Joseph J. Maxin

Joseph John Maxin, 63, affectionately known as Joey, earned his heavenly wings on June 29, 2025. Born on January 19, 1962, to Joseph and Lucille Maxin, Joey lived a full and vibrant life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family.

A 1980 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, Joey continued his education at the University of Dayton, graduating in 1984, before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1988. He began his legal career at the Youngstown City Prosecutor's Office, later serving as a prosecutor for Mahoning County. He also practiced law alongside his father at the Maxin and Maxin Law Firm, where their passion for justice left a lasting impact on the community. He was a dedicated public servant, committing his time to the Drug Task Force, Mahoning County Dive Team, Drug Court, and Veterans Court.

Joey found true freedom above the clouds - it was one of his greatest passions. For Joey, flying wasn't just a career; it was a way to connect with something greater. At just three years of age, after his mother's passing, Joey made her a promise: "One day I am going to become a pilot, so Ican be closer to you." Joey found comfort in the blue skies, creating not only a career but a legacy. As a certified flight instructor, Captain for Eaton Corporation, and Director of Compliance for the Western Reserve Port Authority, he played a pivotal role in promoting aviation education and safety at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. He not only flew planes-he inspired others to take to the sky, mentoring countless aspiring pilots through the airport's flight school, always emphasizing caution, skill, and a love of flight. He even acted as a role model for youth who were still finding their direction. He saw potential where others saw struggle and welcomed them into the hangar, into the sky, and into a mindset where nothing was out of reach. Joey dedicated much of his life to aviation but found true passion in sharing it-encouraging others to see what the sky had to offer. The Youngstown State Aviation Program, a project he championed, will ensure that his hard work continues to soar, carrying his spirit into every set of new wings.

But no student, colleague, or fellow pilot looked up to him more than his sons. For his children, he was everything they aspired to be. Through every lesson, every hour logged, every flight side by side, Nicholas watched, listened, and learned. His passion for aviation, fierce determination, and fearlessness are reflections of his father's spirit. He became the incredible pilot he is today not on ambition alone, but through the unwavering love and respect he had for his father. Flying was their shared language, and it allowed Joey to teach Nicholas what it means to be steady, capable, and strong. He wasn't just mastering the skill of flying-he was stepping into the man his father knew he could be. When they flew side by side, there was no prouder moment for Joey and no greater honor for Nicholas.

Alexander found comfort in chasing horizons as well-not only in the skies but in life. Together, their curiosity led them to the peaks of mountains in Colorado and into the depths of their souls. That Colorado summit became a symbol of so much more. It wasn't just the top of a mountain; it was a reminder that anything worthwhile demands effort, patience, and heart. His father was the man who walked beside him when life felt steep and the path uncertain. Joey's steady strength and quiet pride were instilled in Alexander: the hunger to explore, the strength to endure, and the discipline to keep moving forward when things got tough. Real growth happens in hard places, and Alexander will carry his father's legacy in the grit, in the climb, and in the quiet moments when you have to dig deep and keep going anyway.

In his daughter Abigail, his influence lives on in the way she carries herself and leads her family. She is fierce, yet calm; mature, yet playful. Abigail is the kind of woman Joey always admired-steady, strong, and compassionate. As a mother to his granddaughter Evelyn, Abigail leads with the same example her father set. She pours into Evelyn the same unconditional love and steady guidance that Joey poured into her, and watching Abigail become a mother was one of her father's greatest joys. In Evelyn, his legacy shines brighter still. Her wonder, her spirit, and her future are all living reminders that his greatest gift to the world wasn't his career or any accomplishment-it was the friends and family he poured his heart into.

Joey had a deep love for life and was always eager to try something new. He had many passions: he played the piano beautifully, skydived with fearless joy, hunted with skill, soared through the sky on a paramotor, achieved a black belt in karate, ran with determination, and sang his heart out at karaoke. Whatever Joey set his mind to, he did it-and he did it well.

Known for his quick wit, playful soul, and generous heart, Joey had a unique gift for bringing laughter and light to every room he entered. He was the teller of jokes, the doer of pranks, and the source of countless smiles. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and determination.

Joey was a cherished father, brother, uncle, and proud Dzedo (grandpa). His family was his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. He adored his three children: Nicholas John, Alexander Joseph, and Abigail Lucille, as well as his treasured granddaughter, Evelyn Lucille. He raised them alongside their mother, Mary Heino-Maxin (Michael Furrie). Together they instilled values of faith, family, and pride in being a Maxin. He was a loving brother to Mary Lou Maxin of Sacramento, CA; Patricia Maxin of Houston, TX; and Michael (Marianne) Maxin of Seattle, WA. He was also a brother-in-law to John (Suzanne) Heino of Canfield, OH, and a beloved uncle to John Michael and Emily Heino, and Anthony and Nina Maxin.

Joey shared a devoted and loving companionship with Diane Kerchofer, whom he affectionately called "Shloobie." Spending nine beautiful years together, they filled life with laughter. Through their quiet routines, they built a love that was both playful and sincere. Together, they cared for their pets, Asher and Charlie. Diane will continue to nurture and spoil them with the same warmth, joy, and affection they always shared.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Maxin, and his brother-in-law, Mike Lu. While they are together again, their love and influence continue to shine brightly-even on the cloudiest of days. His legacy lives in the strong, capable children he raised, the family he cherished, and the community he served. As his loved ones continue to soar, run, lead, and live with kindness and determination, they carry his memory forward. Joey lived life with wings wide open. Though taken from this earth, he now soars forever in the skies of heaven.

Family and friends will be received for calling hours on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Church in Canfield, with a procession to Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for a remembrance and final prayer to follow.

Joey's family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Joseph Maxin Aviation Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502. You can also give online at ysufoundation.org by clicking "Give Now" and following the prompts.