Donald Mark Mumau

AUBURN – Donald Mark Mumau, 60, of Hartford, Maine, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Born in Indiana, Pa., he was the youngest child of S. Dean and E. Joan Mumau. Mark often joked that his parents “kept trying until they finally got it right,” a perfect glimpse into the humor and humility that defined his life.

Mark spent his formative years in the small town of Lovejoy, Pa., a place that remained dear to his heart. There, he was raised alongside his sisters Linda and Brenda and his brother Randy “Doc”, his lifelong comedic partner and co-conspirator. Together, the Mumau siblings created a home full of laughter, love, and spirited storytelling.

A proud graduate of Purchase Line High School, Mark was a distinguished member of the “9% Club,” a title he wore with pride and laughter. His stories of his high school years always kept everyone in stitches. After high school, he worked a variety of jobs before answering a deeper calling – to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force, an experience that became a source of pride and identity for him throughout his life. Mark was stationed at Plattsburgh AFB, where he worked on jets and formed lasting friendships with many fellow airmen, and especially with Jim, Pablo, and his roommate and sidekick, Boo Boo.

It was during this time that fate introduced him to Christine, the love of his life. Mark never tired of telling the story of seeing her step off the ferry – a moment he claimed stole his heart for good. Their 38-year marriage was a testament to their devotion to each other and family, laughter, and integrity. Together, they raised two children, Zachary and Shelley – loving and guiding them with patience, pride, and fierce loyalty, teaching them to play sports, fish, and hunt. He was the adopted “dad” to many who camped out at the house, where he insisted on sharing meals with them as family and played taxi to and from whatever adventure they were off on. Mark was a proud grandfather to Nathan, Jameson, Ruby, and Manny, and his face would light up anytime he talked about his grandkids – especially when sharing a story, a laugh, or a lesson he hoped they’d carry forward.

After over a decade in Pennsylvania, the family packed up and moved to Maine, where Mark began a 25 year career as an industrial mechanic at Gates Formed Fiber – or, as he preferred to say, “whatever they’re calling it now.” Known for his skill and tireless work ethic, Mark remained a dependable, respected fixture until his retirement due to illness.

Beyond work, Mark left an indelible mark on the community as the coach of Buckfield football. He took a ragtag team and led them to an undefeated season, earning their respect, admiration, and lifelong loyalty. Many players still called him “Coach” long after graduation, a title he cherished deeply.

Mark was a man of many passions, his hometown, the Steelers, football, fishing, a good meal, and a spirited debate. But nothing quite matched his love for family and hunting, a tradition passed down from his best friend and father, Dean. To hunt with Mark was to be counted among his closest friends, and it was during those wood-bound adventures that some of his most meaningful friendships were formed. This included bringing many friends to his homeland for hunting adventures with his “peeps”. In 2024, he fulfilled a dream by going on a moose hunt with his close friend Scott through Operation Reboot, where they successfully harvested a large bull—an adventure that became one of his most treasured memories.

Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Christine; his mother Joan; his children and spouses, Zachary and Jade, Shelley and Inbo, and those he loved as his own, Zig and Cassandra; and his beloved grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings and spouses, Linda and Dave and Doc and MaryAnn; his in-laws, Tony and TJ, and Jim and Debbie, and a wide and deeply loved circle of extended family, former players, coworkers, and friends.

Among those friends are the ones he called his brothers: Bing, Scott, Joe (his “twin from another mother”), Bill, Pete and Dana – men who stood beside him through every laugh, hunt, and hardship. Their bond with Mark was unshakable especially during his illness, and will remain unbroken in spirit.

He was preceded in death by his father Dean; his brother David, his sister Brenda; his in laws, Tom and Connie Pare’ and his very special friend Bill L, and many extended family members.

Mark will be remembered for his sharp wit, fierce loyalty, steady presence, and the laughter he brought wherever he went. Whether you knew him as a veteran, coach, mechanic, hunting buddy, or just “Mark,” you knew a man who showed up – fully, honestly, and with heart.

A special thank you to Dr Christine Lu Emerson and Sam Gagnon, PA, for your valiant fight against GBM and your friendship with Mark. The battle is not lost. Also, thank you to the amazing staff at Andwell Hospice House, a true blessing to the community.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on August 30, 2025 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Maine. A celebration of his life will begin at 10:30 at the funeral.

In lieu of flowers,

the family encourages donations to:

Operation Reboot,

Andwell Hospice House, or simply take a youth outside and teach them how to hunt or fish and enjoy this beautiful land, all in the strength, service, and spirit of the man we all loved