The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor's “watch” is over.

The practice dates back to the days of the sailing ships, when sailors couldn't afford to have their own time pieces and relied on the ship's bells to tell time. The ship's boy kept time by using a half-hour glass. Each time the sand ran out, he would turn the glass over and ring the appropriate number of bells. Each ship “watch” is four hours, or eight bells, in length.

Submissions for Eight Bells

If you learn of the passing of a MMA classmate, associate, friend or family member, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations so that we may include the information in our Eight Bells listings. Send obituaries or their digital links to alumni@mma.edu.

  • James R. Fernald ’84

    Deceased date: March 9, 2024
    Somesville and Brewer - James R. Fernald of Somesville and Brewer died Saturday, March 9, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident, following a life lived fully, consciously and purposefully. …read more
  • William G. Murphy ’68

    Deceased date: March 6, 2024
    Portland - William "Bill" Murphy, 77, suddenly passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Bill was born in Portland on May 10, 1946. He was a graduate of Cheverus High School, class of 1964, and Maine Maritime Academy class of 1968. He will be …read more
  • Charles T. Jadamec ’05

    Deceased date: February 25, 2024
    read more
  • Bruce R. Bond ’68

    Deceased date: February 23, 2024
    CENTER HARBOR--- Bruce R. Bond, 77, died on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Concord Hospital, Laconia. Born on June 18,1946 in Cambridge, MA, Bruce was the first child to grace this Bond family, son to the late Octave Melvyn Bond and late Ruby Benson Bond,…read more
  • Lance A. Burton ’90

    Deceased date: February 23, 2024
    Lance Alan Burton of Castine and Monhegan Island passed away due to medical complications on Friday morning, February 23, 2024, at the age of 58. Lance was born to Robert & Marietta (Tibbetts) Burton on January 5th, 1966 in Albuquerque, NM. He grew…read more
  • James V. Weast ’67

    Deceased date: February 22, 2024

    James V. Weast (Jim), 78, of Easley, SC, peacefully passed away on February 22nd after a long series of health issues. Born in Bar Harbor, Maine to Dr. John J. and Ruth Bean Weast, J…read more

  • Joseph M. Poltrack ’88

    Deceased date: February 17, 2024
    Joseph M Poltrack Jr., 80, of Winterport Maine, passed away on February 17, 2024, at St Joseph Hospital in Bangor Maine, after a short illness. His loss was completely unexpected by his friends and family. Joe, as he was known, was born on December 15, 1…read more
  • Joseph E. Vail ’80

    Deceased date: February 15, 2024
    GORHAM- Joseph Edward Vail, 65, passed away at his home in Gorham, surrounded by his loving family, on February 15th after a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born on June 3, 1958, in Portland, Maine to Barbara (Foley) and Richard Vail. Joe grew u…read more
  • John R. Anderson ’84

    Deceased date: February 14, 2024
    John Robert Anderson, Jr, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. John was born on September 15, 1962 in Portland; he was the son of the late John Robert Anderson Sr. and the late Carolyn (Maslen) Anderson. John, affectionately kn…read more
  • Capt. John H. Wibby ’54

    Deceased date: February 14, 2024
    On February 14, 2024 John Henry Wibby, Jr. passed away at the Gosnell House after a brief and difficult battle with cancer. Jack was 91. During his illness, he was well cared for by the staff of the MMC Oncology Floor. We would like to thank all of the ca…read more