Obituary of Jack Edward Durbin
Jack Edward Durbin was born January 8, 1953 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of three children born to the union of John Joseph and Naomi Adeline (Yape) Durbin. Jack attended Ida High School in Ida, Michigan graduating with the Class of 1971. A very active student, he played the snare drum with his high school band for two years. He was a member of the football team all four years and served as co-captain. He also played basketball for three years, wrestled his Senior year, ran track for three years and played baseball for one year, making Jack a three-year Varsity letterman. Additionally, he was the Senior Class President, Junior Class President, a member of the chess club for one year and a member of the National Honor Society his Junior and Senior years. After four successful years at Ida High School Jack would further his education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering on December 14, 1975 before obtaining his Master’s degree of Science in Civil Engineering on May 3, 1980. Jack spent most of his life in Monroe before moving to Ann Arbor to attend college. He then moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan before making his home in Livonia, Michigan in 1988.
Jack attended the Ward Presbyterian Church in Northville, Michigan. His knowledge in Civil Engineering led Jack to several municipal positions. He was the Washtenaw County Deputy Drain Commissioner, Director of the Department of Public Works for Washtenaw County, Deputy director of the Wayne County Division of Public Works, Michigan Area Manager and Associate Vice President of Arcadis and for the past eighteen years he was the owner and president of Environmental Science and Engineering Technology also known as E.S.E.T., Inc. Jack enjoyed his work but loved spending time with his grandchildren more than anything else.
Jack Edward Durbin, age 68, of Livonia, Michigan passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Garden City Hospital in Garden City, Michigan. His passing was preceded by his father; John J. Durbin and his brother-in-law; Edward Girnys.
To cherish his memory, he leaves three children; Lisa Hoskins of Westland, Michigan; Gregory Crawford of Redford, Michigan and John Patterson of Livonia, Michigan; his mother; Naomi Durbin of Monroe, Michigan; his sister; Patsy Girnys of Livonia; his brother: Joseph (Pam)Durbin of Gladstone, Michigan; his lifelong companion; Patsy Durbin of Livonia; three grandchildren; Teresa and Mary Hoskins and Chace Crawford; two nieces; Angie (Tony) Alfonsi of Livonia; Beth (Mike)Kuszpit of Kalamazoo, Michigan and two nephews; Ben Durbin of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and Dan (Kate) Durbin of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Friends may gather on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 4:00 - 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734)241-7070. A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 11:00 am at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe with gathering beginning at 10:00 am. Pastor Roy Southerland to officiate. A procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan will follow. For those unable to attend, the services for Jack will be live streamed to Merkle Funeral Service’s Facebook page.
For those desiring, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
