Maxin, 92, mourned as fine leader

By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

CANFIELD

When International boxing judge Tom Miller first sat in for Attorney Joe Maxin at weekly Curbstone Coaches meetings last fall, he knew he had some very large shoes to fill.

Miller said he couldn’t emulate the man who took the organization to the next level during his five decades of leadership. He was just hoping to bridge the gap until Maxin’s eventual return.

Maxin never returned, dying Monday at age 92 after spending 40-plus years as Curbstone president.

Maxin helped oversee weekly meetings, banquets honoring high school all-league, Northeastern Ohio and all-state selections.

Most importantly, he remained the driving force behind the yearly hall of fame banquet that has honored exceptional athletes, coaches and administrators with Mahoning Valley roots and ties.

“Joe Maxin was a great president, a great leader and more importantly a great man,” Miller said. “During his time leading Curbstone, he made the organization’s community hall of fame arguably the area’s most successful and most anticipated each year.”

Sunday, Curbstone will conduct its 52nd induction at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman

Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University’s president, appreciated Maxin’s drive to make sure YSU was included on the organization’s list of philanthropic endeavors.

“Joe Maxin touched the lives of the entire community through his leadership, most especially with the Curbstone Coaches,” Tressel said. “The first two groups to embrace and encourage our program and student-athletes were the Penguin Club and Curbstone Coaches.

“We will always fondly remember Joe’s passion and eloquence. He truly was a difference-maker in the Valley.”

John Mang, commissioner of the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference, said no other organization does what Curbstone does for area scholastic, college and professional athletes.

“Joe was a pioneer from the old generation,” Mang said “He could communicate with student-athletes by giving praise and direction each time he stood in front of an audience.” Rick King, All-American Conference commissioner, said, “Joe helped recognize our area’s all-conference selections in multiple sports.”

Bo Pelini, YSU’s head football coach, said, “The Curbstone Coaches have been a cornerstone of athletics in the Valley for decades.

“Athletes have benefited from their support and generosity for as long as I can remember and helped create lasting memories.

“Joe was a huge part of that and I know I speak for many in saying thank you for everything you gave to so many, for so many years,” Pelini said. “We were all blessed and lucky to be able to call you our friend.”

Bob Hannon, United Way president, has served as hall of fame master of ceremonies the past 18 years.

”He was a gentleman and class act,” Hannon said of Maxim. “He had tremendous passion for sports and the Mahoning Valley and along with Curbstone, supported our work at the United Way. It is organizations like this that make our community great.”