Joseph M. Davin

Joseph M. Davin, of Weston, passed away at his home on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born on March 19, 1930, Joseph was the son of Michael and Michalina Uzdavinis. He grew up in Norwood, where he excelled academically and graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class. He was also an outstanding athlete, competing in the state championship track and field events.

Joe’s academic achievements continued as he earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It was during his time at MIT that he met the love of his life, Barbara Mannix, who worked in the registrar’s office at the time. After their marriage, Joseph joined the United States Air Force. Officer training took them to Biloxi, Mississippi, where they resided for a time before returning to Norwood. Shortly after settling back in Massachusetts, Joe got to work on designing and building his dream home in Weston, where he and Barbara would raise their children and remain residents.

After his service in the Air Force, Joe worked for Gillette for a time before starting a long and successful career in MIT‘s research department where he had the opportunity to contribute to many fascinating projects like the Voyager probe to deep space. Joe then went on to lend his expertise to the Federal Department of Transportation, where he worked until his retirement.

Joe and Barbara enjoyed polka dancing together, both locally and at various events around the Northeast. They also spent many happy summers vacationing at the lake in Searsmont, Maine. Joe enjoyed other activities like fishing and often recalled the hunting he did in his youth. He had a particular passion for music, particularly the technical aspects of creating his hi-fi system at home, ensuring the perfect setup for listening to his favorite polka and classical music.

Joe is predeceased by his wife Barbara A. (Mannix) Davin.

Joe leaves his children, Ken Davin (Bertina Abeles) of Brookline, Massachusetts and Paul Davin (Mary Petrelli) of Weston, Massachusetts; his grandson, Michael Davin (Brianna) of Weston, Connecticut; his great-grandchildren, Jack and Leo and his nieces and nephews, Carol Burgoyne, Joan Sundstrom, John Fouhy and Robert Fouhy.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Joe’s life at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham at 9 a.m. on Wednesday June 11th, before leaving in procession to Saint Julia’s Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston Center, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Weston.

The family also wishes to express a special thanks to the caregivers of Home Helpers, based in Wayland Massachusetts, Lydia and Diana, who brought Joe comfort at the end of his time with us.