Obituary of Michael Alan Zaehringer

Smethport-Michael A. "Skinny" Zaehringer, 35, of Smethport, passed away as a result of a car accident, Sept. 9, 2018.

He was born April 7, 1983 in Tonawanda, NY, a son of Melanie Kohler Durkee and Michael Durkee.

Michael was a 2000 graduate of Smethport Area Jr./Sr. High School and attended Gannon University, receiving his Bachelor's Degree.  He also attended St. Bonaventure University, where he received his M.BA.

Michael worked as an accountant for Niagara Regional Federal Credit Union in North Tonawanda, NY.  During the summer months, Michael could be found at local fairs, festivals and racetracks operating his food concession, M&M Concessions.  For several years, Michael, along with his parents, was responsible for organizing events to benefit a local charity.

He was an avid, and at times, an irate fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.  He loved spending time with his parents and his cousins, attending their kids' birthday parties and attending family cookouts. Michael enjoyed going to all kinds of auto racing including, dirt track, sprints, and drag racing. He, along with some of his closest friends, would travel to tracks in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, North Carolina and Florida.

He is survived by his parents, his uncles and aunts; Bill and Sharon Kohler of Smethport, Dennis and Lois Kohler of W.VA, Donna Kohler of Florida and Debra Kohler of W.VA. Several cousins; David (Emma) Kohler of Eldred, Theresa (Josh) Britton of NC, Joel (Jenna) Kohler of Saxonburg, PA, Brad (Christina) Kohler of W.VA, Kelly (Bill) Glassner of Florida, and Janell Kohler of Buffalo, NY.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Roger Kohler, his grandparents, Earl and Virginia Kohler, and his great-grandmother, Agnes Vickers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday (Sept. 13, 2018) from 6-8 PM at the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA, where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 AM with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.