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.

• 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

• Capt. David Pouliot ’80

  Deceased date: March 2, 2022
  TAMPA, 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, 2022
  Captain 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 more

• William A. Sawyer ’57

  Deceased date: February 21, 2022
  FREDERICKSBURG, 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 more

• Michael J. Morrissey ’79

  Deceased date: February 19, 2022
  Michael 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 more

• Dr. Albert B. Bennett, Jr. ’54

  Deceased date: February 19, 2022
  DURHAM, 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 more

• Christopher J. Bates ’12

  Deceased date: February 11, 2022
  Christopher 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 more

• Michael F. Dionne ’81

  Deceased date: February 8, 2022
  BANGOR - 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 more

• Capt. Herbert D. Robinson USCG(Ret.) ’67

  Deceased date: February 7, 2022
  Captain 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 more