Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND - Wendall ‘Talkie’ Curtis, Sr., 79, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness, Sunday, October 5, 2014.

Born in Rockland, April 26, 1935, he was the son of George Dewey and Evelyn Hastings Curtis. He grew up and was educated in Rockland.
In 1957 Talkie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving proudly until his honorable discharge in 1960.

On July 16, 1961, he married Sylvia Rose Wiley. Together they made their home in Rockland for a brief time before moving to St. George. Even after losing his wife at an early age in 1991, Talkie remained in his beloved home until seven years ago when he made the move to Rockland.

For most of his career Talkie was employed as a commercial scallop fisherman. He found great solace on the water, and for 36 years he fished out of New Bedford and Rockland. After retiring from fishing, he kept busy, working first, as an oil deliver driver for Maritime Energy, and later in the maintenance department for Rockland Walmart. His family said he was very proud of the work he did getting the store ready to open each morning.

As a young man Talkie enjoyed hunting and fishing. Family has always been important to him. His children remembered Sunday afternoon trips to Camden Hills Park where they enjoyed family barbeques and walks through the woods.

More recently he has enjoyed many road trips to New Bedford with his grandson, Mike. Spending time with his family especially his great-grandchildren has been Talkie’s number one priority. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved him.

Predeceased by his wife; a son Michael Escorsio; two brothers, Harvey Curtis, Albert Curtis; and three sisters Doris Daniello, Addie Scarpa, and Ella Rezendes; Talkie is survived by his son Wendall ‘Tonka’ Curtis, Jr. and his wife April of St. George; his daughters, Linda Boland and her husband David of Lincolnville, Angela Escorsio, Lisa Escorsio-McKay, Michele Ramsdel and her companion Terry Brackett, Wendy Curtis all of St. George; his brothers, George Curtis of Liberty, William Curtis and his wife Peggy of Chicopee, NC; his sister, Clara Arajo of Fall River, MA; a sister-in-law, Merilyn Murphy of Camden; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Sheridy and Mike, David, Jr., Michael who he raised as a son, Crystal, Amber and Dustin, Brandon and Jenna, Andrew and Cat, Brianna and Shawn, Amelia, Philp, Lindsey, Ryan, Kaylee, Joseph; several dearly loved great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, October 10, 2014 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A graveside celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at South Parish Cemetery, Ridge Road, Martinsville. The Reverend Bill Hickey will officiate. A reception will follow at the Wiley’s Corner Grange.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fisherman’s Memorial, C/O John Falla, Town Manager, Town of St. George, 3 School Street, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.