BRUNSWICK — William E. “Bill” Hackett Sr., 82, of Brunswick, died at home Jan. 24. He was born in Brunswick, Nov. 25, 1933, the son of Geneva Daniels Hackett and Harold E. Hackett.

He grew up in Bowdoinham and moved to back to Brunswick in 1949. Hackett graduated from Brunswick High school in 1953, and married Patricia A. Coombs of Topsham on April 28,1956. Hackett served in the Naval Reserves and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served as a Seabee, and was stationed in Argentia, Newfoundland.

As a young man Hackett worked at the local First National grocery store and 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 and started an Agway.  After retiring in 1986, Hackett recycled junk and scrap metal, which he turned into a successful part-time business; it earned him the nickname “Mr. I Junk.”

Hackett enjoyed socializing, camping, playing cards, square dancing and traveling with his wife and their close friends. During retirement, he served with a number of civic organizations, including the Topsham Fair Association, the Brunswick/Topsham Sewer District and at St. Charles and Mid Coast Federal Credit Unions. Hackett was also a lifelong member of Brunswick Masonic United Lodge. His biggest joy, however, was following the lives of his grandchildren.

Hackett was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Robert.

Hackett is survived by his wife; a son, William E. Hackett Jr., of Wallingford, Pennsylvania; two daughters, Cindy Tracy and Jody Surace, both of Topsham; and five grandchildren, Christopher Tracy, Katie Tracy, William “Buddy” Hackett lll, and Janelle and Sarah Surace.

Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Jan. 30. Burial will be in the spring in Roger’s Cemetery in Topsham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Lodge No. 8, 65 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011.

Hackett


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