Alphonso Willey, Jr. Obituary (1928

ROCKLAND - Alphonso "Tadpole" Willey, Jr., 81, formerly of Waldoboro, died Wednesday, May 5, 2010, surrounded by his family at Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland, after a long illness. Born at Louds Island, in Muscongus Bay, May 19, 1928, he was the son of Alphonso, Sr., and Catherine B. Poland Willey. He grew up in New Harbor, where he attended local schools. As a young man, he began his career as a commercial fisherman, in New Harbor. From 1950 to 1952, he served during the Korean War as a cook with the United States Army. At the time of his discharge, he had earned the rank of Sergeant. Returning to civilian life, he continued fishing, primarily aboard Forty Fathom and Port Clyde Canning boats, out of Rockland. April 8, 1955, he married M. Carlene Curtis in Rockland. The couple made their home in Port Clyde many years, where they raised their family. After retiring from commercial fishing, Mr. Willey continued fishing, lobstering out of Port Clyde. Even though slowed by illness, Tadpole continued to gather brush every Christmas season, which his wife used to create beautiful wreaths, and during warmer weather, could be found mowing and raking his lawn, often wearing his Santa hat. He also enjoyed picking strawberries. His family said of Tadpole, that he was always the shoulder they could lean on; that he would give the shirt of his back to anyone in need, and that he was a man you could always count on. He always ended any conversation with his son with a hearty, "Luv Ya Man!" He particularly enjoyed playing Santa, often with eggnog on his beard and once played Santa for the residents at the former Shore Village Nursing Center in Rockland. "Hooch", his dachshund, held a special place in his heart. Other than his parents, Tadpole was pre-deceased by a son Richard H. Willey in 1988 and a brother Harold Willey in 2002. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carlene of Waldoboro; one son Russell D. Willey and his wife Elaine of New Bedford, MA; two daughters, Tammie L. and her husband Charles "Chuck" Mansfield, Marla J. "Pooh" and her husband Chris Jarvis, all of Warren; one sister, Ella Benner of Waldoboro; seven grandchildren, Lisa, Crystal and Falon, Stephen and Shelby, Ryan and Paige; five great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. The Willey family is grateful to Dr. Kahn, all the staff at Knox Center and Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, for their wonderful care. An informal gathering of friends and relatives will be held from 11:00 a.m., to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 12. 2010, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home's, 104 Limerock Reception Center, Rockland. A commemoration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m., with the Reverend Andrew Stimson officiating. Interment will follow in South Parish "Ridge" Cemetery, Martinsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Patient Activities Fund, C/O Knox Center for Long Term Care, 6 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.