ROCKLAND – Wendall “Talkie” Curtis Sr., 79, died peacefully Oct. 5, 2014, at home, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

Born in Rockland on April 26, 1935, he was the son of George Dewey and Evelyn Hastings Curtis. He grew up and was educated in Rockland.

In 1957 Talkie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving proudly until his honorable discharge in 1960.

On July 16, 1961, he married Sylvia Rose Wiley. Together they made their home in Rockland for a brief time before moving to St. George. Even after losing his wife at an early age in 1991, Talkie remained in his beloved home until seven years ago when he made the move to Rockland.

For most of his career, Talkie was employed as a commercial scallop fisherman. He found great solace on the water, and for 36 years he fished out of New Bedford and Rockland. After retiring from fishing, he kept busy, working first as an oil delivery driver for Maritime Energy, and later in the maintenance department for Walmart in Rockland. His family said he was very proud of the work he did getting the store ready to open each morning.

As a young man, Talkie enjoyed hunting and fishing. Family has always been important to him. His children remembered Sunday afternoon trips to Camden Hills State Park, where they enjoyed family barbeques and walks through the woods.

More recently he has enjoyed many road trips to New Bedford with his grandson, Mike. Spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren, has been Talkie's number one priority. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved him.

Talkie was predeceased by his wife; a son, Michael Escorsio; two brothers, Harvey Curtis and Albert Curtis; and three sisters, Doris Daniello, Addie Scarpa and Ella Rezendes. He is survived by his son, Wendall “Tonka” Curtis Jr. and his wife, April, of St. George; his daughters, Linda Boland and her husband, David, of Lincolnville, Angela Escorsio, Lisa Escorsio-McKay, Michele Ramsdel and her companion, Terry Brackett, and Wendy Curtis, all of St. George; his brothers, George Curtis of Liberty, and William Curtis and his wife, Peggy, of Chicopee, N.C.; his sister, Clara Arajo of Fall River, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Merilyn Murphy of Camden; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Sheridy and Mike, David Jr., Michael, who he raised as a son, Crystal, Amber and Dustin, Brandon and Jenna, Andrew and Cat, Brianna and Shawn, Amelia, Philip, Lindsey, Ryan, Kaylee and Joseph; several dearly loved great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at South Parish Cemetery on Ridge Road in Martinsville. The Rev. Bill Hickey will officiate. A reception will follow at the Wiley's Corner Grange.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisherman's Memorial, c/o John Falla, St. George Town Manager, 3 School St., Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.