LEWISTON – Joseph Philip Hanson, 61, of North Monmouth, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 11, at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 30, 1947, son of the late Kenneth and Bolwina (Sciuk) Hanson.

Joe grew up in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth Academy in 1966. He worked in construction during high school and, upon graduation, continued in the construction business with his father.

He met Shirley Smith in 1974, and they began their 35-year relationship together. They were married at St. Stanislaus Catholic Chapel on Route 202 in Monmouth on June 7, 2003.

In 2002, along with being self-employed, he became employed part time with the town of Monmouth Public Works Department. He also had many customers he plowed out during the winter months.

He and his wife were very active with St. Stanislaus and were diligent in their efforts to care for the upkeep of the chapel.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed hunting and watching professional wrestling. He also liked driving trucks and tractors, the bigger the better, and his dogs, Prancer, Hunter and Hudson meant the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of North Monmouth; his sister, Jane Fortenberry, also of North Monmouth; aunt, Lila Scuik of Winthrop; uncle, Ganny Scuik of North Monmouth; niece, Theresa Anne Fortenberry of Denver, Colo.; nephew, Jerry Lee Fortenberry Jr. and his family of Sweeny, Texas; along with several cousins.