Hamilton P. Starr, 78, died Jan. 17 in his home on the hill on Bailey Island with his children by his side. He was born in 1945 to parents, Hezekiah and Dorothy Starr. He grew up in Spencer, Massachusetts, and spent summers and vacations on Bailey Island, where he eventually met his wife, Gail.

He graduated from David Prouty High School in Spencer and entered the Army. He was stationed in Germany for some of his service. He then spent 34 years working for Flexcon, where he was well respected by his co-workers and management for his hard work and kind nature. He was a proud member of the Spencer American Legion and also served as president of Pine Grove cemetery.

His wife, Gail, predeceased him in 2012. He leaves his daughter, Jessica Lindsey, of North Brookfield, Massachusetts; his son, Joshua Starr, and his wife, Krista, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; and his grandchildren, Caleb, Harper, Samuel and Abigail. He also leaves a sister, Susan Hayes, of Fairport, New York.

Hamie couldn’t wait to retire and move full time to Bailey Island, where he and his wife built a beautiful house on the hill overlooking the ocean. He spent retired life restoring and driving his MG, having coffee at BIGS and the Salt Cod with his friends, going for boat rides, and keeping busy around his house and camps on Mackerel Cove.

He was quiet but witty and he loved his routines. He was the kindest man you’ve ever met and always gracious with his time, helping family and friends. His grandchildren referred to him as the “mayor” of Bailey Island because he seemed to know everybody and would wave to everyone as he drove by.

A celebration of life will be held on Bailey Island at his beautiful property on June 17 at 11 a.m., when the weather turns warmer and friends return to the island. In lieu of flowers, remember Hamie by donating to a cause meaningful to you or showing kindness or offering help to family, a friend, or a stranger.