BANGOR – After World War II, John Hoctor pretty much did it all at Maine Maritime Academy. He was registrar, admissions director, athletic director, coach for three sports and impetus for construction of the football field.

Hoctor died in Bangor Wednesday at age 88.

The Biddeford native received a Purple Heart for his war service aboard the LCI 365 in the Pacific, then taught seamanship for the U.S. Navy before accepting a position at MMA.

In 1947, just their second season in football, the Midshipmen beat Massachusetts Maritime Academy in a November game at Bangor’s Garland Street Field. But first the Middies had to help remove the snow that had fallen the day before.

Hoctor continued to coach the football program he’d founded until 1957, nurturing the gridiron careers of future governor Ken Curtis and a young man named Dick MacPherson.

MacPherson went on to coach football teams for the University of Massachusetts, Syracuse University and the New England Patriots.

Hoctor was on hand in New Orleans for the 1988 Sugar Bowl where MacPherson coached Syracuse, and later proudly wore the Sugar Bowl watch his former player gave him.

“You are and always will be an inspiration,” MacPherson wrote on a picture he gave Hoctor. “We must enjoy life. Go Orange! And thanks.”

Hoctor was predeceased by his wife, Betty, and a grandson. He is survived by three children and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held later in the spring.