William J. Curtis, 86, of Wiscasset died Oct. 3, 2014.

Born on Jan. 9, 1928, “Bill” was the son of the late Joseph W. and Mabel M. Curtis. He grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, graduating from local schools.

In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in Korea with the 6th Division Liaison Squadron. For 67 years, he was an American Legion member. At Post 54 in Wiscasset, he served as Sergeant at Arms, Service Officer and 1st Vice Commander.

After the war, Bill graduated from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. His engineering career spanned over 50 years with early work at GE and Raytheon. At ITEK, he participated in the development of the planetary camera system used on the 1976 Viking Mission to Mars. In 1977, Bill transitioned to the shipbuilding industry as manager of plant safety for Bath Iron Works. His work was recognized by the Shipbuilders Council of America and the National Safety Council.

Since 1984, he had been appointed to the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners for Maine. After BIW retirement in 1989, Bill started a consulting business for occupational safety called MASHE, which he named after the MASH hospital units in Korea.

Throughout his life, Bill thrived on serving within the local community in various capacities such as fireman, EMT, ambulance director, and later as a Wiscasset selectman.

Getting away to camp in Kokadjo, Maine, with his family and dog, Rusty, was Bill’s greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy J. (Delage) Curtis; one son, David A. Curtis and his companion Tanya Bickford of Florida; one daughter, Sheryll C. Grover and husband Darryl L. of Woolwich; a granddaughter, Stephanie M. Curtis of Florida; a grandson, Ryuichi Tobaru of California; several dear cousins from Freeport; and his extended family, the Quinions, from Westport Island.

He was predeceased by a grandson, William J. Curtis II in 2009.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Desmond Funeral Home in Bath. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Freeport at 10 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.