SEARSPORT — Howard R. Crocker, Sr., age 87, of Searsport, Maine passed away January 7, 2023 at Sussman House in Rockport, Maine following a brief illness. He was born July 28, 1935 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to William and Violet Crocker.

In his early life Howard enjoyed the outdoors including fishing and hunting at the family camp in Gorham, New Hampshire. Howard graduated with distinction in 1954 from the vocational program at Weymouth High School where he also played football.

In 1957 he married Carrol Collier. They settled in Weymouth where they raised their three children. While in Weymouth, Howard began his construction company which designed and built houses. He enjoyed the cottage he built on Lieutenant Island in Wellfleet with his family and sailed his two masted schooner Bandit in the waters off Boston Harbor. On a vacation to Nantucket Howard fell in love with the local architecture. He and Carrol subsequently purchased the Elm Tree Inn on 9 Quince Street and in 1971 Howard moved his family and business to Nantucket.

While on Nantucket Howard continued to design, build, and restore local homes and businesses. In 1978 Howard decided that he wanted to open restaurant and together, with his family, Howard opened and operated The Thistle restaurant on Broad Street in Nantucket.

Subsequently, Howard opened the Oak Street Café as well as an antiques business. He enjoyed traveling to England for his antiques business and to spend time at his home in Chipping Campden, United Kingdom. He was a long-term caretaker for Green Chimneys in Sconset on Nantucket. He enjoyed sailing his Marshall Cat Boat and picnicing on Coutue.

In his later years Howard lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts; Rockland, Maine; and finally Searsport, Maine. Throughout these years he continued to build fine cabinets and furniture.

Howard was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Violet Crocker; his brother Willam Crocker, Jr and William’s wife Cathy.

Howard is survived by his former wife, Carrol; his daughter Sharon Vannerson (Steve) of Falmouth, Massachusetts; daughter Heidi Bueno (Joseph) and granddaughter Jessica Bueno of San Tan Valley, Arizona; son Howe Crocker of Rockland, Maine; and his brother Stuart Crocker (Ellen) of Bethel, Maine, and his dear friend Poppy Bowden of Nantucket.

Direct Cremation of Belfast assisted with final arrangements.