Lynbrook biker killed in Maine crash

Robert Locke

A Lynbrook man who loved to “live in the moment” was killed on June 13 after he lost control of his motorcycle while swerving to avoid a turning vehicle on Route 111 in Alfred, Maine.

According to Maine State Police, Robert Locke, 36, who was riding with a group of friends, was thrown into the roadway, and died shortly after being taken to Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. Police said that he had been wearing a helmet.

“He had just finished the Laconia motorcycle race,” said his mother, Morgan Avila, “and the judges gave him first place.” (Laconia Motorcycle Week is a rally held each June in Laconia, N.H. This was Locke’s fourth consecutive first-place win.)

“He and the three other riders went to celebrate afterward by having a Maine lobster,” Avila continued. “After lunch, they were headed home when a truck in front of them slammed on its brakes, and Robert saw that his friend was in trouble. He swerved so his friend wouldn’t crash … He died saving his friend’s life, and that was the ultimate sacrifice he was willing to take — to save someone he loved.”

Avila said that the organizers of the Laconia event plan to dedicate next year’s race to the memory of her son.

Locke was born on August 7, 1979, and attended Rhame Avenue Elementary and East Rockaway High School. He was a refrigerator and air conditioning repairman, and a member of Steamfitter Local Union No. 638. He enjoyed skydiving, scuba diving and snorkeling, zip-lining, rock climbing, fishing and flying.

“My son loved East Rockaway,” Avila said. “He grew up fishing and loving the water. He could be seen at Skippy’s Bait & Tackle at 5 in the morning when he was 6 years old, ready to start the day going out on the boats.” She added that when it came time for them to move, Locke told her, “I don’t want to go anywhere but here” — so she bought a house here for him.

In a sad coincidence, Locke’s dog, a bull mastiff named Wallee Walnuts, who was in Florida at the time, died just two hours after his owner did.

“Robert lived in the moment, and never let the grass grow under his feet,” Avila said. “He traveled all over, and wasn’t afraid to take on new challenges. He was kind to everyone and always gave a lending hand to anyone who needed it. He loved his job, his family and his friends. He was truly an amazing son and the kindest person I ever knew.

“I want to thank all the people who touched his life and made it so special,” she said. “Please kiss your loved ones and make special moments happen for you and them.”

Along with his mother, Locke is survived by his stepfather, Michael Avila, a sister, Karen Locke, and a niece, Autumn Braguglia.

Visitation took place last weekend at Donza Funeral Home in East Rockaway, followed by a religious service there on Sunday night, conducted by Chaplain Wally Merna. There was a private cremation ceremony.