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Funeral services for Michael Philbin held Friday in Green Bay

CREATED Jan. 12, 2012

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GREEN BAY - Funeral services for 21-year-old Michael Philbin, the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Green Bay.

Michael is survived by his parents, Joseph A. and Diane M. (Donahue) Philbin, his loving brothers, 1st Lt. Matthew J., John P., Kevin C., Timothy J. and his loving sister, Colleen M., his paternal grandparents, Paul E. and Mary B. Philbin of Longmeadow, Massachusetts and maternal grandmother, Rosemary A. Bushnell of Medford, New Jersey.

Michael Philbin was found dead after drowning on Monday in the Fox River.

Oshkosh Police said the family did not know Michael was missing until at least 18 hours after he went missing.

The two-day search began Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m. when a security guard on duty at a nearby business alerted police to someone in the water.

"Person heard someone yelling for help and distress and saw what appeared to be a head sticking out of the water," said Oshkosh Police Chief Scott Gruel.

Police sent in divers who searched for two days until they found the body 30 yards from shore.

Officers said Michael went to school at Ripon College, but traveled to visit friends at UW-Oshkosh.

Those friends saw him on Wisconsin Avenue in Oshkosh about 20 minutes before the guard heard the cries for help.

Investigators say that about 18 hours after the first word of someone going into the water, investigators said that friends of Philbin reported him missing while the search was continuing.

"I can say I believe the friends called the family and notified them the same time as police notification," explained Gruel.

Police do not suspect foul play.

"The Philbin family expressed their appreciation, as it helps bring some closure to the family and allows them to grieve in their loss," said Gruel.

Autopsy results are not expected to come for at least one month.

To send online condolences, the family asks that you go to BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

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