Joseph Thomas Maskew

Joseph Thomas Maskew entered the world on March 7, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the only child of Joseph and Jean (Dobosh) Maskew who preceded him in death. Joe was the first in his extended family to graduate from college. He earned an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University. While there, he enrolled in the ROTC program and graduated as an officer in the United States Army. Joe was proud to serve his country in the Ordnance Corp. After graduating from Lehigh in 1967, Joe married the love of his life, Mary Jo (Sgro). Joe’s favorite saying to Mary Jo was “yes dear!” which was always said with a smirk on his face. They began their married life at Penn State University where Joe was enrolled in the graduate program. It was there that he earned his Master’s degree and Ph.D in Chemical Engineering. While at Penn State they became the proud parents of their son, Brian. Joe’s career in coal research and gasification began when he was hired by Consolidation Coal Company, which later became Consol Energy. Several years were spent in Rapid City, South Dakota where they welcomed their daughter, Melissa before being transferred to Pittsburgh where Joe finished his career and retired after almost 30 years with the company. During that time, he was awarded several patents relating to coal research.

Family was very important to Joe and the center of his life. He was extremely proud of their son, Brian (Barbara Todd Maskew) and daughter Melissa Crowder (Jeremy Crowder) and the professions they chose to pursue, Electrical Engineering and Speech Language Pathology. Joe was a proud PapPap to four beautiful grandchildren, Jonathan and Allison Maskew, and Emily and Lucas Crowder. He was very proud of all that they have accomplished in their young lives and was happy to attend many, many sporting events, concerts and dance recitals. Joe was excited to see what their futures had in store. He knew they would accomplish great things. Joe and Mary Jo’s love for their grandchildren are what prompted them to leave Pittsburgh and move to Westfield, IN sixteen years ago. They quickly settled into their new life in Indiana making new friends and enjoying every minute surrounded by family.

Joe’s hobby was woodworking. He liked to design and make furniture for their home as well as for their children. Many times he would begin a project that Mary Jo requested but it would quickly be put aside when he was asked by one of their children to design and build a piece. Doing Suduko puzzles also kept him busy. Traveling was always on Joe’s bucket list. Together, he and Mary Jo enjoyed many cruises. His favorites were to Alaska and several in Europe. A trip to Poland to meet up with Polish friends was a major highlight of his travels.

Joe was a gentle man always seeking the best in people he met. He didn’t like confrontation except when it came to discussing politics. He could debate for hours.

Joe was called to heaven very suddenly on January 25, 2026. He was proud to be an organ donor to help those in need. Joe will be greatly missed by Mary Jo, his children, grandchildren, and many friends and relatives.

Visitation for Joe will be on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 10 am - 11 am, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Spring Mill Road, Westfield, IN 46074. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11 am. A graveside service will be at 12:30 pm at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery, 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062, with full military honors rendered. The family invites everyone to join them for a luncheon from 1 pm - 3 pm, held at Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Society and Homes for Our Troops.