more days left to come here and read everyone's thoughts on Mike and it makes me sad. I know we have to just keep going on, that's what you do but my heart is sad that he won't be taking the journey with us. I think of you everyday Mike, I love you.
Bruce, I'm thinking of you and we're all here. Love you
Michele
March 25, 2013
The BIG BUZZ around town about 10 years ago, was the "OMG, REALLY CUTE GM" at Chili's. I had to check this out for myself. What I saw and eventually came to know about this somewhat shy, handsome young man,that he had a kind and gentle heart.
I cannot even begin to find the words to express how shocked and saddened I felt when I heard of his passing. My heart truly broke, as did many hearts that terrible day.
The world feels different, now that you are gone. I wish we could have had the chance to say our goodbyes, I know I needed that.
Mike, please know you will be missed and never forgotten!!!
george\margaret burns
March 25, 2013
BRUCE,SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I LIVE NEAR MIKE AND WE WALKED OUR DOGS TOGETHER.YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Tom Kinchella
March 24, 2013
Rest In peace Mike
March 23, 2013
RIP....MY FRIEND!!
March 23, 2013
Rip durbin!!! had some great times on Locust street!!!
Len Soeurn
March 23, 2013
Rest in peace brother.
Bruce Durbin
March 23, 2013
I want to thank everyone for all of your kind thoughts about my son. I've read them all many times. They are both heart breaking and heart warming at the same time. Mike would be embarrassed to see how much he affected so many people's lives.
Trina Connell
March 22, 2013
Mike was my GM while in college at U of D. He made my job there a huge part of my college yrs. it's the only job I didn't mind going to, mostly to hang out, joke & laugh with him. He had such a great heart & sense of humor. I whole heartedly appreciate everything he did for me, which included looking the other way when I mis behaved :) RIP Michael, u will forever be missed
Alexa Hassink
March 21, 2013
I'm so sorry and shocked to hear about this loss. I only worked for Mike a short time, but he was definitely the kind of boss that made you want to be better. He kept everyone on their toes, and it was fun trying to get him to laugh. He was hardworking and funny, and I liked him a lot.
A couple of years ago, after I had stopped working there, I came in with my brother who was on his mid-tour leave from Afghanistan, and Mike gave us a discount to thank him for his service. He was such an upstanding guy. He is missed.
Nancy Allison-Durbin-Allison
March 21, 2013
I am very saddened by the news of your passing. It sounds like you had turned out to be a very nice young man. I couldn't have wished for anything better for you. As I've always said in my birthdays cards to you, you will always have a place in my heart. My sincere condolences go out to your family. I know you will be greatly missed by all.
Allison
March 21, 2013
I cannot even begin to find the words to express how shocked and saddened I am by your loss. I can't seem to wrap my mind around the reality. Although it's been years since I have seen you, the world feels so much different just knowing that you are gone. I wish I could have had the chance to say goodbye. May you rest in peace. You will be forever missed.
Fred and Joan Parkinson
March 20, 2013
Our sincere condolances to the Durbin family. Through the sorrow we will always remember the the good times shared in Mike's company.
Becca Smith Grabinski
March 20, 2013
It's awful nice and a little heartbreaking to see all the kind words and love here for Mike. He was quite incredible.
It's hard to believe I'll never look into your eyes and hug you again. You will be so missed and you are so so loved. I'm thinking of you Bruce, love you.
Michelle Brown
March 20, 2013
To all of the Durbin family- my condolences to all of you. Michael obviously touched many lives by reading all of the kind words people have to say about him. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you.
Shanell Wright
March 20, 2013
So many great memories working w/ Mike. He gave me a job & my waitressing experience. It was a honor to have known such a great man
Paul Bryant
March 20, 2013
Bruce, it has been a long time, as a few other ETC folks have said. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray the peace and comfort of God on you and your family.
Jen Richardson
March 19, 2013
Mike was such a wonderful friend to me in high school. Rest in peace my friend...
Andy Bruce ECOLAB
March 19, 2013
Michael Man O Man Im gunna miss seeing you talking and joking .I will play a game of shoes on the beach in your memory every weekend . Rest in peace The Big A.
Howard Mitchell
March 19, 2013
Bruce,
It has been a long time. Loosing a loved one is a reminder of how fragile life is. However, you will never forget the love and joy he gave you. God Bless.
Howard Mitchell
Christine McKinney
March 19, 2013
Bruce,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
March 19, 2013
Mike, my heart is broken for you and the hole your loss has left in our lives. I tried to write this a few times and I couldn't see thru the tears so I had to stop. You were always more like a brother to me than a cousin. I always looked forward to seeing you at grandmas, we all vied for your attention cause you were always so cool to us, we wanted to be on your team for capture the flag or sit next to you at dinner, I remember the trips to the outer banks when we were little, I have a picture of all of us on my fridge, all the cousins around you at one of the beach houses, it was always that way, we all loved you so much, we always will. I will miss you forever. I love you Mike and you will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully. Say hi to grandma for me, I'll see you again someday, until then there will always be a place in my heart where you will be.
March 18, 2013
Mike Durbin, This is still so unreal.You were probably one of the most intellgent and strongest man I knew. Gosh, I remember back when you interviewed and hired me and Ashley, I wasso nervous! Or when me and ashley would tell you our "crazy" stories to try to make you laugh. (which we accomplished most of the time!) I am so thankful and so fortunate to have had the chance to work for you. You have taught not only me but all of us chili heads so much over the years. I used to get angry at times when you corrected me with my work, but thats what made me good at my job, and I have YOU to thank for that. Your chilis family will be holding down the fort for you Mike, making you proud! Rest peacfully Durbinator!!!
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
Laura Stayton
March 18, 2013
March 18, 2013
Stephanie Becker
March 18, 2013
dearest durbie, this is still not real to me. I couldn't have asked for a better general manager for the past 3 years . you ran this store better than anyone ever will be able to. we will forever miss you and never ever forget you! you were a great man; me and all the other chiliheads love you! and yu will stay in our hearts forever ! I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
Colleen Solge
March 18, 2013
I know we had our ups and downs at Chilis but I just can't believe you're gone. Rest in peace Mike.
Ashley Mango
March 18, 2013
Durbin, we all miss you so much already. It will never be the same at work again. You were a great GM to all of your chilis head. We've learned so much from you and we will all continue to make you proud at "The chill" The memories I had with you will forever live on & I am priveledged to have known a man like you! Ill never forget you, Mike Durbin.
Holly Clark
March 18, 2013
Remember...
bob willis
March 18, 2013
Bruce
Been a long time. So sorry to see this. Take care.
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