RUMFORD – Joseph Wayne Mawhinney, 46, of Virgin Street in Rumford, heroically passed away while saving his son, Erik Joseph, in a tragic accident, while working at the site of their new home in Rumford.

He was born in Rumford on June 7, 1961, a son of Rayfield L. and Clarice Murphy Mawhinney. Joe was educated in Mexico schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School, where he met his future wife and soul mate, Debra Bokowsky. They were married on May 30, 1981, and together they had two children, Angela and Erik. Deb recalls all of the wonderful times they shared together and how devoted they were to each other. He was a supervisor for the S.W.B. Construction Co. in Jay for more than 20 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and cherished the wonderful times he had with his grandchildren. He also loved riding his Harley, snowmobiling races with his son, Erik, and attending NASCAR races. One of his favorite pastimes was working on their new home on Route 108.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Mawhinney of Rumford; his father, Rayfield L. Mawhinney, and wife, Shirley, of Rumford; his mother, Clarice Crites, and husband, Richard, of Las Vegas, Nev.; a daughter, Angela Marie (Mawhinney) Woods, and husband, Craig, of Dixfield; a son, Erik Joseph Mawhinney, and companion, Leeann Gross of Mexico; mother-in-law, Patricia Lambert of Norway; three sisters, Jan Arsenault, and husband, Albert, of Jay, Patty Coolidge, and husband, Gary, of Turner and Jamie Plante, and husband, Tom, of Mexico; two brothers, Bill Baltrus, and companion, Tina, of Norridgewock and Doug Mawhinney of Mexico; sisters-in-law, Brenda Gross, and husband, Coby, of Saco and Cynthia Pelletier, and husband, Michael, of Bethel; three grandchildren, Ethan Craig Woods, Kara Elizabeth Woods and Adam Joseph Woods; paternal aunt, Geraldine Mawhinney of Portland; and uncle, David Mawhinney, and wife, Cecelia, of Sabattus.

He was predeceased by his loving grandmother, Priscilla Mawhinney; and maternal grandparents, Edie and Pat Murphy.