Obituaries

John David Maas, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2020 after a brief illness. His devoted wife Susan Caroline Maas and loving daughter Lisa Caroline Manganello (Maas) were by his side. He was 87 years old.

John was born to Lawrence and Gertrude Maas on May 19, 1932 in Barberton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim.

After playing on two high school football teams, each winning its State Championship, John received a scholarship to play football for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His college football career was cut short when he was called upon to serve his country in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, John finished his degree at Wayne State University and began a distinguished professional career.

John Maas was the consummate construction association executive leader. He served with great distinction as an association representative with the Builders Exchange of Detroit and Michigan (now the Construction Association of Michigan), and as the Executive Director of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

He led pioneering efforts to have the union construction trades recognized by management and employer groups. His efforts contributed greatly to the current Management and Unions Serving Together (MUST) organization that promotes good relations and support programs for apprenticeship in the building trades. He served as a diligent trustee and officer on many Taft-Hartley Building Trades Pension and Health Care Funds. His wise counsel was always sought out by Michigan Governors, State Representatives, State Senators and Mayors. He was firm in his belief that it is essential for management, labor and government to work together to address the challenges and problems in the construction industry.

John used his skills as a negotiator and consensus builder to unite construction trades, management and employer groups for the benefit and betterment of all concerned. John defined success by the strength and enduring quality of the relationships he developed and nurtured in both his professional life and personal life. He had a deep and abiding commitment to caring for others. He was a strong, kind and loving man who truly enjoyed people.

After retiring from his position with the AGC, John joined Seizert Capital Partners as Director of
Marketing.

John had a driven, competitive spirit which he displayed as an avid golfer, having the good fortune to play many of the finest courses in the in the United States. He was also well known among his friends and family as a skillful card player.

John was a member of the Detroit Golf Club for 35 years, leaving the club in 2018 due to declining health. He also was a past member of the Detroit Athletic Club and the Skyline Club. John was a lifetime member of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan.

His professional affiliations included: The Engineering Society of Detroit, The American Society of Association Executives, The Michigan Construction Industry Joint Legislative Council, New Detroit Employment / Action Committee, General Advisory Committee / Detroit Area Vocational Training Centers, Detroit Regional Chamber, The Hundred Club of Detroit and the Oakland / Livingston Human Service Agency.

John is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Lisa Maas Manganello and son-in-law Thomas Manganello.

In memory of John, the family asks you to extend a kindness to a person in need.

Family will receive friends Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. til service at 1:00 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), 248-549-0500.