John Durback

1948 - 2023

John Durback

05/28/1948 - 11/27/2023

John Durback of Sylvania, OH passed away suddenly at home on November 27, 2023 at the age of 75. He had coronary artery disease for many years. He was born on May 28, 1948 to John and Audrey Durback in Cleveland, OH. He loved growing up in Maple Heights, OH and often told stories of all the neighborhood baseball games that were played. In junior high school, he became part of a group of friends that named themselves the "Raymond Ram Chargers." For many years he returned at Thanksgiving to play in their infamous Turkey Bowl and remained friends with many of them for the rest of his life. John attended Kent State University and was there when National Guardsmen gunned down four students. It had a lasting impact on him. After graduation, he moved to Toledo for a job at the then Lucas County Welfare Department. It was in Toledo that he met Debby, his wife of 45 years. While working at the Welfare Department he became involved with the union and served as Chapter Chairman. He became a fervent supporter of organized labor. When he left the Welfare Department he worked for several unions. One of his proudest achievements as a union representative was organizing a furniture factory in Kentucky while working for The United Furniture Workers of America. He went on to spend 25 years working at Toledo Jeep Assembly. He enjoyed going to work there because of the people he met. Many family vacations were spent off-roading in his Wrangler at various Jeep Jamborees. The muddier the Jeep was at the end of the Jamboree the more fun it had been. John became involved in the anti-war movement in the early 2000's. He and his son spent many weekend afternoons "picketing for peace". Frequent weekend evenings were spent with his son going to concerts - Neil Young , Jackson Browne, and Gordon Lightfoot were some favorites.

John is survived by his wife, Debby Durback; and his son, John Michael Durback. He is also survived by his brother, Ron Durback; sister, Jeanne Esposito; brothers-in-law, John Sominski and Gary (Joy) Sominski; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Audrey Durback; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Dorothy Sominski; brothers-in-law, Ron Sominski and Art Esposito; and his fur buddy, Lucy Loo. A memorial for John will be held December 9, 2023 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main Street, Sylvania, OH. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition, P.O.Box 12456 Toledo, OH 43606-9998

www.reebfuneralhome.com