Joseph “Joe” Stephen Machain, age 95 of New Palestine, Indiana passed away on Sunday morning, May 19, 2024.
Joe was born on February 4, 1929 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a son of J. David and Carmen (Araujo) Machain.
At a very young age the family moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He attended Holy Infancy Elementary School and Bethlehem Catholic High School, both in Bethlehem. He graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1947.
After high school he worked at the Bethlehem Steel Company for a short time and he decided to change his career path. Following his short time with the Steel Company, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1948 – 1952.
While in the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, Joe met Margaret Von Husen and they married. During their marriage Joe and Margaret welcomed two sons: Stephen (wife Ruth) Machain and Richard "Rick" Machain who they raised in Chicago.
Joe later married Nancy (Lewis) Machain on August 13, 1993 in Barrington, Illinois. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2022.
Aside from Joe’s United States Navy Military involvement he worked at the Chicagoland Utility Company (Commonwealth Edison, now known as Exelon). Throughout his professional and working career, he worked in Electrical Engineering. Joe retired in 1989 after 37 years of dedicated service.
In retirement Joe and Nancy enjoyed golfing together, singing and choir, road trips to various destinations, spending the winters with friends from the North and Northeast in Fernandina Beach, Florida for many years. Joe was an avid reader, loved to listen to music, play bingo, and enjoyed dinner nights with friends. Choir was an important part of Joe’s life, including many various choir groups over the years including The Harper Festival Chorus, The Paletine Chorus, and the Greenfield Community Choir. Joe was an IHSA basketball referee for the state of Illinois for many years. Most importantly Joe enjoyed time spent with family and relatives.
Joe is survived by two sons: Richard "Rick" Machain of Houston, Texas and Stephen (Ruth Gonzalez) Machain of Pueblo, Colorado.
Four grandchildren: Carson Machain, Bryce Machain, Quinn Machain, and Chase Machain.
Also surviving are his brother Rev. David Machain of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and sister: Betty (husband the late Paul) Turbedsky of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
He is preceded in death by five siblings: Joseph F. Machain, Rev. Alex Machain, Guadalupe Machain, Sister Mary Alexander Machain, and Mercedes Moughan.
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