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.

• Donald A. Dinsmore ’01

  Deceased date: July 12, 2022
  Donald Arthur Dinsmore, 69, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Seaport Village Healthcare in Ellsworth. Donald was born in Calais on December 17, 1952, son of Emerson and Dorothy (Tyler) Dinsmore. Donald grew up in Calais and graduated from Calais M…read more

• Capt. David V. Harding ’49

  Deceased date: July 6, 2022
  David (Dave) Harding passed away on July 6, 2022, at the age of 93 in Naples, Florida. Growing up in Westbrook Maine, Dave lived for many years in Massachusetts before retiring to Florida. Being the son of a sea-captain, Dave developed a true appreciat…read more

• Stanley D. Sewall

  Deceased date: July 3, 2022
  Stanley D Sewall, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and avid Red Sox fan passed away July 3, 2022 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. Stanley was born September 11, 1939 in York, Maine. He graduated from York High School in 1957…read more

• Capt. John A. Bernich ’65

  Deceased date: June 30, 2022
  John A. Bernich, of Wantagh, NY, died on June 30, 2022, at the age of 79. Beloved husband of the late Catherine. Loving father of Michael (Cristina) and Richard. Cherished grandfather of Nathaniel, Ethan, James, Constantine "Gus", and Margeaux. Proud L…read more

• Frank J. Catena ’58

  Deceased date: June 29, 2022
  Frank Joseph Catena, 91 of Union NJ, died on June 29th, 2022. Frank was born on Sept 11, 1930 in Newark. NJ to Frank P. Catena and Veronica Mulligan. Frank attended Union High School where he was the co-captain of the football team his Senior year, and wa…read more

• Robert D. Higgins, Jr. ’71

  Deceased date: May 31, 2022
  Robert Dana Higgins Jr., age 75, of Harpswell, ME and Birch Run, MI departed us on May 31, 2022. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. His independent spirit was interwoven with a fierce loyalty, care, and generosi…read more

• Capt. Lloyd D. Lowell ’50

  Deceased date: May 17, 2022
  Captain Lloyd D. Lowell, 93, of Sun City Center, FL passed away May 17, 2022. He was born in Houlton, ME, the son of Earl F. and Alice Arndt Lowell of Parker Head, Phippsburg, ME. He graduated from Morse High School (Bath, ME) and Maine Maritime Academy (…read more

• Theodore Truman ’51

  Deceased date: May 12, 2022
  Theodore “Ted” Truman, 92, of Piper Shores, Scarborough, died peacefully during the night of May 12, 2022, with his wife of 52 years, Norma, by his side. Born in Biddeford, Ted was the son of the late Peter and Marika (Yfantides) Throumoulos. He atten…read more

• Kenneth W. Barstow ’57

  Deceased date: May 5, 2022
  "Ken" Barstow, 86, passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2022 in Clinton, Connecticut, where he had lived for 50 years. Born on October 8th, 1935 in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was the second child to Paul Dixon and Gladys Hillier Barstow, who raised their …read more

• Stewart G. Gillette, Jr. ’75

  Deceased date: April 20, 2022
  Stewart G. Gillette Jr, 69, of Kennebunk, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 following a period of failing health. Stewart was born March 4, 1953 in Winchester, MA, the son of Stewart G. and…read more