SOUTH THOMASTON – A much loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Captain William Edward Molloy, 89, of South Thomaston, passed away at Pen Bay Medical Center, June 19, 2018 with his family present.  

He bravely confronted and fought a series of illnesses for the past several months.  Bill was born February 4, 1929 on Matinicus Island, the oldest son of Michael J. and Marcena Wilson Molloy.  He resided in South Thomaston for more than 30 years.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth.  

He attended Rockland High School prior to joining the United States Navy, serving in Guam during World War II.  After his discharge, Bill worked briefly in construction, building the new South School.  He later shipped out with the Merchant Marines for several years.  Bill served in the United States Army in Korea as a tank commander with an armored Battalion.  He received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered during combat.

William joined his father in the fishing trade, sailing to the Grand Banks for many years.  He was captain of a host of fishing vessels.  On one amazing trip he sailed a fishing vessel from Rockland to the Caribbean to set up a marine facility.  He retired from fishing and became an instructor in Marine Trades and Small Boat Handling at Region Eight School.  He was most proud of attaining his teaching certification to teach at the school, and taught there for many years.  He then retired to his home in South Thomaston.  

Bill is survived by his three sons and a daughter, Martin Molloy and wife Jody of South Thomaston; Patrick Molloy of Brooklyn, New York; Jason Hooper and wife Molly, of South Thomaston; Callyn Molloy, of Thomaston; three sisters, Emily DeLaite and husband Don of Shirley, Massachusetts; Dorothy Murray, of Rockland; Margaret Ciolfi, of Rockport; one brother, Thomas Molloy and wife Flavilla, of Rockland, as well as  grandchildren Dana Shore and husband Anthony of Georgia, Michael, Kayden and William Molloy, Mattie, Lainie, Kenzi and Jaxon Hooper all of South Thomaston.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sisters, Mary, Alice and Patricia; brothers, John, Lawrence, Richard and Douglas; and many nieces and nephews.  

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Bill’s life at noon, Friday, July 13 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway, Rockland.  A reception will follow at the home of Jason Hooper, 26 Nabby Cove Road, South Thomaston.

To share a story or memory with Bill’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.