Maine Maritime Academy > Alumni > Eight Bells

Eight Bells

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.

  • John J. “Jack” Desilets ’66

    Deceased date: November 9, 2020
    The compassionate and giving soul of John J. "Jack" Desilets, 76, affectionately known as "Gentleman Jack," of Ormond Beach, Fla., and formerly of Keene, will be greatly missed with his sudden passing at his home in Ormond Beach on Nov. 9, 2020. His pa…read more

  • Charles L. Fales, Jr. ’54

    Deceased date: November 9, 2020
    It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Charles L. Fales, Jr’s. He passed peacefully on Nov. 9, 2020, in his sleep, while in the company of his loving son Thad. Charles was born on Jan. 31, 1932, in Farmington and res…read more

  • Carlton L. Hutchins ’43-2

    Deceased date: October 3, 2020
    Carlton L. Hutchins, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 3rd, 2020 at the Ramona Senior Manor in Ramona, California. He was born in 1923 in Kennebunk Maine, the son of Leroy and Frances Hutchins. He graduated from the 2nd …read more

  • Sterling A. Mills ’56

    Deceased date: September 28, 2020
    BRYANT POND – Sterling A. Mills, 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Sterling overcame many health issues, particularly with his heart, yet it was cancer that took him from us. Sterling was born at the family farm in O…read more

  • Clifford Stowers ’43-2

    Deceased date: September 27, 2020
    FAIRFIELD – The spirit of Clifford Stowers went to be with his maker on Sept. 27, 2020 to rejoin his wife, Peggy. He was born May 10, 1923, in Andover, Mass., the son of Dr. Nathaniel and Anna Stowers.Growing up he attended Andover Public Schools and Ph…read more

  • Richard A. Reynolds ’57

    Deceased date: September 26, 2020

    Richard A. Reynolds, 84, died peacefully, Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the Sussman Hospice House in Rockport, Maine.

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  • Capt. Martyn A. Allen ’60

    Deceased date: September 13, 2020
    Martyn A. Allen, 81, of Riverview, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020. A native of South Portland, ME, he had resided here since 1989 coming from Easton, MA. He was a US Navy veteran of 30 years, a member of Redeemer Church PCA, Riverview, the Nava…read more

  • Michael D. Snow ’87

    Deceased date: August 25, 2020
    VEGAS/THAILAND/BATH – Michael David Snow, 56, passed away August 25, 2020 at his West Bath home. Mike, aka Snowy or Snowman to his friends, was born in Bath in 1963 to David F. and Marcia A. (Stetson) Snow. He graduated from Morse High School in 1982…read more

  • John H. Gillis ’72

    Deceased date: August 25, 2020

    John Hector Gillis, age 70 died unexpectedly at his home on August 25, 2020. Born August 23, 1950 in Belfast, Prince Edward Island, Canada. He was the son of Preston Murdock Gillis and Alice Maud Gillis. John married his college swee…read more

  • David R. Longstaff ’60

    Deceased date: August 19, 2020
    Mr. David Richard Longstaff, of Mobile, Alabama died peacefully on August 19, 2020. He was born in Waterville, Maine on July 10, 1939, the son of Cecil and Evelyn Longstaff. He graduated from Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Maine where he was the pr…read more