Michael Anthony Clarence Farbizo, age 59, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in his residence early Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born in Union Hospital at Dover on December 21, 1966, Mike is the son of Thomas and Judy Gribble Farbizo of New Philadelphia.

Despite being born with mental and physical challenges, Mike lived his life to the fullest, thanks in large part to the devoted care of his family and a community that embraced him for his wonderful, outgoing personality. Mike began his education in special education classes at New Philadelphia City Schools before transferring to Lathrop Elementary and Crenshaw Junior High School in Canton. He later spent a few years at the former Starlight School and Workshop.

In his younger years, Mike enjoyed participating in Indian Guides alongside his brother, Chris. He was an avid reader, a Disney enthusiast, and a collector of stuffed animals, which he loved ordering from around the world with the help of his iPad. He affectionately called them his “buddies” and made time for them each day.

Mike loved being social, and anyone who had the opportunity to meet him was sure to make an instant friend. Whether enjoying an iced tea and carnival games at the Tuscarawas County Fair, selling football programs alongside his dad at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium, or riding in a convertible during the First Town Days Parade, Mike lit up whenever he saw the people he knew and loved throughout the community. When it came to Quaker Football, there was no bigger fan. In fact, he had the #1 Quaker Fan trophy to prove it! Mike loved keeping track of where the team played each week, and when it came to “The Rivalry,” he was always ready to cheer on his beloved Quakers.

Mike also loved the holidays and knew each one in order as the calendar year progressed. As the special day and festivities wound down, he would often remark that he was glad the holiday was over, but he was already looking forward to celebrating the next one.

In addition to his parents, Mike will be missed by his beloved family: brother, Chris (Tina) Farbizo of Gahanna; sister, Amanda Farbizo of New Philadelphia; niece and nephew, Cayla and Cole Farbizo; uncles, Jim (Marge) Gribble of Maryland, Bruce McCrea of New Philadelphia; aunts, Shirley (Denny) Kimmel of Florida, Marta Vassiles of Bolivar, and Neva Greenwald of Mississippi, as well as numerous cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Curtis and Catherine Gribble; his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Mina Farbizo; and an aunt, Karen McCrea.

The family will celebrate Mike’s life during a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2 – 4 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where Pastor Jim Borton will lead a celebration of Mike’s life in the funeral home’s chapel beginning at 4 PM. A light reception will be shared following the service in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Baseball Now and Forever, Inc., 819 N Broadway, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.