SCARBOROUGH — Walter Crockett, 79, died Oct. 20 at a Portland hospital. He was born March 28, 1933, in Portland, to Harrison Crockett and Delia Clancy Crockett. He was one of 10 Crockett children.

He grew up on Munjoy Hill and worked as a longshoreman, bricklayer, and painter. From 1950-1953, he served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper.

On his return to Portland, he married Virginia Mayberry and became stepfather to David, Marie, James, Virginia and Daniel Paul. The couple had three children of their own, Walter, Carolyn and William Edward. Crockett also loved spending time with his grandchildren.

For 17 years, Crockett was homeless. He became sober in 1980 and remained sober for the rest of his life. He was active in alcohol recovery programs, starting one at the Windham jail.  

In 1981, he was married to Ann Bundy.

He ran his own painting business and then worked as a custodian for Husson College and St. Joseph’s School in Portland. Later, he worked in Westbrook as the painter for the schools and town. He retired in 2005.
    
He was a great storyteller, and an avid boxing and Red Sox fan.

A funeral was held Oct. 22 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Burial was at Brooklawn Memorial Park.