In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joe” John Maxin
January 19, 1962 – June 29, 2025
Joseph John Maxin, affectionately known as Joey, lived his 63 years with wings wide open — lifting everyone around him through his boundless generosity, adventurous spirit, and deep devotion to family, friends, and community.
Born on January 19, 1962, to Joseph and Lucille Maxin, Joey grew up in Youngstown, graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1980, the University of Dayton in 1984, and 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 before serving Mahoning County as a dedicated prosecutor. Together with his father at Maxin and Maxin Law Firm, he carried forward a proud family legacy of fighting for justice and serving the community. Joey poured his heart into public service, committing countless hours to the Drug Task Force, Mahoning County Dive Team, Drug Court, and Veterans Court — always lifting others when they needed hope most.
Yet Joey found his true freedom not just in the courtroom, but above the clouds. After losing his mother at age three, he made her a promise: “One day I am going to become a pilot, so I can be closer to you.” He kept that promise — and then some. For Joey, flying wasn’t just a career; it was a calling that connected him to something greater, and a gift he shared generously.
As a certified flight instructor, Captain for Eaton Corporation, and Director of Compliance for the Western Reserve Port Authority, Joey shaped countless lives at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. His calm confidence and patient teaching made even the most daunting lessons feel safe. He mentored aspiring pilots through the airport’s flight school, opened hangar doors to young people who needed direction, and championed the Youngstown State Aviation Program — ensuring his passion for flight would help new generations soar.
Joey’s love for the skies found a second family in the Beaver Valley Flying Club, where he was a respected member, trusted co-pilot, and loyal friend. His warmth, humor, and steady hand will be profoundly missed on the flight line, in the hangar, and in every story told by those privileged to fly beside him. His fellow club members will forever carry his spirit with every takeoff and every safe landing.
Yet his proudest co-pilots were his children. To his sons, Nicholas and Alexander, and his daughter Abigail, he was so much more than a father — he was the teacher of life’s biggest lessons. Nicholas carries his father’s fierce determination and passion for aviation, flying side by side with Joey and stepping into the skies with the same calm skill and fearless heart. With Alexander, Joey climbed mountains — literally and figuratively — teaching him that the toughest climbs often lead to the most breathtaking views, and that true growth happens when you push on, even when the path is steep. In Abigail, Joey’s love lives on in her strength, compassion, and the steady, joyful way she parents his beloved granddaughter Evelyn. Watching Abigail become a mother was one of Joey’s greatest gifts, and in Evelyn’s wonder and bright spirit, his legacy continues to shine.
Joey lived fully and loved fiercely. His adventures didn’t stop at the cockpit door — he played piano beautifully, skydived with fearless joy, hunted skillfully, soared on his paramotor, achieved a black belt in karate, ran with determination, and never turned down a night of singing his heart out at karaoke. Whatever he tried, he did it well — and he did it with a grin that lit up every room.
Known for his quick wit, playful soul, and huge heart, Joey brought laughter, light, and a touch of mischief wherever he went. He was the teller of jokes, the doer of pranks, the steady friend who checked in just to say “How are you?” — and meant it.
He was a cherished father, brother, uncle, proud Dzedo (grandfather), and loving companion. He raised Nicholas John, Alexander Joseph, and Abigail Lucille alongside their mother, Mary Heino-Maxin (Michael Furrie), instilling in them faith, family pride, and the Maxin name’s true meaning: loyalty, courage, and love. He was a beloved brother to Mary Lou Maxin of Sacramento, Patricia Maxin of Houston, and Michael (Marianne) Maxin of Seattle. He was also a brother-in-law to John (Suzanne) Heino and uncle to John Michael, Emily Heino, Anthony, and Nina Maxin. For the past nine years, Joey shared a beautiful life filled with laughter and quiet routines with his devoted partner Diane Kerchofer — his “Shloobie” — and together they showered love on their pets, Asher and Charlie, who will continue to be spoiled in the warmth they shared.
Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Maxin, and his brother-in-law, Mike Lu. Though gone from this earth, they are now reunited, and his love remains here in every family meal, every laugh, every proud moment when his family carries his values forward.
Joey’s life reminds us all that true legacies aren’t measured in miles flown or cases won — but in the people we lift higher, the lives we brighten, and the love we leave behind.
Though our hearts ache for his absence, Joey now soars where the skies are always clear, the landings always gentle, and the laughter never ends. May his memory be our compass, our steady wind, and our reminder to keep living with wings wide open.
