Max Edward Sine

Max Sine passed away on April 23, 2025, after a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. A gentle giant with an even bigger heart, Max lived a life defined by dedication, strength, humility, and love. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the lives of those he mentored, served, and cherished.

Born on August 22, 1957 to Eddie Eugene Sine and Glenda Rowland Sine, Max was a proud Arizona native. He attended Ocotillo Elementary and Washington High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. A standout for the Rams, he played football, basketball, baseball, and competed in track and field. Max earned All-Conference honors as a defensive end, high jumped an impressive 6’4” in track, won the Outstanding Pitcher Award in baseball, and was the starting center for the basketball team. In 1976, he was honored as Washington High’s Bicentennial Athlete of the Year.

Max went on to play football at Phoenix College, earning his associate’s degree, and later continued his athletic career at Ottawa University in Kansas and the University of La Verne in California.

From a young age, Max demonstrated a strong work ethic. At just 12 years old, he began mowing lawns to earn money, saving up to buy Christmas gifts for his mother and sisters using a layaway program at a local store. His mom recalls them raising tumbler and homing pigeons as a hobby together. During his high school summers, he labored in grape fields, picking grapes to help earn money. After college, Max began his career with Schwartz Concrete, where he perfected the art of high-quality concrete work—skills that remained in demand throughout his life.

In 1988, Max joined the Glendale Fire Department, graduating from Class 88-1, “Flame Raiders.” He would go on to serve the city for 32 years, spending nearly his entire career on ladder companies. He worked on Ladder 152 for 18 years before transitioning to Ladder 159 and later to Ladder 155, where he finished his career.

Max had a true passion for ladder work and was deeply committed to sharing his knowledge with others. As a senior firefighter, he trained and mentored countless probationary firefighters, helping shape the next generation of fire service professionals. Max also taught extrication classes through Glendale Community College for many years, sharing his expertise with both new recruits and seasoned firefighters.

Beyond the firehouse, Max never lost his love of sports. His crew often played racquetball, handball, and basketball between calls. He proudly competed in the World Police and Fire Games many times, traveling the world earning medals in a variety of events including track and field, the javelin, basketball, and golf.

In the final five years of his career, Max found renewed purpose as a mentor at the fire academy where he redefined the role. Known for his larger-than-life personality, unwavering work ethic, and immense heart, Max showed what it meant to lead by example. One of his proudest moments came when Academy Class 16-1 named themselves “Sine’s Sentinels” in his honor. In 2018, he was named Firefighter of the Year for his outstanding service and mentorship.

In his time off and into retirement, Max embraced life fully. He loved to golf and cherished annual golf trips to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his father and friends. It was a tradition he looked forward to all year long. He also found peace and joy in Greer, Arizona, at the family cabin built by his parents. Over the years, he brought his own family there countless times to enjoy the outdoors together, fishing, hiking, hunting, and always working on new projects.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved father, Eddie Sine, and his sister, Kathy Sine. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Michele Sine; his loving mother, Glenda Rowland Sine; his sister, Keli Sine-Shields, his brother-in-law, Ed Shields; his daughter, Nicole Maher, and son-in-law, Kevin Maher; his son, Sean Sine, and daughter-in-law, Chelsea Sine. He was a proud grandfather to Lexi, Tessa, Max, Destiny, Shelby, KJ, Taylor, and Madison, and a great-grandfather to Adilyn and Freya. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Max left this world with an impeccable reputation, a lifetime of service, and a heart full of love. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—with his wisdom, his kindness, and his extraordinary example of what it means to serve.