Walter Louis Dupont

GARDINER – It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Walter Louis Dupont on Dec. 6, 2021, at Maine General Medical Center Augusta at the age of 85 from complications of Covid-19. He was born in Gardiner on Jan. 28, 1936, the son of the late Louis and Clara Dupont. He grew up in Hallowell attending Hallowell schools.He made his living as an engine mechanic at various shops. In his retirement years he did what he always loved – building “Flathead Engines” for antiques and hotrods in his home garage, spending endless hours with various friends. He built many many flatheads in his lifetime. His knowledge was shared and appreciated by many people. He never missed an opportunity to show off his fine work. One of his proudest accomplishments was starting up “Ainslie’s Market Thursday Night Cruise” which ran from 1997-2017. Another of his favorite things to do was pickin’ his guitar and singing. He always had a love for country and bluegrass music. He was always in his glory when having a “pickin party” with friends and family, once having his own band called “A&W Country”.Walter is survived by his wife of 25 years Rockie, his daughter Jennifer (Stanley) Maschino, sons, Scott (Wanda) Dupont, Rick (Tina) Dupont, stepdaughter Donna Dill, five grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Marilyn (Bob) Grace and brothers William (Flora) Dupont and Gordon Dupont along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.There will be no public visiting or services. A private burial will take place at the Hallowell Cemetery in the spring. A “Celebration of Life Gathering” for family and friends will take place at a later date.Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.