Joseph S. Stein

It is with deep sadness that the family of Joseph (Joe) S. Stein announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Joe was born on May 1, 1957, in Rockland, Maine, the son of the late Stanley S. Stein and Earlene S. Stein.

Joe moved to Portland at the age of 10 and graduated from Portland High School. Upon graduation from High School, Joe attended Calhoon Meba Engineering School and began his seafaring career with Central Wharf Tow Boats (Moran Towing) in Portland as a deckhand. It wasn’t long before Joe became Chief Engineer of his first tugboat, the Eugenia Moran. In 1988, Joe continued his seafaring career with Moran Towing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Joe was Chief Engineer on several tugboats as well as Port Engineer of all the Portsmouth tugs before his retirement in 2024. Joe took much pride in his work; always going above and beyond whatever he needed to do. He was the “go to guy” for many others working in Portland and Portsmouth whether it was the VP of Operations, Captains, Engineers or Deckhands.

Joe was a bit “salty” but upstanding and honest; right was right and wrong was wrong; there was no gray. Joe was loved and respected by family, friends and colleagues for his kindness, wisdom, knowledge and expertise. Joe was everyone’s engineer and handyman. Whether it was a boat, car, lawnmower, plumbing or electrical in your home, 1-800 call Joe Stein was the first call made. Joe was selfless, always putting the needs and wants of others before himself.

Joe’s hobbies were flying and boating. He earned his private pilots license and loved to take others for a ride above the clouds. Boating and fishing on Sebago Lake was his joy during the summer months, especially when his family was home to join him. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, football and baseball.
In September of 1975, Joe met his future wife, Anna, and they were married 8 years later. He became a father in 1985 and again in 1987. In 2014 and 2020 he became father-in-law to Jamie and Amber. These unions produced four beautiful grandchildren; Ryan, Taylor, Claire and Grace.

Joe was predeceased by his father, mother, sister Arlette Baldwin, brothers James and Howard, mother-in-law Lorraine Allen and his favorite aunt-in-law Angelina Magno.

Joe is survived by his wife and best friend, Anna, sons Dr. Joseph (Jamie), Matthew (Amber), grandchildren, brother Bruce (Lynne), sisters-in-law, Liz Alofs (Doug), Patricia Stein, former sister-in-law Maryellen Stein, brother-in laws; Bob Allen (Jane), Joey Allen (Pam), nieces who were like daughters; Maria Pearce (Anthony), Ashley Eldridge (Sean), nieces Nicole, Jessica, nephews; Damon Baldwin, James Stein (Joanna), Christopher and Joshua, great nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and colleagues.

In Lieu of flower, contributions can be made in Joseph’s memory to the: American Heart Association.