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.

• Michael C. Rolnick ’57

  Deceased date: June 24, 2026
  Michael "Mike" Rolnick, a lifelong Bangor resident known for his gift of storytelling, love of sailing and seemingly endless curiosity about history and how things worked, passed on June 24, 2026, at the age of 90 at home in Portland. Born on April 28,…read more

• David A. Ruberti ’69

  Deceased date: June 18, 2026
  Dave's dead. Have a nice day. Those of us who knew David Ruberti won't be surprised that this was how he wanted the text of his obi…read more

• Theodore R. Tracy ’56

  Deceased date: June 8, 2026
  Theodore Richard Tracy was embraced by the arms of the Lord on June 8, 2026. Born in Lewiston, Maine, on April 18, 1935, he was the son of Martha Barrows Tracy and Rupert R. Tracy. Theodore was a proud graduate of Norway High School, Class of 1953, and gr…read more

• Capt. Richard F. Grant ’64

  Deceased date: May 23, 2026

  Captain Richard Francis Grant, US Navy (retired), 86, of Harrisville NH and Kittery Point ME, died 23 May 2026 in Keene NH. Born in Portsmouth August 8, 1939 to the late Milton F. Gra…read more

• Bret P. McGovern ’19

  Deceased date: May 12, 2026
  MOUNT VERNON – Bret McGovern, 42, died at home in Mount Vernon on May 12, …read more

• Richard C. Somerville ’66

  Deceased date: May 9, 2026
  Richard “Dick” Somerville passed away on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, countless stories, and a legacy built on hard work, humor, stubbornness, and a life fully lived. Richard was born in Houlton, Maine, while his fathe…read more

• Kenneth G. Fahrbach ’64

  Deceased date: May 4, 2026
  Kenneth G. Fahrbach, of Scio, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born November 23, 1941, in Queens, Ken was the son of George and Anna Pfeffer Fahrbach. A 1960 graduate of Admiral Farragut Academy, he co…read more

• Andrew J. Banks ’83

  Deceased date: April 17, 2026
  In the early morning hours of April 17, 2026, Andrew J Banks started “the longest walk” toward his ancestors. Born in 1961 to Les and Marion Banks of Kittery Maine, Andy moved lightly upon this Earth, whether it was walking softly in the woods, glidin…read more

• Capt. Richard L. Ingalls ’51

  Deceased date: April 16, 2026
  Capt. Dick Ingalls set to sea on his final voyage on April 16, 2026. He was one month shy of 96. Dick led an amazing life, and he never stopped working hard and worrying about his community and his country. Dick was born in Bangor to Alice (Strang) and…read more

• Charles H. Ulrich, Former Professor

  Deceased date: April 8, 2026
  Charles H. Ulrich, age 96, died at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He was born 31 December 1930, the son of the late Reuben (Bob) L. Ulrich and Marie (Wise) Ulrich of Hutchinson, MN. Charles was raised on the family farm ne…read more