Max (James) Christie Maxwell Jr., (1955 - 2021) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Celebration of Max's life July 24, 2021 in Worcester, MA

65 years old
Born on October 5, 1955 in Englewood, New Jersey, United States
Passed away on March 7, 2021 in Natick, Massachusetts, United States

For details of Celebration of Life gathering contact Barbara, Brad or Mark G.

Max is survived by his partner of 19 + years, Mark Getchell, his siblings Bradford (Jo-Ann) Maxwell, Barbara (Kal) Krishnan and his former spouse Kathleen O'Neill. He is also survived by a substantial, far-flung network of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins whom he endeavored to host and gather together whenever possible. His sister Sherrill (aka Jane) Maxwell followed him in death the day after him.

Max was preceded in Death by his mother Diana Patolia, step-father Nitu Patolia, and father, James C. Maxwell.

Max touched many lives and held dear many enduring friendships while exploring several vocations & careers throughout his life including religious study with the Episcopal church, catering and event planning, as well as many years as an architectural designer. He also dedicated himself to helping troubled youth working for the past 30 years in several positions at Children’s Community Support Collaborative/The Home For Little Wanderers in Boston.

The family is planning to host a Celebration of Life sometime this summer, the details will be posted here as they firm up. If you would like to be informed or have something to share that is more personal please send a note to: memoriesofmax@maxwellobit.com

Tributes

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July 13, 2021

have known Max since we were college freshmen at the Stamford branch of the University of Connecticut. So a long time ago. His love of architecture, design and art opened my eyes to that aspect of the world and enriches my life to this day. Throughout the years and through many changes, including a marriage and a divorce, we stayed in touch - because for me, that's who Max was - someone to stay in touch with through it all. I would not be who I am without having had Max in my life. I miss him.

July 12, 2021

I've known Max since high school. His death is a great loss. Reading over the other tributes, I've been especially touched by the encomia here to Max from people he worked with as a counsellor. That is his true legacy.

April 18, 2021

Max was a truly special individual. I worked with him from 2006 through 2010, and his care and compassion for everyone was always palpable. I needed to fly out of town to see my mother who needed surgery, and I didn’t have a dog sitter. He invited me over to meet my dog to see if it would be a good fit. We weren’t even particular close at the time, but he jumped up first to help me. That’s who he was - always first to help. He was so smart in every way, and just knew what people needed. My thoughts go out to his partner and everyone else whose lives Max touched.

April 5, 2021

I met Max back in 2004 when i was 14. my childhood wasn't really all too good, but i can say without a doubt that Max was the best part of it. He always was so caring and really went above and beyond to help anyway he could. I always thought of him as a second father and was very fortunate to have met him. We kept in touch all these years even after i had left the program he worked at. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, we were unable to arrange a meetup. You will fondly be missed and life just won't be the same without you in it. Thanks for everything

April 1, 2021

I met Max in November 1992, when I was 23 years old. He quickly became one of my best friends and an older brother figure. I left Boston in 1997, but we stayed close. When I was married in 2017, Max was very happy and proud to fly down to Houston to serve as one of my groomsmen. He and Mark then threw us and amazing "East Coast Reception" at their home in Worcester a week later. Max touched the hearts of so many people. There will always be a Max-shaped piece missing from our lives.

March 31, 2021

Max was the eldest sibling of the four of us. He took family responsibilities seriously and was always willing to help. He was there for me many times when my life was rocky. In these past many years as things have settled down and we've all been raising our families, Max hosted the usual celebrations and brought the sense of connection that we needed on the Holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. Just a few weeks ago we discussed the possibilities of doing something for Easter if the pandemic allowed.
Max, my brother, you will be missed. ( and not just for you baking)

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July 13, 2021

July 12, 2021

April 18, 2021

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Gallery

The last time I saw Max. It's how I'll remember him: elegantly attired, drink in one hand, watching.

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Recent stories

July 12, 2021

I've known Max since high school, with all the crazy stories you'd expect. Here's one.

Back in the 70s Max invited me up to Newton to hang out in the three story Victorian he was taking care of for his aunt. There was a big snowstorm, but I wasn't going to let that interfere with getting away from my parents for a weekend.

So I arrived by train in Boston the day after the Blizzard of '78. Max was waiting for me at the station and together we caught the very last trolley of the night out of Boston to Newton.

We got off at the Woodland trolley stop and proceeded to walk to West Newton through waist-deep snow. At one point Max said, "Let's stop off at this house over here. They'll give us a cup of tea to warm up." The older couple there were very nice. They made us some tea, lent me dry gloves, and sent us on our way.

And that's how I met my future in-laws, before meeting my future wife. A lot of people can claim to have introduced you to your future wife—he did that too—but few to have introduced you to your future in-laws

July 11, 2021

I have had the privilege of calling Max my friend for 42 years. To Mark, Barbara and Brad no words I can offer say how much Max meant to me. Ever since that awful day in March when Mark called me not a day has passed that I have not shed a tear. Even now as I write this, I've tried many times but just couldn't get through it. Max and I first met back in the 1970's. I remember joining him as a lowly student willing to learn about architecture. We shared this love of the art. We teamed up and in 1979 we designed our first house together and Architectural Concepts was born. We worked as a team in Boston then eventually moved Architectural Concepts to Natick. Max always had the amazing ability to match colors and details and conceive a design quickly. "If I have to look at it, it should be pleasing to my eyes!" Max had many loves in his life. His architecture was right behind Mark and his family. I kind of hoped that I was nearby on the list. His soul mate Mark was fortunate to have him and Mark graciously shared Max with me. Max was always there especially during a very difficult time in my life. His compassion and understanding was always appreciated especially during a transitional time in my life. I tried his patience, but he never broke. When we shared a house and worked together I tried his patience, but he never broke or showed displeasure. Max, I valued our friendship. It is still priceless. I'll always remember the long nights during my thesis. I will never forget our many European vacations, dinners in Rome,Venice, Paris, London or Amalfi. As I remember you now, I cry. I can still see you at the ruins in Rome. I will treasure the moment I received my Bachelor's degree with you by my side. I couldn't have done it without you. So I can't say goodbye to our Max. I truly believe we will meet again, so I'll only say see you later and be on time. With love and a broken heart, I miss you terribly.

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