Joseph Louis Maggini

Joseph Louis Maggini, 86, passed away in his home in Marne, Michigan, on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Everyone who encountered Joe Maggini—or “Joe Magic” as he was affectionately known to many—quickly realized that he had a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. Curious of spirit, Joe rarely met a stranger he couldn’t quickly make a friend, and he took genuine interest in meeting and understanding new people. At 86, he had friends he treasured his entire life and new friends that he had just met. His generosity and his enthusiasm for life were infectious, and he had a unique talent for bringing people together. Born in Grand Rapids in 1939 to Louis E. Maggini and Lucille Maggini, Joseph grew up with two sisters, Louisa and Francine, in a faithful Catholic family, proud of their Italian and Polish heritages. After sampling numerous colleges (and proving that success in life really doesn’t depend on one’s alma mater), Joe got a degree from Western Michigan University. Shortly afterward, he lost three fingers in a punch press, an accident that he credited with putting him on a path to entrepreneurship and that gave him the most memorable handshake in town. In 1974, in the back bedroom of his home, he founded a one-person steel brokerage operation that would grow into Magic Steel Corporation. Soon after, he combined his talents with those of his good friend and life-long business partner, Greg “Egor” Alksnis. Over the next nearly fifty years, Joe built Magic Steel into one of the top steel service centers in Michigan, with as many as 150 employees, a trucking business, and additional centers in both Alabama and Indiana. An enthusiastic leader, Joe led the company with conviction, honesty, and empathy. This ethos endeared him to both his customers and his talented employees, many of whom stayed with the company for more than twenty years, until he sold the business and retired in 2019. But as much as he loved the business he built, Joe was never a person who lived to work. He was passionate about spending time with his family, and he also threw himself into numerous causes and hobbies. He was very close with his parents, and he was proud and enthusiastic supporter of his three children. Joe was often the loudest one cheering at a sporting event, and he prioritized family time and family activities, whether that was skiing or scuba diving or wading through a croc-infested swamp in Zambia. Another great passion was outdoorsmanship and hunting. From duck hunting to fishing to big-game hunting in Africa and around the world, Joe loved the outdoors and was a fierce conservationist. He was an extremely involved member of Ducks Unlimited for decades, and he gave generously to other wildlife organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation and Safari Club International. He was also a lover of collecting and showcasing his adventures in the form of taxidermy. A visit to his office was an eye-popping experience for lucky guests. Joe was also very committed to his Catholic faith, and he religiously attended mass at Holy Spirit Parish, where he was an active member, focused on giving back to the Church, for more nearly 60 years. His contributions to Holy Spirit and Catholic education were numerous. He is survived by his children—Tia Maggini of Los Angeles, CA; Joe Maggini Jr., of Los Angeles, CA; and Jenna Jackovich of Charlotte, NC—as well as their mother and co-owner of Magic Steel, Judy Maggini of Grand Rapids, MI; his two grandchildren, Josie and Luca Jackovich of Charlotte, NC; and his sister, Louisa Nally of Grand Rapids, MI. He is also remembered by Tiymeshia Maggini and her grandchildren RaShaun, Shayleigh, Madison, Preston, Essence, Zuriah, and Sophie Banks, all of Grand Rapids. A visitation will be held at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 4-7pm. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. A Mass of Christian Burial with be held at Holy Spirt Church at 11am on Thursday, October 16,2025 with lunch to follow. His family will receive visitors one hour prior to the Mass at church.

Tributes

Joseph Louis Maggini

September 22, 1939 - October 9, 2025