Joseph Maxin

CANFIELD - With beauty and peace, “God’s finger touched him and he slept.” (Tennyson)

On April 29, 2019, Joseph W. Maxin was surrounded by love, as he completed his worldly journey and entered into eternal rest.

Joe was a prominent attorney who practiced law in the Youngstown area for more than 58 years.  After receiving his law degree, he served two years as an assistant city law director and assistant city prosecutor, before establishing his private practice.  He was a member of the Mahoning County Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association, the American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association and the American Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

His life began in the small town of Bardejov, Slovakia on February 14, 1927.  At the age of two, little Joe, along with his parents, Joseph and Suzanna, boarded the SS President Harding in Bremen, Germany and immigrated to the United States.  After arriving on Ellis Island, the Maxin family made their home near the coal mines in the vicinity of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Joe graduated from Uniontown High School where he was active in football, boxing and track.  He chose to enlist in the Navy, and during WWII, served aboard the Light Cruiser, USS Portsmouth, CL-102, as a radio operator.

Subsequent to his discharge from the service, Joe’s parents had moved to Cortland, Ohio.  He joined them on their farm for several years before pursuing a career in radio broadcasting. He graduated from Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, MO, and his first assignment in this communications field began in Cairo, IL.  In 1950, Joe returned to the Youngstown area to work as an engineer for WKBN.  While employed there, Joe began his quest for a college education, graduating with a BA, LLB and Juris Doctorate from Youngstown State University.  For several years following his degrees, he enjoyed teaching at YSU as an instructor in American History and Business Law.

Joe gifted  his family and friends with a philosophy that extolled the importance of positive thinking.  He was known to many as a profound encourager.  He was a true believer in the power of the mind.  If you were around him for even a short amount of time you would have heard at least one of his favorite expressions such as,  “Only you are the one who will make it happen;” “You have to make up your mind to do it.”  The concept of being a victim was not in his frame of reference.  Perhaps his favorite reminder, especially to his children and grandchildren was that, “You always make time for what is important.” He attributed his successes to a strong faith in God, a positive outlook, and hard work in all areas of life.

During his reflections last month he openly shared, “I thank my loving children, dear grandchildren, and wonderful sisters for all that they did for me.  As I begin to slow down, I call upon those wonderful memories to lift me up.  I know how truly blessed I was.”

Joe was extremely active in the Youngstown community and had been honored as the recipient of numerous awards.  In addition to the legal organizations, memberships included:  Curbstone Coaches, where he served as president until his death, Toastmasters Club (past president), Dale Carnegie Alumni Association (past president), American Legion, St. Michael’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Buckeye Elks, Canfield Conservation Club, Canfield Kiwanis, and the Slovak Catholic Sokol.

Well into his 80th decade, Joe was a fixture at the YMCA for his daily game of handball and other exercises.  He also received his 2nd degree black belt in Karate. Since he was a strong proponent of physical activity, there are many fond remembrances of backyard sports with the kids.

Joe leaves behind to cherish the many memories, his children:  Mary Lou Maxin of Sacramento, CA, Patricia Maxin of Houston, TX, Joseph Maxin of Youngstown, OH, and Michael Maxin, and his wife, Marianne, of Seattle, WA.  They were his joy.  However, it was his grandchildren who made his earthly life complete.  Nicholas, Alexander, Anthony, Abigail, and Nina brought him the ultimate in happiness. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Manofsky of North Carolina, Bernadine Manofsky of Ohio, and Martha Maxin of New York.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by wife, Lucille, and son-in- law, Mike Lu.

Now that life’s trial has ended and his final closing argument has been made, family and friends will be received, Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

Prayers will begin Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Church in Canfield.

Military services will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, www.hospiceofthevalley.com, St. Michael’s Scholarship Fund, 300 N. Broad St. Canfield, Ohio, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.