HOWLAND TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Joseph John Maxin, the 63-year-old pilot who lost his life in the tragic plane crash that occurred on Sunday, June 29, in Howland Township. The crash, which happened just seven minutes after takeoff from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, claimed the lives of six people, including Maxin, co-pilot Timothy Blake, and four members of the Weller family.
Calling hours for Joseph Maxin will be held on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church in Canfield. Following the Mass, a remembrance ceremony and final prayer will take place at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in honor of Maxin’s contributions to the aviation community.
Maxin was born on January 19, 1962, and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1980. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1984 and completed his law degree at the University of Toledo College of Law in 1988. His legal career began in the Youngstown City Prosecutor’s Office and later continued as a prosecutor for Mahoning County. He also worked with his father at the Maxin and Maxin Law Firm and contributed to several legal initiatives including Drug Court and Veterans Court.
Outside the courtroom, Maxin was deeply involved in aviation. He was a certified flight instructor and served as a corporate captain for Eaton Corporation. He also held the role of director of compliance at the Western Reserve Port Authority. Maxin played a vital role in promoting aviation safety and education, mentoring many young pilots and supporting the Youngstown State University Aviation Program.
He is survived by his three children—Nicholas John, Alexander Joseph, and Abigail Lucille—as well as his granddaughter, Evelyn Lucille. Other survivors include the children’s mother, Mary Heino-Maxin, his siblings, and his companion, Diane Kerchofer. Maxin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Maxin, and brother-in-law, Mike Lu.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Joseph Maxin Aviation Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation. Contributions can be made online at ysufoundation.org under the “Give Now” section, helping to honor Maxin’s legacy in aviation.