William C. Burge (Bill), 82, of Boothbay, Maine passed away April 26, 2021 after a long illness.

Bill was born, Oct. 17, 1938 in Waltham, Massachusetts, son of the late Frank and Hope (Harris) Burge of Newfoundland and Belmont, Mass. Bill was raised in Belmont, then relocated to Pembroke, Mass. and retired to Boothbay, Maine. He was a graduate of Belmont High School Vocational School; proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, San Antonio Texas 1957 to 1961, where he worked in crash rescue at Randolph Air Force Base. Bill worked as an auto and truck mechanic, spending time at University of Oklahoma training in truck mechanics for the U.S. Postal Service, Boston, where he had a 25 year career, retiring in 2003.

Bill treasured his family and remarkable friends, many of whom he traveled with throughout Europe, the Caribbean and U.S. His life was full of hard work, yet he was rewarded with a good life overall. He was a man of faith, served as moderator at First Baptist Church Hanson and his tremendous “bear hugs” became his signature throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan L. Tinkham Burge; sons, William K. (Bill) Burge (Shelly Burge) of Boothbay, Jeffrey A. Burge (Melissa Burge) of Fall River, and Toby F. Burge of Richmond, Virginia; his loving grandchildren; Ethan W. Burge (Aliana Burge), Tyler A. Burge, Nicholas K. Burge (Ashlee Burge), Shelby L. Burge, Jacob A Burge, Zachery R. Burge, Magen L. Burge; great-granddaughters, Juniper Jade Burge and Leah Renae Burge; nephews, Stephen Burge (Anne Burge), Frank Burge (June Burge); niece, Susan Burge Hines (Richard Hines); sister, Elaine H. Ames of No. Reading, Mass.; along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was predeceased by brothers Frank Burge and John Burge.

To honor Bill, there will be a Celebration Of Life in Boothbay at a date to be determined in the summer.

In lieu of flowers kindly make donations in his honor to: Dean Snell Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 6304, Scarborough, ME 04070; American Legion Post 36, P.O. Box 874, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; or Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.