Michael Allan DiNitto, 64, cherished son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Dec. 8, 2025, at his home in Overland Park, Kansas, after a sudden illness. Mike was born to Joseph and Joan (Halfmann) DiNitto on July 21, 1961, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mike attended Haven public schools, Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor of science in journalism.
Mike began his career as a news reporter and anchor at Salina Cable Television, Salina, then KTKA, Topeka. In 1990, he was asked to become the director of video operations for the University of Kansas Athletic Department, and later, ESPN Regional Television. Over the next 13 years, he directed all projects for basketball and football, including coaches’ shows and season highlight and recruiting videos.
Mike’s reputation for exceptional work earned him many accolades and several awards. During one basketball tournament, North Carolina’s Dean Smith wryly asked a KU official about how they had “found” Mike. Though certainly talented and armed with a vast knowledge of KU’s sports history, Mike’s greatest asset may have been his tireless work ethic, and that dedication and drive won the admiration of those he worked for and mentored. His young nieces and nephews enjoyed hearing about the Thanksgiving Day when he worked through the night, again, in his hotel room to meet a pressing deadline at a tournament in New York. After a quick nap, he awoke groggy and unsure of where he was. He was soon jolted with a big clue when he opened the blinds to find himself face to face with the smiling snout of Bullwinkle the Moose, an antler tilting solicitously toward his window.
After leaving KU and ESPN, Mike’s work included projects with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, and he was a regional videographer for several of the national news networks. He later expanded his business to include commercial and educational projects and court reporting services.
The youngest child, Mike was adored by his parents for his endearing personality and thoughtfulness, evident even in his early years. His life and career would bring wonderful adventures and serious health challenges, which he endured without complaint and with a quiet faith. Mike made friends easily, and he possessed an instinct for offering what was needed to those facing difficulties. He was a humble, kind and tender soul, who was truly unaware of the draw of the innate charm that helped make him a treasured friend for so many.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Joan, and sister, Deborah Byers.
Mike is survived by his father, Joseph Sr., Haven; brothers, Joseph Jr., Haven, and Martin (Allyson), Overland Park; brother-in-law Brian (Mary) Byers, Wichita; nieces, Ashley (Mark) Buxton, Olathe, and Elizabeth (Stephen) McKittrick, Olathe; nephews, Matthew Byers, Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Christopher (Lindsey) DiNitto, Overland Park; great nieces and nephews, Aubrey and Cameron Buxton, and Brecken, Whit and Locke DiNitto.