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.

• 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

• Jeremiah J. McCarthy ’47

  Deceased date: April 13, 2022
  Jeremiah "Jerry" J. McCarthy, 95, of Manchester, NH, died April 13, 2022, after a period of declining health. Born in Portland, ME, on January 24, 1927, he was the son of Jeremiah and Mary (Nalback) McCarthy. He resided in the Queen City for many years. H…read more

• Terry N. Edwards ’81

  Deceased date: April 9, 2022
  Terry Edwards of Otisfield, Maine passed away on April 9, 2022 at the age of 64. He was born on October 28, 1957 in Lewiston Maine, son of Catherine (Edwards) Everett and Kenneth Edwards. Terry moved from Auburn to Norway as a young child wher…read more

• Richard W. Coffin ’74

  Deceased date: April 6, 2022
  Richard “Wayne” Coffin, 69, of Brunswick died on April 6, 2022, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Portland on May 2, 1952, the middle child of Richard and Joan Coffin. He attended Brunswick schools and graduated from Maine …read more

• Clayton E. Nowell ’69

  Deceased date: March 28, 2022
  Clayton E. Nowell, 75, of Camden, Maine, formerly of Hancock, died March 28, 2022, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 29, 1947, in Bangor. Clayton attended Brewer High School and later graduated from Maine Maritime …read more