Joseph Maxin Obituary, Death News – Funeral services have been arranged for Joseph John Maxin, one of the six people who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash that occurred on Sunday in Howland Township. Maxin, age 63, was the pilot of the Cessna 441 that went down in a residential area just seven minutes after departing from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
The fatal crash also claimed the lives of co-pilot Timothy Blake, 55, and four passengers: Veronica Weller, 68; James Weller II, 67; John Weller, 36; and Maria Weller, 34.
Family and friends of Joe Maxin will be able to pay their respects on Monday, July 7, 2025, during calling hours scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. The following day, Tuesday, July 8, a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church in Canfield. After the Mass, a procession will proceed to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for a remembrance ceremony and final prayer.
Joseph Maxin was born on January 19, 1962, and had a distinguished academic and professional background. He graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1980, followed by the University of Dayton in 1984. He then earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1988.
His legal career began in the Youngstown City Prosecutor’s Office, and he later served as a prosecutor for Mahoning County. He worked alongside his father at the Maxin and Maxin Law Firm. Throughout his career, Maxin was involved in several public safety initiatives, including the Drug Task Force, Mahoning County Dive Team, Drug Court, and Veterans Court.
Maxin’s contributions extended beyond law into aviation. He was a certified flight instructor, served as a captain for the Eaton Corporation, and worked as director of compliance for the Western Reserve Port Authority. He played an instrumental role in supporting aviation education and safety at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and mentored many future pilots. He was also a strong supporter of the Youngstown State University Aviation Program.
Maxin leaves behind three children—Nicholas John, Alexander Joseph, and Abigail Lucille—and a granddaughter, Evelyn Lucille. He is also survived by their mother, Mary Heino-Maxin (Michael Furrie); his sisters, Mary Lou Maxin of Sacramento and Patricia Maxin of Houston; his brother, Michael Maxin and wife Marianne of Seattle; and his companion, Diane Kerchofer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Maxin, and his brother-in-law, Mike Lu.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Joseph Maxin Aviation Scholarship through the Youngstown State University Foundation at 655 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44502, or online at ysufoundation.org by selecting the “Give Now” option.
