BELFAST — William E. Abbott, 91, of Belfast, died April 21, 2014, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 25, 1922, on Verona Island to Carrie Justina (Burgess) and Merle Clifton Abbott. Bill attended elementary school in a one-room school at the head of Verona Island. He attended high school at Bucksport High School, graduating in 1941 and then attended the University of Maine at Orono. From there, he transferred to Maine Maritime Academy and graduated in 1945 with a third mate's license of unlimited tons.

After graduating from MMA, he shipped out on tankers as a second and third mate. Late in 1946 he returned to Verona to work with his father as a first class pilot on Penobscot Bay and the river. He continued in the piloting profession for 54 years.

Bill was a 50+-year member of Felicity Lodge No 19 AF & AM, and also belonged to Kings Solomon's Council, No 1, R. & S.M., Waldo Chapter #7 R.A.M.; Palestine Commandery, No. 14 K.T. Belfast and Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor.

For several years Bill served as second selectman to the town of Verona Island.

On Sept. 15, 1956, Bill married Elizabeth Christine Horn of Stratford, Conn. They resided on Verona Island for one year and then moved to Belfast in 1957. Bill founded the Penobscot Bay and River Pilot's Association and Gov. Kenneth Curtis appointed him as one of the first members of the Pilot Commission. Bill was instrumental in helping to start Camden Marine Radio, which connected ship radios to the mainland telephone system.

Bill was also president of the Searsport Port Committee and was a member of the Portland Marine Society, The Propeller Club of Searsport-Bucksport and the Penobscot chapter of the MMA. He was a 50-year member of the Belfast Rotary Club. Bill was a long time member of the First Church in Belfast, serving two terms as a trustee and he headed up the 200th Campaign drive with his wife, Betty, to rebuild the church steeple and make repairs to the church. Bill took a big interest in the Maine Retired Skippers Race as the president and sailing as skipper on Dr. Delehanty's ketch Wagon Box for 15 years. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was another one of his extra duties for 20 years.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 2012; and his siblings, Richard Hopkins and Helen Patterson.

He is survived by one daughter, Beth Abbott of Belfast and her husband, Timothy Place; two grandchildren, Amanda Elyse and Daniel William Place; and his nieces, Grace Hart and her husband, Robert Daigle, of Verona Island, Susan and her husband, Dennis Carpenter, and Aimee King. He was also predeceased by his half-brother, Richard S. Hopkins; and his half-sister, Helen A. Hopkins.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at the First Church at 8 Court St. in Belfast. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Church of Belfast or the Penobscot Marine Museum.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.