Orient, Maine - Walter M. Zakupowsky, 76, died February 23, 2026, at Madigan Nursing Home with his wife and special teddy bear, Tek, by his side. Tek was given to Walt so he wouldn't be lonely by his son, Matt, when he separated from his first wife 37 years ago. He has remained faithfully by side and traveled everywhere with Walt ever since including his journey through Madigan. Walt passed very peacefully to Heaven after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

He was born March 5, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the son of the late Walter and Irene (Simon) Zakupowsky. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, graduating from John P. Stevens High School as a member of the National Honor Society. He attended Newark College of Engineering for a year before running off to join the U.S. Navy.

Walt was very proud of his naval service becoming a submariner after a rigorous year of naval nuclear power training. He excelled so much that they selected him as a trainer for the next class. He received a Letter of Commendation for meritorious performance while serving as a machinist mate aboard the USS TULLIBEE (SSN 597) from November 1972 to October 1974, after which he was honorably discharged while his ship was stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Through contacts he had made while stationed at Portsmouth he was hired as a civil service employee at the yard in July 1976, remaining there until his retirement in March 2004 with 34 years of government service. He worked as an engineering technician in the engineering and planning department. He was known as a self-taught brilliant software programmer, building applications that helped the shipyard run faster and efficiently. During his tenure there he received numerous incentive awards, including one for a simple program he wrote significantly increasing the efficiency of tracking work and test permits the basis of this program which is still used after more than 35 years.

Walt had many interests including Ham Radio achieving his first license at 16 years old and working his way up to the highest amateur extra privilege, a hobby he shared with his dad. He loved all boats from canoes to sailboats to Cargo ships including how they were built. His love of boats drew him to building a rowing rig for his canoe which he rowed around East Grand Lake for years. His extensive book collection gives a peek into interests with boats, history, art, medical theory, philosophy, religion and nature to name a few.

After his retirement he moved to Orient with his wife, Heather, a place he never wanted to leave. He helped her run Orient Gardens calling himself the "man behind the curtain" taking over domestic duties in the spring so she could work in the greenhouse. Through creativity and experiment they built and improved homemade tools working on a shoestring budget. It's this creativity that is behind the homemade cards they made each other for special occasions throughout the years. Although drawn separately these cards often had the same theme when revealed. A testament to the soulmates they became over 33 years ago.

Walt will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor a trait he shared with Heather and maintained until the end. He liked to think of himself as an old curmudgeon, but he truly enjoyed talking with everyone. He had a teddy bear heart and will be missed by Bunky, Tek and the 50 plus stuffed animal family, each with a name and story. Many have seen him walking around Orient through the years including the border patrol who stopped him more than once when he became infamously known as "the suspicious man with the yellow backpack" a story we still laugh about.

Walt received excellent care from East Grand Health Center with a personal service not seen in larger facilities. His dementia journey was greatly assisted by Arookstook Agency on Aging Memory Center providing expedited access to a Memory Doctor and Caregiver support and education for Heather. In remembrance of Walter Zakupowsky, those who wish may make contributions to the Expansion Fund of the East Grand Health Center or Aroostook Agency on Aging Memory Center.

We've had tremendous support from family and friends too extensively to list them all. Your prayers and support have opened up opportunities all along this journey and for that we're eternally grateful. We're appreciative of exceptional and compassionate care from all staff of Madigan House and the skilled nursing on the Pine Wing.

Walt is survived by his wife, Heather; three children from his previous marriage Walter Zakupowsky, Laura (Chris) Breen, and Matthew Zakupowsky; two granddaughters, Alicia Zakupowsky and Magen Zakupowsky; in-laws, Jan (Peter) Vachon and John (Maggie) Maxell; special friend, Ross Drivas; kitties, Daisy Mae and Rocky; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sidney and Jacqueline (Innes) Maxell; in-laws Bruce and Karen Maxell, and Susan Maxell; and special kitty, Iggy.

Friends may call Saturday, March 7, at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton from 12 to 2 p.m. A graveside service and celebration of life will be announced in the spring arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home. To share condolences and memories please visit bowersfuneral.com.