My very dear friend Joe Maz, born July 1946, in New York City, left us to join his brilliant and beautiful wife Arleigh, the afternoon of February 20, 2026.
Joe was a kind and generous soul. Reserved and initially shy, he was a keen observer of human nature. If you were smart enough to strike up a conversation, and get to know him, you’d learn about the good times he spent fishing with his dad, going to the beach and how he developed his wry sense of humor. It was interesting to learn his Bachelor of Arts degree was in German, because he never spoke it. He much preferred surprising people with a word or phrase in Latin, whenever he got the chance.
In 1971 he went to Vietnam and served his country, as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, until his honorable discharge in 1974. He started his career working at a bank and then became a financial advisor. Eventually, he struck out on his own and built a successful financial advising business.
Married 42 wonderful years to Arleigh, a C.P.A. and professor of accounting, they built and shared a ranch house in the desert of New Mexico, raising mules, horses, dogs and cats. Sometimes they’d drive an hour to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Mexico – that’s how much he liked Mexican food. Joe was a licensed pilot and often flew his buddies to Vegas for a weekend of whatever guys do in Vegas. He stopped flying when he moved to The Villages in October 2020, a year after Arleigh died.
He’d only been here two weeks and decided to try pickleball. Well, his first outing didn’t go so well. I was sitting on the bench watching the game, when I saw him turn to run to hit the ball before it went out. The problem was that his feet didn’t turn and he faceplanted. I jumped off the bench to render aid. After multiple times of asking if he was ok, he finally turned his head, and in the most deadpan way said, “I don’t know.” After having him check if anything was broken, he was able to get up and get to the bench. I gave him some water, got my 1st Aid Kit and bandaged a cut on his leg. And that’s how we became friends.
During Covid he got to know his neighbors while walking his dogs and before you know it, he was being invited to card games, Mexican train, dinners, monthly social gatherings, outings and so much more. Many lovely ladies would bring him leftovers from their homemade dinners. He especially liked the lasagna and meatloaf. Of course, home baked cookies, Jane’s pumpkin bread and anything chocolate were always welcome.
Joe grew up playing the accordion and had picked it up again lately to learn new songs – just because. He was also an avid reader, who mainly enjoyed spy and detective novels.
He also joined a fun group of Pickleball players. Besides having fun on the court, they would get together to socialize, play Samba, and Mexican Train. They also liked golf cart “tailgating” at Polo Matches or listening to bands at Edna’s on the Green.
Joe Is survived by his sister Dorothy Phillips, brother-in-law Art, other relatives, his beloved dog Jesse and many friends. Joe had so many caring friends, because he was a caring friend. He was a man of honor. His word was his bond. Chivalrous, kind, thoughtful, generous and always ready to lend a helping hand. That’s why he was loved and respected by those who truly knew him.
HIS SPIRIT LIVES FOREVER!
We miss you Joe . . .