Joseph Maino Obituary

Dr. Joseph Maino, former Chief of Optometry at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, passed away on the evening of August 26, 2025 in Walnut Creek, CA. He leaves behind his brother, Dominick, his children Christina (with husband Alex) and David (with wife Amanda), his "grand-littles" (Olivia and Zoe), his love of photography (left to his brother), his immense enthusiasm and upbeat attitude (left to his daughter), and his sense of humor (left to his son).

Always a believer in hard work ("If you start work at 8, you start work at 8!"), Joe spent his entire career helping veterans to see and have a better quality of life. His work with the Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) earned him the Olin E. Teague award and a place in the congressional record on May 9, 1996. He was also recognized for his work by the Blinded Veterans Association and numerous professional organizations. Joseph was the author/editor of several books, book chapters and scientific articles in professional journals. Bridging his love of Sci-Fi and his love of helping people to see, he also helped pioneer research into the Low Vision Enhancement System (LVES) and the development of some stylish Geordi LaForge-esque headgear.

Joe's interests outside of work were varied and he could be found any number of places, from photographing the KC Fringe Festival, cooking "Christmas Calamari" (available any time of year), attending sci-fi conventions (he loved the Stars, whether it be Trek or Wars), or sitting reading a book (Asimov, Heinlein, McCaffrey, and Bradbury were his jam).

We will miss his raucous, staccato laugh ("Huh. Huh. Huh."), his insistence on calling any relative "Maino" (presumably because he couldn't remember any of our names), his love of chocolate chip cookies (and the way he would meticulously inspect them to make sure they weren't raisin cookies), the way he never took anything too seriously, the joy and beauty he found in the mundane, the way he would slip in some extra seasoning to his son's pasta sauce when he thought Dave wasn't looking (it tasted fine before, Dad, I swear), and, more than anything, the love and energy he put out into the world.

In lieu of flowers, Joe would have loved if you'd help support a charity like Chicago Lighthouse (https://chicagolighthouse.org), The Illinois Eye Institute Center on Vision and Aging (https://www.ico.edu/giving), or other charities that serve the low vision and blind community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Sep. 1 to Sep. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Maino

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7 Entries

Scott Hurst

November 10, 2025

I too remember Joe, and Don, back in suburban Westbury and grade and high school days. But, sitting around the Maino kitchen table laughing and playing poker, us three with Mr. Maino, are quite fond youth-ful memories. I'm certain Joe will be missed. God Bless.

Robert Carty

September 8, 2025

Joe and I first met on the Plaza in 1978 at the officers of Drs Lemoine, Roby, Coulter, and Pilchard. I was interviewing for the new position at the VA, and Joe was interviewing for the second resident position. Little did I know this was going to be a
life long endeavor. Finally Joe moved out to Leawood which allowed us to car pool together. We did this for an hour a day for some twenty plus years. We knew each other very well. Joe and I
blended as a team some twenty plus years.

Christine Noble

September 7, 2025

Attended grade school and high school classes with the Maino brothers. Joe engaged with academic challenges and humor. Fun times in the '60's.

Dale R. Durbin

September 4, 2025

He and his brother were great to be around in high school and the Westbury neighborhood. They were great at everything they did, from band to sports, including friendships. Best wishes to his family.

Gary Mancil, Salisbury, NC

September 4, 2025

I want to express my condolences to Joe's family. He and I first met early in my career when I traveled to KC to learn about a new, innovative VICTORS clinic there to serve blind and visually impaired Veterans. Later, as our friendship grew, he and I worked together during our VA careers on various committees, task forces, writing projects, and funded research projects and his insight and input were always critical. He pioneered the delivery of advanced out-patient low vision rehabilitation, and he was instrumental in helping expand low vision programs to serve visually impaired persons (within and beyond the VA healthcare system) nationwide. His impact on optometry - and VA optometry in particular - was immense. Joe will be greatly missed.

Barbara SHATTO

September 1, 2025

Joe was a great friend at the VA and when he retired. Such a gentleman and commitment to the vet. So sorry and condolences.

Kenneth T Leonard

September 1, 2025

Joe and his brother were close friends of me and other boys that lived in Westbury Ill, now know as Bolingbrook. I lost contact with them when I went into the service. For many years I would think of them. Because of my sister she was able to keep me informed of there where about. My condolences to Joe's family. With deep regret I wish we had kept in touch. Again my condolence to the Maino Family Rest in peace Joe.

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