BRUNSWICK — William (Bill) E. Hackett Sr., 82, of Brunswick, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 24, 2016. Born in Brunswick on Nov. 25,1933, the son of Geneva Daniels Hackett and Harold E. Hackett, Bill grew up in Bowdoinham and moved to Brunswick in 1949. He graduated from Brunswick High school in 1953 and married Patricia A. Coombs of Topsham on April 28,1956. In April of this year, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He also was a Naval Reservist and veteran of the Korean Conflict. While on active duty, he served as a member of the Sea Bees, and was stationed in Argentia, New Foundland.

He was predeceased by his mother Geneva, father Harold and brother Robert. Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia Hackett, their three children, William E. Hackett Jr. and wife Janet, of Wallingford, PA, Cindy Tracy and husband William, of Topsham and Jody Surace and husband Shane, of Topsham, as well as five grandchildren, Christopher Tracy, and wife Lauren, Katie Tracy, William (Buddy) Hackett lll, and Janelle and Sarah Surace.

As a young man he worked at the First National Grocery Store and then went to work for his father in the construction business. Later he worked as a John Deere salesman for his father’s business. In 1976 he bought out the John Deere business and started the Agway Store. In addition he chopped wood and sold it as a side business. After retiring in 1986, he collected and recycled junk and scrap metal as a hobby, turning it into a successful part-time business and earning the nickname “Mr. I Junk” by family and friends.

He enjoyed socializing, camping and playing cards, and especially square dancing and traveling with his wife and lifelong friends Richard and Beverly Nickerson. During his retirement years, Bill served in a number of civic organizations, i.e., as a member and volunteer of the Topsham Fair Association, serving on the board of the Brunswick/Topsham Sewer District, and as a committee member at St. Charles FCU and Mid Coast FCU. His biggest joy, however, was following the lives of his grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, “Buddy,” Janelle and Sarah.

Bill was also a lifelong member and supporter of the Brunswick Mason’s organization United Lodge No. 8. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Lodge No. 8, 65 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.

Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the spring in Roger’s Cemetery in Topsham, Maine. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.

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