John V. Maki

John V. Maki was born in Laurium, Michigan on November 9, 1951. He was the son of John H. Maki and Irene Yesowich. John passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan at the age of 74.

John was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, earning a bachelors degree in education. He began his professional journey with a passion for learning and growth. Though his career ultimately led him into upper management in the food service industry, he carried his educator's heart with him-mentoring colleagues, leading with integrity, and always teaching by example. His steady leadership, thoughtful planning, and remarkable work ethic earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him.

He was a man of extensive lists and plans, finding joy in organization and mapping out the next adventure-of which there were many. He loved to travel, camera in hand, capturing the quiet strength and beauty of lighthouses which stand watch along the shore. Each lighthouse told a story, and as a lifelong lover of history, he appreciated the layers of time and perseverance they represented.

He was a loyal and passionate fan of the University of Michigan, cheering faithfully for the Wolverines through every season. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and he wore his Maize and Blue with pride. His love for sports extended to his hometown teams in Detroit, where he rooted wholeheartedly for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. Wins were celebrated enthusiastically and losses were analyzed meticulously-often with the same detailed attention he brought to everything else in life.

He also found great peace and happiness at his vacation home in North Myrtle Beach. There with his wife, a community of friends, and beautiful sunrises on the beach, he created countless memories. It was a place of laughter, storytelling, and togetherness-one of the many settings where his love for his family and dad jokes shined brightest.

Above all else, he was exceptionally devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. They were his proudest accomplishment and his greatest joy. He showed his love not only in words but in his presence in the sidelines and bleachers at his grandkids' games where he was the loudest voice in the crowd and always had a post-game Gatorade ready. His guidance was steady, his encouragement unwavering, and his pride unmistakable. He loved learning about and supporting everyone's passions, reading up and studying everything from soccer and figure skating to watercolor painting and academic areas of research. He made everyone feel special in the process.

He is the beloved husband of 48 years of Maureen, with whom he spent 52 years in total. Loving father of Kelley (Jon) Flis, Shannon (Ken) Pihalja, Ryan (Katherine) Maki, Erin (Max) Maki-Spadafore, and Delaney (fiancé Thomas Fagan) Maki. Very proud 'Grandpa Boo' of Ella, Ethan, Chase, Ben, Lucy, Maeve, Nora, and Madeline. Dearest brother-in-law of Jim Greene, Tim (Lynn) Greene, and Colleen Greene. Dear uncle of Sean Greene, Kerry Greene, and the late Katie Greene.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 from 2-8 PM, with a 7 PM funeral service at the Wasik Funeral Home - 49150 Schoenherr Road (North of 22 Mile Road), Shelby Township, MI. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI on Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 10 AM. For those family and friends joining us from far John's funeral services will be live streamed here on the Wasik Funeral Home website...click on the photos and videos button (Media for those using mobile devices) to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gift of Life Michigan, a cause that John was passionate about as an organ donor himself, and please consider registering to become an organ donor: https://giftoflifemichigan.org/charitablegiving/make-a-contribution.