SPRUCE HEAD — William F. “Bill” Gargan Jr., 92, died May 16, 2014, at Quarry Hill in Camden after a period of declining health.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 8, 1921, he was the son of William F. Sr. and Nora Hurley Gargan. Bill was educated in New York schools and graduated from a Brooklyn high school.

He came to Maine by chance as a U.S. Coast Guard recruit, and during World War II, was stationed at Whitehead Island.

After honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Bill began lobstering with his brother-in-law, Frank Rackliff. After learning the lobster business and buying Frank's boat, Bill continued lobstering for several years out of Spruce Head.

Bill later began taking fishermen aboard his boat, Shamrock I, summers and continued that successful business more than 38 years, until retiring in 1985. Throughout his career as a licensed charter captain, Bill enjoyed the many friendships he made with folks who came aboard his charter boats, Shamrock I and Shamrock II.

Bill could always be recognized wearing his signature sailor's hat, knit by his wife, Verna. For several years, with Verna, Bill wintered in Arcadia, Fla.

Recognized for his dowsing ability, Bill dowsed at least three wells on Spruce Head Island.

Other than his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Verna, in 2010; as well as three siblings, Matthew, John and Anna. He is survived by two sons, Daniel Gargan Sr. and his wife, Theresa, of South Thomaston, and Randy Gargan and his wife, Marion, of Jefferson; a step-daughter, Patricia Allan and her husband, David, of Newton, S.C.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

A celebration of Bill's life, will be held Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. at Rockland Congregational Church, 180 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. Seth Jones will officiate. Private interment will be in Village Cemetery in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.