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.
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Capt. David Pouliot ’80
Deceased date: March 2, 2022TAMPA, Fla. – David Pouliot was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on March 2, 2022 at the age of 65. He was a bright spark in this world and will be missed by many. David wa…read more -
Capt. Craig J. Kalloch ’70
Deceased date: March 1, 2022Captain Craig J. Kalloch passed peacefully and sailed on to his next voyage March 1, 2022, after a short illness at the age of 73 at his home in Mobile, Ala., with his wife Lisa at his side. His final days were spent surrounded b…read moreWilliam A. Sawyer ’57
Deceased date: February 21, 2022FREDERICKSBURG, VA - William "Bill" Alfred Sawyer passed peacefully in Fredericksburg, VA, on February 21, 2021, at the age of 84. Bill was predeceased by his father, Alfred Sawyer; mother, Ethelyn (Rogers) Sawyer; daughter, Cindy Anderson; grandson, W…read moreMichael J. Morrissey ’79
Deceased date: February 19, 2022Michael Jude Morrissey, beloved husband of Karelle (Falloni), passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at his home in Beverly. Born in Brockton, Mike was the son of the late Daniel Morrissey and Lorraine Corrado. He was a graduate of Beverly H…read moreDr. Albert B. Bennett, Jr. ’54
Deceased date: February 19, 2022DURHAM, New Hampshire, and formerly of CAMDEN — Surrounded by his three sons, Albert Bradley Bennett. Jr., 89, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 19, 2022 at his home in Durham, New Hampshire. Albert was born December 11, 1932 in Camden, Main…read moreChristopher J. Bates ’12
Deceased date: February 11, 2022Christopher John Bates, 32, of Wallingford, died Friday, February 11, 2022 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Chris had also resided in Florida as a full time live aboard on his 36' sailboat. Chris was born on January 2, 1990, son of Steven F. and Betsey M. (…read moreMichael F. Dionne ’81
Deceased date: February 8, 2022BANGOR - Michael F. Dionne, 63, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2022. Mike was born Oct. 14, 1958, the twin son of Charles and Ellen "Pinky" Dionne of Bangor. Mike was predeceased by his parents and four brothe…read moreCapt. Herbert D. Robinson USCG(Ret.) ’67
Deceased date: February 7, 2022Captain Herbert Daniel Robinson, Jr. United States Coast Guard Retired, 77, of Wrentham, Massachusetts crossed the bar on February 2, 2022. Born in Boston on July 27, 1944, to the late Judge Herbert Sr. and Vera (Haner) Robinson. Herb graduated from Ma…read moreJon M. Gilbert ’62
Deceased date: January 27, 2022Jon Marshall Gilbert, 80, died January 27, 2022, with his loving wife Linda by his side. He was born July 18, 1941, in Waterville Maine to the late Bernard and Eleanor (Marshall) Gilbert. Jon attended Waterville Senior High School and in 1962 he graduated…read moreRaymond E. Pickering ’70
Deceased date: January 19, 2022Raymond Pickering '70 died peacefully at the hospital in Biddeford, Maine, on January 19, 2022. Ray served in the Merchant Marine before coming ashore to work for Digital Inc, in Augusta. Ray loved the outdoors, enjoying deer camp and fish camp in Newfou…read more
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